The Nation Newspaper

Category: Northern Report

  • Urban renewal: Road crashes drop in Zamfara 

    Urban renewal: Road crashes drop in Zamfara 

    The Zamfara Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has announced a six per cent reduction in road accidents compared to 2024 in the state.

    This was disclosed to newsmen in Gusau, the state capital, by the Sector Commander, Aliyu Ma’aji, during a press briefing to flag off the 2025 Ember Months Campaign in the state.

    The Sector Commander explained that in 2025, the Corps recorded 46 road crashes compared to 56 accidents recorded in 2024, which he said accounts for a decrease of 6.27 per cent.

    According to Ma’aji, in 2024, road crashes claimed the lives of 51 persons and injured 259 others, noting that the mixed loading of goods, animals, and passengers in trucks largely caused the casualties.

    The Sector Commander noted that the theme of this year’s campaign, “Take Responsibility for Your Safety: Stop Distracted Driving,” reinforces the view that human factors are the major causes of road crashes.

    He lamented that drivers were largely responsible for most crashes on the highways, saying that records showed the major causes included driver fatigue, overloading of passengers, conveyance of passengers in haulage vehicles, and travelling with fuel in plastic containers.

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    Ma’aji added that the Corps had mapped out formidable strategies to achieve its desired outcomes in the 2025 end-of-year campaign.

    The Guardian reports that the FRSC has attributed the deaths of more than 3,400 people in road crashes across Nigeria between January and September 2025 to driver recklessness and poor road use practices.

    Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed disclosed the figures in Abuja on Monday during the launch of the 2025 Ember Months Public Enlightenment and Sensitisation Campaign, themed “Take Responsibility for Your Safety: Stop Distracted Driving.”

    According to Mohammed, 3,433 people lost their lives and 22,162 others were injured in 6,858 reported crashes within the first nine months of the year. He noted that many of the crashes were preventable.

    The records showed that the major causes of these crashes were linked to driver fatigue, overloading of persons, conveyance of persons in haulage vehicles, and travelling with fuel in plastic containers,” he said.

    “Apparently, driver behaviour is a fundamental element in determining safety on our highways.”

    He explained that the Ember Months campaign was designed to raise awareness about the dangers of reckless driving, particularly during the festive period when crash rates tend to increase. The campaign will run from December 15 to January 15.

     END

  • We’re building a tech-driven Zamfara — Governor Lawal

    We’re building a tech-driven Zamfara — Governor Lawal

    Governor Dauda Lawal has reiterated his administration’s commitment to building a modern, technology-driven Zamfara State.

    The Governor declared the computer appreciation course for Commissioners and Special Advisers open at the Government House in Gusau on Tuesday.

    A statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, disclosed that the retreat is a clear commitment to repositioning Zamfara State for innovation, transparency, and efficiency.

    The statement added that the Computer Appreciation Training is a high-level retreat organized by the Zamfara Information and Communications Technology Agency (ZITDA).

    In his remarks at the opening, Governor Lawal noted that the training on computer appreciation represents a key step toward achieving that vision.

    “Our goal is to ensure that every arm of government operates with the efficiency and precision that technology enables.

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    “This initiative is both timely and strategic. We live in an era where technology is transforming every aspect of governance.

    “From how we plan and make decisions, to how we communicate and deliver services to our citizens. In this digital age, competence in basic computing is no longer optional; it is essential for effective public service delivery.

    “ZITDA has initiated essential digital reforms, including the Zamfara e-Governance Platform (e-GovConnect), the Digital Literacy Framework, and partnerships with global tech companies to boost digital skills in the state. This training empowers senior government officials with the tools needed for effective leadership.

    “I urge all participants to take this program seriously. The knowledge you acquire here should be applied in your respective ministries and offices to improve productivity, accountability, and service delivery.

    “Our citizens deserve a government that is smart, connected, and responsive — and that, ladies and gentlemen, begins with us. Therefore, know now that at the end of this exercise, there will be a test of what you have learned, and it will form part of the skill development component of your performance appraisal.”

  • Two million children vaccinated against measles, rubella in Zamfara 

    Two million children vaccinated against measles, rubella in Zamfara 

     The Polio Emergency Operations Centre in Zamfara said over 2 million children have been vaccinated against measles and rubella diseases in the state.

    Dr Murtala Salahudeen, the Incident Manager in charge of the Centre, disclosed this in Gusau on Saturday at the press conference to mark World Polio Day.

    Salahudeen further said that over 1.8 million children from 0-59 months in the state have been vaccinated against the polio virus.

    He described the achievement as a great step in the protection of children from deadly but preventable diseases.

    “You know, today is an important day to create awareness among the general public on the significant threats of polio to the socioeconomic development of the society.

    “Part of today’s activities, we review achievements and challenges in the fight against polio and other killer diseases.

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    “Based on various measures taken by the state government in collaboration with development partners, especially the World Health Organisation (WHO), we have recorded tremendous achievements in Zamfara,” the manager said.

    Salahudeen said that the successes were a result of the commitment of the state government and the strong partnership with all the stakeholders.

    “The declaration of emergency in the health sector by Gov. Dauda Lawal contributed to the various successes.

    “The state government, in collaboration with the partners, ensured active technical support and necessary funding from the government to provide polio eradication vaccines,” he declared.

    According to him, the WHO, UNICEF, Chigari, Sultan and Salina Foundations had contributed to reaching out to many hitherto unvaccinated children.

    “WHO had provided significant funding and logistics support to reach out to communities.

    “The WHO, UNICEF and other partners were also able to provide technical support and capacity building to the implementation of routine immunisation activities across the 14 LGAs.

    “The state government ensured active collaboration by providing all the needed health personnel, facilities and good working environments towards eradicating polio,” the manager explained.

    According to Salahudeen, following a strong collaboration between the state government and the security agencies, many hard-to-reach areas were accessed.

    “We were able to vaccinate the children even in the nomadic communities,” he said. 

  • Zamfara govt commits to polio eradication

    Zamfara govt commits to polio eradication

    Dr Husaini Yakubu, Executive Secretary of the Zamfara Primary Healthcare Board, has reaffirmed the state government’s commitment and that of other partners to eradicating polio in the state.

    Yakubu said this at the 2025 World Polio Day celebration held at the Emir of Gusau’s Palace on Saturday in Gusau.

    The ceremony was attended by polio survivors, government officials, representatives from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), among others.

    Yakubu described the active participation in the polio and rubella vaccination by the stakeholders in the state as a welcome development.

    He attributed the successes recorded in the fight against polio in the state to the active collaboration between the state government and partners.

    Yakubu also commended Gov. Dauda Lawal for declaring a state of emergency in the health sector.

    According to him, various measures taken by the state government and support from stakeholders had resulted in the successes recorded in the fight against polio in the state.

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    “Despite the challenges of insecurity, the state has maintained its polio-free status.

    “We will continue to collaborate with partners and all stakeholders to ensure children in the state are strongly protected from killer diseases.

    “The state government will continue to pay all required counterpart funding for various healthcare development programmes,” Yakubu said.

    In his remarks, the Emir of Gusau, Alhaji Abdulkadir Ibrahim-Bello, promised the Emirate’s continued support for polio eradication in the state.

    Represented by the Secretary of the emirate, Sambo Sambo, it would continue to mobilise religious and community leaders toward polio eradication.

    “We are ready to continue collaborating with the state government, WHO, UNICEF, and other partners to maintain the successes recorded in polio eradication in the state.

    “We will continue to engage our subjects and sensitise them on the significance of the health benefits of polio vaccination.

    “We are achieving success in sensitising our subjects, and we are seeing more acceptance of polio and measles vaccination exercises from parents and communities.

    “Our people are responding to all activities, and they obey all the directives given by the emirate, which has led to various successes recorded,” Ibrahim said.

  • Zamfara First lady donates learning materials to students

    Zamfara First lady donates learning materials to students

    Zamfara State First Lady Hajiya Hurriya Lawal has donated learning materials to students in the state in a move to deepen digital literacy and women’s empowerment.

    She also praised First Lady Oluremi Tinubu for establishing digital learning centres in 10 states of the federation.

    Mrs Lawal, who unveiled the Gusau centre, said the facility would afford students, teachers and researchers the opportunity to gain access to the world through the internet.

    She stated this when she hosted Mrs Tinubu recently, who came to inaugurate the centre in Gusau, adding that the centres would boost digital literacy and empower women through the Renewed Hope Initiative.

    Mrs Tinubu inaugurated the ten digital learning centres under the Renewed Hope Initiative in collaboration with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).

    Other states which benefited from the digital learning centres include Abia, Delta, Edo, Kano, Lagos, Katsina, Nasarawa, Ondo and Yobe.

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    She commended Mrs Tinubu for choosing Zamfara as one of the benefiting states, saying, “This project is not just about technology and computers, it is about empowering our youths, bridging the digital divides and opening new doors of knowledge and innovations to the good people of Zamfara and beyond.”

    According to the Zamfara State First Lady, “education is the bedrock of development. In today’s digital world, access to modern learning tools is no longer a luxury but a necessity. Through this library, students, teachers, researchers and the wider public would have access to the world’s information, resources and opportunities right at their fingertips.

    “The Renewed Hope Initiative championed by our beloved mother, the mother of the nation, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, is driven by a vision to support education, innovation and social development.”

    Earlier, the Zamfara State Commissioner for Education, Malam Wadatau Madawaki, was represented by the Permanent Secretary, who stated that the project aligns with the state government’s desire, under Governor Dauda Lawal, to develop the educational sector. The representative assured the use of the facility to boost digital learning.

    “This project resonates profoundly with the vision of Governor Lawal, who, upon assumption of office, declared a state of emergency on education.”

  • Early detection key to beating cancer – Zamfara first lady

    Early detection key to beating cancer – Zamfara first lady

    The Wife of Zamfara Governor, Hajiya Huriyya Lawal, says early detection is the most effective way to treat and reduce the impact of cancer among women.

    Mrs Lawal reaffirmed her commitment to the fight against cancer in her message to commemorate the 2025 World Breast Cancer Day to raise public awareness on the preventive measures to fight the disease.

    “As women, we must care for ourselves and one another. For those battling with cancer, let us stand with them in love, strength and hope.

    “Together, we can build a future where no one faces cancer alone.

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    “Behind every cancer diagnosis is a face, a name, and a life that deserves care and dignity,” she said.

    The governor’s wife urged women to prioritise their health through regular screenings and to support initiatives that promote cancer awareness and treatment.

    She commended the people of Zamfara, especially women, for their resilience and commitment to health, assuring them of her continued advocacy for cancer prevention, awareness and access to quality care.

    Mrs Lawal is the National Secretary of the First Ladies Against Cancer (FLAC) initiative, a coalition of Nigerian governors’ wives leading efforts to combat cancer through advocacy, policy reform, and direct community intervention.

    World Breast Cancer Day was observed on Oct. 1

  • Akume: northcentral vital to Nigeria’s non-oil export growth

    Akume: northcentral vital to Nigeria’s non-oil export growth

    The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, has said the vast economic potential of the northcentral is vital to the country’s non-oil exports.

    A statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yomi Odunuga, quoted Akume as sàying the region’s rich mineral deposits and strong agricultural base give it a strategic advantage in driving national economic diversification.

    The SGF noted that with sustained improvements in logistics and transport infrastructure, the Northcentral could play a leading role in boosting Nigeria’s non-oil export sector.

    Akume spoke in Jos, the Plateau State capital, while inaugurating the Senator George Akume’s 250-seater conference centre at the northcentral zonal office of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC).

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    “With improved logistics infrastructure, this region can become a key driver of Nigeria’s diversification agenda,” he said.

    Speaking as the special guest of honour, Senator Akume hailed the Nigerian Shippers’ Council and the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy for what he called “a testament to commitment and vision” in strengthening Nigeria’s logistics and maritime system.

    “This edifice is not just a building; it is a statement of vision, a testament to commitment, and a reflection of the renewed energy driving Nigeria’s port and logistics system under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” Akume said.

    The SGF said across the world, economic progress is built on solid infrastructure, adding that efficient ports, roads, railways, and dry ports are “the arteries through which the lifeblood of commerce flows”.

    Akume reiterated that the Federal Government, under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, was prioritising investment in critical transport and trade infrastructure across all regions of the country — from the coastlines to the hinterlands — to boost connectivity and competitiveness.

    “We are building an economy that thrives on connectivity.

    “An economy where a farmer in Benue can ship produce seamlessly to Lagos Port, and an exporter in Jos can access global markets without unnecessary bottlenecks,” he added.

  • Okai commends Tinubu for appointing Gen. Shaibu as Chief of Army Staff

    Okai commends Tinubu for appointing Gen. Shaibu as Chief of Army Staff

    …calls for national cooperation as he describes Army chief as ‘no-nonsense officer’

    Comrade Usman Okai Austin has lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing General Waidi Shaibu as Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, describing him as “a no-nonsense officer who will not fail in his assignment.”

    In a statement to the media, Okai praised General Shaibu’s outstanding record as Theatre Commander of the Joint Task Force, Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), where he led several successful counterinsurgency operations in the Northeast.

    “Over the past three decades, General Shaibu has distinguished himself as one of the Nigerian Army’s most experienced, disciplined, and intellectually grounded officers,” Okai stated.

    He described the appointment as “a square peg in a square hole,” adding that the President’s choice reflects his commitment to strengthening the leadership and operational capacity of the Armed Forces.

    Okai urged Nigerians and all security agencies to give their full cooperation to the new Army Chief in the collective fight against insecurity.

    According to him, national security cannot be achieved by one institution alone, stressing the need for greater synergy among all arms of the nation’s security architecture.

    He also commended the Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr. Tosin Ajaye, along with the leadership of the Navy and Air Force, noting that “the time to address the nation’s insecurity is now,” with active collaboration from all stakeholders, including citizens.

    Okai concluded by calling on Nigerians to support the Armed Forces and other security agencies as they work together to restore and maintain peace and stability across the country.

  • Kwara community ends 40-year water scarcity

    Kwara community ends 40-year water scarcity

    Residents of Jebba in Moro Local Government Area of Kwara State are excited over the availability of potable water in the community.

    The community, surrounded by water, River Niger, has suffered water scarcity for over three decades.

    But with the launch of Jebba Water Works in May last year, water now flows in the taps of residents of the riverine community.

    The water works currently produces about 200,000 litres of water daily, supplying 150,000 litres to the overhead tank for distribution across the community.

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    An indigene of the community, Sulaiman Abdulwaheed, told reporters during a media tour, that residents now have access to clean, drinking water for at least four hours on a daily basis.

    Abdulwaheed, a causal operator of the water facility, said the plant sourced its water from River Niger, which passed through purification stages before reaching consumers.

    “We get the water from River Niger to the pressure house where sediments are removed, then to the filter where the water becomes about 70 per cent clean,” he said.

    He says the water is later transferred to another tank where chlorine and alum are added and left for between 15 and 30 hours before being released to the overhead tank for public use.

    Abdulwaheed said the community could enjoy up to 12 hours of daily water supply if the mainline pipe, overhead tank and power support systems were upgraded.

    “We currently pump water for about two to three hours daily because the mainline pipe cannot withstand higher pressure.

    “With a larger pipeline, an increased overhead tank capacity, and a standby generator to tackle power challenges, the community can have up to 12 hours of steady water supply.”

    Abdulwaheed hailed the state government for easing the community’s long struggle with water scarcity. He, however, appealed for further intervention to ensure sustainability.

    “The governor has truly relieved us of many years of hardship without water,” he said.

    He added: “We only ask that the government help increase the tank capacity from 200,000 litres to 300,000 litres and provide a standby generator, so our people can have regular access to clean water.”

  • 2027: Niger-Delta groups backs Tinubu’s re-election bid

    2027: Niger-Delta groups backs Tinubu’s re-election bid

    A group, Community Peace and Development Initiatives (CDI), has attributed the influx of opposition leaders to the All Progressives Congress (APC) to President  Bola Ahmed Tinubus’ exemplary leadership, proven track record in governance, and his unwavering commitment to the nation’s progress.

    In a communique after the group’s expanded leadership meeting in Yenagoa, Bayelsa Capital atvtge weekend, it resolved to “ embrace all new members who have recently decamped to the All Progressives Congress (APC)”.

    It stressed the resolution is a strategic move aimed at consolidating a broad-based platform for President Tinubus’ victory in 2027.

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    Part of the communique reads: “Members unanimously agreed to whole heartily welcome and embrace all new members who have recently decamped to the All Progressives Congress (APC). The forum decided to demonstrate its solidarity and presence on the day of their official declaration for the APC. The meeting recognised the growing influx of leaders from opposition parties who are inspired by the president’s exemplary leadership, proven track record in governance, and his unwavering commitment to the nation’s progress.”

    The forum also felicitated with Prince Preye Aganaba, on his appointment as the Executive Director of the South-South Development Commission, expressing confidence in his capacity to deliver effectively in his new role and pledged their continuous support.

    It also agreed to embark on LGA-to-LGA empowerment visits aimed at fostering community development and strengthening grassroots engagement across the state.