The Nation Newspaper

Category: Northern Reports

  • Ganduje, Kano APC stakeholders endorse Tinubu for second term

    Ganduje, Kano APC stakeholders endorse Tinubu for second term

    Former Governor of Kano State and ex-National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has led party executives and stakeholders in Kano to formally endorse President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the APC’s sole candidate for the 2027 presidential election.

    Ganduje, who briefed newsmen about the endorsement said the decision taken after a three-day meeting with party leaders from the North Senatorial District, which ended on Sunday in Kano.

    The stakeholders meeting included local government chairmen and caucus members across the 44 local government areas and 484 wards of the state.

    The purpose of the meeting was to ensure solidarity within the party and support for the federal government under President Tinubu, Ganduje said.

    “As we move towards 2027, there is need for us to ensure complete unity in our party, from top to bottom,” he said.

    He noted, “The meeting was also aimed at renewing commitment in line with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.”

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    He stressed the importance of the solidarity and pledged unwavering support for the federal government.

    He said, “We must ensure that all our party offices at the local government and ward levels are physically accessible and functionally operative.

    “Party executives and delegates were requested to return home and formally endorse Tinubu at their constituencies.”

    Ganduje also highlighted plans to implement e-registration of party members, directing each local government to provide three computer experts to be trained at the state headquarters before rolling out the programme across the state.

    The ex-governor assured that Kano would again record the highest number of registered party members during the exercise.

    He urged members to comply with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) guidelines by ensuring that all eligible citizens aged 18 and above register in line with the ongoing nationwide voter registration exercise.

    Ganduje reaffirmed the APC’s resolve to maintain unity and active participation at all levels ahead of the 2027 elections.

    The roll call of the meeting included Kano State 2023 APC governorship candidate, Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna, his running mate, Murtala Sule-Garo, and House of Representatives member Alhassan Ado-Doguwa, among other prominent APC chieftains in the state.

  • North-Central APC forum seeks leadership change, calls for broader unity in party

    North-Central APC forum seeks leadership change, calls for broader unity in party

    Fresh tensions have emerged within the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the North-Central APC Forum has called for a change in the party’s national leadership, urging President Bola Tinubu and party stakeholders to consider appointing a more experienced national chairman at the December 2025 convention.

    In a statement on Sunday, the Forum’s Chairman, Saleh Zazzaga, said the group now regrets its earlier agitation that paved the way for the return of the national chairmanship position to the North-Central zone in July 2025.

    The Forum apologised to President Tinubu, Ganduje, and other senior leaders for its role in advocating for the zoning arrangement, saying the outcome had not met its expectations.

    According to the Forum, the party requires leadership that can foster unity, promote inclusiveness, and strengthen cohesion across the North-Central and the wider APC family.

    It argued that competence and broad political experience should guide the selection of the next chairman, even if the position goes to another region.

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    The group also noted that the North-Central already occupies key roles in the current administration, including the offices of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the Attorney-General of the Federation, and the head of the North-Central Development Commission.

    In addition, the Forum said it remained committed to strengthening the APC in Plateau State and across the region, emphasising the need for cooperation among all stakeholders to boost the party’s prospects ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    It encouraged the party leadership to ensure an open and inclusive process that supports unity, accommodates new members, and positions the APC for stronger electoral performance.

  • AbdulRazaq holds security council meeting as Army, Police deploy new tactical teams in Kwara

    AbdulRazaq holds security council meeting as Army, Police deploy new tactical teams in Kwara

    Kwara Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on Friday held a security council meeting where commanders and top government officials reviewed strategies to strengthen public safety and curtail the threats of organized kidnapping gangs.

    The Governor received briefings from security commanders following the Tuesday attack on Eruku community in Ekiti Local Government Area of the State.

    Addressing a press briefing on the council meeting on Friday, Commissioner of Police Ojo Adekimi told reporters that the council meeting “harvested insights from the security commanders on recent happenings and field intelligence in the aftermath of the Eruku incident, including efforts of the security agencies to track down the perpetrators and rescue the victims.

    “The meeting also commended heightened security deployments, especially air interdictions which have dislodged the kidnappers from their former hideouts, especially in Ifelodun. It calls for continuous air bombardment of areas identified as criminal hideouts.

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    “The meeting specifically commended the Military, Police, and DSS for new deployments in the state. In line with the directive of President Bola Tinubu, GCFR, a few days ago, the Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, PhD, has deployed four different tactical teams (Special Weapons and Tactics, Intelligence Response Team, Special Tactical Squad, Special Intervention Squad) to Kwara to neutralise further threats.

    “The Police and DSS reported several arrests of food and fuel suppliers linked to the criminals as well as a man from Makurdi who confessed to fixing weapons for the kidnappers.

    “The meeting commended the government’s strategic security decision on schools in parts of the state. Measures may be relaxed, sustained, or extended based on actionable security intelligence. This is particularly instructive in the light of the new development in Niger earlier today. As security agencies work for safe returns of the girls, the council calls for continuous vigilance and early reporting of any suspicious movement in any parts of the state.

    “The meeting approved joint patrols of security forces in different parts of the state especially as the Yuletide approaches. It recommended heightened security measures around vulnerable spots.

    “The meeting observed the damaging impacts of social media in the country’s fight against violent non-state actors. It expresses concern with how security information is disseminated, including demand for ransom and amplification of information that exposes citizens to more danger. For public safety, it calls for caution in the exercise of freedom of expression.

    “The meeting urged citizens to avoid night farming and social activities that expose them to any harm. It urged citizens for prompt report of suspicious movements of any kind to the security agencies, government agencies, and traditional rulers.

    “The meeting observed a minute of silence for the victims of the Eruku CAC attack and again commiserated with their families and the larger community.”

  • Children from Jigawa, Kano, Katsina urge media to strengthen advocacy for child rights

    Children from Jigawa, Kano, Katsina urge media to strengthen advocacy for child rights

    Schoolchildren from Jigawa, Kano, and Katsina states have called on the media to intensify advocacy for the protection of children’s rights, particularly in education, nutrition, and social justice.

    The appeal was made during a panel discussion organised by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) to mark the 2025 World Children’s Day at Tahir Hotel.

    The session brought together child representatives from the three states, who raised concerns over the rising numbers of out-of-school children, malnutrition, weak healthcare systems, inadequate school security, child abuse, and poor hygiene.

    They emphasised that full implementation of existing policies, including the Child Protection Law and the Nutrition Policy, would help eliminate barriers affecting children’s survival and development.

    The children also urged UNICEF, government agencies, the media, and the general public to strengthen collaboration on policies and programmes that protect their well-being and secure a better future for every child.

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    Speaking at the event, the Chief of UNICEF Kano Field Office, Mr. Rahama Rihood Mohammed Farah, said UNICEF continues to provide technical and financial support to improve child survival and development indicators across the region.

    He noted that recent reports show increased government and public commitment to child rights protection, with improvements in immunisation coverage, access to basic education, and primary healthcare—accompanied by reductions in child mortality, malnutrition, and the out-of-school population.

    “As we celebrate these gains, we also acknowledge the major challenges that remain,” he said. “UNICEF will continue to work with all stakeholders to support interventions that enhance the survival and development of children.”

  • Kaduna accelerates statewide infrastructure projects under Uba Sani – KADRA boss

    Kaduna accelerates statewide infrastructure projects under Uba Sani – KADRA boss

    The Kaduna State Government has intensified major infrastructure projects across the state in line with Governor Uba Sani’s development blueprint, according to the Managing Director of the Kaduna State Roads Agency (KADRA), Dr. Abdullahi Baba Ahmed.

    Dr. Ahmed, who also serves as the Governor’s Overseeing Adviser on Project Monitoring, Implementation, and Result Delivery, led an inspection team to several ongoing projects in Zone 1.

    He said all 23 local government areas had benefited from at least one major intervention in the last two years.

    In Zaria Local Government, he noted that the administration inherited the 35km Dogon Bauchi–Kakiyeyi–River Galma road project and has now completed it fully.

    The Hanwa–Agoro–Hanga Ruga rural access road has also been completed, delivering long-awaited relief to communities previously hindered by poor connectivity.

    He added that the 35.6km Bagoma–Gagumi road in Birnin Gwari stands as the longest new road project in the area in decades, while the 35km Gadan Gayan–Gwaraji–Kujama Junction road linking Igabi and Chikun LGAs is already transforming the movement of goods and people along the corridor.

    Other roads inspected include the Makarfi–Durum–Kurntumawa road, the Kudan–Sabongari road, and several access routes around the Sabongari Market designed to ease traffic congestion and improve commercial activities.

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    The inspection team also visited Makarfi General Hospital, which is undergoing comprehensive remodelling, structural upgrades, and installation of modern medical equipment as part of the state’s efforts to revitalise healthcare infrastructure.

    Ziad Karam of MotherCat Ltd., contractors handling the Zaria and Makarfi road projects, said construction had reached the final stages, with hydraulic structures and earthworks completed.

    He assured that MotherCat would deliver the roads before the end of the year and praised host communities for their cooperation.

    Site Engineer for the Makarfi General Hospital, Mr. Gbolahan Awoleru, said electrical installations, roofing, and tiling had been completed.

    He affirmed that the hospital would be ready for handover before year-end, describing the project as a “major boost” to healthcare delivery in the zone.

    Residents of Sabongari and neighbouring communities commended the government for the renewed momentum on development projects.

    Bashir Ahmed, a trader at the Sabongari Central Market, said road works had eased business activities, while another resident described the hospital renovation as “long overdue.”

    Dr. Ahmed reaffirmed that major contractors—including MotherCat, CGC China, CCECC, PW, and FAMTRAC—are actively handling various projects across the state.

    He stressed that all interventions align with Governor Uba Sani’s agenda to strengthen infrastructure, expand economic opportunities, and improve citizens’ quality of life.

    He assured that the government would maintain close monitoring to ensure timely delivery and adherence to high construction standards across all project sites.

  • Northern elders push for bold reforms at ACF’s 25th anniversary in Kaduna

    Northern elders push for bold reforms at ACF’s 25th anniversary in Kaduna

    Influential Northern elders, political leaders, and cultural figures on Thursday called for urgent reforms to tackle insecurity and accelerate development across the region during the Arewa Consultative Forum’s (ACF) 25th Anniversary celebration in Kaduna.

    The silver jubilee event featured technology and entrepreneurship exhibitions, women-focused pavilions, cultural displays, and an awards ceremony designed to showcase the North’s potential and highlight emerging innovations.

    Opening the session, Chairman of the ACF Board of Trustees, Alhaji Bashir Dalhatu, Wazirin Dutse, stressed the need for modern development models that empower young people and bridge inequality. “We must begin in earnest to plunge into modern developmental efforts,” he said, adding that the Forum has created platforms for experts to mentor young entrepreneurs and support innovative projects.

    Dalhatu noted that the North’s progress must be anchored on inclusive development rather than economic growth alone. He reiterated ACF’s commitment to narrowing the gap between the haves and have-nots and promoting unity under the mantra, “North is one people, one North.” He further acknowledged the region’s persistent security challenges, urging security agencies to adopt more effective strategies. “We appreciate their sacrifices, but it is time to look for further, better, more effective means of curtailing insecurity,” he said.

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    Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (rtd), described the anniversary as an opportunity to reflect on the region’s journey and chart its future. Emphasizing the theme “Creative Economy: Engaging the Youth,” he said, empowering young people is key to addressing the North’s development gaps. “Northern Nigeria is a microcosm of the nation. When one part of the country develops, that progress translates to others,” he added, noting the region’s growing social and cultural diversity.

    Representatives of Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, and the Chief of Defence Staff also delivered goodwill messages, underscoring the importance of national unity and encouraging the strategic use of tourism as a tool for strengthening security and fostering community development.

    A high-level roundtable on “Tourism for Security,” chaired by Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, underscored the connection between economic opportunity and stability. “Tourism and security are inseparable. Visitors will not explore our heritage sites or cultural festivals if they fear for their safety,” she said, adding that insecurity often stems from exclusion, poverty, and alienation.

    Musawa urged collaboration between the government, investors, communities, and security agencies to safeguard heritage sites and protect the region’s developmental vision.

    Other dignitaries at the event included former Minister of Information Alhaji Lai Mohammed, former Kaduna State Governor Ramalan Yero, Nasiru Gwamdu Sardaunan Dutse, and the Emir of Zazzau’s representative, Wazirin Zazzau Muhammad Inuwa, alongside other Northern elites.

    The ACF’s 25th anniversary celebration served as both a reflection on the past and a call to action, emphasizing that the North must adopt innovative, inclusive, and security-conscious strategies to ensure sustainable growth and unity for the region’s future.

  • Kaduna reaffirms commitment to child rights as UNICEF reports Record 18.3m out-of-school children

    Kaduna reaffirms commitment to child rights as UNICEF reports Record 18.3m out-of-school children

    The Kaduna State Government has restated its commitment to promoting and protecting child rights as UNICEF revealed that Nigeria now has 18.3 million out-of-school children—the highest figure ever recorded.

    The statistics were released during the 2025 World Children’s Day celebration in Kaduna, jointly organised by the Ministry of Human Services and Social Development and UNICEF, under the theme “My Day, My Rights.”

    UNICEF’s Chief of Field Office in Kaduna, Dr. Gerida Birukila, said the surge in out-of-school children—10.2 million at the primary level and 8.1 million at the secondary level—reflects worsening inequality, insecurity, and poverty.

    She noted that 73 per cent of children aged 7–14 cannot read a simple sentence, while 75 per cent cannot solve basic maths problems.

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    Birukila further highlighted alarming child wellbeing indicators: nearly half of Nigerian children live in income poverty, 70 per cent of households lack access to safe drinking water, 40 per cent of children under five are stunted, and 90 per cent have experienced violence. She stressed that addressing these issues requires strong political will and child-centred policies.

    Kaduna State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Rabi Salisu, said Governor Uba Sani’s administration is implementing targeted programmes to strengthen child protection systems, expand access to quality education, enhance welfare services, support children with disabilities, and improve nutrition and early childhood development.

    She described World Children’s Day as a renewed call to build “a society where every child can survive, thrive, learn and be heard.”

    Also speaking, Commissioner for Information, Ahmed Maiyaki, said the state has reopened more than 500 schools previously shut due to insecurity, following significant improvements achieved through Kaduna’s peace model. He added that the participation of public school pupils at the event demonstrates renewed confidence in the education system.

    Maiyaki urged journalists to prioritise accurate reporting and budget tracking on child-rights issues, noting that UNICEF’s statistics—showing that 70–80 per cent of out-of-school children are in northern Nigeria—should drive stronger accountability among stakeholders.

    The event featured presentations by pupils from various public schools, who voiced hopes for improved learning conditions, safer communities, and better opportunities for Nigerian children.

  • Rights group urges Tinubu to halt illegal mining, rising political thuggery in Benue

    Rights group urges Tinubu to halt illegal mining, rising political thuggery in Benue

    A civil society organisation, the Centre for Democracy and Human Rights (CEDEHUR), has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently intervene in what it described as the escalating illegal mining activities and a growing wave of political thuggery threatening stability in Benue State.

    Addressing journalists in Abuja on Thursday, CEDEHUR spokesperson, Comrade Adebayo Lion Ogory, said the situation in several communities has deteriorated sharply in recent months, with no decisive response from state authorities despite repeated warnings.

    Ogory disclosed that illegal mining operations—allegedly involving foreign nationals—have continued unchecked in protected areas of the state.

    He noted that two youths were reportedly killed last weekend in the Turan district of Kwande Local Government Area in connection with such activities, sparking widespread fear and anger among residents.

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    According to him, the incidents reflect a broader governance failure that has allowed insecurity, violence, and lawlessness to fester. Several parts of the state, including Turan, Logo, Gwer West, and Agatu, have witnessed recurring attacks by armed herdsmen, leading to loss of lives, displacement of households, and destruction of farmlands.

    CEDEHUR warned that the pattern poses a severe threat to food production in a state where agriculture remains the backbone of the local economy.

    Beyond the security concerns, the rights group accused some state agencies of administrative lapses and financial misconduct. Ogory alleged reports of questionable contract processes, misappropriation of funds, and weak institutional oversight, saying the lack of corrective action has deepened public distrust.

    CEDEHUR also faulted a reported directive by Governor Hyacinth Alia restricting public gatherings without government approval, describing it as an attempt to shrink civic space and muzzle democratic engagement. The organisation called on APC national chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, to clarify the party’s position on the matter.

    The group urged federal law enforcement and anti-corruption bodies to investigate allegations of fund diversion, human rights abuses, and a breakdown of law and order in Benue.

    Ogory stressed that without coordinated intervention from the federal government, the situation could worsen, putting more communities at risk and further eroding confidence in governance structures.

    He said only swift action—beginning with an immediate end to illegal mining and political thuggery—can restore stability, protect vulnerable communities, and reassure residents that the government at all levels remains committed to their safety and welfare.

  • UNICEF, IWEI to return 1,500 out-of-school children to classrooms in Jigawa

    UNICEF, IWEI to return 1,500 out-of-school children to classrooms in Jigawa

    The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), in collaboration with the Isa Wali Empowerment Initiative (IWEI) and the Jigawa State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), is set to return about 1,500 out-of-school children to classrooms across Jigawa State.

    Executive Director of IWEI, Hajiya Amina Hanga, disclosed this while addressing journalists at the close-out event of the Building Community Power to End Harmful Practices project held at the Ahmadu Bello Hall, Jigawa State Secretariat, Dutse.

    Hanga said UNICEF and IWEI had concluded arrangements to reintegrate a significant number of project participants, most of whom are out-of-school children. She explained that the project, implemented across Jigawa and Katsina states, covered eight communities in four local government areas in Jigawa.

    As part of the initiative, IWEI and UNICEF worked closely with SUBEB to finalise all preparations for the children’s re-enrolment at appropriate class levels to ensure continuity in their education.

    Hanga noted that IWEI—established in 2009 as a non-governmental, non-profit organisation—focuses on equipping young women and girls with the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to achieve financial independence and contribute meaningfully to society.

    “In collaboration with UNICEF, IWEI executed the Building Community Power to End Harmful Practices (Child Marriage) project in Jigawa State,” she said.

    She revealed that the first phase of the project, conducted between January and June 2025, reached 1,500 out-of-school girls, while the second phase, implemented from August to November 2025, introduced Gender Transformative Positive Parenting (GTP) sessions that engaged 1,200 parents—60 per cent male and 40 per cent female.

    According to her, the GTP sessions promoted positive parenting, strengthened gender-equitable decision-making, and expanded family support for girls’ education and empowerment.

    She added that the project also improved the well-being of 500 adolescent girls and young women aged 15 to 24 across Dutse, Birnin Kudu, Jahun, and Kiyawa local government areas, giving beneficiaries access to vocational skills, financial inclusion schemes, and enhanced economic opportunities. Communities also recorded increased commitment to ending harmful practices, including child marriage.

  • Southern Islamic scholars dismiss claims of Christian genocide in Nigeria

    Southern Islamic scholars dismiss claims of Christian genocide in Nigeria

    Prominent Islamic clerics and scholars have refuted claims of an alleged genocide against Christians in Nigeria, insisting that such narratives are misleading and capable of fuelling division.

    The position was made known on Wednesday at the one-day Special Southern Ulammah Summit organised by the Congregation of Southern Nigerian Ulammah in Ibadan. 

    The summit, themed Confronting the Economic and Security Challenges Facing Islamic Ummah in Southern Nigeria, drew notable Islamic clerics, scholars and leaders from across the South and beyond.

    Among the distinguished personalities in attendance were former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Dimeji Bankole; Asiwaju Musulumi of Oyo State, Alhaji Mutiu Oladejo; former Dean, Faculty of Arts, University of Ibadan, Professor Afis Oladosu; Chief Imam of Lekki Central Mosque, Dr Ridwan Jamiu; Professor Abideen Olaiya; and National Ameer of the Federation of Ahlus-Sunnah Organisations of Nigeria (FASON), Shaykh Tajudeen Abdul Kareem.

    Others included Sheikh Ahmad Abubakar Gumi; Chairman, Muslim Community in Oyo State, Alhaji Kunle Sanni; Chief Imam of the University of Ibadan, Professor Ibrahim Usman; Dr Nurudeen Asunogie; and the Chief Host, Sheikh Isa Akindele Salaudeen. 

    Other scholars such as Professor Ibrahim Oreagba, Dr Ismail Yunus, Dr Bilal Asrau, Professor Iyasu Usman of the National Mosque Abuja, Sheik Abdulfattah Thanni, Dr Bashir Aliyu Umar, Sheik Haroon Ajah, Sheik Imran Eleha and Dr Lukman Fasasi were also present.

    Speakers at the summit emphasised that claims of Christian genocide in Nigeria are unfounded, adding that Muslims have equally suffered casualties in various attacks. 

    They stressed that terrorism has no foundation in Islam and urged Nigerians not to succumb to divisive external influences.

    In his welcome address, Chief Host Sheikh Isa Akindele Salaudeen said the Muslim Ummah in Southern Nigeria faces significant economic and security challenges. 

    He noted that the summit was convened to provide a platform for sharing ideas and proffering solutions to issues confronting communities across the region.

    He said, “This gathering of like-minded individuals is timely and urgent. Islam teaches us to confront the difficulties of our society with courage, wisdom and collective resolve. Our communities feel the weight of rising insecurity, economic hardship, and limited access to essential services, yet Allah does not burden a people beyond what they can bear.”

    He added that the summit aims to foster honest dialogue, stronger collaboration among communities, and renewed commitment to addressing shared challenges.

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    Speaking on insecurity, Professor Afis Oladosu traced the rise of insurgency in Nigeria to around 2009, stressing that terrorists do not discriminate based on religion. 

    He urged Islamic clerics to guard against manipulation for selfish interests and to prioritise unity.

    Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, in his remarks, accused the United States and its President Donald Trump of using divisive rhetoric to pursue economic interests in Nigeria. 

    He warned that foreign powers may attempt to exploit Nigeria’s natural resources, especially in mineral-rich states such as Zamfara, through tactics that promote internal division.

    Gumi urged Nigerians to resist external interference, saying, “We Muslims and Christians are living peacefully in this country. How can we allow a foreigner to divide us? It is because of our resources. We should not allow them to divide us.”

    Professor Ibrahim Oreagba described Nigeria as “a land of many opportunities” and encouraged Muslims to unite and explore emerging prospects, including the Halal economy and Islamic finance.

    Hon. Dimeji Bankole, addressing participants, reaffirmed that Nigeria’s unity remains non-negotiable. 

    He pledged support for initiatives aimed at promoting peace and national cohesion, saying, “I am in total support of whatever the deliberation of this conference is, so long as it is for the progress of Nigeria. Nigeria first.”