The Nation Newspaper

Category: Northern Reports

  • Town Planner Alabi Ebo unveils book on Kwara’s urban planning journey

    Town Planner Alabi Ebo unveils book on Kwara’s urban planning journey

    Tpl. Alabi Qazeem Amuda, popularly known as Alabi Ebo, has launched his book titled ‘Efforts Towards Urban and Regional Planning Optimum Practice in Kwara State’, which documents the development of urban and regional planning practice and governance in the state.

    Born in Ilorin, Kwara State, Amuda is a seasoned town planning professional with decades of experience in public service. He joined the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners in 1989, became a Registered Town Planner in 1992, and was elevated to Fellow of the Institute in 2010.

    Throughout his distinguished career, he served as Secretary of the Kwara State Land Use and Allocation Committee (1993–1999), Executive Secretary of the Kwara State Town Planning and Development Authority (2003–2007), and Chairman of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners, Kwara Chapter (2005–2007). He later held key administrative roles as Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Lands and Housing (2007–2011) and the Ministry of Works and Transport (2011–2016).

    He currently serves as Executive Secretary of the Ilorin Central Jummat Mosque.

    The book examines planning laws, institutions, and physical development schemes implemented in Kwara State since its creation, while offering recommendations to strengthen physical planning and development control.

    Read Also: Book on Obalu Quarter, Efon unveiled

    Amuda highlights the need for comprehensive physical development plans, improved planning laws, better implementation of the Land Use Act, stakeholder participation, adequate funding, strict compliance with planning permits by Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, and adherence to professional ethics and the National Building Code.

    The book presentation, held at the Kwara State Library, Ilorin, attracted stakeholders from the built environment and public service sectors.

    Speaking at the event, Colonel Theophilus O. Bamigboye (rtd.), former Military Administrator of Bauchi and Osun States, described urban planning as the backbone of development and warned against indiscriminate land-use changes. He commended Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq (CON) for ongoing urban renewal efforts in the state.

    Arc. Mohammed Jimoh Faworaja, former President of the Nigerian Institute of Architects and the Architects Registration Council of Nigeria, described the book as an invaluable professional resource and urged built-environment professionals to engage with its contents.

    The Chief Launcher, Engr. Jani Ibrahim, National President of NACCIMA, represented by Mr. Soji Fagbemi of Lubcon, advised young professionals to emulate the author’s dedication to service.

    The Rector of Kwara Polytechnic, Engr. Abdul Jimoh Mohammed pledged that copies of the book would be added to institutional libraries, while the reviewer, Tpl. Abdulfatai O. Anofi described the work as a rare and comprehensive documentation of urban and regional planning efforts from the pre-colonial era to the present.

    Dignitaries at the event included former and serving public officials, professionals from the built environment, community leaders, and members of various professional and social organizations. The Planning Committee was chaired by Tpl. Yinka Giwa, while Mrs. Ramat Akanni anchored the event.

  • 2027: Kano ex-federal lawmakers endorse Tinubu’s second-term

    2027: Kano ex-federal lawmakers endorse Tinubu’s second-term

    • …we are on a rescue mission, says Barau

    Former federal lawmakers from Kano State have endorsed the second-term bid of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, for the governorship race.

    The group, comprising lawmakers who served in the second, third, and present fourth republics, made the endorsement during a courtesy visit to the Deputy President of the Senate in Abuja on Friday.

    Led by Hon. Umar Sadiq, who represented Kumbotso Federal Constituency between 1979 and 1983, stated that the decision to endorse President Tinubu and Senator Barau for the presidency and governorship, respectively, was a unanimous resolution among all members of the forum.

    The Special Adviser to the Deputy President of the Senate on Media and Publicity, Malam Ismail Mudashir, quoted the former lawmaker as saying they will mobilise for the actualisation of President Tinubu’s second-term bid and Senator Barau’s governorship ambition.

    “This is the second term that we will be endorsing Senator Barau for the governorship of our state. He is a member of our forum and number one on our membership list. Additionally, we have endorsed President Tinubu’s bid for a second term.

    “We don’t have any candidate other than Senator Barau. Insha Allah, he is the next governor of Kano State. Senator Barau has been working like a governor – his track record of performance is outstanding. We, therefore, urge him to sustain his good works,” he said.

    Also speaking, Hon Idris Isah (Jollof), a former member of the House of Representatives (Nasarawa Federal Constituency), said Senator Barau was a blessing to the people of Kano State, hence the call on him to contest for the governorship.

    “We are here to reaffirm our endorsement for you and President Tinubu for him to contest for a second term. Senator Barau is a blessing to everyone in Kano. And more for us, APC members. The sustenance of our party in Kano is to his credit,” he said.

    On his part, Hon Faruk Lawan, who represented Bagwai/Shanono of Kano State for 16 years, said they will leave no stone unturned in ensuring the victory of President Tinubu and Senator Barau come 2027.

    The Chief of Staff to the National Chairman of the APC, Hon. Mustapha Bala Dawaki, who is also a member of the forum, attended the meeting.

    Responding, the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau, thanked the former lawmakers, describing them as the backbone of Kano politics.

    “This is my constituency as a member of the forum, and it is a thing of joy that you have queued behind the movement to rescue Kano State from the present misrule. This is a rescue mission.

    “It is the failure of leadership that pushed Kano State to the path of retrogression.  Kano is being run like a private enterprise. We will not sit idly by and allow things to continue deteriorating. It is not about you or me; it is about our state. Let us all work together to change the situation and utilise all resources for the benefit of all,” he said.

  • Lift Africa Foundation pushes for stronger gender protection systems in Kano

    Lift Africa Foundation pushes for stronger gender protection systems in Kano

    Kano State is facing renewed pressure to strengthen its gender protection and justice systems following sustained advocacy led by Lift Africa Foundation, a civil society organisation headed by human rights lawyer Aisha Hamman.

    The renewed focus comes amid growing concern over Kano’s legal and institutional gaps in responding to sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV).

    Nigeria enacted the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act in 2015, establishing a comprehensive legal framework against rape, domestic violence, harmful traditional practices, and other forms of abuse. Ten years later, Kano remains the only state yet to fully domesticate the law.

    Hamman, who has led advocacy on gender justice and survivor protection in the state for over six years, said the absence of a fully domesticated VAPP law continues to weaken protection systems and expose women and girls to preventable harm.

    Beyond legal gaps, Kano’s survivor support infrastructure remains severely overstretched. With an estimated population of over 16 million people, the state currently has only one Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) serving all 44 local government areas.

    Speaking on the strain facing survivor services, Malam Abba Abdullahi, head of the WARAKA Sexual Assault Referral Centre, said the centre is operating under significant pressure.

    “We are overwhelmed and working with very limited resources. The volume of cases continues to rise, but the capacity to respond has not expanded,” he said.

    Advocates argue that the combination of limited legal protections and overstretched survivor services has contributed to under-reporting, delayed justice, and increased vulnerability across communities. Kano is widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s gender-based violence hotspots, despite having fewer institutional resources than states with comparable population sizes.

    Over the past six years, Lift Africa Foundation, under Hamman’s leadership, has driven justice-sector interventions and community protection initiatives across Kano and Northern Nigeria. These efforts have contributed to 32 convictions for sexual and gender-based violence-related offences in Kano State and 86 convictions across the region, despite existing legal constraints.

    The organisation has also played a central role in advocacy that led to the harmonisation of key Violence Against Persons Prohibition provisions into the Kano State Penal Code Amendment Bill (2021), which is currently awaiting passage at the State House of Assembly.

    In addition, Lift Africa Foundation has supported survivor referral pathways, strengthened engagement around Sexual Assault Referral Centres, and facilitated the reintegration of over 3,000 out-of-school children into formal education — a factor experts link to reduced vulnerability to exploitation and abuse.

    These issues formed the focus of the Kano Gender Justice Summit, convened by Lift Africa Foundation, which brought together state institutions, religious and traditional leaders, security agencies, and community actors to examine systemic gaps and push for coordinated reforms.

    A key outcome of the summit was the unveiling of the Kano Community Declaration for Protection & Justice, a multi-stakeholder accountability document developed through consultations led by Hamman.

    The Declaration outlines specific commitments for institutions across justice, security, health, education, and community structures to strengthen prevention, survivor support, and accountability.

    According to Hamman, the Declaration is intended to shift the state’s response from fragmented interventions to a coordinated protection system.

    “Survivors do not need sympathy — they need systems that work. This is about accountability, coordination, and political will,” she said.

  • Malami’s unbecoming attacks on EFCC

    Malami’s unbecoming attacks on EFCC

    By Stanley Ebube

    The recent public posturing and proxy attacks directed at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) by former Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, are profoundly troubling and entirely unbecoming of a man who once occupied the highest legal office in the land.

    Mr. Malami is not an ordinary citizen unfamiliar with the workings of law enforcement or the demands of due process. As Attorney-General of the Federation, he was the chief law officer of Nigeria, custodian of the rule of law, and supervisor – directly or indirectly – of the very institutions he now seeks to delegitimise because he has been invited for questioning.

    It is therefore disturbing that instead of honouring the terms of his bail and submitting himself to lawful investigation, Mr. Malami has chosen the path of public sympathy-seeking, insinuations, and indirect attacks on the EFCC and its leadership. This conduct raises serious questions about the respect he once claimed to have for institutions he is now defending.

    Even more concerning is the reported demand by Mr. Malami that the EFCC Chairman should recuse himself from the matter. Such a request, coming at this stage and under these circumstances, smacks of intimidation, forum shopping, and an attempt to bend institutions to personal convenience – tactics that undermine public confidence in the justice system.

    Mr. Malami knows – better than most Nigerians – that investigation is not persecution, that invitation is not conviction, and that no suspect reserves the right to dictate the composition of an investigative body simply because he once wielded power. The law does not recognise pedigree, former office, or seniority at the bar as shields against accountability.

    As Attorney-General, Mr. Malami presided over prosecutions, gave legal backing for arrests, and defended detentions under far less scrutiny. He cannot now turn around to question the legitimacy of the same processes simply because the searchlight has turned in his direction.

    Nigeria’s democracy rests on a sacred but straightforward principle: no one is above the law. Not ministers. Not senior advocates. Not former Attorneys-General. When powerful individuals attempt to weaken institutions through noise, proxies, or procedural gamesmanship, they do violence to that principle.

    Mr. Malami owes the nation, the legal profession, and his own legacy a better response, one grounded in humility, compliance with lawful authority, and respect for due process. If he believes in his innocence, the proper place to assert it is before investigators and the courts, not in the court of public opinion.

    Stanley Ebube, a public affairs analyst, wrote from Abuja.

  • PHC: Zamfara ranks best in North-West 

    PHC: Zamfara ranks best in North-West 

    Zamfara State has emerged as the best-performing state in the North West Primary Health Care Leadership Challenge. 

    Zamfara was announced the winner of the PHC Leadership Challenge during an award night held at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre on Friday. 

    A statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, disclosed that in 2022, the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF) launched the Primary Health Care Leadership Challenge, pledging to build a health system that delivers quality care regardless of geography or circumstance.

    The statement noted that the PHC Leadership Challenge Fund intends to promote sustainable healthcare financing and motivates Nigeria’s 36 states to compete in enhancing their primary healthcare services.

    Read Also: Governor Lawal launches €5.1 million European Union peace project 

    “Zamfara state has won 500,000 USD as the best performing state in the North West zone in the Primary Healthcare Leadership Challenge.

    “The award presented to Governor Dauda Lawal is a joint project of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), the Dangote Foundation, and the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA).

    “This clearly demonstrates that Governor Lawal’s declaration of a state of emergency in the Zamfara health sector is producing the intended positive outcomes. 

    “Zamfara and other leading states from North East, North Central, South East, South South, and South West shared a total of $6.1 million through the third edition of the Primary Health Care Leadership Challenge Awards.”

  • Lawal chairs 58th State Executive Council meeting 

    Lawal chairs 58th State Executive Council meeting 

    Governor Dauda Lawal has presided over 58 sessions of the Zamfara State Executive Council meetings since taking office in 2023.

    On Monday, the governor presided over the 58th session of the State Executive Council at the council chamber in Government House, Gusau.

    A statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, revealed that Governor Lawal has chaired 23 sessions of the Executive Council in 2025. 

    He also noted that, besides discussing important development issues, each meeting resulted in approval of projects that benefit the people of Zamfara.

    The statement read in parts, “For the first time in Zamfara State’s history, the government under Governor Dauda Lawal has reached a milestone by holding 58 Executive Council meetings, the highest decision-making body in the state. 

    Read Also: Governor Lawal launches €5.1 million European Union peace project 

    “The Executive Council’s discussions are central to approving projects, making decisions, and adopting policies, including the 10th-year State Development Plan.

    “Since his swearing-in in May 2023, Governor Lawal has actively led the council, chairing 13 sessions in 2023 and 22 councils in 2024.

    “This year alone, Governor Lawal has presided over 23 council sessions, leading to numerous approvals that have positively impacted sectors like education, health, infrastructure, the economy, and security in Zamfara State.

    “Overall, Governor Lawal has chaired 58 Executive Council sessions.

    “Approved legacy projects by the Zamfara Executive Council are either completed or underway. 

    “Notable projects include the nearly finished Cargo International Airport and the reconstruction and equipment installation in all general hospitals across the 14 local government areas.

    “More projects include building, renovating, and equipping over 500 schools across the state, and the construction of township roads in the capital and other local government areas.

    “These council meetings have yielded positive community benefits, reflecting visible development all over Zamfara.

    “With the 58th session of the council held today, Governor Lawal has distinguished himself among his peers as the governor with the most Executive Council meetings in the last two and a half years.”

  • Lawal appoints new VC for Zamfara State University

    Lawal appoints new VC for Zamfara State University

    Governor Dauda Lawal has approved the appointment of Professor Ibrahim Abdullahi Tsafe as the new Vice-Chancellor of the Zamfara State University, Talata Mafara (ZAMSUT) for a single term of five years.

    Announcing the development, the Secretary to the State Government, Abubakar Mohammad Nakwada explained that the appointment followed the recommendations of the University’s Governing Council.

    Professor Tsafe, a distinguished academic, earned his Doctorate of Philosophy Degree in 2006 and was elevated to the rank of Professor in 2013 by Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS).

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    He has held several administrative positions, including Dean of the Faculty of Chemical and Life Sciences at UDUS, and has served as a visiting Professor at ZAMSUT since 2018, where he currently serves as Dean of the Faculty of Science.

    Governor Lawal anticipates the appointee to bring his vast experience and expertise to bear in taking ZAMSUT to greater heights, in line with the administration’s commitment to education and academic excellence.

  • Governor Lawal launches €5.1 million European Union peace project 

    Governor Lawal launches €5.1 million European Union peace project 

    Governor Dauda Lawal launched a €5.1 million European Union-funded project aimed at strengthening peace, stability, and resilience in conflict-affected communities in Zamfara. 

    The governor launched the Conflict Prevention, Crisis Response, and Resilience (CPCRR) project on Monday at the Rescue Hall, Government House, Gusau. 

    A statement by the spokesperson for the governor, Sulaiman Bala Idris, disclosed that the European Union Ambassador, Mr. Gautier Mignot, was present at the launch of the 18-month CPCRR project. 

    The statement added that others on the ambassador’s entourage include the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Chief of Mission, Dimanche Sharon, and the IOM Head of Sub Africa (NW), Jean Nahesi Katumbakana.

    “The project is funded by the European Union (EU) and implemented by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in partnership with Mercy Corps and the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD). 

    “The project builds on earlier EU-supported peace and reconciliation efforts and aims to directly support over 95,000 beneficiaries, including internally displaced persons (IDPs), returnees, host communities, women, and youth in ten local government areas (eight in Katsina and two in Zamfara).”

    During his remarks at the launch, Governor Lawal emphasized that the importance of the peace project extends beyond policy papers and program schedules. 

    “It directly relates to the everyday realities of our people and reflects our shared commitment to creating a more stable, united, and strong society.

    “I warmly welcome the delegation of the European Union, ably led by His Excellency, Ambassador Gautier Mignot; our partners from the International Organization for Migration; representatives of implementing organizations; our revered traditional rulers; civil society leaders; and all distinguished guests. 

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    “Since this administration began, we’ve aimed to address insecurity clearly and comprehensively. Recognizing that lasting peace relies on addressing root causes such as exclusion, economic vulnerability, weak institutions, and eroded community trust, we’ve focused on these issues to inform our policies and partnerships.

    This intervention complements the Zamfara State Government’s efforts to strengthen local peace, revitalize livelihoods for youth and women, improve coordination across ministries and agencies, and support community dialogue mechanisms. 

    These efforts are driven by the belief that security, development, and good governance mutually reinforce one another and must progress in tandem.

    “On behalf of Zamfara State’s government and people, I thank the European Union for its continued partnership. I also commend the International Organization for Migration, CDD, and Mercy Corps for their expertise and collaborative spirit. Your investment at this critical time shows confidence in our reform efforts and shared hope for lasting stability.

    “Peace-building is a collective undertaking. It demands commitment from every segment of society and sustained cooperation among partners. 

    “It is therefore my honour to formally flag off the Conflict Prevention, Crisis Response and Resilience Project in Zamfara.”

    Earlier, the European Union Ambassador, Mr. Gautier Mignot, commended Governor Lawal’s dedication and support to development partners in his effort to ensure a better Zamfara State.  

  • Zamfara opens Nursing scholarships for female students 

    Zamfara opens Nursing scholarships for female students 

    The Zamfara State government has announced a scholarship programme for eligible applicants across the state to study nursing.

    This was announced in a statement issued by the Zamfara State Scholarship Board on Tuesday.

    The statement said that, “Zamfara State Government is offering a full scholarship opportunity for ONLY female students to study Nursing at Nexus Nursing College, Katsina.”

    The board stated that eligible applicants must be female, be indigenes of Zamfara State, and be indigent students requiring financial support.

    The academic requirements for the scholarship are: SSCE with a maximum of two sittings, and a minimum score of 140 in JAMB.

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    The board added that some of the scholarship benefits include full payment of tuition fees, registration, accommodation, and allowances.

    Applicants are required to provide accurate academic and personal details on or before 24 December 2025, by completing the Scholarship Application Form available at https://forms.Gle/1 xy 5 Cjdtxfwyc 5 Gh 7.

    For more information, interested individuals can contact the following numbers: +234 703 977 7779 and +234 813 811 7715.

    Additionally, the state government has approved full scholarships for 20 students at El-Amin University, Minna, Niger State.

    Governor Dauda Lawal has graciously approved the award of full scholarships to 20 qualified students from Zamfara State to pursue undergraduate studies at El-Amin University, Minna, Niger State, as stated by the Scholarship Board’s Executive Secretary, Professor Rasheedah Liman.

    She remarked, “Initiative reflects the administration’s strong commitment to expanding access to quality higher education and empowering young people with the skills and knowledge required for national development.”

    The approved fields of study include Law, Accounting, Business Management, Criminology & Security Studies, Economics and Development Studies, International Relations &

    
Diplomacy, Mass Communication, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Computer Science, Cyber Security, Data Science and Analytics, Microbiology, and Software Engineering.

    
The scholarship covers the full cost of tuition and aims to support academically qualified students from Zamfara State to excel in diverse and strategically important disciplines.

  • Kano police nab notorious drug dealer, seize five bags of cannabis sativa

    Kano police nab notorious drug dealer, seize five bags of cannabis sativa

    Kano State Police Command has arrested a suspected drug trafficker and recovered five bags and 297 parcels of cannabis sativa.

    Police spokesman, Abdullahi Kiyawa, on Tuesday said operatives of the Special Intervention Squad (SIS) detained the suspect -one Ibrahim Mohammed of Rijiyar Zaki Quarters, Kano.

    “He was found in possession of five bags and 297 parcels of dried leaves suspected to be cannabis sativa.

    “Investigations are ongoing to apprehend his accomplices and recover additional exhibits,” Kiyawa, a Superintendent of Police (SP), said.

    The Commissioner of Police in Kano, Ibrahim Bakori, said the investigation will soon be completed and if found guilty, the suspect will face the full weight of the law.

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    Bakori commended the police officers for their “dedication and bravery.”

    He appealed to the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station, reassuring residents of the command’s commitment to maintaining law and order, peace and security in the state.