The Nation Newspaper

Category: Northern Report

  • NGO trains 150 Kano women in software devt, cybersecurity, data science

    NGO trains 150 Kano women in software devt, cybersecurity, data science

    No fewer than 150 women in Kano State have completed a four-month training in digital skills, organised by a nonprofit organisation, Webfala Digital Skills for All Initiative (WDSfaI), under the second cohort of its SafeHer programme.

    At the graduation ceremony for the women held on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, in Kano, WDSfaI’s Programme Lead for STEM Education and Digital Literacy, Khodijah Lawal, said the training was part of the organisation’s commitment to empowering women to shape and transform their futures in the digital world.

    She disclosed that for four months, the participants not only received comprehensive free hands-on training in either software development, cyber security or data science, but also received training in soft skills, such as communication, teamwork, and personal branding.

    “When we commenced this training programme earlier this year, our mission was clear: to empower women and girls with in-demand digital skills in Software Development, Cybersecurity, or Data Science, while also equipping them to stand strong against the challenges of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV).

    “We set out to bridge the gender gap in STEM, and to create opportunities where women are not only present in tech but are thriving and leading. Throughout the programme, our trainees have learned not only technical skills but also essential soft skills like communication, teamwork, and personal branding, tools that will set them apart in their careers,” Lawal said.

    She called on the government, the private sector, and development partners to invest more in digital skills programmes for girls and women, noting that the future of Nigeria’s tech ecosystem depends on diversity, innovation, and inclusion.

    “At Webfala Digital Skills for All Initiative, we will continue to work toward a future where women lead, create, and influence technology, not just in Nigeria, but globally,” she added. 

    Read Also: Massive crowd as Barau leads APC rally for Kano Assembly by-elections

    In her remarks, the Special Guest at the event, Aisha Kwaku who is the founder of ElevateHER Innovation Space, also emphasized the need to equip more women with tech skills..

    “Empowering women with tech skills is not just about equity; it’s about building a stronger, more innovative economy. When women are digitally skilled, they create businesses, solve problems, and inspire the next generation,” Kwaku said. 

    For many of the graduates, the programme was a life-changing opportunity. Zulaiha Gamandi, who trained in cybersecurity, said “Before joining the SafeHer programme, I never imagined I could work in tech. Now, I’m confident I can start a career in cybersecurity and even teach others. This programme has changed my life.”

    Maryam Aliyu, a software development trainee, described the training as transformative. “I had no prior knowledge of coding. Today, I’ve built my first web application. The instructors were patient, and the learning environment was supportive. I’m proud to be part of this movement,” she said.

    Hajarah Garba, who specialised in data science, highlighted how the soft skills component boosted her confidence. She said beyond the technical training, the personal branding and communication classes have enhanced her confidence and helped her believe in herself.

  • Bauchi Gov flags off cybernation program, targets 100,000 citizens on digital skills

    Bauchi Gov flags off cybernation program, targets 100,000 citizens on digital skills

    Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed has flagged off the Cybernations program, an intensive cybersecurity training initiative, positioned to set the state as a hub for digital innovation and a technologically driven state.

    The program, known as the Digital Literacy and Skill Framework Bauchi Initiative, the project, developed in collaboration with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), will provide basic digital skills training to more than 100,000 citizens by 2027.

    Speaking at the launch in Bauchi on Tuesday, the governor said the initiative “marks a turning point for our state’s economic future” and will ensure that citizens, especially young people, can participate fully in the global digital economy.

    He added that DL4ALL will integrate digital education into schools and workforce development policies, creating a talent pipeline for both local and international employers.

    He also said it will offer advanced training to 2,000 youths in high-demand technology fields such as software development, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity, among others.

    He said, “We acknowledge that Information Technology is today and in the foreseeable future the fastest growing industry and one with increasing capacity to absorb young people with skills. Its advantage is such that everyone can undertake training and acquire skills, be certified and create a sustainable source of livelihood leveraging on its power.

    “Our vision is clear: to transform Bauchi into a digitally inclusive, economically vibrant, and innovation-driven state. We aim to harness technology not just as a tool, but as a catalyst for economic diversification, human capital development, and social transformation.

    Also, the Managing Director. Galaxy Backbone, Professor Ibrahim Adeyanju in a goodwill message, harped on the importance of cybersecurity awareness in today’s digital age.

    He highlighted the need for collective efforts to equip Nigerians with the knowledge and tools necessary to thrive in a digital society.

    He added that through visionary leadership of Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Muhammed, Galaxy Backbone has successfully extended its digital infrastructure to Bauchi via fibre optic connectivity and deployed 3 eLTE base stations to deliver true broadband internet access.

    Country Representative of Protexxa’s Abi -Hafsat Abubakar, described the initiative as a gateway to over 3.5 million global cybersecurity jobs

    “The Cyber Nation programme, in partnership with Protexxa Inc, is the first of its kind in Nigeria and second in Africa, whereby 500 youths will be trained as certified cyber security experts with direct pathway to local and international employment, including opportunities to earn foreign currency”.

    Speaking in the same vein, the Director General Bauchi State Bureau for Information and Communication Technology (BICTDE), Hayatudeen Babamaji, noted that the Bauchi State Cyber Nations Program, in partnership with Protexxa Inc., under the leadership of Governor Balance Mohammed, is a pioneering initiative, the first of its kind in Nigeria and second in Africa.

    Read Also: Federal Polytechnic Bauchi shut indefinitely as students protest robbery attack

    Babamaji added that the program will train youths to become world-class cybersecurity professionals, equipping them with the skills to protect critical infrastructure and participate competitively in the global digital economy.

    “As we launch these programs, I want to reaffirm that this is not random. Our vision is clear, our direction is set, and with collaborative programs such as these, we will achieve our goal of making Bauchi State an ICT hub not just for the North East region but the whole of Nigeria and beyond”.

    Other critical stakeholders include the Chief Operating Officer, Protexxa Inc. Canada, Rick Huijbregts, Executive Vice Chairman, Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC) Dr. Aminu Maida, National Commissioner, Nigeria Data Protection Commission, Dr. Vincent Olatunji and MD, Nigerian Communication Satellite Limited, Mrs Nkechi Idehen, among others.

  • WOFAN-ICON2 project distributes hearing aids to PWDs, farmers, others

    WOFAN-ICON2 project distributes hearing aids to PWDs, farmers, others

    The Women Farmers Advancement Network (WOFAN), in partnership with the MasterCard Foundation, has begun distributing hearing aids to youths, farmers, and other persons with hearing disabilities under its WOFAN-ICON2 Project.

    The initiative kicked off in Abuja with the distribution of the first batch of 50 devices, out of 1,100 earmarked for beneficiaries across project states. Speaking at the flag-off, WOFAN-ICON2 Project Country Director, Dr. Salamatu Garba, said the effort was restoring hope to people who had lived with hearing loss from birth, early childhood, or adulthood, with many losing jobs and self-worth due to their condition.

    “There’s nothing more heartwarming than seeing people who thought life was worthless respond to conversations because they can now hear,” she said, noting that high costs had kept many from accessing the devices even after medical screening.

    WOFAN’s Business Development Manager, Mr. Taiwo Olawale, said the distribution now includes same-day screening, fitting, and training by Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialists to ensure proper use and maintenance.

    The project also prioritises inclusivity, targeting women of all backgrounds, including those with disabilities such as visual impairment and albinism.

    ENT Specialist at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Dr. Munir Anka, explained that beneficiaries underwent medical screening and audiological tests before receiving rechargeable hearing aids, a more sustainable option for unemployed recipients.

    The MasterCard Foundation aims to reach 30 million African youths, including 10 million in Nigeria, with one million young people with disabilities benefiting from various empowerment programmes.

    Chairman of the WOFAN Technical Board, Professor Sani Miko, described the initiative as timely, saying it would bridge communication gaps, improve quality of life, and restore dignity to beneficiaries.

    Professor Sani Miko, Chairman, WOFAN Technical Board, in his remarks, while outlining that the program is timely, said the beneficiaries were challenged to acquire the hearing aid because of the resources.

    Read Also: WOFAN trains farmers, others on first aid, conflict resolution

    “We want to use this opportunity to express our gratitude to the donors of this aid to you, particularly the MasterCard Foundation through the WOFAN ICON2 project. We hope and believe the beneficiaries of this tool will have a change in their life cycle and also improve their chances of leading a normal life in society.

    “We thank the entire project team and communities, especially the community facilitators who stimulated positive actions for this laudable support issue, taking very cogent measures to involve even people who have some special needs in supporting smallholder farmers as they move within the country. This is a very rare opportunity to get this support”, he noted.

    One recipient, Precious Usman, expressed gratitude for the device, saying it would help her return to farming and provide for her family.

     “I can now hear with the help of the hearing aid. Thank you for remembering persons living with disabilities,” she said.

  • IYD: Shun irregular migration, embrace skills for national growth, NTAC DG tells Nigerian youths

    IYD: Shun irregular migration, embrace skills for national growth, NTAC DG tells Nigerian youths

    The Director-General of the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps (NTAC), Rt. Hon. Yusuf Buba Yakub has urged Nigerian youth to reject irregular migration and instead acquire sustainable, lifelong skills that will enable them to contribute meaningfully to national development.

    Delivering the keynote address at the 2025 Educational Summit to mark International Youth Day, held at the National Human Rights Commission, Yakub emphasised that education and innovation are the most effective tools for addressing the root causes of irregular migration.

    The summit, attended by representatives of the Minister of Youth Development, the Chief of the Air Staff, the Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission, and other dignitaries, also featured papers from Dr. Umar Tanko Yakasai, DG of the Tinubu Support Group, and broadcaster-activist Dr. Adaora Onyechere Sydney-Jack.

    Citing data from the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), the NTAC DG, who was represented by his special assistant on media and publicity, Nkem Anyata-Lafia, highlighted the dangers of irregular migration, which include drowning, extortion, police brutality, forced prostitution, and arbitrary detention.

    “Since 2014, over 28,000 deaths have been recorded on the Mediterranean Sea, with some of the most tragic incidents occurring off the coasts of Libya, Greece, and Italy.

    “These grim statistics should be enough to dissuade anyone from attempting such dangerous journeys,” Buba warned, recalling specific tragedies such as the 2011 Libya shipwreck that killed 600 people and the 2013 Lampedusa disaster in which 359 lives were lost.

    According to him, factors driving irregular migration include misinformation, conflict, political instability, poverty, and climate change.

    Arguing that only by addressing these root causes through robust education and vocational training can Nigeria stem the tide, Yakub commended President Bola Tinubu’s administration for providing platforms to support youth development, citing the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFund), National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP), National Directorate of Employment (NDE), and the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) as key agencies linking education with wealth creation.

    He explained that NELFund, for instance, was created to support access to higher education while promoting Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), thereby equipping young Nigerians with employable skills.

    Read Also: As people defect in and out, Kwara PDP remains intact, strong

    Highlighting NTAC’s role, the DG said the Corps continues to provide opportunities for skilled Nigerians to work in Africa, the Caribbean, and the Pacific under bilateral technical aid agreements, helping young professionals migrate with dignity and contribute to national development through skills export.

    The DG disclosed that discussions are underway with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, other Ministries, and the National Assembly to transform parts of NTAC’s services into revenue-generating ventures, enabling the country to earn foreign exchange from its export of technical expertise.

    Yakub called on all stakeholders to invest in education, skills training, and innovation as strategic tools to curb irregular migration and empower Nigerian youth.

    “To banish ignorance, poverty, and hopelessness, we must light our path with education, creativity, productivity, and innovation,” he said.

  • Kwara Gov inspects multistorey hospital

    Kwara Gov inspects multistorey hospital

    Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on Sunday inspected ongoing construction work at the multistorey Oluremi Tinubu Hospital in Ilorin, the state capital, a few days after he approved N20bn additional funding for statewide public school infrastructure in the state. 

    In an interview with reporters at the site, the Governor said the hospital project is one of his administration’s investments in public health, education, road networks, and social investment across various demographies. 

    Last Tuesday, the Governor inspected different rural road projects in Asa Local Government, including 23.23 kilometres Oko Olowo Express-Sokoto-Tafatafa-Elere-Owode Oja Baba Kudu-Akopari-Otte Oja road and 17.7km Madi Peeke road. 

    Governor AbdulRazaq said the government has constructed many roads within and outside the capital city Ilorin, while many others are ongoing. 

    He said that many other states of the federation are also doing well in project execution, citing massive hospital projects in Lagos, Kaduna, and many other states. 

    He tied the surge in project executions across the states, including in road, school, and health sectors, to the rise in allocation that followed the removal of fuel subsidy.

    He also commended President Bola Tinubu for his support for the state.

    The Governor told reporters: “The First Lady of Nigeria Senator Oluremi Tinubu was here six months ago to lay the foundation of this world-class hospital. 

    “And work has progressed tremendously. Hopefully, in the second quarter of next year, we’ll be done with it. The majority of the equipment have been ordered already: radiography machine, a CT scanner, MRI, PET scan machines, and all sorts of equipment have been ordered.”

    He added that the administration is also working on other projects, including in other parts of the state such as the International Conference Centre,  ICT Centre Shonga, Patigi (Regatta) Motel, Sheabutter Factory in Kaiama, and Ibrahim Taiwo Road in Offa.

    “This is not the only thing going on in the state. We have other major infrastructure projects ongoing, and this is not just in terms of healthcare all over Nigeria,” he said.

    “A lot of infrastructural projects are also going on in different states of the federation. We were recently in Kaduna with the President to commission a hospital (built by the Kaduna State Government).

    Read Also: Kwara governor, Ashiru for N200m Endowment Fund launch

    “Lagos State is building a huge hospital (New Massey Clinic), I believe, children’s hospital. Katsina is doing the same. So, all over the country, healthcare has been improved by the sub-nationals. All this is due to the increased funding from the federal revenue. 

    “Work will continue in all other major aspects. What people see majorly is road infrastructure, but in terms of education, a lot of investments are going on. I have recently approved another N20bn spending on education infrastructure. Education is not part of what you call a low-hanging fruit. So people don’t quickly see investments in that. They mostly only see investments in roads. But a lot is going on in agriculture and other sub sectors. And we’ll continue to do more and deepen investment in all these areas. 

    “For example, if you go to Kwara South, we’ve done the Oro to Arandun Road. Ajase-Ipo to Oke Ode is still ongoing, done in phases. We’ve done Omu-Aran to Oko. We have done Orisa Bridge along Oro-Ago. We are doing the road to Owu waterfall as well. We’ve done road in Offa. We’re also about to do the Ilemona bypass, among others.”

  • Banditry: Katsina rallies communities

    Banditry: Katsina rallies communities

    • Govt set to engage on town hall meetings

    The Kastina State Government has rallied community support and solidarity in her determination to crush banditry attacks in the state.

    The Commissioner, Internal Security and Home Affairs, Nasir Muazu, who made the clarion call while addressing newsmen in katsina. also lamented the continued security challenges bedeviling some parts of the state, saying some communities and informants were responsible for 80 per cent of the increasing security situation in the state.

    Muazu said that some community members who own shops were in the habit of selling their products to bandits at exorbitant prices, making it difficult to obtain their cooperation in addressing the security challenge.

    He said: “In one of the communities affected by insecurity, a man was found to be selling a bottle of Coca-Cola for N3,000; another sold fuel for N5,000 per litre to bandits.

    “Hard drugs that are usually sold for little amounts of money at pharmacies and other related centres are sold in millions of naira by community members to the bandits.

     “Some community members often connive with bandits to abduct hapless victims, including family members.

    “In another case, we found a man who connived with bandits to abduct his biological father, who was diabetic. When the bandits brought him to their hideout, they had already bought him diabetic tablets for his daily consumption.

    “The sum of N30 million was paid as ransom for the man, and N8 million was given to the man for compromising and allowing his father to be abducted.”

    Muazu also said informants are known to alert bandits whenever Nigeria Air Force, NAF, jets leave the airport with the aim of bombing their hideouts.

    He said the jet fighters often fail to acquire their target and frequently have to return to base due to unsuccessful missions.

    Read Also: Agitators seek creation of Karadua State from Katsina

    “The jet fighters have now devised a tactic to pretend they are flying to neighboring Kano or Kaduna state, then fly back to the target destination in Katsina.”

    The commissioner further revealed that the activities of bandits constitute only about 20 per cent of the security challenges in the state, lamenting that tackling insecurity in the state can only be addressed with cooperation from affected communities.

    He further stated that arrangements were in place to stage town hall meetings at various wards and local governments to harness the viewpoints and suggestions from the communities on the way forward and called on the public to come forward with sensitive information that would lead to viable solutions in addressing insecurity, assuring that such information would be treated with utmost confidentiality.

    Governor accuses opposition of spreading falsehood

    Governor Dikko Umar Radda of Katsina State, have noted with concern the deliberate attempts by some individuals to create panic and incite fear among residents through what he described as the ‘’spread of false and misleading information on social media’’,

    The governor through Muazu, dismissed the move by the opposition as narratives aimed at downplaying  the significant progress made in the fight against banditry and insecurity by the state government

    The Commissioner said: “When Governor Radda assumed office in 2023, all 24 local government areas of the state were affected by banditry. Today, with focused strategies and enhanced collaboration with security agencies, notable improvement has been achieved across many parts of the state.”

    “The following LGAs have been largely insulated from banditry attacks: Jibia, Batsari, Danmusa, Katsina, Batagarawa, Charanchi, Bindawa, Ingawa, Kafur, Danja, Kusada.

    “Other Improved Areas with few Remote Pockets of Insecurity include: Malumfashi, Kurfi, Dutsinma, Kankia, Musawa, Bakori, Funtua, Sabuwa, and Dandume.”

    According to the state government however, the areas still experiencing ongoing attacks needing state Government’s Intervention were Faskari, Kankara, Safana and Matazu.

    The state government further insisted that despite persistent challenges in a few LGAs,it is not relenting but  fully remained committed to restoring peace and order.

    He said: “It is unfortunate that certain social media voices, rather than support these efforts, continue to spread misinformation for political gain or attention.

    “This not only undermines the sacrifices of our security forces but also weakens community morale.

    “It’s important to remind the public that the fight against banditry is complex, many of the attacks occur deep in the forests, where response operations require time, coordination, and local intelligence.

    “That is why the Katsina Community Watch Corps was established — to assist in these difficult terrains. They are working side by side with the Army, Air Force, Police, and local vigilantes’’

  • Govt holds special thanksgiving, prays against banditry attacks, threats to peace

    The government and people of Katsina State yesterday in Katsina held a special ‘’Yaumush Shukur’’(thanksgiving day),was designed to express gratitude to God for His countless blessings and continued guidance in the state,as well as pray against banditry attacks and all manner of insecurity and threat to peace

    The event, which brought together religious leaders, government officials and community members, was held as a symbolic gesture of appreciation for the state’s historical significance and the progress achieved in recent times.

    Read Also: Tinubu hails Kaduna’s peace model as Kaduna, Qatar donate houses to victims of banditry

    Secretary to the state government (SSG), Abdullahi Garba Faskari, who represented Governor Dikko Radda, commended the organising committee and all stakeholders who contributed to the creation and continued development of Katsina State.

    He further described ‘’Thanksgiving’’ as not just a ritual, but a daily obligation for every devout Muslim.

    He said “Setting aside a day like this is of great significance. It allows us as a people to come together and reflect on the blessings of Allah and the journey of our state,”

  • Govt offers free medicare to people with typhoid Infection

    Govt offers free medicare to people with typhoid Infection

    In a significant move to improve public health and combat the spread of typhoid fever, Katsina State Government is to provide free medical care to all patients diagnosed with typhoid infection. This includes treatment and surgery to any patient with typhoid perforation.

    Read Also: Typhoid fever kills three in Benue

    Five Medical Facilities have been identified by the State Government where all patients with the ailments should visit to receive free medical care. The facilities includes; General Hospital Katsina, Turai Yar’adua Hospital Katsina, General Amadi Rimi Special Hospital Katsina, General Hospital Jibia and General Hospital Funtua.

  • Radda disburses N3.6b directly to development programmes

    Radda disburses N3.6b directly to development programmes

    Governor Dikko Radda of katsina state has empowered all 361 wards across the state’s 34 Local Government Areas with N10 million each for immediate community-driven development projects.

    This groundbreaking Community Development Programme (CDP), announced by the programme’s Coordinator, Dr. Kamaludeen Kabir, represents the largest single grassroots empowerment initiative in Nigeria’s recent history.

    He said “This programme is Governor Dikko Radda’s visionary initiative to turn Katsina State into a community-driven development powerhouse’’.

    Read Also: Radda’s approach to road infrastructure, key to Katsina’s development, says commissioner

    “We want to ensure that in every community, there is government presence—not just in theory, but in practical terms with staff, structures, and resources to regulate and improve the lives of our people.”

    “Each ward is regarded as a community under this programme because it is a micro society where people share common ethics and values within that particular area.”

  • High Court sentences ex-guard, cook to death for murdering master

    High Court sentences ex-guard, cook to death for murdering master

    A Katsina High Court 9, presided over by Justice I. I. Mashi, yesterday in Katsina, sentenced two men: an ex-guard and a cook to death for the murder of a former Commissioner for Science and Technology, Rabe Nasir.

    Nasir was reportedly killed in December 8, 2021, by hired assassins in his residence located at Fatima Shema Housing Estate, Katsina State.

    Read Also: Federal High Court to begin e-filing

    The court confirmed that Shamsu Lawal, a former guard of the deceased, and Tasi’u Rabi’u, who worked as a cook in Nasir’s house, poisoned the former commissioner, leading to his death after they failed to steal from him.

    Police evidence revealed that the deceased was poisoned, as medical investigation showed poison in his body.

    The Commissioner was assassinated in December 2021 after he returned to his home located at Fatima Shema Housing Estate, Katsina, where the police immediately launched an investigation and arrested one suspect in connection with the crime.