The Nation Newspaper

Category: Northern Reports

  • US airstrikes: Thousands of lives, trillions of naira would have been saved before now – Senator Karimi

    US airstrikes: Thousands of lives, trillions of naira would have been saved before now – Senator Karimi

    • …praises Tinubu’s political will

    Chairman, Senate Services, Senator Sunday Karimi, said on Sunday that the lack of political will to act early cost Nigeria the loss of thousands of lives and trillions of naira in counter-terrorism operations in 16 years

    Karimi, while assessing the ongoing collaboration between the federal government and the US government to flush out terrorists and bandits in the Northwest, commended President Bola Tinubu’s bold decision in opting to move against terror elements with full force.

    The Kogi-West Senator noted that had Tinubu’s predecessors acted similarly by allowing combined local and external firepower to fight the terrorists, the lives and financial resources the country lost since 2009 would have been saved for other purposes.

    “If Nigerian leaders before President Bola Tinubu had taken similar decisions when Boko Haram started some years back, that would have saved the lives of hundreds of thousands of Nigerian citizens, including members of the armed forces and civilians.

    “Trillions of naira would have been saved,” he told newsmen in Abuja on Sunday.

    The lawmaker had called for the airstrikes to be extended to the North-Central, particularly Kogi-West, where he said had “turned up as an abode for notorious bandits and terrorists in the country.”

    The US had carried out airstrikes in Nigeria on December 25, targeting ISIS militants in Sokoto State.

    The strikes hit two ISIS camps in the Bauni forest, Tangaza area of the state, using Tomahawk missiles from a US Navy warship and MQ-9 Reaper drones.

    Nigerian authorities confirmed that the coordinated strikes were conducted at Nigeria’s request, while precision hits were also confirmed by both US Africa Command (AFRICOM) and Nigeria’s Foreign Ministry.

    Karimi, in reviewing the efforts of the federal government and US President Donald Trump, commended the latter’s humanitarian concerns, suggesting that he should be accorded the Nobel Prize for peace.

  • Radda flags off 2024/2025 bursary, scholarships, reaffirms commitment to education in Katsina

    Radda flags off 2024/2025 bursary, scholarships, reaffirms commitment to education in Katsina

    Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umar Radda, has described bursary awards and scholarship schemes as critical tools for supporting students at various levels of education and as sustainable pillars for growth and development in the education sector.

    Radda made the declaration at the Katsina State Scholarship Board while officially flagging off the disbursement of the 2024/2025 bursary and awards programme, describing the exercise as another milestone in the state’s commitment to educational advancement.

    The governor reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to invest in education as a cornerstone for sustainable development and human capital growth, noting that bursary, scholarship and award schemes were designed to ease the financial burden on students and their families, while promoting academic excellence across the state.

    Earlier, the Chairperson of the Katsina State Scholarship Board, Hajiya Mairo Muhammad, expressed appreciation to the state government for its consistent support to the board. 

    She described the programme as a clear demonstration of Governor Radda’s commitment to building the future through inclusive and quality education.

    Also speaking, the Executive Secretary of the board, Dr. Aminu Salisu Tsauri, outlined the various interventions being implemented to support students at different levels. 

    He said the 2024/2025 exercise covers bursary allowances, scholarships for students with special needs, awards for academic excellence and other targeted educational support initiatives.

    The Commissioner for Higher, Technical and Vocational Education, Adanan Nahabu Daura, commended the board for its transparent and people-oriented approach, urging beneficiaries to justify the government’s investment by remaining focused on their studies and contributing positively to society.

    The Nation recalled that Governor Radda had approved the release of ₦677,572,815 for the payment of bursary allowances, academic excellence awards and special needs scholarships to Katsina students studying in tertiary institutions across Nigeria. Of the total amount, ₦283,521,639 was disbursed as bursary allowances to newly admitted Katsina students nationwide.

    Since assuming office, Radda has prioritised education through sustained investments in scholarship and bursary programmes. Previous disbursements include ₦637,924,516 for 47,935 students in the 2020/2021 and 2021/2022 sessions, ₦544,207,748 for 37,802 students in the 2021/2022 and 2022/2023 sessions, ₦744,102,352 for 50,438 students in the 2022/2023 and 2023/2024 sessions, and ₦372,051,176 for 2024/2025 continuing students.

    With these interventions, Katsina State’s total investment in student support has reached about ₦2.6 billion, benefiting tens of thousands of students and reinforcing the administration’s Building Your Future Agenda, which places human capital development at the centre of governance.

  • Commissioner inaugurates delivery unit to drive sector reforms in Niger

    Commissioner inaugurates delivery unit to drive sector reforms in Niger

    The Niger State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Murtala Muhammad Bagana, has inaugurated a Delivery Unit in the State Ministry of Health to strengthen implementation of health policies and programmes.

    The inauguration followed an internal retreat of the ministry in Minna.

    Bagana said the Delivery Unit was a key reform designed to translate government health policies, plans and budgets into measurable outcomes that will directly benefit residents of the state.

    READ ALSO: No place for terrorists, kidnappers in Kwara, says Abdulrazaq as forest guards end training

    He explained that the unit would track priority health programmes, identify and address implementation gaps, and provide timely, data-driven reports to the ministry’s leadership, working with relevant departments, agencies and development partners.

    According to the commissioner, the initiative reflects the ministry’s commitment to transparency, efficiency and value for money as Niger State prepares for the 2026 operational year.

    Bagana announced that the Delivery Unit will hold its first meeting on Monday, January 5, 2026, and urged members to carry out their duties with professionalism, dedication and a strong sense of public service.

  • Foundation unveils empowerment initiatives for youths, entrepreneurs in Kogi

    Foundation unveils empowerment initiatives for youths, entrepreneurs in Kogi

    The DAM Foundation, a non-profit organisation, has unveiled three transformative initiatives aimed at strengthening education, community development and economic empowerment in Kogi State, with a strong focus on youths and small-scale entrepreneurs.

    The unveiling, which took place recently in Okene, was marked by a flurry of activities and attracted key stakeholders, including the Executive Governor of Kogi State, Usman  Ododo, and the Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN), Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi.

    Also unveiled was the DAM Civic Centre, a state-of-the-art facility envisioned as a hub for sports, community engagement, dialogue and cultural activities.

    Beyond infrastructure development, the DAM Foundation launched a comprehensive empowerment programme targeted at equipping youths and small-scale entrepreneurs with practical skills, resources and financial support to enhance their economic prospects.

    READ ALSO; 10 things to know about late actress Allwell Ademola

    Speaking at the event, representatives of the Foundation described the initiatives as more than physical projects, noting that they represent hope, opportunity and a long-term commitment to building a resilient and self-reliant future for Kogi State and its surrounding communities.

    A major highlight of the occasion was the commissioning of a modern hostel facility designed to promote social welfare and provide dignified living conditions.

  • 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.

    READ ALSO: No place for terrorists, kidnappers in Kwara, says Abdulrazaq as forest guards end training

    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.

  • Christmas: Kogi lawmaker Abejide distributes food, palliatives in Yagba

    Christmas: Kogi lawmaker Abejide distributes food, palliatives in Yagba

    • …promises N710m community support in 2026

    Food items and other palliatives have been distributed to widows and less privileged residents of Yagba East, Yagba West and Mopamuro Federal Constituency in Kogi State by the member representing the area, Hon. Leke Abejide, to mark the Christmas and New Year festivities.

    The distribution formed part of Abejide’s annual humanitarian intervention aimed at supporting widows and vulnerable constituents during the festive season.

    A statement issued in Abuja by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Bashiru Abdul Mohammed, said the initiative has been sustained for the past nine years.

    According to the statement, the exercise will cover all the 34 wards and polling units across Yagba Federal Constituency to ensure residents have food items to celebrate the season.

    Abejide said the distribution of food items has become a regular gesture, noting that it is designed to reach every ward and polling unit across the constituency so that people can celebrate Christmas and the New Year.

    He explained that items earmarked for this year’s distribution include 24,000 bags of 5kg rice, 10,000 packs of 2kg garri, 10,000 six-yard wrappers for widows, as well as salt, sugar and noodles.

    Read Also: Christmas: Adeboye describes Jesus as priceless gift

    The lawmaker said the initiative was driven by his passion for philanthropy and his commitment to showing genuine care for widows, especially during the festive period, in line with moral and religious teachings.

    Abejide also announced a review of his earlier pledge to support autonomous communities across the constituency. He recalled that he had previously promised to provide ₦5 million to each of the 71 autonomous communities but was unable to fulfil the pledge due to the demands of his governorship ambition at the time.

    According to him, the pledge has now been reviewed upward, with a commitment to disburse ₦10 million each to the 71 autonomous communities to support community-based projects.

    “By 2026, all the autonomous communities in Yagba Federal Constituency will benefit. A total of ₦710 million will be disbursed to support community development projects,” he said.

    The lawmaker thereafter formally flagged off the distribution exercise and urged those handling the process to ensure that the items reach all wards and polling units, particularly widows and other deserving beneficiaries across the constituency.

  • Nigerians should not lose hope, 2026 will be brighter — Rev. Ajayi

    Nigerians should not lose hope, 2026 will be brighter — Rev. Ajayi

    The Minister in charge of the First Baptist Church, Kano, Reverend (Dr.) Armstrong Ajayi, has urged Nigerians not to lose hope despite the numerous challenges confronting the country, expressing optimism that 2026 will usher in renewed hope and many blessings.

    Rev. Ajayi made the call on Thursday while delivering a sermon to mark the Christmas celebration at the church in Kano.

    He said there was still hope for the betterment of Nigeria, stressing that nothing is impossible for God to accomplish.

    According to him, the birth of Jesus Christ signifies joy, hope, and salvation for mankind, adding that Christ came into the world to bring relief and redemption, not suffering.

    Read Also: Christmas: Archbishop Yahaya calls for unity, compassion, prayers for Nigeria

    “Yes, there is kidnapping, armed banditry, poverty and hunger in the land, but with faith in God, there is no impossibility.

    “Nothing is impossible for Almighty God, and His dictionary has no room for failure,” he said.

    Rev. Ajayi noted that God alone understands what humans do not know, describing Him as the finisher of all things.

    He therefore urged Nigerians to remain steadfast in prayers and to focus their hearts and minds on God.

    He explained that Jesus was purposely born to bring salvation, progress and to reposition anything that is not good for the betterment of humanity.

    The cleric also reminded Christians that being a believer does not exempt one from challenges, noting that difficulties and trials are meant to test and strengthen faith in God.

    As Christians celebrate Christmas, Rev. Ajayi called on them to demonstrate love, forgiveness and peaceful coexistence in their daily lives.

    The cleric said, “Go out there and share the love of Jesus Christ with fellow human beings, preach peace and forgive one another.

     “That is when the birth of Jesus Christ will truly have meaning in our lives.”

    The Nation reports that Church services marking Christmas celebration in Kano were generally peaceful in Kano on Thursday.

  • True wealth lies in helping the needy, says Adamawa philanthropist

    True wealth lies in helping the needy, says Adamawa philanthropist

    Foremost philanthropist and President of the EMNAMU Foundation, Dr Emmanuel Musa, has said the greatest achievement anyone can attain is using their resources to uplift the needy.

    Musa made the remark on Thursday afternoon in his hometown, Kala’a, Hong Local Government Area of Adamawa State, during the Banquet of Gratitude, a programme that rounded off a week-long series of humanitarian activities organised to mark his birthday.

    The activities included securing the release of 100 prison inmates, settling hospital bills for indigent patients, and reaching out to orphans within and outside orphanage homes.

    According to the philanthropist, giving to the needy is akin to lending to the Creator, noting that this belief has continued to shape his life and convictions.

    “The greatest achievement of mankind is not the accumulation of wealth, but touching the lives of the needy,” he said, stressing that he remains committed to the philosophy.

    “Giving to those in need is what makes me happy. Giving is my hobby, a hobby I truly enjoy,” Musa told newsmen at the annual Banquet of Gratitude, held at the Kala’a Central Field.

    Earlier, in his welcome address, the National Coordinator of the EMNAMU Foundation, Kukuya Godwin Kala’a, described Emmanuel Musa as a source of hope to the hopeless, relief to the distressed and an enabler of opportunities for young people through his sustained acts of charity over the years.

    He noted that the Banquet of Gratitude was organised to celebrate a life devoted to service and compassion, as well as to appreciate the impact of the foundation’s outreach across different parts of Adamawa State.