The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) is building a vibrant and resilient territory for every individual to thrive and succeed, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike said yesterday.
Wike, who stated this in his Sallah message, said that the administration would achieve these through huge investments in infrastructural development, healthcare, education, security, and economic empowerment.
The minister added that the progress being recorded so far in the areas of security and provision of infrastructure in the road and rail sectors, and reforms in the administration of the FCTA, have been recognised and applauded.
He said: “As we celebrate 2024 Eid-el-Fitr, let us reaffirm our commitment to building a society where every individual is valued and respected, and where peace and harmony prevail.
“Let us imbibe the message of the “Renewed Hope” agenda of President Bola Tinubu, which prioritises the well-being and prosperity of all Nigerians.”
According to the minister, the Ramadan serves as a profound reminder of the values of compassion, generosity, and unity that lie at the heart of Islam.
He added: “The end of Ramadan should not signal an end to our prayers.
“I, hereby, enjoin us all, to continue to offer supplications to the Almighty for our dear country Nigeria and her leaders for divine wisdom and guidance, as they work ceaselessly to overcome our current challenges.
“Fellow residents of the FCT, this spirit of unity and togetherness that characterises the nation’s capital is not only integral to the observance of Ramadan but also resonates deeply with the values of harmony and cohesion that the FCT stands for.”
The FCT, Wike noted, embodies diversity, tolerance, and harmony, serving as a symbol of unity for all Nigerians.
He said: “Our strength lies in our ability to embrace our differences and work together towards common goals, regardless of ethnicity, religion, or background.
“I urge us, however, not to limit the acts of charity, love, and tolerance to only the holy month, but should inculcate this culture into our everyday lives.”
“We have resolved to work with all political leaders that appreciate the need for coming together for a new Nigeria.
“We discriminate against none; our commitment is a new Nigeria that will lead our dear continent out of its present abyss,” he said.
Nwosu added that a committee has been set up to woo more elements into the proposed party.
“We certainly need a new beginning. Pointing fingers of recrimination is not what transformational leaders do. Twenty two political parties have joined hands with the ADC to build a new mega party.
‘The state of the nation is somehow. Therefore, instead of wasting our time engaging in futile debates, we should continue to strategise on ways to develop a new political system and come together to create a collaborative, value-driven ecosystem that prioritizes our people and country,” he said.
A political movement in Kano State, Arewa Renaissance Front (ARF) has raised the alarm over what it called several attempts being made by Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf’s New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) -led administration to frame up the immediate past Governor and All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje on unsubstantiated allegations of sleaze.
To the group, it is a ploy to cover up for the Governor’s inability to meet up with the expectations of the people, thereby plunging the ancient city of Kano, Northern commercial headquarters, into a new theatre of absurdity.
The group, in a statement by its Secretary-General, Aminu Gawama, accused Governor Abba Yusuf, fondly called Aba Gida Gida and his godfather of witchunting Ganduje through propaganda and state-owned institutions in order to divert the attention of the people from their paralysing inefficiency and cluelessness.
The statement reads : “We at the Arewa Renaissance Front (ARF) are aware of the recent politically-motivated attacks on the person of the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Dr Umar Abdullahi Ganduje.
“We note with concern that the attacks are overtly and covertly sponsored by the Kano State Government, the current governor, Abba Yusuf, and his godfather. “Without a whiff of doubt, we know that the attacks on the person of Dr Ganduje are a diversionary tactic to prevent the people of Kano State and the general public at large from seeing the startling cluelessness and paralysing inefficiency of the Abba Yusuf-led administration which has turned governance in the state to a comedy of errors.
“Kano people are asking: What has Governor Yusuf done to positively transform the state since his coming to power almost a year ago despite the increased fiscal allocations accruing to the state from the Federation Account ? “It’s important to emphasise that the two judicial commissions of inquiry recently empanelled by the state government to probe the activities of former Governor Ganduje in office per alleged misappropriation of public assets and political violence are nothing but mere witch-hunting.
“One is left wondering why the Governor ordered the kangaroo commissions to probe only the activities of the Ganduje administration but conveniently and comfortably exonerated the administration of his former Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, from investigation.’’
‘’ Does anyone need a soothsayer to know that it’s a wild goose chase meant to squander the resources of the state? “Of course, it is glaring to all that the rationale for the investigation is ill-motivated in so far that the Kwankwaso administration is exempted from the probe.
“Suddenly, under Governor Yusuf, what is sauce for the goose is no longer sauce for the gander just because the gander belongs to another camp.
“In any case, Dr Ganduje is not afraid of being probed as his records of activities while his tenancy lasted as the Governor of Kano State are an open book for anyone to dissect and peruse.
“It must be stated, however, that such investigation and probe must be carried out by impartial institutions like the EFCC and the ICPC and not the likes of the commissions handpicked by Governor Yusuf , whose final result has long been determined even before the probe begins: To give Dr Ganduje a bad name in order to hang him.
“We state that Dr Ganduje has nothing to hide even as he is currently facing the arduous responsibility of repositioning the APC so that it can fulfil the social contract it entered with Nigerians courtesy of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President Bola Tinubu administration.”
The Benue tate government has clarified that the residence of former Governor Aper Aku was not attacked in Gboko.
According to one of Governor Hyacinth Alia’s media aides, Solomon Iorpev, the report on the attack was inaccurate.
He said in a statement in Makurdi, the state capital, that the resudence of Aku’s relative, Ityungu Aku, znd not that if the former governor, was destroyed.
The statement reads: “While the governor of Benue State condemns in strong terms the destruction of any property within the state, it should be clear that the residence that was attacked belonged to Mr. Ityungu Aku, a relative of the former governor, situated in Mbayion near the former Ter Gboko Akaahan Adi’s house.
“Again, While this act is condemnable, it is essential to ensure accuracy in reporting such incidents.
“His Excellency Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia frowns at such actions by miscreants who don’t have the good of the state at heart but only work mischievously to cause instability within the state and warns such trouble mongers in strong terms desist from misinforming the public or face the full wrath of the law.
“The governor has strongly condemned the attack on the Ityungu Aku family home, describing it as “barbaric and reprehensible” and has instructed the Gboko local government caretaker chairman, Hon Verlumun Avaa to investigate the root cause of the incident and report back promptly for necessary actions.
“His Excellency has extended his sympathies to the family and directed Security agencies in Gboko to apprehend the perpetrators.
“We hope this clarifies the facts surrounding this incident. We urge all media outlets and public figures not to be hasty but verify every information before publications.”
Kwara State Government has denied it is behind the corruption trial of former Governor Abdulfatahi Ahmed, saying the burden of governance does not permit any distractions or targeting of anyone, including former public officials.
In a statement on Thursday, Commissioner for Communications Bola Olukoju said the trial of the former Governor is the exclusive prerogative of the anti-graft agencies who may have found against him following their own investigations of different transactions involving his administration.
“We find the accusation of the opposition party as cowardly, baseless, and wrong-headed. The right place to prove the innocence of anyone accused of wrongdoing is the court of law, not on the pages of newspapers or through shadow-boxing. They should leave us out of the issue,” she said.
“This administration has moved on from whatever happened in the past, except where historical references are inevitable. Our task is so enormous that we are left with no time to waste.
“Regardless, the truth is that the administration still grapples with the burden of fixing the most basic things, including those that should have been done but had resources meant for them blatantly stolen by these PDP officials.
“An example is the UBEC funds, which were brazenly stolen. We reported a case of a particular N1bn UBEC intervention funds that were withdrawn cash and stolen. The evidence is damning.
“This barefaced and irresponsible conduct led to the blacklist of Kwara by UBEC and set the state back for many years in education infrastructure and many other sectors. As if that was not enough, there had not been any meaningful investments in the basic education until our administration came up in 2019. It is not surprising, therefore, to see a Kankan LGEA School in some parts of the state, in spite of the huge funds we have pumped in the sector. This was the essence of the government’s public communication dated July 24, 2022 and titled ‘Next Time You See an Oke Apomu LGEA School.’
“Even so, our focus has been governance. This is why we feel scandalised by the lack of context in the recent BBC report on LGEA School Kankan in Asa local government. The media owe the public not just a duty to tell a story but to give appropriate context to such stories for lessons to be learnt. Kankan LGEA School, like many of it across the state, did not just get there. They have all been documented, and steps are being taken to put them in shape in phases.
“Between 2019 and now, this administration has paid for and accessed UBEC counterpart funds for years 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021 to fix school infrastructure in more than 600 locations in the state. This has been confirmed by UBEC itself, and they were done to specifications in the UBEC-SUBEB work plans.
“Yet the gap is understandably huge that it will take many years of such consistent investments to bridge. To date, we have paid counterpart funds for eight years, whereas we have only spent less than five years in the saddle. What this means is that we shoulder the burden of fixing school infrastructure that should have been done since 2014 or earlier. But the funds were stolen under the same people now in the PDP who are accusing the EFCC of witch-hunt.
“This is the context to the Kankan story. While we do not deny that it is our responsibility to fix the deficits and we are indeed doing same, we reject any report that lacks the context to tell the full story and guide public understanding of the issues.”
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the lawmaker representing Kogi Central senatorial district has felicitated with Christian faithful and all Nigerians as they celebrate Easter.
Natasha in a statement by her media aide, Arogbonlo Isreal, in Abuja, lauded the selfless love of Christ for humanity, urging Nigerians to emulate His virtues, and live in peace and love.
She admonished Nigerians to use the occasion to seek the face of God for continuous peace and harmony in Nigeria.
“Let us emulate the virtues of Jesus Christ by impacting the lives of those around us and contributing to the growth of Kogi Central and Nigeria at large.
“We should strive to embody the virtues of humility, compassion, and undying love that were demonstrated by Jesus Christ. May the blessings of Easter and the power of the resurrection reignite our faith in both God and humanity. I wish you all a joyous celebration,” she said.
Nigerian afrobeat musician Bisade Ologunde is better known by his stage name, Lagbaja. His signature face mask denotes him as the country’s everyman—the faceless individual. Lágbájá, a Yoruba word, means a person whose name and identity are purposely concealed or an invisible person. He is somebody, anybody, and everyone.
It was pretty interesting, if not surprising, when in March 2021, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), the late Lieutenant General Ibrahim Attahiru, appointed Major General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja as General Officer Commanding the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army in Enugu State.
I initially wondered how anyone would bear Lagbaja as a name beyond just a generic appellation. I later learned the indisputable fact—that the military officer’s family name evolved from his father’s car dealership business, Lagbaja Motors, in Osun State.
As the GOC in Enugu, the peculiar Lagbaja displayed the uncanny leadership trait of being both hot and cool in instilling a high level of discipline among the troops. He sought to refine officers and men into the best version of their professional selves. With his carrot and stick approach deployed in equal measure, there was always reward for gallantry and good conduct in tandem with punishment for cowardice and misconduct.
For instance, in June 2022, at the inauguration of a general court martial to try some soldiers for alleged indiscipline, Lagbaja stated that the process was to instill discipline by punishing erring officers in a manner that would serve as a deterrent to others. The next following, while honouring selected soldiers with motorcycles and letters of commendation for diligence, Lagbaja described their performances as laudable and charged others to emulate such exemplary conduct.
After the death of Gen. Attahiru in a plane crash, the new COAS, Lt. Gen. Faruk Yahaya, redeployed Lagbaja to Kaduna State as the GOC of the 1st Division due to the deplorable activities of bandits and terrorists which had become a grave source of concern and was spilling into and constituting a threat to Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory. It was in Kaduna that General Lagbaja rose into a household name as he led the battle against violent criminals.
Rather than simply mounting roadblocks, he and the troops waded deep into the forests, taking the war to the enemies in their conclaves. In the first month of assumption of office, Gen. Lagbaja stormed kidnappers’ dens and rescued the victims while leading fighting patrols in Manini village, Buruku, Udawa, Manini, Birnin Gwari, Doka, Maganda, Kuyello and Dogon Dawa communities. Apart from eliminating scores of bandits, others were captured alive.
The next month, September 2022, troops struck the camps of the notorious banditry gangs of Boderi Isiya and Musti, responsible for the security breach at the Nigerian Defence Academy, the kidnapping of Federal College of Forestry Mechanisation students, the attack on the Emir of Bungudu, among other atrocities. They eliminated kingpins such as Musti, Yellow Mai-Madrid, Dan-Katsinawa and fighters; battered corpses littered the areas along the Tollgate, Chikun and Sabon Gida.
Similarly, in October 2022, the troops sustained their onslaught against bandits, recovering massive caches of weapons during the Operation Forest Sanity campaign traversing Maidaro, Kagi Hill, Kusharki and Anguwan Madaki in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area. The clearance extended to Sabon Birnin-Zartake, Ungwan Lima Riyawa and Tungan Madaki general area, with the interception of numerous fleeing bandits from Kagi Hill.
From November 2022 till June 2023, Lagbaja-led operations wiped out many terrorists, freed hostages, recovered sophisticated weapons, ammunition and motorcycles. The then Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, was so delighted with the successes that he regularly issued statements through his Commissioner for Internal Security, Samuel Aruwan. Former COAS, Gen. Yahaya, through Army spokesperson, Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, equally applauded Lagbaja and his gallant troops for their unrelenting zeal.
In July 2023, after the inauguration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, General Lagbaja, who was the arrowhead of the successes that troops were recording against bandits, terrorists and cattle rustlers in Kaduna and surrounding states, was redeployed to an administrative position in the military high command in Abuja.
Since then, Kaduna has not been the same, making me often ask about Lagbaja. We are now – very unfortunately – inundated with reports of attacks on worship centres, homes and the abduction of vulnerable people, especially women and schoolchildren. The situation in Kaduna is so disturbing that almost every month, there are devastating stories of woe and routine assault on the people who have become hapless victims of banditry and terrorism.
The PRNigeria Monthly Security Reviews provide glimpses of many of these atrocities. In January 2024, terrorists attacked Ungwan Sako, Kunkurai, and Dokan Kaji in Dawaki Ward in Kauru Local Government Area and abducted dozens of people after killing a number of the locals.
In February, terrorists invaded Gindin Dutse Makyali village in the Kufana district of Kajuru and razed houses; at least 12 people were burnt to death in their rooms, as it became impossible to escape bandits shooting sporadically. They killed the Principal of Kuriga Secondary in Chikun for resisting an attempt to kidnap women, invaded Gwada and Kassam in Igabi, as well as areas in Kauru, killing and maiming. Scores were also abducted, including a retired Central Bank of Nigeria director.
The month of March witnessed more daring attacks and massive kidnappings. After the daredevil bandits abducted over 280 Kuriga schoolchildren, another group of gunmen opened fire on worshippers during the Friday prayer at a Mosque in Angwar Makera, Kwasakwasa community, a few days before the commencement of Ramadan.
Terrorists also attacked the Kajuru-Station village and a nearby Dogon Noma community, where over 100 people were reportedly abducted, including women and children, as usual. Similar situations happened when the miscreants stormed Tantau ward and looted shops, before fleeing with dozens of men and women herded away like cattle. Even in the Buda community, also in Kajuru, no fewer than 61 locals were reportedly taken in another organised attack.
Kidnapping for ransom has become an almost daily occurrence and lucrative business for criminal gangs as if the security services are powerless and helpless to stop them. While it is gladdening that the Kuriga kids’ freedom has been secured after they were held for more than two weeks, I still ask: Can’t we get another Lagbaja of Kaduna to re-strategise and lead the troops from the front to degrade criminal activities and restore the people’s confidence?
_Yushau Shuaib, author of ‘An Encounter with the Spymaster’ and ‘Crisis Communication Strategies’, writes from Abuja_
Persons familiar with the antecedents of Senator Uba Sani, the Governor of Kaduna State, readily attest to the fact that he is hardly ever deterred by challenges or adversities, no matter how daunting. Stories abound of his daring exploits as a young civil and human rights activist when successive military juntas held sway in Nigeria.
Sani’s can-do spirit and raw courage are matched only by his crisp intellect. In the 9th Senate, where he represented Kaduna Central Senatorial District for four years, his dexterity was all-too apparent. Sani conceptualised and sponsored 32 bills, including three seeking constitutional amendments to allow states to establish their own Police Force and State Police Service Commissions. Even more important, his bills were ranked as the most progressive bills by the very authoritative Nigerian legislative watchdog, orderpaper.com. Indeed, Sani had the singular distinction of being the only senator in the 9th National Assembly who had three of his bills assented to law by the then President Muhammadu Buhari.
Long before he won the gubernatorial election and assumed office as the Governor of Kaduna State, Sani knew that the job would be challenging given that he was bound to inherit the seemingly intractable problem of insecurity in the state. Also, Kaduna State, historically, contends with ethno-religious tension. Knowing the state so well, Sani was unfazed; he was thoroughly prepared for the job and committed to returning Kaduna to its long-acclaimed status as the pride and shining star of northern Nigeria.
Sani’s assumption of office as governor instantly brought relative calm to the hitherto tensed Kaduna State. In just a matter of days, the state started enjoying the dividends of peace, safety and security. What was the trick? Sani mounted the saddle with a clear, and measurable mission — to be a servant-leader, a unifier with his sights set on the economic empowerment of overwhelming majority of the citizenry irrespective of their places of abode, ethnicity or religious persuasions. His plans were easily understood and welcomed with relieve by the populace. The people quickly keyed into his agenda, which was unambiguous — an inclusive governance that is calibrated to leave no one behind.
Working very closely and relentlessly with the President Ahmed Bola Tinubu, the National Security Adviser (NSA) and the leadership of the nation’s Armed Forces, the Police and other security agencies, Governor Sani, very early in his administration, began deepening peace, safety and security across Kaduna State. The results of his efforts become instantly evident: The Kaduna-Abuja express way, once notorious for the nefarious activities of bandits and kidnappers, received a deserved respite and travellers, in their numbers, began plying the road regularly without fear or anxiety. The rail service between Abuja and Kaduna which was momentarily halted after a heinous attack that led to the abduction of several passengers, resumed in earnest. Previously traumatized farmers began returning to their abandoned farms. Even the worst critics (actually political opponents) of Governor Sani, till date readily affirm that Kaduna is a far safer place than he met the state on assumption of office in May 29, 2023.
For most residents of Kaduna State, the unfortunate security breaches in the state in recent days, notably the unfortunate abduction of innocent children from their school in the Kuriga community in Chikun Local Government Area, though deeply saddening, have not blighted the great work Governor Sani has been doing since he was sworn in to office. Rather, for keen observers, the latest acts of bandits in Kaduna State clearly signpost the desperation of the criminal elements whose days are clearly numbered. Given that Sani has, in less than one year in office, substantially made Kaduna State unattractive for criminal elements operating in the very vast forest that straddle all the states in the North-west of Nigeria. These cowards in their recent dastardly incursion into Kaduna State, chose very soft targets – innocent school children and their harmless teacher.
For the 16 days that the children were in captivity,Sani with the full and ceaseless support of President Tinubu worked very closely with the highest levels of the nation’s military, police and other security agencies to rescue and safely return the abducted persons to their respective homes.
From get-go, Sani’s resolve to get the children back to school was resolute and unequivocal. During this very trying period, the governor doggedly, albeit quietly, led the rescue efforts from the front. And in the numerous meetings he summoned and chaired, he repeatedly assured parents and all stakeholders that working very closely with President Tinubu, the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, the Service Chiefs, the Inspector General of Police and heads of other security organisations, the abducted children would be speedily returned to their homes and their parents.
“I have no doubt in my mind that the efforts we are making with relevant security agencies and Mr. President are yielding good results that will become apparent to all very soon. Mr. President has been doing everything possible to ensure that our children return back home safely. I can say it here that Mr. President is determined. I discuss with him on a daily basis. In fact, sometimes the president calls me two to three times in a day to monitor situations here. The National Security Adviser, the Chief of Defence Staff, who is from Kaduna Sate and the Service Chiefs are putting in everything at their disposal. We are all resolute about the prompt and safe return of our children not only to their homes but back to school,” Sani assured.
In the early hours of Sunday, 24th of March, the prayers and tenacity of Sani with the full support of President Tinubu paid off. The 137 abducted Kuriga school children were released unharmed. The jubilation in Kaduna, nay, across Nigeria, was rapturous. Finally good has triumphed over evil. The people’s hope in government was rekindled, once again.
A very relieved Governor Sani announced the good news moments after: “In the name of Allah the Beneficent, the Most Merciful, I wish to announce that our Kuriga school children have been released. Our special appreciation goes to our dear President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for prioritising the safety and security of Nigerians and, particularly, ensuring that the abducted Kuriga school children are released unharmed.
“While the school children were in captivity, I spoke and met with Mr. President several times. He shared our pains, comforted us and worked round the clock with us to ensure the safe return of the children. Special mention must also be made of our dear brother, the National Security Adviser, Mal. Nuhu Ribadu, for his exemplary leadership. I spent sleepless nights with Mal. Ribadu fine-tuning strategies and coordinating the operations of the security agencies, which eventually resulted in this successful outcome.
“The Nigerian Army also deserves special commendation for showing that with courage, determination and commitment, criminal elements can be degraded and security restored in our communities. We also thank all Nigerians who prayed fervently for the safe return of the school children. This is, indeed, a day of joy. We give Almighty Allah all the glory.”
Giving further update on the rescue of the Kuriga school children, the Director, Defence Media Operations (DDMO), Maj. Gen. Edward Buba, confirmed that the school children were rescued from the bandits at Dansadau Forest in Zamfara State. “In the early hours of 24 March 2024, the military working with local authorities and government agencies across the country, in a coordinated search and rescue operation, rescued the hostages. The hostages are same persons that were abducted from the school at Kuriga in Chikun LGA of Kaduna State. These hostages were handed over to the Sokoto State Government. These efforts demonstrate the armed forces’ resolve to finding other innocent hostages and track down the terrorists that perpetrated these crimes.”
The released school children where eventually escorted by officers and men of the Nigerian Army from Sokoto to Kaduna where they were handed over to an excited Governor Sani at the Kashim Ibrahim Government House, Kaduna. The governor’s joy was unmistakable as he went about embracing and bantering with the school children immediately they arrived the Government House. He promptly instructed that the kids be cleaned up and given urgent medical and psychosocial attention before being handed over to their thrilled parents, who had already besieged the Government House to receive their children. Governor Sani, later in the day, hosted the now well-rested and freshened-up school children to a dinner in the Government House.
The formal handover of the rescued Kuriga school children to Governor Sani by the nation’s military and security agencies was done by the General Officer Commanding the 1st Mechanized Division of the Nigerian Army, Kaduna, Maj. Gen Mayirenso Saraso. At the brief but emotional handover formalities, the GOC clarified that 137 students and a teacher were abducted from both the Government Secondary school and Local Education Authority Primary school in Kuriga (both schools share same vicinity).
“Through kinetic and non-kinetic efforts that were deployed under the guidance of His Excellency, President Ahmed Bola Tinubu, GCFR, through the Office of NSA, the school children were rescued in Dansadau forest in Zamfara State. The 137 children were released and of this number six of them are in the hospital. But unfortunately, the teacher died in captivity. So, in all, 137 school children were abducted and the 137 children (76 females and 61 males) were rescued and are now being handed over to their parents through the Kaduna State Government,” the GOC said and thereafter handed over a list containing the names of the released school children to Governor Sani.
Sani, who once again showered encomiums on President Tinubu, the NSA and the nation’s military and security chiefs, was quick to caution against the politicisation of security matters, especially the release of the Kuriga school children. “When it comes to issues of security, please and please let us be careful. Politicising issues that border on security endangers lives. People who do not mean well are cooking up all sorts of conspiracy theories. The most important job of any responsible government is the safety and security of lives and properties of citizens. That is what the Federal and Kaduna State Governments have just done in the matter of the abducted Kuriga students. It is not time for conspiracy theories. Just like any other good father, I was informed that the children have been released and I was extremely happy and I have received them with immense joy. We are all relieved that they are back and we shall build on the experiences that we have garnered from the incident to consolidate on all on-going efforts to make every community in Kaduna safer,” Sani said.
Similar view was expressed by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mr. Muhammed Idris, shortly after the weekly Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting in Abuja on Monday, 25th March. “Mr President and members of the Council were happy to note that, as promised by Mr. President, these children were reunited or have been rescued from the captors and in keeping with the commitment of Mr. President, no ransom was paid,” the Information Minister said
Idris further disclosed that FEC and the president had expressed their appreciation to the National Security Adviser (NSA), the security chiefs, and others who participated in the process that led to the freedom of the captives. “The Federal Executive Council and Mr. President are very grateful, to especially the National Security Adviser, the service chiefs, and all security agents, who participated diligently in ensuring that these kidnapped children are reunited with their families.”
Idris confirmed that the number of schoolchildren kidnapped was the exact number rescued as there was no information to the effect that any of them died or was held back by the kidnappers.
“There was a question or reports that 287 of these children were taken. What I can tell you is that there is no report that any of these kidnap victims either died or has been withheld. So, all those that have been taken, have been brought back in safety to their families. I can tell you that,” the minister affirmed.
Delivering Good Governance In spite of Adversity
Interestingly, while he worked round the clock with other stakeholders to secure the safe release of the Kuriga school children, Governor Uba remained firmly focused on governance and meeting his targeted goals in Kaduna State. If anything, the ugly incident brought out the best in him. In an audacious move that ‘shook’ Kaduna State and reverberated across the country, Sani on Monday, 18 March, 2024, flagged off the distribution of the second batch of palliatives to Kaduna State citizens and residents worth over N11.4 billion. The highest such intervention in one fell swoop, at least in recent times, by any state government in Nigeria.
Sani literally set a new national record on transparency, probity and accountability in the planning phase and the eventual distribution of the palliatives in the state. In a move that has been hailed by many as novel, prior to the distribution, the governor set up a high-powered Palliatives Distribution Committee charged with developing an implementation strategy/plan and executing the distribution of the palliatives in a “fair and even manner”. Members of the committee include the representatives of Organized Labour (NLC and TUC), Civil Society Organizations, Persons with Disability, National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Traditional Institutions, Youth and Women Organizations, the Commissioner of Police, Director of DSS, Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and officials of the Kaduna State Government.
“The broad-based and inclusive cunderscores our determination to ensure transparency and fairness in the palliatives’ distribution process. It is also a key step towards the effective monitoring of the distribution exercise to check diversion of palliatives meant for the people. The Labour/CSOs driven process will help strengthen and deepen engagement between the demand and supply sides of governance,” Governor Sani explained before astounding his people as he reeled out the long list of palliative measures to the jubilant populace.
“I am happy to inform you that today we are commencing the distribution of 128 trucks of rice and maize worth N3.4 billion to the poor, vulnerable and underserved citizens of Kaduna State. We are targeting 200,000 (two hundred thousand) households, approximately 1,000,000 (one million) persons,” he announced.
Recalling that a few days after his assumption of office, he signed an Executive Order on Financial Inclusion to address the exclusion of the poor, under-served and vulnerable from financial services and ensure that they benefit from social intervention programmes of Kaduna State and the Federal Government. Pursuant to the Executive Order, the Uba Sani administration set for itself the target of facilitating the opening of 2.5 million bank accounts for poor, vulnerable and underserved citizens of the state. Of this targeted number, two million bank accounts have been opened. The governor said that his administration was working assiduously to ensure that bank accounts are opened for the remaining 500,000 less privileged citizens of the state.
The immediate benefit of this Executive Order is that Kaduna State has become one of the few states in the country to have developed a credible Social Register for Cash Transfers. Given the effective implementation of the Executive Order on Financial Inclusion, especially the opening of bank accounts and development of a credible Social Register, previously excluded citizens are now able to benefit from Kaduna State and Federal Government’s social intervention programmes. Therefore, in the bid to tackle multidimensional poverty head-on and bring succour to the less privileged citizens of the state, Governor Sani released the sum of N4.2 billion for distribution in form of direct cash transfers, grants, fertilizer, farm inputs and implements to vulnerable households, smallholder farmers, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), Persons with Disability, Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), orphans, market women and youths.
“As I am speaking to you now, 9,800 poor and vulnerable households, including over 1000 persons with disability have started receiving alerts. They are receiving N50,000 (fifty thousand naira) each,” he said.
Highlights of Sani’s distribution of the second batch of palliatives worth N11.4 billion to Kaduna State citizens include: Over 128 food trucks of rice and maize – sent out to all the local government areas of the state for further distribution; about N3.3 billion approved for the payment of pension and gratuity; estimated 10,000 households to benefit from N50,000 per household direct cash transfer. Amongst them are 1,000 Persons With Disability; N500 million approved as revolving loan scheme for Kaduna State civil servants; estimated 7,500 SMEs to get between N100,000 to N1 million grants, depending on the size of the SME and farm machineries and equipment were distributed to over 5,000 farmers in the state.
The governor’s gestures were roundly applauded by a cross section of residents and citizens of the state. Speaking on behalf of Organised Labour in Kaduna, the state Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Ayuba Suleiman, commended the governor for releasing N500 million for the workers’ revolving loan scheme. The release of an additional N3.3 billion for pensioners, in addition to the N3.1 billion disbursed last year, the Labour leader said, is a testament to the governor’s concern for the welfare of both pensioners and active service members.
“Governor Sani’s government has shown uncommon transparency and sensitivity by including key stakeholders such as labour groups, People Living with Disabilities, market women, JNI and CAN in the Palliative Distribution Committee. Even at the local government distribution levels, these critical stakeholders are also involved. This is because of Governor Sani’s confidence in us and his will and zeal to see that these palliatives get to the most vulnerable,” Suleiman stated.
Governor Sani, who is a staunch believer in the combination of both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches in curbing banditry and other forms of criminality, is aggressively opening up rural and underserved communities across the state for development and access to economic empowerment. The governor has prioritized the construction of roads that are designed to link rural communities to centres of trade and commerce. The overarching plan is to harness the huge potentials in these underserviced communities, especially in agriculture and solid minerals and bring the people to the mainstream of development. Governor Sani believes that with the opening up of these underserviced communities, crime and banditry will be greatly reduced in Kaduna State.
In line with this goal to link communities in the state to development centres and opportunities, just two days before he distributed the second batch of palliatives, Governor Sani performed the groundbreaking for the construction of a 327 kilometres road linking College Road to Mashigi, stretching down to Eastern Bypass of Millennium City. The road will cut across Igabi, Kaduna North and Chikun Local Government Areas. The 327 kilometres road include the main road linking College Road to Millennium City and other feeder roads within the various districts.
The governor envisages that during the construction period, employment opportunities would be created for hundreds of skilled, semi-skilled and unskilled workers in the state. When completed, the road will ease movement of people and goods. The flag-off of the construction of this road on the 16th of March, brought to 21 the number of roads Governor Sani has performed their groundbreaking across all the local government areas of the state since assumption of office. About 827 kilometres of roads are currently under construction in the state.
“We are ramping up our Infrastructural Development Drive. Our Rural Transformation Programme is being executed concurrently with upgrade of infrastructure in the urban areas. The new investments flowing into Kaduna State are being supported by infrastructure upgrades. We are determined to make Kaduna State a safe and secure business hub in the North and a choice destination for investors. We are putting Kaduna State on a sure path towards actualizing its God-given potentials,” Governor Uba Sani said.
The federal commissioner of the commission, Tijani Ahmed said the study would guide migrants and young people who travel out of the country in search of greener pastures.
He also explained that undertaking the study will reduce cases of death, maltreatment and other ills associated with irregular methods of migration.
He disclosed this in Keffi, Nasarawa State while signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the university to partner in the establishment of the International Centre of Excellence for Migration and Humanitarian Development Studies (ICEMIDS).
On the essence of the partnership, he said: “We are here to sign an MoU with the Nasarawa State University to protect migrants, refugees and internally displaced persons.
“Today in Nigeria, many of our youths leave the country for greener pastures. Some of them go through the irregular method and some through the regular methods.
“So many of our youths die across the oceans all in a bid to go through the irregular route. So, we want to give them the knowledge and understanding of how to go about things because migration is very important for both the country and the participants but the need for them to go through the regular means is absolutely necessary and one of the ways to catch them young and to get them informed is the university.
“The university will give them the knowledge for them to understand the processes so they don’t fall into the wrong hands.”
Ahmed while stating that the study will commence as research, added that it may go into full academic activity in the future.
The National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF) Executive Secretary, Mohammed Abu Ibrahim, said the federal government, through the agency, is providing support valued at N1.6bn input package to ginger farmers in three states, including the Federal Capital Territory.
The input support is under the GRATE package, which is the Ginger Recovery Advancement and Transformation for Economic Empowerment.
He disclosed this at the Launch of Ginger Blight Epidemic Control Taskforce support Initiative supported by the office of the Vice President held in Kaduna on Wednesday.
According to him, 15,000 ginger farmers from Kaduna, Plateau, Nasarawa, and the Federal Capital Territory were affected by the recent ginger blight epidemic in the country.
According to him, this happens when the country has started witnessing considerable growth in ginger export.
Abu said the National Bureau for Statistics (NBS) reports that revenue from ginger export increased by 17% to hit N10bn in Q2 of 2023 compared to N4.6bn over the same period in 2022.
According to him, it is in response to the epidemic crisis that this task force was set up. “At the first instance, the Federal Government through the NADF is providing support valued at N1.6bn starting out with 1 ha input packs appropriately named the GRATE package, which is the Ginger Recovery Advancement and Transformation for Economic Empowerment.
“The recent ginger blight epidemic, while affecting an estimated 15,000 farmers across Kaduna, Plateau, Nasarawa States, and the FCT, came at a time our country had started to see considerable growth in ginger exports,” he said.
He however explained that the support package to be given to the farmers contains 1pc 20kg bag of high-yield seed variety, 4pcs 50kg bags of NPK fertilizer, 2pcs 50kg bags of urea, 2pcs 1kg bag of fungicide. Others are 1pc 1ltr of insecticide, 2pcs 1 litre of herbicide, 1pc 2 litre of post-emergence herbicide.
He said the team is eager to see ginger being grated in rural communities again in the immediate term.
In her remarks, the Technical Assistant on the Agriculture office of Vice President Marian Moon said the presidency is taking the issue of agriculture and ginger farming very seriously as part of the government’s renewed agenda program.
According to her, many countries, among them Mexico, are busy trying to grow Nigerian Ginger because it’s one of the best in the world. She also urged farmers to increase ginger production in the country.
The State Governor Uba Sani represented by his Deputy Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe commended the federal government for its support to the affected farmers in the state.
He described the state ginger as one of the best in the world urging them to be more dedicated to their farming business.
