The Nation Newspaper

Category: Northern Report

  • Expert raises concerns over coordination gap, as Kaduna’s population hits 11m

    Expert raises concerns over coordination gap, as Kaduna’s population hits 11m

    Kaduna State’s population has climbed to about 11 million, with projections showing it will rise to 12.9 million by 2030, raising concerns over how the state plans to harness its fast-growing and youthful population for economic growth.

    In a statement issued at the weekend, civil society actor and policy analyst, Yusuf Ishaku Goje said data from the Kaduna State Bureau of Statistics (KDBS) showed that the population rose from 3.9 million in 1990 to 6.1 million in 2006, jumped to 10.4 million by 2023 and has now reached about 11 million.

    He noted that the most striking feature of the growth is the state’s youthful profile, with about 83.8 per cent of residents under the age of 40, estimated at over 9.2 million people—more than the entire population of several African and European countries.

    Goje warned that the demographic surge comes with a heavy dependency burden, as only 48 per cent of residents fall within the working-age bracket of 15–64 years, while 52 per cent are dependants, mainly children aged 0–14.

    He added that available data shows that those aged 0–17 make up 53.5 per cent of the population, with children under five accounting for 16.5 per cent, placing enormous pressure on education, health and social services.

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    According to him, economic indicators further worsen the outlook, as about 8.04 million Kaduna residents live in multidimensional poverty, while unemployment and underemployment were put at 44 per cent and 22 per cent respectively.

    Goje said the state government deserves credit for developing an updated Demographic Dividend Roadmap (2024) aimed at turning the youth bulge into an economic asset.

    He explained that the roadmap is built on five pillars: governance, economic empowerment, education and skills development, health and well-being, and security, equity and justice, with 26 investment areas and 110 key activities.

    However, he stressed that implementation remains difficult to track due to the absence of a formal coordination mechanism, which the roadmap recommends should be domiciled in the Office of the Deputy Governor.

    Goje urged the immediate establishment of the proposed coordination structures, warning that without dedicated funding, monitoring and accountability, Kaduna risks losing the opportunity to convert its demographic advantage into sustainable growth.

  • Malam Inuwa Academy hails 520 students’ achievement in Islamic-Western education

    Malam Inuwa Academy hails 520 students’ achievement in Islamic-Western education

    Malam Inuwa Academy (MIA) has enrolled and trained 520 young students over the past two years, marking a significant milestone in its mission to integrate Islamic knowledge with Western education in northern Nigeria.

    The academy’s progress was showcased during a recent Musabaqa and Science Fair in Hadejia, Jigawa State, attended by Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, Director General of the National Information Technology Agency (NITDA).

    Students demonstrated their knowledge and eloquence through Quran memorisation, debates, quizzes, and spelling bees—a display organizers called “a powerful reminder of what is possible when a community decides to invest in its own future.”

    The event highlighted the commitment to bridging traditional Islamic scholarship with contemporary Western education. Students across all categories participated enthusiastically, impressing attendees with their proficiency in both domains.

    Outstanding pupils received bicycles, cash prizes, and other valuable gifts. A notable moment was when the first student to complete the memorisation of the entire Quran at the academy received awards, computer, cash and a bicycle, among others.

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    Commending the students’ performance and their mentors’ dedication, Kashifu presented cash gifts to teachers, whom he described as “the backbone of the school.” The gesture underscored the vital role educators play in the institution’s success.

    “It is always good to be home,” Kashifu said as he reflected on the event in his hometown. “Mentoring, encouraging, and reminding our children of the importance of pursuing both Islamic and Western education remains one of my ways of giving back to society.”

    The academy’s model offers a template for schools seeking to honor traditional values while preparing students for the demands of a globalized world. The effective model for northern Nigeria contributes to the region’s educational transformation.

    In a statement, the organisers said: “The change we seek starts with us. What began as a modest initiative has evolved into a growing movement. Let this inspire others: give back to your hometown, support a child, strengthen a school, build a future.”

    The academy, under the Malam Inuwa Foundation, has received praise across Hadejia and Jigawa. It combines Quranic knowledge with Western education, equipping young people to thrive in modern society while maintaining their cultural and religious heritage.

  • Expert raises concerns over coordination gap, as Kaduna’s population hits 11m

    Expert raises concerns over coordination gap, as Kaduna’s population hits 11m

    Kaduna state’s population has climbed to about 11 million, with projections showing it will rise to 12.9 million by 2030, raising concerns over how the state plans to harness its fast-growing and youthful population for economic growth.

    In a statement issued at the weekend, civil society actor and policy analyst, Yusuf Ishaku Goje said data from the Kaduna State Bureau of Statistics (KDBS) showed that the population rose from 3.9 million in 1990 to 6.1 million in 2006, jumped to 10.4 million by 2023 and has now reached about 11 million.

    He noted that the most striking feature of the growth is the state’s youthful profile, with about 83.8 per cent of residents under the age of 40, estimated at over 9.2 million people—more than the entire population of several African and European countries.

    Goje warned that the demographic surge comes with a heavy dependency burden, as only 48 per cent of residents fall within the working-age bracket of 15–64 years, while 52 per cent are dependants, mainly children aged 0–14.

    He added that available data shows those aged 0–17 make up 53.5 per cent of the population, with children under five accounting for 16.5 per cent, placing enormous pressure on education, health and social services.

    According to him, economic indicators further worsen the outlook, as about 8.04 million Kaduna residents live in multidimensional poverty, while unemployment and underemployment were put at 44 per cent and 22 per cent respectively.

    Goje said the state government deserves credit for developing an updated Demographic Dividend Roadmap (2024) aimed at turning the youth bulge into an economic asset.

    He explained that the roadmap is built on five pillars; governance, economic empowerment, education and skills development, health and well-being, and security, equity and justice, with 26 investment areas and 110 key activities.

    However, he stressed that implementation remains difficult to track due to the absence of a formal coordination mechanism, which the roadmap recommends should be domiciled in the Office of the Deputy Governor.

    Goje urged the immediate establishment of the proposed coordination structures, warning that without dedicated funding, monitoring and accountability, Kaduna risks losing the opportunity to convert its demographic advantage into sustainable growth.

  • N5 billion approved for reconstruction of Zurmi nursing school 

    N5 billion approved for reconstruction of Zurmi nursing school 

    The Zamfara State Government has approved N5 billion for the reconstruction of the School of Nursing in Zurmi Local Government Area.

    
The approval was announced by Governor Dauda Lawal during the flag-off of a cash assistance programme for 850 beneficiaries in Zurmi.

    Governor Lawal, who was represented at the event by his deputy, Mani Malam Mummuni Masamar Mudi, said the intervention underscored his administration’s commitment to implementing impactful projects across the state’s 14 local government areas.

    A statement issued at the weekend by the Press Secretary to the deputy governor, Shehu Adamu Gusau, said this is part of measures to strengthen healthcare service delivery across the state.

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    The governor also disclosed that arrangements had been concluded for the demolition and reconstruction of the Zurmi Emirate Palace, a move aimed at preserving and enhancing the cultural and traditional heritage of the people.

    
He further revealed that a ₦2 billion contract had been awarded for the construction of Kanwa Road, while work was ongoing on the construction of seven kilometres of the Zurmi–Rukudawa Road, three kilometres of roads within Zurmi town, and three kilometres of roads in Moriki. According to him, the Zurmi Primary Healthcare Centre and the General Hospital are also undergoing renovation.

    
Governor Lawal commended the Commissioner for Lands and Housing, Alhaji Nasiru Ibrahim Zurmi, for sponsoring the cash assistance initiative and urged other political office holders to emulate the gesture in supporting citizens’ welfare.


    Earlier, Alhaji Nasiru Ibrahim Zurmi said the initiative was designed to complement the state government’s efforts at providing social support and easing the economic hardship faced by residents. 

    He explained that the 850 beneficiaries were selected from polling units across wards in Zurmi Local Government Area and would each receive ₦20,000.

    
In their goodwill messages, the Speaker of the Zamfara State House of Assembly, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, the Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, and the Chairman of Zurmi Local Government Council described the initiative as commendable and worthy of emulation.

  • Christmas: PFN commends Governor Lawal over inclusive leadership 

    Christmas: PFN commends Governor Lawal over inclusive leadership 

    The Zamfara state chapter of Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), under the leadership of Pastor Paul Ochepo, has commended Governor Dauda Lawal over his several interventions on issues concerning Christianity in the state, advocating for peaceful coexistence among residents regardless of tribe and religious backgrounds in the spirit of Christmas.

    This was made known via brief interview with the Daily Sun Correspondent at the Office of the PFN Chairman, Pastor Paul Ochepo, Ayan Buba Street in Gusau, the state capital.

    Christmas is a season of celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ and the gift of love, salvation and peace he brought to the world.

    Christians should endeavour to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ in the atmosphere of Holiness, peace, togetherness and the fear of God. In this season Christians at all levels should preach the goodnews of love and peace that Christ represents through their characters.

    The PFN Chairman urged Christians to be economical in spending their resources in view of the demands for the coming year.

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    He advocated for peaceful coexistence amongst Muslims and Christians in Zamfara state, calling on them to remain vigilant while celebrating the season, mark anyone with questionable behaviour and ensure to share any intelligence with the nearest police station, as hoodlums may seek to use this period to target certain individuals in the community.

    Pastor Ochepo who is also the founder of Christ Intercession Amazing Grace Assembly, commended Governor Dauda Lawal and other senior Government officials for the several Christmas packages given to Christians in order to ease the labour of getting certain items on their own considering the current prices of commodities in the market.

    The Chairman appreciated the intervention of Governor Dauda Lawal in bringing lasting solutions to the land issues, the ground levy  issues and other conflicts between the church the and communities. 

    He called on the governor to remain focused as his good works of total transformation of Zamfara state is visible to all.

  • Zamfara cautions health workers against negligence 

    Zamfara cautions health workers against negligence 

    The Zamfara government has cautioned health personnel against absenteeism and negligence to enhance effective service delivery.

    The Commissioner for Health, Dr Nafisa Maradun, said this on Friday in Dansadau, when she led officials of the ministry for Integrated Supportive Supervision (ISS) to General Hospital across the 14 local government areas of the state.

    The exercise is being led by the Commissioner, supported by Directors and Heads of  parastatals under the ministry.

    The team began the exercise with visits to Dansadau and Magami General Hospitals in Maru and Gusau LGAs, respectively.

    Maradun said that the state government would not condone absenteeism or negligence of duty by workers, stressing that accountability and dedication were critical to strengthening the state’s healthcare system.

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    She said the exercise was aimed at monitoring and evaluating the condition of health facilities, assessing service delivery, staff performance, and the overall functionality of secondary health facilities.

    Maradun explained that the exercise would cover all general hospitals and health facilities in the 14 LGAs to ensure quality healthcare delivery for citizens.

    “We are going to supervise all health facilities to monitor and evaluate their conditions and ensure that services are delivered effectively,” Maradun said.

    She commended the medical directors, nurses and medical personnel for their commitment and presence at their duty posts.

    She assured that the exercise would improve standards, promote efficiency and enhance service delivery across public health facilities.

  • Lawal signs ₦871.3 billion 2026 budget 

    Lawal signs ₦871.3 billion 2026 budget 

    Governor Dauda Lawal has signed into law, ₦871.3 billion, 2026 appropriation, following approval of the Bill by the Zamfara legislature.

    Governor Lawal signed the 2026 bill on Thursday, shortly after it was approved by the State House of Assembly.

    On December 4, the governor presented a proposed budget of ₦861.3 billion for the 2026 fiscal year to the Zamfara house of assembly for approval.

    Earlier, the Zamfara House of Assembly had passed the 2026 appropriation bill into law following the presentation of a report by the House Committee on Finance and Appropriation.

    The committee had presented the report of the bill with a total estimate of ₦871.337 billion for the 2026 fiscal year before the house plenary.

    Presenting the committee’s report, its  Chairman, Rilwanu Na-Gambo, explained that all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) in the state appeared before the committee and defended their proposals.

    Na-Gambo noted that there was a significant improvement in the revenue profile of most MDAs.

    Read Also: Lawal signs ₦871.3bn 2026 appropriation

    He said the committee recommended an additional N8 billion for capital expenditure in the Ministry of Local Governments and Chieftaincy Affairs, and N2 billion for recurrent expenditure for the Zamfara house of assembly.

    While passing the bill, the Speaker, Bilyaminu Isma’il said that the legislators considered the strategic priorities of Lawal’s administration, including security, agriculture, health, education, and infrastructure.

    The speaker said the budget was designed to reflect the needs and aspirations of the people at the local government level and across other sectors, while ensuring balanced budgeting with a strong focus on equity and inclusion.

    The Deputy Governor, Mani Malam Mumini and the Speaker of the Zamfara House of Assembly, Bilyaminu Isma’il were among top government officials present when Gov. Lawal signed the bill into law.

  • Governor begins construction of doctors’ quarters at FMC Gusau 

    Governor begins construction of doctors’ quarters at FMC Gusau 

    Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has commenced the construction of a dedicated residential complex for doctors at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Gusau, in a move aimed at addressing critical accommodation shortages and improving healthcare delivery.

    The project represents a significant investment in healthcare infrastructure and staff welfare.

    In a statement issued on Monday in Gusau, the Public Relations Officer of FMC Gusau, Dr Naziru Tukur, disclosed that the contract was awarded to Gateway International Nigeria Limited for the construction of 26 units of one-bedroom apartments.

    According to the statement, the contractor was mobilised to the site in Sept. 2025, with a projected completion period of one year.

    The project is being supervised by the Zamfara State Ministry of Housing and Urban Development.

    Each of the 26 self-contained units will include a kitchen, dining area, and restroom. The one-storey building is designed with 13 units on the ground floor and 13 on the upper floor.

    Construction work is progressing steadily, having moved from the substructure stage to the superstructure, which has now reached the lintel level.

    Gateway International Nigeria Limited has assured that all construction materials meet standard specifications and that work is being carried out strictly in line with the approved design, measurements, and specifications.

    The statement noted that the management of FMC Gusau described the intervention as unprecedented, marking the first time the state government has undertaken a project of such magnitude for the centre.

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    The Medical Director of FMC Gusau, Dr Bello Mohammed, expressed deep appreciation to Gov. Dauda Lawal for fulfilling the promise he made during a courtesy visit by the hospital’s management team in January 2025.

    During the visit, the delegation had requested state government support, including the provision of a utility vehicle (Hilux), construction of doctors’ quarters, and intervention to fast-track the conversion of the centre into a teaching hospital.

    Also speaking, the Head of Clinical Services and Training, Dr Umar Abdullahi (FMCP), said the proximity of doctors’ residences to clinical areas would ensure faster response during emergencies, enhance patient safety, and improve the quality of care.

    The new residential complex underscores the Zamfara State Government’s commitment to strengthening healthcare delivery by improving the welfare of critical medical personnel at the Federal Medical Centre, Gusau. 

  • Zamfara advocates action to tackle migration challenges

    Zamfara advocates action to tackle migration challenges

    The National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), has called for collective action to address challenges facing larger population of migrants.

    Zamfara Coordinator of the Commission, Mr Salisu Zakari, reiterated the call during a WALK to mark the 2025 International Migrants Day on Tuesday, in Gusau, Zamfara.

    Zakari said the day was celebrated through a collaboration with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM).

    He described the day as a vital global platform for promoting understanding, solidarity, and collective action on migration.

    The coordinator said  that the walk aimed at promoting awareness, unity, and shared responsibility on migration issues.

    He added that it was designed to raise awareness, foster unity, and collective action among institutions, development partners, and Civil Society Organisations to promote safe, orderly and durable solutions for IDPs.

    “Migrants are people who move from one place to another in search of better opportunities, whether Nigerians moving abroad or foreigners coming into the country.

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    “On this day, we also commiserate with IDPs who are displaced due to circumstances beyond their control,” he said.

    According to him, the global event is the first of its kind in the state, marking a significant step-down from the usual federal-level celebration.

    He acknowledged that the devastating  security challenges had continued to displace vulnerable persons in the state.

    “We continue to record cases of displacement in Zamfara.

    “Our goal is to end this situation and work towards lasting solution that will reduce displacements.

    “We prioritise quick emergency responses and durable solutions that allow displaced persons to return to their communities or resettle safely,” he noted.

  • Christmas: Governor Lawal donates N160 million to security agencies  

    Christmas: Governor Lawal donates N160 million to security agencies  

    Governor Dauda Lawal donated N160 million to the security agencies in the state as part of his appreciation to their performance as enforcement agencies in safeguarding the lives of the people of the state.

    The governor, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Malam Abubakar Nakwada made the donation at the end-of the-year tour to honour security and law enforcement agencies in recognition of their efforts of safeguarding the people.

    The governor said the visit, the first of its kind in the state, served as a strategic engagement aimed at recognising the dedication, sacrifices and resilience of the security personnel in protecting the lives and property of the citizens.

    According to him, the visit also aims to bolster the morale of the personnel and strengthen collaboration between the state government and federal security agencies in the fight against all forms of criminalities.

    The governor conveyed the profound gratitude of the government and people of Zamfara to the frontline men and women battling insecurity across the state.

    He further solicited for more concerted efforts towards addressing the state’s security challenges, reassuring that the state government would continue to provide all the support they required to perform their duties effectively.

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    Lawal also extended heartfelt condolences to the agencies, praying for the eternal rest of the officers who might have paid the supreme price in the line of duty.

    “To further demonstrate the state government’s appreciation, we distributed N160 million across the agencies as end-of-year solidarity package.

    “The kind gesture is to enable them celebrate the yuletide festivities with ease,” the governor said.

    The tour covered 1 Bridge Command of the Nigerian Army, 207 Air Force Quick Response Group, Garrison Command, State Police Command, Nigerian Customs Service, Department of State Security, Police Mobile (MP) 42.

    Other agencies visited by the governor included Federal Road Safety Corps, Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), and the State Community Protection Guards (CPG).