The Nation Newspaper

Category: Northern Reports

  • Fed govt, EU to mobilise investment for Nigeria’s healthcare ecosystem

    Fed govt, EU to mobilise investment for Nigeria’s healthcare ecosystem

    The European Union Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, in collaboration with the Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain (PVAC) have announced plans to organise a health investment forum to mobilise investment for Nigeria’s healthcare ecosystem

    The Nigeria–EU Health Investment Forum, scheduled to hold on 30 October, is in collaboration with the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD).

    The high-level signature event themed “Made in Nigeria. Made for Health,” will bring together government officials, industry leaders, development partners, and investors.

    The forum aims to boost Nigeria’s manufacturing capacity, strengthen regulatory systems, and mobilise investment across its pharmaceutical and healthcare ecosystem.

    The event, scheduled to take place at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja, will advance Nigeria’s health sector industrialisation and deepen strategic dialogue and sustainable partnerships with the EU.

    EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, described the initiative as a defining moment for strategic partnership.

    The envoy said: “This forum brings together government, industry, research, and investors to turn ambition into action for health sovereignty and local production. The EU and Team Europe, through the Global Gateway, are investing in people, systems, and innovation. This transformation will strengthen how health products are made, distributed, and accessed across Nigeria and the ECOWAS region.”

    Mignot added that the event would focus on shaping a healthier and more self-reliant future.

    “We look forward to signing new partnerships, driving sustainable investments, and co-creating solutions that will reinforce Nigeria’s health security for decades to come. By aligning our investments with Nigeria’s healthcare reform agenda, we are supporting local producers and innovators who will build a stronger and more resilient health ecosystem across West Africa,” he noted.

    Director-General of NIPRD, Dr Obi Adigwe, said the forum is a unique opportunity to showcase Nigeria’s readiness to lead Africa’s health manufacturing renaissance.

    Adigwe added that the conversations and partnerships emerging from the forum will shape the next decade of Nigeria’s health sector.

    He said: “It will connect policy, innovation, and investment, while highlighting NIPRD’s role in driving evidence-based research that supports local pharmaceutical production.

    “Our goal is to make ‘Made in Nigeria, Made for Health’ a reality that delivers sustainable impact across the country and the continent. We welcome this collaboration with the EU and the Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain as a pivotal step towards transforming Nigeria’s research outputs into viable industrial solutions.

    “Together, we are building the foundations for equitable access to safe, affordable, and high-quality medicines made in Nigeria for Nigerians and other nationalities.”

    National Coordinator of the Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain, Dr Abdu Mukhtar said the forum represents a turning point for Nigeria’s health sector transformation.

    “Through this partnership with the EU and NIPRD, we are creating the conditions for large-scale private investment, expanding domestic manufacturing, and unlocking the economic potential of the health sector.

    “The Presidential Initiative is committed to ensuring that the healthcare value chain becomes a driver of growth, innovation, and jobs, while ensuring that Nigerians have access to the products they need for a healthier life,” he said.

    During the forum, key participants will sign finalised contracts under the Team Europe Initiative on Manufacturing and Access to Vaccines, Medicines and Health Technologies in Africa (MAV+), as well as a regional agreement to be implemented by the West Africa Health Organisation (WAHO) under the Team Europe Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) Flagship.

    These agreements aim to harmonise SRHR policies, expand access to underused SRHR products and maternal health services, and strengthen accountability systems across the region.

    In addition, the Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain (PVAC), Bayer AG, and Chromedix Pharmaceuticals Ltd. are forging a forward-looking partnership to position Nigeria as Africa’s next powerhouse for pharmaceutical innovation, manufacturing, and health sovereignty.

    The event will feature a policy showcase, deal-making sessions, and innovation-led discussions on sustainability, resilience, and equity in health.

  • Urban renewal: Road crashes drop in Zamfara 

    Urban renewal: Road crashes drop in Zamfara 

    The Zamfara Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has announced a six per cent reduction in road accidents compared to 2024 in the state.

    This was disclosed to newsmen in Gusau, the state capital, by the Sector Commander, Aliyu Ma’aji, during a press briefing to flag off the 2025 Ember Months Campaign in the state.

    The Sector Commander explained that in 2025, the Corps recorded 46 road crashes compared to 56 accidents recorded in 2024, which he said accounts for a decrease of 6.27 per cent.

    According to Ma’aji, in 2024, road crashes claimed the lives of 51 persons and injured 259 others, noting that the mixed loading of goods, animals, and passengers in trucks largely caused the casualties.

    The Sector Commander noted that the theme of this year’s campaign, “Take Responsibility for Your Safety: Stop Distracted Driving,” reinforces the view that human factors are the major causes of road crashes.

    He lamented that drivers were largely responsible for most crashes on the highways, saying that records showed the major causes included driver fatigue, overloading of passengers, conveyance of passengers in haulage vehicles, and travelling with fuel in plastic containers.

    Read Also: As Umuahia-Ikwuano-Ikot Ekpene Road finally gets attention

    Ma’aji added that the Corps had mapped out formidable strategies to achieve its desired outcomes in the 2025 end-of-year campaign.

    The Guardian reports that the FRSC has attributed the deaths of more than 3,400 people in road crashes across Nigeria between January and September 2025 to driver recklessness and poor road use practices.

    Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed disclosed the figures in Abuja on Monday during the launch of the 2025 Ember Months Public Enlightenment and Sensitisation Campaign, themed “Take Responsibility for Your Safety: Stop Distracted Driving.”

    According to Mohammed, 3,433 people lost their lives and 22,162 others were injured in 6,858 reported crashes within the first nine months of the year. He noted that many of the crashes were preventable.

    The records showed that the major causes of these crashes were linked to driver fatigue, overloading of persons, conveyance of persons in haulage vehicles, and travelling with fuel in plastic containers,” he said.

    “Apparently, driver behaviour is a fundamental element in determining safety on our highways.”

    He explained that the Ember Months campaign was designed to raise awareness about the dangers of reckless driving, particularly during the festive period when crash rates tend to increase. The campaign will run from December 15 to January 15.

     END

  • We’re building a tech-driven Zamfara — Governor Lawal

    We’re building a tech-driven Zamfara — Governor Lawal

    Governor Dauda Lawal has reiterated his administration’s commitment to building a modern, technology-driven Zamfara State.

    The Governor declared the computer appreciation course for Commissioners and Special Advisers open at the Government House in Gusau on Tuesday.

    A statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, disclosed that the retreat is a clear commitment to repositioning Zamfara State for innovation, transparency, and efficiency.

    The statement added that the Computer Appreciation Training is a high-level retreat organized by the Zamfara Information and Communications Technology Agency (ZITDA).

    In his remarks at the opening, Governor Lawal noted that the training on computer appreciation represents a key step toward achieving that vision.

    “Our goal is to ensure that every arm of government operates with the efficiency and precision that technology enables.

    Read Also: Adamawa Emirate appreciates Ribadu’s role in securing Nigeria

    “This initiative is both timely and strategic. We live in an era where technology is transforming every aspect of governance.

    “From how we plan and make decisions, to how we communicate and deliver services to our citizens. In this digital age, competence in basic computing is no longer optional; it is essential for effective public service delivery.

    “ZITDA has initiated essential digital reforms, including the Zamfara e-Governance Platform (e-GovConnect), the Digital Literacy Framework, and partnerships with global tech companies to boost digital skills in the state. This training empowers senior government officials with the tools needed for effective leadership.

    “I urge all participants to take this program seriously. The knowledge you acquire here should be applied in your respective ministries and offices to improve productivity, accountability, and service delivery.

    “Our citizens deserve a government that is smart, connected, and responsive — and that, ladies and gentlemen, begins with us. Therefore, know now that at the end of this exercise, there will be a test of what you have learned, and it will form part of the skill development component of your performance appraisal.”

  • Two million children vaccinated against measles, rubella in Zamfara 

    Two million children vaccinated against measles, rubella in Zamfara 

     The Polio Emergency Operations Centre in Zamfara said over 2 million children have been vaccinated against measles and rubella diseases in the state.

    Dr Murtala Salahudeen, the Incident Manager in charge of the Centre, disclosed this in Gusau on Saturday at the press conference to mark World Polio Day.

    Salahudeen further said that over 1.8 million children from 0-59 months in the state have been vaccinated against the polio virus.

    He described the achievement as a great step in the protection of children from deadly but preventable diseases.

    “You know, today is an important day to create awareness among the general public on the significant threats of polio to the socioeconomic development of the society.

    “Part of today’s activities, we review achievements and challenges in the fight against polio and other killer diseases.

    Read Also: Zamfara PDP unshaken regardless of defections, says chieftain

    “Based on various measures taken by the state government in collaboration with development partners, especially the World Health Organisation (WHO), we have recorded tremendous achievements in Zamfara,” the manager said.

    Salahudeen said that the successes were a result of the commitment of the state government and the strong partnership with all the stakeholders.

    “The declaration of emergency in the health sector by Gov. Dauda Lawal contributed to the various successes.

    “The state government, in collaboration with the partners, ensured active technical support and necessary funding from the government to provide polio eradication vaccines,” he declared.

    According to him, the WHO, UNICEF, Chigari, Sultan and Salina Foundations had contributed to reaching out to many hitherto unvaccinated children.

    “WHO had provided significant funding and logistics support to reach out to communities.

    “The WHO, UNICEF and other partners were also able to provide technical support and capacity building to the implementation of routine immunisation activities across the 14 LGAs.

    “The state government ensured active collaboration by providing all the needed health personnel, facilities and good working environments towards eradicating polio,” the manager explained.

    According to Salahudeen, following a strong collaboration between the state government and the security agencies, many hard-to-reach areas were accessed.

    “We were able to vaccinate the children even in the nomadic communities,” he said. 

  • Zamfara govt commits to polio eradication

    Zamfara govt commits to polio eradication

    Dr Husaini Yakubu, Executive Secretary of the Zamfara Primary Healthcare Board, has reaffirmed the state government’s commitment and that of other partners to eradicating polio in the state.

    Yakubu said this at the 2025 World Polio Day celebration held at the Emir of Gusau’s Palace on Saturday in Gusau.

    The ceremony was attended by polio survivors, government officials, representatives from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), among others.

    Yakubu described the active participation in the polio and rubella vaccination by the stakeholders in the state as a welcome development.

    He attributed the successes recorded in the fight against polio in the state to the active collaboration between the state government and partners.

    Yakubu also commended Gov. Dauda Lawal for declaring a state of emergency in the health sector.

    According to him, various measures taken by the state government and support from stakeholders had resulted in the successes recorded in the fight against polio in the state.

    READ ALSO: Why petrol prices are high despite cheaper crude

    “Despite the challenges of insecurity, the state has maintained its polio-free status.

    “We will continue to collaborate with partners and all stakeholders to ensure children in the state are strongly protected from killer diseases.

    “The state government will continue to pay all required counterpart funding for various healthcare development programmes,” Yakubu said.

    In his remarks, the Emir of Gusau, Alhaji Abdulkadir Ibrahim-Bello, promised the Emirate’s continued support for polio eradication in the state.

    Represented by the Secretary of the emirate, Sambo Sambo, it would continue to mobilise religious and community leaders toward polio eradication.

    “We are ready to continue collaborating with the state government, WHO, UNICEF, and other partners to maintain the successes recorded in polio eradication in the state.

    “We will continue to engage our subjects and sensitise them on the significance of the health benefits of polio vaccination.

    “We are achieving success in sensitising our subjects, and we are seeing more acceptance of polio and measles vaccination exercises from parents and communities.

    “Our people are responding to all activities, and they obey all the directives given by the emirate, which has led to various successes recorded,” Ibrahim said.

  • Zamfara First lady donates learning materials to students

    Zamfara First lady donates learning materials to students

    Zamfara State First Lady Hajiya Hurriya Lawal has donated learning materials to students in the state in a move to deepen digital literacy and women’s empowerment.

    She also praised First Lady Oluremi Tinubu for establishing digital learning centres in 10 states of the federation.

    Mrs Lawal, who unveiled the Gusau centre, said the facility would afford students, teachers and researchers the opportunity to gain access to the world through the internet.

    She stated this when she hosted Mrs Tinubu recently, who came to inaugurate the centre in Gusau, adding that the centres would boost digital literacy and empower women through the Renewed Hope Initiative.

    Mrs Tinubu inaugurated the ten digital learning centres under the Renewed Hope Initiative in collaboration with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).

    Other states which benefited from the digital learning centres include Abia, Delta, Edo, Kano, Lagos, Katsina, Nasarawa, Ondo and Yobe.

    READ ALSO: Why petrol prices are high despite cheaper crude

    She commended Mrs Tinubu for choosing Zamfara as one of the benefiting states, saying, “This project is not just about technology and computers, it is about empowering our youths, bridging the digital divides and opening new doors of knowledge and innovations to the good people of Zamfara and beyond.”

    According to the Zamfara State First Lady, “education is the bedrock of development. In today’s digital world, access to modern learning tools is no longer a luxury but a necessity. Through this library, students, teachers, researchers and the wider public would have access to the world’s information, resources and opportunities right at their fingertips.

    “The Renewed Hope Initiative championed by our beloved mother, the mother of the nation, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, is driven by a vision to support education, innovation and social development.”

    Earlier, the Zamfara State Commissioner for Education, Malam Wadatau Madawaki, was represented by the Permanent Secretary, who stated that the project aligns with the state government’s desire, under Governor Dauda Lawal, to develop the educational sector. The representative assured the use of the facility to boost digital learning.

    “This project resonates profoundly with the vision of Governor Lawal, who, upon assumption of office, declared a state of emergency on education.”

  • Early detection key to beating cancer – Zamfara first lady

    Early detection key to beating cancer – Zamfara first lady

    The Wife of Zamfara Governor, Hajiya Huriyya Lawal, says early detection is the most effective way to treat and reduce the impact of cancer among women.

    Mrs Lawal reaffirmed her commitment to the fight against cancer in her message to commemorate the 2025 World Breast Cancer Day to raise public awareness on the preventive measures to fight the disease.

    “As women, we must care for ourselves and one another. For those battling with cancer, let us stand with them in love, strength and hope.

    “Together, we can build a future where no one faces cancer alone.

    READ ALSO: Why petrol prices are high despite cheaper crude

    “Behind every cancer diagnosis is a face, a name, and a life that deserves care and dignity,” she said.

    The governor’s wife urged women to prioritise their health through regular screenings and to support initiatives that promote cancer awareness and treatment.

    She commended the people of Zamfara, especially women, for their resilience and commitment to health, assuring them of her continued advocacy for cancer prevention, awareness and access to quality care.

    Mrs Lawal is the National Secretary of the First Ladies Against Cancer (FLAC) initiative, a coalition of Nigerian governors’ wives leading efforts to combat cancer through advocacy, policy reform, and direct community intervention.

    World Breast Cancer Day was observed on Oct. 1

  • Akume: northcentral vital to Nigeria’s non-oil export growth

    Akume: northcentral vital to Nigeria’s non-oil export growth

    The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, has said the vast economic potential of the northcentral is vital to the country’s non-oil exports.

    A statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yomi Odunuga, quoted Akume as sàying the region’s rich mineral deposits and strong agricultural base give it a strategic advantage in driving national economic diversification.

    The SGF noted that with sustained improvements in logistics and transport infrastructure, the Northcentral could play a leading role in boosting Nigeria’s non-oil export sector.

    Akume spoke in Jos, the Plateau State capital, while inaugurating the Senator George Akume’s 250-seater conference centre at the northcentral zonal office of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC).

    Read Also: ‘Free eye operation to continue dad’s philanthropy’

    “With improved logistics infrastructure, this region can become a key driver of Nigeria’s diversification agenda,” he said.

    Speaking as the special guest of honour, Senator Akume hailed the Nigerian Shippers’ Council and the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy for what he called “a testament to commitment and vision” in strengthening Nigeria’s logistics and maritime system.

    “This edifice is not just a building; it is a statement of vision, a testament to commitment, and a reflection of the renewed energy driving Nigeria’s port and logistics system under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” Akume said.

    The SGF said across the world, economic progress is built on solid infrastructure, adding that efficient ports, roads, railways, and dry ports are “the arteries through which the lifeblood of commerce flows”.

    Akume reiterated that the Federal Government, under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, was prioritising investment in critical transport and trade infrastructure across all regions of the country — from the coastlines to the hinterlands — to boost connectivity and competitiveness.

    “We are building an economy that thrives on connectivity.

    “An economy where a farmer in Benue can ship produce seamlessly to Lagos Port, and an exporter in Jos can access global markets without unnecessary bottlenecks,” he added.

  • AbdulRazaq receives award for inclusive governance, infrastructural growth, integrity

    AbdulRazaq receives award for inclusive governance, infrastructural growth, integrity

    Kwara Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has won the Integrity Governor of the Year Award of the Nigerian Association of Christian Journalists (NACJ).

    Presenting the Award on Tuesday in Ilorin, President of the Association, Dr Charles Okhai, said AbdulRazaq merited the recognition on account of his impressive achievements across many sectors. 

    Okhai said the Governor emerged top in the ranking process involving four other states. 

    Okhai said the Governor scored higher in sectors like education, road infrastructure, healthcare, youth empowerment, and transparency.

    He said the Association was thrilled by AbdulRazaq’s commitment to the welfare of the civil servants and teachers, as seen in regular promotion and prompt payment of salary, and how his government transparently recruited at least 8,601 qualified teachers to fill manpower gaps across public schools.

    He said NACJ is a body of Christian media personnel, which pursues strictly national development.

    “When we nominated you, we didn’t look at you from a religious perspective but on account of your sterling performance,” he said.

    He was accompanied on the visit by Mr Nasir Lawal. 

    AbdulRazaq thanked the Association for the honour, which he dedicated to the people of the state for their support and trust in his administration.

    Read Also: AbdulRazaq: Kidnappers have no place in Kwara

    “We take this award as an acknowledgement of our modest efforts to improve the conditions of our people and deliver political goods to the largest majority,” the Governor said. 

    “Beyond the routine adherence to the bureaucratic due processes and transparency, our state has often come out in good standing in peer-review indices for transparency and good governance, including at the level of programmes conducted by the World Bank and other global bodies. 

    “We have made significant progress in every sector. We are clearly leaving the state better networked in road and other socioeconomic indices. And we are not resting.

    “No government since 1999 has delivered as many projects in road connectivity, education, health, sports or tech infrastructure as we have done in the last six years.”

    AbdulRazaq commended President Bola Tinubu for his support to the state over the years.

  • Stakeholders urge teachers to embrace AI for future-ready education

    Stakeholders urge teachers to embrace AI for future-ready education

    Stakeholders in the education sector have urged teachers in the country to embrace artificial intelligence (AI) for future-ready education system.

    They made the call during the Train the Trainer-Teacher’s summit 2025 at the weekend in Abuja.

    Speaking at the summit, gender advocate, Hansatu Adegbite, underscored the need for teachers to integrate technology into their teaching practices to maintain relevance in a rapidly evolving educational landscape.

    She noted that the future of education depended on how effectively educators adapt to technological advancements and leverage them to enhance learning outcomes.

    The keynote speaker noted that AI tools can help teachers personalise instruction, automate administrative tasks, and foster creativity among students, thereby creating a more engaging and efficient learning environment.

    Adegbite, who is also the Executive Director, Women in Management, Business and Public Service (WIMBIZ), urged teachers to view AI not as a threat but as an enabler that can empower them to deliver better results.

    Speaking on the theme, ‘Deconstruct the old, define the new’, the gender advocate challenged educators to rethink traditional teaching methods and embrace innovative strategies that align with the realities of the digital age.

    She highlighted the critical role of AI and technology in the future of education and the need for teachers to learn and adapt to these changes.

    She noted that deconstructing old models of education does not mean discarding foundational values but rather reimagining how those values can be expressed through modern tools and approaches.

    The Convener, Train the Trainer Teachers Summit, Dr Onyekachi Onwudike-Jumbo noted the collective responsibility of teachers, parents, and schools in educating children.

    She emphasised the importance of a standardised education system that provides equal opportunities for all students.

    Onwudike-Jumbo encouraged participants to take action and collaborate to improve the educational system.

    Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Aisha Garba underscored the need for educators to leave a lasting impact and celebrates the ongoing efforts to improve education.

    Represented by the Director, Social Mobilisation, UBEC, Dr. Ossom Ossom, the executive secretary highlighted ongoing reforms introduced by the commission, including sharing best practices, and empowering teachers to improve learning outcomes.

    She announced plans to train 875,000 teachers and introduce digital pedagogy in learning environments.

    “This initiative aims to equip teachers with the necessary skills to enhance classroom learning and ensure they can add value to the educational process,” the executive secretary added.