The Nation Newspaper

Category: Northern Report

  • El-Rufai’s criticism against Tinubu rooted in bitterness over cabinet snub — CCGG

    El-Rufai’s criticism against Tinubu rooted in bitterness over cabinet snub — CCGG

    The Citizens Collective for Good Governance (CCGG) has dismissed recent criticisms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu by former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, describing them as the outburst of a bitter and frustrated politician sidelined from the federal cabinet.

    In a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by its president, Dr. Gambo Abdulkadri, the group accused El-Rufai of embarking on “a desperate and vindictive campaign” against President Tinubu after being denied a ministerial appointment.

    El-Rufai, who previously served as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory under President Obasanjo and later governed Kaduna State for two terms, recently stated that President Tinubu would need a “miracle” to win re-election in 2027.

    He also cited polling data indicating a 91 percent disapproval rating for the president, a claim the CCGG dismissed as “fabricated and delusional.”

    “The public outburst by Mallam Nasir El-Rufai is nothing but the cry of a political actor whose ego was bruised when President Tinubu, in his wisdom, declined to reward him with a ministerial position,” Abdulkadri said.

    “For someone who claims to have supported the president’s emergence, El-Rufai’s sudden antagonism only confirms that his loyalty was never to the country, nor to good governance, but to his own ambition.”

    The group said President Tinubu has demonstrated remarkable leadership in the face of monumental challenges, citing reforms in the oil and gas sector, decisive anti-corruption efforts, and aggressive pursuit of food security and job creation as examples of “clear-headed governance.”

    “Within just over a year, President Tinubu has taken bold and necessary decisions to reset Nigeria’s economy — from ending fuel subsidy fraud to restructuring our fiscal regime,” the statement continued. 

    “The Renewed Hope agricultural mechanisation programme, student loan scheme, foreign investment drive, and infrastructure renewal across the country are evidence of a leader working for posterity, not popularity.”

    Dr Abdulkadri said El-Rufai’s attempt to paint the Tinubu administration as the “worst in history” was both dishonest and reckless, especially coming from a man who left behind a trail of debt, division, and insecurity in Kaduna State.

    “Let’s not forget the mass displacement of communities under El-Rufai’s watch, or the reckless borrowing and ethnically polarised governance that characterised his tenure. He has no moral standing to accuse any one of failure,” he added. 

    The CCGG further described El-Rufai’s claimed disapproval ratings as “a phantom poll conducted in the basement of his resentment,” adding that numerous independent support groups have continued to endorse Tinubu’s leadership across the country, even though the president has not declared interest in a second term.

    “Despite the challenges, millions of Nigerians — market women, youth groups, professionals and even opposition figures — continue to express confidence in the leadership of President Tinubu. His vision is clear, his approach is bold, and the results are beginning to show,” the group said.

    The statement urged Nigerians to reject what it called “El-Rufai’s politics of self-interest and sabotage,” and to stay focused on holding all leaders to account based on tangible delivery, not desperation.

    “El-Rufai should be reminded that governance is not an entitlement scheme. If the president chose to exclude him from the federal cabinet, it was within his constitutional right and strategic discretion. You cannot throw tantrums because you didn’t get picked for a position — that is not patriotism, that is pettiness,” the statement said.

    The group called on political leaders to rise above personal grievances and contribute constructively to nation-building, warning that inflammatory rhetoric at this time could derail critical reforms.

    “We urge the Nigerian people to ignore voices of distraction and stand firmly behind a government that is working to secure our future,” the statement concluded.

  • Senator lauds Bello’s democratic legacy at Ogidi Festival

    Senator lauds Bello’s democratic legacy at Ogidi Festival

    Senator representing Kogi Central, Ohere Abubakar, has lauded former Governor, Yahaya Bello, for ‘‘an enduring legacy of democratic governance and inclusive leadership. This followed conferment of “Legend of Resourceful Democracy Award” on Bello during 2025 Ogidi Day Cultural Festival.

    The festival, held in Ogidi, Ijumu Local Government, brought together rulers, dignitaries, and residents to celebrate the community’s heritage and honour distinguished personalities.

    The award was presented to Bello by Ogidi Traditional Council, led by Oba Rabiu Sule, the Ologidi of Ogidi, in recognition of Bello’s contributions to infrastructure, youth and women inclusion, and grassroots progress.

    Ohere, former chair of Senate Committee on Local Content, said the honour is well-deserved and a reflection of Bello’s impact on governance.

    READ ALSO: Sanwo-Olu at 60

    He said: “Governor Bello’s leadership transformed sectors in Kogi. His courage and inclusive governance earned him admiration from many. This honour is richly deserved.”

    The senator, who also holds the title of Gbamiboye of Ogidi, hailed the Ologidi and people for their consistent efforts in celebrating credible leadership and promoting cultural values.

    He recalled that the Gbamiboye title was bestowed upon him years ago while serving as commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, a period he described as pivotal in strengthening his bond with the royal institution.

    “His Royal Highness, Oba Rabiu Oladimeji Sule, is a leader of wisdom and vision. Our relationship during my time as Commissioner was deeply enriching, and being honoured with the Gbamiboye title was a moment of great pride and responsibility,” Senator Ohere added.

    The festival featured vibrant displays of cultural heritage, including traditional music, dances, masquerade performances, and exhibitions, attracting sons and daughters of Ogidi from both home and abroad.

    In his remarks, former Governor Yahaya Bello expressed appreciation for the recognition and reaffirmed his commitment to promoting culture and supporting grassroots development.

    “True leadership is measured by the people you serve. I am humbled by this recognition from the Ogidi community, and I remain committed to advancing causes that strengthen our people and institutions,” he stated.

    The 2025 Ogidi Day Cultural Festival once again reinforced the community’s position as a beacon of tradition, unity, and visionary engagement, celebrating not just heritage, but the leaders who have contributed to its progress.

  • Why Dikko Radda will be returned in 2027

    Why Dikko Radda will be returned in 2027

    Not a few population of katsina citizens strongly argue that the state Governor, Dikko Umar Radda, deserved re-election come 2027, AUGUSTINE OKEZIE, explores why:

    Mannir Shehu Wurma. from Kurfi Local Government Area of Katsina state, joined the league of Katsina citizens that strongly believe Governor Dikko Umar Radda of Katsina will be returned to office in 2027, having according to him, performed creditably well in his first term in office

     During a chat with The Nation, Wurma listed what he called laudable achievements that Radda had made in his first term in office w

    He said ‘’the many laudable achievements of this administration in just two years  has shown  that he not only prioritized the security of lives and properties, but has also spearheaded infrastructural and agricultural developments across the length and breadth of Katsina State, thus surpassing expectations in many sectors’’

    ‘’Katsina is the first state the President officially visited since assuming office, a strong indication of its importance in the national agenda’’.

    “As a result of that visit, Katsina State was able to formally present some long-neglected grievances and secure Presidential commitments on critical development projects.’’

    “The governor has shown time and again that the people of Katsina are his foremost priority.”

    “How could the people reject a governor who is reclaiming and revitalizing urban infrastructure through massive development projects, or a leader who is revolutionizing agriculture and livestock production, making it a viable and profitable economic base for the state’s citizens?”

    “How can one ignore the countless youth empowerment programs, small and medium-scale business initiatives, and educational reforms spearheaded by this administration”?

    Other Katsina citizens that were interviewed by The Nation, also shared the believe that a divided political landscape with opposition political parties faced with leadership tussles and no viable agenda to unseat a sitting Governor, can never pose any political threat to ‘’Muhammadu Buhari House’’, come 2027.

    READ ALSO: 2027 coalitions and collisions

    Khaleed Yazeed, Katsina based political commentator, also told The Nation that defeating Radda in the upcoming general election in the state will remain a tall ambition for opposing parties as they have a long political rope to climb .

    Society for Family Health, SFH, donates medical equipment to Katsina health ministry

    The Society for Family Health, SFH, yesterday in Katsina donated several medical equipment, consisting of, 500 pieces of family planning register,500 monthly summary form and 12,000 pieces of clients ‘cards, to the Katsina State Ministry of Health

    Omokhudu idiogho, the Managing Director of SFH and the lead Director, Anthony Nwala, who jointly made the presentations to the Katsina Health Commissioner, Dr Musa Adamu Funtua during the annual stakeholders coordination meeting in katsina, said the NGO had noted katsina state government’s commitment to the health and wellbeing of her people which had remained commendable and key to their shared progress

    He said ‘’at the society for family health, our mission has always been clear to empower Nigerians with the knowledge and tools to lead healthier lives’’

    ‘‘Delivering innovation in self-care (Disc project),in Katsina state funded by the children investment fund foundation, CIFF, with technical support from population services international, PSI, embodies this commitment ‘’

    The SFH boss also highlighted some of the achievements recorded during their journey to include the implementation of SFH-Disc projects across the the 34 local government areas in the state as well as training all LGA my maternal and child health workers an coordinators, on essential skills like counseling for choice, empathy based counseling, etc

    The Permanent Secretary, Katsina State Ministry of Health, Dr Ahmed Ham Zar at the occasion , commended the society for promoting stakeholders review of the performance of the mandate and updates on project implementation and sustainability.

    He further lauded the NGO for their contributions to sectoral and reproductive health agenda of the state government as well as malaria control through the distribution of insecticide treated mosquito nets.

    Anti -corruption Zar exonerates Dikko Radda’s two years administration as corrupt free

    The Executive Secretary, Katsina State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission, Dr Jamilu Abdulsalam Charanci, has exonerated Governor Dikko Umar Radda’s administration in the past two years in Katsina State, as corrupt free

    Charanci who made the declaration at a public lecture organized by katsina based ‘’Citizens Participation Against Corruption: ‘’one day symposium to mark the two years of Dikko Radda’s administration’’, said investigations carried out by the commission on the various key sectors of katsina state’s economy in the past two years, has given the governor a clean bill of health

    He further outlined the key areas investigated to include: Recovery of Mis-appropriated public funds, ongoing Investigations across MDAs, recovery of diverted agricultural materials, resolution of public complaints, hosting of International anti-corruption day and, strengthening of Institutional partnerships and reforms.

    Also during his lecture presentation, a director at the Katsina State Revenue Board, Dr Kabir Abdullah Yantumaki, in his presentation on revenue generation and utilization in the two year administration of Dikko Radda’s administration, said the present government in power at the state level has laid a strong foundation for the economic growth and development of the state

    Banditry: Katsina lauds successful military operations which neutralised Bandits camps

    The Katsina State Government has commended the Nigerian Air Force and a coalition of security agencies for their significant victories against criminal elements and bandits terrorizing communities in the state through precision airstrikes and ground operations that destroyed notorious bandit hideouts and neutralized several armed criminals.

    A Press release which was signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Kaula Nuhammad, further listed some of the significant strides that were recorded to include: the Air Component Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Sector 2, which executed successful strikes against identified bandit enclaves at Sanusi Dutsinma and Sanusi Iku, all within the Matallawa Hills in Kankara Local Government Area.

    He said ‘’these operations, based on credible intelligence gathered through human and electronic sources, completely obliterated the criminal camps. Several bandits died in the strikes, while six injured criminals fled away’’.

    “The Air Component responded swiftly to a distress call from Kankara LGA after bandits ambushed Nigerian Police personnel conducting clearance operations behind Science Secondary School, Kankara.”

    “The criminals, led by notorious kingpin BABARU, attacked a Police Armored Personnel Carrier, killing one police inspector and injuring another officer’’.

    “Nigerian Air Force fighter jets immediately deployed to the area, successfully neutralized the bandits operating on motorcycles.”

    “Additional strikes also targeted criminals attempting to escape by hiding within rustled cattle herds and dense riverside vegetation, significantly disrupting their movement and operations’’.

    ‘’The Katsina State Government remains resolute and committed to restoring peace and security through enhanced collaboration with all security agencies operating in our state.”

    Katsina rewards three outstanding female corps members with N3m, charge their male counterparts on creativity.

    The Katsina State Government yesterday rewarded 3 outstanding female Youth Corps members who distinguished themselves in humanitarian activities during their 2024 batch A service year community service, with N1m each .

    Meanwhile, the State government have also charged male youth corps members serving in the state to emulate their female counterparts by displaying uttermost creativity and hard work during their service years Investigation by The Nation revealed that the rewarded corps members had during their service year executed community oriented projects that benefitted the people of their host communities to the extent that one of the Corps members was even given a chieftaincy title (Sarauniya Bautar Kasan Kaita Na daya) in Kaita Local Government Area of Katsina State.

    Presenting the award on behalf of the Governor of Katsina State, Umaru Dikko Rada, the Commissioner for Youths and Sports, Alhaji Aliyu Lawal, said the award was aimed at encouraging other Corps members to put in their best in the grassroots’ development of their host communities.

    The Corps members that were awarded include: Nafisa Umar Hassan KT/24A/1178, Hafsat Abdulhamid Abdulsalam KT/24A/0255, Blessing Ene Ameh KT/24A/0277. Radda further declared that henceforth, the award for the best three Corps members would be sustained by the Katsina State Government and urged the Corps members especially the male counterparts who usually don’t show much interest in community development service to begin to do so

    He also disclosed that the state was also working towards giving outstanding corps members an automatic employment in the state civil service.

    Earlier, the NYSC Katsina State Coordinator Alhaji Ibrahim Saidu had thanked the state government for the hospitality that NYSC Corps members always enjoy in the state, and requested its for sustainability. Society for Family Health,

    Katsina trains 955 Out-of-School Girls on creative skills

    The katsina state Government has announced the training of 955 out-of-school adolescent girls who have graduated from the State skills acquisition centres.

    Hajiya Jamila Abdu Mani, Special Adviser on Girl Child Education and Child Development, who announced the above achievement recorded by her agency stated that the centre has expanded from 4 to 9 locations in 2024, targeting 1,000 trainees statewide.

    The centres were located in Katsina, Kaita, Baure, and Funtua, with additional locations added due to overwhelming demand.

    Jamila further noted that the Governor’s administration has implemented wide-ranging programs addressing various aspects of child welfare and development:

     She said “The Katsina Orphanage Home received comprehensive improvements including specialized medical teams with pediatricians and nutritionists. All children were enrolled in the State’s Social Health Insurance Scheme for continuous healthcare access’’.

    “The Governor also personally intervened in the case of a baby girl born with four legs in Bujawa, Mani LGA, ensuring she received successful corrective surgery at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Katsina’’.

    “The establishment of the NASIHA Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) has provided medical, psychosocial, and legal support for survivors. The center operates with a full clinical team including nurses and obstetrician/gynecologists, partnering with the Association of Female Medical Doctors,”.

    Katsina set to combat gender-based violence

    Katsina State Government has taken decisive action against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) following a two-day stakeholder workshop that brought together key players from across the justice system, civil society, and traditional institutions.

    The Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hajia Hadiza Yar’adua, who made the above disclosure, said the workshop was organized by the Ministry of Women Affairs, in collaboration with the World Bank, to develop a coordinated approach to preventing and responding to GBV across the state.

    She said “The workshop brought together key stakeholders from the justice system, HISBAH, NAPTIN, civil society organizations, and religious and traditional institutions,”

    “Comprehensive strategy emerging from the workshop includes expanding survivor support services, reactivating a 24/7 GBV hotline, and training women, including those with disabilities’’.

     “Participants also agreed on the critical need to simplify and translate the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law into local languages for better public accessibility.”

    “We also agreed on the need to simplify and translate the VAPP Law to make it more accessible to the public. The strong support and active engagement of our traditional and religious leaders remain central to creating lasting change at the grassroots,”

    Katsina targets 2,500 beneficiaries across agriculture, culinary arts, fashion, and ICT sectors through empowerment programs

    The katsina state government in collaboration with 9jaFood Fiesta Empowerment Program, Office of the First Lady and the Ministry of Women Affairs, has targeted 2500 beneficiaries across agriculture, culinary arts, fashion, and ICT sectors through empowerment programs.

    The Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hajiya Hadiza Abubakar Yar’adua, who served as Chief Host, described the initiative as “a beacon of hope, a catalyst for transformation, and a celebration of potential.”

    She further stated that the program aligns with Governor Dikko Umaru Radda’s “Building Your Future” development blueprint, which creates sustainable platforms for youth, women, and persons with disabilities to thrive economically.

    She said: “This is more than training; it is an investment in people, in purpose, and in progress. These are lifelines, wings, and keys to independence, dignity, and economic freedom for our beneficiaries,” Commissioner Hadiza stated. “To every participant, your dreams matter, and your future is worth investing in,”

    Also speaking, the Program Coordinator and Founder, Alhaji Muhammed Mustapha, outlined the comprehensive scope and strategy of the empowerment scheme, stating its focus on practical, income-generating skills, adding that the initiative is about rewriting the narrative for 2,500 people across Katsina State.

  • Group urges NMDPRA boss to step aside, calls for review of regulatory practices

    Group urges NMDPRA boss to step aside, calls for review of regulatory practices

    A civic group under the umbrella of the Young Professionals Forum of Nigeria has called on the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Farouk Ahmed, to step aside, pending a review of ongoing concerns regarding regulatory operations under his leadership.

    Speaking during a peaceful demonstration on Monday at the NMDPRA headquarters in Abuja, the group’s coordinator, Felicia E. Daniels, said the call was part of a broader appeal for transparency and integrity in the country’s petroleum regulatory framework.

    The group noted that the NMDPRA, created under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), is a critical agency tasked with upholding transparency, enforcing regulatory compliance, and safeguarding public interest in Nigeria’s midstream and downstream oil sectors.

    Daniels emphasised the need for improved accountability within the agency and urged government institutions to ensure due process in addressing all operational concerns. She said the group’s appeal aims to strengthen public confidence in the agency and reinforce its intended role as a driver of reform in the oil and gas sector.

    “We are simply asking for a thorough and impartial review of the current leadership and regulatory processes within the NMDPRA,” she stated.

    Read Also: NANS, NAPS make u-turn on NMDPRA protest, cites unverified information

    The forum also highlighted the importance of ensuring that public service reflects the principles of fairness, diligence, and ethical conduct. It called for enhanced oversight to align regulatory actions with environmental and public health standards.

    The group further expressed its readiness to work with relevant authorities to ensure reforms are effectively implemented in the sector for the benefit of all Nigerians.

    While reiterating its support for the goals of the Petroleum Industry Act, the Young Professionals Forum said it would continue to advocate for a transparent and accountable regulatory environment in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.

  • ’4,253 IDPs in Nasarawa camps after Benue killings’

    ’4,253 IDPs in Nasarawa camps after Benue killings’

    Nasarawa State Emergency Management Agency (NASEMA) says the number of persons taking refuge in the state following the Killings in  Yelwata, Benue State, has risen to 4,253.

    The  Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) are quartered in camps in  Obi Local Government Area;   Idadu,  Kpata camps in Doma and Agyraragu in Lafia.  

    NASEMA’s Director- General   Benjamin Akwash, who made these known at the weekend in Lafia, said distribution of relief materials to the  IDPs would soon start. 

    He said: “The situation is that of an influx of internally displaced persons coming to Nasarawa State, and the number keeps increasing.

    ”As of yesterday(Saturday), the figure at my disposal was 1,800 at St John Agyraragu, but now it is 1,852. Idadu and Kpata camps presently have 672 and 709.

    READ ALSO: A President and a comrade

    “I got information again from Obi camp that 1,020 IDPs have arrived there. Most of the people who relocated to the Kadarko camp have moved to other safer places because they feel Kadarko is no longer safe for them. 

    “We have put deliberate and robust measures in place.

    “We are now at the point of procurement, in the coming few days, we will be able to purchase food and non-food items to distribute to them to lessen the hardship they are going through.’’

    ’

  • Karimi lauds Tinubu’s economic policies, doles N10m, pledges N50m for community projects

    Karimi lauds Tinubu’s economic policies, doles N10m, pledges N50m for community projects

    Senator Sunday Karimi (Kogi West) at the weekend joined the people of Ekinrin-Adde, Ijumu Local Council to celebrate the 2025 edition of Ekinrin-Adde Cultural Day, an annual event that brings together sons and daughters of the community from far and wide, to celebrate their heritage and chart the course for local development.

    Karimi described the present times as one competing seriously for government resources at all levels, pointing out that government can no longer do it alone. He calls for understanding and collaboration of the citizens.

    He lauded President Ahmed Bola Tinubu for his resilience in the face of the challenges he inherited upon assumption of office, expressing appreciation that the President is focused and living up to the expectations of the people.

    The Senator described the APC administration as the best thing to have happened to the country at this point, noting that if the current policies of the present administration are not in place the country would have been long mortgaged. He therefore commended Tinubu for his dogged determination in ensuring that Nigeria remains a going concern.

    In a show of commitment to grassroots development, Senator Karimi, during the event, announced a cash donation of N10m while also pledging additional N50 million to support various development initiatives in Ekinrin-Adde community.

    This substantial pledge underscores his dedication to improving infrastructure, education, healthcare, and other essential services within the Kogi West zone.

    Read Also: Tinubu hands over ECOWAS leadership to Sierra Leone’s Bio

    He emphasised the importance of unity, self-help, and strategic partnerships in driving sustainable development. He said: “We must continue to support each other and invest in the future of our communities. Ekinrin-Adde has always been a beacon of progress in Kogi West, and I am proud to stand with you as a partner in development”

    This gesture is one in the series of similar efforts by the lawmaker, who has consistently demonstrated his commitment to the socio-economic growth of Kogi West Senatorial District. Over the past year, he has initiated and supported various projects across communities in the seven local government areas in Kogi West.

    These include water supply and sanitation projects in Kabba-Bunu and Ijumu Councils, education infrastructure upgrades in Lokoja and Yagba East Councils, health outreaches and equipment in Yagba West. The list includes rural electrification projects in underserved areas, roads and bridges.

    Residents and traditional leaders have lauded Senator Karimi for his hands-on approach, accessibility, and genuine concern for community welfare.

    The 2025 Ekinrin-Adde Day, which featured cultural displays, awards, and development discussions aimed at advancing the community’s vision for sustainable growth, was attended by community leaders, top government functionaries in Kogi state and the National Assembly, including Kogi State Deputy Governor Joel Oyibo who represented Governor Usman Ododo and Member, House of Representatives for Ikeja Federal Constituency, Hon James Abiodun Faleke, among other citizens of note.

  • Remembering Benue

    Remembering Benue

    By Chuks Oluigbo

    Benue State felt like home when I served there as a Corps Member. Peaceful. Safe. Comfortable. And a large dose of hospitality. The present Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, was the governor then. The current NYSC spokesman, Eddy Megwa, whom I remember as a handsome young man with a charming smile, was state NYSC Public Relations Officer before he was whisked away, midway into our service year, to Abuja. He used to wow us with talks about the information superhighway at a time when the internet was just taking root in Nigeria and many were yet to understand its full ramifications.

    Though I served in Makurdi, the state capital, I felt the buzz of farming activities, especially because I had my PPA in the North Bank area where people still cultivated farmlands. But that was nothing compared to the rural areas. Hardworking folks! Great farmers, every one of them! The teachers in the school where I served always disappeared from town at weekends to tend to their farms in their villages. And at harvest time you would not just hear of their bounteous harvests of rice, yam and other food items, you would get a share.

    Everywhere I turned, I could see where the state got the sobriquet ‘Food Basket of the Nation’. Yam was superabundant and cheap, as were other food items. Some business savvy corps members started transporting yam to the East. I chose to eat the yam instead – especially pounded yam. The school where I served paid N3,000 monthly as local allowance, and that amount was enough to stock up on foodstuff at the North Bank market till the next month, but you needed an occasional dash to the market for regular things like fresh vegetables. A bottle of More Lager, brewed by Benue Brewery Limited, sold for N100, and with another N100 you could get a sizeable chunk of roasted pork. Tito sold chilled fresh yoghurt in glasses at Tito Gate and its other outlets. It was a delight on a hot afternoon. I accumulated plenty of adipose tissue within a few months and had to place myself on a strict fitness regimen.

    Benue was peaceful and safe. We traversed the land under the auspices of the state chapter of the National Association of Catholic Corps members, of which I was elected PRO. It was either a NACC state convention or a visit to NACC members out there. From Katsina-Ala to Vandeikya, Otukpo, Gboko, Aliade, Agatu, Obadigbo, Logo and many other places that I cannot readily remember their names, not once did we have a cause to fear for our lives. Not once did we hear of any killings.

    The folks I related with – from neighbours in the corpers’ lodge to teachers in the school where I served, the students, and regular folks on the street – were friendly. I made quite a couple of friends, though I’ve lost touch with almost everyone of them. I fell in love with Benue that I longed to return there after service.

    Read Also: Renewed Hope: NDDC plans retreat, agric summit for Niger Delta

    But the Makurdi sun was not friendly. We used to debate whether it was hotter in Makurdi or in Maiduguri, until my Corper colleague, Habiba, who had lived all her life in Maiduguri, said the Maiduguri sun was a learner compared to Makurdi’s. So the Benue River became my place of succour. Just by the bridge that links Wurukum and North Bank on the Makurdi-Lafia Road, there is a descent that takes you to the mouth of the mighty Benue. In the dry season, the water level would recede, leaving not-so-deep ends that one could swim in. Tiny islands would form at different points on the river that you could paddle a canoe from the shallow end to any of the tiny islands. So I would go there after school hours and soak myself in the refreshing waters of the Benue till sundown.

    That was before these demons of death besieged the land. Now all we hear from Benue are blood-curdling tales of death and destruction. Each time I hear these gory tales, my heart bleeds, and I never cease to offer a word of prayer for the peace-loving people of Benue. But even as I pray, I am saddened knowing for certain that prayer would not stop the murderous march. Only concrete action would. With hindsight, one could tell that the murderers are lurking in the shadows waiting to re-emerge to wreak more havoc as soon as the guard is let down. It’s painful, too, that they are not stopping at Benue. Virtually every state in the country has felt – or is feeling -the pangs. It’s even more calamitous that those who should be in charge seem not to know – or are pretending not to know – what lies in wait. Which is why they are prescribing Paracetamol for an ailment that is fast chipping away at the very heart of the country.

  • Katsina based philanthropist sponsor N80m urology surgeries for 3,000 vulnerable patients

    Katsina based philanthropist sponsor N80m urology surgeries for 3,000 vulnerable patients

    Katsina-based philanthropist, Alhaji Dahiru Mangal, has announced the sponsorship of urology surgeries for 3,000 vulnerable patients in the state, a humanitarian gesture estimated to cost N80 million.

    Speaking at the launch of the second quarter of the medical outreach in Katsina, a board member of the Mangal Foundation, Mr. Husaini Kabir, disclosed that the initiative, which began in 2016, has already benefited thousands across ten previous medical exercises.

    Kabir revealed that over N20 million has been set aside to cater for more than 100 patients during the ongoing quarter. He added that those who do not require surgery will receive free medical consultations and drugs.

    “This gesture, which is part of our corporate social responsibility, is aimed at giving back to society, especially the less privileged,” Kabir said. “Beneficiaries include people from across Katsina State, neighboring states, and even Niger Republic.”

    He noted that the screenings are currently ongoing at Amadi Rimi Orthopaedic Hospital in Batagarawa Local Government Area, and that the foundation has engaged expert medical personnel and procured quality drugs and equipment to ensure success.

    Kabir emphasized that the foundation’s mission is focused on healthcare, education, empowerment, and support for the economically disadvantaged.

    He also noted that the Mangal Foundation has sponsored surgeries for eye conditions, hernia, and hydrocele for thousands of vulnerable patients.

    One of the beneficiaries, Malam Adamu Aliyu, a staff member of Katsina State Polytechnic, expressed gratitude to the sponsor, saying, “I’ve been hoping for such an opportunity, as my basic salary couldn’t cover the cost of surgery.”

  • Kaduna’s massive turnout shows Tinubu, Sani will win 2027 poll – Commissioner 

    Kaduna’s massive turnout shows Tinubu, Sani will win 2027 poll – Commissioner 

    Kaduna State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Sadiq Mamman Lagos, has said the large turnout of supporters during President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent visit to the state is a strong indication of a successful path to victory for both Tinubu and Governor Uba Sani in the 2027 general elections.

    Speaking with journalists after the high-profile event in Kaduna, Mamman Lagos said the enthusiastic crowd reflected widespread public appreciation for the achievements of the two leaders.

    He hailed President Tinubu and Governor Sani as “selfless and visionary leaders” whose people-oriented policies have earned them admiration across party lines.

    “Our dear Governor has performed far beyond expectations, including those of opposition elements who now openly acknowledge his leadership,” the commissioner said.

    According to him, Governor Sani’s two years in office have brought visible transformation to all sectors of the state, with bold infrastructural projects, people-oriented policies, and deliberate efforts to unite communities and deliver dividends of democracy.

    “The people have witnessed a true transformational leader whose passion for development is unmatched. He has lived up to his promises and shown that leadership is a service to the people, not a privilege,” he added.

    On President Tinubu, Mamman Lagos praised his resolve to lay a solid foundation for national development, restructure key systems, and chart a long-term path toward economic recovery and stability.

    “What you saw during the President’s visit was more than a ceremonial reception. It was a demonstration of love, trust, and confidence in a man determined to reposition Nigeria,” he said.

    The commissioner also called on Kaduna residents to sustain their support for the All Progressives Congress (APC), urging them to rally behind both President Tinubu and Governor Sani for continued progress and prosperity.

  • New Amazons of Nigeria hail Tinubu’s FCT projects, decry Benue killings

    New Amazons of Nigeria hail Tinubu’s FCT projects, decry Benue killings

    As President Bola Ahmed Tinubu marks his second year in office, the New Amazons of Nigeria have praised the administration for its ongoing commissioning of transformative infrastructure projects across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). 

    The women-led civic organization described the projects as a “clear reflection” of the Renewed Hope Agenda in action.

    In a statement on Friday by its National Coordinator, Hon. Linda Somiari-Stewart, the group highlighted the strategic importance of newly commissioned developments including the Mabushi and Kugbo Bus Terminals, the Wole Soyinka/Onex Interchange Bridge, dualized roads in Bwari, and collector routes linking major arterial roads across Abuja.

    “These projects are already redefining mobility, access, and economic potential across the Territory,” the statement reads. 

    “We applaud the President for backing vision with action. His commitment to building infrastructure that directly benefits the people; creating jobs, easing transportation, and enhancing daily living is evident and commendable.”

    READ ALSO: Lagos ‘Band A’ residents beg IKEDC over prolonged blackout, faulty transformer

    The group also commended the Minister of the FCT, Chief (Barr.) Nyesom Wike for what it called a “resounding continuation of his legacy of transformational leadership.” 

    The statement described Wike’s tenure has been marked by “bold planning and accelerated delivery,” echoing his achievements as former Governor of Rivers State, where he executed over a thousand development projects.

    “These projects represent the lived reality of governance that works,” the group added.

    However, amid the celebration of national progress, the New Amazons of Nigeria turned attention to recent tragedies in Benue State, where violent attacks in Yelwata town claimed the lives of several defenceless women and children.

    “We condemn these senseless killings in the strongest possible terms,” the group stated. “Violence against civilians, especially the most vulnerable among us, has no place in our society. We urge security agencies to act decisively, and we call on community and national leaders to rise above political or ethnic divides and restore peace and justice.”

    The organisation emphasized the sanctity of life and the need for peace as a foundation for sustained development. “As mothers, daughters, sisters, and nation-builders, we believe every Nigerian life is sacred. Peace is the bedrock upon which progress must stand.”

    The New Amazons concluded by calling on Nigerians to unite in support of the administration’s developmental goals, urging citizens to promote peace and national cohesion.