A faith-based development organisation, the Christian Rural and Urban Development Association of Nigeria (CRUDAN) has launched a new peacebuilding initiative aimed at resolving recurring herder-farmer clashes in Kaduna State.
Tagged LiFeMiLE Spring Project, the intervention was unveiled during a stakeholders’ inception meeting held in Zonkwa, Zangon Kataf Local Government Area.
The project seeks to promote peaceful coexistence and strengthen community resilience in conflict-prone rural areas.
Speaking at the event, CRUDAN’s Spring Project Director, Mr Michael Agon, said the initiative would adopt innovative methods such as eco-friendly live fencing to protect farmlands from livestock encroachment and hold structured dialogue sessions to enhance mutual understanding between farmers and herders.
“This initiative is about bridging divides and creating practical solutions that address both security and livelihood concerns in rural communities,” Agon stated. “It reflects our commitment to peacebuilding and inclusive development.”
He revealed that the project will be implemented in three communities—Mifi in Kaura Local Government, and Kpunyei and Chenchuk in Zangon Kataf Local Government—targeting both farming and herding populations.
According to him, its key objectives include preventing crop destruction, addressing root causes of conflict, and promoting social cohesion.
Agon outlined the project components to include participatory needs assessment, stakeholder mapping, advocacy to relevant authorities, trauma healing sessions, and capacity-building workshops.
He stressed that the project’s sustainability would be driven by a community-centric approach that involves local stakeholders in planning, implementation, and monitoring to build trust and ownership.
In his welcome address, CRUDAN Managing Director, Mr Joseph Gyandi, described the LiFeMiLE project as a critical step toward building trust in communities that have long suffered from violent conflicts.
“Peace and development go hand in hand. Through this project, we are creating platforms for dialogue, understanding, and practical measures that protect livelihoods while easing tensions,” he said.
Gyandi noted that CRUDAN has been at the forefront of rural transformation and conflict resolution efforts across Nigeria for decades.
He described the LiFeMiLE project as a strategic continuation of the group’s grassroots peacebuilding work.
Chairman of CRUDAN’s Board, Mr Patrick Katuka, urged all stakeholders to leverage the initiative for long-term peace.
He called for maximum cooperation among traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth and women groups, the Fulani community, and security agencies present at the event.
Participants expressed optimism that the project would offer lasting solutions to the persistent herder-farmer crisis that has plagued parts of Southern Kaduna and other regions in Northern Nigeria.
Plateau Governor Caleb Mutfwang said he has fought to disallow bandits from building their camps in the State like in other northern states.
The Governor, who boasted Plateau remains the most peaceful State in the north central, also said he made a vow not to ceed any portion of Plateau lands to land grabbers.
Speaking during an interactive session with reporters in Jos, the Governor emphasised that the administration’s priority has been to build a resilient security architecture, especially in rural communities, to promote peace, restore confidence, and attract investment into the state.
He noted one of the first steps was to convene a strategic meeting with heads of security agencies in the state, leading to coordinated efforts to protect lives and property.
Mutfwang highlighted the revitalisation of Operation Rainbow, the state-owned security outfit and the enlistment of patriotic community members for intelligence gathering and early warning systems as key strategies that have helped curb insecurity.
The Governor revealed that large portions of land previously under bandit control in Wase local government area has been reclaimed. “The grazing reserve in Wase is now secure and open for agricultural investment. That’s a major achievement in our drive for food security.”
He explained that these interventions, combined with logistical support to conventional security agencies, have stabilized most parts of the state.
He said: “Today Plateau is safer than many other North-Central states. We have no local government under the full control of bandits. Opportunistic attacks may still occur, but our proactive responses have averted worse outcomes.”
On the economic impact of fuel subsidy removal, Mutfwang said the state prioritised investment in affordable mass transit rather than and hoc palliatives. “We chose to subsidise transportation instead of distributing handouts.
“The Metro Bus Scheme is helping commuters save between ₦40,000 to ₦50,000 monthly,” he explained.
The Governor expressed deep appreciation to journalists for their crucial role in promoting the government’s development initiatives, describing them as essential partners in the growth and transformation of the state.
“We don’t claim to have arrived, but we are firmly on course. Plateau is rising,” he declared.
Reassuring the people of his continued dedication to transformational leadership, he said: “I’m in politics to lead Plateau to a better future, economically vibrant, socially cohesive, and globally competitive.”
July 29th 2025 will remain a remarkable day in the lives of Benue indigenous, as the first lady of Nigeria,Her Excellency , Sen Remi Tinubu in a remarkable way paid a condolence visit to the Benue family on the act of terror that befell the people by armed herders in the village of Yelewata in Guma Local Government Area where over 200 persons were murdered , scores left wounded , while most families comprising of women and children displaced.
While, Mrs. Tinubu condoled Governor Alia, Tor Tiv and the people of the state over the recent massacre at Yelewata,on behalf of the Governing Council of the Renewed Hope Initiative donated the sum of N1billion to help rebuild and resettle displaced families who loss lives and property in tragedies perpetrated by marauding armed herders.
She prayed and blessed the people of Benue for holding on ,as God would fix all as we humanly tried our best
The first lady warned all perpetrators of those acts to desist or face the wrath of God,as the blood of victims have cried to God already.
When Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON, Nigeria’s First Lady, introduced the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) nearly two years ago, it was more than a promise—it was a bold blueprint for nationwide transformation. Designed to uplift women, youth, and vulnerable populations. The Initiative has since blossomed into a powerful agent of change, touching lives in rural villages, urban markets, and schoolyards across Nigeria.
This is also manifested in Benue State, where Scholastica Ben-Sor, Special Adviser to the Governor on Women Affairs to the Governor and Coordinator of the RHi is also advancing women’s empowerment, driving transformation and promoting gender equality and grassroots progress.
At the national level, the RHi intervention can be heard in the rustle of maize leaves on school farms, the chatter in market stalls, and the silent pride of women who are now business owners. In agriculture, the Initiative has planted real roots—empowering 20 women farmers with grants of N500,000 each, and training 80 more in modern farming techniques. It’s a quiet revolution—one that’s growing food, livelihoods, and dignity.
Looking ahead, the 2025 Youth Agricultural Programme is set to bring 100 fresh beneficiaries into the fold, with 60% of opportunities reserved for women. The program marks a shift toward gender-inclusive commercial farming, readying a new generation of agripreneurs.
One of the most celebrated successes is the “Every Home A Garden” competition. More than a beautification project, the initiative strengthens food security and family nutrition. In 2024, Veronica Kidata Mabaya of Borno State—a 62-year-old retiree—emerged the national winner, walking away with a remarkable N25 million prize. Her home garden, a lush testament to resilience, was joined by victories from Lagos and the FCT.
Meanwhile, schools are turning into nurseries of hope, as the Young Farmers Club takes root across the country. In Benue State, preparations are underway to launch its own chapter, backed by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and RHI, which are equipping schools with starter kits that include everything from farming handbooks to watering cans.
Education has been another pillar of RHI’s work, with interventions both broad and deep. In Benue State, 60,000 exercise books have found their way into the hands of eager students. Even more transformative is the award of 200 scholarships nationwide for talented girls—including six from Benue—to attend the prestigious Africa School of Economics, an institution affiliated with Princeton University.
In a bold step toward digital inclusion, RHI has partnered with NITDA and Huawei to train women in ICT. The beneficiaries not only graduated with new tech skills but also received laptops and startup capital. In Vandeikya, Benue State, a modern ICT center—currently under construction—stands as a beacon for future learning and innovation.
These educational gains are further reinforced by 227 new bursaries slated for mostly female students studying to become teachers, ensuring that classrooms across Nigeria will be filled with empowered educators.
At the heart of RHI lies compassion—especially for the elderly. Through the RHI Elderly Support Scheme, 250 older citizens in each state and the FCT received N100,000 in 2023. That support doubled in the following year, along with medical screenings, eyeglasses, and essential medicines. These efforts have restored dignity and health to thousands who once felt invisible.
If you conclude that the First Lady is empowering the underserved, you will be right. Economic empowerment is a central tenet of RHI. In Benue alone, 500 women received vital business equipment—freezers, grinding machines, and more—to boost their income-generating activities. Across Nigeria, RHI’s Recapitalization Grant has reached 1,000 petty traders per state, offering them the financial means to restock and expand their small businesses. In Benue, the program’s 2024 flag-off was met with excitement and gratitude.
Reshaping social investment is key in this endeavor. Perhaps one of RHI’s most ambitious undertakings has been its contribution to social infrastructure. In collaboration with NIMC, UNICEF, and other partners, RHI helped spearhead the largest birth registration drive in Nigerian history—ensuring that every child, regardless of location, has access to identity and the benefits of citizenship.
The Initiative has also led crucial food and clothing outreaches—reaching orphanages, widows, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and underserved communities. In Benue, 1,500 people received vibrant “One Nigeria Unity Fabrics,” while toys and clothing brought smiles to children in IDP camps.
She said the provision of sanitary pads for the girl child , especially those in the IDPS was underway,as proper hygiene and well-being of the girl child was paramount too st the RHI.
The success of RHI would not be possible without its strong network of collaborators. Federal ministries, international organizations like UNICEF and Huawei, and state governments have all played pivotal roles. Notably, Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, has offered unwavering support, enabling smooth implementation of RHI programs across the state as he acknowledged the initiative’s stand to help curb insecurity in the state and more.
It has been a renewed hope for all. Two years in, the Renewed Hope Initiative has become more than a policy—it’s a movement. From classroom desks to farmland ridges, from freezers humming in market stalls to garden beds blooming in front yards, RHI has woven itself into the daily lives of Nigerians.
As 2025 unfolds, RHI is poised for even greater reach. More programs are in the pipeline, promising broader coverage and deeper impact. One thing remains certain: the seeds of hope planted since 2023 are thriving, and their harvest is one of prosperity, unity, and restored dignity—for all Nigerians.
Back in Benue State, Hon. Scholastica as Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Initiative, has facilitated the disbursement of N500,000 agricultural grant for 20 women farmers, and has been promoting the “Every Home A Garden” competition to enhance household food security and spotlight local innovation. Her stewardship helped Benue women actively compete and benefit on the national stage.
Beyond state borders, Ben-Sor represented Benue at a youth innovation seminar in Beijing, China, where she laid groundwork for future collaboration in ICT, agribusiness, and healthcare technology—further integrating global best practices into local development plans.
Her domestic advocacy has been equally impactful. She co-hosted the Girl Child Day celebration, initiated new women entrepreneurship programs, secured empowerment opportunities for widows, and integrated over 100 vulnerable individuals into the state’s social welfare register. Her proactive role in national forums on gender-based violence (GBV) also brought Benue into key policy dialogues and partnerships with international agencies.
Ben-Sor’s compassionate leadership is evident in her focus on elder care. Through the RHI Elderly Support Scheme, she ensured the successful support of 250 elderly citizens in Benue, and her assessments of welfare facilities across the state have led to tangible improvement plans.
Recognising the need for institutional synergy, she also established the Benue State Advisers Forum—a platform for inter-adviser collaboration, research sharing, and policy innovation, thereby strengthening the machinery of governance.
Through these multidimensional efforts, Hon. Scholastica Ben-Sor has elevated the voices of Benue women—driving social justice, economic empowerment, and inclusive governance at every level. Her leadership continues to align seamlessly with the vision of the Renewed Hope Initiative, affirming that when women lead with purpose, the entire community wil rise.
Bridget Ikyado-Tikyaa is the Principal Special Assistant to the Governor on Media, Publicity and Communication Strategy
The tempo of activities that has characterised Governor Dikko Umar Radda’s governance particularly on infrastructural development has been described as key to Katsina’s transformation. AUGUSTINE OKEZIE Writes:
Engineer Sani Magaji, Katsina State’s Commissioner for Works, Housing and Transport, in a media chat in his office, told The Nation, during an exclusive media chat in his office in Katsina that Radda’s careful planning and commitment to project execution, prompt budgetary provisions before commencement of projects, as well as regular site visitations of ongoing projects, represents the urgently needed style of governance that will drive katsina to the promise land.
The Commissioner further commented on the areas of inherited projects, those completed, ongoing, pending and future project plans, which he further described as needed panacea for growth and development of Katsina State.
He said: “We also have projects that are still with the contractors, while some others were work in progress, they are still ongoing, some have captured huge amount of money that will finish the work, because we had to review the price because of their inflation while some of the projects are been awarded from the last six to seven years.”
“You could see the inflation rates now, Such that his Excellency had to review and approved the reviewed contracts, and we have started and by the grace of God, I assure you within next year all the ongoing projects will be completed.
“We have a lots of ongoing projects and there those projects awarded by Dikko Radda. To be completed in the Next year and I know by the end of this tenure all the roads that are been awarded will be completed. We also have some projects that we intend to do but Dikko Radda in most times insists on town hall meeting for people to come and requests what they want done for them.
“Even last year before we do the budget we had a town hall meeting with his Excellency to go round the 3 senatorial zones and the people gathered to say what they want and he listened to the people and I know part of what we want to do is consider and execute his urban renewal plans also for Daura zone, what we did for Katsina Zone and for Funtua Zone.”
The Commissioner further revealed that there are some projects that are yet to be done, which were part of the promises made during electioneering campaigns, including Rafin Giwa and Sayau and so on; which were part of the campaign promises, adding that soon, latest in the coming weeks, an announcement will be made that their contracts have been awarded.
He said: “There is still pending projects which are located in Sabuwa and Dandume, from where complaints were received and promises made, and because of the complaints received and the people cried to him that they needed the roads repaired, they must receive Government’s attention.”
On Water board/contractors conflicts
On the issue of conflicts between contractors, the water boards, delays in contract execution of ongoing projects, the commissioner reiterated that the timely interventions of the ministry whenever such matter arises also help resolve pending issues of relocation and delays in projects execution.
He said: “Some of the pipes were illegally tapped from the main pipe, what we used to do, we liaise with the water board, usually we will have a meeting with the contractor, water board and the ministry, so that they will go with the contractor and ministry staff, so that the water board will now show them where they have that main pipes.
“We hardly hit a main pipe unless it was not shown or unless there is no other way to do it we cut it, this is because; if the pipe is soft we have to remove or replace it with a suitable material. You know at times, no matter how the laborer or the operator does his work, he has to be very careful for him not to touch them.
“Most at times a small illegal connection, some are not illegal though, we disconnect from the main pipe then ask the water board to come so that, we even ask them bring their cost of implication of relocating that pipes to the side of the road, that was what we do most times.”
On Kasrota
The Commissioner stated that the Katsina State Safety and Road Traffic Authority (KASSAROTA) recruited 304 new personnel to strengthen the operation of the agency and enable it cover all local governments areas in the state.
Transportation KSTA
The Construction of two new Bus stations at Marshi and Ingawa towns as well as the construction of permanent headquarters and passenger depots at Morawa near welcome to Katsina Gate.
Also the Procurement of 40 additional new Toyota Hiace Buses to the fleet of KSTA following the removal of fuel subsidy by the federal government to ease transportation difficulties of people of the state with a subsidy in the transport.
Building
The Construction of headquarters of new ministry for budget and economic planning at the state Secretariat complex as well as the Construction of the treasury department opposite the state Ministry of Finance, were dome of the ongoing projects in the building sector.
The President of The Republic of The Gambia, His Excellency Adama Barrow, has paid a condolence visit to Katsina State following the passing of Nigeria’s former President, Muhammadu Buhari.
Barrow, accompanied by his wife, Her Excellency Fatoumata Bah-Barrow, arrived at Umaru Musa Yar’adua International Airport, Katsina, for the visit
He was received by the Secretary to the State Government, Barrister Abdullahi Garba Faskari, alongside other senior government officials.
At the late President’s residence in Daura, the Gambian leader was warmly received by Buhari’s eldest son, Yusuf Buhari; his brother, Alhaji Musa Haro (District Head of Dumurkol); and Sabiu ‘Tunde’ Yusuf, alongside other family members.
Speaking during the visit, President Barrow described the death of Muhammadu Buhari as a personal and continental loss. He stressed that the late Nigerian leader was not just a statesman, but a symbol of integrity and African unity.
He said “President Buhari was a great leader, a brother, and a friend to me,” he said. “He was widely respected across Africa. When I heard of his passing, I felt it wasn’t enough to send a message I had to come here in person to mourn with his family and the people of Nigeria.”
He reaffirmed that President Buhari played a critical role in promoting democracy in Africa particularly during The Gambia’s own political transition. Barrow recalled how Buhari stood firmly in defense of the democratic will of the Gambian people during a tense political impasse in 2016.
Responding on behalf of the family, Yusuf Buhari expressed gratitude to President Barrow for the visit, noting that the presence of the Gambian leader was deeply reassuring.
Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has expressed sorrow over the passing of the Emir of Gusau, His Royal Highness, Alhaji (Dr.) Ibrahim Bello, who passed away at the age of 71 after a long illness.
In a condolence message, Governor Radda described the late Emir as a calm and thoughtful leader whose reign brought dignity and stability to the people of Gusau and Zamfara State at large.
He noted further noted that since ascending the throne in 2015, the Emir served with the same commitment and wisdom that marked his years in public service rising to the position of Permanent Secretary in both the old Sokoto and later Zamfara State.
He said “He was a different kind of royal father. He carried the concerns of his people with quiet strength and offered guidance grounded in experience and deep understanding. His voice was one of reason and peace not just in Zamfara, but across Northern Nigeria,”
The Governor added that the passing of the Emir is a big loss, especially at a time when the country needs the wisdom and stabilising influence of traditional leaders more than ever.
Katsina State Government has taken a bold step towards sustainable development by engaging with officials of Guardians Worldwide (GWW), a global environmental consultancy, to explore carbon credit opportunities for the state under the Katsina Green Growth Agenda (KAGGA).
The high-level engagement, which took place in Abuja on Wednesday marked Governor Radda’s first official assignment following his recent minor accident
The meeting was part of broader efforts to position Katsina as a leading force in green innovation, climate action, and environmental sustainability in Nigeria.
Delegates from Guardians World wide’s Brazil and Nigeria offices were in attendance, including Ms. Débora Lira de Lacerda and Ms. Lucimar Prata dos Santos from Brazil, and Alhaji Ahmad Muazu from Nigeria. The delegation was led by Mr. Kamilu Hassan Hamza, Director of Guardians Worldwide Africa.
Welcoming the team, Governor Radda described carbon trading as a “new frontier” in climate finance that Katsina must embrace.
He said “This initiative speaks directly to our state’s long-term ambition to build a resilient economy anchored on sustainability, innovation, and international collaboration,”
He further noted that under the Katsina Green Growth Agenda (KAGGA), the state had already begun laying the groundwork for attracting green finance. He emphasised that such partnerships could open up new revenue opportunities, safeguard the environment, and empower local communities.
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has warned that sanctions will be imposed on Health Maintenance Organisations (HMOs) under the FCT Health Insurance Scheme (FHIS) that fail to promptly remit payments to healthcare providers.
The FHIS is a social health insurance programme aimed at providing financial protection and equitable access to quality and affordable healthcare for all residents of the FCT. Free enrolment is available for FCTA and Area Council staff, as well as vulnerable groups such as pregnant women, while other residents can enrol by paying an annual premium of N22,500.
To enhance service delivery under the scheme, the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, approved the payment of about N4 billion in outstanding capitation and service fees covering the period from 2022 to 2024. These payments were disbursed between last year and this year.
In a statement issued by the Senior Special Assistant to the FCT Minister on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, the administration emphasised the importance of timely remittance by HMOs to ensure enrollees receive uninterrupted, quality healthcare services.
The FHIS benefit package includes the Basic Minimum Package of Health Care Services (BMPHS), which covers promotive, preventive, curative, and some rehabilitative care.
Olayinka said, “The services include primary preventive care, screening, primary emergency services, and secondary level care such as dental, mental, eye, ear, nose and throat care, physiotherapy, surgeries, laboratory investigations, radiological investigations such as ultrasound scan, x-rays.
“However, complaints have been received from some Healthcare providers concerning non-remittance of their payments by some HMOs, under the excuse that bank details of the hospitals were not available, an excuse not acceptable to the government.
“Therefore, compliance of the HMOs with the prompt remittance of payments to Healthcare providers, as well as commitment of the Healthcare providers to the discharge of their duties to the FHIS enrollees, will be monitored to sanction defaulters appropriately.
“On implementation of the FHIS in the last one year, there have been payment of all outstanding capitations and fee for service backdated to year 2022 by the end of 2024, improved timeliness in the payment of capitation to HMOs, review and increment of the capitation to Healthcare providers for improved service delivery to enrollees, free enrolment of vulnerable persons especially pregnant women and under-five, poor and indigents, who have started enjoying healthcare services, and accreditation visits to 100 Primary Health Care (PHC) facilities to expand the number of PHC facilities in FCT and improve access to healthcare services in the communities.
“Also, all pregnant women who enrolled through the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) Primary Health Care (PHC) Centres across the six Area Councils in the FCT will continue to enjoy free health education, medical consultation and treatment, routine antenatal drugs, laboratory investigations and delivery. Referral for secondary care, including caesarean section, blood transfusion, and treatment of other obstetric complications such as eclampsia, at all the 14 General Hospitals in the FCT is also provided at no cost to the patient through the BHCPF.”
The Arewa Action Group (AAG), a civil advocacy coalition based in Kaduna, has called for improved leadership and strategic coordination at the Federal Ministry of Defence to effectively address escalating insecurity in northern Nigeria.
In a statement released and signed by its president, Comrade Ibrahim Adamu Bature, the group expressed concern over the current state of national security and the role of civilian leadership in directing military strategy.
According to the group, the security situation in several northern states—including Sokoto, Kaduna, Zamfara, Niger, Plateau, and Borno—has deteriorated significantly, highlighting the need for a more robust and proactive approach from the Ministry of Defence.
The AAG noted that while President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has demonstrated commitment to national security through increased funding and regional cooperation efforts, these initiatives require strong ministerial leadership to be fully effective.
The group emphasised the importance of civilian oversight in coordinating military operations, setting strategic priorities, and ensuring accountability across security agencies.
Comrade Bature urged the federal government to always ensure that the Ministry of Defence is led by a figure with clear strategic vision, effective communication skills, and the capacity to collaborate with service chiefs, engage the National Assembly, and provide public reassurance.
“This is not a ceremonial post,” the group stated. “Nigerians deserve a Minister of Defence who is present, proactive, and capable of aligning military efforts with national priorities.”
The group concluded by calling on President Tinubu to continue to prioritise national interest in appointments to sensitive roles, especially in a time of growing security concerns across the country.
A member of the Governing Council of the Federal College of Education (Technical), Potiskum, Hon. Nasir Bala Aminu Ja’oji, has distanced himself from the growing call for his appointment as Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.
After the confirmation of Professor Nentawe Yilwatda as the national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), groups and individuals called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to appoint Ja’oji as his replacement.
But in a statement on Monday, Ja’oji said that he was not contacted on the matter by those making the calls.
The statement reads: “Since when the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, was promoted to the position of National Chairman of our great party, All Progressives Congress (APC), there have been calls in the media and many other social media platforms, to the people’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to appoint me as Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.
“To the best of my knowledge, I don’t know the brains behind those calls. And nobody contacted me before the calls started. I saw such calls in the media as every other person comes across the calls.”
But he said those making the calls might be well wishers.
He stressed: “As a matter of fact, all the associations and individuals making such calls, I don’t know them personally.
“Only that, it could be well wishers making such moves, thinking that I would add value and relevance to the society. Especially our community of youth.
“Conclusively my hand is not there. And my consent is not sought. Especially since I have no idea where such calls are coming from.”
