The Nation Newspaper

Category: Northern Report

  • Kano Governor clears N5.6 billion councillors’ dues

    Kano Governor clears N5.6 billion councillors’ dues

    Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf has disbursed N5,604,205,998 to 1,198 former councillors, fulfilling outstanding entitlements and prompting the Speaker of the Kano State House of Assembly, Jibrin Falgore, to endorse him for a second term.

    The APC councillors were denied their between 2018 to 2023 by the Abdullahi Ganduje administration, Yusuf said.

    Five years after a prolonged delay, Governor Yusuf has settled over N5.6 billion severance and furniture allowances owed to councillors.

    The Governor had earlier paid N1.8 billion in May 2025 to 903 former councillors who served between 2014 and 2017 as the first tranche. The second tranche of N5.6 billion is now being disbursed to 1,198 former councillors.

    Speaking during the payment of the second tranche, an excited Falgore said, “The only way we can repay him is to reelect him in 2027.”

    Governor Yusuf confirmed that bankers had been directed to begin crediting the councillors’ accounts immediately.

    Governor Yusuf said he inherited the liability of N15.6 billion from the previous APC-led administration, which failed to pay its councillors that served between 2014 and 2020 across the 44 local government areas.

    He described the payment as a defining moment for Kano State, emphasizing his administration’s commitment to restoring dignity, fairness, and justice to those who served at the grassroots level.

    “These are moments when we rise above the ordinary to restore dignity, fairness, and justice to those who have served with loyalty and dedication. Today, by the grace of Allah, is one of the defining moments in the history of Kano State.

    “It is my belief that many of you have already started receiving your alerts, as I instructed the bankers to begin crediting your accounts even before I finished my speech,” Yusuf added.

    He further assured that preparations were underway for the third and final tranche amounting to N8.2 billion which will cover 1,371 former councillors. He said the final payment is expected to be disbursed by the second week of November.

    Yusuf stressed that the initiative was not just a financial obligation but a means to strengthen trust between the government and its people.

    The governor added that government is not only about building roads, schools, or hospitals. It is also about building trust and honoring those who have served.

  • Nigeria @ 65: Uba Sani reaffirms unity, development, national renewal

    Nigeria @ 65: Uba Sani reaffirms unity, development, national renewal

    Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, has congratulated Nigerians on the nation’s 65th Independence anniversary, urging citizens to remain united, resilient, and committed to building a peaceful and prosperous country.

    In his Independence Day message, the governor described the anniversary as both “a celebration of our resilience and a call to reflection,” while paying tribute to the sacrifices of Nigeria’s founding fathers.

    He noted that the nation’s journey had been marked by challenges, but Nigerians have consistently demonstrated courage and hope.

    “Our path as a nation has been defined by resilience. Nigerians have shown an extraordinary capacity to endure and to hope. Together, we are overcoming. Together, we are rising,” the governor stated.

    READ ALSO: Nigeria @ 65: Wike hails Tinubu’s progress, urges Nigerians to embrace peace, unity

    Highlighting Kaduna’s progress under his administration, Sani listed 85 road projects covering 785 kilometres across the state, the reopening of key markets, and the reclamation of over 500,000 hectares of farmland.

    He added that more than 10,700 out-of-school children had returned to classrooms, 535 schools reopened, and 255 primary healthcare centres upgraded, alongside dedicating over 10 per cent of the 2025 budget to agriculture.

    On peacebuilding, the governor pointed to the expansion of community policing, as well as dialogue and reconciliation initiatives, aimed at strengthening security and fostering unity at the grassroots.

    He reaffirmed Kaduna’s alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, stressing that bold national reforms were restoring prosperity and investor confidence across the country.

    “Nigeria’s future is bright, and Kaduna’s role in that future is significant. With God’s guidance and our collective resolve, we will overcome our challenges and realise the full potential of our state and country,” Governor Sani added while wishing Nigerians a happy Independence Day.

  • Nigeria at 65: NUJ FCT seeks urgent action on insecurity, press freedom, journalists’ welfare

    Nigeria at 65: NUJ FCT seeks urgent action on insecurity, press freedom, journalists’ welfare

    The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has demanded urgent action on insecurity, press freedom, and journalists’ welfare in the country.

    As Nigeria marks 65 years of independence, the Council reflected not just on the gains of nationhood, but on the urgent and deepening challenges that continue to threaten our democracy, safety, and freedom of expression.

    In a statement on Wednesday, the Chairman, NUJ FCT Council, Comrade Grace Ike, said is the constitutional duty of the government to protect the lives and property of its citizens. 

    “Yet, the senseless and avoidable killing of our colleague, Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, a rising star in Nigerian journalism, tragically underscores the reality: insecurity remains a pressing crisis.

    READ ALSO: Nigeria @ 65: Wike hails Tinubu’s progress, urges Nigerians to embrace peace, unity

    “We cannot celebrate independence while journalists are hunted or silenced and citizens live in fear. The NUJ FCT Council once again calls for comprehensive security reforms, including community policing, consideration of state policing, and the deployment of modern surveillance technology such as CCTV in our cities. The Minister of the FCT and relevant security agencies must rise to the occasion and act, not with words, but with results,” she said. 

    She said journalists are not enemies of the state, but are the lifeblood of democracy, risking their lives daily to tell the truth, amplify the voices of the people, and hold those in power account. 

    “Their safety and welfare must be seen as national priorities. We demand: Improved working conditions; Fair remuneration and Psychosocial support for journalists exposed to trauma and danger

    “As we commemorate this symbolic anniversary, we rededicate ourselves to ethical journalism, anchored on truth, fairness, and public interest. But we cannot do it alone. Government, civil society, and the private sector must collaborate to protect the press and promote the ideals of freedom, justice, and accountability.

    “Sommie’s death is not just a personal loss; it is a national disgrace. She returned from abroad to serve her country with passion and professionalism. Her blood must not spill in vain. Let her memory ignite a renewed national commitment to protect journalists and confront insecurity with urgency and sincerity.

    “On this Independence Day, we call on Nigerians to remember that democracy dies in silence; and silence thrives when the press is unprotected,” Ike said. 

  • NAF Air strike, the accompanying photo and one other thing

    NAF Air strike, the accompanying photo and one other thing

    • By RAFIU AJAKAYE

    This is an unusual time — a dreadful one. We are not used to it. Lives are at stake. The anxiety is justified, and there is no dismissing people’s experiences and feelings — not by any inch. 

    Some have said we are in a state of war. It is their own way of saying it. However, in honor of the dead and to save everyone, this is a time to major only in the major. 

    So much has been said about the statement of the Nigerian Air Force which was issued yesterday. It has degenerated into arguments. Two things are at issue here: was there a statement on Monday September 29 by the NAF announcing an air strike on enemy position? Yes. The Air Force shared the statement on its official WhatsApp platform at 1:54pm yesterday. Some people claim the statement was not posted on their Facebook or other social handles. Does that invalidate its authenticity? No. Has the NAF disputed it issued the statement since it went viral yesterday? No. There is absolutely no basis for the disputations. Was there a security operation last night in the area of interest? Yes. There are pictures from the secret police, which was heavily involved in the operation last night. 

    Attached herewith are pictures from the DSS on the operation between Kogi and Kwara, in which several criminals were eliminated, and a screenshot from the NAF WhatsApp platform with editors. 

    What does the government gain in saying there was an operation if there was none? Many operations happen without getting to the media, legacy or new. When things are shared with the public, it is sometimes to keep our people at ease in times of tension. Nothing more. It serves no general good if we do not operate with minimal trust in times of crisis. 

    Read Also: Why Tinubu is committed to policy continuity, stability of governance, by SGF

    We should focus on the real issue, unite in the outrage against the enemies, and leave ‘fine, fine details’ for the good days. No one should have time for petty partisan bickering and twaddle now. 

    The other issue is the picture, which accompanied the NAF statement on different platforms. Yes, the NAF didn’t share its statement with the picture. But hey, what does that matter in the context of whether the operation happened? The problem would be if there was no engagement or airstrike at all, and someone just wrote a fiction and attached the picture. The strike happened. It did. 

    The news reporter in me took it further. At 3:11p.m. this afternoon, September 30, I spoke with the NAF spokesman Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame to confirm to me if he issued the statement. He confirmed he issued it! My call was to satisfy “all righteousness”. Multiple authoritative sources had earlier told me the airstrike took place. 

    News media (including Sahara Reporters) have used pictures from thousands of kilometers away to illustrate their stories — attached herewith are screenshots of news media using old pictures to illustrate new stories. What is the fuss about a picture of a previous air strike in Borno or Alabama accompanying the statement? 

    Politicians do not miss opportunities to wrong-foot their opponents. Average citizens who are concerned about all of us getting out of this crisis stronger and better as a community should not join such chitchat. It is not worth it.

    Finally, and this is in good faith, there is no truth to the claim that DSS withdrew weapons from the forest guards at any time. The leadership of the forest guards has disputed this claim. The DSS, for its part, has expressed strong reservations about the demoralising, albeit false, claim which was made in a viral video. We pray to God to console the bereaved woman— and every other ones — but her claim is not true. This clarification does not in any way delegitimise her grief. Not at all.  May God uphold her and others in her position. 

    We will get out of this stronger and safer. Let us remain United and calm, and refuse to be at daggers-drawn with ourselves. That will be a road to the Golgotha.

    ▪︎ Rafiu Ajakaye is the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor

  • Health workers laud Gov Sani over CONHESS implementation

    Health workers laud Gov Sani over CONHESS implementation

    The Kaduna State Council of the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) has commended Governor Uba Sani for implementing the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) and the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) for health workers in the state.

    The commendation was contained in a letter jointly signed by the state chairman, Comrade Ishaku Yakubu, and the state secretary, Comrade Christiana Bawa, and addressed to the governor.

    According to the association, the decision to effect the salary structures was an act of fairness and magnanimity that has rekindled the hope of many dedicated nurses in the governor’s administration and in the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    NANNM stated that Governor Sani had not only demonstrated genuine commitment to the welfare of nurses and other health workers but had also reaffirmed his passion for strengthening healthcare delivery in Kaduna State.

    It noted that the implementation of both CONHESS and CONMESS came at a time of competing demands on the state’s resources, yet the governor placed a premium on the well-being of health professionals.

    Read Also: Tinubu meets global investment leaders, reaffirms Nigeria’s readiness for partnerships

    “This visionary leadership has boosted morale, improved productivity, and positioned Kaduna State as a model of labour-friendly governance,” the council declared.

    The body maintained that such interventions would go a long way in improving healthcare outcomes in the state, as motivated workers are better positioned to deliver quality service to citizens.

    The nurses and midwives, while applauding the governor’s action, pledged continuous loyalty, dedication, and professional excellence in service of Kaduna State as their contribution to his transformative agenda in the health sector.

  • Abuja youths forum mourns Arise TV anchor, calls for improved security

    Abuja youths forum mourns Arise TV anchor, calls for improved security

    The Abuja Youths Forum has expressed grief over the death of Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, an anchor with Arise TV, who was reportedly killed during an armed robbery at her Katampe residence in the early hours of September 29.

    In a statement signed by its president, Comrade Ayuba Danladi, the group described her death as a tragic loss and urged authorities to intensify efforts in addressing insecurity in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

    The forum stressed that the incident highlighted the urgent need for improved safety measures across Abuja, adding that if such crimes could occur in Katampe, residents in other parts of the city may be at greater risk.

    READ ALSO: 2027: ex-President Jonathan just one of our options, says PDP

    It called on President Bola Tinubu and the FCT administration to prioritize security and ensure that criminal elements are swiftly apprehended.

    The group also extended heartfelt condolences to Maduagwu’s family and the Arise News team, urging law enforcement agencies to bring her killers to justice without delay.

  • NAF bombs bandits terrorising Kwara communities

    NAF bombs bandits terrorising Kwara communities

    The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) on Monday conducted a series of coordinated missions across Kakihun, Oke-ode, Babanla, and surrounding areas in support of ground operations against bandits in Kwara State.

    According to NAF’s spokesman, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, in a statement, reconnaissance and close air support operations were executed to deter threats, while hostile elements sighted east of Babanla were decisively engaged.

    He said, “Concurrent surveillance flights also covered key settlements and military positions, gathering critical intelligence to support ground forces.”

    READ ALSO; Jonathan will contest 2027 presidency, says Jerry Gana

    While emphasizing that all operations were conducted successfully, Ejodame noted that the missions reaffirmed NAF’s commitment to protecting troops and civilians, maintaining air superiority, and sustaining pressure on hostile actors.

    “The NAF assures Nigerians of its unwavering resolve to defend the nation’s territorial integrity and safeguard communities against threats.

    “Citizens are encouraged to remain confident, vigilant, and supportive of the Armed Forces as decisive actions continue to restore lasting peace and security across the country,” he said.

  • DSS arraigns Kaduna activist, Sultan over alleged extortion, intimidation

    DSS arraigns Kaduna activist, Sultan over alleged extortion, intimidation

    The Department of State Services (DSS) on Monday arraigned Kaduna-based social media activist, Abubakar Muhammad, popularly known as Sultan, before a Magistrate Court in Rigasa, Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

    Sultan was docked before Chief Magistrate Muhammad Musa on a two-count charge bordering on extortion and criminal intimidation by anonymous communication, offences contrary to the Penal Code Law of Kaduna State 2017.

    According to the prosecution counsel, the charges followed a petition by one Hafsat Yusuf Paki, who alleged that Sultan threatened her via fake social media accounts and demanded payments in cryptocurrency and through a vendor.

    READ ALSO; Jonathan will contest 2027 presidency, says Jerry Gana

    The Prosecutor told the Court, “The complainant alleged that the accused threatened to leak her indecent pictures to the public if she refused to comply, and even issued kidnap threats.

    He added, “While investigation has not established kidnap elements, there is a prima facie case of extortion and criminal intimidation, hence the arraignment.”

    The accused, Muhammad, however, pleaded not guilty. DSS applied for his remand in correctional custody, but the Magistrate admitted him to bail in the sum of ₦1 million with two sureties in like sum.

    The Court ordered that the sureties must be civil servants not below Grade Level 16 in the Kaduna State Government, with passport photographs and bank statements showing not less than ₦1 million. The court clarified that no cash deposit was required, but the sum would be forfeited if Sultan jumped bail.

    The case was, however, adjourned to October 6, 2025, for continuation of the hearing.

    Sultan was arrested on September 27 at Rigachikun, where investigators claimed they recovered the social media handles allegedly used for the offence, along with digital footprints and payment records.

  • Niger elders push for Baro port completion, meet experts on way forward

    Niger elders push for Baro port completion, meet experts on way forward

    Elders from the Niger South Senatorial District, under the auspices of the Niger-South Senior Stakeholders’ Forum (NSSF), are advocating for the completion of the Baro port, the exploration of hydrocarbons in the Bida Inland Oil Basin, and the implementation of other federal government infrastructure projects in the zone.

    The elders argued that completing these projects would unlock economic opportunities, boost trade competitiveness, and create thousands of direct and indirect jobs, thereby addressing unemployment and stimulating regional development.

    Speaking at an expanded meeting where the forum engaged with experts and political office holders from the zone, the lawmaker representing Bida-Katcha-Gbako Federal Constituency, Saidu Musa Abdul, identified a lack of political will from past administrations, an inadequate funding framework, and insufficient cooperation among critical stakeholders as factors impeding the revitalization of Baro port.

    READ ALSO; Nigeria @65: Abuja Command of NSCDC deploys 4,500 personnel

    Abdul, who is the chairman of the Ad-hoc Committee on the Rehabilitation and Operationalisation of Baro Inland Port, stated that the committee visited to assess the situation of the multi-billion-naira inland port in Niger State, but was disappointed that six years after its commissioning, the port remained fully non-operational.

    He said, “We are still where we are; nothing is happening at the level of the port. The access roads have not been provided. The rail corridor is not working. The capital region has not been done.

    “For a journey that is not supposed to last more than 30 minutes, we spent close to four hours.”

    The lawmaker said his committee has devised ways to bring all critical stakeholders and sectors related to the Baro port together to work in harmony, ensuring its full operationalization.

    “Our major challenge was that in the past, people were not working together. But as we are progressing as a committee, even before we do our final report, we already have the buy-in of critical stakeholders. We are working with the Ministry of Blue Economy, the Ministry of Works, the Ministry of Transport, the National Inland Waterways (NIWA), and the National Hydrographic Agency.

    “So we were moving at the same pace with all critical stakeholders. This is what you didn’t get in the past. NIWA and, by implication, the Ministry of Transport were then busy doing the procurement and installation of equipment without carrying along all the critical stakeholders.

    “But what we have today is different. We have virtually everybody under the same umbrella today. And we are sure this is what will propel Baro port into reality.

    “On the issue of capital, we are putting all things together. We are coming up with a funding framework that will not be too burdensome for the government.

    The lawmaker described the meeting with members of the NSSF as a welcome development, which provided a platform for him to engage with constituents and elders, and receive valuable guidance, information, and advice.

    In his presentation, a consultant on Baro Inland Port, Prof. Mustafa Zubairu, noted that the port has at present a capital asset of N66 billion and is capable of creating 800,000 jobs and 300,000 smart homes.

    He highlighted business opportunities at Baro port, including ferry services, barge operations for bulk commodities and containers, aggregation centers for agricultural produce and solid minerals, commodity processing facilities, tank farms, modular refineries for PMS and biodiesel, and boat courses.

    NIWA Area Manager (Niger-Kwara), Akapo Adeboye, noted that Baro port should be viewed as a business opportunity, and encouraged indigenes of the area to start investing in the various opportunities available, even before full operationalization.

    He identified areas such as the sand business, which he said would help harness the water resources and generate income for investors.

    Earlier in their remarks, the Chairman of NSSF, Alhaji Ibrahim Liman, and the Secretary-General, Dr. Mohammed Santuraki, stated that the organization was formed to protect and advance the developmental and political interests of the Niger-South Senatorial District, highlighting the challenges faced by the zone.

    They noted that the meeting was convened to synergize with professionals on the issues surrounding Baro Inland Port and Bida Hydrocarbon exploration, to ensure they become a reality soon.

    “It is the kind of culture we are trying to build through this forum – making our leaders accountable to the people,” the Chairman said.

  • Newspaper vendors hail NUJ-FCT progress under Ike

    Newspaper vendors hail NUJ-FCT progress under Ike

    The Newspaper Vendors Association of Nigeria, Abuja chapter, has applauded the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, for what it described as remarkable achievements under the leadership of Comrade Grace Ike, less than a year into her tenure.

    The commendation came during a courtesy visit to the NUJ-FCT Council Secretariat in Utako, Abuja, by the association’s Board of Trustees, led by its Chairman, Mr. Edmund Arikpo. During the visit, the association presented Comrade Ike with a symbolic gift in recognition of her leadership qualities and service.

    Arikpo praised Ike’s humility, compassion, and people-oriented leadership style, noting that her approach had already begun yielding positive results within the union and the broader journalism community.

    “We have come to identify with you, ma. One thing I’ve noticed and sincerely admire is your humility. It is rare and truly inspiring,” he said.

    He, however, drew attention to the challenges confronting newspaper vendors, especially the growing impact of digitization on the print media distribution chain. According to him, the proliferation of smartphones and online news platforms has drastically affected newspaper sales, forcing many vendors out of business.

    READ ALSO; Jonathan will contest 2027 presidency, says Jerry Gana

    “I’ve been in the newspaper vending business since 1996. Through this work, I’ve been able to build a home and raise a family. But with the rise of digital media, many of our members can no longer survive. Some have had to leave entirely; others have returned to their villages,” Arikpo lamented.

    He urged vendors to remain resilient and diversify their sources of income, while appealing to publishers to adopt a balanced approach by regulating early online publication of stories in order to protect vendors’ livelihoods.

    “We’re not against publishers making money online, but they must also consider the welfare of those who ensure the physical distribution of their papers across the country. That’s where the sales come from,” he added.

    In her response, Comrade Grace Ike expressed appreciation for the association’s support and stressed the importance of collaboration between vendors and journalists in advancing the profession.

    “We are partners in progress. Never forget, vendors and journalists are two sides of the same coin. In whatever way you think we can work together or support each other, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Together, we can continue to uphold the values of journalism in Nigeria,” she said.

    Ike acknowledged the economic struggles faced by newspaper vendors but reassured them of their indispensable role in the media value chain. She encouraged them to remain hopeful despite technological disruptions.

    “Technology may be evolving, but print media still holds significant value. People still cherish tangible newspapers for archiving and deep reading. We recognize your contributions and want you to know the media cannot thrive without your input,” she said.

    She reiterated her commitment to strengthening the bond between the union and the vendors’ association, describing their relationship as a shared responsibility in sustaining and promoting journalism in Nigeria.