The Nation Newspaper

Category: Northern Report

  • Huawei, govt conclude green energy, solar training in Abuja

    Huawei, govt conclude green energy, solar training in Abuja

    Huawei Technologies, in partnership with the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation and the Ministry of Power, has concluded a two-day Green Energy and Solar Training programme for top-level civil servants in the federal public service, underscoring Nigeria’s growing commitment to a greener and more sustainable energy future.

    The training, held as part of a collaborative effort to drive the adoption of renewable energy across government institutions, culminated in a brief yet significant closing ceremony attended by dignitaries, including the Permanent Secretary of the Common Services Office, Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Dr. Danjuma Kalba.

    Speaking at the closing event, Board Director of Huawei Technologies, Mr. Jim Zhang, expressed deep appreciation to the participating agencies and commended the dedication and enthusiasm demonstrated by the trainees over the course of the programme.

    “It is with great pleasure and honor to address this esteemed gathering as we mark the conclusion of our Green Energy and Solar Training,” Zhang said. “Allow me to begin by extending my deepest appreciation to the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Danjuma Kalba, for his incredible support, all the trainers, participants, and partners who have made this training a success.”

    Zhang praised the engagement level of participants throughout the sessions, noting that the past two days had been a journey of knowledge sharing and innovation aimed at building a more sustainable and energy-efficient Nigeria.

    “For two days, we gathered to explore innovative solutions, share knowledge, and equip ourselves with the skills to create a more sustainable and energy-efficient future for Nigeria,” he said.

    According to Zhang, the training was more than just a technical session—it was a convergence of changemakers: senior civil servants and directors with the potential to influence national policy and implementation strategies within their respective ministries and departments.

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    “The Directors and Senior representatives in the training are changemakers in their respective capacities, and it is our collective hope that we lead the change towards achieving a greener Nigeria, with safe and reliable power,” he added.

    The sessions, which featured hands-on training and knowledge-driven workshops, focused on solar energy technologies and best practices. Participants were taken through practical and policy-relevant modules aimed at enhancing their understanding and capacity to champion renewable energy within government infrastructure and operations.

    “No doubt, the training has been a testament to the power of collaboration and education,” Zhang said. “From the hands-on training sessions to the insightful discussions, we have witnessed a group of enthusiastic individuals come together to learn what is possible in the field of renewable energy.”

    He further emphasized that the impact of the training extended beyond technical knowledge, as it had also instilled a collective vision of a cleaner and more sustainable Nigeria.

    “The workshops have not only provided technical expertise in solar energy but also cultivated a shared vision of a greener, more sustainable Nigeria,” he remarked.

    As part of the ceremony, the top five participants from the training were recognized and honoured with certificates and Huawei-branded products. These civil servants were celebrated for their outstanding performance and commitment during the training sessions.

    Zhang encouraged all participants to take their learnings back to their respective offices and implement them in practical ways that could drive Nigeria closer to its renewable energy goals.

    “As we celebrate the closing ceremony of the training today, it is our desire that you take the knowledge and skills gained from the training and apply them in your respective workplaces,” he said. “The future of energy is in our hands, and it is our responsibility to drive progress and innovation.”

    Reaffirming Huawei’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s green energy transition, Zhang noted that the company has remained a leading force in technological advancement in digital power and is eager to deepen its collaborations in the sector.

    “Huawei is fully committed to driving the adoption of renewable energy in Nigeria and as a company, we have been at the forefront of technological innovation in digital power. We look forward to more of this impactful collaboration in future,” he concluded.

    The Permanent Secretary, Common Services Office, Dr Danjuma Kalba lauded the training describing it as apt

    He said, “This is in line with Mr President’s priority area number 8 which concerns this office in delivering good governance. Good governance cannot be without constant power supply and that is why Mr President has given presidential directives to the Ministry of Power to go ahead with alternative power source.

    “Huawei we thank you very much for availing yourself and also observing the rule allowing our indigenous engineers to carry out this job. You are not doing it directly yourself but you make sure you make available the products that are genuine and reliable.

    “For you to have sponsored this training, we know it would have coated your company and we appreciate. Mutually we will all benefit from this in the run. It is the hope this office that we would continue to partner with you.”

    Speaking of behalf of recipients of the award, Mr Ejike Osibe, Director Upstream, Ministry of Petroleum Resources, who entered top of the training, expressed appreciation for the training for key officers of the ministries on solar energy initiative.

    He said it was more important especially as the country is experiencing challenges in the power sector and also now that countries are transitioning to cleaner energy and doing away with fossil fuel.

    He said Nigeria should not be left behind hence the training was very important.

    The first place winner was Mr Ejike Osibe, while the second place winners included Eguaoje Festus OI and Ehujor P. E.

    The third place winners included Suleman Umar, Ibrahim Anas Aliyu and Oguike Francis Uzoma.

    The Green Energy and Solar Training programme stands as another milestone in the Federal Government’s push for sustainable energy solutions, particularly through capacity-building initiatives targeting those in positions to effect lasting institutional change.

    With the support of industry players like Huawei, Nigeria’s vision of an energy-secure, sustainable future is one step closer to reality.

  • Housing ministry, ARCON rev up skill acquisition in construction industry

    Housing ministry, ARCON rev up skill acquisition in construction industry

    In line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s drive on skill acquisition, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development and the Architects Registration Council of Nigeria (ARCON) have perfected plans to kick off an intensive training centre for artisans in the construction industry in the country.

    The training with the backing of the Housing and Urban Minister, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa will be run by the School of Architectural Technicians situated at Kuje, Abuja.

    The centre also comes with a comprehensive skills acquisition centre, and has training sessions for students in primary school under the ‘catch them young’ policy of the council.

    The Registrar of the council, Arc. Mohhamed Sule made the disclosure recently in Abuja, when he, along with other staffers of ARCON, visited the newly elected President-General of the National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Comrade Aliyu Kankara.

    Sule, who expressed delight over Kankare’s emergence, called for increased employment of architects in all local governments in the country.

    While noting the role of local government in grassroots development, Sule urged the new NULGE’s boss to use his good offices to stimulate more skill acquisitions for its members.

    “Your emergence is a testament to the confidence your colleagues and members of the union have in your leadership, vision, and dedication to the advancement of local governance and workers’ welfare in Nigeria.

    “We, as regulators of the architecture profession in Nigeria, recognise the critical roles that the local governments play in grassroots development and the importance of synergy between professional regulatory and local government bodies.

    “We believe that under your leadership, opportunities for collaboration, especially in areas like infrastructure development, urban planning, and capacity building, will be greatly enhanced.

    “ARCON, therefore, looks forward to exploring avenues of partnership with NULGE in promoting professionalism, ensuring better-built environments, and supporting skill development initiatives that can benefit both our registered architects and your workforce.”

    Assuring NULGE on the quality and preparation the Council had put in place for the training, the Registrar further revealed that the council had already struck a collaboration deal with the Army Directorate of Inspections and Compliance to enhance their infrastructure development and construction management.

    Having listed the training areas, including landscaping, construction management, visual arts, tiling techniques, painting and decoration, POP ceiling making, masonry, among others, Sule urged the President-General to encourage and sponsor local government staff to acquire more skills at the centre.

    Giving details on training for primary school students, Sule said, the council has a proposal to mount a four-week summer holiday skills acquisition programme for Primary School years four to six pupils in August 2025.

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    “In view of the shortage of professional architects in our local governments, we want to request the employment of architects in all the 774 local government areas of Nigeria and at least a studio apartment within the NULGE premises.”

    In his response, Kankara, who appreciated ARCON’s team for the visit, promised to address all requests by ARCON.

    “Your requests are valid and I will strive to work towards including them in the local government scheme of service when reviewed,” pledging to foster fruitful engagements and collaborations with the council going forward.”

    While Comrade Isah Gambo, Secretary General, NULGE, was his boss, on ARCON’s team were Arc. Wilson Agbonta, Deputy Director; Arc. Biola Akinola, Deputy Director, and Mr. Lamido Hussein.

  • Lawmaker, NGOs call for funding, accountability to tackle malnutrition in Nigeria

    Lawmaker, NGOs call for funding, accountability to tackle malnutrition in Nigeria

    Stakeholders have called for increased resource allocation and accountability to tackle malnutrition challenge in the country.

    They attributed the challenges to weak accountability mechanisms, poor resource allocation, coordination challenges, and data gaps.

    This was disclosed in Abuja at the CASCADE Legislative Convening on Nutrition and Food Security for Bauchi, Jigawa, Kebbi, and Nasarawa States organised by CARE International Nigeria and Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN).

    The Chairman of the House Committee on Nutrition and Food Security, Chike Okafor, while calling for increased budgetary commitment, efficient fund management, and leveraging donor and private sector funding to strengthen resource allocation, urged development partners and international NGOs to be transparent in their funding activities.

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    On how to tackle malnutrition, he said: “Hunger and food insecurity is a time bomb and the key to ending malnutrition is effective legislative oversight, increased budgetary allocation to nutrition interventions at the federal, state and local government levels, and review of extant practices and laws that promote food insecurity, like the case of multiple taxation of food products on transit from one part of the country to another.

    “For legislative oversight, we need stronger parliamentary committees’ presence to monitor nutrition commitments and expenditures and track budgetary allocations not only for those from the government but also those involving development partners. Unfortunately, there is a high level of opacity in the funding activities of development partners and international NGOs with regard to Nutrition Interventions in Nigeria. This is not the case in many other developing Countries.

    “I urge these partners in Nigerian to show more transparency, and open their books for more scrutiny. We do not want to revoke our constitutional rights to get this done”.

    He also said there should be performance-based incentives to boost results.

    “Rewarding local governments or agencies that meet nutrition targets is a more pragmatic motivator than current initiatives that reward poor performing states with poor nutrition indices by investing more funds there, akin to pouring water into a basket. Whoever does well should be encouraged with more funding so that those who aren’t doing well could learn from their peers and sit up accordingly”.

    Speaking on behalf of CARE and GAIN, the Ag. Country Director of CARE International Nigeria, Jennifer Orgle explained that the CASCADE project was launched in 2023 to contribute to ending malnutrition among 1.1 million women of reproductive age and children under the age of 5 in Nigeria.

    She commended the federal government for its commitment to ending malnutrition in the country.

    Orgle said: “The Federal Government’s recent call to action in improving coordination, financing, and accountability in food and nutrition demonstrates its commitment to securing food and nutrition security for all, especially, women and children”.

    She said despite advancements made, limited allocation of adequate funding by state governments for nutrition-sensitive interventions undermines the joint efforts to comprehensively address malnutrition.

  • Kwara remains one of most peaceful, says military, praises AbdulRazaq

    Kwara remains one of most peaceful, says military, praises AbdulRazaq

    Kwara State remains one of the most peaceful in Nigeria and its efforts to strengthen security are well founded, according to the lead officer of the Senior Course 47 of the Armed Forces Command  and Staff College Jaji Col. Usman Hashim Muhammed. 

    “Kwara State is one of the most peaceful states, but this fact does not mean that we should relent. It only requires that more efforts are made so that the peace continues and improves in the future,” he said in Ilorin at an interactive session with top government officials on Tuesday.

    “It is on this basis that we are here to hear what the government has been doing to achieve the peace the state enjoys.

    “After hearing that we will go back and analyse whatever we got and see what we are going to come up with for Kwara State to sustain and possibly improve in the peaceful security it is enjoying.”

    The delegation was received by senior government officials, including representative of the Secretary to the Government of Kwara State and Permanent Secretary on General Service Abdulganiy Yita; Special Adviser to the Governor on Media Alhaji Bashir Adigun; Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Security Alhaji Muyideen Aliyu; Senior Special Assistant on Religion (Christianity) Revd Timothy Akangbe; and Chief Press Secretary to the Governor Rafiu Ajakaye. 

    The Army lauded the peace building efforts of the state government and its initiatives that empower the people of the state. 

    In a speech to the delegation, Aliyu outlined the security strategies of the government, which he said included massive support for the security agencies and community engagement through the traditional, religious institutions, and vigilante groups. 

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    Adigun emphasised the role of local communities in strengthening security architecture and commended the military for their roles in internal security of the country.

    Ajakaye, who moderated the interactive session, told the delegation how the administration has grown the state’s IGR from N30.6bn in 2019 to N69.1bn as of 2024 (125.82%), attributing the feats to various reforms, automation systems, blockage of leakages, and strategic widening of the taxpayer base.

    He also mentioned some of the initiatives, projects and programmes that the government has introduced to support the vulnerable, boost local economy and engage the citizens, including the establishment of Garment Factory, Innovation Hub, Film Factory, Kwapreneur programme, and teaching technological skills to young people. 

    He said the administration has created tens of thousands of jobs across different layers of the economy, resulting in significant social mobility and empowerment of the people.

    Ajakaye told the team that the administration has hired over 8,600 teachers between 2019 and 2025, saying that is the highest number of teachers that any government has employed in the recent history of the state.  

    “The administration has committed over N4bn in counterpart funds to attract different supports, including strengthening access roads to the hinterlands. Under this programme, more than 1,000km of rural roads have either been fixed or are being done now,” Ajakaye said.

  • UNICEF moves to tackle polio vaccine myths in Bauchi

    UNICEF moves to tackle polio vaccine myths in Bauchi

    Despite years of mass immunisation campaigns and growing awareness, polio vaccine rejection however remains a troubling concern among some fathers in Bauchi State.

    But, the United Nations Children Fund, UNICEF, is actively addressing polio vaccine myths to improve immunization coverage and reduce the number of “zero-dose” children in Bauchi State, Nigeria. 

    This effort includes strengthening community outreach.

    Speaking in an interview with journalists in Katagum, Salisu Haruna, a father of 28, one of the skeptics of the polio vaccination said for four years, he refused to allow his children to be vaccinated, fearing the vaccine could cause infertility or harm. But after repeated engagement by health workers, he changed his mind—and now champions the campaign.

    “I used to think the vaccine would harm my children,” Haruna admitted. “But since they got it, they’ve been stronger. I now tell other fathers to support it.”

    Still, not everyone has followed suit. In Itas-Gadau, 27-year-old Bashir Ahmed refused to vaccinate his two children, citing his upbringing and doubts fueled by lack of religious approval.

    He later allowed the vaccination after persistent advocacy from health officials and support from the United Nations Children Funds, UNICEF—but remains undecided about future doses.

    In another case, a father permitted only three out of four of his children to be vaccinated. Health workers had to return several times to persuade him to vaccinate the last child.

    In an interview with journalists in Katagum local government area, UNICEF Health Specialist, Dr. David Audu, said the turn out for polio vaccination has been positive, adding that there  was only   resistance in a few places. 

    He, however, said the resistance is slowly giving way to acceptance. 

    According to him, UNICEF is supporting a network of local advocates, including Village Community Mobilizers (VCMs) and members of the Front-line Family Health Groups (FFGH), to engage directly with communities. 

    “These advocates play a crucial role in raising awareness and addressing concerns within their local areas.” he said 

    The campaigns are designed to reach every caregiver and child, ensuring that they understand the benefits of vaccination.”

    Speaking also in an interval with journalists in the Nasarawa community in Itas Gadau Local Government, a village head,  Bano Usamatu  said his community in Nasarawa no longer battles vaccine rejection.

    “The era of rejection is gone. We want to save the future of our children,” he told our correspondent, crediting UNICEF and the state government for their support.

    Meanwhile, UNICEF recently reported a milestone in Azare LGA, where 51 Quranic schools and 95 churches participated in the latest round of vaccinations. Of 842 non-compliant households, 503 were successfully engaged in just two days.

    The agency remains focused on reaching children in high-risk, zero-dose communities and continues to partner with civil society groups to build trust and awareness.

  • Pantami Foundation supports victims of Easter incident in Gombe

    Pantami Foundation supports victims of Easter incident in Gombe

    The Professor Isa Ali Pantami Foundation has extended humanitarian support to victims and families affected by the recent Easter incident in the Billiri Local Government Area of Gombe State.

    A delegation from the Foundation, led by Hon. Ahmad Abubakar Walama (Sarkin Malaman Gombe), paid a condolence visit to the Palace of His Royal Highness, Mai Tangle, Alhaji Sunusi Danladi Maiyamba.

    Others were Dr. Muhammad A. Bello (Sarkin Arewan Bolari), Arc. Dahiru Saidu Nafada, Amb. Manager Isa Tula, Hon. Ankama Barnabas (former SSA), Hon. Simon Lamiya (President, Tangale CDA), Mr. Samaila Obida (first APC Secretary, Billiri LGA) and Mr. Eli Baba Kundi (Dakan Tangale).

    The emissaries conveyed heartfelt sympathy on behalf of the Foundation’s founder, Professor Isa Ali Pantami, former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, and met with bereaved families, providing financial support as a gesture of solidarity.

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    The humanitarian mission continued in Gombe metropolis with visits to the Federal Teaching Hospital and the Specialist Hospital, where the team sympathized with injured victims and also donated funds for their medical treatment.

    Dr. Abubakar Sa’id Yagi, ex-Chief Medical Director, Federal Teaching Hospital, and Dr. Umar Garba Dokaji were among the hospital outreach delegates. They prayed for quick recovery of the wounded, strength for the bereaved, and enduring peace in Gombe State.

    Founded by Professor Isa Ali Pantami, the Foundation is a philanthropic initiative committed to promoting education, digital empowerment, and community development across northern Nigeria. 

    Through its various charitable projects and vocational training centers, the organisation has been impacting lives and fostering sustainable progress in underserved communities.

  • Stakeholders support women’s empowerment policy domestication in Kano

    Stakeholders support women’s empowerment policy domestication in Kano

    Efforts to bring the National Women Economic Empowerment Policy (NWEEP) closer to the grassroots have advanced, with Kano State becoming the latest focus for domestication and implementation aimed at strengthening women’s economic participation.

    The initiative took a major step forward on Saturday in Abuja with a strategic retreat facilitated by a coalition comprising the Kano State Ministry of Women, Children, and Disabled, Isa Wali Empowerment Initiative (IWEI), the Development Research and Projects Center (dRPC), and Investing in Women in Nigeria (IIW-Nigeria).

    At the retreat, Executive Director of IWEI, Hajiya Amina Hanga, emphasized that the session aligns with the coalition’s commitment to ensuring that the WEE Policy is not only adopted at the federal level but also integrated into governance structures within states.

    She explained that the retreat brought together seven key Commissioners from Kano State, coordinated by the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development (MWACD), to familiarize them with the policy framework. 

    The aim, Hanga noted, was to give the Commissioner for Women Affairs a chance to engage her peers in advance of her formal presentation of the policy to the Kano State Executive Council and the Governor.

    “This engagement is designed to ensure that Commissioners have a comprehensive grasp of how the WEE Policy ties into their individual mandates, as well as its broader implications for Kano’s socioeconomic development,” she said.

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    Hanga underscored the importance of collective buy-in from the Commissioners, noting that their endorsement would be critical for the policy’s successful rollout across the state.

    “We’re doing this because women represent half of the population, yet a disproportionate number live in poverty,” she said. “Our goal is to open up real economic choices and opportunities for them. 

    “When a woman is economically empowered, her family and community benefit, and ultimately, it contributes to the country’s GDP.”

  • Ganduje’s son empowers 160 SMEs with solar systems in Kano

    Ganduje’s son empowers 160 SMEs with solar systems in Kano

    The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) has distributed 160 solar home systems to small-scale business operators across the Dawakin-Tofa/Tofa/Rimin-Gado Federal Constituency in Kano State, in a bid to promote youth empowerment and economic sustainability.

    The initiative, led by REA’s Executive Director of Technical Services, Umar Abdullahi Umar, was described as a critical intervention to help entrepreneurs reduce operating costs and boost income amid ongoing energy challenges.

    Umar, son of APC national chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, emphasised that his focus on Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda.

    According to a statement by Edwin Olofu, chief press secretary to the APC national chairman, the beneficiaries, drawn from 38 wards in the constituency, include POS operators, phone charging service providers, barbers, tailors, and other entrepreneurs.

    Umar highlighted the importance of supporting SMEs for long-term prosperity, noting that solar power provides a cost-effective alternative to fuel, enabling small businesses to operate more efficiently.

    “We identified your businesses and chose to support you because SMEs are the bedrock of any thriving economy, even in developed nations,” he added. “We will continue to support President Tinubu’s vision to transform Nigeria through grassroots empowerment.”

    He then promised more inclusive empowerment initiatives, especially targeting women, designed to further enhance the socio-economic well-being of the people.

    The Managing Director of the REA, Engr. Abba Abubakar Aliyu applauded Umar’s unwavering commitment to addressing power challenges in Kano. He noted that Umar has successfully facilitated the installation of 1 megawatt of solar energy at major institutions, including Bayero University Kano (BUK), Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH), Dangote University of Science and Technology, and Kano Polytechnic.

    Dr. Junaid Tofa, Director General of Umar’s campaign team, also commended his consistent efforts toward community development, highlighting previous interventions including the installation of over 500 solar-powered streetlights and regular distribution of food items across the constituency.

  • Food security: KACRAN urges peaceful coexistence between farmers and herders

    Food security: KACRAN urges peaceful coexistence between farmers and herders

    As the rainy season commences across Nigeria, the Kulen Allah Cattle Rearers Association of Nigeria (KACRAN) has issued a strong call for peace and harmony between farmers and herders. Recognizing the crucial role of both groups in national food security, KACRAN emphasized that a peaceful environment is essential for the success of their respective agricultural endeavors.

    KACRAN in a statement by the National President, Hon. Khalil Moh’d Bello highlighted the ongoing efforts of federal, state, and local governments to ensure a successful farming season and abundant harvests. Aligning with this objective, KACRAN, an association committed to peace and unity as cornerstones for economic prosperity, urged farmers and herders nationwide to conduct their businesses in a spirit of cooperation and mutual respect.

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    “To further this message, KACRAN today organized a peace sensitization initiative aimed at educating farmers and herders on the importance of peaceful coexistence in their daily operations and their broader contribution to national development.”

    KACRAN stated that the crucial gathering was prompted by the association’s observation that a significant portion of insecurity issues, particularly in northern Nigeria, stems from localized conflicts between farmers and herders. Addressing these grassroots disputes, KACRAN believes, would substantially reduce overall insecurity in the country.

    To prevent potential conflicts, KACRAN appealed to pastoralists to avoid encroaching on or damaging farmlands with their livestock. Simultaneously, the association advised farmers to refrain from practices that obstruct traditional grazing reserves and cattle routes.

    “KACRAN strongly urged both farmers and herders to avoid taking the law into their own hands when disputes arise, whether concerning farm destruction, encroachment on grazing land, or blockage of cattle paths. Instead, the association advocated for dialogue and negotiation as the primary means of resolving any misunderstandings.”

    The statement underscored that the “future of peaceful coexistence rests with the farmers and herders themselves, urging them to choose mutual understanding over conflict, which only wastes valuable resources and energy on resolvable issues.”

    KACRAN called upon both groups to be law-abiding, friendly, and peace-loving citizens who contribute positively to their communities, states, and Nigeria as a whole, thereby leaving a legacy of peace and unity for future generations.

    The association further urged farmers and herders to provide full support and cooperation to government bodies, traditional leaders, security agencies, and all legal institutions working to maintain peace and unity in the country, which are vital for national development and prosperity.

    KACRAN also expressed its sincere appreciation to His Excellency, Honourable Mai Mala Buni, the Governor of Yobe State, for his support and compassionate policies benefiting pastoralists in the state.

    Furthermore, KACRAN acknowledged the vital role of the North East Development Commission (NEDC) in providing essential palliatives and water points for herders in the region.

    In the same vein, KACRAN commended Dr. Mohamed Goje, the Executive Secretary of the Yobe State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), for his dedicated efforts in complementing Governor Buni’s development programs, including the provision of animal feed and other crucial support to pastoralists.

    The association also extended its gratitude to traditional rulers for their fatherly role in maintaining peace and unity within their respective domains.

    In conclusion, KACRAN conveyed its highest commendation to law enforcement agencies for their tireless work in maintaining peace and the unity of Nigeria, reiterating that the importance of embracing peace and harmony in their businesses cannot be overstated. KACRAN once again appealed for peaceful coexistence between farmers and herders.

  • 300 PDP, NNPP members defect to APC in Sani’s ward in Kaduna

    300 PDP, NNPP members defect to APC in Sani’s ward in Kaduna

    No fewer than 300 opposition leaders and members from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), in Kawo Ward, Kaduna North LGA, have defected to the ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    The defection of hundreds of opposition members became imminent when the immediate past governor of the state, Nasir El-Rufai, who is also from Kaduna North LGA began working with other opposition figures like former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to form a Coalition against the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    Speaking at the grand reception of the defected members, the Permanent Member, Kaduna State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Dr Jamilu Haruna, said the mass defection into the APC, is a clear indication that Governor Uba Sani has performed credibly well.

    Dr. Jamilu Haruna, who facilitated the reception ceremony, said Governor Uba Sani has within two years in office delivered good governance to the people of Kaduna State – from infrastructure development to agricultural revolution and rural transformation programmes.

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    According to him, “This defection is not a surprise to us because all the genuine members of the opposition have seen the giant strides of Governor Uba Sani in security improvements, educational development, food security and overall wellbeing of the citizens.

    “These achievements have stood our Governor out even among his colleagues and endeared him to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which is a clear indication that Kaduna stands to benefit more from the Federal Government for the overall benefit of the citizens. “So, we welcomed the decampees to our great party and we are assuring them that they will be respected, valued and they would be given opportunities to contribute their quota to the development of the APC and the state at large,” Dr Jamilu Haruna said.

    He also expressed appreciation to the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Alhaji Sani Liman Kila, for the success of the programme.

    Receiving the decampees on behalf of Governor Uba Sani, Kaduna North Local Government chairman of the APC, Alhaji Suleiman Wada Usman expressed appreciation to the decampees for embracing the truth and joining the party that truly cares for the progress and development of the Kaduna State.

    He assured the defectors of fair and equal treatment in the ruling party, saying that they would not be treated as second class citizens in the party.

    Leader of the defectors and former Kaduna Central Senatorial Aspirant of the PDP, Prof. Usman Muhammad said he led 225 decampees from the PDP in Kawo, because they were convinced that Governor Uba Sani who is also from their constituency, has so far provided all inclusive governance.

    Notable among the defectors are former aspiring PDP State Legal Advisor, Barr. Aliyu Suleiman, Chairman PDP Kawo Ward, Alhaji Hamza Mati Salihu, former PDP state Assembly aspirant, Hon. Idris Badamasi Shuaibu, PDP Youth Leader, Kawo Ward, Tasiu Aliyu and Chairman NNPP, Kawo Ward, Comrade Aminu Tanko Musa.