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Category: Northern Reports

  • APC forum rejects Plateau leaders’ resolution against Mutfwang’s defection

    APC forum rejects Plateau leaders’ resolution against Mutfwang’s defection

    The North-Central All Progressives Congress (NC APC) Forum has rejected the resolution by Plateau State APC leaders opposing the possible defection of Governor Caleb Mutfwang to the ruling party, describing the move as selfish and detrimental to the party’s broader interests.

    Plateau APC leaders had, during a stakeholders’ meeting in Jos on October 17, 2025, unanimously endorsed a motion opposing Mutfwang’s entry into the APC. 

    However, reacting to the decision in a statement on Tuesday, Saleh Zazzaga, Chairman of the NC APC Forum, stated that the position of the Plateau leaders did not represent the views of the wider APC family in the region.

     Zazzaga, who was a member of the party’s 2023 presidential campaign council, maintained that Mutfwang’s defection would strengthen the APC in Plateau State and consolidate its support base in the North-Central.

    According to the Forum, the Plateau meeting was exclusive and politically motivated, as several committed members were not invited. 

    “Many of those who gathered to reject Mutfwang are individuals who could not even deliver their polling units in the last election,” the statement read. 

    “They are only positioning themselves for federal appointments, not thinking about the future of the APC in Plateau State.”

    The group alleged that the APC governorship running mate in the 2023 election, who also opposed Mutfwang’s defection, lost both his polling unit and ward to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). 

    “He got 2,800 votes in his ward while PDP got 10,600. These are the people now claiming to defend the APC,” the Forum said.

    Read Also: Fresh defections deepen political tension as PDP lawmakers join APC in Zamfara

    The statement also emphasized that performance at the polls, not personal interest, should determine appointments and recognition within the party. 

    “Those rushing to Abuja for federal appointments should show results from their polling units. We promise President Bola Tinubu that after the next election, we will publish polling unit results so he will know who truly worked for the party,” it added.

    Reiterating its support for Mutfwang’s possible defection, the Forum said the PDP had become a “drowning party” and urged the governor to take the “bold step” to align with the APC. 

    “We are still agitating for Governor Mutfwang to join the APC because of the crisis in the PDP. We want to work together to win Plateau for President Tinubu,” the statement noted.

    The Forum affirmed Gov Mutfwang’s claims that he was under pressure to join the APC, stating that the pressure was real.

    “It is true that Governor Mutfwang has been under pressure to join the APC. We can confirm that some influential figures in the Villa are behind our efforts. We will not relent until he joins the party in the best interest of Plateau State and his own political future,” Zazzaga said in the statement.

  • Fresh defections deepen political tension as PDP lawmakers join APC in Zamfara

    Fresh defections deepen political tension as PDP lawmakers join APC in Zamfara

    • …as Governor reportedly plans to meet Tinubu in Abuja

    Tension has reportedly heightened in Zamfara State following a new wave of defections from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), raising concerns within Governor Dauda Lawal’s political camp ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    It was learnt that Governor Dauda Lawal is expected to visit President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the State House on Wednesday to discuss ongoing political developments in the state.

    On Tuesday, Hon. Maharazu Salisu, representing Maradun II Constituency in the Zamfara State House of Assembly, formally announced his defection from the PDP to the APC at the party’s state secretariat in Gusau.

    His move, along with that of several ward leaders, reflects the increasing realignments among political actors in the state as different parties prepare for upcoming elections.

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

    The APC currently holds a majority in the Zamfara State House of Assembly, while some PDP lawmakers are said to be reviewing their political options.

    Governor Lawal has continued to engage stakeholders and political leaders across the state in efforts to strengthen democratic participation and promote unity among political groups.

    Meanwhile, the Northern APC Stakeholders Forum has rejected any attempt to allow Lawal to defect to the APC.

    In a statement signed by its national coordinator, Alhaji Mubarak Liman, the forum said, “Any attempt to welcome him into the APC will spell doom for the party in Zamfara and the North-West at large.”

    The forum further noted that the steady stream of defections by lawmakers and grassroots leaders was proof of the governor’s growing unpopularity.

    Observers believe the governor’s scheduled visit to President Tinubu may focus on consultations regarding political stability and ongoing development projects in the state.

  • Foundation trains students on smart waste, handwashing hygiene in Abuja

    Foundation trains students on smart waste, handwashing hygiene in Abuja

    In a bid to promote environmental sustainability and personal hygiene among young learners, the Crux Environmental Rights, Advocacy and Development Foundation (CERADF) has trained pupils of Ryan Academy, Abuja, on smart waste management and handwashing hygiene under the theme “Clean Hands, Clean School, Clean Planet!”

    The training, held at the school premises in FO1, Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory, brought together both primary and secondary school students for an interactive and educative session. 

    It aims to equip them with practical knowledge on environmental cleanliness, proper waste disposal, and the importance of regular handwashing for good health.

    Speaking during the session, Sharon Kanjuni, a member of the CRUX Environmental and Health Team, emphasized the foundation’s commitment to fostering a clean, safe, and healthy environment.

    “Smart students don’t just throw waste properly—they also keep their hands clean because dirty hands spread diseases,” Sharon said while addressing the enthusiastic pupils.

    The training featured lively activities, including storytelling, group competitions, and creative recycling exercises. Students learned how to reduce, reuse, and recycle waste materials—transforming used bottles and paper into pencil holders, flower vases, and other simple crafts.

    In one of the engaging demonstrations led by Eswati Ikpi, Ademola Akinyele and Damola Opeyemi, some participants were brought forward depicting good and bad waste practices. The “Smart Waste Students” the participants, which demonstrated proper disposal and handwashing, was celebrated as a model for healthy living.

    The session also included a practical demonstration of the seven steps of handwashing, teaching students to wash their hands after using the toilet, before eating, and after playing or handling waste. To make the exercise more fun, the pupils sang a catchy hygiene song and later recited a Hygiene Pledge, vowing to “wash hands with soap and water, keep the school clean, and protect the Earth every day.”

    CRUX facilitators further encouraged Ryan Academy to establish a Smart Waste & Hygiene Club to sustain the lessons learned and promote peer-led environmental education.

    The Foundation’s Director of Programmes, Engr. Koko Olumuyiwa, explained that the initiative is part of CRUX Foundation’s Smart Waste School + Hand Washing Hygiene Project, designed to instill lifelong habits that promote cleaner environments and healthier living.

    “CERADF was established to advance environmental rights, advocacy, implementation, and sustainable development across Africa. Our mission is to help mitigate pollution, tackle climate change, protect the environment, promote peace, and conserve natural resources for present and future generations,” Olumuyiwa stated.

    He added that the project reflects the foundation’s broader commitment to empowering young people with knowledge and skills to become active stewards of their environment.

    Speaking after the exercise, the school’s Vice Principal, Mrs. Mariam Suleiman, commended the foundation for its impactful outreach.

    “The students have learned how to wash their hands properly and also realized that not all waste should be disposed of—some can actually be reused. We truly appreciate CRUX Foundation for bringing this vital awareness to our school,” she said.

  • Religious, community leaders join FCTA’s drive to tackle immunisation non-compliance in Abuja

    Religious, community leaders join FCTA’s drive to tackle immunisation non-compliance in Abuja

    Religious and community leaders across the Federal Capital Territory have pledged their support to boost child immunisation and tackle rising cases of non-compliance, as the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) intensifies efforts to ensure that every child is protected against preventable diseases.

    The engagement, coordinated through the Health Services and Environment Secretariat (HSES), forms part of a renewed citywide campaign aimed at strengthening public awareness and improving compliance with the ongoing Measles-Rubella immunisation exercise under the Child Rights Act, 2003.

    Building on the advocacy momentum, FCTA teams, led by the HSES Mandate Secretary, Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, began field visits to places of worship across Abuja, starting with the Ansar-ud-Deen Society and Al-Habibiyyah Islamic Foundation on Friday, and continuing on Sunday at the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM), Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA), and Christ Holy Church International.

    The outreach, she said, is part of a wider sensitisation drive to ensure that no child, whether in school, church, mosque, market, or playground is left unprotected.

    In a statement on Monday, the Special Adviser on Media to the Mandate Secretary, Bola Ajao, said faith leaders expressed strong support for the campaign during the visits. 

    The Senior Pastor and Regional Overseer of MFM Wuye International Headquarters, Pastor Edwin Etomi, according to her, commended the FCT Minister for his commitment to child health, while Evangelist Anselm Ikebata of Christ Holy Church International, Area 1, applauded the Administration’s renewed drive in public health advocacy.

    The Mandate Secretary noted that the exercise is designed to be all-inclusive, engaging traditional rulers, community associations, NGOs, CSOs, and partners such as the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), UNICEF, WHO, and IVACA.

    Fasawe, who had earlier last week emphasised that immunisation in the FCT remains free, safe, and effective, warned that ignorance or misinformation must not be allowed to hinder any child’s access to life-saving vaccines.

    “We will continue to educate our people and assure them of the safety and effectiveness of vaccines,” she stressed.

    She disclosed that the FCT Minister, Barr. Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, has approved free enrolment into the FCT Health Insurance Scheme (FHIS) for every child fully vaccinated in public schools across the Territory.

    To reinforce compliance, she said the Administration has begun enforcing provisions of the Child Rights Act against parents, guardians, or school owners who obstruct vaccination teams, stressing that the law mandates all institutions to ensure that every child is fully immunised.

    According to her, FCTA teams have been deployed across districts, rural communities, and hard-to-reach areas to ensure comprehensive coverage. 

    Parents, she added, have turned out in large numbers, encouraged by interactive sessions and gift distributions for children.

    To sustain momentum, it was disclosed, the Secretariat had compiled a list of non-compliant schools and issued reminder letters, while mobilising 132 vaccination teams for a three-day citywide mop-up exercise in collaboration with NPHCDA and other partners.

  • Okai commends Tinubu for appointing Gen. Shaibu as Chief of Army Staff

    Okai commends Tinubu for appointing Gen. Shaibu as Chief of Army Staff

    …calls for national cooperation as he describes Army chief as ‘no-nonsense officer’

    Comrade Usman Okai Austin has lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing General Waidi Shaibu as Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, describing him as “a no-nonsense officer who will not fail in his assignment.”

    In a statement to the media, Okai praised General Shaibu’s outstanding record as Theatre Commander of the Joint Task Force, Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), where he led several successful counterinsurgency operations in the Northeast.

    “Over the past three decades, General Shaibu has distinguished himself as one of the Nigerian Army’s most experienced, disciplined, and intellectually grounded officers,” Okai stated.

    He described the appointment as “a square peg in a square hole,” adding that the President’s choice reflects his commitment to strengthening the leadership and operational capacity of the Armed Forces.

    Okai urged Nigerians and all security agencies to give their full cooperation to the new Army Chief in the collective fight against insecurity.

    According to him, national security cannot be achieved by one institution alone, stressing the need for greater synergy among all arms of the nation’s security architecture.

    He also commended the Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr. Tosin Ajaye, along with the leadership of the Navy and Air Force, noting that “the time to address the nation’s insecurity is now,” with active collaboration from all stakeholders, including citizens.

    Okai concluded by calling on Nigerians to support the Armed Forces and other security agencies as they work together to restore and maintain peace and stability across the country.

  • Keyamo to IBUAM: produce skilled professionals

    Keyamo to IBUAM: produce skilled professionals

    The Federal Government has charged Isaac Balami University of Aeronautics and Management (IBUAM) to produce skilled professionals to fill manpower gap in the aviation sector.

    Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN) gave the charge during the unveiling of the Isaac Balami University of Aeronautics and Management in Abuja over the weekend.

    The Federal Government, earlier this year, gave licence to IBUAM as the first private university of aeronautics in Nigeria.

    Keyamo said the university’s creation was timely and aligned with the Federal Government’s efforts to develop local capacity and technical expertise in aviation.

    The minister said: “We are short-staffed in certain areas in aviation, and even Zaria is struggling in those particular areas. We are short-staffed in terms of air traffic controllers, skilled professionals who are very difficult to produce.

    “We have had to recall retirees and extend their tenure to meet the need. So, we expect that you concentrate on those areas where we are short-staffed.”

    The minister commended Balami’s determination and foresight, noting that his innovation had set a new standard for private sector involvement in aviation.

    “This is not just his achievement; it’s a victory for the entire aviation family,” he said.

    Keyamo explained that IBUAM was the first institution in Africa to integrate a flying school, an aviation university, and a Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility under a single management structure.

    “What even governments have not been able to integrate, he has done,” he said.

    He added that the initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision of empowering local entrepreneurs and strengthening human capital across strategic sectors.

    “What we are witnessing today satisfies two key pillars of our five-point aviation agenda — support for indigenous entrepreneurs and investment in human capacity,” Keyamo stated.

    According to the minister, the establishment of IBUAM reflects innovation, courage, and the dawn of a new era for African aviation.

    He also praised the appointment of the institution’s pioneer Vice Chancellor, retired Air Vice Marshal Prof. Paul Jemitola, describing him as “a man of discipline and excellence” who would lead the university with integrity and vision.

    Also speaking, the Director-General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Chris Najomo, described the university as a transformative institution that would redefine aviation education and professional growth across Africa.

    Najomo said the NCAA fully supports the initiative, as it aligns with its mandate to promote safety, development, and sustainability in the aviation sector.

    He applauded the decision to merge aeronautics and management studies, emphasising that leadership and safety were inseparable elements of aviation.

    “A strong regulatory system depends on the quality of human capital that drives it,” Najomo said.

    He added: “We look forward to collaborating with the university on curriculum design, safety management, and regulatory compliance training. By merging these disciplines, the university is preparing students to become complete professionals — technically competent, ethically grounded, and globally competitive.”

    Najomo further commended Balami and the university’s governing board for their vision and commitment, assuring that the NCAA would continue to back initiatives that foster education, professionalism, and innovation in the sector.

    Founder of the university, Isaac Balami, said the institution was established to contribute to meeting the growing demand for aviation professionals in Africa.

    “We are preparing what took us 20 years to learn in the industry and giving it to our children in four to five years. Number 14 of our schedule of tuition talks about giving students competency in digital simulation that qualifies them to work with global manufacturers,” he said.

    The pioneer Vice-Chancellor of IBUAM, Prof. Paul Jemitola, said the university aimed to build a new generation of aviation and management professionals equipped with practical and leadership skills.

    “Every student will have the opportunity to master piloting and leadership alongside their primary course of study. When you graduate, you will earn your degree and also a private pilot’s licence and international aircraft maintenance certification aligned with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency standards,” he said.

    According to the vice – chancellor, the institution will strengthen Nigeria’s aviation education framework and help develop the technical workforce required for the continent’s growing air transport industry.

    Isaac Balami University of Aeronautics and Management is Nigeria’s first private aeronautic university, licensed by the Federal Government on April 30, 2025.

    The university’s establishment was approved by President Bola Tinubu during a Federal Executive Council meeting on March 3, 2025, ending a four-year wait for the institution’s founders.

  • Kwara community ends 40-year water scarcity

    Kwara community ends 40-year water scarcity

    Residents of Jebba in Moro Local Government Area of Kwara State are excited over the availability of potable water in the community.

    The community, surrounded by water, River Niger, has suffered water scarcity for over three decades.

    But with the launch of Jebba Water Works in May last year, water now flows in the taps of residents of the riverine community.

    The water works currently produces about 200,000 litres of water daily, supplying 150,000 litres to the overhead tank for distribution across the community.

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    An indigene of the community, Sulaiman Abdulwaheed, told reporters during a media tour, that residents now have access to clean, drinking water for at least four hours on a daily basis.

    Abdulwaheed, a causal operator of the water facility, said the plant sourced its water from River Niger, which passed through purification stages before reaching consumers.

    “We get the water from River Niger to the pressure house where sediments are removed, then to the filter where the water becomes about 70 per cent clean,” he said.

    He says the water is later transferred to another tank where chlorine and alum are added and left for between 15 and 30 hours before being released to the overhead tank for public use.

    Abdulwaheed said the community could enjoy up to 12 hours of daily water supply if the mainline pipe, overhead tank and power support systems were upgraded.

    “We currently pump water for about two to three hours daily because the mainline pipe cannot withstand higher pressure.

    “With a larger pipeline, an increased overhead tank capacity, and a standby generator to tackle power challenges, the community can have up to 12 hours of steady water supply.”

    Abdulwaheed hailed the state government for easing the community’s long struggle with water scarcity. He, however, appealed for further intervention to ensure sustainability.

    “The governor has truly relieved us of many years of hardship without water,” he said.

    He added: “We only ask that the government help increase the tank capacity from 200,000 litres to 300,000 litres and provide a standby generator, so our people can have regular access to clean water.”

  • 2027: Niger-Delta groups backs Tinubu’s re-election bid

    2027: Niger-Delta groups backs Tinubu’s re-election bid

    A group, Community Peace and Development Initiatives (CDI), has attributed the influx of opposition leaders to the All Progressives Congress (APC) to President  Bola Ahmed Tinubus’ exemplary leadership, proven track record in governance, and his unwavering commitment to the nation’s progress.

    In a communique after the group’s expanded leadership meeting in Yenagoa, Bayelsa Capital atvtge weekend, it resolved to “ embrace all new members who have recently decamped to the All Progressives Congress (APC)”.

    It stressed the resolution is a strategic move aimed at consolidating a broad-based platform for President Tinubus’ victory in 2027.

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    Part of the communique reads: “Members unanimously agreed to whole heartily welcome and embrace all new members who have recently decamped to the All Progressives Congress (APC). The forum decided to demonstrate its solidarity and presence on the day of their official declaration for the APC. The meeting recognised the growing influx of leaders from opposition parties who are inspired by the president’s exemplary leadership, proven track record in governance, and his unwavering commitment to the nation’s progress.”

    The forum also felicitated with Prince Preye Aganaba, on his appointment as the Executive Director of the South-South Development Commission, expressing confidence in his capacity to deliver effectively in his new role and pledged their continuous support.

    It also agreed to embark on LGA-to-LGA empowerment visits aimed at fostering community development and strengthening grassroots engagement across the state.

  • Army neutralises two kidnappers in Plateau

    Army neutralises two kidnappers in Plateau

    An exchange of firepower between kidnappers and troops of Operation Enduring Peace Plateau State has resulted in the death of two kidnappers.

    The encounter was meant to liberate kidnapped victims held hostage by a gang of kidnappers in Kukawa, Shuwaka, Ganjuwa, and Tunga villages in Kanam Local Government Area (LGA) of Plateau State.

    A statement by Major Samson Zhakom confirming the operations: “Troops of 3 Division/Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE (JTF OPEP) operating under Sector 2 on 22 October 2025 neutralised two kidnappers during rescue operations at Kukawa, Shuwaka, Ganjuwa, and Tunga villages in Kanam Local Government Area (LGA) of Plateau State.

    “The rescue operations were conducted following the kidnap of two civilians, Muhammadu Sani and Ibrahim Manman along Wanka-Dengi road in Kanam LGA of the state.

    Read Also: I will retire from active service at 60 – Obi Cubana

    “Troops detailed for the operations having obtained credible intelligence cordoned the criminals’ general area and made contact with them at the outskirts of Tunga village in Kanam LGA of Plateau State.

    “The kidnappers engaged the troops in a fire fight leading to the neutralisation of two of them while others fled with gunshot wounds.

    “The hideout of the criminals was thoroughly searched and 1 Pump action gun, 1 locally fabricated rifle, 8 cartridges, and other sundry items were recovered.

    “The rescued victims have been handed over to their families after proper security checks were carried out. However, the recovered items are in custody for further action”.

  • Bauchi gov elevates elder brother, Duguri, to first-class emir

    Bauchi gov elevates elder brother, Duguri, to first-class emir

    Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has promoted his elder brother, Adamu Duguri, the traditional ruler of Duguri, to the rank of a first-class emir.

    The Secretary to the State Government, Aminu Hammayo, presented the letter of elevation to the new emir at his palace in Duguri village, Alkaleri Local Government Area.

    While presenting the letter, Hammayo reminded the emir to discharge his duties in line with the Nigerian Constitution, the Bauchi State Chieftaincy Law 2025, and other relevant laws.

    He urged the monarch to be vigilant and comply with administrative guidelines issued by the state government.

    According to him, “The governor directed us to advise you to rule your people with fairness and justice, without any form of ethnic or religious bias. Your focus should remain on promoting unity and peaceful coexistence within the emirate.”

    Read Also: I will retire from active service at 60 – Obi Cubana

    He added that the state government prayed for a peaceful and successful reign for the newly elevated emir.

    In his acceptance speech, Emir Adamu Duguri expressed gratitude to Governor Mohammed for the honour, describing the promotion as the realisation of a long-cherished dream.

    “Today, history has been made and our dream fulfilled. Our forefathers longed for this day, and we are grateful to Allah for granting us the grace to witness this historic moment,” he said.

    Before his elevation, Duguri served as the District Head of Duguri under the Bauchi Emirate Council. He is among the 13 new emirs recently created by the state government.