The Nation Newspaper

Category: Northern Reports

  • Agbese urges Orji Kalu to apologise over alleged pilots’ drug allegations

    Agbese urges Orji Kalu to apologise over alleged pilots’ drug allegations

    The Deputy Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Hon. Philip Agbese, has called on Senator Orji Uzor Kalu to apologise and withdraw his recent comment suggesting that some pilots in Nigeria use Indian hemp.

    Kalu, a former governor of Abia State, made the remark during Wednesday’s plenary while contributing to a motion on aviation safety following a Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) report on the Air Peace runway incident in Port Harcourt.

    Addressing journalists in Abuja on Thursday, Agbese said while the National Assembly must continue to prioritise aviation safety, public officials should refrain from making statements that could damage the reputation of professionals in the industry.

    He noted that such comments could unfairly tarnish the image of hardworking Nigerian pilots who have consistently demonstrated competence, discipline, and adherence to global safety standards.

    “Our pilots are among the most competent and disciplined professionals in the world. They undergo rigorous training, regular health and safety checks, and international certification processes. Nigeria’s airspace remains one of the safest in Africa,” Agbese said.

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    He added that many young Nigerians who chose to serve their country in the aviation sector instead of seeking opportunities abroad deserve encouragement and recognition, not criticism.

    “Rather than discouraging our youths who are giving their best to this country, we should celebrate their excellence. Some of the finest pilots globally are Nigerians — flying not only for domestic airlines but also for leading carriers in Europe, the Middle East, and North America,” he stated.

    Agbese also commended the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), for upholding high safety standards and ensuring effective coordination among agencies under the ministry’s supervision.

    “The aviation ministry under Festus Keyamo (SAN) has maintained consistency in promoting safety, accountability, and inter-agency coordination. Agencies such as FAAN, NCAA, NAMA, and NSIB are all doing commendable work to sustain confidence in Nigeria’s aviation system,” he noted.

    The lawmaker described Kalu’s remark as unfortunate, saying it could undermine confidence in a sector that depends heavily on public trust and international credibility.

    “Distinguished Senator Kalu should retract that statement and tender an apology to our aviation professionals. These are men and women who have built their careers through discipline and integrity. We must not destroy their reputation with unverified claims,” Agbese said.

    He reaffirmed the House of Representatives’ commitment to supporting policies that enhance aviation safety, workforce development, and infrastructure improvement.

    “It is our duty as parliamentarians to ensure proper oversight and accountability. But while doing so, our words must inspire trust. The aviation sector thrives on confidence, and our professionals have continued to earn that trust through their diligence and expertise,” he concluded.

  • NADF, Jigawa partner on agriculture lending de-risking framework

    NADF, Jigawa partner on agriculture lending de-risking framework

    Nigeria’s drive towards food self-sufficiency and inclusive agric growth has got a boost as National Agriculture Development Fund and Jigawa State launched an initiative to design the country’s first sub-national Agriculture Lending De-Risking Framework.

    The two-day co-design workshop: “Jigawa State Agricultural Lending De-Risking Model,” is a milestone in efforts to improve access to finance for smallholder farmers and agribusinesses through innovative state-led risk management mechanisms.

    Mohammed Ibrahim, executive secretary, said the initiative is a bold and practical approach to tackling financial barriers constraining agricultural lending.

    “Barriers to accessing finance cannot be stressed enough. If state-led mechanisms like this are in place, those barriers can be surmounted. National-level financing bodies have done well, but a bottom-up approach will have greater impact,” he said.

    Ibrahim said NADF, set up by Act of Parliament in 2022, bridges national and sub-national agricultural finance ecosystems.

    He noted that the fund will facilitate partnerships and provide technical guidance to ensure success of the Jigawa pilot model.

    “Our role is to bridge finance ecosystems and facilitate engagements for the agriculture sector.’’

     ‘‘This is a bold initiative, and with the technical assistance of Propcom+ (a UKAid-funded programme), we will do our very best to ensure it succeeds,” he explained.

    Representing the state government, Dr. Saifullahi Umar, Director General of the Jigawa Agricultural Transformation Agency (JATA), reaffirmed Jigawa’s commitment to agricultural transformation through innovation, private sector inclusion, and strategic collaboration.

    He disclosed that the state has invested nearly $30 million in agriculture over the past two and a half years, covering mechanization, input financing, and rural infrastructure, but stressed that the state’s vast agricultural sector, valued at ₦3.4 trillion, still requires significant private capital.

    “Our mechanization program cost about $17 million, and input financing, especially for rice, was around $7 million. But government alone cannot meet the capital requirements of agriculture. We need to attract private investors and financial institutions into every link of the value chain, from input supply and production to processing, marketing, and distribution,” Umar said.

    With 2.4 million hectares of arable land, 3.6 million cattle, and over 6 million sheep and goats, Jigawa remains one of Nigeria’s leading producers of rice, wheat, and sesame. The state currently produces 2 million metric tons of rice annually and aims to double that figure to 4 million metric tons by 2030.

    “That would not happen without the right financing. We must create an enabling environment and mechanisms that attract private sector investment and ensure sustainable financing for farmers,” Umar added.

    Naona Usoroh, NADF’s Head of International Partnerships, said the framework is being developed with technical support from Propcom+, ensuring alignment with national agricultural policies, global best practices, and climate-smart principles.

    “Our mission is to be Nigeria’s leading catalytic institution driving inclusive, resilient, and commercially viable agriculture. Through this initiative, NADF will help states like Jigawa develop de-risking models that ensure not only affordable but also sustainable financing for smallholder farmers,” she stated.

    Usoroh added that the model focuses on four key pillars  framework development, financial innovation, policy alignment, and institutional capacity building designed to enhance transparency and attract private capital.

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    “We want to move away from one-off project financing to systems that sustain themselves. The idea is to create a catalytic effect that multiplies investment and ensures continuous access to affordable finance,” she said.

    The workshop also underscored Jigawa’s readiness to pilot the initiative, anchored on ongoing policy reforms under Governor Umar Namadi’s administration. Recent legislation, including the Ministry of Livestock Development Law and the Jigawa Agricultural Transformation Service (JATS) Law, has strengthened institutional structures to industrialize agriculture, formalize livestock value chains, and promote climate-resilient practices.

    The Jigawa State Agricultural Policy (2024–2030) envisions transforming the state into West Africa’s leading hub for agricultural production and processing, with a focus on food security, youth and women empowerment, and private sector collaboration.

    Under these reforms, the state has constructed over 800 kilometers of rural roads, empowered 300,000 women and youth, and earned national recognition for agricultural innovation and productivity.

    Dr. Olumide Ojo, Strategy Director at Propcom+, described the initiative as a crucial step in promoting inclusive finance and climate resilience.

    He said the programme’s access-to-finance strategy focuses on business readiness, capacity building, and innovative product design for underserved farmers.

    If successful, the framework could serve as a national model for other states, accelerating Nigeria’s agricultural transformation and strengthening food security across the country.

  • ‘Five million face food insecurity in Northeast’

    ‘Five million face food insecurity in Northeast’

    Action Aid Nigeria has said five million in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe face acute food insecurity.

    Country Director, Andrew Mamedu, spoke in Abuja at an event to mark World Food Day 2025: “Hand in Hand for Better Food and a Better Future.”

    He said the situation is a deep humanitarian crisis driven by insecurity, climate change, and widespread poverty.

    “Food insecurity is widespread in Nigeria, and insecurity keeps farmers from farmlandst,” Mamedu said.

    Citing FAO, he noted 30.6 million Nigerians in 26 states and FCT were at risk of acute food and nutrition insecurity in June–August 2025 lean season.

    Although this marks a slight improvement from 33.1 million in 2024, Mamedu warned Nigeria still has the most food-insecure people globally.

    He added hunger hotspots expands beyond Northeast to Benue, Kaduna, Kwara, Taraba, and Cross River, where economic shocks, conflict, and displacement worsens food crises.

    “In Benue, and Plateau, recurrent attacks and clashes have kept farmers out of farms, leading to poor production of yam, maize, rice, etc.” he said.

    Mamedu also blamed persistent food inflation, at 21.87 per cent in August, leaving many unable to eat good diets.

    “Rural households spend up to 70 per cent income on food, while urban dwellers no longer eat well,” he said.

    He noted that poverty is the biggest driver of food insecurity, adding Nigeria’s worsening hardship has raised hunger.

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    “World Bank warned that 139 million Nigerians live below the poverty line. This means that even when food is available, millions cannot afford it,” Mamedu said.

    ActionAid also highlighted alarming levels of malnutrition, pointing to reports that 652 children died from malnutrition in Katsina State in the first half of 2025. Nationwide, malnutrition accounts for 45 percent of all under-five deaths, with more than 2 million children suffering from severe acute malnutrition.

    He also urged state governments to fully release agricultural capital funds, lamenting that many states have implemented only about 25 percent of their approved agricultural budgets despite widespread hunger and livelihood challenges.

    “As we mark World Food Day and prepare for the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, we must connect the dots between poverty and hunger. Hunger and poverty are not just statistics, they are lived realities for millions of Nigerians. If you are not affected, please speak up and stand in solidarity with those who are,” Mamedu said.

  • Ex-alumnus unveils manifesto for association poll

    Ex-alumnus unveils manifesto for association poll

    Former President of Federal Government College Maiduguri Old Students Association (FEGOCOMOSA), Suleiman Dikwa has declared his candidacy for the position of President-General of the Unity Schools Old Students Association (USOSA).

    The declaration took place during the association’s 37th Annual Conference held at the Women Development Centre, Abuja.

    Dikwa unveiled a comprehensive manifesto centered on unity, member dignity, intergenerational innovation, climate resilience, and measurable national impact.

    Key highlights of his proposed agenda include the establishment of a Legal Aid Fund (LAF) to provide affordable legal support and digital rights protection for members, as well as the creation of an Integrated Connection Engine designed to link alumni for mentorship, career opportunities, and business collaboration.

    Dikwa also announced plans for an Intergenerational Innovation and Enterprise Fund to promote youth-led climate adaptation projects, supported by a four-year capital mobilisation strategy aimed at attracting $100 million in grants and investments.

    Additionally, Dikwa pledged to establish a Policy Advisory Group to enhance USOSA’s engagement in national development and advocacy.

    Dikwa, who also serves as the pioneer Director of the Global Climate Adaptation Business Alliance, said his campaign is focused on professionalising member services, expanding opportunities for younger alumni, and strengthening USOSA’s contribution to national policy and sustainable development.

    Speaking on Dikwa’s leadership qualities, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of FEGOCOMOSA, Abel Imonighavwe praised his integrity, inclusiveness, and commitment to service.

    “During his tenure as FEGOCOMOSA President, he increased membership, reactivated the Board of Trustees, and established the advisory council. Suleiman is a democrat who always seeks others’ input before making decisions,” he said.

    He added that Dikwa’s selfless service and personal sacrifices set him apart.

    “While most leaders look for ways to embezzle money, Suleiman used his own resources to run the association. He is a man of integrity, patience, and passion, and we are ready to support him to become the next President-General of USOSA,” he stated.

  • Sultan, Yari, Muslim leaders seek urgent action against social media abuse, rising insecurity

    Sultan, Yari, Muslim leaders seek urgent action against social media abuse, rising insecurity

    Top Islamic leaders and lawmakers in Northern Nigeria have raised fresh concerns over rising insecurity and the growing misuse of social media, warning that the nation risks sliding into chaos if decisive action is not taken.

    Speaking at a special summit of Northern Ulamas in Kaduna, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, represented by the Emir of Zazzau, Amb. Ahmad Nuhu Bamalli called for urgent regulation of social media, which he said is being used to spread division and hatred.

    “This is the time to unite the Muslim Ummah,” the Sultan urged. “Our clerics must preach peace, tolerance, and national unity in line with Islamic teachings.”

    House Leader, Hon. Alhassan Ado Doguwa, who also addressed the summit, called for stronger collaboration between Islamic leaders and lawmakers to shape policies that promote peace and good governance.

    “Security is everyone’s business,” Doguwa said. “We in the National Assembly will support any initiative that unites our people and upholds Islamic values.”

    READ ALSO: CBN, finance ministry present Nigeria’s economic progress at G24 meetings

    Senator Abdulaziz Yari (Zamfara West) echoed similar concerns, noting that insecurity has deep roots in the North, especially in mineral-rich communities.

    “Insecurity started in Muslim-dominated areas,” Yari said. “We can’t blame the government alone. The solution lies in our hands — in unity, action, and honest dialogue.”

    He warned against the region’s worsening economic gap, saying: “We’re sleeping in our rooms and expecting to become billionaires. It doesn’t work that way. We must address economic realities.”

    On the issue of social media, Yari was blunt, “Social media doesn’t spare anyone — rich or poor. We are all victims of its abuse. It’s time to regulate it and use it responsibly, like other nations do.”

    Prominent cleric, Sheik Ahmad Abubakar Gumi, called for dialogue among Islamic sects to tackle poverty and banditry, which he said are being exploited by external forces.

    “Banditry is being fueled by outsiders who covet our mineral wealth,” Gumi warned. “They use uneducated herders as pawns in a larger game. We must talk among ourselves and end it internally.”

    He urged a review of existing laws to curb social media defamation without stifling freedom of expression. “This summit is not against anyone,” he said, “but about the unity and progress of Nigeria.”

    The summit ended with a collective call for inter-sect cooperation, peaceful dialogue, and stronger religious leadership to address insecurity, disunity, and economic hardship across the North.

  • Radda expands security coverage to 20 LGAs to combat banditry in Katsina

    Radda expands security coverage to 20 LGAs to combat banditry in Katsina

    Governor Dikko Umar Radda of Katsina State has extended security coverage to 20 local government areas as part of intensified efforts to curb the rising wave of banditry across the state.

    Radda made the announcement during the commissioning of 100 newly trained officers of the Community Watch Corps (C-Watch), bringing the corps’ operations to 20 out of the 34 local government areas in the state.

    Reflecting on his administration’s two-year journey to restore lasting peace, the governor said, “When we launched the Community Watch Corps over two years ago, we were in uncharted territory. The learning curve was steep, and the uncertainty was high. But one thing was certain, our determination to end banditry in Katsina State.”

    READ ALSO: CBN, finance ministry present Nigeria’s economic progress at G24 meetings

    He disclosed that 50 of the new officers would be deployed to Kankia Local Government Area and another 50 to Dutsin-Ma, one of the epicentres of banditry in the state.

    Radda dismissed reports of government negotiations with bandits, clarifying that while his administration would not negotiate with criminals, it supports peace pacts initiated by local communities through the “Katsina Model”, a community-driven approach that encourages repentant bandits to surrender their arms.

    “The role of the state government is to encourage and support the peace process while maintaining law and order. Our focus is to ensure that peaceful communities also benefit socio-economically, giving our people a dignified existence,” he added.

    The governor highlighted the success of community peace initiatives, noting that Jibia has recorded eight months without a major attack, while Batsari has enjoyed seven months of uninterrupted peace. 

    Other local councils, including Danmusa, Safana, Faskari, and Sabuwa, have also witnessed relative calm since adopting the approach.

    Radda commended the Nigerian Air Force, Army, and Police for their collaboration with the state government, saying their synergy has strengthened intelligence sharing, improved response times, and enhanced coordinated operations. 

    He also praised traditional and religious leaders for their roles in promoting community unity and resolving conflicts.

    Earlier, the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr. Nasir Mu’azu, commended the governor’s commitment to reducing insecurity, while the Chairman of the Standing Committee on the C-Watch Corps, Major General Junaidu Bindawa (Rtd), said the recruits received intensive training in minor tactics, weapon handling, communication, arrests, community policing, and intelligence gathering.

  • Residents excited as AbdulRazaq inaugurates Otte/Budo-Egba waterworks

    Residents excited as AbdulRazaq inaugurates Otte/Budo-Egba waterworks

    Kwara Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on Monday inaugurated the newly rehabilitated Otte/Budo-Egba Waterworks in Asa local government to deepen access to clean and safe water in the areas. 

    The Governor said the completion of the 500,000 litre tank reflects the vision of his administration to modernise water infrastructure across the state.

    “This is not just about giving clean water to our people. The project brings comfort and renewed confidence in the power of our government to deliver,” the Governor said at the commissioning ceremony in Otte town.

    “As an administration, we recognised that access to safe and reliable water supply must be a priority. That is why we launched a comprehensive plan to rehabilitate and modernise water infrastructure across the state. The story of Otte and its environs today is a reflection of that vision.

    “Access to clean water improves public health by reducing the prevalence of waterborne diseases. It supports education, as children no longer have to spend hours fetching water instead of being in school.”

    The Governor was represented  by his Special Adviser on Special Duties, Alhaji AbdulRazaq Jiddah.

    AbdulRazaq commended the contractors who handled the project for their professionalism, and the people of Otte and its environs for their patience, cooperation, and belief in the vision of this government.

    He also lauded the development partners and agencies for their support that culminated in this success.

    The Governor listed other waterworks that are currently being rehabilitated in the state to include Omu-Aran Waterworks, Oyun Waterworks, and Sobi Waterworks.

    He said access to clean water is a fundamental right of every Kwaran, and pledged to continue to invest in the sector. 

    Among the dignitaries at the event were the Chairman Kwara House of Assembly Committee on Water Resources, Hon. Yunus Oniboki; Commissioner for Water Resources Hon. Usman Yunusa Lade; Chairman, Asa LG, Alhaji Shehu Yayaha Amasa; Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Religion (Islam), Alhaji Ibrahim Danmeigoro; Chairman, State Universal Basic Education Board SUBEB, Prof Shehu Raheem Adaramaja; Chairman Lower Niger River Basin Development Authority, Abdullateef Gidado Alakawa; APC Chieftain Abdulrahman Giwa; former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Salman Jawondo (SAN); and Daudu Afon, Alhaji Anafi Balogun. 

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    Oniboki said the project will go a long way in addressing water scarcity in the benefitting communities, thanking the Governor for what he described as a great gesture. 

    Lade urged the people of Otte and its adjoining communities to take ownership of the facility by guiding against vandalisation of any kind.

    He said the government has invested millions of naira to enhance water accessibility and improve sanitation across the state.

    Chairman of Asa LGA, Alhaji Amasa, thanked the Governor for providing the communities with what he called a beneficial and gigantic project.

    “I know the hardship my people faced in search of water during the dry season. Honestly, their apprehension has been addressed by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq. We are very happy and grateful,” he said.

    Adaramaja and Alakawa, said no part of the state has not been impacted by the administration through its various developmental projects, declaring the unalloyed support of people of Asa LG to the state government.

    Adaramaja recalled the communities’ ordeal of lacking water supply during the previous governments and thanked Governor AbdulRazaq for coming to their rescue, noting that the water plant will impact many lives.

    He requested the government to help resuscitate the Otte market, among other infrastructure.

  • FG, UNDP launch net zero nature positive initiative to drive climate action, ecosystem restoration

    FG, UNDP launch net zero nature positive initiative to drive climate action, ecosystem restoration

    The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative, Ms. Elsie Atafuah, has announced that Nigeria and the UNDP have joined forces to launch a transformative initiative aimed at achieving the country’s Net Zero emissions target by 2060 and conserving 30 percent of its land and marine ecosystems by 2030.

    Atafuah, represented by Chidimma Blessed, made the disclosure in Abuja at the launch of the Net Zero Nature Positive (NZNP) Project, a bold global initiative funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and implemented in partnership with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), UNDP, and other national and international stakeholders.

    She said the project represents more than a programme but a movement to accelerate climate action, nature restoration, and sustainable development in Nigeria.

    “Nigeria and the UNDP are united in their commitment to climate action and nature restoration. Climate change is already disrupting lives and livelihoods, biodiversity loss is accelerating, and vulnerable communities—especially in the Niger Delta—are bearing the heaviest burdens,” she said.

    According to Atafuah, the initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s national agenda on climate change mitigation and adaptation, advancing the country’s Energy Transition Plan and revised Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).

    She assured that the project would work closely with the governments of Rivers and Bayelsa states to integrate net-zero and nature-positive strategies into their development plans, while empowering women’s cooperatives and youth networks to take leadership roles in the green transition.

    Also speaking, the Director of Planning, Research and Statistics and GEF Focal Point at the Ministry of Environment, Mrs. Aneke Agnes Nkechi, described the launch as a significant milestone in Nigeria’s journey toward a Net Zero and Nature Positive future.

    She said the initiative would promote ecosystem restoration, expand access to clean energy, de-risk sustainable investments, and support the country’s commitments to achieving its NDCs and nature-positive goals by 2030.

  • Namadi commissions ₦30.8bn projects, solar power station in Jigawa

    Namadi commissions ₦30.8bn projects, solar power station in Jigawa

    …flags off N30.8bn roads

    Jigawa State Governor, Malam Umar Namadi, has commissioned a solar power station and inaugurated several road projects valued at over ₦30.8 billion in Kirikasamma Local Government Area.

    At the event, the governor flagged off the construction of the 23.4-kilometre Tarabu–Matarar Alhazai–Malanta–Sawo–Iyo–Gishinawo–Gafta road. The contract, awarded to Messrs Mothercat Nigeria Limited, is estimated at ₦17.28 billion.

    Namadi said the projects underscore his administration’s commitment to implementing its 12-point agenda and fulfilling campaign promises aimed at improving infrastructure and livelihoods across the state.

    “The construction of this and other roads across the state is aimed at unlocking rural communities by providing access to markets and other social, economic, and public services,” he stated.

    The governor also commissioned a ₦426.1 million solar electrification project designed to connect nine villages—Tage, Ilallah, Siga, Garin Wakili, Fandunan, Gafta, Baturiya, Una, and Barmaguwa—to the national grid.

     “This is another milestone in our administration’s efforts to improve the living standards of rural dwellers through access to power and essential infrastructure across Jigawa State,” Namadi said.

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    He added that the roads would enable farmers in hard-to-reach areas to transport their produce to markets more easily.

    Governor Namadi further disclosed that his administration had equipped the newly constructed Kiri-Kasamma General Hospital, which will be commissioned and commence operations soon.

    He urged residents of the area and the state to remain peaceful, law-abiding, and ensure proper use and maintenance of the projects.

  • Kaduna to host public relations week next year

    Kaduna to host public relations week next year

    Governor Uba Sani has accepted to host the 2026 Nigeria Public Relations Week in Kaduna, promising that next year’s edition will be one of the best events.

    The Governor made the pledge when the National President of Nigerian Institute of Public Relations(NIPR), Dr Ike Neliaku and members of his Executive paid a courtesy call at Sir Kashim Ibrahim House.

    Governor Uba Sani also promised to nominate two Government officials to serve on the National Planning Committee and three others on the Local Organising Committee.

    The Governor noted that the theme of next year’s event aligns with the broad objectives of the Kaduna Peace Model which emphasises non-kinetic approach towards tackling insecurity.

    The theme of 2026 Nigerian Public Relations Week is ‘’Food Security: From Policy Paper To Public Plates, The Public Relations Imperatives.’’

    Governor Uba Sani disclosed that when he assumed office, his administration studied the drivers of insecurity because Kaduna State was associated with banditry, kidnapping and ethno-religious crises.

    According to him, one of the things he discovered was that insecurity was fuelled by economic crisis, whereby people felt hopeless and abandoned.

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    The Governor also recalled that Agriculture was under-funded as the budgetary allocation to the sector by the previous administration was less than 1%.

    ‘’So, we invested heavily in agriculture and we allocated 12% of our budget to the sector, surpassing the Malabo declaration which advised states to devote 10% of the budgets to Agriculture,’’ he added.

    Governor Uba Sani pointed out that adequate funding of the Agricultural sector is central to the success of the Kaduna Peace Model because it contributes 43% of the state’s GDP and employs about 60% of the population.

    The Governor said that as a result of his administration’s intervention, farmers have returned to farms, adding that over 500, 000 hectres of land have been reclaimed.

    According to him, Kaduna State was the first subnational to launch the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone in Nigeria, which aims to transform Agriculture to a high-value economic sector and create jobs.

    Governor Uba Sani also said that Kaduna State is also developing the Agricultural Quality Assurance Centre(AQAC) with the support of Afrexim Bank, to enhance its farmers’ produce and reduce post harvest losses. 

    He further disclosed that 192 primary healthcare centers and all schools that were closed down because of insecurity have been opened in the last two years.

    Governor Uba Sani noted that peace has returned to Birnin Gwari and Giwa towns that were centres of insecurity, adding that economic activities are now booming in those areas.

    The Governor said that there has not been any ethno-religious crisis in Kaduna State since he assumed office, arguing that the Kaduna Peace Model of non-kinetic approach is about good governance.

    ‘’The UK Government has officially lifted its travel restrictions on Kaduna State, upgrading it from ‘’red’’ to ‘’amber’’. In 2022, the country placed Kaduna on its ‘’red’’ list due to insecurity,’’ he recalled.

    Governor Uba Sani pointed out that while the citizens of Kaduna State and the world at large are happy with the prevailing peace, conflict entrepreneurs are unhappy with the positive development.

    Speaking earlier, Dr Neliaku said that the Nigeria Public Relations week was first held in Abeokuta in the southwest and the second one was in Uyo in the south-south.

    He disclosed that Kaduna was chosen after a very rigorous process but Kano was still waiting in the wings in case Kaduna failed to accept the hosting offer.

    The NIPR President revealed that next year Nigeria will host ‘’the World Public Relations Forum, which is the biggest gathering of communication experts all over the world.’’

    According to him, the forum comprises ‘’those who are advising presidents, those who are managing corporations; they agreed to come to Nigeria in November 2026. This is the second time it is coming to Africa. And the first time it is coming to Nigeria.’’

    Dr Neliaku argued that the third Nigeria Public Relations Week, which will be held in Kaduna next year, will ‘’be the foundational program that will now usher the World Public Relations Forum.’’

     The NIPR President disclosed that Nigeria plans to establish the first university of Public Relations and Leadership in the world, adding that ‘’we are working with the Global Alliance for Public Relations and Communication.’’