The Nation Newspaper

Category: Northern Report

  • Kaduna trains journalists on open contracting data to boost infrastructure transparency

    Kaduna trains journalists on open contracting data to boost infrastructure transparency

    Kaduna State Government has trained journalists on the use of the Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS) disclosure portal to promote transparency, accountability, and effective reporting in infrastructure procurement and service delivery.

    The training, held Thursday in Kaduna, was organised by the Kaduna Public Procurement Authority (KADPPA) in collaboration with the Construction Sector Transparency Initiative (CoST). It aimed to deepen collaboration between the government, civil society, private sector, and the media, in line with the state’s broader open governance drive.

    Commissioner for Planning and Budget Commission (PBC), Mukhtar Ahmed, represented by the Director of Monitoring and Evaluation, Bashir Ladan, said the media remained a strategic partner in co-creating sustainable reforms.

    He noted that Kaduna was the first subnational in Nigeria to adopt CoST and has continued to set the pace in infrastructure transparency.

    “The CoST initiative institutionalises transparency through its four pillars, multi-stakeholder working, disclosure, assurance, and social accountability. The media plays a central role in this ecosystem,” he said.

    He added that the newly launched portal described as the first of its kind in Nigeria is equipped with artificial intelligence tools, climate-responsive data points, and accessibility features for persons with disabilities, including the visually impaired.

    READ ALSO; $3B Eastern Rail line: Tinubu unlocking prosperity of South East – Kalu

    According to Ladan, the training aimed to equip journalists with the skills to navigate and report from the portal accurately, thereby strengthening citizen participation and oversight in public projects. “This is about building a culture of transparency that directly improves service delivery,” he said.

    Director at KADPPA, Engr. Suleiman Abba, said the portal was tailored to water and infrastructure projects, in line with OCDS principles. “We are empowering journalists to access real-time procurement data and report in a consistent, accurate manner that can build public trust,” he stated.

    CoST Programme Manager, Mr. Tara Jeremiah Wyah, said Kaduna’s adoption of the UK-based global initiative is a significant milestone in its quest for good governance. He noted that infrastructure challenges in the state — including poor quality delivery, delayed payments, and weak data systems — made the CoST model timely and essential.

    “The partnership is already showing promise. With input from key ministries, civil society groups like LANW and FollowTaxes, and business groups like KADCCIMA, Kaduna is building a culture of accountability,” Wyah said. He also noted that the Infrastructure Transparency Index, one of CoST’s tools, will help measure Kaduna’s progress in infrastructure governance.

    The open contracting portal, accessible via www.ipdata.kdsg.gov.ng, is expected to significantly improve value for money, rebuild trust among stakeholders, and boost economic development through smarter public investment.

  • Yilwatda’s emergence as APC chair will boost party’s support nationwide – Ex-Jigawa AG

    Yilwatda’s emergence as APC chair will boost party’s support nationwide – Ex-Jigawa AG

    Former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Jigawa State, Yakubu Abdullahi Ruba, has expressed confidence that the emergence of Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda as the new national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) will strengthen the party’s support base in Plateau State, the North Central region, and across the country.

    Ruba made this known in a statement issued in Dutse by his Special Assistant on Media Affairs, Aliyu Ibrahim, and made available to The Nation.

    READ ALSO; $3B Eastern Rail line: Tinubu unlocking prosperity of South East – Kalu

    He described Prof. Yilwatda, who is also the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, as an intellectual and visionary leader whose academic and political experience will help unite and promote the APC nationwide.

    “Prof. Yilwatda is a man of brilliance and integrity whose unwavering commitment to good governance will attract greater admiration and support for the APC across Nigeria,” Ruba stated.

    He further congratulated Prof. Yilwatda on his election by the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC), calling it “well-deserved.”

    Ruba added that the new national chairman’s leadership would elevate the APC to greater heights, noting that his distinguished academic background and leadership qualities position him well to succeed.

  • Kaduna gets 150 CNG tricycles as FG rolls out cleaner, cheaper transport scheme

    Kaduna gets 150 CNG tricycles as FG rolls out cleaner, cheaper transport scheme

    Kaduna State has received 150 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered tricycles under a federal government initiative aimed at reducing transportation costs, creating jobs, and promoting Nigeria’s transition to cleaner energy sources.

    The rollout is part of the TNG Tricycle Initiative, which began in May 2024 following the commissioning of the TNG Assembly Plant in Shagamu, Ogun State. The programme targets states with existing CNG refuelling infrastructure.

    Platform Deployment and Recovery Officer, Mr. Nuhu Christopher, who oversaw the distribution in Kaduna, said the tricycles are issued under a subsidised lease-to-own arrangement. Each unit, worth ₦5 million, is provided to beneficiaries at a discounted ₦2.5 million, payable over 24 months with a one-month grace period.

    “So far, this initiative has created over 9,000 direct and 75,000 indirect jobs across the country,” Christopher said. “This is not just for the poor—everyone moves. We are cutting transport costs and improving livelihoods.”

    He also noted that Nigeria’s CNG expansion has been bolstered by the Dangote Refinery’s ₦720 billion investment in the gas sector, helping to reduce annual energy costs by about ₦1.7 trillion.

    READ ALSO; $3B Eastern Rail line: Tinubu unlocking prosperity of South East – Kalu

    The National President of the Commercial Tricycle and Motorcycle Owners and Riders Association, Sani Hassan, described the deployment as a lifeline for operators severely impacted by the 2023 fuel subsidy removal.

    “Before, we spent between ₦13,000 and ₦15,000 daily on petrol. With CNG, that’s down to just ₦2,000 or ₦3,000. It’s a game-changer,” he said.

    Hassan highlighted that each tricycle supports a broader economic chain—drivers, families, mechanics, vendors, and parts dealers. He cautioned beneficiaries to see the scheme as a business, not a handout.

    “This isn’t a loan you can ignore. Weekly repayments will be made through the association to the federal government,” he warned.

    To ensure accountability, the tricycles are branded in Nigerian colours and uniquely coded. Riders are also required to implement a 30 percent fare reduction to reflect lower operating costs.

    “For instance, a Kawo–Central Market trip that used to cost ₦200 will now be ₦140. Passengers should insist on this reduction. Any violation should be reported using the phone number displayed on each tricycle,” he said.

    Hassan assured that the new CNG fleet will serve all traditional tricycle routes, excluding areas restricted due to security or regulatory concerns.

  • PBAT Door-2-Door movement congratulates Yilwatda

    PBAT Door-2-Door movement congratulates Yilwatda

    …vows to mobilise 10m votes for Tinubu in 2027

    A pro-Tinubu socio-political group, the PBAT Door-2-Door Movement, has extended congratulations to Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda following his recent appointment as chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), while pledging strong support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.

    In a statement, the movement described Yilwatda’s appointment as a sign of the party’s commitment to its core values and future electoral success. 

    The group, which focuses on grassroots mobilization for Tinubu’s leadership, highlighted Yilwatda’s background as an academic, humanitarian, and administrator, saying it would bolster the APC’s structures.

    “We pledge our absolute allegiance to the new APC Chairman and assure him of our unwavering, rock-solid support in all endeavors to advance the progressive agenda,” the statement read.

    The group, under the patronage of High Chief (Dr.) Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, known as Tompolo, said it stands ready to collaborate with APC leadership to advance Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda.” It outlined ambitious plans to secure at least 10 million votes for the president in the upcoming elections through a series of initiatives.

    These include deploying volunteers for door-to-door campaigns in all 774 local government areas, conducting voter education on Tinubu’s achievements, organizing town hall meetings and rallies, and leveraging media platforms to promote the campaign message and combat misinformation. 

    The movement also plans targeted programs for youth and women empowerment, data-driven strategies, and partnerships with traditional leaders, religious groups, and civil society organizations.

    READ ALSO; $3B Eastern Rail line: Tinubu unlocking prosperity of South East – Kalu

    The statement signed by Comrade Sunday Adekanbi, the National Chairman, emphasized Tinubu’s accomplishments in his first two years in office, crediting him with doubling government revenues to over 9.1 trillion naira, reducing debt service costs from 97% to 68% of revenue, and clearing substantial arrears. 

    It noted economic reforms that addressed over $10 billion in foreign exchange liabilities, created 240,000 jobs through MSME support, and introduced a new national minimum wage.

    Additional highlights included tax reforms boosting Federal Inland Revenue Service collections to 21.3 trillion naira, increased customs revenues, and international efforts as ECOWAS chair to promote regional stability. 

    The group also pointed to the Presidential Loan and Grant Scheme benefiting over 900,000 Nigerians, particularly youth.

    “Our unyielding support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is rooted in his extraordinary achievements, which have already begun to steer Nigeria toward prosperity despite inherited challenges,” Adekanbi’s statement said, rejecting what it called “baseless criticism” of the administration.

    The movement invited Nigerians to join its efforts, framing the 2027 campaign as a collective push for Tinubu’s vision through grassroots engagement.

  • Lawan congratulates new national chairman of APC Yilwatda

    Lawan congratulates new national chairman of APC Yilwatda

    Former Senate President Ahmad Lawan on Friday congratulated the newly elected national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda.

    Lawan, in a statement in Abuja, expressed confidence that under Yilwatda’s leadership, the party would continue to champion policies that “uplift the marginalised, strengthen our democracy, and propel our nation towards sustainable prosperity.”

    The statement reads in part, “It is with immense pride and unyielding optimism that I extend my warmest congratulations to Professor Nentawe Yilwatda on his well-deserved election as the National Chairman of our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), during Thursday’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting.

    “In this moment of our nation’s political existence, Professor Yilwatda’s ascent to this esteemed position embodies the spirit of purposeful and focused leadership that defines the APC’s commitment to progress and unity.

    “As a distinguished academic, a passionate advocate for good governance, and a stalwart of our beloved party, Professor Yilwatda brings a wealth of intellectual rigour and practical insights to steer the APC towards greater heights.

    READ ALSO; $3B Eastern Rail line: Tinubu unlocking prosperity of South East – Kalu

    “Under his guidance, I am confident that the APC will continue to champion policies that uplift the marginalized, strengthen our democracy, and propel our nation towards sustainable prosperity.

    “Let me also acknowledge the contributions of our former National Chairman, the former Governor of Kano state, His Excellency, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, whose tenure was marked by steadfast leadership and a deep commitment to advancing party cohesion and electoral success. I commend him for his service with the utmost respect and gratitude.

    “Similarly, I must express my appreciation to the former Acting National Chairman, Hon. Ali Dalori, whose steady hand during the brief transitional period ensured that our party remained focused. His interim role was handled with great efficiency, and we are all better for it.

    “As we embrace this new phase, let us rally behind Prof. Yilwatda and work together to build on the solid foundations laid by his distinguished predecessors.

    “The APC’s future is bright, and I am confident that with collaborative spirit and renewed vigour, we will achieve even greater heights for our beloved country.”

  • EU, Fed Govt demand domestic funding to address malnutrition in North West, North East 

    EU, Fed Govt demand domestic funding to address malnutrition in North West, North East 

    The European Union (EU) and the Federal Government have called for ramping up of domestic funding to address the growing crises of malnutrition in the North-East and North-West regions.

    They also demanded the provision of relief materials for displaced victims in Benue State.

    The EU noted that while issues like climate change and displacement are worsening the crises in the regions, the reduction in funding from international donors is a major source of concern, hence the need to look inwards for more funding support.

    Addressing a joint press briefing at the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot commended the unwavering commitment of the ministry towards the most vulnerable in the country and collaborating with the EU.

    The envoy noted that the EU remains Nigeria’s reliable partner, especially at a time when most international donors are reducing their funding. 

    Mignot said: “The EU is a special partner to Nigeria, especially in a fast-evolving world where partnerships are being reviewed. We are a reliable partner; a partner that keeps its commitments.”

    He explained that the EU is partnering with Nigeria to harness the many opportunities it has for development and prosperity through the Global Gateway Strategy, in particular, offering long-term solutions and supporting long-term developments across the country. 

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    “We are also here when it comes to emergency situations like the one we are discussing today; emergency situations where humanitarian aid is necessary because lives are at stake. The EU has brought about €37 million already for humanitarian assistance this year, and is considering a top-up,” he added.

    Concerning the need to ramp up domestic funding for humanitarian purposes, Amb. Mignot said: “There is a lot of stretch globally on humanitarian assistance. There are many competing crises like in Sudan, the Sahel, Gaza, and others. Therefore, it is difficult to count on additional support from the international community.

    “This means that mobilisation is necessary in Nigeria to raise more domestic support from all sources – federal government, state governments, private sector – to address the needs and prevent a shortage and break in the supply of the therapeutic foods for hundreds of children which might die if we don’t treat them with these therapeutic foods because they are acutely malnourished. In addition, these therapeutic foods are in part produced in Nigeria.

    “This is a call for action. We have distribution networks in place with extremely competent implementing partners. This is a call for action to the public and private sector in Nigeria to come and bring the most needed resources because this cannot wait and has to be done now.”

    Highlighting the EU’s interventions in Benue State for displaced victims and the malnutrition crisis in the North-East and North-West, Amb. Mignot disclosed that the EU has rolled out the Supporting Sustainable and Innovative Social Protection Programmes (SUSI) and Social and Economic Participation of Returnees, as well as the Support to Internally Displaced Persons and  Host Population in North-East Nigeria (SIDPIN) programmes.

    He said: “In Makurdi, we launched the Supporting Sustainable Social Protection Systems in Nigeria (SUSI), which helped to operate the needs assessment to efficiently build the response for the victims. We are now coming up with two more supports: one in terms of immediate humanitarian action of € 0.5million through our humanitarian office. In the longer term, we are coming with durable solutions in livelihoods, housing, to help the reintegration of these IDPs through a project called SIDPIN, which was initially designed to cover Kano, Yobe and Adamawa, but we have extended it to cover Benue State with a €1 million support for durable solutions.”

    Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Nentawe Yilwata commended the efforts and support of the EU to Nigeria. 

    The minister said: “We generously and profoundly appreciate the EU for its contributions to our country, ensuring that all vulnerable persons in the country are all taken care of. We are hopeful that the commitment of the EU and other donor partners and commitment from the federal government will ensure that we receive and give life to our kids.

    “We will work together, hand-in-glove, to ensure that we rescue every soul that needs to be saved in Nigeria. Thank you for your contribution and the money you have given us. This funding will go, in no small way, to saving more lives and reviving more people.

    “This intervention is timely; it is coming at the best time that Nigeria needs it, especially in Benue where livelihood was lost, buildings were destroyed, lives were lost, 810 kids are out of school, and we have over 200 kids within our IDP camp in that community at the risk of malnutrition also. We also have over 100 businesses that have been terminated in those communities and several things that we need to respond to.

    “The Ministry is working on an anticipatory response plan, so that for all these challenges, we can h​ave a basket that can help respond timely to these issues. We are trying to look at getting anticipatory response funds into the budget, so that it could respond to needs linked to malnutrition and support to displaced communities, and also response plans for disasters that are anticipated and unanticipated.”

    Chief Field Services and Emergency, UNICEF Nigeria, Judith Leveillee said: “We are gathered because we have a common understanding that more can be done to ensure that all malnourished children, about 3.5m, who need quality treatment, get it. More needs to be done. We found that nutrition service centres are overstretched.”

  • North-Central forum hails Tinubu’s leadership over Yilwatda’s emergence as APC chairman

    North-Central forum hails Tinubu’s leadership over Yilwatda’s emergence as APC chairman

    The North-Central All Progressives Congress (APC) Forum has described President Bola Tinubu as a listening and responsive leader, following the appointment of Professor Nentawe Yilwatda as the new National Chairman of the ruling party.

    The Forum commended President Tinubu for demonstrating fairness, political will, and a deep sense of justice in resolving what he described as a long-standing leadership imbalance in the party.

    “We sincerely thank President Bola Tinubu for listening to our calls. His decision has proven beyond any doubt that he is a listening President—one who respects party members and values equity.

    “He has again demonstrated sound political judgment,” the Chairman of the Forum, Saleh Zazzaga, said.

    In a statement by Zazzaga on Thursday, shortly after the APC’s National Executive Committee (NEC) ratified Yilwatda’s appointment at its meeting in Abuja, the Forum said the development was the result of over two years of sustained advocacy by stakeholders from the region.

    “This is a major milestone for the North-Central APC Forum and all stakeholders in the region. For more than two years, we consistently demanded that the position of National Chairman be returned to the North-Central in line with the party’s zoning arrangement.

    “Today, that demand has finally been met,” Zazzaga said.

    According to the Forum, the group’s agitation for fairness was rooted in principle and carried out with dignity and resolve. “Our struggle was guided by the ideals of equity and party cohesion

    “In the process, we went to court, organised protests, issued public statements, and wrote open letters. Despite the initial setbacks, we never wavered. We remained respectful of party structures while pushing for what was right,” Zazzaga noted.

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    He further acknowledged the roles of the APC NEC and other party leaders in supporting the eventual resolution, saying, “We are grateful to all stakeholders, especially NEC members, for their understanding and commitment to fairness.

    “This decision will further energise the North-Central to contribute meaningfully to the progress of our great party.”

    Reaffirming the Forum’s political commitment, Zazzaga said the North-Central would stand solidly behind the APC in future elections, including the re-election bid of President Tinubu in 2027.

    “We have made a promise and we intend to keep it. President Tinubu and the APC should have no worries about the North-Central. We are fully aligned and committed. Our earlier pledge to deliver six million votes in 2027 remains firmly on course,” he said.

    On Yilwatda’s appointment, the Forum expressed strong confidence in his leadership credentials.

    “Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda is a man of excellence, integrity, and competence. From his service in academia to his work with INEC and as Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, he has shown the capacity to lead and transform institutions. We are confident that he will move the APC to greater heights,” Zazzaga assured.

    The Forum pledged full support to the new National Chairman and called on all party faithful to unite behind his leadership to ensure continued growth and stability within the APC.

  • North faces internal siege from corruption, illiteracy, failed leadership — Gwadabe

    North faces internal siege from corruption, illiteracy, failed leadership — Gwadabe

    Former Military Governor and Chairman of the New Vision Development Initiative (NEVDI), Col. Lawan Gwadabe (rtd), has raised concern over what he described as an internal siege facing Northern Nigeria, driven by decades of poor leadership, corruption, mediocrity, and widespread illiteracy.

    Speaking during a press briefing in Kaduna to announce activities marking the 30th memorial of General Hassan Usman Katsina, Gwadabe warned that the region may “collapse under the weight of its own dysfunction” if urgent reforms are not undertaken.

    Gwadabe, a former political detainee during the Abacha regime, lamented that the North is confronting existential threats that are largely self-inflicted.

    According to him, “The North is facing existential threats, and we must admit that these threats are self-inflicted. It is the result of decades of corruption, leadership failure, mass illiteracy, and abandonment of the values that held us together.”

    He attributed the region’s decline to the departure from the values of integrity, discipline, and patriotism championed by the late General Hassan Usman Katsina, who served as Military Governor of Northern Nigeria and later as Chief of Army Staff.

    “If we had built upon the moral and leadership legacy of Gen. Hassan Katsina, the North would not be trapped in today’s hopeless cycle of banditry, poverty, and political paralysis,” Gwadabe declared.

    He described the late General as a symbol of responsible governance and a rare bridge-builder who governed Northern Nigeria with compassion, fairness and strategic foresight.

    “Gen. Hassan didn’t rule with propaganda or division. He ruled with empathy, and left behind a generation of leaders who understood service. What have we done with that legacy?” Gwadabe queried.

    The NEVDI Chairman lamented that leadership in the North today has become transactional, self-serving and exploitative, especially towards the vulnerable population.

    “Everywhere you turn, insecurity, street children, out-of-school youth, poverty and yet we have the highest number of elected officials. We are choking ourselves with failure.”

    Gwadabe, who once served under Gen. Hassan, said the upcoming Second Gen. Hassan Usman Katsina National Leadership Conference would offer an opportunity to interrogate how far the region has strayed and what can be done to salvage it.

    He hailed the Federal Government’s establishment of the National Commission for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children Education, but warned that without political sincerity, it could become “another vehicle for patronage, not progress.”

    “Gen. Hassan saw education as a leveller. He would never have tolerated the mass neglect of children we now normalize across the North,” Gwadabe added.

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    He urged younger leaders and politicians in the region to reconnect with history, stressing that General Hassan remained a moral compass for decades after retirement often consulted by presidents, governors, and traditional rulers.

    “Thirty years after his death, Gen. Hassan still commands reverence. Not because he was rich or loud, but because he lived and led with honour. Can we say the same about today’s leaders?” he asked.

    Gwadabe insisted that Northern Nigeria must urgently return to a value-driven leadership model or risk becoming “a permanent burden on the Nigerian federation.”

    He concluded: “This memorial is not just a tribute, it is a wake-up call. We must revive the legacy of service above self, or history will not forgive us.”

  • Abdulrazaq launches fresh pro-women empowerment policy

    Abdulrazaq launches fresh pro-women empowerment policy

    Kwara Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on Wednesday launched the domestication of the National Women’s Economic Empowerment (WEE) Policy, calling it another initiative to create more opportunities for women in the state.

    The launch makes Kwara the first state in the North Central to domesticate the national policy.

    The Governor said the domestication will further dismantle systemic barriers that women face in access to public sector contracts and leadership roles.

    The programme was organised by the Office of the First Lady, Ambassador Olufolake AbdulRazaq, in partnership with the Ajike People’s Support Centre and Eden Venture Group. 

    Top government officials, including the Kwara First Lady and Minister of Women Affairs, Hajia Imaan Sulaiman Ibrahim, who was represented by Dr Jummai Idonije attended.

    Wife of Kwara Speaker Hajia Saadat Yakubu Danladi; Deputy Chief Whip Kwara Assembly, Hon. Mariam Yusuf Aladi; wife of Kwara Chief Judge, Mrs Janet Olufunke Adebara;  Emir of Shonga, Dr Haliru Yahaya; wife of the state APC Chairman, Princess Ayodele Fagbemi; wives of local government chairmen; and different women support groups.

    “I urge everyone to support this initiative by investing in women’s education, skills, and businesses, as we work together to build a Kwara where no woman is left behind, and every girl can aspire to greatness,” the Governor said in Ilorin, the state capital.

    “By supporting women entrepreneurs through skills training and improved access to financial resources, we aim to close the gender earnings gap and unlock the economic potential of half of our population for Kwara’s growth.”

    Kwara had earlier set a national benchmark in gender mainstreaming (Gender Composition Bill) which mandates at least 35% women in appointive positions, and a cabinet that once comprised over 56% women, the Governor added.

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    “Our administration has championed structural reforms, from the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act to the establishment of the Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC),” the Governor said.

    He commended the Nigeria First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, for supporting gender inclusion and women empowerment, and the Kwara First Lady for her contributions to women empowerment in the state.

    Mrs AbdulRazaq said Nigerian women, like in many parts of the world, face numerous barriers to economic participation, including limited access to education, financial resources, and market opportunities.

    These barriers are gradually being broken through strategic investments and innovative initiatives like in Kwara, where the government has continued to create a fertile environment for women to thrive as entrepreneurs, workers, and leaders, she added.

    The First Lady lauded Governor AbdulRazaq for standing as a national leader in gender equity and diversity through various initiatives in the state, adding that her office is complementing the government to promote the interest of female gender.

    “The domestication of WEE policy in the state exemplifies our collective commitment to unlocking the full economic potential of women and girls with improved social economic outcomes across the state and indeed Nigeria,” she said. 

    Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs Afolashade Oluwakemi Opeyemi, said the administration has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to women empowerment.

    Representative of the Minister, Dr Idonije, commended Governor AbdulRazaq for taking laudable steps towards expanding opportunities for women.

    This has transformed many households and communities, she said.

    Idonije said with the new policy being put in place by the state government, the chances of advancing economic opportunities for women are very high. 

    Chief Executive Officer for HACEY, Mrs Roda Robinson, described the policy as a vital tool for delivering transformational change, offering a coordinated and inclusive framework to harness the full potential of women as contributors to economic and social development.

    Miss Fifehan Osikolu, who spoke for Eden Venture Group, hailed the dedication of the Governor and his wife, Mrs AbdulRazaq, to the cause of women, saying they are proud to partner the government on the domestication of WEE policy.

  • Buhari: Dujima Adamawa pens emotional tribute to late ex-president

    Buhari: Dujima Adamawa pens emotional tribute to late ex-president

    In a deeply emotional tribute, Alhaji Musa Halilu, Chairman of Tilt Group of Companies Ltd., mourned the passing of his in-law, former President Muhammadu Buhari, whom he honoured as a father figure, mentor, and guiding light who profoundly shaped his life over the past three decades.

    Halilu, also known as the Dujima Adamawa, reflected on the significant influence Buhari had, not only on the nation of Nigeria but also on his own personal development. 

    He recounted how the late president’s unwavering principles, disciplined approach, and remarkable humility resonated throughout his life, leaving an indelible mark on his character and values.

    In his heartfelt tribute, titled “A Tribute to a Father, Mentor and Leader, Late President Muhammadu Buhari,” Halilu expressed that Buhari’s impact extended far beyond political spheres; he served as a foundational pillar in his life. This relationship had shaped Halilu’s moral compass and provided guidance for more than 30 years.

    “It is with a heavy heart and immense gratitude that I write this tribute to Late President Muhammadu Buhari, a man whose presence in my life transcended political roles and national authority,” Halilu stated. “To me, he was more than a President; he was a father figure, a mentor, and the guiding light who molded my character over three decades.”

    Reflecting on the privilege of growing up under Buhari’s mentorship, Halilu noted, “From my earliest interactions with him, I was struck by his calm strength and unwavering principles. He led by example, commanding respect not through loud declarations but through the integrity of his character.”

    “For three decades, Buhari instilled invaluable lessons that defined leadership for Halilu. “He taught me the essence of discipline, impressing upon me the importance of consistently doing what is right, even when it is challenging. He emphasized that trustworthiness is paramount, one’s word must always be one’s bond, and loyalty to the truth is non-negotiable. He also demonstrated humility; success should be carried with grace, and one should lead without arrogance, regardless of how far one ascends. Most crucially, he instilled in me the concept of selflessness, that serving others, especially one’s country, is the highest calling a person can embrace.”

    Halilu also shared a personal connection, highlighting that the late former president was his brother-in-law, married to his sister, Aisha Buhari. He praised Buhari’s exemplary leadership, emphasizing how his calm demeanor, unwavering integrity, and principled governance left a lasting impression. These were not merely lessons; they were virtues he consistently lived out, observable day after day, year after year, not in grand gestures, but in the persistent commitment of a man dedicated entirely to the betterment of Nigeria.

    “It was a thrilling experience to be part of his political journey, which culminated in his presidency, a journey I consider fortunate to have witnessed and participated in,” Halilu reflected. “He embodied democratic values, courage, and steadfast conviction.”

    To the world, Buhari was a Head of State and later a democratically elected President. To Halilu, however, he was “BABA,” a constant source of wisdom, guidance, and strength. “He corrected me when I wavered, offered guidance when I was uncertain, and inspired me to strive for greater achievements, not for selfish gain, but for the greater good of others,” he shared.

    In his concluding remarks, Halilu emphasized the enduring legacy of the late president, a legacy that remains deeply cherished by those who knew him intimately. “His legacy will undoubtedly be chronicled in history books, debated in policy circles, and celebrated by a grateful nation. But for me, it is profoundly personal,” Halilu stated. “As we mourn his passing, we also celebrate a life well-lived, one marked by courage, conviction, and an absolute devotion to Nigeria and the values that bind us together.”

    “Nagode Malam Musa, a sauka Lafiya,” were the last words spoken to him by President Buhari during Halilu’s visit to bid farewell on the 6th of July, 2025, while the late president lay in a hospital bed in London. “Rest in Aljannah Firdaus, President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR.”