The Nation Newspaper

Category: Northern Report

  • Kaduna accelerates statewide infrastructure projects under Uba Sani – KADRA boss

    Kaduna accelerates statewide infrastructure projects under Uba Sani – KADRA boss

    The Kaduna State Government has intensified major infrastructure projects across the state in line with Governor Uba Sani’s development blueprint, according to the Managing Director of the Kaduna State Roads Agency (KADRA), Dr. Abdullahi Baba Ahmed.

    Dr. Ahmed, who also serves as the Governor’s Overseeing Adviser on Project Monitoring, Implementation, and Result Delivery, led an inspection team to several ongoing projects in Zone 1.

    He said all 23 local government areas had benefited from at least one major intervention in the last two years.

    In Zaria Local Government, he noted that the administration inherited the 35km Dogon Bauchi–Kakiyeyi–River Galma road project and has now completed it fully.

    The Hanwa–Agoro–Hanga Ruga rural access road has also been completed, delivering long-awaited relief to communities previously hindered by poor connectivity.

    He added that the 35.6km Bagoma–Gagumi road in Birnin Gwari stands as the longest new road project in the area in decades, while the 35km Gadan Gayan–Gwaraji–Kujama Junction road linking Igabi and Chikun LGAs is already transforming the movement of goods and people along the corridor.

    Other roads inspected include the Makarfi–Durum–Kurntumawa road, the Kudan–Sabongari road, and several access routes around the Sabongari Market designed to ease traffic congestion and improve commercial activities.

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    The inspection team also visited Makarfi General Hospital, which is undergoing comprehensive remodelling, structural upgrades, and installation of modern medical equipment as part of the state’s efforts to revitalise healthcare infrastructure.

    Ziad Karam of MotherCat Ltd., contractors handling the Zaria and Makarfi road projects, said construction had reached the final stages, with hydraulic structures and earthworks completed.

    He assured that MotherCat would deliver the roads before the end of the year and praised host communities for their cooperation.

    Site Engineer for the Makarfi General Hospital, Mr. Gbolahan Awoleru, said electrical installations, roofing, and tiling had been completed.

    He affirmed that the hospital would be ready for handover before year-end, describing the project as a “major boost” to healthcare delivery in the zone.

    Residents of Sabongari and neighbouring communities commended the government for the renewed momentum on development projects.

    Bashir Ahmed, a trader at the Sabongari Central Market, said road works had eased business activities, while another resident described the hospital renovation as “long overdue.”

    Dr. Ahmed reaffirmed that major contractors—including MotherCat, CGC China, CCECC, PW, and FAMTRAC—are actively handling various projects across the state.

    He stressed that all interventions align with Governor Uba Sani’s agenda to strengthen infrastructure, expand economic opportunities, and improve citizens’ quality of life.

    He assured that the government would maintain close monitoring to ensure timely delivery and adherence to high construction standards across all project sites.

  • Northern elders push for bold reforms at ACF’s 25th anniversary in Kaduna

    Northern elders push for bold reforms at ACF’s 25th anniversary in Kaduna

    Influential Northern elders, political leaders, and cultural figures on Thursday called for urgent reforms to tackle insecurity and accelerate development across the region during the Arewa Consultative Forum’s (ACF) 25th Anniversary celebration in Kaduna.

    The silver jubilee event featured technology and entrepreneurship exhibitions, women-focused pavilions, cultural displays, and an awards ceremony designed to showcase the North’s potential and highlight emerging innovations.

    Opening the session, Chairman of the ACF Board of Trustees, Alhaji Bashir Dalhatu, Wazirin Dutse, stressed the need for modern development models that empower young people and bridge inequality. “We must begin in earnest to plunge into modern developmental efforts,” he said, adding that the Forum has created platforms for experts to mentor young entrepreneurs and support innovative projects.

    Dalhatu noted that the North’s progress must be anchored on inclusive development rather than economic growth alone. He reiterated ACF’s commitment to narrowing the gap between the haves and have-nots and promoting unity under the mantra, “North is one people, one North.” He further acknowledged the region’s persistent security challenges, urging security agencies to adopt more effective strategies. “We appreciate their sacrifices, but it is time to look for further, better, more effective means of curtailing insecurity,” he said.

    READ ALSO; Senate seeks fresh solutions to rising insecurity

    Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (rtd), described the anniversary as an opportunity to reflect on the region’s journey and chart its future. Emphasizing the theme “Creative Economy: Engaging the Youth,” he said, empowering young people is key to addressing the North’s development gaps. “Northern Nigeria is a microcosm of the nation. When one part of the country develops, that progress translates to others,” he added, noting the region’s growing social and cultural diversity.

    Representatives of Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, and the Chief of Defence Staff also delivered goodwill messages, underscoring the importance of national unity and encouraging the strategic use of tourism as a tool for strengthening security and fostering community development.

    A high-level roundtable on “Tourism for Security,” chaired by Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, underscored the connection between economic opportunity and stability. “Tourism and security are inseparable. Visitors will not explore our heritage sites or cultural festivals if they fear for their safety,” she said, adding that insecurity often stems from exclusion, poverty, and alienation.

    Musawa urged collaboration between the government, investors, communities, and security agencies to safeguard heritage sites and protect the region’s developmental vision.

    Other dignitaries at the event included former Minister of Information Alhaji Lai Mohammed, former Kaduna State Governor Ramalan Yero, Nasiru Gwamdu Sardaunan Dutse, and the Emir of Zazzau’s representative, Wazirin Zazzau Muhammad Inuwa, alongside other Northern elites.

    The ACF’s 25th anniversary celebration served as both a reflection on the past and a call to action, emphasizing that the North must adopt innovative, inclusive, and security-conscious strategies to ensure sustainable growth and unity for the region’s future.

  • Kaduna reaffirms commitment to child rights as UNICEF reports Record 18.3m out-of-school children

    Kaduna reaffirms commitment to child rights as UNICEF reports Record 18.3m out-of-school children

    The Kaduna State Government has restated its commitment to promoting and protecting child rights as UNICEF revealed that Nigeria now has 18.3 million out-of-school children—the highest figure ever recorded.

    The statistics were released during the 2025 World Children’s Day celebration in Kaduna, jointly organised by the Ministry of Human Services and Social Development and UNICEF, under the theme “My Day, My Rights.”

    UNICEF’s Chief of Field Office in Kaduna, Dr. Gerida Birukila, said the surge in out-of-school children—10.2 million at the primary level and 8.1 million at the secondary level—reflects worsening inequality, insecurity, and poverty.

    She noted that 73 per cent of children aged 7–14 cannot read a simple sentence, while 75 per cent cannot solve basic maths problems.

    READ ALSO; Senate seeks fresh solutions to rising insecurity

    Birukila further highlighted alarming child wellbeing indicators: nearly half of Nigerian children live in income poverty, 70 per cent of households lack access to safe drinking water, 40 per cent of children under five are stunted, and 90 per cent have experienced violence. She stressed that addressing these issues requires strong political will and child-centred policies.

    Kaduna State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Rabi Salisu, said Governor Uba Sani’s administration is implementing targeted programmes to strengthen child protection systems, expand access to quality education, enhance welfare services, support children with disabilities, and improve nutrition and early childhood development.

    She described World Children’s Day as a renewed call to build “a society where every child can survive, thrive, learn and be heard.”

    Also speaking, Commissioner for Information, Ahmed Maiyaki, said the state has reopened more than 500 schools previously shut due to insecurity, following significant improvements achieved through Kaduna’s peace model. He added that the participation of public school pupils at the event demonstrates renewed confidence in the education system.

    Maiyaki urged journalists to prioritise accurate reporting and budget tracking on child-rights issues, noting that UNICEF’s statistics—showing that 70–80 per cent of out-of-school children are in northern Nigeria—should drive stronger accountability among stakeholders.

    The event featured presentations by pupils from various public schools, who voiced hopes for improved learning conditions, safer communities, and better opportunities for Nigerian children.

  • Rights group urges Tinubu to halt illegal mining, rising political thuggery in Benue

    Rights group urges Tinubu to halt illegal mining, rising political thuggery in Benue

    A civil society organisation, the Centre for Democracy and Human Rights (CEDEHUR), has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently intervene in what it described as the escalating illegal mining activities and a growing wave of political thuggery threatening stability in Benue State.

    Addressing journalists in Abuja on Thursday, CEDEHUR spokesperson, Comrade Adebayo Lion Ogory, said the situation in several communities has deteriorated sharply in recent months, with no decisive response from state authorities despite repeated warnings.

    Ogory disclosed that illegal mining operations—allegedly involving foreign nationals—have continued unchecked in protected areas of the state.

    He noted that two youths were reportedly killed last weekend in the Turan district of Kwande Local Government Area in connection with such activities, sparking widespread fear and anger among residents.

    READ ALSO; Senate seeks fresh solutions to rising insecurity

    According to him, the incidents reflect a broader governance failure that has allowed insecurity, violence, and lawlessness to fester. Several parts of the state, including Turan, Logo, Gwer West, and Agatu, have witnessed recurring attacks by armed herdsmen, leading to loss of lives, displacement of households, and destruction of farmlands.

    CEDEHUR warned that the pattern poses a severe threat to food production in a state where agriculture remains the backbone of the local economy.

    Beyond the security concerns, the rights group accused some state agencies of administrative lapses and financial misconduct. Ogory alleged reports of questionable contract processes, misappropriation of funds, and weak institutional oversight, saying the lack of corrective action has deepened public distrust.

    CEDEHUR also faulted a reported directive by Governor Hyacinth Alia restricting public gatherings without government approval, describing it as an attempt to shrink civic space and muzzle democratic engagement. The organisation called on APC national chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, to clarify the party’s position on the matter.

    The group urged federal law enforcement and anti-corruption bodies to investigate allegations of fund diversion, human rights abuses, and a breakdown of law and order in Benue.

    Ogory stressed that without coordinated intervention from the federal government, the situation could worsen, putting more communities at risk and further eroding confidence in governance structures.

    He said only swift action—beginning with an immediate end to illegal mining and political thuggery—can restore stability, protect vulnerable communities, and reassure residents that the government at all levels remains committed to their safety and welfare.

  • UNICEF, IWEI to return 1,500 out-of-school children to classrooms in Jigawa

    UNICEF, IWEI to return 1,500 out-of-school children to classrooms in Jigawa

    The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), in collaboration with the Isa Wali Empowerment Initiative (IWEI) and the Jigawa State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), is set to return about 1,500 out-of-school children to classrooms across Jigawa State.

    Executive Director of IWEI, Hajiya Amina Hanga, disclosed this while addressing journalists at the close-out event of the Building Community Power to End Harmful Practices project held at the Ahmadu Bello Hall, Jigawa State Secretariat, Dutse.

    Hanga said UNICEF and IWEI had concluded arrangements to reintegrate a significant number of project participants, most of whom are out-of-school children. She explained that the project, implemented across Jigawa and Katsina states, covered eight communities in four local government areas in Jigawa.

    As part of the initiative, IWEI and UNICEF worked closely with SUBEB to finalise all preparations for the children’s re-enrolment at appropriate class levels to ensure continuity in their education.

    Hanga noted that IWEI—established in 2009 as a non-governmental, non-profit organisation—focuses on equipping young women and girls with the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to achieve financial independence and contribute meaningfully to society.

    “In collaboration with UNICEF, IWEI executed the Building Community Power to End Harmful Practices (Child Marriage) project in Jigawa State,” she said.

    She revealed that the first phase of the project, conducted between January and June 2025, reached 1,500 out-of-school girls, while the second phase, implemented from August to November 2025, introduced Gender Transformative Positive Parenting (GTP) sessions that engaged 1,200 parents—60 per cent male and 40 per cent female.

    According to her, the GTP sessions promoted positive parenting, strengthened gender-equitable decision-making, and expanded family support for girls’ education and empowerment.

    She added that the project also improved the well-being of 500 adolescent girls and young women aged 15 to 24 across Dutse, Birnin Kudu, Jahun, and Kiyawa local government areas, giving beneficiaries access to vocational skills, financial inclusion schemes, and enhanced economic opportunities. Communities also recorded increased commitment to ending harmful practices, including child marriage.

  • Southern Islamic scholars dismiss claims of Christian genocide in Nigeria

    Southern Islamic scholars dismiss claims of Christian genocide in Nigeria

    Prominent Islamic clerics and scholars have refuted claims of an alleged genocide against Christians in Nigeria, insisting that such narratives are misleading and capable of fuelling division.

    The position was made known on Wednesday at the one-day Special Southern Ulammah Summit organised by the Congregation of Southern Nigerian Ulammah in Ibadan. 

    The summit, themed Confronting the Economic and Security Challenges Facing Islamic Ummah in Southern Nigeria, drew notable Islamic clerics, scholars and leaders from across the South and beyond.

    Among the distinguished personalities in attendance were former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Dimeji Bankole; Asiwaju Musulumi of Oyo State, Alhaji Mutiu Oladejo; former Dean, Faculty of Arts, University of Ibadan, Professor Afis Oladosu; Chief Imam of Lekki Central Mosque, Dr Ridwan Jamiu; Professor Abideen Olaiya; and National Ameer of the Federation of Ahlus-Sunnah Organisations of Nigeria (FASON), Shaykh Tajudeen Abdul Kareem.

    Others included Sheikh Ahmad Abubakar Gumi; Chairman, Muslim Community in Oyo State, Alhaji Kunle Sanni; Chief Imam of the University of Ibadan, Professor Ibrahim Usman; Dr Nurudeen Asunogie; and the Chief Host, Sheikh Isa Akindele Salaudeen. 

    Other scholars such as Professor Ibrahim Oreagba, Dr Ismail Yunus, Dr Bilal Asrau, Professor Iyasu Usman of the National Mosque Abuja, Sheik Abdulfattah Thanni, Dr Bashir Aliyu Umar, Sheik Haroon Ajah, Sheik Imran Eleha and Dr Lukman Fasasi were also present.

    Speakers at the summit emphasised that claims of Christian genocide in Nigeria are unfounded, adding that Muslims have equally suffered casualties in various attacks. 

    They stressed that terrorism has no foundation in Islam and urged Nigerians not to succumb to divisive external influences.

    In his welcome address, Chief Host Sheikh Isa Akindele Salaudeen said the Muslim Ummah in Southern Nigeria faces significant economic and security challenges. 

    He noted that the summit was convened to provide a platform for sharing ideas and proffering solutions to issues confronting communities across the region.

    He said, “This gathering of like-minded individuals is timely and urgent. Islam teaches us to confront the difficulties of our society with courage, wisdom and collective resolve. Our communities feel the weight of rising insecurity, economic hardship, and limited access to essential services, yet Allah does not burden a people beyond what they can bear.”

    He added that the summit aims to foster honest dialogue, stronger collaboration among communities, and renewed commitment to addressing shared challenges.

    Read Also: Alleged Christian genocide: U.S. statements emboldened violent groups in Nigeria, Fed Govt warns

    Speaking on insecurity, Professor Afis Oladosu traced the rise of insurgency in Nigeria to around 2009, stressing that terrorists do not discriminate based on religion. 

    He urged Islamic clerics to guard against manipulation for selfish interests and to prioritise unity.

    Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, in his remarks, accused the United States and its President Donald Trump of using divisive rhetoric to pursue economic interests in Nigeria. 

    He warned that foreign powers may attempt to exploit Nigeria’s natural resources, especially in mineral-rich states such as Zamfara, through tactics that promote internal division.

    Gumi urged Nigerians to resist external interference, saying, “We Muslims and Christians are living peacefully in this country. How can we allow a foreigner to divide us? It is because of our resources. We should not allow them to divide us.”

    Professor Ibrahim Oreagba described Nigeria as “a land of many opportunities” and encouraged Muslims to unite and explore emerging prospects, including the Halal economy and Islamic finance.

    Hon. Dimeji Bankole, addressing participants, reaffirmed that Nigeria’s unity remains non-negotiable. 

    He pledged support for initiatives aimed at promoting peace and national cohesion, saying, “I am in total support of whatever the deliberation of this conference is, so long as it is for the progress of Nigeria. Nigeria first.”

  • Zamfara gov’t launches initiatives to enhance child nutrition, protect vulnerable children, women

    Zamfara gov’t launches initiatives to enhance child nutrition, protect vulnerable children, women

    The Zamfara State Government has launched key initiatives to improve the lives of children and vulnerable populations in Zamfara state.

    The initiatives include a 5-year Social and Behaviour Change (SBC) on child nutrition (2025-2030) strategy, and a strategy for implementing the state’s alternative childcare guidelines.

    These efforts aim to enhance child nutrition and ensure effective implementation of the standardized care and protection for children across Zamfara state.

    The Deputy Governor, Mani Malam Mummuni, on behalf of Governor Dauda Lawal unveiled the strategies in Gusau on Tuesday, alongside UNICEF country representative, Mrs Wafaa Saeed Abdelatef who led her team on a courtesy visit to the Governor.

    The strategic documents were developed with UNICEF’s support, demonstrating the commitment of Governor Dauda Lawal’s administration to exploring partnerships toward improving the welfare of children and vulnerable populations in Zamfara state.

    While unveiling the documents, the Deputy Governor appreciated UNICEF for being a good partner, reassuring the state government’s commitment to providing the enabling environment and institutional support required to ensure meaningful impacts of all joint programmes.

    “We really value UNICEF’s long-standing partnership and commitment to improving the lives of children and vulnerable populations across our state.

    Read Also: Attacks: Tinubu puts troops on highest-ever red alert

    “Your support has continued to complement our administration’s rescue and development agenda, especially in addressing the needs of displaced children, increasing school enrollment, expanding immunization coverage, and improving service delivery in rural areas,” the Deputy Governor said.

    In additional remarks, the Secretary to the Zamfara State Government (SSG), Malam Abubakar Mohammad Nakwada advocated for deeper collaboration with UNICEF on three priority areas to accelerate outcomes for children and women across Zamfara state.

    “First, is the construction of child-friendly model classrooms built to UNICEF’s standard, similar to successful models in countries like Bangladesh.

    “Secondly, we seek partnership in establishing child-friendly healthcare facilities in each of the three senatorial districts in the state.

    “Thirdly, we look forward to strengthening evidence-based data generation to improve planning, budgeting and geographical investments in children and women.

    “One key proposal is the conduct of a state general households survey in the 2026 fiscal year, to generate reliable data that will directly guide public-sector responses and resource allocation,” the SSG highlighted.

    Earlier, UNICEF’s country representative, Mrs Wafaa Saeed commended Governor Lawal’s administration for the prompt payment of N500 million counter funding to the nutrition program and for its commitment to providing human resources in the health and education sectors, adding that the fund will continue to support the efforts of the state government.

    “We are here to listen to your priorities and support your efforts.

    “In Zamfara, the leadership has always paid attention to get the human resources for health and education.

    “I really want to commend your leadership commitment. This is really great,” she applauded.

    Additionally, the Zamfara State Government commissioned Sexual Assault Refferal Centre in King Fahad General Hospital Gusau.

    The centre named after the state’s First Lady, Her Excellency Hajiya Huriyya Dauda Lawal will provide medical, psycho-social, legal and livelihoods support to the survivors of sexual assault.

    The commissioning of the centre demonstrates the commitment of Governor Lawal’s administration to enhance its response against gender-based violence and support survivors in accessing essential services.

    Suleman Ahmad Tudu

    Senior Special Assistant (Media)

    Office of the Secretary to the Zamfara State Government.

  • Governor Lawal to join Tinubu’s team to G20 meeting in South Africa

    Governor Lawal to join Tinubu’s team to G20 meeting in South Africa

    Governor Dauda Lawal has been selected to accompany President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the 20th Heads of State and Government Summit of the Group of 20 (G20) in South Africa.

    The summit, scheduled for November 22nd and 23rd, will include six Nigerian Governors as part of the President’s delegation.

    A statement by the Zamfara Governor’s Spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, revealed that all G20 member states will be represented at the summit.

    The statement also noted that the gathering will feature 16 guest countries and six countries representing regional economic communities from Africa, the Caribbean, and East Asia.

    Read Also: ISWAP leader sentenced to 20 years imprisonment over terror attacks

    The statement said: “Governor Dauda Lawal has been selected as a member of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s delegation for the G20 summit in Johannesburg, South Africa.

    Other governors in the delegation include those from Osun State, Plateau State, Gombe State, Katsina State, Niger State, Enugu State, and Nasarawa State.

    “The leaders’ summit is the culmination of the G20 process, reflecting all the work done throughout the year through Ministerial Meetings, Working Groups, and Engagement Groups.

    “Furthermore, the G20 meeting in South Africa will have three sessions during the two-day summit.

    “Discussions will cover a wide range of issues, including trade, development finance, the global debt challenge, climate change, food systems, the just transition, critical minerals, decent work, and artificial intelligence contributions.”

  • Governor offers full scholarships to students at Zaria aviation college

    Governor offers full scholarships to students at Zaria aviation college

    Governor Dauda Lawal has approved full scholarships for students from Zamfara State to study at the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, Zaria.

    This was announced in a statement by the Executive Secretary Zamfara State Scholarship Board, Professor Rasheedah Liman, recently.

    She said the initiative aligns with the administration’s Six-Point Agenda and its Rescue Mission, with particular emphasis on strengthening the educational sector and building a highly skilled workforce for the future.

    “The beneficiaries were selected strictly on merit, following a series of rigorous examinations and interviews conducted by the institution,” the statement said.

    Read Also: Attacks: Tinubu puts troops on highest-ever red alert

    She said, “under this programme, the sponsored students will undergo specialized training as Standard Pilots and Aircraft Maintenance Engineers.”

    The statement said the Zamfara government has committed to providing all necessary academic, financial, and welfare support to ensure they excel throughout their training.

    “This strategic investment is aimed at addressing the growing manpower needs of Zamfara State, especially as the aviation sector continues to expand. Upon completion of their studies, the trained Pilots and Aviation Engineers will play critical roles in advancing aviation-related development within the state and contributing to national growth,” Professor Rasheeda said.

    The Zamfara State Government remains committed to empowering its youth, promoting excellence, and enhancing access to quality education—especially in specialized and highly technical fields, she said.

  • Zamfara gov’t begins massive rehabilitation of rural water facilities

    Zamfara gov’t begins massive rehabilitation of rural water facilities

    A total of 30 motorized and 248 hand pump boreholes will be repaired across rural areas of  Zamfara state.

    This was revealed by the Programme Manager of the Zamfara State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA), Dr Galadima Abubakar Nasiru, in an interview with journalists in Gusau.

    He said the rehabilitation of rural water supply facilities across the state is part of efforts to improve access to safe drinking water for rural dwellers.

    He said the rehabilitation exercise, expected to commence soon, is a key component of Governor Dauda Lawal’s Rescue Mission Agenda designed to raise the living standards of rural dwellers and address persistent water scarcity in many communities.

    Read Also: ISWAP leader sentenced to 20 years imprisonment over terror attacks

    Dr Galadima commended Governor Lawal for his steady commitment and support towards the development of rural areas in all 14 local government areas of the state.

    The project will cover the rehabilitation of 30 solar motorised boreholes and 248 hand pump boreholes across the state.” he said.

    He said the initiative will restore nonfunctional water systems, strengthen sanitation services, improve public health and enhance the overall quality of life for rural communities in Zamfara.