The Nation Newspaper

Category: Northern Report

  • Lawal offers scholarships for health courses for Zamfara students at Igbinedion University

    Lawal offers scholarships for health courses for Zamfara students at Igbinedion University

    Governor Dauda Lawal has approved full scholarships for all qualified Zamfara indigenes who want to pursue health-related courses at Igbinedion University, Benin City, Edo State. 

    This was revealed in a statement signed by the Executive Secretary of Zamfara State Scholarship Board, Professor Rasheedah Liman, on Tuesday.

    The statement said, “We are pleased to inform the general public that Zamfara State students interested in studying health-related courses have been given full scholarships at Igbinedion University, Benin City, Edo State. 

    “The students were interviewed and screened successfully and sent to the university to commence their studies.”

    She said the “students are fully sponsored by the Executive Governor of Zamfara State, His Excellency Dr Dauda Lawal.”

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    Professor Liman commended Governor Lawal for creating the educational opportunity for the deserving students.

    Earlier, Governor Lawal had offered full scholarships to all Zamfara State indigenes pursuing courses at the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, Zaria. 

    He also paid for all the outstanding school fees and tuition for the state students studying various courses in Indian universities.

    Governor Lawal, upon assuming office in May 2023, declared an emergency rule in education. 

    He vowed to overhaul the decayed sector for the overall well-being of the state by rebuilding infrastructure, payment of WAEC/NECO filing debts, improving teachers’ welfare and training and creating an enabling environment for learning across the state.

  • Group urges Wike to reactivate environmental courts, tribunals across FCT

    Group urges Wike to reactivate environmental courts, tribunals across FCT

    The CRUX Environmental Rights, Advocacy and Development Foundation (CERADF) has called on the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to urgently reactivate and strengthen dedicated Environmental Courts and Tribunals to tackle Abuja’s escalating sanitation and waste-management crisis.

    In a letter dated November 26, 2025, and addressed to the Minister, the organisation requested the establishment of a central Environmental Court within the High Court of the FCT, alongside corresponding tribunals across the six Area Councils — AMAC, Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje, Abaji and Kwali.

    CERADF noted that although the Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB) introduced mobile courts in May 2022 to address environmental infractions, the mechanism has become inadequate due to the growing scale and complexity of violations in the territory.

    According to the foundation, recent field assessments in Gwarinpa, Utako, Mpape, Kubwa, Nyanya, Karu, Lugbe, Kuje, Apo Mechanic Village and parts of the Central Business District revealed widespread waste accumulation, blocked drainages, recurrent flooding, rodent infestation and mounting public-health risks.

    The organisation warned that these challenges not only overburden waste-management agencies but also contribute to pollution, pervasive foul odours and reputational harm to the nation’s capital.

    While acknowledging ongoing public sensitisation efforts, CERADF argued that such initiatives must be complemented by a specialised judicial framework capable of ensuring speedy trials, consistent enforcement of environmental laws and stiffer penalties for offenders.

    The group recommended the reactivation of Environmental Courts and Tribunals in all FCT Area Councils, collaboration with the Chief Judge of the High Court of the FCT to designate specialised judges, and the development of practice directions to guide environmental litigation.

    CERADF also urged the FCT Administration to empower NESREA, AEPB, the FCTA Environmental Task Forces and Area Council authorities to file charges directly before the proposed courts.

    Additionally, it called for the establishment of a multi-agency environmental enforcement and monitoring framework involving the Federal Ministry of Environment, NESREA, AEPB, the FCTA, Area Councils and accredited civil-society groups.

    The foundation pledged its support through stakeholder engagement, research, environmental reporting and community mobilisation to promote sustainable environmental practices.

    According to the letter, signed by Ms. Iviakpellas Mercy (Country Director), Mr. Koko Ademuyiwa (Project Director) and Mr. Eswati Luka Ikpi (Director of Communications), reactivating the courts would strengthen environmental governance, safeguard public health and align Abuja with international standards.

    The letter reads in part: “The CRUX Environmental Rights, Advocacy and Development Foundation (CERADF) respectfully presents this formal request for the reactivation and strengthening of dedicated Environmental Courts and Tribunals within the Federal Capital Territory.

    “Specifically, we request the establishment of a central Environmental Court within the High Court of the FCT, as well as Environmental Tribunals across all six Area Councils. This call is made pursuant to relevant constitutional and statutory provisions and in recognition of the urgent environmental challenges confronting the nation’s capital.

    “The Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB), established in 1997, introduced mobile courts in May 2022 to address environmental infractions. However, these measures have proven inadequate given the scale and complexity of the environmental crisis now facing the FCT.

    “Recent CERADF field monitoring across communities in Gwarinpa, Utako, Mpape, Kubwa, Nyanya, Karu, Lugbe, Kuje, Apo Mechanic Village and even parts of the Central Business District revealed widespread waste accumulation and poor sanitation.

    “These conditions have resulted in overburdened waste-management agencies, blocked drainages and recurrent flooding, increased rodent infestation, heightened public-health risks, escalating pollution and offensive odours, and reputational damage to Abuja as Nigeria’s administrative and diplomatic capital. Weak enforcement, slow court processes and insufficient deterrent penalties continue to worsen the situation.

    “While public sensitisation efforts are ongoing, they cannot succeed without a dedicated judicial framework that ensures speedy trials, consistent application of environmental laws and firm sanctions for violators.”

    CERADF listed its recommendations to the Minister, including: Reactivation of Environmental Courts and Tribunals across all six Area Councils to handle environmental offences and provide accessible avenues for justice.

    Collaboration with the Chief Judge of the FCT to designate specialised judges, develop practice directions, assign dedicated courtrooms and strengthen judicial capacity on environmental law.

    Empowerment of enforcement agencies, including NESREA, AEPB, FCTA task forces and Area Councils, to file charges directly before the specialised courts.

    A multi-agency enforcement and monitoring framework involving federal, regional and civil-society stakeholders.

    Comprehensive community-sensitisation campaigns to promote behavioural change.

    An annual FCT Environmental Compliance Assessment to track progress and guide reforms.

    The organisation reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the FCT Administration through community mobilisation, research and environmental stewardship initiatives.

    “The reactivation of Environmental Courts and Tribunals in the FCT is timely, necessary and transformative,” the letter concluded. “It will strengthen enforcement, safeguard public health, elevate Abuja’s environmental standards and align Nigeria with international best practices,” the letter added.

  • Group calls for improved development, political reforms in Kogi East

    Group calls for improved development, political reforms in Kogi East

    A prominent Igala group from Kogi East has called for renewed focus on development and stronger political representation in the region.

    In a statement signed by Alhaji Ibrahim Dansoho, the group expressed concern over what it described as the limited developmental impact recorded in Kogi East under the current state administration.

    The group urged elected officials from the area to work more effectively toward bringing tangible projects to the region.

    The statement also highlighted the group’s support for Senator Sunday Karimi, noting that his recent comments on governance reflect the concerns of many constituents.

    According to Dansoho, the senator’s views align with the growing call for improved performance and more inclusive leadership across the state.

    The group further appealed for unity among political leaders in Kogi East, stressing the need for collective efforts to promote accountability, transparency, and good governance.

    It also acknowledged ongoing discussions among political stakeholders in Kogi East and Kogi West aimed at forming a broader alliance to strengthen development-focused advocacy in the state.

    The statement cautioned against attempts to discredit public officials through the media, urging leaders to prioritise collaboration and constructive engagement.

    Observers say the group’s intervention underscores shifting political dynamics in Kogi State, with emerging alliances potentially influencing future political developments.

  • Northern group hails Tinubu, Matawalle after swift rescue of 24 Kebbi schoolgirls

    Northern group hails Tinubu, Matawalle after swift rescue of 24 Kebbi schoolgirls

    A northern advocacy coalition has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Minister of State for Defence Bello Matawalle, and the Nigerian armed forces for a “well-coordinated and unrelenting security operation” that led to the rescue of the 24 schoolgirls abducted from Government Girls Secondary School, Maga, in Kebbi state.

    In a statement on Tuesday signed by its president, Dr Abdulrahman Al-Ma’aruf, the Northern Security and Civic Protection Forum (NSCPF) praised the federal government for demonstrating speed, seriousness and strategic clarity in responding to the abduction, noting that the successful recovery of the victims within days was a direct outcome of high-level coordination ordered by the President.

    The group noted that the 24 students, taken from their hostels by armed bandits on November 17, regained freedom on November 25 “after sustained military pressure forced the captors to abandon them in the forests”. 

    Al-Ma’aruf said Tinubu’s directive asking Matawalle to immediately relocate to Kebbi “shifted the tone and urgency of the operation”, adding that the minister’s presence on the ground galvanised multiple layers of security response across the northwest.

    “From the moment President Tinubu ordered the minister of state for defence to move to Kebbi and assume personal oversight of operations, the tempo changed,” the statement reads.

    “His Excellency, Bello Matawalle, arrived with a clear mandate and deep personal knowledge of the terrain, having confronted similar security challenges during his years as governor of Zamfara. What followed was an intense, closely coordinated multi-agency assault that left the bandits with no safe corridor to escape with the girls. The sustained bombardments over several days created pressure they could not withstand.”

    According to the group, the federal government’s handling of the incident showed a decisive break from the “slow and reactive security posture Nigerians had become familiar with in the past”.

    Al-Ma’aruf said the rescue demonstrated that when properly backed by political will, the armed forces possess the operational capacity to overwhelm and dislodge criminal networks holding communities hostage.

    “For four straight days, the military maintained air and ground pressure on the kidnappers’ hideouts. It was this level of intensity that forced the criminals to abandon the girls. What the armed forces have done is not just a rescue; it is a statement of authority,” the statement continued.

    The group also praised the President for sending “a clear signal that schoolchildren are a red line for this administration”, noting that Tinubu’s quick intervention helped prevent what could have become “another prolonged national tragedy”.

    Al-Ma’aruf urged the federal government to sustain the offensive against bandit groups and ensure that communities in Kebbi, Zamfara, Sokoto, Niger and Kaduna enjoy long-term security, adding that the successful operation should mark the beginning of an unbroken campaign against those who target children.

    The northern group said the country owes the rescued schoolgirls a duty of care, calling for trauma support and reintegration programmes as they return to their families.

    “With this rescue, the government has restored hope. Now it must consolidate by ensuring no child in northern Nigeria ever has to face such terror again,” the group added.

  • Jigawa: Capital projects, human development takes lead in N901.8b estimate

    Jigawa: Capital projects, human development takes lead in N901.8b estimate

    Governor Umar Namadi yesterday presented a N901.84 billion proposed budget for 2026 to the Jigawa State House of Assembly, describing it as a plan to accelerate his administration’s development agenda.

    Titled “Budget of Innovation and Transformation for Greater Jigawa II,” the proposal, anchored on the state’s updated Comprehensive Development Framework and 12-Point Agenda, builds on the 2025 fiscal framework.

    The budget prioritises capital spending, with N693.4 billion (77%) allocated to capital projects aimed at expanding infrastructure, boosting agriculture, improving social services, and strengthening human capital.

    Education also received priority with 26 per cent of the total budget allocated to the sector to improve learning outcomes, expand tertiary education, and upgrade facilities.

    The agricultural sector got N75 billion for food security, irrigation, mechanisation, market development, livestock services, and youth agribusiness programmes. The government plan to implement AfDB-supported agricultural transformation projects.

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    The power sector was allocated N50.7 billion for grid extension, rural electrification, renewable energy projects, and solarisation of public facilities, including streetlights in 40 local government headquarters.

    Road construction and rehabilitation were also central to the plan, with major works lined up across all emirates. Priority projects include Kafin Hausa-Gafasa-Jabo, Guri-Margadu, Gwiwa-Daurawa-Shafe, and Harbo Tsohuwa-Gilima, alongside bridge works and tertiary road upgrades by SREMA.

    Other key allocations include N12.3 billion for water and sanitation, N25.4 billion for housing and urban development, N35.4 billion for environmental management, N27.2 billion for secondary healthcare, N20.1 billion for primary healthcare, and N38.6 billion for tertiary education.

    Youth, sports and culture received N2.8 billion.

    Namadi said the budget also incorporated measures to strengthen governance, improve institutional efficiency, and enhance transparency.

    The consolidated budget for the 27 local government councils stands at N288.85 billion, including N137.59 billion earmarked for capital projects such as mass housing, irrigation schemes, nutrition programmes, Tsangaya support and efforts to reduce out-of-school children.

    The governor described the budget as realistic and aligned with the state’s long-term development goals. He urged the Assembly to ensure quick passage to enable early implementation of priority projects.

  • Kaduna govt denies El-Rufai’s claim of ₦1bn payment to bandits

    Kaduna govt denies El-Rufai’s claim of ₦1bn payment to bandits

    • …demands evidence or public apology, threatens legal action

    The Kaduna State Government has dismissed as false and politically driven the claim by former Governor Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai that the administration of Governor Uba Sani paid ₦1 billion to bandits.

    El-Rufai made the allegation during a Channels Television interview, but the government described it as baseless and intended to undermine the state’s ongoing security progress.

    In a statement issued on Sunday, the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Hon. (Dr.) Sule Shu’aibu, SAN, said the claim was “a fabrication devoid of context, substance, or credibility,” accusing the former governor of attempting to mislead the public.

    The government criticised El-Rufai for “recklessly weaponising sensitive security matters for political grandstanding,” saying such conduct is unbecoming of a former leader.

    Shu’aibu stressed that Governor Uba Sani has never authorised, negotiated, or paid ransom to any criminal group.

    “Not one naira. Not one kobo,” he stated, noting that the Governor has repeatedly clarified this in media engagements and stakeholder meetings.

    The statement referenced the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), which had previously dismissed similar claims by El-Rufai as unfounded and inconsistent with national security protocols. ONSA has maintained that neither the Federal Government nor state governments pay ransom to criminal elements.

    Outlining its security strategy, the government said it is pursuing a community-focused model anchored on enhanced military operations, collaboration with legitimate community leaders, and improved access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities.

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    “The State engages communities, not bandits,” the statement emphasised.

    Grassroots organisations, including the Birnin-Gwari Vanguard for Security and Good Governance, also rejected El-Rufai’s claim, describing it as misleading and untrue. The group faced some of the state’s toughest security challenges during his tenure.

    The government further pointed to past allegations raised by senior members of El-Rufai’s own administration suggesting he used public funds to appease certain groups, calling his current accusations “deeply paradoxical.”

    Since assuming office, Governor Sani has focused on stabilising affected communities, reopening schools, markets, and farmlands, and rebuilding trust across ethnic and religious divides.

    The statement challenged El-Rufai to present credible evidence—such as bank records, memos, or security correspondence—if he has any. It added that a similar allegation he made in September 2025 “collapsed under scrutiny” after no proof was provided.

    The government demanded that El-Rufai withdraw the claim and issue an unreserved public apology within one week, warning that failure to do so may compel the State to pursue legal action “to safeguard public order and institutional integrity.”

    Reaffirming its commitment to transparency and responsible security management, the Kaduna State Government said it will not be distracted by “politics of bitterness, fearmongering, or orchestrated falsehoods.”

  • Ganduje, Kano APC stakeholders endorse Tinubu for second term

    Ganduje, Kano APC stakeholders endorse Tinubu for second term

    Former Governor of Kano State and ex-National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has led party executives and stakeholders in Kano to formally endorse President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the APC’s sole candidate for the 2027 presidential election.

    Ganduje, who briefed newsmen about the endorsement said the decision taken after a three-day meeting with party leaders from the North Senatorial District, which ended on Sunday in Kano.

    The stakeholders meeting included local government chairmen and caucus members across the 44 local government areas and 484 wards of the state.

    The purpose of the meeting was to ensure solidarity within the party and support for the federal government under President Tinubu, Ganduje said.

    “As we move towards 2027, there is need for us to ensure complete unity in our party, from top to bottom,” he said.

    He noted, “The meeting was also aimed at renewing commitment in line with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.”

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    He stressed the importance of the solidarity and pledged unwavering support for the federal government.

    He said, “We must ensure that all our party offices at the local government and ward levels are physically accessible and functionally operative.

    “Party executives and delegates were requested to return home and formally endorse Tinubu at their constituencies.”

    Ganduje also highlighted plans to implement e-registration of party members, directing each local government to provide three computer experts to be trained at the state headquarters before rolling out the programme across the state.

    The ex-governor assured that Kano would again record the highest number of registered party members during the exercise.

    He urged members to comply with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) guidelines by ensuring that all eligible citizens aged 18 and above register in line with the ongoing nationwide voter registration exercise.

    Ganduje reaffirmed the APC’s resolve to maintain unity and active participation at all levels ahead of the 2027 elections.

    The roll call of the meeting included Kano State 2023 APC governorship candidate, Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna, his running mate, Murtala Sule-Garo, and House of Representatives member Alhassan Ado-Doguwa, among other prominent APC chieftains in the state.

  • North-Central APC forum seeks leadership change, calls for broader unity in party

    North-Central APC forum seeks leadership change, calls for broader unity in party

    Fresh tensions have emerged within the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the North-Central APC Forum has called for a change in the party’s national leadership, urging President Bola Tinubu and party stakeholders to consider appointing a more experienced national chairman at the December 2025 convention.

    In a statement on Sunday, the Forum’s Chairman, Saleh Zazzaga, said the group now regrets its earlier agitation that paved the way for the return of the national chairmanship position to the North-Central zone in July 2025.

    The Forum apologised to President Tinubu, Ganduje, and other senior leaders for its role in advocating for the zoning arrangement, saying the outcome had not met its expectations.

    According to the Forum, the party requires leadership that can foster unity, promote inclusiveness, and strengthen cohesion across the North-Central and the wider APC family.

    It argued that competence and broad political experience should guide the selection of the next chairman, even if the position goes to another region.

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    The group also noted that the North-Central already occupies key roles in the current administration, including the offices of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the Attorney-General of the Federation, and the head of the North-Central Development Commission.

    In addition, the Forum said it remained committed to strengthening the APC in Plateau State and across the region, emphasising the need for cooperation among all stakeholders to boost the party’s prospects ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    It encouraged the party leadership to ensure an open and inclusive process that supports unity, accommodates new members, and positions the APC for stronger electoral performance.

  • AbdulRazaq holds security council meeting as Army, Police deploy new tactical teams in Kwara

    AbdulRazaq holds security council meeting as Army, Police deploy new tactical teams in Kwara

    Kwara Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on Friday held a security council meeting where commanders and top government officials reviewed strategies to strengthen public safety and curtail the threats of organized kidnapping gangs.

    The Governor received briefings from security commanders following the Tuesday attack on Eruku community in Ekiti Local Government Area of the State.

    Addressing a press briefing on the council meeting on Friday, Commissioner of Police Ojo Adekimi told reporters that the council meeting “harvested insights from the security commanders on recent happenings and field intelligence in the aftermath of the Eruku incident, including efforts of the security agencies to track down the perpetrators and rescue the victims.

    “The meeting also commended heightened security deployments, especially air interdictions which have dislodged the kidnappers from their former hideouts, especially in Ifelodun. It calls for continuous air bombardment of areas identified as criminal hideouts.

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    “The meeting specifically commended the Military, Police, and DSS for new deployments in the state. In line with the directive of President Bola Tinubu, GCFR, a few days ago, the Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, PhD, has deployed four different tactical teams (Special Weapons and Tactics, Intelligence Response Team, Special Tactical Squad, Special Intervention Squad) to Kwara to neutralise further threats.

    “The Police and DSS reported several arrests of food and fuel suppliers linked to the criminals as well as a man from Makurdi who confessed to fixing weapons for the kidnappers.

    “The meeting commended the government’s strategic security decision on schools in parts of the state. Measures may be relaxed, sustained, or extended based on actionable security intelligence. This is particularly instructive in the light of the new development in Niger earlier today. As security agencies work for safe returns of the girls, the council calls for continuous vigilance and early reporting of any suspicious movement in any parts of the state.

    “The meeting approved joint patrols of security forces in different parts of the state especially as the Yuletide approaches. It recommended heightened security measures around vulnerable spots.

    “The meeting observed the damaging impacts of social media in the country’s fight against violent non-state actors. It expresses concern with how security information is disseminated, including demand for ransom and amplification of information that exposes citizens to more danger. For public safety, it calls for caution in the exercise of freedom of expression.

    “The meeting urged citizens to avoid night farming and social activities that expose them to any harm. It urged citizens for prompt report of suspicious movements of any kind to the security agencies, government agencies, and traditional rulers.

    “The meeting observed a minute of silence for the victims of the Eruku CAC attack and again commiserated with their families and the larger community.”

  • Children from Jigawa, Kano, Katsina urge media to strengthen advocacy for child rights

    Children from Jigawa, Kano, Katsina urge media to strengthen advocacy for child rights

    Schoolchildren from Jigawa, Kano, and Katsina states have called on the media to intensify advocacy for the protection of children’s rights, particularly in education, nutrition, and social justice.

    The appeal was made during a panel discussion organised by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) to mark the 2025 World Children’s Day at Tahir Hotel.

    The session brought together child representatives from the three states, who raised concerns over the rising numbers of out-of-school children, malnutrition, weak healthcare systems, inadequate school security, child abuse, and poor hygiene.

    They emphasised that full implementation of existing policies, including the Child Protection Law and the Nutrition Policy, would help eliminate barriers affecting children’s survival and development.

    The children also urged UNICEF, government agencies, the media, and the general public to strengthen collaboration on policies and programmes that protect their well-being and secure a better future for every child.

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    Speaking at the event, the Chief of UNICEF Kano Field Office, Mr. Rahama Rihood Mohammed Farah, said UNICEF continues to provide technical and financial support to improve child survival and development indicators across the region.

    He noted that recent reports show increased government and public commitment to child rights protection, with improvements in immunisation coverage, access to basic education, and primary healthcare—accompanied by reductions in child mortality, malnutrition, and the out-of-school population.

    “As we celebrate these gains, we also acknowledge the major challenges that remain,” he said. “UNICEF will continue to work with all stakeholders to support interventions that enhance the survival and development of children.”