The Adamawa State Government has officially reunited 14 children rescued from traffickers with their parents.
The children, aged between five and nine, were traced to Anambra State last month after security agencies acted on reports of missing children in Yola and Mubi.
Investigations revealed that they had been lured from their families by a Yola-based woman before being moved to a receiver in Anambra.
At the handing-over ceremony held on Wednesday in Yola, Deputy Governor Professor Kaletapwa Farauta, who represented Governor Ahmadu Fintiri, described the incident as unfortunate but expressed relief that the children had been safely returned.
Not a few critiques, particularly from the opposition camp have questioned the recent 3 week medical leave embarked upon by Governor Dikko Umar Radda of katsina state. ABUBAKAR ABDULSALAM however regards the antics by the opposition as widely uncalled for and writes:
“Only God knows what the opposition PDP in Katsina is turning into recently. People’s Governor Malam Dikko Umaru Radda announced a medical leave of absence and delegated the Deputy Governor Malam Faruk Lawal Jobe to takeover. The PDP rather than check the constitutional provision for such action resulted in social media gymnastics which they do better’’.
Governor Radda’s medical leave is entirely constitutional and followed established legal procedures as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Section 190 (2) explicitly empowered the Deputy Governor to act in the capacity of the Governor when the latter is unavailable.
Deputy Governor Malam Faruk Lawal Jobe brings over two decades of public service experience. He has also been an integral part of this administration’s success story. His proven track record in governance and deep understanding of the state’s security architecture will seamless continuity.
Rather than questioning constitutional provisions that exist to ensure government’s stability, the opposition should wear the cap of maturity by supporting institutional processes to guarantee service to the citizens at all times.
It is both amusing and concerning that the same People’s Democratic Party that plunged Katsina State into unprecedented security chaos during their tenure now suddenly awoke from their deep slumber to lecture us on governance. Where was their voice when banditry escalated to terrorize 24 out of 34 local government areas under their watch?
Governor Radda’s administration has systemically reduced bandit activities from affecting 24 LGAs to just less than 12 LGAs within two years. PDP on its part left behind a legacy of abandoned projects, unpaid salaries, and compromised security, Governor Radda has delivered thousands of solar streetlights, constructed rural roads, renovated and remodeled primary healthcare and schools.
The opposition’s selective amnesia on Governor Radda’s recent leave of absence cannot erase the fact that under their leadership, our state became synonymous with insecurity.
The Katsina State Government has restated its strong commitment to addressing the ongoing malnutrition crisis in the state, following recent reports highlighting high child mortality rates linked to the condition.
Speaking at a press briefing in Katsina today, Dr. Shamsuddeen Yahaya, Executive Secretary of the Katsina State Primary Health Care Agency, acknowledged the report from Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) regarding mortality at one of the state’s inpatient therapeutic treatment centres.
He described the findings as a “wake-up call” for all stakeholders to work together in combating malnutrition, which remains one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality among children in Katsina and other parts of northern Nigeria.
He said: “We do not view this report negatively; It is an urgent reminder for government, partners, and communities to join hands in addressing both the immediate and underlying causes of malnutrition.”
Dr. Yahaya also highlighted the Government Action and Investment in nutrition and primary healthcare under the administration of Governor Malam Dikko Umaru Radda.
He said: “Shortly after assuming office, the Governor approved N200 million in counterpart funding to UNICEF, unlocking a matching N200 million contribution for the procurement and distribution of nutrition commodities.”
‘’In 2024, the State Government budgeted and released an additional N300 million for the same purpose, matched again by UNICEF to bring the total investment to N600 million.”
‘’Since 2016, the government has identified 14 critical Local Government Areas (LGAs) for targeted malnutrition interventions, providing N250,000 for each LG monthly to support outpatient therapeutic programmes (OTP).”
In a bold and visionary move to transform Katsina State’s energy future, the State Executive Council, under the leadership of Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has approved the sum of N19,898,400,000.00 for the procurement and installation of 20.1MWp of Solar PV capacity with 10.1MWh Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) across 11 key public facilities, alongside an additional 10MWp of solar power at Lambar Rimi.
Governor Radda’s administration is determined to lead from the front in the transition to clean energy, setting an example for other states by creating a replicable model for decentralized power generation.
Youth Day: Radda celebrates youth, reaffirms commitment to empowering the next generation
Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has joined the global community in marking this year’s International Youth Day, commending the energy, creativity, and resilience of young people in Katsina State, across Nigeria, and around the world.
Radda further described the youth as “the heartbeat of innovation, community service, and nation-building”, emphasizing that they are not only the leaders of tomorrow but also the driving force of today.
He said “Our youths are the change makers of our time. My administration remains firmly committed to equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and opportunities they need to thrive in an ever-changing world,”.
‘’Over the past year, the Radda-led administration has rolled out a wide range of youth-focused initiatives designed to promote self-reliance, creativity, and sustainable livelihoods. These include:
‘’Youth Craft Village Transformation, A total of 634 young people have successfully graduated from the Youth Craft Village, each receiving trade-specific entrepreneurial starter packs in areas such as tailoring, carpentry, ICT, welding, and more. The facility itself has undergone a major transformation, now upgraded into a Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Centre of Excellence.
‘’This upgrade includes the creation of new departments, the securing of international accreditation, and strategic partnerships with training institutes in Brazil and Kano. In addition, new KYCV sub-centre vocational institutions have been established in Malumfashi and Daura, expanding access to hands-on skills development across the state’’.
Governor Radda Extends Condolences to APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, Over Mother’s Passing.
Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has extended his condolences to the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, following the passing of his beloved mother, Mama Lydia Yilwatda, who departed this world yesterday.
In a message of sympathy, Governor Radda described Mama Lydia as a matriarch of faith and character, whose life of sacrifice, discipline, and devotion helped shape a son who today shoulders the enormous responsibility of leading Nigeria’s ruling party.
“The loss of a mother is one of the deepest pains a child can know. Mama Lydia was not just Prof. Yilwatda mother, she was his guide, his anchor, and the moral compass that prepared him for a life of service. Her values live on in him, and through him, in our party and our nation,” Governor Radda said.
The Governor noted that the late Mama Lydia passing is not only a personal loss to the Yilwatda family but also to the larger APC family, where she was widely respected for her simplicity, kindness, and commitment to the faith.
“She embodied quiet strength. Though not in public office, her influence was felt through the son she raised and the countless lives she touched with her wisdom and warmth. Nigeria owes women like Mama Lydia a debt of gratitude,” the Governor added.
“Behind every great leader is a mother who planted the seed of vision and character. Mama Lydia passing reminds us of the quiet but powerful role mothers play in shaping our nation’s destiny,” Governor Radda further remarked.
Governor Radda urged Prof. Yilwatda and his family to take solace in the knowledge that Mama Lydia lived a fulfilled life of purpose, leaving behind legacies that will endure for generations.
On behalf of the Government and people of Katsina State, Governor Radda extended condolences to Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, the entire Yilwatda family, the Government and people of Plateau State, and all who mourn Mama Lydia’s passing.
“May her memory be a blessing, and may her legacy of love and resilience continue to inspire all who knew her,” he prayed.
Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, has taken a subtle swipe at his predecessor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, declaring that there are no polling units on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram.
The governor, who spoke at a stakeholders’ meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kaduna, shortly after the party’s victory in Saturday’s bye-election, cautioned party members against being carried away by social media propaganda.
Sani said while the opposition dwelt on “Twitter battles and Facebook noise,” the APC focused on grassroots mobilisation, inclusivity, and delivering good governance, which gave the party victory at the polls.
“There is no ballot box on Twitter. There is no ballot box on Instagram or Facebook. Elections are won at the grassroots, not on social media,” the governor said to loud applause from the party faithful.
His remarks were widely interpreted as a dig at former Governor El-Rufai, who is known for his strong social media presence and frequent political commentaries on Twitter (now X).
Sani maintained that propaganda could never win elections, insisting that only governance, inclusivity and people-centred policies could sustain the APC in power.
“Our opponents chose to fight the propaganda battle, but we chose to fight the political battle. They lost because the people know who is working for them. We will not waste our time on social media noise-making,” he said.
The governor told party leaders and stakeholders that Saturday’s victory was historic, particularly in areas where the APC had never won since 1999. He said the feat was made possible by his administration’s deliberate focus on economic development, rural empowerment, and agriculture.
“Since 1999, some communities had never voted for our party. But today, they stood with us because they saw inclusivity in action. We made a pledge to defend everyone, irrespective of religion, ethnicity, or party affiliation—and we kept it,” he added.
Sani highlighted the state’s investment in agriculture, saying his government reclaimed over 500,000 hectares of farmlands previously abandoned due to insecurity, and made Kaduna a leader in maize, tomato, and ginger production.
He said the APC’s agricultural policies, backed by massive budgetary allocations, had restored hope to rural communities, stressing that “the people at the grassroots are the real voters who matter.”
The governor also urged party executives not to abandon the APC manifesto, warning that the only way to guarantee electoral success in 2027 was to remain connected to the people.
“Party first, politics second. Let us not forget our manifesto. Let us not abandon our wards and local governments. If we remain with the people, no party can defeat us,” he told them.
On his part, the APC State Chairman, Air Commodore Emmanuel Jekada (rtd.), commended the Governor’s inclusive style of leadership and praised stakeholders for ensuring victory in the bye-election.
He expressed confidence that with unity, the party would consolidate power in 2027.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared Misa Musa Jauro of the All Progressives Congress (APC) winner of the Ganye Constituency by-election in Adamawa State.
The returning officer, Prof. Tukur Ahmed, said the APC candidate polled 15,923 votes to defeat his closest rival, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, who scored 15,794 votes, a slim margin of 129 votes.
The closely contested election, held across 10 wards, was described as one of the most competitive in recent times with APC and PDP recording split victories in different wards.
With this outcome, Jauro has been declared duly elected, sealing APC’s victory in the high-stakes poll.
Member representing Bichi Federal Constituency and the chairman House Committee on Appropriations, Dr Abubakar Kabir-Abubakar, who doubles as the chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) election committee said: “INEC has confirmed our candidate Misa Musa Jauro as the winner of the election. I am not surprised considering our preparation. Youth and women were busy making arrangements ahead of the election.
“We thank the people of Ganye who queued up at 8am to vote for our candidate. As the campaign council sent by the APC national leadership, we appreciate you all.
“We ensured that the election was smooth. We especially appreciate women and youth groups who were at our control centres. We also thank Walin Ganye, who is our father.
“In 2027 Adamawa will be ours. I am hopeful the APC will take over the state. People will come out to vote for Tinubu and all our other candidates massively.”
The flood of July 27, 2025 in Yola, capital of Adamawa State has generated such enduring goodwill that up to the start of the weekend, nearly three weeks after, people of goodwill were still pouring help of varied kinds on the victims.
Governments, government officials and people to do with government, non-government organisations, communities and individuals appear to have been competing to identify with those affected by the flood.
The attention the incident attracted to Yola and the flood victims has made the destructive flood almost glamorous.
The flood was most destructive in communities in Yola South Local Government Area, but the whole of Yola stands still when ‘big’ visitors have come calling, such as last week when First Lady and National Chairman of Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), Senator Oluremi Tinubu, came around.
Days to her planned arrival, it was palpable that Her Excellency was expected in town, a rare occurrence, all due to the Yola flood.
The First Lady did not personally make it to Yola, but wife of the Vice President, Hajiya Nana Shettima brought for the flood victims the N500 million which the First Lady mobilised through the RHI of which Nana Shettima is national vice chairman.
Performing the symbolic distribution of the money at the Banquet Hall of the Government House in Yola, Nana Shettima also announced the donation of 100 bales of ankara fabrics as well as some other relief items to the flood victims, explaining that the donations were made possible by donors to the RHI, including a charity organisation, Abdulsamad Rabiu Africa.
Speaking for his people, Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State thanked the First Lady for intervening in this time of need of the state.
Fintiri’s deputy, Professor Kaletapwa Farauta who welcomed the First Lady’s delegation to the state, spoke of the government’s own efforts at making the aftermath of the flood bearable.
“As a government, we have done a lot to provide relief,” she said, thanking the First Lady for mobilising the relief intervention at the time of need.
Apart from the First Lady, among the many individuals and entities that have identified with Adamawa State over the Yola flood have been the North East Development Commission (NEDC), National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha; the Bayelsa State Government, BUA Group of Companies, among others.
Quite a good number of the Yola flood victims have been profuse in their appreciation of the gesture of goodwill and massive assistance extended to them.
They thank the Adamawa State Government in particular for its handling of the distribution of the relief items that the government and other sources mobilised.
One Mariatu Suberu said enough food stuff had been handed to her to last her one full year, adding that the non-food items, including clothes, would remain in use for her in the next five to seven years.
To her and a good number of the Yola flood victims, the flood was a blessing in disguise.
“My appology to those who lost what they couldn’t get back, including those whose relations died, but I have got much more from this disaster than I lost,” a father of four, Julde Simon who actually lost some valuables, confessed.
“We are being treated with special attention and with more palliative items than many of us ever expected,” he added.
Governor Ahmadu Fintiri had been proactive following the July 27 flood by constituting a 21-member committee principally to handle relief efforts.
The committee, chaired by Deputy Governor Kaletapwa Farauta with the SSG Awwal Tukur as Secretary, had member representing Yola South constituency in the state House of Assembly, Kabiru Mijinyawa as member, among other members
Urging the committee to identify measures to bring succor to the affected communities and develop strategies for post-flood recovery, Fintiri had reassured Adamawa people, “We are committed to providing relief to affected communities and to working towards sustainable solutions to mitigate future disasters.”
The flood in Yola had happened while people were sleeping, forcing victims who were caught unawares to scamper out of their homes for safety.
A mother narrated her story: “I went inside to catch some sleep, but suddenly, I heard my baby crying, and I reluctantly woke up to breastfeed her, only for me to discover that she was on top of water that had collected inside our bedroom.”
Members of another family were similarly sleeping only to wake up to find themselves inside water in their very aboard.
Head of the family, identified as John Audu, recalled, “The water came so fast, we couldn’t take anything. The only next thing was how to escape. It was difficult because we all woke up from deep sleep.”
Governor Ahmadu Fintiri was not in town that fateful morning when the flood struck, so the Deputy Governor was the first government official to rush to the flood scenes and to mobilize rescue operations.
Kaletapwa Farauta quickly identified a camp at a secondary school for victims and initiated relief efforts.
“Our hearts go out to the victims and their families who have been affected by this disaster. We acknowledge the plight of those who have lost loved ones, homes, and livelihoods,” she told the victims.
Fintiri himself has had occasion to thank Nigerians for the way they reached out to Adamawa people over the Yola flood.
“We appreciate the support of individuals, organizations, and agencies that have contributed to the relief efforts and urge everyone to continue working together to rebuild and recover from this disaster,” he said.
Former Heads of State, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (rtd), and General Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd) have thrown their weight behind the rehabilitation and operationalisation of the Baro Inland Port in Niger State, pledging their full support to ensure the long-delayed project becomes functional.
The two elder statesmen made their positions known in Minna, Niger State on Friday during separate courtesy visits by the House of Representatives ad-hoc committee on the rehabilitation and Operationalisation of the Baro Inland Port, which is on an oversight tour to assess the state of the facility and related infrastructure.
In his remarks, former Head of State, Abdulsalami Abubakar, urged that the port be elevated to the status of an internationally recognised inland waterway to secure its long-term viability.
“Once it is made an international waterway, no future government or political interest will be able to tamper with it. Baro Port, for time immemorial, has played a very significant role in bringing goods to the North. We must restore it to that position,” he said.
Abdulsalami noted that successive administrations, from the era of Generals Babangida and Abacha to his own, had recognised the strategic importance of the port.
He recalled making funds available for its revival during his tenure but lamented that the project had suffered neglect despite repeated commissioning ceremonies.
Outlining a four-point plan to make the facility operational, he called for the dredging of the River Niger to Baro and securing international recognition for it; the resuscitation of the rail line linking the port to the North; the construction of a proper, motorable access road; and the designation of the port as an inland free zone to attract investment.
“These are the key steps. One, dredge it and make it an international waterway. Two, resuscitate the rail line to carry goods to the North. Three, build a proper road, not what we have today. Four, make it a free zone to encourage business. If you do these, Baro Port will work and the whole country will benefit,” Abdulsalami said.
He also urged the committee to consider the development of other inland ports, such as Lokoja, for coordinated trade and economic growth, pledging his full backing for their work.
“For God’s sake, make sure that any allocation for Baro is utilised. This port is very critical to us,” he stressed.
On his part, former Military President Ibrahim Babangida described the lawmakers’ visit as timely, saying the Baro project is something he has long prayed for and championed across different administrations.
“I want to thank you very much for the opportunity you had to visit me here. It couldn’t have come at a better time because it’s something that we have been praying for for very many years,” he said.
Babangida recalled advocating for the project during the administrations of former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and expressed hope that the current push would be the final one needed to get it completed.
“I’m glad yours will be the last time, God willing, that we will get it formalized and completed during your initiative. You can rest assured that I will do the best I can to support you on this. We pray before Allah that God will spare our lives to see what you have put across become natural, visualized,” he said.
Emphasising its economic importance, Babangida said: “Niger definitely needs this project because we want an industrialised estate, and the only way we could do it well is when we have facilities like the Baro Port.”
He pledged continued advocacy, stating, “I will continue to support you and I will continue also to put pressure on all of you, pressure on the president, pressure on everybody who has a hand to do with this project until, where you slacken a little bit, we will whip you a little bit.”
Chairman of the House Committee, Hon. Saidu Abdullahi, said the visit was to conduct an on-the-spot assessment of the port, the rail corridor, and the access roads, with a view to addressing challenges and exploring opportunities to make the facility operational.
He explained that the team, which includes representatives of the Federal Ministries of Transport and Works as well as the Nigerian Railway Corporation, would also meet with traditional rulers and the Niger State governor before returning to Abuja to present their findings.
The Baro Inland Port, commissioned in 2019 amid high expectations, was envisioned as a major logistics hub for Nigeria’s inland waterways and rail network. Billions of naira have been invested in the project, but it remains non-operational, a situation the committee is determined to resolve.
In a remarkable act of philanthropy, Oladele John Nihi, Special Adviser on Youth and Student Matters to Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, has pledged N2 million to support a landmark project at the Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUTMinna).
The project, set to be named in honour of Governor Ododo, will recognise his unwavering commitment to education and youth development.
During a visit to the university, Nihi engaged with students, lauding the governor’s achievements and urging them to be worthy ambassadors of Kogi State.
He assured them that their concerns and requests would be relayed to the governor, who is widely regarded for his student-friendly policies.
The donation underscores Nihi’s dedication to advancing educational initiatives and strengthening ties between the government and the student community.
The gesture has been warmly welcomed by students and staff, who anticipate its lasting impact on campus life.
The initiative underscores Nihi’s dedication to promoting education and youth development in the region, and it is anticipated that the project will contribute significantly to the university’s growth and development.
Following his international engagement, Oladele John Nihi arrived in Nigeria this morning and proceeded to Minna, Niger State, for two significant engagements.
First, he served as a Guest Speaker at the Engineering Stakeholders Forum at the Federal University of Technology, Minna, and later had an interactive session with Kogi State Students organized by the National Association of Kogi State Students (NAKOSS), FUTMINNA Chapter.
