The Nation Newspaper

Category: Northern Reports

  • Katsina revokes licenses of private, community schools

    Katsina revokes licenses of private, community schools

    • Govt orders fresh registration across 34 local govt areas

    Katsina state government has revoked  all school licenses, directing private and community schools to reapply under revised fees and conditions.

    The Katsina State Government has revoked the operational licences of both private and community schools across the 34 local government areas of the state.

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    In a statement by the Public Relations Officer of the state Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Sani Danjuma Suleiman, the government ordered fresh applications for all the affected schools.

    The government also reviewed the license application, registration, annual renewal and school upgrade fees, but warned that the revised fees should not lead to increment in school fees of the affected schools without the ministry’s approval.

    It, however, noted that the affected schools are expected to resume normal operations while the process of registration and renewal of the school licenses is ongoing.

  • Govt launches training for Katsina teacher, distributes 20,000 tablets

    Govt launches training for Katsina teacher, distributes 20,000 tablets

    Katsina State Government has launched an ambitious training programme for 18,000 teachers and began distributing 20,000 tablets to boost teaching quality across the state.

    Acting Governor Malam Faruq Lawal Jobe, who flagged off the initiative at the Local Government Service Commission Conference Hall, Kaita Road, described it as a strategic investment in children’s future.

    READ ALSO; What does Remi Tinubu want?

    “These are not just statistics but a strategic investment in the future of our children. By equipping teachers with modern tools and necessary training, we are aligning our educational system with global standards to prepare our students for 21st-century competitiveness,” Jobe declared.

    The programme forms part of the state’s comprehensive education reform, which includes distributing 30,000 uniforms to underprivileged children and installing CCTV cameras in 130 schools for enhanced security.

    Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Hajiya Zainab Musa Musawa, hailed the initiative as “a significant milestone” in restoring educational excellence in the state.

  • Acting Governor Jobe condoles Kogi Governor Ododo on father’s passing

    Acting Governor Jobe condoles Kogi Governor Ododo on father’s passing

    The Acting Governor of Katsina State, Malam Faruk Lawal Jobe, today paid a condolence visit to the Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Usman Ahmed Ododo, following the passing of his beloved father.

    Leading the delegation on behalf of the government and people of Katsina State, the Acting Governor described the loss as deeply painful not only to the Ododo family but also to the people of Kogi State, who had long benefitted from the late patriarch’s guidance, wisdom, and life of service to the community.

    In his message, Malam Faruk Jobe prayed to Almighty Allah to forgive the shortcomings of the deceased, grant him Jannatul Firdaus, and comfort the family with patience and strength. He reminded the Governor and his family that losing a father is never easy, but his legacy of discipline, faith, and service to humanity will continue to live on through the lives he touched.

    READ ALSO; What does Remi Tinubu want?

    “We pray that Allah (SWT) grants the late Alhaji eternal rest, forgives his sins, and rewards his good deeds. May He grant you, Governor Ododo, and your entire family the fortitude to bear this great loss. Surely, to Allah we belong and to Him we shall return,” the Acting Governor prayed.

    Responding, Governor Usman Ododo expressed gratitude to the Acting Governor and his delegation for their solidarity and compassion during this period of grief. He prayed for Allah’s blessings upon Governor Radda, the Acting Governor, and the people of Katsina State.

  • Attack on worshippers: Govt send delegation to condole families

    Attack on worshippers: Govt send delegation to condole families

    Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, who is currently on medical leave, immediately consulted with the Acting Governor, Malam Faruk Lawal Jobe, on the urgent need to dispatch a high-powered government delegation to commiserate with the bereaved families and the affected community, in a swift response to the tragic attack on worshippers in Unguwar Mantau, Malumfashi Local Government Area.

    The delegation, led by the Secretary to the Government of the State, Barrister Abdullahi Garba Faskari, was received in Kurfi town by the Village Head and the relatives of the deceased.

    Speaking on behalf of the Governor, the Acting Governor, and the entire Katsina State Government, Barrister Faskari described the attack as a “deeply painful and heartbreaking tragedy.” He assured the community that the government would not relent in its efforts to strengthen security and restore lasting peace.

    “Our hearts are with the families who lost their loved ones in this senseless attack. This administration remains committed to working with all security agencies to ensure justice is served and to prevent such tragedies in the future,” he said.

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    During the condolence visit, it was confirmed that 32 people were killed while observing prayers. The number of those kidnapped is still being verified, as a swift air interdiction by the Nigerian Air Force disrupted the bandits while they were moving with captives. In the ensuing confusion, some victims scattered in different directions, while others were rescued and are now receiving treatment in hospitals.

    The delegation conveyed the deep condolences of the Governor, the Acting Governor, and the entire Katsina State Government to the bereaved families. They also assured the community that immediate support had been extended to the victims’ families, while a comprehensive assessment of damages and needs is currently underway.

  • Army, NYSC relations in Katsina excites Army chief

    Army, NYSC relations in Katsina excites Army chief

    The Commander 17 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Katsina, Brigadier General B.O Omopariola, had lauded the existing cordial relationship between the Nigerian Army and NYSC in Katsina state

    The commander who made the commendation in Katsina during the one year anniversary celebration of the tenure of the state coordinator of NYSC, Alhaji Ibrahim Saidu, said Military -NYSC relationship has remained symbiotic since the establishment of the service corps in 1973

    He said ‘’I must say the Military -NYSC relationship has remained excellent and extremely interactive over the years and we relish that ‘

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    “Again my relationship with NYSC in katsina over the years has remained extremely cordial and warmth and we shall maintain that, especially in the promotion of a disciplined service corps.”

    The event brought together staff, dignitaries, Corps members, their families, and friends, showcasing the collaborative spirit that has flourished throughout the period.

    The highlight of the ceremony was of the cutting of the one year anniversary cake, attended by the Commissioner of Youth and Sports Development Alhaji Aliyu Lawal Zakari, who stood alongside Alhaji Saidu as a testament to the administrative support and unity of purpose.

  • Army relocates to Malumfashi in renewed onslaught against banditry

    Army relocates to Malumfashi in renewed onslaught against banditry

    The war against the four remaining front line local government areas of katsina state took a fresh dimension few days sgo when the Nigerian army launched an all-out war against bandits and threats to all manner of insecurity in the state beginning with Malumfashi local government area of the state

    The onslaught led by the Commander 17 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Brigadier General B.O. Omopariola, to directly oversee military operations against the growing menace of banditry in the area followed the recent massacre in which armed bandits stormed a village mosque during early morning prayers, killing more than 32 worshippers. The attack left families shattered, deepening fears across communities already grappling with incessant raids.

    During a field visit, The Nation observed Brigadier General Omopariola on the ground, personally issuing directives to soldiers on operational strategies and immediate response measures.

    His presence, military sources say, is expected to boost the morale of troops and reassure residents that the Army is committed to restoring peace.

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    The relocation of a brigade commander to a frontline community underscores the gravity of the security crisis in Katsina.

    For many locals, it is both a symbol of hope and a stark reminder of the scale of the challenge. Farmers, traders, and worshippers in the affected areas now live under the constant shadow of attacks, their livelihoods disrupted and their sense of safety eroded.

    Security experts note that such high-level military involvement often signals an escalation of operations, suggesting that Malumfashi could soon witness more coordinated offensives against bandit hideouts.

    However, residents emphasize that beyond firepower, rebuilding trust between security forces and local communities will be key to lasting peace.

  • First Lady’s RHI empowers 500 women in Zamfara

    First Lady’s RHI empowers 500 women in Zamfara

    First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) train had a stopover yesterday in Zamfara State capital Gusau where it lifted 500 female entrepreneurs.

    The empowerment, a part of RHI’s nationwide efforts to support 18,000 women with grants to upscale their small businesses, was done in collaboration with the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF).

    Wife of the Zamfara State Governor, Hajiya Hurriya Dauda Lawal, who represented Mrs. Tinubu, described the gesture as a testament of her love, passion and commitment to the economic empowerment of women.

    “Today is a day of joy and hope to all women in Zamfara state. The First Lady of Nigeria has shown her motherly care, sympathy and zeal for women’s empowerment. This support will uplift women and restore dignity to families,” she said.

    Each beneficiary got a grant of N50,000 to support or expand their small businesses. In addition, they were given a bag of rice and transportation supports.

    READ ALSO; What does Remi Tinubu want?

    “This programme is not just about empowerment; it is an opportunity to be chosen for a better future. The N50,000 given to each woman is not a loan but an investment in humanitarian service to Nigerian women,” Hajiya Dauda Lawal said.

    Expressing appreciation to the TEF for partnering with the RHI to make the intervention possible, she said: “This shows that when government joins hands with the private sector for a good cause, lives can be transformed, and the nation can be built stronger”.

    Zamfara State Commissioner for Women and Children Affairs Aisha M. Z. Anka and the Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, Hajiya Barira Ibrahim Bagobiri, commended the initiative.

    They described it as a lifeline that would reduce hardship and stimulate women-led economic activities.

    The top officials also noted that the support would serve as a stepping stone for the beneficiaries to strengthen their businesses and improve their families’ livelihoods.

    The 500 beneficiaries were drawn from all 14 local government areas of the state.

  • Army to step up military presence operational assets in Katsina – COAS

    Army to step up military presence operational assets in Katsina – COAS

    The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Olufemi Oluyede has pledged increased military presence and operational facilities to contain rampaging banditry attacks in Katsina State. 

    He spoke while during a courtesy call on the Acting Governor Lawal Jobe at Government House Katsina where he also commended troops over the rescue of 76 kidnap victims. 

    Oluyede, who led a high-powered delegation including officers from GOC-17 Brigade, stressed that security requires collective efforts.

    He said: ”While we have personnel within a limited operational space, we cannot succeed without active support from the people”

    ”The Nigerian Army belongs to the people. Your cooperation is vital to making Katsina State safer.

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    “Such tragedies strengthen our resolve to secure communities. discussions with the Acting Governor would shape future strategic interventions.”

    The Acting Governor and the Army Chief jointly thanked President Bola Tinubu for deploying a strong delegation to assess Katsina’s security situation and provide additional support.

    The Chief of Army Staff was accompanied by Major-General Uhu Shote, Commander of the Division of Farsan Yanma; Major-General I.A. Ajose, General Staff Commanding, 8th Division; Major-General A.A. Idris, Chief of Military  Intelligence; Major-General M.O. Erebelu, Provost-Marshal Army; Air Commodore G.I. Jibia, Commander of the Nigerian Airforce; Brigadier-General B.O. Omapariola, Commander of the 17th Brigade

  • Abdulrazaq meets Ifelodun stakeholders, speaks on development, security efforts

    Abdulrazaq meets Ifelodun stakeholders, speaks on development, security efforts

    Kwara Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on Monday held a meeting with Ifelodun stakeholders, detailing his efforts to scale up infrastructure development and keep the people safe for shared prosperity. 

    Led by the chairman of the council Hadji Femi Yusuf, the stakeholders were drawn from various layers of the local government, including serving and former public officers, monarchs, clerics, politicians, youth and other community leaders. 

    Acknowledging constant collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser and all security agencies, the Governor said everything is being done to eliminate all security threats in the state, including in Ifelodun, Patigi, and Edu. 

    He also itemised some of the ongoing and proposed projects in Ifelodun to include the Ajase-Ipo-Oke Ode-Sagbe road; Alabe-Oreke Road; Oro Ago Road; Ora township road (which is to be reawarded); and Orisa bridge. 

    He said the Akamo bridge is also on the radar as well as spot rehabilitation of the Share-Babanla road, and commended the various community-led initiatives in Ifelodun such as the ICT Centre in Igbaja. 

    He thanked the stakeholders for the visit, urging citizens to consider the implications of exaggerated claims regarding security issues on investment and development. 

    “I assure you of our efforts to eliminate the threats. As we work together to make our communities safer, I want to advise that investments may be affected if we don’t strike a balance in how we project our communities to the outside world,” he said. 

    He said other developmental initiatives are also in the pipeline, charging the stakeholders to continue to engage the government in a constructive way.

    The stakeholders took turns to commend the “proactive” efforts of the Governor on security and his developmental strides in the region. 

    Hadji Femi Yusuf commended the seriousness with which the government has tackled the issues in the area as well as the many projects of the state government. 

    “We appreciate the swift response and unwavering support of the state government in collaboration with the office of the National Security Adviser, in adopting multi-layered strategies to dismantle criminal networks and restore peace to our affected communities,” he said.

    Read Also: Bandits’ attacks: AbdulRazaq assures residents of safety

    “Your commitment to development in our local government is evident in many state-driven projects currently ongoing, particularly the Ajase to Sagbe road project and other strategic interventions that have further boosted public confidence in your administration and in the All Progressive Congress (APC).”

    Former House of Representatives member Alhaji Kola Yusuf and Elder Oyin Zubair, who spoke on behalf of the delegation, said Ifelodun leaders appreciated the efforts of the Governor on security and development. 

    “We are very grateful to Your Excellency for your visible efforts. We can see it, and we thank you. After chasing these criminals away, we need to also get their promoters and informants,” Yusuf said. 

    Oyin Zubair urged the government to support those affected in the recent incidents, expressing confidence that the recent security deployment would permanently restore calm.

  • 200 Niger East students depart for overseas studies on Senator Musa’s scholarship

    200 Niger East students depart for overseas studies on Senator Musa’s scholarship

    …as families, community leaders laud historic human capital investment

    A landmark moment unfolded at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on Monday as 200 students from the Niger East senatorial district departed for India and China under the Senator Mohammed Sani Musa International Undergraduate Scholarship Scheme.

    The initiative, described by parents and community leaders as a “defining investment in the future of Niger East,” is the largest overseas scholarship ever facilitated by an elected representative from the district.

    Represented at the send-off by his wife, Hajia Saadatu Sani Musa, the senator said the programme aims to bridge educational gaps, expose young people to global standards, and nurture a new generation of professionals who will return to transform Niger State and Nigeria.

    Hajia Saadatu, who also leads the Future Pathway Foundation, urged the beneficiaries to uphold discipline, remain focused, and see the opportunity as a mission rather than a privilege.

    “You are going as ambassadors of Niger East. Remember, our tomorrow must be better than today, and that begins with education,” she told the students.

    Parents and community leaders at the airport hailed the initiative as life-changing, describing it as a pathway out of poverty and a platform for youth empowerment.

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    Traditional and religious leaders also commended Senator Musa for turning campaign promises into tangible opportunities.

    India and China were chosen for their globally recognised universities, particularly in medicine, engineering, technology, and management sciences.

    Beyond academics, the exposure is expected to broaden the students’ perspectives and prepare them for leadership roles on their return.

    Senator Musa has pledged to sustain and expand the scheme, reaffirming education as the cornerstone of his legislative and philanthropic agenda.