The Nation Newspaper

Category: Northern Report

  • Kaduna traders, women groups protest against El-Rufai, rally support for Gov Sani, Tinubu 

    Kaduna traders, women groups protest against El-Rufai, rally support for Gov Sani, Tinubu 

    Ahead of the 2027 elections, hundreds of market association members and women groups in Kaduna state staged a peaceful demonstration over the weekend, reaffirming their loyalty and support for the administration of Governor Uba Sani and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    The protesters, who gathered across Kaduna metropolis, alleged they had bitter experiences under the previous El-Rufai administration. 

    They vowed to stand firmly with Governor Uba Sani and cautioned Kaduna residents against being swayed in a different direction.

    Recounting their ordeals during the eight years of the past government, the demonstrators claimed that hundreds of market shops were seised, demolished, or confiscated, leading to severe financial losses, health complications, and even deaths among affected traders and business owners.

    “We’ve been in the market for over 40 years and have never experienced the kind of set backs we suffered under the previous Governor.”

    “A lot of lives were lost,a lot of finances were ruined by reason of his kind of policies. We are here to speak with one voice and say that anything that would kind of revive such kind of philosophy in Kaduna market, we don’t want it,” Daniel Audu Maigari, a stakeholder of the Kaduna Market associations, has said.

    He explained, “This incumbent governor began by healing the wounds, the wounds that were really severed by the former Governor. Governor Uba Sani has been doing so,so very well and that’s why we’ve been with our leader, Alhaji Abdurrahman Mohammed, who like Governor Sani,has been charting the right course, ensuring programmes and plans that will heal these wounds.”

    He said there was never been a time they are having the impact of leadership in Kaduna market, like they are having now.

    “Now we’ve lots of incentives, lots of policies that are driving us to progress .We are now standing with one voice to denounce anything that would reverse this,” he said.

    Alhaji Daiyabu Ismail Mai Gwanjo, Chairman Stakeholders of the Kaduna State Market Traders associations, said on behalf of their leader, Alhaji Abdurrahman Mohammed, his EXCO and all trader leaders in the 23 Local Government Areas of Kaduna State, they have gathered to unilaterally declare an unalloyed support to Governor Uba Sani who had taken care of them and protected their interests. 

    According to him, “We have to say so,haven had the harrowing experience in the hands of the past administration. The scar still remains and many are yet to recover.”

    “But when Almighty Allah sent Governor Uba Sani to us,he declared he would not do anything bad to traders because the world thrives on businesses.All the most cherished countries like China, Canada, UAE, India,are very proud of and supportive to their traders and other business persons.”

    “Unfortunately, we found ourselves during the previous administration that neither showed empathy nor sympathy to traders. An approximate number of 36 markets were demolished at that time.None of these markets was completely rebuild ,till date,and we are suspicious of the collaboration between the previous administration and the market developers.”

    “We are therefore calling on Governor Uba Sani, our Governor of sympathy and understanding, to look at this issue with a view to resolving it.We are with Uba Sani a hundred percent, ” he added.

    Hajiya Hadiza Abdulaziz,a woman leader of the market association,said they have gathered in multitudes to reiterate their support to the APC and Governor Uba Sani who has tremendously supported the market men and women in Kaduna State. 

    “Most of the market women had no shops because the shops were collected. But now we give God the glory everybody has gotten their shops back and nobody will collect it again,” she said.

    She expressed happiness that those making the market women not to achieve, had left the party and government. 

    “We’ve been crying, a lot of market women don’t have capital, they have been deceiving us.But now,I believe Governor Uba Sani is going to assist us,”she added.

    The protesters later took to the streets, displaying placards with various inscriptions denouncing the previous arrangements, and chanting slogans in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Uba Sani and the All Progressives Congress, APC.

  • Philanthropist ignites Kaduna community with social amenities 

    Philanthropist ignites Kaduna community with social amenities 

    Residents of Kudenda community in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State were overjoyed as philanthropist Mr. Oyedele Olawale commissioned and donated essential social amenities to them over the weekend.

    Olawale, the CEO of a leading grains processing factory supplying multinational food and beverage companies, described the initiative as part of his company’s corporate social responsibility to its host community.

    Speaking to journalists after the event, he expressed appreciation to the Kaduna State government for providing a conducive environment for businesses to thrive.

    Reflecting on his journey, Olawale recalled starting his career in Kaduna after completing the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). 

    He rose through the ranks at Leadway Assurance before transitioning into entrepreneurship, where he has now made a significant impact in the agricultural and food processing sector.

    The philanthropist went down memory lane, saying, “I retired from Leadway Assurance in Kaduna. I did my youth service in Kaduna. I served at the Leadway and I was employed there. I rose through the rank to become the managing Director. When I retired from Leadway, I started this company called Nikoy Nigeria Limited. This company is roughly 33/34 years old. 

    “We are into processing of grains and selling to multinational companies that deal in food and beverage. Our clients are only multinational companies.

    “In our social responsibility to our immediate community we decided to give back to the community some social amenities like borehole, street light, grading of roads and drainages, prayer ground for Muslim faithful, provision of restroom and bathroom for food vendors and visitors. 

    “The State government has been good to us by giving us enabling environment to operate. Our major concern is the issue of insecurity which is a national issue. So to reduce insecurity in our immediate environment we decided to provide street lights to reduce activities of miscreants in the area. We decided to construct the drainage because each time it rained the road is flooded making it impossible for people to pass”.

    Earlier in his remarks, the Sarki (Chief) of Kudenda, His Royal Highness, Gabriel Bagudu Galadima expressed gratitude to the benefactor for the donation of the social amenities to the community.

    Chief Galadima called on other well spirited individuals to emulate the business mogul for the betterment of the society, just as he admonished residents of the community to take care of the facilities while making use of them.

    Highlights of the event was the cutting of tape by the traditional ruler to commission the facilities, most of which are situated in the vicinity of the factory.

  • The moves to remake Michika

    The moves to remake Michika

    Hope is high now for a better Michika LGA after the launch of a plan to revive the once thriving community that took a distressing turn, especially after the Boko Haram invasion of 2014 reports ONIMISI ALAO, YOLA

    Michika Local Government Area which lies in the northern part of Adamawa State is one of the biggest and most populous LGAs, but it is today one of the most disadvantaged of Adamawa’s 21 LGAs.

    This has been so especially since 2014 when it became one of the seven LGAs in the state that fell into the control of Boko Haram insurgents.

    By January 2015 when the Nigerian military liberated the LGA, many houses, business premises and other valuable social and economic assets had been wasted by the insurgents, and today, 10 years after, the physical scares remain for the eyes of even cursory visitors to see.

    This background fits the LGA to moves now being made, moves that started in 2023 and have now manifested by way of a carefully designed plan.

    This past Wednesday, March 12, 2025, German Government’s international development organ, GIZ, collaborating with sister international nongovernment organisation, Oxfam Nigeria and other such development bodies, launched a jointly developed socio-economic development plan for the people of Michika LGA.

    The Michika LGA Community Development Plan (CDP) and accompanying Costed Action Plan (CAP) for Implementation were drawn up after a process akin to a needs assessment articulated by the residents as mobilized by the implementing partners across the Michika’s 12 wards for the purpose of developing the LGA.

    The focus of the development plan is on agriculture and food security, health, education, water and sanitation, conflict and security, gender, among other sectors.

    In his address welcoming guests to the March 12 launch of the Michika LGA CDP and Costed Action Plan (CAP), the Country Director, GIZ Nigeria and ECOWAS, Dr Markus Wagner who spoke through GIZ’s head of Governance Component, Mrs Bolaji Aina, said the Community Development Plan for Michika LGA was meant to build the resilience of the people, get them to actively participate in governance and development efforts, and generally empower them to live better life.

    In the opening remark of the event, Jumai Momoh of Oxfam Nigeria who spoke on behalf of Oxfam Country Director, John Makina, said Oxfam had been privileged to be funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and the European Union (EU) to work with GIZ on the Michika Development Plan which provides for inclusive and participatory governance.

    She said the CDP and the CAP that comes with it are designed as a complete guide for the Michika local council and other authorities that would be involved in due course in actions to bring development to the LGA.

    The Chairman of Adamawa State Planning Commission, Dr Mary Paninga who delivered a goodwill message, said the state government appreciates that the people in the grassroots should through the CDP be involved in how they are governed and how they achieve development. 

    An overview of the CDC project in Michika, presented at the launch by Geraldyne Eziakile of GIZ, explained that the CDP program gives voice to the ordinary people, as individuals drawn from various strata of Michika had their inputs.

    She recalled that the program started with a workshop in Yola, followed by other workshops in both Yola and Michika, attended by stakeholders in the Michika project, all aimed at coming up with a workable people-centred plan. 

    He said she and other executors of the project went to all the 16 wards in Michika, interacted with thousands of residents, and collected all types of information. 

    “Nobody was left behind: youths, women, people with disability, religious and community leaders — every interest was represented,” she said, adding that the whole idea was to draw up a plan that encourages inclusive planning and participatory implementation.

    She disclosed that along the line, ward development support committees (WDSCs) were established, the 16 wards  having such committee of 25 members each.

    The overview of the accompanying Costed Action Plan, presented by Enoch Bamaiyi of the GIZ, indicated that the Michika CDP was motivated by a need to remedy the damage done by the Boko Haram insurgency.

    He said the plan is meant as a guide for everyone: government, NGOs, and politicians who may wish to do anything for Michika to be guided on the areas of need. 

    The immediate past and then incumbent chairmen of the Michika Local Government as well as leaders of the various ward development support committees attested to the importance of the Michika CDP, indicating that some of the outlined projects in the five-year plan had either been implemented or being implemented ahead of the official launch.

    They mentioned some of such projects across the LGA as construction of  two major roads in Michika town by the state government, and rehabilitation of some roads and culverts, as well as provision of seats in some schools, sponsoring of skills training for some youths, among other projects by either the Michika Local Government or the ward development support committees.

    In an interview on the side of the March 12 launch of the Michika CDP and CAP, the immediate past chairman of Michika,  Amos Drambi under whom the development of the plan started in 2023, said the Michika LGA Community Development Plan is a document prepared through extensive consultation across a broad spectrum of stakeholders in all Michika’s 16 wards, and contains the priority community development needs of the people of Michika. 

    His successor, the incumbent chairman, Danbiyu Tumba, explained that the Michika CDP is a five-year road map designed to help the LGA achieve its goal of facilitating rapid socio-economic development and improving the livelihood of the citizens.

    The CDP document which was presented at the launch explained that  CDP sessions organized in 2023 at each ward at the initial stage to gather inputs, involved different categories of people from the 16 wards.

    The participants, the document specifies, comprised traditional, religious and political leaders, men and women of various age groups, artisans, persons living with disability, internally displaced people, host communities and returnees, all of who came together to plan for the development of the different wards of the LGA.

    According to the document, “During the CDP sessions, the people mentioned development challenges as high cost of modern farming inputs, inadequate extension workers, clashes between farmers and herders, high unemployment rate, lack of skills acquisition centres, poor GSM network, poor access roads, inadequate access to credit facilities for starting or expanding businesses, inadequate teachers at both primary and secondary schools, early marriage and depriving of girls from inheritance, lack of social safety nets for the elderly and the poor, among others.

    Solutions to the challenges, the document assured, have been duly canvassed in the CDP.

    On its own, the Five-year Costed Action Plan document which was presented along with the main CDP document during the March 12 launch, offered the explanation that the CDP sessions across the 16 wards that closely identified needs and suggested solutions also volunteered estimated cost package to implement the solutions. 

    Michika LGA has a population of 239,400 inhabitants, as projected for the year 2022. The administrative headquarters, Michika town, is rated as the third biggest in Adamawa State after the capital Yola, and the state’s international commercial nerve centre, Mubi.

  • Abike-Dabiri hails foundation for providing Helston kits, training for midwives

    Abike-Dabiri hails foundation for providing Helston kits, training for midwives

    The chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, on Thursday commended U-VOL Foundation for providing Health kits and training for health workers in Benue State.

    The U-VOL Foundation recently completed its Second Maternal Health Training Session at St. Charles Hospital and Maternity, Adoka, Benue.

    The foundation facilitated the donation of 19 direct Relief Midwife kits to St. Charles Hospital and Maternity, each kit containing 61 essential items, providing midwives with necessary resources to perform 50 safe facility-based births.

    Dabiri-Erewa, in a statement signed by Mr. Gabriel Odu, Media, Public Relations and Protocols Unit, NIDCOM, said the foundation, by its activities, has truly justified the National Diaspora Merit Award bestowed on it at the last July 2024 National Diaspora Day Celebrations.

    The statement reads: “Dabiri-Erewa stated that the U-VOL Foundation has truly justified the National Diaspora Merit Award bestowed on the Foundation last July 2024, during the National Diaspora Day Celebrations, for their consistency in upscaling healthcare delivery in Nigeria. She urges the Foundation never to rest in its oars.”

    In her remark, the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of U-VOL Foundation, Mrs Faith Adole stressed the need for consistent and standard healthcare services to the underserved communities, saying, “it is a call to volunteerism and giving back to society.”

    Mrs Adole stated that the two-day intensive programme trained 19 healthcare providers: nurses, midwives, Public health physicians, and community health workers. They were equipped with life-saving skills to improve Maternal and neonatal outcomes in Adoka communities.

    The U-VOL Foundation’s Chief Executive Officer also expressed optimism that equipping midwives with essential tools will pave the way for safe deliveries.

    She stated: “Our goal is not just to provide training but also to create sustainable solutions that empower the local workforce.

    Read Also: Zulum, Abike-Dabiri, Onyema bag Naija Diaspora awards

    “This programme is just the beginning. By continuing to train midwives, Public health workers, and Physicians, and by collaborating with institutions like the State Ministry of Health and Medical Teaching institutions, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, we are laying the foundations for long-term Maternal Health improvements in Nigeria.”

    Throughout the training, participants engaged in hands-on learning, covering key maternal and neonatal health topics, including: Life-saving resuscitation Techniques (Neonatal & Maternal Resuscitation)’ Pre-Eclampsia and Eclampsia Management, Complex Birth Complications (Shoulder Dystocia, Multiple Births, etc.); Family Planning and Birth Control Options; Handling Obstetric Emergencies (Postpartum Hemorrhage and Other Critical Emergencies); Emergency Cesarean Section & Surgical Skills; Infection Control in Maternal & Neonatal Care.

    The training was facilitated by a team of experienced medical professionals, including Dr. Irowa Omoregie – OBGYN and Head of Department: Obstetrics & Gynecology, Federal University of Health Sciences Otukpo (FUHSO), Benue State, Nigeria; Dr. Nana Emeribe – Public Health Physician and U-VOL Foundation Lead Volunteer Health Programs Coordinator; Grace Ohepo & Ene Adakole – Nurse Midwives from FUHSO; Oluwafemi Amusa – Medical Student & Health Programs Intern, U-VOL Foundation; Oladotun Ajayi – Public Health Nurse & U-VOL Volunteer.

  • Group condemns Senate’s suspension of Natasha

    Group condemns Senate’s suspension of Natasha

    Advocacy group FixPolitics has criticized the six-month suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, calling it a suppression of democratic representation and a reflection of systemic gender bias in Nigerian politics.

    Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended after her allegations of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio were dismissed on procedural grounds by the Senate’s ethics committee.

    In a statement, FixPolitics Executive Director, Anthony Ubani, condemned the decision, arguing that it not only silences the senator but also disenfranchises the people of Kogi Central by stripping them of their constitutional right to representation.

    Ubani further highlighted the declining number of female senators, noting that representation has dropped nearly 50%—from seven women in the 9th Assembly to just four in the 10th Assembly. 

    He warned that the suspension sets a dangerous precedent, discouraging women from participating in politics and silencing victims of harassment.

    “This action blatantly disregards judicial precedents, including Senator Ali Ndume v. Senate of Nigeria (2018) and Senator Dino Melaye v. Senate of Nigeria (2016), which affirm that lawmakers cannot be suspended in ways that strip their constituents of representation. 

    “The Senate’s repeated defiance of these rulings raises serious concerns about its commitment to democracy, the rule of law, and the integrity of Nigeria’s legislative processes. Beyond undermining democratic principles, this punitive measure also calls into question the institution’s willingness to address misconduct within its ranks. 

    Read Also: Akpabio-Natasha crisis exposes leadership failures in NASS – Security expert Mumuni

    “Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension highlights the systemic barriers and entrenched misogyny that Nigerian women face in politics and society at large. 

    “The unconstitutional removal of a duly elected legislator denies constituents their fundamental right to representation in the National Assembly. In this case, an entire senatorial district in Kogi State is being disenfranchised—an outcome that contradicts both the spirit and letter of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). 

    “The Senate, as Nigeria’s highest law making body, must uphold the rule of law rather than continuously flout court rulings that protect the rights of elected representatives and their constituents. 

    “FixPolitics unequivocally condemns the Senate’s actions and demands the immediate reinstatement of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan. 

    “We call on the Senate to uphold justice, transparency, and accountability by ensuring that allegations of this nature are investigated thoroughly and impartially—free from internal biases and procedural technicalities.”

  • Mutfwang celebrates 60th birthday with orphans

    Mutfwang celebrates 60th birthday with orphans

    • Plateau governor gives scholarships to 60 children

    Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang has celebrated his 60th birthday with orphans drawn from various orphanage homes across the state.

    The governor also awarded full scholarships to 60 less privileged children, covering their education from primary school to the university.

    Governor Mutfwang described the gesture as a personal commitment to ensure that orphans in the state have access to quality education and a sense of belonging.

    Speaking at a special event held in his honour yesterday in Jos, the Plateau State capital, he said: “On the occasion of my 60th birthday, I am making a pledge to take responsibility for 60 orphans, supporting them through their education up to university level, by the grace of God.

    Read Also: Living in fear of herders and kidnappers

    “For all orphanage homes in the state, I assure you that we will intensify our support to ensure that no child is left behind. None of you should lack any good thing. The state will provide the resources needed to secure your future.”

    Mutfwang told the children that their circumstances should not define their destiny.

    “God has a plan for each and every one of you, a plan for good and not for evil, to give you a future and hope. Your background does not determine your destiny. What matters is that you put your trust in God and He will lead, guide, and preserve you,” he said.

    The governor promised that his administration would support orphanage homes across the state.

    The Commissioner for Women Affairs, Caroline Dafur, hailed the governor for his selfless initiative.

    “Governor Mutfwang has demonstrated a true heart for the people, particularly the most vulnerable in our society. His unwavering support for orphanages and child welfare is truly commendable…

    “This administration is determined to combat the menace of child abuse and trafficking in the state. We are working tirelessly to ensure the safety and well-being of every child,” she added.

    Dignitaries at the event included the state’s Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Reverend Gideon Para-Mallam; Rev. Polycarp Lubo, and the Chairman of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Pastor Dunka Gomwalk.

    They led the prayers for divine protection and guidance on Mutfwang and the success of his leadership.

  • Katsina federal lawmaker Tafoki splashes N150m on constituency for Ramadan

    Katsina federal lawmaker Tafoki splashes N150m on constituency for Ramadan

    The member representing Faskari/Kankara Sabuwa Federal Constituency, Shehu Dalhatu Tafoki, has distributed over 3,000 bags of assorted rice worth N89m as well as N50m cash to members of his constituency to ease their hardship during the fasting period of the holy month of Ramadan.

    Flagging off the distribution, Katsina Deputy Governor Farouk Lawal Jobe described the gesture as desirable, timely and worthy of emulatiion by other politicians and philanthropists in the state.

    He further reiterated that Prophet Muhammad, Peace Be Upon Him, had lived a legacy of caring and sharing amongst believers especially at this austire time of lack and challenges of living.

    Read Also: Benue attack: Death toll rises to 20 as governor, lawmaker condemn killings

    The Deputy Governor commended Tafoki for the positive impact the ramadan packages will have on the people and prayed the Almighty to reward the gesture of the benefactor

    Tafoki explained the gesture was to give back a measure of the window’s mite to vulnerable members of Constituency towards easing the challenges faced by the people.

    He said: ”In addition to this mite, I have remained focused at improving the Social Status of the people by influencing projects and programs through Lauderdale legislations”

    ” only recently the National Assembly passed a bill for the establishment of educational institutions in Faskari and Sabuwalocal government areas.”

  • Transforming Benue: Governor Alia’s remarkable journey of progress, empowerment

    Transforming Benue: Governor Alia’s remarkable journey of progress, empowerment

    By Adnan Mukhtar

      It would not be an exaggeration to say that Governor Hyacinth Iornem Alia of Benue State has, within the past twenty-one months in office, made significant strides, especially in the areas of education, healthcare, agriculture, infrastructure, humanitarian services, women and youth empowerment, as well as security among other critical sectors.

      Governor Alia, who assumed the mantle of leadership as the elected Governor of Benue State on 29th May 2023, had made it clear to the citizens of the state his intention to accord priority attention to these areas and many others, aiming to improve the well-being of the citizens, especially the less privileged, in addition to uplifting their socio-economic status.

      Governor Alia deserves to be celebrated by all well-meaning people of Benue State for his unwavering commitment to improving the living standard of the people, especially at the grassroots level, with the aim of taking the state to greater heights. A recent visit to the state reveals that Governor Alia has transformed Benue State, as evidenced by numerous achievements recorded across various sectors, including security, infrastructure, education, healthcare, and the economy.

      In the area of infrastructure development, Governor Alia has successfully constructed several roads within the Makurdi metropolis, alongside underpass projects aimed at reducing traffic congestion and improving road safety. He has also renovated several government buildings and infrastructure across the state.

      Governor Alia’s administration has demonstrated its commitment to transforming Benue State and improving the lives of its citizens. These achievements are a testament to the governor’s vision and leadership.

      First and foremost, he believes education is the bedrock of any meaningful development, which is why he has prioritized rejuvenating the sector to ensure the provision of quality education from primary or basic levels up to tertiary levels.

      Additionally, the Governor has initiated a commendable policy to pay the examination fees for all students in government-approved public secondary schools in the state sitting for the West African Examination Council (WAEC) and National Examination Council (NECO) examinations. This gesture has been widely acclaimed in the state and is viewed by many as both revolutionary and a hallmark of visionary leadership.

      The Governor was reported to have donated computers to the Benue State University Computer-Based Test (CBT) center to enhance learning. He awarded scholarships to no fewer than 44 first-class graduates of Benue State University to support their further studies. Furthermore, he established a University of Agriculture, Science, and Technology at Ihugh in Vandeikya and opened a Benue State University campus at Adikpo (Faculty of Technology), among other significant accomplishments.

      In the health sector, Governor Alia has made tremendous achievements, notably rejuvenating the Benue State University Teaching Hospital and upgrading healthcare facilities across the state. This is part of his administration’s commitment to ensuring that the citizens have access to quality healthcare and improving healthcare delivery services statewide. The opening of the Muhammadu Buhari Mother and Child Hospital has reduced maternal mortality rates and provides prompt and high-quality healthcare services to women and children under the age of five.

      The reconstruction and modernisation of the Benue State House of Assembly Complex, with modern facilities, and the initiation and completion of the remodeling of the Benue State House of Assembly Clinic, equipped with state-of-the-art amenities to ensure quality healthcare for officials and staff, also deserve mention.

      Read Also: Progressives warn NNPCL against reversing Tinubu’s economic goals on local refineries

      The construction of strategic roads within the Makurdi metropolis, Gboko, and other parts of the state, along with the construction of flyovers and underpasses in Makurdi and Gboko local governments, and the installation of streetlights, are commendable projects. These initiatives will significantly ease the movement of people, goods, and services, facilitating and enhancing economic development in the state.

      Governor Hyacinth Alia’s key interventions in the tertiary education sector and the implementation of policies to improve education standards in the state have continued to receive priority attention since he assumed office.

      Women and youth empowerment is another sector where Governor Alia has excelled, enabling numerous women and youth to become self-reliant and contribute to the economic growth and development of both the state and Nigeria at large.

      Since taking office, Governor Alia has focused on grassroots development, implementing policies tailored to meet the needs of the state’s residents without favoritism. Despite his identity as a Christian and a Reverend Father, he has garnered the respect and support of the Muslim community by ensuring equal treatment for all religions.

      His commendable leadership and numerous accomplishments were recognized when Leadership Newspaper awarded him the title of “Governor of the Year” on March 5, 2024.

      Additionally, the peace and stability currently experienced throughout Benue State can be attributed to the collaborative efforts of security agencies, which have been significantly bolstered by Governor Alia’s untiring support.

      Without mincing words, I can confidently say that Governor Alia is a remarkable success and a unique gift to the people of Benue State during this critical moment.

    • Foundation calls for improved energy accounting

      Foundation calls for improved energy accounting

      Executive Director of the Foundation for Peace Professionals (PeacePro), Abdulrazaq Hamzat, has called for improved energy accounting in Nigeria, emphasising the need for a holistic and transparent reporting system that captures the full spectrum of electricity generation beyond grid generation.

      Hamzat who is a multidimensional energy expert and policy analyst, faulted the recent announcement by the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) regarding a new peak generation of 5,713.60 megawatt “as misleading and incomplete,” arguing that it distorts Nigeria’s true electricity landscape.

      “Nigeria’s electricity generation should not be assessed solely based on grid transmission data,” Hamzat stated.

      “A proper energy accounting framework must incorporate grid-based generation, captive power, embedded generation, and independent power producer (IPP) contributions. Otherwise, we are not getting the full picture,” he added.

      Hamzat noted that over 12,000MW electricity are excluded from national accounting.

      According to him, while TCN celebrates a new peak generation for 2025, the statement fails to acknowledge the significant role of captive power generation, which supplies over 12,000 MW to industries, businesses, and residential areas outside the national grid.

      He said: “Nigeria’s true power capacity is far greater than what TCN reports. The failure to account for captive power means we are underestimating our real generation capacity, which affects planning, investment decisions, and policymaking, adding that accurate and transparent energy accounting is essential for realistic planning for Nigeria’s energy future.”

      Hamzat also called for coordinated energy accounting among regulatory agencies.

      According to him, relevant government agencies, including Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), National Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), and Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Company (NBET) should collaborate to account for investments in captive power and embedded generation when valuing the overall power sector.

      Specifically, he proposed a unified national energy database to capture all forms of power generation in Nigeria.

      Read Also: PeacePro boss Hamzat receives José Martí Ring of Honor in Cuba

      He also called on the agencies to account for private sector investments in captive power and embedded generation in national reporting.

      He concluded by calling for end to misleading record breaking announcements.

      Hamzat said: “Nigeria’s energy future depends on accurate data, strategic planning, and a commitment to systemic reforms.”

      He noted that, while Nigeria continued to make efforts toward improving its electricity supply, celebrating marginal grid peak increments without addressing core issues like underutilised capacity, transmission failures, and unaccounted energy sources is counterproductive.

      He called for a shift from mere announcements to real progress, emphasising that Nigeria’s energy future depended on “accurate data, strategic planning, and a commitment to systemic reforms.”

    • Women quantity surveyors demand stoppage of bias, unequal opportunities

      Women quantity surveyors demand stoppage of bias, unequal opportunities

      The Women Association of Quantity Surveyors in Nigeria (WAQSN) has advocated policies that will stop biases, harassment and ensure equal opportunities for women in the built industry.

      Its chairperson, Dr Bukola Aluko-Olokun, stated this at the weekend at an Interactive Forum of the association to mark the International Women’s Day (IWD) in Kaduna.

      Aluko-Olokun noted that female quantity surveyors face a lot of difficulties in getting employment, while those who have established their firms find it difficult getting contracts, due to discrimination.

      Calling for policies that would ensure percentage allocation of employment slots in the building sector and contract opportunities for women in the procurement industry, the chairperson called for collaboration among women in the various professions within the build industry.

      “We need a means to have gender policies that will advocate equality in our various working places. Women don’t normally get the opportunity to rise within the environment where they operate as individuals and within an organisation. We want policies that will ensure equal opportunity for employment. This is because we face a lot of difficulties getting employment for our women due to discrimination.

      “Also, for women who have their own firms, their own contracting companies; they also need opportunities to get contracts. We need policies to ensure that within the procurement sector, there are a certain percentage of jobs reserved for women.

      “We want these gender policies to ensure that there are fair and equitable opportunities. Just as they are advocating for 30 percent space for women in politics, we want the same to be extended to the built environment, let the women have the jobs too.

      “There is, however, a need for us to collaborate with other women within the built environment, talking about the engineers, Architects and others, so that we can together raise our voice, so that the voice can be heard, that is better than going solo,” she said.

      Aluko-Olokun added that they were gathered to celebrate those that paved the way for them to be where they are right now, to let the world know that they recognise the efforts of those that have gone.

      “We are also trying to advocate policies that will put us out there, grant us a lot of exposure, so that together we can rise and make our mark within the profession.

      Aluko-Olokun also said practising in a male-dominated profession like quantity surveying could impact social interactions and mental health in various ways.

      “Many women feel pressure to prove themselves, face exclusion from formal and informal networks, and struggle with imposter syndrome. Workplace bias, being talked over, and lack of peer support can lead to stress, burnout, and isolation. Women may experience both setbacks and growth as they navigate biases and social barriers. While mental strain is common,’’ she added.

      “As a female quantity surveyor, balancing work and personal life can be challenging due to demanding deadlines, long hours, and workplace expectations. Juggling career growth with family or personal commitments can be demanding. To overcome this, effective time management, setting clear boundaries, and prioritizing self-care are essential.

      “Managing work-related travel and site visits alongside family obligations requires planning and support from spouse. Clear communication with family about schedules helps set expectations. Delegating responsibilities, whether through a partner, relatives, or childcare support, ensures stability at home. Efficient time management, like scheduling site visits strategically and minimizing unnecessary travel, helps maintain balance.

      “Also, leveraging technology for remote monitoring when possible also reduces time away. Additionally, setting firm boundaries between work and personal life prevents burnout. While challenges exist, prioritising both professional and family commitments through organization and support makes it possible to succeed in both areas.

      “To be successful as a quantity surveyor requires a combination of technical skills and personal qualities. Key skills include cost estimation, contract management, and proficiency in software. Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities help in accurate budgeting and risk assessment. Essential qualities include attention to detail, integrity, negotiation skills, and effective communication.

      “Adaptability and teamwork also play a crucial role in managing projects efficiently and ensuring client satisfaction. As much as the male counterpart will want to relegate you to the background, press on until your strong work ability speaks for you.

      “To ensure professional growth and career development despite workplace challenges, I prioritize continuous learning through professional certifications, workshops, and industry seminars. Networking with peers and joining professional bodies enhances knowledge and opportunities. Adapting to technological advancements, seeking mentorship, and refining problem-solving skills help in overcoming obstacles. Maintaining resilience, a proactive attitude, and ethical integrity ensures steady growth and long-term success in the quantity surveying profession,” she added.

      She, however, advised the young women aspiring to join and excel in the male-dominated quantity surveying profession, to take accelerated action by proactively building expertise and confidence, pursue relevant certifications early, master digital tools, seek mentorship from industry leaders, network aggressively, join professional bodies, and actively engage in projects that showcase their skills.