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Category: Northern Reports

  • North-Central APC forum condemns protest against Mutfwang’s planned defection

    North-Central APC forum condemns protest against Mutfwang’s planned defection

    The North-Central All Progressives Congress Forum has condemned a protest staged by some Plateau APC members in Jos on Saturday opposing the possible defection of Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, to the party.

    The forum, which has been championing the governor’s move from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC ahead of the 2027 elections, said the protest was undemocratic and driven by personal ambition rather than party interest.

    During an event in Jos, the APC welcomed a group of defectors, while some members protested with placards against Governor Mutfwang’s entry, exacerbating divisions within the party’s Plateau chapter.

    In a statement on Sunday by its chairman, Saleh Zazzaga, the Forum said those behind the protest were attempting to block a legitimate political choice, while insisting that no individual or group has the authority to prevent anyone, including a sitting governor, from joining a political party of their choice.

    “The North-Central APC Forum condemns the action of some Plateau APC leaders, who brought some of their supporters and other people to parade banners and placards with messages that oppose Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s coming to the APC during the reception of decampees on Saturday in Jos.

    “While restating our call on Governor Mutfwang to join the APC, we insist that it is undemocratic to stop anybody, including a serving governor, from joining a political party of their choice. It is undemocratic and unconstitutional for any party leader in Plateau State to try to stop Governor Mutfwang from joining the APC,” the Forum stated

    The Forum accused some Plateau APC leaders of fighting the governor’s defection for personal political reasons ahead of 2027, adding, “This set of Plateau APC leaders did the same thing when they organized a so-called stakeholders meeting, and they have now followed up on this undemocratic venture by mobilizing their supporters to parade placards against Governor Mutfwang.

    “They are doing this not to protect the interests of the party but simply because they want to contest the election in 2027, and for other selfish reasons. And we know for certain that none of these people have the capacity to defeat Mutfwang in an election, no matter the party he contests under,” the statement added.

    Calling for national intervention, the Forum appealed to President Bola Tinubu and the Progressive Governors Forum to intervene and ensure the governor is welcomed into the party.

    “So we are not only condemning their action, we are also calling on President Bola Tinubu, the national leader of the party, to call these people to order.

    “We are also calling on the Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum to intervene in this matter by making a case for the governor in Plateau State to become part of the progressive governors,” it said.

    The Forum noted that those resisting Mutfwang’s move risk undermining the APC’s strength in the region, stressing, “Pushing for Governor Mutfwang to join the APC is in line with efforts to actualize our pledge to give six million votes to President Bola Tinubu in 2027 but we now understand that these people who don’t want the governor to come do not want us to give six million votes to Mr President”.

    According to Zazzaga, the forum would escalate the matter if the opposition within the chapter persists, “We are giving them an ultimatum to desist from their actions; otherwise, we will write directly to President Tinubu and mention their names as people who do not want the progress of the APC and Mr President in Plateau State,” he said.

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    The Forum also urged former governor and Senator Simon Bako Lalong to intervene to quickly intervene and make room for Governor Mutfwang in the APC.

    Recall that the dispute followed an earlier October decision by Plateau APC stakeholders, who passed a motion rejecting Mutfwang’s possible defection.

    Moved by former Deputy National Secretary Festus Fuanter, the motion was unanimously endorsed, but the North-Central APC Forum said its members were excluded and dismissed many of those who backed the resolution as lacking electoral value.

    “For example, in the previous election, the governorship running mate of the APC in Plateau State lost his polling unit and ward to the PDP. He got 2,800 votes in his ward. PDP got 10,600. And now he is among the people who don’t want Mutfwang to come to the party,” the Forum noted.

    “We want to collectively join hands to win the Plateau State for Tinubu. It is not about interests at this moment. It is only when you win an election that you start talking about interest.”

    The Forum reiterated that its push for Mutfwang’s defection “is backed by some influential people in the Presidency.”

  • Eko Hotels & Suites announces 2025 tropical Christmas wonderland — “Kingdom of Lights”

    Eko Hotels & Suites announces 2025 tropical Christmas wonderland — “Kingdom of Lights”

    Eko Hotels & Suites, Nigeria’s premier hospitality destination, has announced the return of its

    much-celebrated Tropical Christmas Wonderland, themed Kingdom of Lights for the 2025 festive

    season.

    The annual extravaganza, now recognised as Africa’s largest and most entertaining family

    Christmas holiday experience, will once again transform the iconic Eko Hotels grounds into a

    spectacular wonderland of lights, music, art, and entertainment — creating an unforgettable

    festive destination for families and visitors from around the world.

    This year’s program features world-class productions that bring the spirit of Christmas to life

    through captivating performances by leading Nigerian and international talents. Guests will

    enjoy a spectacular circus show, a grand makosa street carnival procession, Broadway musical

    theaters, puppet shows, and an array of comedy and so much more guaranteed to fill the season

    with joy.

    In true Lagos fashion, the celebrations will include an Owambe Night headlined by the

    renowned Segun Johnson, promising an electrifying evening of live music, dance, and cultural

    expression that captures the energy of Nigeria’s festive traditions.

    Speaking on the announcement, Dr. Iyadunni Gbadebo, Director of Sales and Marketing for Eko

    Hotels & Suites, stated: “Our Tropical Christmas Wonderland has evolved into a signature celebration of joy, creativity,

    and family. This year’s edition, themed Kingdom of Lights, will be our most ambitious yet — an

    immersive experience that celebrates the warmth and vibrancy of the holiday season while

    showcasing the very best of Nigerian talents and hospitality.”

    Gbadebo added: “With a diverse lineup of attractions and performances —

    including a world-class theatre productions, a magical theme park for children and families,

    circus performances, and spectacular light displays, the 2025 Tropical Christmas Wonderland

    reaffirms Eko Hotels & Suites’ commitment to delivering world-class entertainment and family

    experiences in Nigeria and beyond.”

    According to Dr Gbadebo, “This year’s edition of the Tropical Christmas Wonderland is

    powered by the invaluable support of Zenith Bank and Maltina, whose partnership has helped

    bring the Kingdom of Lights experience to life. Over the last 5 years, Zenith bank and Maltina

    have looked beyond the narrow corporate goal of maximising shareholder value to bringing

    happiness and memorable experiences to hundreds of families.”

    Mrs Adaobi Nwapa, Executive Director at Zenith Bank Plc, expressed the bank’s delight at

    supporting this festive initiative, sharing that “Zenith Bank has always been passionate about

    projects that strengthen family bonds, inspire creativity, and promote unity. The Kingdom of

    Lights reflects our shared vision for a brighter, more connected Nigeria. We are proud to partner

    with Eko Hotels & Suites to create lasting memories for families during this joyous season as we

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    have done with the Zenith lights over the last almost two decades. We look forward to providing

    especially diasporans with easy banking solutions for their ever changing and growing financial

    service needs.”

    On her part, Mrs. Sarah Agha, Marketing Director of Nigerian Breweries Plc, also emphasized

    the brand’s long-standing commitment to family happiness and celebration. “Maltina has always

    stood for sharing happiness and togetherness. Our collaboration with Eko Hotels & Suites on

    the Kingdom of Lights reinforces our mission to bring families closer, create smiles, and spread

    joy. This event beautifully captures the spirit of Christmas — a time for love, laughter, and

    light.”

     Dr. Tunde Lawrenson, a member of the board of trustees for

    Eko Tourism Foundation (ETF) who commended Eko Hotels & Suites for its unwavering

    commitment to promoting Lagos as a global tourism and cultural destination in his statement.

    “The Kingdom of Lights is a powerful example of how the creative and hospitality sectors can

    work together to drive tourism, create jobs, and inspire cultural pride. Eko Hotels & Suites has

    shown remarkable consistency in curating experiences that position Lagos — and indeed Nigeria as a beacon of festive and cultural excellence”

  • NDDC gives aids to victims of fire disaster in Agbor

    NDDC gives aids to victims of fire disaster in Agbor

    A major relief came the way of the 2024/2025 victims of the inferno incidents in Ika South and Ika North-East Local Government Areas of Delta State, as the Chairman, Governing Board of The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Barrister Chiedu Ebie, on behalf of the Commission presented financial support and palliatives to them on Thursday.

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    Organised by the Commission in collaboration with the UsFirst Charity Foundation, the presentation took place at the Vienna Arena Event Centre, Boji Boji Agbor.

  • Northern Youth Network mobilises for PDP national convention, backs Makinde

    Northern Youth Network mobilises for PDP national convention, backs Makinde

    The Northern Youth Network (NYN) has announced plans to mobilise hundreds of young people from the 19 Northern States to attend the forthcoming 2025 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Convention holding in Ibadan, Oyo state. 

    The move, according to the group, is a show of solidarity towards the need to rebuild the party ahead of the 2027 general elections as well as to pass vote of confidence in Governor Seyi Makinde’s leadership. 

    The group, led by Sulaiman Yakubu from Bauchi State, described Makinde as a “symbol of competence, transparency, and modern leadership,” citing his administration’s remarkable achievements in infrastructure development, fiscal prudence, and youth empowerment in Oyo State.

    The group noted that PDP is the only party in the country which hasn’t changed name since 1999. They expressed concern that some politicians, who rode on PDP’s platform to become ministers, governors, commissioners and others in the past, are now determined to destroy the party and make Nigeria a one party state to satisfy their selfish interests.

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    “The group said: “For democracy to thrive, there is need for strong opposition; it’s not a good thing to have a one-party system in a country as diverse as Nigeria. This is why we are drumming support for Governor Makinde and other party leaders who intend to rebuild PDP through the National Convention.

    “PDP is the only opposition party that can challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general election, hence the need to rebuild the party. We stand with Governor Makinde and others in this struggle.”

    The NYN also cautioned the judiciary against giving conflicting judgements that can bring confusions and undermine the country’s democracy. 

    The Northern Youth Network operates under the political mentorship of Hon. Shina Abiola Peller, a member of the PDP and advocate for youth inclusion in governance. 

    The Network’s planned presence at the Oyo convention, Yakubu said, is both a demonstration of loyalty to Peller’s ideals and an expression of confidence in Governor Makinde’s leadership capacity at the national level.

    The group further reiterated  commitment to promoting national unity, inter-regional collaboration, and issue-based politics, noting that Nigeria’s future depends on leaders who understand both governance and the aspirations of its youthful population.

  • 2027: APC NC Forum urges Mutfwang to join ruling party 

    2027: APC NC Forum urges Mutfwang to join ruling party 

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) North Central Forum has called on Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, to join the ruling party ahead of the 2027 general elections, describing the move as both “imperative and politically expedient.”

    The group said aligning with the APC at this stage would not only strengthen Mutfwang’s political relevance but also fast-track development in Plateau State and across the North Central region.

    Speaking in Jos on Thursday during the Forum’s third quarterly meeting, Chairman of the APC North Central Forum, Saleh Zazzaga, said Mutfwang’s leadership qualities and progressive mindset align naturally with the APC’s philosophy.

    “Governor Mutfwang has shown through his words and actions that he is a progressive leader. For him to advance his developmental vision, he should follow his own mantra, ‘The Time is Now,’ and join the APC,” Zazzaga stated.

    He added that such a move would place the governor in alignment with President Bola Tinubu, who has demonstrated a strong interest in Plateau’s development, and also enable him to collaborate effectively with other APC governors in the North Central region to drive growth and unity.

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    Zazzaga noted that since most Plateau legislators are members of the APC, joining the ruling party would enhance executive-legislative cooperation, helping to address the state’s security and infrastructural challenges more effectively.

    According to him, recent political developments have vindicated the Forum’s earlier call for Mutfwang to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC — a call the group made based on its political forecasts before and after the 2023 general elections.

    Zazzaga also highlighted some of the Forum’s achievements, including advocacy for the creation of the North Central Development Commission, the successful campaign for the return of the APC National Chairmanship to the region, and its consistent support for President Tinubu’s policies.

    “Among all our calls, one of the most strategic remains our appeal to Governor Caleb Mutfwang to join the APC. We have made this call since 2023, and though others are now echoing it, the truth remains that we saw the political direction long before anyone else did,” Zazzaga said.

    Zazzaga, however, dismissed dissenting voices within the APC opposing Mutfwang’s possible defection, describing them as “politically short-sighted and out of tune with strategic realities.”

    “Politics is about timing, foresight, and alignment. Now is the time for Mutfwang to join the APC and consolidate his good works with a stronger national platform,” he stressed.

  • 11 former commissioners return as Bago releases names of new commissioner-nominees

    11 former commissioners return as Bago releases names of new commissioner-nominees

    After over two months of dissolving his cabinet, the Niger state governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, has released the names of commissioner nominees.

    Only 11 out of the 30 former commissioners are returning to the state executive Council.

    Bago had dissolved his cabinet in September 2025 after a performance appraisal of his appointees, saying that the dissolution was aimed at realigning the administration with his vision, with some commissioners not meeting Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).

    The governor said the shakeup was to rejig the team after a performance appraisal, as some appointees had exceeded their KPIs while others had not, while he stated that there was no need for some ministries.

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    Among those not returning are the Commissioners for Primary Health, Secondary and Tertiary Health, Secondary and Tertiary Education, Agriculture, Climate Change, Housing, Culture and Tourism, Youths and Sports, Homeland Security, Humanitarian Affairs, Livestock and Fisheries, among others.

    In a memo signed by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Abubakar Usman, dated 11th November, the names of the nominees would be forwarded to the Niger state House of Assembly for confirmation while they undergo the necessary security clearance processes.

    The memo stated that the Governor congratulated the commissioner-nominees, urging them to remain committed to the vision of transforming Niger state into a model of sustainable growth and responsible governance.

  • Science teachers hiring to boost education in Zamfara — AGILE

    Science teachers hiring to boost education in Zamfara — AGILE

    The recruitment of 500 Science teachers by the Zamfara state government would strengthen education and learning in the state, the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (Zamfara AGILE Project), has said.
    
This was disclosed in a statement issued by the Project Communications Officer, Bashir Kabiru Ahmad, disclosing that the State Project Coordinator and Permanent Secretary, Hajiya Saadatu Abdu Gusau, made the commendation while commenting on the successful recruitment of the teachers.

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According to the statement, the coordinator said the recruitment exercise was part of Governor Dauda Lawal’s commitments signed on 5th July, 2023, to fulfill the criteria for AGILE intervention in the state.

    Abdu Gusau further described the recruitment of teachers as part of the AGILE mandates under Sub-component 3.1(System Strengthening) adding that the AGILE Project will collaborate with stakeholders to monitor the deployment of the successful candidates to the most deserving areas of need, based on the earlier needs assessment conducted in the schools with a view to ensuring equity and improved access to quality teaching across the state.

  • Zamfara, UNFPA sensitise stakeholders to demographic dividends

    Zamfara, UNFPA sensitise stakeholders to demographic dividends

    The Zamfara Government, in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), has sensitised the members of the Civil Society Organisations (CSOs),media and the academia to demographic dividends.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the four-day capacity building and sensitisation was part of the UNFPA’s global mandate, with focus on countries and regions with young population.
    The first category of the training,  held in Gusau on Tuesday, had participants from media houses, academic institutions and CSOs.
    Mr Lawal Shehu, State UNFPA Coordinator, said the training aimed to sensitise stakeholders in the concept of demographic dividend.
    “As we just heard from the resource persons, the demographic dividends is a process through which we can harness the potential of our teeming population.
    “You know, in Zamfara, about 60 percent of our population are dependent, which means the lesser population working to take care of the larger population.
    “In this kind situation, there must be a problem to have a society that a larger population depends on the lesser.

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    “In this situation, the economy cannot be able to grow smoothly,” Shehu said.
    He added that the training was necessary to sensitise stakeholders to the concept of the demographic dividends and ways of addressing over dependency on the lesser population.
    “This is the first step, to have  stakeholders such as CSOs, the media and academics, after which we are going to further develop a roadmap for the demographic dividend.
    “We will also integrate the demographic dividend in to the state development plan,” Shehu added.
    Mr Andat Dasogot, the Assistant Representative of the UNFPA who facilitated the training said engagement with the stakeholders was necessary considering their roles in the sensitisation process.
    “The demographic dividends aim to ensure that we reduce the dependants in our growing population.
    “This is to ensure that we invest more in education, skills, health and create more opportunities the teeming population and provides good governance for them.
    “Having extended all our presentations, we expect the participants to move further and extend the knowledge acquired at their various levels”, Dasogot said.
    Mr Fauzideen Muhammad, one of the participants said the training was able to explain more on how to harness future developments through the population potential.
    “At our level, we are going to provide technical support in the areas of monitoring and evaluation to achieve the goal of achieving demographic dividend in the state,”he said.
    At the end of the training, members of the CSOs and media that attended the training planned to sensitise policy makers in the state to the need to come up with policy frameworks to ensure the successful implementation of demographic dividends in the state.

  • First Lady tasks women Women groups on peace, progress

    First Lady tasks women Women groups on peace, progress

    The First Lady of Zamfara State, Hajiya Huriyya Dauda Lawal, has commended the women of the Zuru Emirate Progressive Association (ZEPA), Zamfara State Chapter, for their exemplary display of unity, love, and cooperation.

    Hajiya Huriyya Lawal stated this during a special gathering held at the Federal College of Education (Technical), Gusau, to mark the Association’s Cultural Day and Fundraising.

    Represented by Hajiya Luba Ammani, a Permanent Member of the Teachers’ Service Board, Mrs Lawal expressed deep appreciation for the collective efforts of the women in promoting peaceful coexistence and mutual support among themselves and other communities across Zamfara State.

    She described their conduct as a true reflection of the values of compassion, togetherness, and the strength of womanhood.

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    “As mothers, sisters, and builders of homes, your contributions to the peace and progress of Zamfara State are immeasurable,” she stated. “I want to assure you that my door is always open, not only to the Zuru women but to all women and communities across the state,” she added.

    The First Lady urged women to remain united and steadfast in their efforts to build a stronger and more inclusive Zamfara, where every community feels a sense of belonging and every woman has a voice.

    In a statement issued by the Press Secretary, Office of the First Lady, Rabi Yusuf, the First Lady donated the sum of ₦1.5 million to the association in support of their developmental efforts.

    In her response, the Chairperson of the Association, Mrs Victoria Dabai, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the First Lady for her continuous motherly care, support, and encouragement to women across the state.

    She described the wife of the Governor as a compassionate leader and a true mother to all women in Zamfara State and assured that the association would continue to support her initiatives aimed at promoting peace, empowerment, and unity among women.

  • Cholera intervention drugs shared to 14 Zamfara LGs

    Cholera intervention drugs shared to 14 Zamfara LGs

    The Zamfara State Government has distributed cholera intervention drugs and medical consumables across the state.

    The cholera intervention drugs aimed at containing the spread of the disease’s across the 14 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the
    State.

    The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Nafisa Muhammad Maradun flag-off the distribution at the Drugs and Medical Consumable Agency (DMCA) Store, Samaru Gusau.

    Dr. Maradun said the distribution represented the state government’s swift and timely response to the cholera outbreak, stressing that all items were provided free of charge and warned medical personnel against diversion or extortion of the patients.

    Dr. Nafisa also tasked the LGA teams to ensure judicious utilization of the commodities and issued a strong warning.

    “Anyone caught selling the drugs would face the full wrath of the law. The Health Commissioner warned.
    She further urged health workers to be transparent and accountable, and also called on the members of the community to report any observed misconduct related to the misuse or diversion of the supplies.

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    The Executive Secretary of the Zamfara State Drugs and Medical Consumable Agency (DMCA), Pharmacist Sani Bello, expressed deep appreciation to the state governor.

    “We thank His Excellency, Governor Dr. Dauda Lawal, for his kindness and timely gesture,” Pharmacist Bello said.

    “His commitment to the health and well-being of the people of Zamfara is evident in the prompt provision of these life-saving drugs and consumables.”

    Hon. Bello Jabaka, Chairman of the Maru Local Government Area, commended the Health Commissioner for her commitment and echoed the appreciation for Governor Lawal’s continuous support to the state’s residents.

    He assured that the drugs and medical supplies, which include items such as Ringer’s lactate, Dextrose saline, Normal Saline, cannula, I.V.F. giving sets, syringes, plasters, and antibiotics, would be distributed as planned and used judiciously to combat cholera in all affected areas.