The Nation Newspaper

Category: Northern Reports

  • Kwara begins new roads in southern region as council okays contracts

    Kwara begins new roads in southern region as council okays contracts

    Kwara State Executive Council on Thursday approved construction of projects across different sectors to boost Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s drive for a stronger and inclusive future anchored on solid infrastructure and human capital development.

    In what signalled the major takeoff of the Kwara Smart City project, the council has approved the construction of a four-storey administrative/senate building for the Kwara State University of Education (KWSUED).

    Following a presentation on the tender process by the Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development Dr. Segun Ogunsola, the construction work for the Senate building was awarded to M C & T Limited at the cost of N11.9bn for a duration of 15 months.

    Ogunsola said the building will house Senate/Council Chambers, Conference Rooms, and office accommodation for key management personnel such as the Vice Chancellor, Deputy Vice Chancellors, Registrar, Bursar.

    The building will also provide office spaces for routine university’s administration such as Finance, Registry, Student Affairs, Examination, and Records, among others, according to the commissioner.

    The council also considered and approved the construction of the Ojoku-Ilemona Bye-Pass Road Ilemona, Oyun Local Government Area, a 15km project with significant impacts on the communities in the axis.

    The road directly connects traffic from the axis to the 49km tax credit-funded Afon-Ojoku-Offa-Odo Otin road.

    The work was awarded to Construction Products Nig. Ltd. at N6.4bn for a duration of 19 months.

    Read Also: Ondo police arrest ‘notorious gunrunner’ supplying arms to Osun, Kogi, Edo, Kwara

    After a presentation by the Commissioner for Works, Engr. Abdulquawiy Olododo, the cabinet also considered and approved a N2bn contract for the construction of Alabe-Oreke Road in Ifelodun, connecting the area with other agrarian communities in the rocky terrain.

    The job, which completes the long stretch from Owode Ofaro end and links Ifelodun to Isin Local Government Area, is awarded to Wallyson Ventures for a completion period of 12 months.

    These approvals came as contractors have been mobilised to begin construction works on the Offa and Lafiagi Stadia, strengthening public access to standard sports facilities in every part of the state.

    Both stadia, now approved for rehabilitation, had been moribund for several years.

  • FRC eyes collaboration with CSOs to deepen accountability in financial reporting

    FRC eyes collaboration with CSOs to deepen accountability in financial reporting

    The Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRC) has reiterated its commitment to collaborating with civil society organisations (CSOs) to promote accountability, transparency, and compliance with financial reporting, corporate governance, and sustainability standards across the country.

    Executive Secretary/Chief Executive, Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRC), Dr. Rabiu Olowo, said the council values partnerships with organisations aligned with its mission.

    Olowo said this during a one-day capacity-building workshop on Wednesday organised by the New Era for Sustainability Leadership and Accountability Initiative (NESLAI).

    The event brought together key stakeholders from the public and private sectors, as well as civil society groups engaged in financial governance and oversight.

    Olowo, who was represented by Mr. Titus Osawe, Coordinating Director at the FRI, said: “We find this very useful because we saw a group that is interested in what we do.

    “At the Financial Reporting Council, we monitor compliance with financial reporting standards, corporate governance, and sustainability codes. When we see an organization like NESLAI ready to push the narrative through advocacy, we are keen to collaborate.”

    Olowo underscored the pivotal role of civil society in stakeholder engagement and capacity building, noting that CSOs were instrumental in the development of the 2018 Nigerian Code of Corporate Governance for the private sector.

    He also revealed that CSOs are actively involved in the ongoing drafting of a governance code for not-for-profit organizations, which is expected to be finalized this year.

    In his remarks, Executive Director of the Network for Legislative Strengthening and Accountability Initiatives (NELSAI), Comrade Edwin Oluwafemi noted that civil society groups are essential actors within Nigeria’s accountability framework.

    “Your role in bridging government, the private sector, and communities gives you a unique position to influence compliance with financial reporting standards across the board,” he said.

    Citing the FRC Act of 2011 and the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) 2020, Oluwafemi reminded participants that transparency and good governance are legal responsibilities—not voluntary choices.

    “The training is designed not only to enhance the capacity of CSOs but also to empower them to lead by example by upholding the highest financial reporting standards within their own organizations,” he added.

    Also speaking, Comrade Richard Otitoleke, Program Coordinator at NELSAI, said the initiative aims to equip credible civil society actors with the technical competence to monitor compliance and hold institutions accountable.

    He stated: “This initiative ensures that private and public companies meet global best practices.

    “Civil society needs the intellectual and technical know-how to properly carry out oversight in financial reporting.”

    National Coordinator of the Africa Poverty Alleviation Initiative, Comrade Opanachi Jacob noted that the session helped bridge critical knowledge gaps.

    “It sharpens our skills to approach financial reporting based on both international and domestic standards, especially in monitoring procurement processes. With this, CSOs can better hold institutions accountable and reduce leakages that fuel corruption,” he said.

    Convener, Civil Society Groups for Good Governance (CSGGG), Ogakwu Dominic highlighted the broader implications of the training on governance.

    He said: “This initiative is commendable because it reawakens us to the fact that accountability is not only for government institutions but also for the private sector and individuals.

    “Every company listed on the stock exchange needs to be accountable to Nigerians. Corporate governance is very essential. You cannot say, because it is your private business, citizens should not ask questions.”

  • Arewa Think Tank hails Oluremi Tinubu as “True mother of the nation” at 65

    Arewa Think Tank hails Oluremi Tinubu as “True mother of the nation” at 65

    The Arewa Think Tank (ATT) has celebrated First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on her 65th birthday, describing her as a symbol of dignity and a true mother of the nation.

    In a statement by its convener, Muhammad Alhaji Yakubu, the group praised the First Lady as a quiet but influential force behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, offering counsel and grace as Nigeria navigates its path of progress.

    Yakubu noted that Senator Tinubu has consistently demonstrated compassion, resilience, and commitment to service, inspiring hope and touching lives across the country.

    He highlighted her decades of public service, first as a senator and now as First Lady, where she has dedicated herself to uplifting the vulnerable, amplifying the voices of the unheard, and fostering unity.

    The ATT also commended her flagship humanitarian programme, the Renewed Hope Initiative, which has extended relief and support to thousands of women, children, and families nationwide.

    “We view the First Lady’s support for His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, as a quiet force behind the presidency, offering counsel and grace as the nation pursues growth and renewal,” Yakubu added.

    He urged Nigerians to continue working with the Presidency and the Office of the First Lady in advancing programmes that promote national unity and social welfare.

    “As she marks her 65th year on earth, we pray for the First Lady as the mother of our nation. May Almighty God continue to bless her with good health, renewed strength, and many more years of purposeful service to our dear country, Nigeria,” ATT said.

  • Tinubu: Northern group slams El-Rufai over tenure extension claim

    Tinubu: Northern group slams El-Rufai over tenure extension claim

    The Northern Nigeria Minorities Group (NNMG) has condemned former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, over his claim that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu intends to extend his tenure beyond the constitutionally allowed eight years.

    In a statement issued in Abuja by its convener, Chief Jacob Edi, the group described El-Rufai’s allegation as reckless, malicious, and an affront to democracy, insisting that the former governor was speaking out of bitterness and frustration.

    The NNMG argued that El-Rufai’s political outbursts were fuelled by his exclusion from President Tinubu’s cabinet, noting that his comments amounted to “sour grapes from a man who feels sidelined and irrelevant.”

    The statement accused El-Rufai of a “pattern of treachery,” alleging that he had a history of betrayal and political scheming aimed at destabilizing the polity whenever his ambitions were not met.

    Reaffirming that the 1999 Constitution clearly limits presidential tenure to two terms of four years each, the group said no amount of propaganda could alter that reality.

    Read Also: Northern group slams El-Rufai over comments on insecurity

    “At a time when Nigeria needs unity and focus, El-Rufai has once again positioned himself as a destabilizing agent,” the NNMG said.

    The group called on the former governor to retract his remarks and apologize to Nigerians, urging citizens to dismiss his allegations as the wailings of a rejected politician.

    It further asked security agencies to place El-Rufai and others making similar comments under watch, warning that such statements could create unnecessary tension.

    “The minorities of Northern Nigeria will resist any attempt, whether by tenure elongation or by bitter politicians sowing confusion, to derail our democracy,” the statement added.

  • Raw materials council, NSCDC partner to tackle illegal mining

    Raw materials council, NSCDC partner to tackle illegal mining

    The Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Mining Marshals have struck a new partnership aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s fight against illegal mining and boosting the value of the country’s mineral resources.

    The alliance was sealed during a courtesy visit by a delegation of the NSCDC Mining Marshals, led by the Commander, ACC Attah John Onoja, to the RMRDC headquarters in Maitama, Abuja.

    Speaking during the visit, ACC Onoja explained that the mission of the Mining Marshals is not only to provide on-ground security but also to ensure that mineral resources are extracted in ways that align with national laws and contribute to economic growth. 

    He stressed that collaboration with RMRDC was vital in areas such as data access, technical expertise, and support for criminal prosecution of offenders.

    “This visit is about synergy,” Onoja said. “To be effective in securing Nigeria’s mineral wealth, the Mining Marshals must work hand-in-hand with research institutions like the Raw Materials Council. Together, we can ensure that those who exploit our resources illegally are held accountable, and that the sector generates the value it should for the country.”

    On his part, the Director-General of RMRDC, Professor Nnanyelugo M. Ike-Muanso, praised the Marshals for their commitment and discipline in tackling illegal mining. He assured the delegation that the Council would make available its resources to support their operations.

    “The Council is prepared to assist with data sharing, joint training programmes, laboratory analysis of minerals, and technical support where necessary,” Ike-Muanso said. 

    “We recognize the critical role security plays in our mandate of adding value to raw materials, and this collaboration will help align our scientific efforts with field realities.”

    Also delivering a goodwill message on behalf of the NSCDC Commandant-General, Professor Ahmed Abubakar Audi, Commander Onoja reaffirmed the Corps’ commitment to providing security for mineral mapping exercises, especially in high-risk terrains where researchers and technical experts are most vulnerable.

    The meeting ended with an exchange of pernaphinalia between the two agencies, symbolizing what both sides described as a renewed commitment to protecting Nigeria’s mineral wealth.

    Observers noted that the partnership comes at a time when Nigeria’s solid minerals sector is grappling with widespread illegal activities that deprive the government of revenue, fuel insecurity, and undermine formal investment. 

    Industry analysts argue that closer cooperation between security agencies and research bodies could provide the missing link in building a regulated, data-driven mining sector.

    For years, experts have lamented that Nigeria’s mineral sector operates in silos, with enforcement agencies, regulators, and research institutions rarely working in unison. 

    By bridging that gap, the new partnership between RMRDC and NSCDC may set the stage for a more coordinated approach to managing the country’s vast but underutilized mineral endowments.

    While the exchange of pleasantries and paraphernalia provided a ceremonial end to the visit, the underlying message was clear: Nigeria’s fight against illegal mining will require more than just boots on the ground. It will demand the marriage of science and security, data and discipline—an alignment that this partnership now seeks to deliver.

  • Northern group slams El-Rufai over comments on insecurity

    Northern group slams El-Rufai over comments on insecurity

    The Northern Awareness Network (NAN) has criticised former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, for his recent comments blaming the Federal Government for worsening insecurity in the country.

    In his latest remarks, El-Rufai alleged that the government is financially enabling insecurity — a claim NAN described as uncharitable, grossly insensitive, and a calculated attempt to discredit the current administration and undermine the sacrifices of Nigeria’s military and security agencies.

    The group said Nigerians remain resilient and united despite “political theatrics” from individuals who, it noted, have lost relevance in the public arena.

    NAN stressed that El-Rufai’s allegations were mischievous and intended to sow discord, adding that they do not reflect the spirit of unity and progress that Nigerians embody.

    Read Also: ‘El-Rufai not booed in Owerri’

    “The successes of the armed forces in fighting banditry and terrorism are commendable, and attempts to malign these efforts are unjust and harmful to security personnel’s morale. Citizens must recognise and support advancements in national security rather than being swayed by desperate narratives of those seeking lost political capital.”

    NAN also referenced a past incident where El-Rufai dispatched thugs to the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Secretariat, injuring journalists, showcasing his disregard for democracy and civil discourse.

    The group noted that such behaviour is deemed unbecoming of a leader, raising questions about his commitment to democratic values and press freedom.

    “The Northern Awareness Network stands against attempts to undermine government integrity and calls on Nigerians to remain vigilant and discerning, rejecting narratives prioritising personal ambition over collective good. NANyg urges El-Rufai to reflect on his actions’ societal impact and recognise constructive engagement and collaboration as pathways to progress.”

  • Kano monarch Idris Dankabo dies at 48

    Kano monarch Idris Dankabo dies at 48

    Alhaji Idris Muhammadu Adamu Dankabo, the Hakimin Kabo and Sarkin Gabas of Kano State, has passed away at 48.

    He died in a vehicle accident in Kano city.

    Alhaji Idris was the son of the late Jarman Kano, Alhaji Muhammadu Adamu Dankabo, a respected elder statesman and founder of Kabo Air. 

    He carried on his family’s legacy of service and leadership within the Kano Emirate.

    He is survived by wife and two children.

    The Jana’iza (Funeral Prayer) will be held at the Emir’s Palace, Kano, at 10:00am with His Highness, Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II, expected to lead the prayer.

  • Adamawa South farmers get 1,921 bags of fertiliser

    Adamawa South farmers get 1,921 bags of fertiliser

    A total of 1,921 bags of fertilizer have been distributed to rural farmers in Adamawa Southern Senatorial District.

    Alkaf Global Investment Resources Limited, in collaboration with Federal Government’s Border Communities’ Development Agency (BCDA) with sponsorship by Senator Binos Yaroe, made the donation of the NPK and UREA fertilizer to enable the rural farmers do finishing touches on their respective farmlands and to prepare for the approaching dry season farming.

    The fertilizer distribution was flagged off at the Binos Skills Acquisition Centre in Mayo-Belwa Local Government Area, lightening the hearts of the farmers who needed the commodity to nourish their plants.

    Addressing the representatives of the nine LGAs that constitute Adamawa Southern Senatorial District during the flag-off ceremony, Senator Binos who has frequently implemented medical outreach to each of the LGAs of his constituents, said he felt the need to ensure that farmers have a sense of belonging in his programmes.

    Represented by Mr Boniface Katawan, Senator Binos thanked the Federal Government, Alkaf Global Investment Resources Limited and Border Communities’ Development Agency (BCDA) for the fertiliser distribution.

    Read Also: Forum empowers Adamawa youths to boost agriculture

    Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Alkaf Global Investment Resources Limited, Madam Bilkisu Ibrahim, said she was impressed by the transparent manner of the distribution exercise.

    In his remark, representative of Border Communities’ Development Agency, Mr Stephen Daniel, hailed Senator Binos for his selfless service.

    Senator Binos had only recently distributed bags of rice and maize to his constituents, after previous series of empowerment programmes and provision of free medical services to each of the nine LGAs of his people.

  • CSOs call for dedicated humanitarian fund to support IDPs, refugees

    CSOs call for dedicated humanitarian fund to support IDPs, refugees

    A group has called for a dedicated humanitarian fund to provide timely and comprehensive support to those affected by violent conflicts, natural disasters, and other crises.

    The proposed fund, Humanitarian Relief, Recovery, and Reintegration Fund (HRRRF), is expected to support Internally Displaced Persons and refugees across the country.

    The group, Civil Society Budget Implementation Assessment, Monitoring and Evaluation Committee (CBIAMEC), also urged the National Assembly to begin the legislative process to establish the fund immediately.

    The Chairman of the group, Amb. Splendour Agbonkpolor, who made the call in Abuja on Thursday at a press briefing, said the funds would assist the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI) and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in their operations.

    On the importance of the fund, he said, “The number of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), returnees, asylum seekers, and refugees continues to rise at an alarming rate. These populations require immediate relief in the form of food, shelter, clothing, and medical care.

    “Beyond relief, they also need education, psychosocial support, economic empowerment, and pathways to rebuild and reintegrate into society. It is because of these that CBIAMEC is calling for urgent and sustainable action.

    “The scale of the humanitarian crisis clearly outweighs the resources currently available to the NCFRMI and NEMA, which are the agencies mandated to coordinate protection, care, emergency response, and reintegration for these vulnerable groups.

    “We therefore strongly call for the creation of a Humanitarian Relief, Recovery, and Reintegration Fund (HRRRF), a dedicated national pool of resources that will enable timely response, ensure proper coordination, and sustain long-term rehabilitation and reintegration efforts for displaced persons across Nigeria”.

    He added that with the fund, relief items would be deployed immediately to affected communities without bureaucratic delays and also provide a platform for coordination among stakeholders to avoid duplication and ensure maximum impact.

    Read Also: BREAKING: Tinubu orders probe into N545b humanitarian funds paid into private account

    Agbonkpolor said: “With climate change and insecurity driving displacement, the fund will also be used for preventive measures, building stronger communities that are better prepared for future shocks.

    “We hereby call on the National Assembly to immediately begin the legislative process to establish this Fund. This should not be a temporary or ad-hoc initiative but a permanent national mechanism, enshrined in law, and backed by clear provisions for transparency, accountability, independent audits, and periodic public reporting”.

    He noted that the responsibility for funding must not rest on the federal government alone.

    “State governments, as the first line of response and the direct custodians of their citizens, must also contribute systematically to this fund. By doing so, each state will have both ownership and responsibility in addressing the crises within its jurisdiction while benefiting from national coordination through the commission and the agency.

    “We therefore call on all stakeholders, the National Assembly, the Executive, State Governments, development partners, and the private sector to act with urgency and responsibility. This is not just a budgetary issue; it is a moral obligation. To fail to act is to abandon millions of vulnerable Nigerians and refugees who look to us for survival and for a future.”

  • Kwara Trust Fund bankrolls secondary education of 12 outstanding pupils in unity school

    Kwara Trust Fund bankrolls secondary education of 12 outstanding pupils in unity school

    Kwara State Education Trust Fund (Kwara-ETF) has awarded its first scholarships to 12 outstanding pupils from public schools who would have their secondary school studies fully bankrolled under the Fund.

    The development brought immeasurable joy to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, who saw it as a dream come true for him and the people  — barely two years after the Fund took off. 

    Established via a 2021 legislation to run under a trustee drawn majorly from the private sector and community concerns, the Education Trust Fund has attracted considerable support from philanthropists and other bodies. 

    Speaking at a brief orientation programme for the inaugural beneficiaries who met the thresholds, Governor AbdulRazaq said the task of developing the education system in Nigeria is expensive and should be a collective business.

    He called on well-to-do individuals and foundations to support public school funding in the area of infrastructure or fund students who meet certain criteria of exceptional brilliance and commitment to academic excellence. 

    The lucky 12 were picked based on excellent performance at various screening stages conducted by the Kwara ETF. The scholarship will cover their school expenses for their secondary school education. 

    “We urge members of the public to also donate and adopt students. Don’t just leave the responsibility to the government and the PTAs (Parents Teachers Associations). Educating our children is our collective responsibility,” the Governor said.

    “Education belongs to all of us. It is our business. But we have seen over the years that governments alone can’t fully fund education. We need to engage through other means. 

    “We have, therefore, gone through the education trust fund to fill in the gaps. What you have seen here today is a module where some students were selected through a very rigorous and transparent process to benefit from scholarship.”

    AbdulRazaq hailed the selection process and congratulated the winners.

    “I am truly excited that these pupils are from humble backgrounds. They did not cut corners to make the list. They were chosen through a transparent process. This is just the beginning. We will keep tracking them to the university level,” he added.

    “Our government will also donate more funds into this Trust Fund.”

    Executive Secretary for Kwara ETF, Oluwadamilola Amolegbe, said the 12 pupils emerged from the initial shortlist of 640 pupils based on merit.

    “We started the selection process by setting exams for all the primary six pupils who were beneficiaries of the digital literacy programme of KwaraLEARN. And we got 640 top performing ones, out of whom we first selected 180 pupils,” she explained. 

    “After sponsoring them for the NCEE exams (National Common Entrance Examination), we selected twenty per cent of them (36 pupils) who performed well. Then, we picked the top performers among them, cutting from across the local government areas, and who also got admission into unity school.“

    Zainab Abdulsalam, the programme manager for the office, said they are committed to the vision of Kwara ETF to build the future of the state through sustainable investments in quality education.

    Read Also: Flutterwave co-founder mobilises support for Kwara Education Trust Fund

    “These are our pupils, who, we believe, represent the face of an average Kwaran. They are here having this opportunity to get amazing exposure that leads to unlimited opportunities for them,” she said.

    “We intend to track them, monitor their performances, and make sure that at the end of the day all the investments that Kwara has made in education through KwaraLEARN, Kwara ETF and Ministry of Education are paying up in tangible ways that we can see, not just in numbers but by the success of the students.”

    Maxwell Kolawole, one of the parents of the lucky pupils from Ekiti Local Government, said the pick means that the government has taken off his burden of paying the school fees and other expenses, commending Governor AbdulRazaq for the gesture.

    He lauded the selection process that he described as transparent and impressive. 

    “This is truly a pro-masses initiative, and we are grateful to the Governor and his administration.”