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Category: Northern Report

Boat mishaps: NIWA launches ‘No lifejackets, no boarding’ campaign in Niger

The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has launched the lifejacket and safety awareness campaign tagged no life jacket, no boarding across riverine communities in Niger state to reduce boat mishaps and enhance waterway safety.

According to the NIWA area manager in charge of Niger and Kwara, Akapo Adeboye, at the Zumba water front in Shiroro local government area, the campaign tagged “Safety and Safety Trip: Zero Tolerance to Boat Mishap, No Life Jacket, No Boarding” is necessary to sensitise the boat owners and users about the importance of using life jackets.

He pointed out that many boat mishaps occur on the River Kaduna, adding that the campaign is aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding the lives of Nigerians on the waterway.

Speaking to journalists after the programme, Adeboye explained that the campaign was organised for boat operators and passengers anticipating rising water levels due to predicted heavy rainfall forecast by Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA).

“The reason behind organising the 2025 sensitisation campaigns on safety of lives and property on inland waterways regulations is to ensure compliance and reduce accidents.

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“There have been so many boat accidents here because of non-use of life jackets. This spot is very important because people come from everywhere for business, and we are working to ensure that all lives and properties are safe. We urge everyone to take safety seriously and comply with the regulations to avoid accidents occasioned by boat mishaps,” he said.

The Area Manager attributed the significant reduction in water mishaps in Niger over the past year to sustained sensitisation and enforcement of water transport regulatory measures across all water fronts in the state, while stating that the agency would not tolerate disregard for water transport regulations, especially the use of life jackets.

The Chairman of the Boat Owners and Freshwater Users Association in Shiroro, Alhaji Aliyu Yerima, applauded the sensitisation campaign and the donation of life jackets to operators, describing it as timely, adding that it would safeguard the lives and properties of rural farmers as well as enhance waterway safety.

July 22, 2025
Sokoto govt, UNICEF train MDAs on strategic planning, monitoring and evaluation

In a bid to foster responsive collaboration and improve service delivery for citizens, the Sokoto State Government, in partnership with UNICEF, has organised a two-day capacity-building workshop for officials of its Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) involved in planning, monitoring, and evaluation.

The initiative, facilitated through the State Ministry for Budget and Economic Planning, was held at Azbir Hotel, Birnin Kebbi, with key state government officials, UNICEF representatives from Abuja, and Mr. Michael Juma, Chief of Field Office, UNICEF Sokoto, in attendance.

Declaring the workshop open, the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Dr. Abubakar Mohammed Zayyana, emphasised the critical role of planning in driving policy success.

He noted that strengthening institutional capacity is essential for developing the state’s Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF), State Development Plan (SDP), and the 2026 budget proposal.

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“This initiative is aimed at equipping our planning officers to deliver better results for citizens. We appreciate UNICEF for its continued support in advancing our development agenda,” Dr. Zayyana said.

Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Professor Ahmad Ladan Ala, highlighted the crucial role of line officers in data collection and harmonisation.

He stressed the importance of providing them with the tools and training needed to present accurate data to policymakers for better governance outcomes.

UNICEF’s Chief of Monitoring and Evaluation in Abuja, Mr. Wayne Bacale, outlined the workshop’s objectives and urged participants to fully engage, exchange ideas, and bring their expertise to bear.

He reaffirmed UNICEF’s commitment to supporting Sokoto State’s efforts to improve the well-being of its people.

In their separate remarks, Alhaji Sani Abdullahi, a director in the state service, and Comrade Bello Gwadabawa, a civil society representative, commended the workshop as a timely and impactful intervention.

They lauded the partnership with UNICEF as a valuable step toward boosting productivity and accountability in public service.

July 22, 2025
Radda seeks investment in Katsina’s N50bn carbon portfolio, urges national adoption of KAGGA

Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda, has urged investors and development partners to key into the state’s ambitious N50 billion Carbon Portfolio, while advocating for the Katsina Green Growth Agenda (KAGGA) to be adopted as a national model for transforming Nigeria’s forest economy.

Represented by his Senior Special Adviser on Climate Change, Professor M. A. Al-Amin, Governor Radda made the appeal during the 2025 Nigeria Forest Economy Summit, held at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The event was organised by the Presidential Committee on Economic and Financial Inclusion (PreCEFI) in collaboration with the Border Community Development Agency (BCDA).

Radda highlighted the urgent environmental challenges facing Katsina, including the loss of 15% of its forest cover and worsening drought affecting 60% of farmlands.

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He stressed that these threats have inspired bold innovation through the launch of KAGGA in April 2025.

“Our forests, once imperilled by desertification, deforestation, and conflict, now form the bedrock of a bold new vision,” he said. “KAGGA, as a blueprint, is meant to harmonise ecological restoration with economic emancipation.”

Outlining the four strategic pillars of the agenda, he said the state aims to protect 50% of farmlands through Climate-Smart Agriculture and drought-resistant crops, electrify 500 rural communities with solar mini-grids, restore degraded landscapes through community-led ecosystem restoration, and launch Green Industrialisation by converting forest products into high-value goods.

These initiatives will be backed by a N50 billion Green Investment Fund and strengthened by climate-focused legislation.

Governor Radda also projected the economic potential of Katsina’s green transformation, which includes the creation of 100,000 green jobs in sustainable forestry and eco-tourism by 2035.

Additional revenue streams are expected from annual gains of N3.5 billion from waste recycling and N4.2 billion from plastic upcycling.

He further revealed plans for a $500 million Solar Industrial Park, to be developed in partnership with Genesis Energy, aimed at powering local industries and boosting clean energy access.

“We invite partners to co-create Africa’s first sub-national carbon trade hub, leveraging our expertise in arid-land afforestation,” Radda announced.

He also underscored the inclusive nature of the KAGGA initiative, noting that 30% of its budget is dedicated to women- and youth-led enterprises. “Our villages are not relics of the past—they are laboratories for the future. Here, waste becomes wages, scarcity becomes abundance, and tradition walks hand in hand with innovation,” he added.

The summit brought together key stakeholders from government, private sector, and development organisations, all committed to advancing Nigeria’s forest economy and climate resilience.

July 22, 2025
MHWUN mourns, hails Buhari’s legacy of integrity, social welfare, labour reforms

The Medical and Health Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MHWUN) has described the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari as painful and a great loss to the nation, describing him as a patriot, visionary leader, and statesman of uncommon integrity.

In a condolence message jointly signed by the union’s National President, Comrade Dr. Kabiru Minjibir, and Secretary General, Comrade Auwalu Yusuf Kiyawa, MHWUN extended its sympathy to the former First Lady, Hajiya Aisha Buhari, the entire Buhari family, and the Nigerian people, describing the late president’s passing as “an unimaginable colossal loss.”

“President Buhari was admired and trusted by many Nigerians who believed in his democratic values and commitment to national service,” the union said.

“He demonstrated this by refusing to interfere in the 2023 general elections, allowing a free and fair process to determine his successor, an uncommon act of political maturity and patriotism.”

The statement highlighted Buhari’s concern for the poor and vulnerable, citing his administration’s school feeding programme, social investment schemes, and conditional cash transfers, which were aimed at reducing poverty and improving the lives of ordinary Nigerians.

“His love for young Nigerian children drove the introduction of the school feeding programme, which drastically reduced the number of out-of-school children.

He also supported poor families through social welfare initiatives and poverty alleviation efforts,” the statement added.

MHWUN also praised Buhari’s resistance to pressure from international financial institutions to abruptly remove fuel and electricity subsidies, commending his preference for a gradual approach that would protect citizens from hardship.

“Despite mounting pressure from the World Bank and IMF, he refused to yield to abrupt subsidy removal, insisting on a path that safeguarded the interests of ordinary Nigerians.”

The union further recalled Buhari’s legacy in agriculture through the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme, which they said boosted food production and rural livelihoods.

Describing him as a “labour-friendly president,” MHWUN applauded his approval of the N30,000 minimum wage, the extension of retirement age and years of service for teachers, and recent reforms across the civil service, including the health sector.

Read Also: Muhammadu Buhari: A leader of unwavering conviction, enduring legacy

On infrastructure, the union listed the construction of the Second Niger Bridge, the revival of the country’s railway system, and the rehabilitation of key expressways such as Lagos-Ibadan and Abuja-Kaduna roads as major milestones of his presidency.

“His leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic, which helped Nigeria record relatively low mortality rates compared to other countries, also stands out as a notable achievement,” the statement said.

Recalling Buhari’s long and distinguished service including as military governor, petroleum minister, military Head of State, and two-term civilian president, the union hailed his personal integrity and incorruptibility, saying “not an iota of corruption was ever traced to him.”

The union prayed for the repose of his soul, asking Allah to forgive his shortcomings, accept his good deeds, and grant him Aljannatul Firdaus.

July 21, 2025
Muhammadu Buhari: A leader of unwavering conviction, enduring legacy

By Barr Halima Alfa

The passing of Muhammadu Buhari on Sunday July 13, 2025, at the London clinic marked the end of an era in Nigerian politics. As a former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Buhari left an indelible mark on the nation’s history. His life was a testament to unwavering conviction, dedication to public service, and a relentless pursuit of progress. This tribute article celebrates his achievements, contributions to Nigeria and its people, and humanity in its entirety.

Essentially, being Baba’s political daughter, I will be remiss to not add my voice to the outpouring of tributes that followed last week’s passing of a leader, who stood tall and proud fighting corruption, and speaking loud for the rights of the people; a man that gave his all, and let the nation’s hope stand tall in his heart.

Born in the native city of Daura some Eighty -Two years ago, President Muhammadu Buhari (Baba Buhari as we mostly call him) lived a lovely life that traversed intimate family involvements, an eventful military career and a remarkable political trajectory that admits significant milestones of successes and challenges.

It would be recalled that Buhari’s rise to power began when he served as the country’s Head of State from 1983 to 1985, and in between 2002 – 2003, foraying into mainstream democratic politics with a presidency bid under the platform of the platform of the All Progressives Party (APP) and eventually winning Nigerian the presidency in 2015.

My remarkable engagements with Baba were forged through the APP/ANPP alliance, and involved many memorable and interesting moments, covering both personal and national scenarios. His dedication and humility served as an inspiration to many, and I remember with great fondness, during one of the Presidential Election campaign rally in ABA, Abia state when the campaign podium collapsed while we were all standing together with Baba on it. What he said in reaction, both resonating his deep sense of humour and humanness, all intended to reassure everyone of safety, share in the grief of people who suffered from the incident stands him out as a good human being.

Finally, I cannot completely end my tribute to the memory of late General Mohammadu Buhari without sending my sincere appreciation and thanks to our present President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu for bearing the burden of leadership at this time of our collective national grief with the same simplicity and dignity like his late friend, ally and predecessor, General Buhari and towing the leadership line he left behind and showing all that leadership is not about personal comfort but about sacrifice. I commend the courage of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in fighting corruption and repositioning the economy of the country just like General Buhari. Sir, your policies in agriculture, infrastructural renewal and energy reforms is today shaping the nations development. You promised during the campaigns for the 2023 general elections that you would continue if elected from where President Buhari stopped and you did not disappoint because your vision and that of our late President was clear when you came together in forming the All Progressive Congress(APC); a Nigeria that can feed itself, build it’s roads, power it’s homes and educate it’s children. By continuing with the Buhari’s development plan and goals you have shown that you can be trusted.

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We all can see you working tiredlessly everyday inorder to fulfil that dream. Sir, we take consolation that even though Buhari no longer with us in body, we know that he will be very proud of you where ever he is right now. We share in your grief because personally we acknowledge that you have lost a great political friend, ally and a father figure In General Buhari; a man who taught us that integrity is not negotiable. We shall always remember your unwavering stand and contributions towards making the state burials for the late President Buhari a success.

For many of your opponents and critics who daily since the death of General Buhari saying that you are using the burial to score cheap political goals and to achieve cheap political gains, I say to them sir”a pessimist is a well informed optimist” because the success of the state burials had just affirmed your eternal respect for the late President who to you was a moral compass for our generation and that to come because he was a man whose name is synonymous with honesty and deserved the respect of our nation.

I want to also use the medium of this tribute to thank the President for naming the University of Maiduguri after the late General Buhari who fought till the last days of his Presidency to make the Northeast geopolitical zone a safer and peaceful place to live in by confronting head on the dreaded monsters of insurgency called the Boko-Haram sect who represented the greatest axis of evil that have confronted our nation.

General Buhari deserved this singular honour for also investing heavily in the education section because of his fervent believe that it is the greatest tool for the advancement of man and making the knowledge economy entrenched in our nation . This gesture of yours sir is deeply respectful to the former President and it goes only to show that our nation will always remember him with dignity and not done to score cheap political goals.

You showed leadership by not trivializing this period of national mourning just to generate media attention. Your relationship to General Buhari was grounded in mutual respect and shared Democratic ideals and commitments to national developments. Your participation in the memorial events reflects statesmanship and not opportunities.

I want to also use the opportunity of this tribute to sympathis with my state governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi state for the death of one of his political father figure and also my leader, the former governor of Kogi state, the white lion,Yahaya Bello for this irreparable loss. General Buhari who we mourn today played a critical role to the growth and development of Kogi state by his guidance, leadership and advise to our young leaders. Sir, I wish he was still alive to see you implement all your visionary and strategic plans and moving the state forward by its growth and development in all it’s physicality. As you both mourn today, we also mourn and may the Almighty Allah give you both the wisdom to bear this great loss.

For me personally, it is a great loss because General Buhari in his life time was so familiar with the pain of our country than with compassion though he was intrinsically compassionate by living for others. I pray for the repose of his soul and for God comfort for his family and the entire nation.Our nation has lost a great leader who dedicated his life to the service of our beloved nation as chronicled in the book written by Adamu Kyuka Usman which I guided, launched and endorsed by him titled”Mohammadu Buhari:The spirit of man” long before his death. I want his family to take consolation in the fact that In his life time he served the country with unwavering commitment, integrity, convictions and was a tireless advocate for justice and good governance. I recall his dedication to the common good and his unwavering belief in the potential of all Nigerian.

To his beloved wife, Her Excellency, Hajiya Aisha Buhari, his children, grandchildren and entire family, I extend my heartfelt condolences. May you find solace in the outpouring of love and support from a grateful nation. Please know that your grief is shared by all of us.

I say good bye to a leader, a father and a dear friend and an exceptional human being whose existential significance as a statesman and humanitarian impacted our lives in more ways than most cared to know.

President Buhari’s memory shall, willy-nilly, live on in hearts; he will be remembered for his solidarity with the talakawas, his abiding grace and simplicity, his uncanny sense of humour and his unrelenting faith in the common good and our common humanity. May his noble soul rest in peace.

Rest now, dear Baba Buhari, your work is done

May your soul find peace, beneath the setting sun

And may your memory remain, a blessing to us all

A leader, a statesman, who gave his all.

Barr Halima Alfa PhD, is a prominent Kogi State politician and staunch Buharist, known for her roles as Northern Zonal Coordinator of Sure-P, Zonal Chairperson of Arewa Consultative Forum, and Chairperson of the Senators’ Wives Association in the 9th Senate.

July 21, 2025
Buhari was a man of uncommon integrity, rare honesty, Rep Ado Doguwa

Leader of the Northern Regional Caucus in the House of Representatives, Hon. Al Hassan Ado Doguwa has described former President Muhammadu Buhari as an exceptional soldier and astute democrat.

Doguwa, who represents Doguwa/Tudun Wada Federal Constituency of Kano State disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday.

The former Majority Leader of the House during the Buhari administration said he received the news of the death of former president with a high sense of grief.

He said, “Late President Buhari was such a mentor, a father figure, and a statesman whose legacy will endure for generations. He was a man of uncommon integrity, rare honesty and profound dignity; resolute in character, steadfast in purpose, and unwavering in his commitment to personal principles for the greater good of our country.

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“His service to Nigeria, spanning more than six decades, was marked by discipline, honesty, and a deep-seated love for the nation. Whether as military Head of State from 1983 to 1985, or as a democratically elected president from 2015 to 2023, Buhari’s impact on the Nigerian political space was profound and far-reaching”.

According to Doguwa, “As military Head of State, Muhammadu Buhari introduced a regime of discipline and accountability at a time when Nigeria was sliding into corruption and moral decay. Although critics saw his methods as stern, his intentions were clearly for the greater good of Nigerians.

“His military government focused on restoring public confidence, strengthening national institutions, and enforcing public discipline. Those were difficult times, and history will remember that he governed with the conviction that Nigeria must be put on the path of justice.

“As civilian President, Buhari’s government achieved monumental successes in combating corruption, enhancing security, promoting economic development, and enhancing democratic principles, fair play and justice. He ensure unfettered reign of the principles of Separation of Powers between the three arms of government

“President Buhari became the first opposition candidate in Nigerian history to defeat a sitting President, a testament to the public’s faith in his personal integrity. Elected twice, he led with a sterling commitment to fighting corruption, national security, and infrastructural reinvigoration.

“His administration laid the groundwork for long-term reforms, investing in rail, road, and energy infrastructure that will serve Nigeria for decades to come. Under his leadership, the fight against Boko Haram was intensified, and the Nigerian military regained considerable grounds in the North-East.

“His commitment to rooting out corruption was unwavering, earning him both criticism and admiration, but always reflecting his sincere belief in Nigeria’s potential to be great.

“As Chief Whip during the 8th Assembly, I came closer to President Buhari when I noticed the sterling qualities of an honest, detribalised and democratic president whose penchant for the welfare of the Nigerian people remained paramount in his mind at all times.

“During a recent interaction with former Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila, he said, he considered it one of the great honours of his life to have worked during Buhari’s administration as Speaker of the House of Representatives.

‘He said he witnessed first-hand his unwavering support for the legislature, even when some people sought to manipulate his office for partisan interests. When the political tides became rough and there were attempts to destabilise the 9th National Assembly, President Buhari stood firm, in his belief that only the national interest matters.

“True to his word, he resisted all attempts to undermine the legislative institution, and in doing so, contributed to one of the most stable and productive legislative sessions in Nigeria’s recent memory. His support extended beyond personal; it was institutional and highly principled.

“In the course of my service in the House, I had the privilege of serving as Majority Leader of the 9th House of Representatives, a role that demanded strategic coordination and constant dialogue between the legislature and the Executive Arms of Government”.

Doguwa noted that Buhari “Even in his imperfections, he remained an honourable man—a soldier and patriot who believed in justice, fairness, and the power of good governance. He did not govern for applause; he governed to serve humanity.

“Today, as we reflect on his life and contributions, we must also extend our deepest condolences to the former First Lady, Mrs Aisha Buhari, their children, and the extended Buhari family. Our heartfelt to His Excellency, the Governor, Malam Dikko Umar Radda and His Royal Highness, Alhaji Umar Faruq Umar, CON, the Emir Daura”

July 21, 2025
Stakeholders laud Rikiji’s appointment as DG, Office for Trade Negotiations

Stakeholders from across Nigeria’s political, economic, and diplomatic spheres have hailed the appointment of Hon. Sanusi Garba Rikiji as Director-General of the Nigerian Office for Trade Negotiations (NOTN), describing it as a timely and strategic decision by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Rikiji’s appointment, which was announced earlier in the week, is widely seen as a deliberate move to strengthen Nigeria’s trade negotiation apparatus and reposition the country for greater gains in global, continental, and regional trade platforms.

The NOTN, under his leadership, is expected to play a more assertive role in articulating Nigeria’s interests in forums such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), ECOWAS, and the World Trade Organization (WTO).

Hon. Rikiji, a former Speaker of the Zamfara State House of Assembly and former member of the House of Representatives, brings to the position an extensive background in legislative affairs, governance, and public administration. He is also a former Chief of Staff to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, a role in which he managed inter-parliamentary relations and strategic national engagements.

Reacting to the development, several observers praised Rikiji’s deep knowledge of policy processes, consensus-building skills, and a reputation for quiet but effective service delivery.

“This is an appointment that inspires confidence,” said a senior official in the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment. “At a time when Nigeria must recalibrate its trade strategy, especially in light of AfCFTA, we need someone who understands both the local and global dynamics. Rikiji fits that bill.”

Hon. Rikiji’s long-standing political and administrative career has earned him respect across political divides. Known for his modesty, discretion, and commitment to public service, he has often played advisory and reconciliatory roles within and outside government. His emergence as a consensus candidate for the APC in the Gusau/Tsafe Federal Constituency during the 2023 elections further cemented his reputation as a unifying figure with grassroots appeal.

In his new role, Rikiji will lead negotiations that are crucial to Nigeria’s efforts to expand its non-oil exports, attract foreign investment, and enhance industrial competitiveness. Analysts believe that under his leadership, the NOTN could emerge as a more proactive and strategic institution in Nigeria’s economic architecture.

“We welcome this appointment and urge him to hit the ground running,” said a representative of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA). “The business community is eager for a stronger voice at the negotiation table — someone who can secure better deals for Nigeria.”

As global trade becomes more complex and competitive, stakeholders say Rikiji’s role will be central to safeguarding national interests while fostering partnerships that benefit Nigerian industries and SMEs.

With this appointment, President Tinubu signals his intent to inject experienced and steady hands into key policy areas as part of his broader push for economic reform and sustainable growth. For many, Rikiji’s track record suggests he is more than up to the task.

July 20, 2025
Uba Sani breaks 100-year jinx with 35km rural road project in Kaduna

Governor Uba Sani has broken a century-old jinx with the construction of a 35-kilometre rural road linking Gadan Gayan in Igabi LGA to Gwaraji and Maraban Kujama in Chikun LGA, and Kauru town in Kauru LGA of Kaduna State.

The long-abandoned road project has sparked widespread jubilation among residents, who described the development as transformational and life-changing.

During an inspection led by the Managing Director of the Kaduna State Road Agency (KADRA), Dr. Abdullahi Baba Ahmed, grateful community members shared how the road has improved transportation and boosted livelihoods.

Daniel Samuel, a healthcare worker from Gwaraji, called the road a “game-changer,” noting that the previously unsafe and costly journey from Maraban Kujama to his workplace in Igabi is now smooth, safe, and more affordable.

“I now ride my bike to work instead of relying on expensive and unreliable public transport. This road has saved me money and time,” he said.

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Another resident, Ibrahim Ardo, said the road had connected communities that had existed for over a century without proper infrastructure. He recalled that the only way to reach Kunfana from Gwaraji in the past was by canoe across the River Kaduna.

“With the new bridge and road, commerce is flowing, and hope is returning. This project is beyond infrastructure — it’s a new lease of life,” Ardo said.

Comrade Samuel Musa from Kauru town also recounted the impact of the newly constructed road linking Kauru to Pambeguwa in Kubau LGA. According to him, a trip that previously took two hours now takes less than 20 minutes.

“This is a big relief for our farming communities. We can now transport our produce to markets with ease and at less cost,” he said.

Speaking during the tour, Dr. Baba Ahmed said the 35km road was one of several rural transformation projects being championed by Governor Uba Sani to bridge the urban-rural divide.

“This project is not just about connectivity; it’s about economic inclusion, social integration, and job creation,” he said.

He noted that the improved road network would allow farmers in the region to access markets more efficiently and boost Kaduna’s agricultural potential.

The KADRA boss also charged contractors handling state infrastructure projects to maintain high standards, assuring that KADRA would sustain strict supervision to ensure value for money and long-term durability.

“Our goal is to deliver quality infrastructure that promotes growth, fosters development, and improves the quality of life for all citizens of Kaduna State,” Dr. Ahmed added.

July 18, 2025
Niger govt urges riverside communities to relocate as flood warnings intensify

The Niger State Government has called on residents living along riversides to heed federal flood warnings and begin relocating to safer areas, as heavy rainfall and potential flooding loom across several states, including Niger.

This appeal follows a forecast by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), which predicted widespread thunderstorms and heavy rains likely to trigger flooding in 15 states.

The Federal Ministry of Environment also identified 38 high-risk locations across the country in a warning issued through the National Flood Early Warning Centre.

In a statement released on Friday by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Communication, Media and Strategy, Jonathan Vatsa, the state government emphasized the urgency of the situation, stressing that proactive measures must be taken to prevent a repeat of the recent Mokwa flood disaster, which claimed over 200 lives and destroyed properties worth millions of naira.

“Niger State is one of the most flood-prone in the country, with over 2,000 riverside communities across 15 local government areas,” Vatsa said. “We must not wait for another catastrophe before taking action.”

He urged residents to take the federal warnings seriously and begin relocating immediately.

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To demonstrate its commitment, the state government is launching a statewide awareness and sensitisation campaign, targeting flood-prone communities and encouraging residents to temporarily leave their ancestral homes for safety.

Traditional rulers, religious leaders, and community heads have also been called upon to assist in spreading the message and encouraging compliance with safety measures.

July 18, 2025
Benue’s Jukun Wanu urge Tinubu to rescue them from state neglect

The Jukun Wanu ethnic communities in Benue State have appealed to President Bola Tinubu to intervene in the resolution of the age-long marginalisation and inhumane treatment of its people by successive administrations in the state.

President of National Association of Jukun Wanu (NAJUW), Engr. Moses Amankye who addressed news conference on Saturday in Abuja, said because of decades of neglect, the Jukun Wanu communities, especially those residing in Makurdi – the state capital, Guma, Logo, and other local government areas have become vulnerable in the face of the ongoing herders-farmers conflict in the state.

The Baga Jukun of North-Bank Makurdi, Chief Dangana Audu was in attendance, while the Secretary-General of NAJUWA, Musa Atase read the text of the news conference.

Amankye highlighted the pains and predicament the Jukun-Wanu people of Benue State face as a result of deeply entrenched and systemic marginalisation of the communities in the State by Tiv people he described as the major ethnic nationality in Benue.

According to him, the Jukun Wanu people have been marginalised from the scheme of things in the state, saying the communities are left without representation in government either at state or national level with the situation exacerbated by complete absence of social amenities.

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“Our hearts are heavy with sorrow over the injustices we continue to face, but we remain resolute in our commitment to peace, justice, and truth.

“There is a complete absence of government infrastructure and services in our communities—no secondary schools, no hospitals, no roads, and no access to clean water,” Amankye said.

He added, “Our heritage and identity; the Jukun Wanu, riverine descendants of the historic Kwararafa Empire, are a people with a rich and well-documented heritage. Our longstanding tradition of peaceful coexistence and hospitality is evident in our relationships with neighboring communities across Benue, Nasarawa, Taraba, and Adamawa states.

“In Benue State alone, Jukun Wanu communities are found in about 21 locations across Makurdi, Guma, and Logo Local Government Areas.

“Despite being the original inhabitants and rightful custodians of lands now comprising 14 Local Government Areas, we have endured marginalization, suppression, and inhumane treatment.

“Our history and identity have been repeatedly challenged and distorted, yet we have consistently chosen dialogue and lawful means over retaliation.”

He said there was the urgent need to address the global community through the media because of the persistent misrepresentation, bullying, and dispossession faced by the Jukun Wanu people, saying the Association is particularly troubled by the escalation of misinformation and inflammatory rhetoric, which has led to violence, loss of lives, and destruction of property.

“The media is replete with allegations, and the response from authorities has often been inadequate, leaving our communities vulnerable,” he stated.

Amankye, therefore, called on President Tinubu to intervene by urging the Benue State Governor Rev. Hyacinth Alia to consider and act on the review of Chieftaincy Laws, saying the Benue State Traditional Council and Chieftaincy Laws of 2016 must be reviewed and amended to formally recognise the traditional stools and leadership structures of the Jukun-Wanu people.

He equally called on the Federal and State Governments to implement the recommendations of past commissions of enquiry into the Tiv-Jukun-Wanu conflict—most notably:

-the Justice Oki Commission Report (1995); the Commassie Commission Report (2003).

NAJUWA also demanded the formal reinstatement and recognition of Jukun Wanu historic chiefdoms at Abinsi and Agyogo (Wurkum Makurdi), in line with the 1934 documentation of the Jukun-Wanu Chiefdom.

Other demands of the Association include, grading of traditional stools, noting the Jukun Wanu traditional leadership structures should be formally graded and incorporated into the state’s chieftaincy framework.

“We seek immediate government intervention to provide functional secondary schools, health care centers and hospitals, roads and drainage systems, potable water and other essential public utilities,” Amankye stated.

He reaffirmed the commitment of the Association towards ensuring peaceful co-existence with other communities in the state, insisting however that there must be justice, inclusion, and equity for the Jukun-Wanu people.

He added: “We demand our rightful place in the socio-political and economic structure of Benue State and Nigeria at large.”

July 18, 2025