The Nation Newspaper

Category: Northern Reports

  • Niger students threaten mass protest over scholarship, poor school structures

    Niger students threaten mass protest over scholarship, poor school structures

    The National Association of Niger State Students (NANISS) has issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Niger state government over what it described as neglect of the education sector and the non-payment of student scholarships.

    In a statement signed by the association’s public relations officer, students can no longer remain silent in the face of dilapidated school structures across the state and the continued denial of their rights and privileges.

    The association explained that it has waited patiently for more than a year, holding consultations with state representatives, traditional rulers, and other stakeholders, but has not received any positive response from the government.

    “We engaged Niger State representatives, traditional leaders, held emergency student engagements, and even organised special fasting and prayers, among many others, but nothing has been done,” NANISS said.

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    The group stressed that if, within seven days, the state government fails to address its concerns, it would mobilise students for a peaceful mass protest across Niger State to press home its demands.

    According to NANISS, the key issues include the urgent need for government investment in education infrastructure and the prompt payment of student scholarships.

    The association, however, assured that its planned protest will remain peaceful, noting that its objective is to ensure the rights of Niger State students are respected and protected.

    Copies of the notification were sent to the Niger State Government, the House of Assembly, security agencies, student bodies, labour unions, and several media organisations.

    NANISS said it remains committed to dialogue but warned that its members are prepared to take to the streets if the ultimatum expires without action from the government.

  • AbdulRazaq visits Babanla, other communities as new security deployments boost public safety

    AbdulRazaq visits Babanla, other communities as new security deployments boost public safety

    Kwara Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq at the weekend toured communities in Ifelodun to reassure the people of government’s commitment to strengthen public safety and economic activities.

    In Babanla, as in Oke-ode, where he touched down, Governor Abdulrazaq commended the community folks and security forces for standing firm. 

    He commiserated with families who lost dear ones, reassuring them of sustained efforts to prevent further security breaches and pledging social safety supports for those affected in the recent incident.

    The Governor was received in Babanla by the Oba of Babanla, Oba Aliyu Adegboyega Yusuf Arojojoye ll, and his chiefs.

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    On the Governor’s entourage were the Commander, 22 Armoured Brigade, Brigadier General Ezra Barkins; Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo; and Senior Special Assistant on Security Muyideen Aliyu. The Chairman of Ifelodun, Hon. Femi Yusuf  also joined the trip to the community. 

    “We are here in Babanla today to commiserate with you over the recent incident. We reassure you and other communities and our people that we will ensure this doesn’t happen again. It is a sad incident which we are working hard to curtail,” the Governor said.

    “You can see that the security commanders are also here, and you have seen activities (return to normalcy) over the past one week or two. 

    “It had never happened like this before. Obviously, there has been pressure on those criminal non-state actors in other regions. And that has forced them into this peaceful location. But surely they will be flushed out of this area.”

    AbdulRazaq expressed satisfaction with the return of calmness to the areas, saying: “We will make sure everything is in order and you live in peace.”

    The Governor said he has directed the Kwara State Social Investment Programme (KWASSIP) to extend support to the affected persons. 

    Oba Aliyu appreciated the Governor for the visit, and commended him and the Federal Government for their efforts to restore normalcy in the community and environs.

    He said the attack in Babanla resulted in snatching of nine motorcycles, food items and phones.

    “I wish to thank Your Excellency profoundly for this on-the-spot assessment of the aftermath of the events. We especially appreciate Your Excellency for all the actions to guarantee peace and security of the state in general and this community in particular,” the monarch said.

    He appealed to the government to consider putting the massive land in Babanla into use for economic benefits.

    “It is our strong belief that putting these wide expanses of land into use will not only boost the economy of the state and provide massive employment, but also help flush out and deny the criminals of any hiding places,” the monarch said.

  • Nigeria targets N100bn revenue, 40,000 jobs with end-of-life vehicle recycling initiative

    Nigeria targets N100bn revenue, 40,000 jobs with end-of-life vehicle recycling initiative

    Nigeria is set to recycle over 800,000 tons of metals annually, recover more than one million used batteries, create 40,000 direct jobs, and generate over N100 billion in revenue through the newly launched End-of-Life Vehicle (ELV) regulation.

    The Director-General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), Oluwemimo Joseph Osanipin, disclosed this during a sensitisation and advocacy workshop on ELV regulation held on Thursday at the Hilton Palace Hotel, Kano.

    He noted that the initiative, introduced in March by the Minister of State for Industry, Senator John Owan Enoh, will not only manage automotive waste but also boost the economy and promote environmental sustainability.

    Represented by the Director of Policy, Planning, and Statistics, Sani Musa, Osanipin described the ELV regulation as a strategic blueprint for economic diversification, safer roads, cleaner cities, and greener industries.

    “It will recycle valuable materials, generate significant revenue, reduce Nigeria’s carbon footprint, and create over 40,000 direct and indirect jobs,” he said.

    The NADDC plans to establish a steering committee comprising government agencies, industry stakeholders, environmental experts, and local communities to guide the implementation process.

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    Dr. Fyneray Mbata, Managing Director of the Recycling and Economic Development Initiative of Nigeria (REDIN), highlighted the economic potential of ELV recycling, citing modern technologies such as depollution systems, vehicle shredders, sensor-based sorters, and catalytic converter recovery systems proposed by Fabtech Company for a plant in Abuja.

    Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Environment, Terseer Ugbor, also presented a framework to support automotive waste recycling and ensure its integration into Nigeria’s economic growth strategy.

    “The regulation, modelled after Japanese and Dutch systems, would enable Nigeria to recycle over 800,000 tons of metals annually, recover more than one million used batteries, and generate over N100 billion in annual revenue,” he said.

    Ugbor noted that the framework proposes an “automotive recycling fee” in line with the polluter pays principle.

    He proposed the fee to range from N2,000 for motorcycles to N10,000 for heavy-duty vehicles, to be collected during vehicle registration.

    He noted that the funds, estimated at N60 billion annually, would support recycling facilities, research, and auto parts manufacturing across the country.

    Calling for effective implementation nationwide, the lawmaker stressed that recycling abandoned vehicles and removing non-roadworthy cars would improve safety on Nigerian roads, while proper management of used tyres, batteries, plastics, and oils would protect the environment.

    Kano State Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Shehu Wada Sagagi, commended the programme, saying Kano, as a commercial nerve centre for sub-Saharan Africa, with a burgeoning population of unemployed youths, will benefit immensely from the regulation.

  • Japan trip: Tinubu’s love, care for Diaspora unprecedented, says Arewa Think Tank

    Japan trip: Tinubu’s love, care for Diaspora unprecedented, says Arewa Think Tank

    The Northern group, Arewa Think Tank (ATT), has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unprecedented outreach to Nigerians in the Diaspora.

    During his recent visit to Japan, President Tinubu held an interactive meeting with select members of the Nigerian community, showcasing his administration’s commitment to engaging with citizens abroad.

    In a statement on Friday by the Convener of ATT, Muhammad Alhaji Yakubu, said Tinubu’s recent meeting with Nigerians resident in Japan showed the humble side of Mr. President, who cares for the citizens both at home and abroad.

    “We note with delight that President Tinubu’s meeting with the Diaspora community was characterised by warmth, empathy, and a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing Nigerians living abroad.

    “The President’s assurance that his government is determined to make Nigeria a conducive place for all citizens, including those in the Diaspora, is a welcome development.

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    The Arewa Think Tank applauds President Tinubu’s call to Nigerians in the Diaspora to contribute their expertise and resources to consolidating national development and building a stronger, more prosperous country.

    “This appeal underscores the administration’s recognition of the critical role the Diaspora community can play in driving economic growth, innovation, and progress in Nigeria.

    “We are particularly impressed by the President’s emphasis on the need for collective responsibility in national development, urging citizens at home and abroad to work together to build a better future for Nigeria.

    “His leadership philosophy, which blends visionary ideas with practical actions, is a testament to his commitment to driving stability, unity, and growth in the country.

    “The Arewa Think Tank commends President Tinubu’s administration for its efforts to improve passport issuance, healthcare infrastructure, and economic opportunities, among other initiatives.

    “We believe that these efforts will not only benefit Nigerians at home but also those in the Diaspora who are eager to contribute to the country’s development.

    “We urge all Nigerians, including those in the Diaspora, to support President Tinubu’s administration in its efforts to build a stronger, more prosperous Nigeria. Together, we can achieve great things and make Nigeria a shining example of what can be accomplished through collective effort and determination”, the statement said.

  • Nigeria’s development depends more on values than policies – NESG

    Nigeria’s development depends more on values than policies – NESG

    The Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), in partnership with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, on Thursday convened the Kaduna edition of its Development as Attitude: A National Dialogue Series, stressing that Nigeria’s growth depends more on values and collective mindset than on policies alone.

    Held at the historic Arewa House, the dialogue drew policymakers, academics, private sector leaders and development experts to interrogate the cultural, institutional and attitudinal factors driving—or stalling—national development.

    The series is anchored on Development as Attitude, a book by Prof. Osita Ogbu, Co-Chair of NESG’s National Economic Advisory Council, who insisted that development is not just an economic process but a societal mindset shift.

    Prof. Ogbu said his decades of research show that Nigeria’s persistent challenges stem less from lack of ideas and more from failure to cultivate values of accountability, responsibility and shared purpose.

    “Professors are supposed to write, but sometimes you find even professors not concerned with welfare,” he noted. “When I reflect on the work I did 30 years ago, I still see the same misalignment and unemployment. What has been missing is a deeper understanding of how people themselves are getting into problems.”

    Governor Uba Sani, represented by Mr. Lawal Al-Hassan Habib, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance, said the Hamilton Project strongly aligns with Kaduna’s reforms in governance, fiscal responsibility and inclusive growth.

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    He stressed that true progress goes beyond financial management, noting that “our destiny is shaped by how Nigerians think, act and pursue excellence collectively.” He expressed confidence that the dialogue would inspire fresh ideas and reinforce a culture of accountability, innovation and resilience.

    Former Presidential Adviser, Dr. Habiba Lawal, urged leaders to build consensus and use resources equitably, warning that development without integrity, transparency and honesty is unsustainable. She said courageous leaders must be willing to take tough but necessary decisions for the long-term good.

    Economist and former Minister, Dr. Shamsuddeen Usman, acknowledged Nigeria’s 26 years of uninterrupted democracy as progress but lamented the absence of a true social contract. He argued that governments must provide security, education and healthcare in exchange for citizens’ taxes and civic responsibility.

    Prof. Maryam Abdu of Kaduna State University cautioned against leadership without vision or accountability, stressing that the lack of integrity fuels corruption and undermines development. She insisted leadership must be a deliberate choice guided by foresight and structured plans.

    President of Kaduna Chamber of Commerce, ESV Ishaya Idi, added that without visionary leaders and a coherent national plan, development efforts risk being “poorly designed and ineffective.”

    Participants agreed that Nigeria’s development requires a collective mindset shift—from dependence to responsibility, from rhetoric to action, and from short-term fixes to long-term solutions. The Kaduna dialogue reinforced the Hamilton Project’s goal of embedding development as a lived culture rather than a distant aspiration.

  • Poor governance, poverty fueling insecurity in Northwest – Stakeholders

    Poor governance, poverty fueling insecurity in Northwest – Stakeholders

    Stakeholders in the campaign against violent extremism have identified poor governance, poverty, inequality, and weak community resilience as key drivers of worsening insecurity in the North-West.

    They cautioned that unless these root causes are urgently addressed, violent groups will continue to gain ground in the region.

    Chairman of the Partnership Against Violent Extremism (PAVE) National Steering Committee, Jaye Gaskiya, and the National Coordinator of the Geneva-based Global Community Engagement and Resilience Fund (GCERF), Yetunde Adegoke, raised the concern yesterday in Kaduna at the close of a one-day media engagement on promoting peace narratives in the North-West.

    The forum, themed “Amplifying Voices for Peace: Media Partnerships in PCVE and Resilience-Building,” was convened in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and ActionAid Nigeria, with support from GCERF.

    Gaskiya, a veteran civil society leader, stressed that extremist groups thrive where governance is weak and citizens feel abandoned, calling for urgent reforms to restore trust and resilience in affected communities.

    “At the base of this crisis, the reason why violent extremist groups gain support and mobilise masses is simply the failure of governance,” he said.

    He listed rampant poverty, deepening inequality, collapsed education systems and historical grievances as factors fuelling radicalisation.

    “You have children being raised with no sense of future, no jobs, and no basic services. All it takes is a charismatic leader to emerge and mobilise them,” he added.

    The PAVE chairman stressed that deploying security forces alone will not solve the problem.

    “If our approach is simply law enforcement — deploy the police, deploy the military, while people still lack jobs, education, healthcare or housing, then we are wasting money,” he warned.

    He said peace could only be sustained if governance was strengthened at the grassroots, calling for credible local government elections and genuine autonomy for councils.

    “We are advocating for reforming local governance, strengthening local governments, and ensuring credible persons emerge from council elections,” he said.

    Gaskiya also urged regional collaboration among governors, noting that isolated state-level efforts would not deliver lasting solutions.

    On her part, Adegoke said GCERF, which has worked in Nigeria since 2016, focuses on building community resilience against extremist recruitment, especially among women and youth.

    “Our aim is to build the resilience of communities to prevent recruitment into violent extremist groups,” she explained.

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    She noted that GCERF provides grants to NGOs working in vulnerable communities and is scaling up interventions in the North-West in partnership with ONSA.

    According to her, the ongoing review of Nigeria’s Policy Framework and National Action Plan (PFNAP) presents a chance for a more systematic and coordinated response.

    “This is the beginning of a new phase. The media has a critical role in amplifying solutions, not just violent incidents,” she added.

    Both Adegoke and Gaskiya urged journalists to strengthen collaboration with civil society and frame narratives that counter extremist propaganda.

    “We want our relationship with the media to no longer be transactional but a partnership where we see violent extremism as a collective problem we must all address,” Gaskiya said.

  • PBAT Vanguard condoles with APC national chairman over mother’s demise

    PBAT Vanguard condoles with APC national chairman over mother’s demise

    The President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Renewed Hope Democratic Vanguard (PBAT-DV) has commiserated with the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, on the passing of his mother, Mama Lydia Toma Yilwatda.

    In a condolence message made available to journalists, the National Coordinator of PBAT-DV, Dr. Abubakar Jimoh, described the late matriarch as a “kind-hearted, generous, God-fearing and peace-loving woman whose life was a blessing to her family and community.”

    Dr. Jimoh noted that Mama Lydia lived a fulfilled life of service and was fortunate to witness the successes of her children, particularly the emergence of Prof. Yilwatda as the National Chairman of the ruling APC.

    “The transition of Mama Lydia to glory calls for the celebration of a worthy and accomplished life. From testimonies of family members and community folks, it is evident that she was a mother who touched many lives positively,” he said.

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    He added that the Vanguard, a political support group loyal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stands in solidarity with the APC chairman and his family during this period of grief.

    According to him, “The entire members of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Renewed Hope Democratic Vanguard sympathise with our amiable National Chairman, Prof. Yilwatda, and his beloved family in this trying moment.

     It is our fervent prayer that Almighty God will grant the gentle soul of Mama Lydia Yilwatda eternal rest while comforting the family. Mama obviously lived a worthy and fulfilled life, deserving of emulation.”

    Mama Lydia Yilwatda, who was widely regarded as a strong pillar in her community, is remembered for her dedication to family values and her unrelenting support for her children.

  • Pantami condemns Katsina mosque massacre, urges security agencies to deploy technology

    Pantami condemns Katsina mosque massacre, urges security agencies to deploy technology

    Former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, has condemned the killing of worshippers in a mosque attack in Malumfashi Local Government Area of Katsina State, calling it an “inhumane and heartless act.”

    Pantami expressed his condolences to the families of victims, the Unguwan Mantau community, and the people of Katsina State following the tragedy that occurred on Tuesday.

    At least 27 worshippers, according to local sources, were killed and several others injured when armed bandits stormed a mosque during the dawn (Fajr) prayer. Community leaders and hospital officials confirmed the casualties.

    Quoting a hadith of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), Pantami noted the spiritual significance of the Fajr prayer and lamented that innocent people were murdererd while observing one of the most challenging but rewarding acts of worship.

    Pantami, the Co-Chairman of the African Union’s 4th Industrial Revolution Policy Council (ASRIC), described the attackers as “worse than animals” and accused them of betraying the essence of humanity.

    Calling for a vigorous decisive action, the former minister urged security agencies to intensify efforts to track down the perpetrators and end the “criminality of the highest order.” 

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    Pantami reiterated his long-standing recommendation that Nigerian security forces adopt geospatial analysis using mobile location data, cell tower signals, and GPS tracking to identify and apprehend bandits.

    “Security agencies may wish to use geospatial analysis using location data from phones, which could help track the phones in the environment at the time the crime was committed. This is something I have been recommending for six years, privately and otherwise,” he stated.

    Pantami prayed for the repose of the victims’ souls, asking Allah to accept them as martyrs and grant their families the fortitude to bear the loss. He also prayed for peace, stability, and security across Nigeria.

  • Northwest leaders unite against violent extremism

    Northwest leaders unite against violent extremism

    Key stakeholders in security and development gathered in Kaduna on Tuesday for the Northwest Summit on Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (PCVE), emphasising the need for a coordinated regional response to terrorism, banditry, and extremist ideologies threatening the area.

    The summit, themed “Articulating a Regional Approach and Response to Violent Extremism in North West Nigeria”, was convened by the Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism Knowledge Innovation and Resource Hub (PCVE-KIRH) in collaboration with the National Counter Terrorism Centre, Office of the National Security Adviser (NCTC-ONSA), the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) and other partners, with technical support from ActionAid Nigeria and funding from the Global Community Engagement and Resilience Fund (GCERF).

    Delivering the keynote on behalf of the National Security Adviser, the National Coordinator of NCTC, Maj.-Gen. Adamu Laka, represented by Commodore Ahmed Abubakar Madawaki, said the Centre was leading multi-stakeholder efforts to curb terrorism through intelligence integration, community empowerment, deradicalisation, rehabilitation and capacity building for security and governance institutions.

    Read Also: Northwest University commences 2025/2026 admissions

    He identified porous borders, weak governance, climate-induced conflicts and poverty as key drivers of violent extremism in the Northwest, urging states in the zone to speed up the development of State Action Plans (SAPs) and Local Action Plans (LAPs).

    “The NCTC’s role is to provide a national platform for coordination, but the effectiveness lies in communities, local governments and states driving ownership of preventive interventions,” he said.

    PCVE-KIRH representative, Jaye Gaskia, stressed the necessity of a regional approach, warning that extremist groups were fluid, mobile and operate across state and international borders.

    He noted that isolated responses targeting one or two states would fail as groups simply shift operations.

    “The root causes — poverty, lack of livelihoods, weak service delivery and festering grievances — must be jointly addressed through inclusive governance and people-centred development,” he added.

    Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, represented by his Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Sule Shuaibu, called for a holistic approach that goes beyond military action.

    “Violent extremism poses one of the gravest threats to our human security and national development. It has displaced communities, disrupted education and eroded trust in institutions. Our response must be rooted in justice, inclusion and opportunities for our youth,” he said.

    He reiterated Kaduna’s commitment to peacebuilding through human capital development, women and youth empowerment and collaboration with traditional and faith leaders.

  • KWSEIC boss mobilises Kwarans for continuous voter registration

    KWSEIC boss mobilises Kwarans for continuous voter registration

    The chairman of the Kwara State Independent Electoral Commission (KWSIEC), Mallam Baba Okanla, has emphasised the importance of full participation by the people of the State, particularly eligible voters, in the ongoing nationwide Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise.

    Declaring KWSIEC’s full support for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on the initiative, Okanla described voter registration as the foundation of credible elections.

    He stressed that the CVR would help to strengthen Nigeria’s democracy by promoting inclusiveness and broader representation.

    “The Continuous Voter Registration is a vital step towards deepening participation in the democratic process. It provides an opportunity for every eligible citizen to register and make their voices heard at the polls,” Okanla said.

    In a statement on Wednesday, the KWSEIC boss explained that the exercise would accommodate four categories of eligible persons: those who have just turned 18; registered voters who have relocated from their original place of registration; individuals who have lost or misplaced their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and can present a court-sworn affidavit; and citizens whose PVCs have been defaced or damaged.

    Okanla urged residents of Kwara State to take advantage of the opportunity to register, update, or transfer their voter information ahead of future elections.

    “Kwara State Independent Electoral Commission is encouraging all Kwarans to participate fully in this process so that no one is left behind. Registration is not just a right, it is a responsibility that empowers citizens to influence governance,” he noted.

    Reaffirming KWSIEC’s partnership with the national electoral body, Okanla noted, “We remain committed to working in synergy with INEC to promote electoral credibility, transparency, and citizens’ participation both at the national and grassroots levels.”