The Nation Newspaper

Category: Northern Reports

  • Governor Lawal renews synergy against banditry 

    Governor Lawal renews synergy against banditry 

    Governor Dauda Lawal has renewed the Zamfara state government commitment to security agencies in stamping out banditry across the state. 

    The governor revealed this when he received the Air Component Commander for Operation HADARIN DAJI, Air Commodore J. I Jibiya, at the Government House in Gusau, at the weekend. 

    READ ALSO: Fed Govt set to reclaim ungoverned spaces with re-engagement of military retirees

    He said the visit provided an opportunity to discuss how to align Air Power Doctrines with the operational realities of Zamfara State.

    “I must reiterate that the zeal and commitment of the Commandant raise my hopes, especially as he emphasised applying Joint Terminal Attack Controller and Air-to-Ground Integration Exercises to the front lines, which aligns with the Chief of the Air Staff Command Philosophy of delivering decisive airpower effects to realise national security objectives,” Governor Lawal said. 

    He said, “My administration is committed to ensuring that all necessary support for the troops is provided.”

  • Zamfara raises NYSC doctors monthly allowance to N150,000

    Zamfara raises NYSC doctors monthly allowance to N150,000

    The Zamfara State Government has increased the monthly allowance of National Youths Service Corps (NYSC) medical doctors to N150,000.

    This was revealed by Governor Dauda Lawal during the swearing-in of the 2026 Batch A Stream One corps members in Gusau recently.

    He said other health professionals would receive ₦50,000 every month, while all corps members posted to schools, ministries, departments, and agencies will also receive a ₦20,000 monthly as state allowance.

    The governor reaffirmed the state’s commitment to the NYSC members’ welfare, safety, and a conducive working environment.

    Represented by Commissioner for Youths and Sports Development, Alhaji Tasi’u Shinkafi, Governor Lawal assured the corps members of their adequate security.

    READ ALSO: SL Akintola: Time is a healer

    He said the state government, in collaboration with the NYSC management and the security agencies, had made adequate arrangements to ensure the protection of all the corps members posted to the state.

    Mr Lawal called on them to pay attention to all the activities of the orientation camp to know more about the NYSC scheme.

    He highlighted improvements in public facilities, ongoing security efforts, and the importance of the NYSC scheme in promoting national unity.

    The Zamfara Coordinator of the NYSC, Malam Muhammad Lawan,
    praised the government’s support and advised corps members to follow camp rules and actively participate in skills acquisition programmes.

  • Zamfara govt approves N3.6 billion for AM radio station upgrade 

    Zamfara govt approves N3.6 billion for AM radio station upgrade 

    Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara has approved N3.6 billion for the upgrade and re-equipping of the state’s AM Radio Station.

    This is part of his administration’s commitment to repositioning the media in the north-western state.

    This is contained in a statement issued in Gusau on Monday by the State Commissioner for Information and Culture, Muhammad Mahmud.

    Mahmud said that the approval was granted by the State Executive Council Meeting chaired by Lawal.

    “The approval was part of the present administration’s commitment to revitalising the state-owned media institutions and strengthening effective information dissemination to the public.

    “The project, which involves the supply of modern broadcasting equipment, was awarded to ECALPEMOS Technologies, a reputable firm with proven expertise in broadcast technology,” he said

    READ ALSO: SL Akintola: Time is a healer

    According to Mahmud, the duration of the project was 90 days, within which the contractor was expected to complete the supply and installation of the equipment aimed at enhancing operational capacity, signal coverage, and overall broadcast quality of the AM radio station.

    “The council noted that the upgrade would significantly improve public access to timely, accurate, and reliable information, particularly for rural communities, while also supporting government policies, public enlightenment, and socio-economic development across the state,” Mahmud added.

    The commissioner reaffirmed the Lawal administration’s resolve to reposition the media as a critical partner in governance, transparency, and citizens’ engagement.

    He assured that all approved projects by the present administration in the state would be executed in line with due process and global best practices.

  • Governor Lawal begins PDP stakeholder engagement in 14 LGs 

    Governor Lawal begins PDP stakeholder engagement in 14 LGs 

    Governor Dauda Lawal has begun a statewide strategic stakeholder engagement with Zamfara chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), to evaluate performances.

    A statement by his spokesperson, Sulaiman Idris, said the stakeholder engagement aimed at strategising and discussing issues concerning the party and the state at large.

    Idris said the meeting began on Tuesday at the Rescue Hall in the Government House, Gusau, with party stakeholders from Gummi and Maru Local Government Areas.

    “The engagement provides a platform where the governor discusses important political issues impacting the party and the state.

    READ ALSO: Fed Govt set to reclaim ungoverned spaces with re-engagement of military retirees

    “In the coming weeks, Governor Lawal will host PDP stakeholders from all 14 local government areas of Zamfara State.

    “During the meetings, Governor Lawal will listen to stakeholders’ concerns, advice, and critical evaluation of the situation in their respective communities.

    “Such stakeholder engagement demonstrates that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) remains a strong and influential force across the state,” Idris said. 

  • Zamfara govt renovates police command, donates operational bikes to police station

    Zamfara govt renovates police command, donates operational bikes to police station

    The Zamfara State Government is renovating the state police command with N1.4 billion.

    The state government is also renovating the Gusau Central Police Station with N726.9 million.

    The Secretary to the Zamfara State Government, Abubakar Mohammad Nakwada, revealed this while presenting 10 speed motorcycles to the Gusau Divisional Police Officer, Abubakar Sani Mohammad, recently.

    The SSG, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Cabinet Affairs, Abubakar Mohammad Gusau, said the motorcycles are meant to aid police patrols, especially in the hard-to-reach areas of the city that cannot be easily accessed using operational vehicles.

    He also announced that the state government would support the division in the routine fueling of the motorcycles for effective service delivery.

    The gesture is part of the ongoing efforts of Governor Dauda Lawal’s administration towards fighting all forms of criminality across the state.

    READ ALSO: SL Akintola: Time is a healer

    Receiving the vehicles on behalf of the Nigerian Police Force, the Divisional Officer, Mr Abubakar Mohammad, said the motorcycles will significantly boost their operational capacity to clamp down on criminal elements, who are taking advantage of the inaccessible areas to perpetrate crimes.

    He further expressed gratitude to Governor Dauda Lawal for providing all that is required for all security formations across the state, reassuring that they have no excuse but to deliver results.

    It is noteworthy that since 2025, the State Government has distributed over 140 operational vehicles to security agencies and is consistently providing logistical support to those agencies.

  • Goronyo leads mobilisation drive, rallies APC stakeholders to boost e-registration in Sokoto

    Goronyo leads mobilisation drive, rallies APC stakeholders to boost e-registration in Sokoto

    Stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Goronyo Local Government Area of Sokoto State have resolved to step up mobilisation to ensure the success of the ongoing electronic registration of party members across the state.

    The resolution was reached at a recent stakeholders’ meeting convened by the Minister of State for Works, Bello Goronyo.

    Addressing party leaders and members, Goronyo described the e-registration exercise as central to strengthening the party’s structure at the grassroots.

    He said possession of a valid APC membership card confers official membership and eligibility to participate in party activities, including voting and contesting for positions.

    Read Also: Yusuf’s defection will catapult Kano’s development – France APC

    In a statement issued on Wednesday by his Special Adviser on Media, Abdullahi Mohammed, the Minister urged ward and local government leaders to take responsibility for driving the exercise by encouraging members to register.

    The Minister emphasized that the initiative became imperative considering that the process was necessary for consolidating the party ahead of future political activities.

    The meeting drew party elders and stakeholders, including Alhaji Hussaini Umar Gorau, Alhaji Adamu Joda, Chairman of the APC Elders Forum, Alhaji Faruku Ahmad Rimawa, Alhaji Ummaru Shehu Goronyo, Alhaji Aminu Faruku S. Rima, the APC Chairman in Goronyo Local Government, Alhaji Sa’idu Kumaji, and the Chairman of Goronyo Local Government Council, Engineer Zubairu Yari Goronyo, among others.

    APC chairmen and secretaries from the eleven wards of the local government, councillors and other stakeholders were also in attendance.

    Discussions identified challenges affecting the exercise, particularly the lack of National Identification Numbers (NIN) among some members while the stakeholders agreed on measures to address the gaps and improve participation.

    According to Joda, in his remarks, the Minister provided financial support for logistics and pledged to facilitate NIN enrolment for affected members, adding that party elders would also contribute to the effort.

    The stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to party unity and grassroots mobilisation in Goronyo Local Government Area.

  • Uba Sani bags awards, distributes medical equipment, ambulances

    Uba Sani bags awards, distributes medical equipment, ambulances

    Governor Uba Sani has bagged five awards from different health sector unions for revitalising healthcare delivery and improving on the welfare of their personnel since he assumed office.

    The awards were presented to him on Tuesday at the commissioning of the Kaduna State Primary Health Care Board headquarters, where the Governor also flagged-off of the distribution of medical equipment and ambulances.

    The Kaduna State Council of Medical and Health Workers’ Union of Nigeria, the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives and the Kaduna State chapter of Environmental Health Officers Association of Nigeria gave him separate awards.

    The Governor also bagged awards from  Kaduna State chapters of National Association of Community Health Practitioners of Nigeria and the Association of Medical Laboratory Technicians and Assistants of Nigeria.

    Speaking at the ceremony, Governor Uba Sani listed some of his administration’s achievements in the health sector in the last two and half years.

    He said that his government has revitalised  and upgraded 255 Primary Healthcare Centers (PHCs) to Level-2 status,  the largest number in the country, which is aimed at expanding access to quality healthcare in underserved areas.

    The Governor has also ‘’Established 23 PHC Centres of Excellence – 1 in each LGA – to serve as centres for more advanced care and hub for data generation and patient referrals.’’

    ‘’We have established 120 new neonatal corners across the state, significantly reducing neonatal morbidity and mortality, especially in the rural and underserved areas,’’ he added.

    Governor Uba Sani has also procured ‘’ three  Oxygen plants with a robust carrier system to supply other facilities, in order to reduce morbidity and mortality attributable to emergency cases.’’

    Kaduna State Government under his leadership, has also renovated ‘’19 General Hospitals across the state to enhance secondary healthcare services as befitting referral centres from PHCs.’’

    He also listed the upgrading of  the KADHSMA warehouse to a pharma-grade facility with a 1,600 sqm storage space, ensuring uninterrupted availability of essential medicines.

    According to him, Kaduna State has commenced payment of full 2024 CONMESS and CONHESS Salary Scales, adding that it has cleared all promotion backlogs.

    Governor Uba Sani also said that  the flagging  off of the   distribution of modern medical equipment and ambulances to  Primary Health Care facilities which held on Tuesday,  is aimed at  improving service delivery, emergency response, and referral systems across the State.

    He pointed out that ‘’this  is the 2nd tranche of state-of-the-art medical equipment distributed to our PHCs by our administration since our assumption of office.

    ‘’We strongly believe that no mother should lose her life while giving birth, and no child should die from preventable causes because essential equipment or timely transportation is unavailable.

    The Governor also noted that the  Kaduna State Primary Health Care Board Headquarters is  the biggest of its kind nationwide, adding that it will serve as the nerve center for driving reforms,  monitoring performance, and ensuring that every Primary Health Care facility across our Wards functions optimally.

    Read Also: Uba Sani to construct largest bus terminal in Nigeria

    While welcoming  newly recruited 1,800 health workers into the  health system, he emphasised that they ‘’are the 1st set of the annual staff recruitment we are embarking upon over the period of five  consecutive years.’’

    ‘’This bold recruitment drive demonstrates our recognition that infrastructure and equipment alone are not enough—people are the backbone of healthcare,’’ he argued.

    The Governor said his administration has consistently prioritized primary health care because we believe it is the foundation of a functional health system and a critical pathway to achieving Universal Health Coverage.

    ‘’Through facility revitalization, improved governance under the Primary Health Care Under One Roof policy, health workforce expansion, and strategic partnerships, we are ensuring that quality healthcare is accessible to all, regardless of location or socioeconomic status,’’ he added.

  • President has opened political space for young Nigerians

    President has opened political space for young Nigerians

    A pro-democracy group, the City Boy Movement (CBM), has hailed the growing inclusion of young and non-traditional actors in the country’s political space under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, describing it as a necessary step toward strengthening democracy and securing the nation’s future.

    The Director-General of the movement, Oluwatosin Francis Shoga, stated this in Abuja, while responding to critics, following the entry of business leaders and philanthropists like Obi Cubana into political space.

    He reaffirmed that President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda has sent a signal that youth participation, entrepreneurship, and fresh perspectives are valued.

    Read Also: Senate orders fresh review of Electoral Act amendments, sets up 48-hour ad hoc panel

     “The inclusiveness of today’s political environment reflects democratic maturity. Nigeria’s future will be built through courage, participation, and unity—not fear of change,’’ he said.

    “Nigeria is at a defining moment in its democratic evolution, where long-standing calls for inclusion, fresh leadership, and new ideas are beginning to take shape.

    “For years, Nigerians, particularly young people, have decried political exclusion, recycled leadership, and limited access to decision-making.

    ‘Today, the increasing participation of young and dynamic Nigerians should not be seen as a threat, but as a renewal of democracy.”

  • Foundation seeks support for autistic children

    Foundation seeks support for autistic children

    The Federal Government, sub-national governments and development partners have been urged to adopt a more strategic and sustained approach to autism to promote the growth, development and empowerment of affected children and enable them to contribute meaningfully to national development.

    President/Trustee, Ferdinand Effah Music Heritage Foundation (FEMHF), Stanley Effah, said intervention was required to prevent thousands of children living with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) from being trapped in a cycle of neglect, exclusion and wasted potential.

    Effah noted that many autistic children possess exceptional talents and inner strengths, but are often unable to fulfil their potential because their parents are often financially and emotionally overwhelmed.

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    He said it was in response to this gap that FEMHF decided to deploy creativity as a strategic advocacy tool, using music, performance and public engagement to drive awareness, acceptance and inclusion of people living with autism across Nigeria.

    According to Effah in a statement, the Foundation’s innovative approach is anchored on the official launch and release of Ferdy’s Band’s first record label music album, A Voice for Autism, slated for April 2, this year, which also serves as a prelude to the Harmony for Autism Music Charity Concert scheduled for the same day.

  • 116 get 1st class as 7,094 students exit MAU Yola

    116 get 1st class as 7,094 students exit MAU Yola

    A total of 116 first degree graduates of the Modibbo Adama University (MAU), Yola, made first class among 7,094 students of the 2023/2024 and 2024/2025 academic sessions who are set to exit the university.

    The graduands are to be presented their degrees next Saturday when the 29th and 30th combined convocation comes up.

    In a pre-convocation press conference yesterday, the Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Ibrahim Umar, broke down the figures.

    Read Also: Senate orders fresh review of Electoral Act amendments, sets up 48-hour ad hoc panel

    He said: “For the 2023/2024 academic session, a total of 2,034 first degree graduates will be presented for the award of degrees.”

    He explained that 55 graduands of the 2023/2024 set are in the first class category and 599 in second class upper and 1,047 in second class lower, while 330 and three will earn third class and pass degrees.

    According to him, for the 2024/2025 academic session, a batch of a total 3,673 first degree graduands will be presented, including those for first class (61 graduands), second class upper (1,199), second class lower (1931), third class (479) and pass (three).