The Nation Newspaper

Category: Northern Reports

  • Police neutralise two suspected robbers

    Police neutralise two suspected robbers

    Operatives of the Kaduna State Police Command have neutralised two armed robbers and arrested two others in a fierce midnight shootout following a robbery incident at Gashash Estate in Barnawa.

    The armed gang, numbering about eight, stormed the estate in the early hours of yesterday, dispossessing residents of valuables including mobile phones, laptops, gaming consoles, wristwatches, and jewelry.

    The attack, which occurred around 3:10am, triggered a swift response from the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Barnawa Division, who quickly mobilised patrol teams with reinforcement from DPOs of Kakuri and Sabon Tasha, as well as soldiers from the 312 Artillery Regiment, Kalapanzi.

    The Police spokesman, DSP Mansir Hassan, said the joint security team pursued the hoodlums and intercepted them along Makera Main Road in Kakuri, where the gang opened fire in a desperate bid to escape.

    He said: “A fierce gun battle ensued, resulting in the death of two robbers, while two others were overpowered and arrested. The police recovered a locally made pistol, live ammunition, and an assortment of dangerous weapons from the suspects.

    READ ALSO: Why is Nasir El-Rufai so desperate?

    “Further investigations led to the recovery of seven mobile phones, three wristwatches, two laptops, two PlayStation gaming consoles, and assorted jewelry—believed to have been stolen from the Gashash Estate victims,” he said.

    DSP Hassan, however, said that, one Police officer sustained gunshot wounds during the encounter and is currently receiving treatment at the Police Clinic, but said efforts were ongoing to track down the remaining gang members who fled the scene during the gunfight.

    Commissioner of Police (CP), Rabiu Muhammad, lauded the gallantry and swift coordination between the police, military, and other security agencies including the Department of State Services (DSS).

    He reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to maintaining law and order and called on Kaduna residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity in their communities.

  • Women leadership gap: Experts call for systemic overhaul, care-centred policies

    Women leadership gap: Experts call for systemic overhaul, care-centred policies

    Leading female voices in policy, finance, and development are raising alarms over Nigeria’s persistent gender leadership gap, citing systemic design flaws, entrenched societal norms and a national neglect of care economics as core barriers sidelining qualified women.

    The concerns were raised on Wednesday during a Gatefield-hosted gender equity webinar moderated by Hannatu Asheolge, featuring panellists Blessing Adesiyan, founder of Caring Africa and care economist; Hawa Haliru, CEO of the Nigeria Governors’ Spouses Forum; Aisha Ahmad, former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria and WIMBIZ trustee; and Itunuola Hunga, Communications Lead at WLAN.

    Gatefield’s Advocacy Lead, Shirley Ewang, in her opening presentation said data shows Nigerian women are excluded from leadership starting at entry level, despite making up over 50% of the labour force. 

    Citing McKinsey’s Women in the Workplace and the Reykjavík Index Insights, she said women hold only one in three entry-level roles, and the gap widens over time.

    In the financial sector, there’s a 7-point drop from entry to mid-management for women; in health, the drop is steeper. 

    Only the legal sector shows near-parity, with 47–55% of mid-level roles held by women while for every 10 women promoted, three exit within a year, 45% due to bias or lack of growth, and 38% for better opportunities, she pointed out.

    “Whether at the beginning or middle of their careers, Nigerian women are not adequately supported to thrive,” Ewang said.

    She also noted that 33% of private firms do not track gender-based promotions and 85% of boards lack accountability mechanisms. 

    Public attitudes reflect this disparity, she said, noting that while 64% support women in corporate roles, only 50% do in politics. 

    However, according to her, 68% of younger men (ages 16–34) support women in leadership. “This isn’t just a fairness issue, it’s about unlocking our nation’s full economic and social potential,” Ewang stressed.

    Dissecting the issue, Adesiyan argued that the challenge goes beyond access to leadership but is rooted in systemic exclusion. 

    “The pipeline starts leaking from the beginning. And it’s not just a pipeline issue; it’s a foundational design flaw,” she said.

    She emphasized the need to center care in leadership conversations, saying, “This is a care crisis. Until workplaces solve for care, from parental leave to childcare support, women will keep falling off.”

    Stressing that Nigeria’s leadership gap begins immediately after school, she said, “Only 33% even enter the workforce, and nearly half of female leaders exit within the first three years”.

    She identified caregiving responsibilities as a key structural barrier, urging employers to treat care as economic infrastructure.

    “We build roads and bridges to get to work, we also need childcare, parental leave, and workplace flexibility.

    “If gender diversity is a priority, then workplaces must prove it by funding care,” she added.

    Adesiyan also urged institutions to fund care as a strategic priority, “Let’s stop making women prove twice as much just to be seen. Let’s make the system fair from the start.

    “The workplace bias is tied to biology, pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, and our systems are not designed to support that.

    “If gender diversity is a priority, then workplaces must prove it by funding care,” she added

    She praised institutions like Standard Chartered Bank, which now offer 20 weeks of paid parental leave regardless of gender or method of childbirth, noting, “This is the way forward, make care a shared responsibility, not just a woman’s issue.

    “Women are already leading in our homes and communities. If we want them to lead everywhere else, we must give them the tools and policies that allow them to thrive.”

    On her part, Aishah Ahmad, echoed the same sentiment, arguing the problem isn’t a lack of female talent but flawed systems. 

    “The system isn’t built for them to succeed. The ladders women are expected to climb are missing rungs,” she said.

    She called for legal reforms like gender quotas, institutional accountability, and sponsorship over mentorship, stressing, “We need someone to advocate for women when they’re not in the room.”

    Hawa Haliru highlighted gender disparities in healthcare leadership, saying “Women dominate Nigeria’s healthcare workforce, but men hold most of the leadership positions”. 

    Read Also: ‘Give women leadership positions’

    She also noted resistance to six-month maternity leave, calling it a misunderstanding of care as a productivity issue while urging the use of gender-disaggregated data to persuade policymakers. 

    “We already have the numbers. Now, we need to transform them into targeted policy briefs. Women must be at the helm, not just as deputies,” she added, commending Adamawa State’s policy of mandating female deputy chairpersons.

    She also pointed to social norms as hidden barriers, noting, “Political meetings at midnight and overnight forums exclude women with family responsibilities. These aren’t written policies, but they’re real.”

    For Itunuola Hunga, the need for change cannot be overemphasized, noting that while 64% of young Nigerians support women in business, only 50% do in politics.

    “We need to tell the story of what happens when women lead, the outcomes. Not just the slogans,” she said 

    She urged current female leaders to become more visible and vocal about their accomplishments, saying, “We need to tell the story of what happens when women lead the outcomes. Not just the slogans. This helps build trust, especially among young women.”

  • Yeletawa massacre: NOA commends police, security agencies over arrest of suspect

    Yeletawa massacre: NOA commends police, security agencies over arrest of suspect

    The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has applauded the Nigeria Police and other security agencies for the swift arrest of the suspected mastermind behind the recent massacre in Yeletawa, Benue State, which claimed several lives and left property destroyed.

    In a statement issued on Tuesday by Paul Odenyi, Deputy Director of Communication & Media, NOA Director General, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, described the arrest as a strong indication of the security agencies’ commitment to safeguarding the lives and property of Nigerians.

    Issa-Onilu noted that the prompt response has brought much-needed relief to the affected communities and the nation as a whole, while also serving as a deterrent to those planning similar atrocities.

    He praised the tireless efforts of the security forces and highlighted the significance of the arrest in the context of the National Values Charter, under which peace and security are core promises made by leaders to the people.

    Read Also: Sickle Cell Day: Akwa Ibom NOA warns against high-risk marriages

    The NOA DG also commended President Bola Tinubu for his decisive leadership, recalling the president’s directive during a visit to Benue State that security agencies should bring the perpetrators to justice.

    Issa-Onilu further acknowledged the effective synergy among security agencies, which he said was critical to the operation’s success. He urged Nigerians to continue supporting law enforcement by providing timely and accurate information to aid their efforts.

    Reaffirming NOA’s commitment to unity, patriotism, and national integration, he called on all Nigerians to embrace peace and work together to build a stable and secure nation.

  • FG takes over skills acquisition centre

    FG takes over skills acquisition centre

    *To Centre into a National Youth Camp

    The Federal Ministry of Youth Development has assumed management of the Agadagba Skill Acquisition Centre, in Ondo State.

    The ministry explained that it took over the centre as part of efforts to strengthen youth empowerment and expand vocational training.

    It noted that this strategic takeover reaffirmed its commitment to widening access to skills-based education and economic opportunities—particularly for young Nigerians in riverine and underserved communities.

    In a statement by the Director, Information and Public Relations of the ministry, Omolara Esan the ministry said the taking over of the centre aligned with the Federal Government’s broader goal of equipping the youth with the tools necessary to build sustainable livelihoods and contribute meaningfully to national development.

    During the official hand-over ceremony on Friday, Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, unveiled plans to upgrade the Centre into a National Youth Camp with an expanded focus that goes beyond vocational training.

    “The new vision encompasses leadership development, digital innovation, entrepreneurship, civic engagement, and community service.

    Read Also: Equipping Yaba youths with technological skills

    “This camp will serve as a rallying point for youth across the South West and the Niger Delta, particularly those from local communities who deserve equal access to national opportunities,” the Minister stated.

    Olawande also outlined the Ministry’s agenda to introduce modern vocational programmes, enhance infrastructure, and deploy qualified professionals to ensure the Centre operates efficiently under its new, broader mandate.

    He gave assurances to stakeholders including the host community, traditional institutions, and young people that the facility would be utilised purposefully and transparently.

    Olawande commended the Minister of Regional Development, Engr. Abubakar Momoh, for facilitating the inter-ministerial collaboration, describing it as a testament to unified national purpose.

  • Ministry partners UniAbuja on programme for youth development

    Ministry partners UniAbuja on programme for youth development

    The Federal Government has sought the professionalisation of youth work practice to advance effective youth development in the country.

    In order to actualise this goal, the Federal Ministry of Youth Development has entered into collaboration with the Yakubu Gowon University (University of Abuja) to introduce a postgraduate programme in Youth Development Work.

    Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, who spoke at a workshop on Professionalisation of Youth Work in Nigeria at the University of Abuja, said the initiative was about upgrading a discipline that is a foundation to national destiny. 

    The workshop with the theme: The nexus between professionalisation of youth work and the demographic dividends was organised by the Ministry of Youth Development in collaboration with UniAbuja and Nigeria Youth Workers Association (NYWA).

  • El-Rufai’s criticism against Tinubu rooted in bitterness over cabinet snub — CCGG

    El-Rufai’s criticism against Tinubu rooted in bitterness over cabinet snub — CCGG

    The Citizens Collective for Good Governance (CCGG) has dismissed recent criticisms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu by former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, describing them as the outburst of a bitter and frustrated politician sidelined from the federal cabinet.

    In a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by its president, Dr. Gambo Abdulkadri, the group accused El-Rufai of embarking on “a desperate and vindictive campaign” against President Tinubu after being denied a ministerial appointment.

    El-Rufai, who previously served as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory under President Obasanjo and later governed Kaduna State for two terms, recently stated that President Tinubu would need a “miracle” to win re-election in 2027.

    He also cited polling data indicating a 91 percent disapproval rating for the president, a claim the CCGG dismissed as “fabricated and delusional.”

    “The public outburst by Mallam Nasir El-Rufai is nothing but the cry of a political actor whose ego was bruised when President Tinubu, in his wisdom, declined to reward him with a ministerial position,” Abdulkadri said.

    “For someone who claims to have supported the president’s emergence, El-Rufai’s sudden antagonism only confirms that his loyalty was never to the country, nor to good governance, but to his own ambition.”

    The group said President Tinubu has demonstrated remarkable leadership in the face of monumental challenges, citing reforms in the oil and gas sector, decisive anti-corruption efforts, and aggressive pursuit of food security and job creation as examples of “clear-headed governance.”

    “Within just over a year, President Tinubu has taken bold and necessary decisions to reset Nigeria’s economy — from ending fuel subsidy fraud to restructuring our fiscal regime,” the statement continued. 

    “The Renewed Hope agricultural mechanisation programme, student loan scheme, foreign investment drive, and infrastructure renewal across the country are evidence of a leader working for posterity, not popularity.”

    Dr Abdulkadri said El-Rufai’s attempt to paint the Tinubu administration as the “worst in history” was both dishonest and reckless, especially coming from a man who left behind a trail of debt, division, and insecurity in Kaduna State.

    “Let’s not forget the mass displacement of communities under El-Rufai’s watch, or the reckless borrowing and ethnically polarised governance that characterised his tenure. He has no moral standing to accuse any one of failure,” he added. 

    The CCGG further described El-Rufai’s claimed disapproval ratings as “a phantom poll conducted in the basement of his resentment,” adding that numerous independent support groups have continued to endorse Tinubu’s leadership across the country, even though the president has not declared interest in a second term.

    “Despite the challenges, millions of Nigerians — market women, youth groups, professionals and even opposition figures — continue to express confidence in the leadership of President Tinubu. His vision is clear, his approach is bold, and the results are beginning to show,” the group said.

    The statement urged Nigerians to reject what it called “El-Rufai’s politics of self-interest and sabotage,” and to stay focused on holding all leaders to account based on tangible delivery, not desperation.

    “El-Rufai should be reminded that governance is not an entitlement scheme. If the president chose to exclude him from the federal cabinet, it was within his constitutional right and strategic discretion. You cannot throw tantrums because you didn’t get picked for a position — that is not patriotism, that is pettiness,” the statement said.

    The group called on political leaders to rise above personal grievances and contribute constructively to nation-building, warning that inflammatory rhetoric at this time could derail critical reforms.

    “We urge the Nigerian people to ignore voices of distraction and stand firmly behind a government that is working to secure our future,” the statement concluded.

  • Senator lauds Bello’s democratic legacy at Ogidi Festival

    Senator lauds Bello’s democratic legacy at Ogidi Festival

    Senator representing Kogi Central, Ohere Abubakar, has lauded former Governor, Yahaya Bello, for ‘‘an enduring legacy of democratic governance and inclusive leadership. This followed conferment of “Legend of Resourceful Democracy Award” on Bello during 2025 Ogidi Day Cultural Festival.

    The festival, held in Ogidi, Ijumu Local Government, brought together rulers, dignitaries, and residents to celebrate the community’s heritage and honour distinguished personalities.

    The award was presented to Bello by Ogidi Traditional Council, led by Oba Rabiu Sule, the Ologidi of Ogidi, in recognition of Bello’s contributions to infrastructure, youth and women inclusion, and grassroots progress.

    Ohere, former chair of Senate Committee on Local Content, said the honour is well-deserved and a reflection of Bello’s impact on governance.

    READ ALSO: Sanwo-Olu at 60

    He said: “Governor Bello’s leadership transformed sectors in Kogi. His courage and inclusive governance earned him admiration from many. This honour is richly deserved.”

    The senator, who also holds the title of Gbamiboye of Ogidi, hailed the Ologidi and people for their consistent efforts in celebrating credible leadership and promoting cultural values.

    He recalled that the Gbamiboye title was bestowed upon him years ago while serving as commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, a period he described as pivotal in strengthening his bond with the royal institution.

    “His Royal Highness, Oba Rabiu Oladimeji Sule, is a leader of wisdom and vision. Our relationship during my time as Commissioner was deeply enriching, and being honoured with the Gbamiboye title was a moment of great pride and responsibility,” Senator Ohere added.

    The festival featured vibrant displays of cultural heritage, including traditional music, dances, masquerade performances, and exhibitions, attracting sons and daughters of Ogidi from both home and abroad.

    In his remarks, former Governor Yahaya Bello expressed appreciation for the recognition and reaffirmed his commitment to promoting culture and supporting grassroots development.

    “True leadership is measured by the people you serve. I am humbled by this recognition from the Ogidi community, and I remain committed to advancing causes that strengthen our people and institutions,” he stated.

    The 2025 Ogidi Day Cultural Festival once again reinforced the community’s position as a beacon of tradition, unity, and visionary engagement, celebrating not just heritage, but the leaders who have contributed to its progress.

  • Why Dikko Radda will be returned in 2027

    Why Dikko Radda will be returned in 2027

    Not a few population of katsina citizens strongly argue that the state Governor, Dikko Umar Radda, deserved re-election come 2027, AUGUSTINE OKEZIE, explores why:

    Mannir Shehu Wurma. from Kurfi Local Government Area of Katsina state, joined the league of Katsina citizens that strongly believe Governor Dikko Umar Radda of Katsina will be returned to office in 2027, having according to him, performed creditably well in his first term in office

     During a chat with The Nation, Wurma listed what he called laudable achievements that Radda had made in his first term in office w

    He said ‘’the many laudable achievements of this administration in just two years  has shown  that he not only prioritized the security of lives and properties, but has also spearheaded infrastructural and agricultural developments across the length and breadth of Katsina State, thus surpassing expectations in many sectors’’

    ‘’Katsina is the first state the President officially visited since assuming office, a strong indication of its importance in the national agenda’’.

    “As a result of that visit, Katsina State was able to formally present some long-neglected grievances and secure Presidential commitments on critical development projects.’’

    “The governor has shown time and again that the people of Katsina are his foremost priority.”

    “How could the people reject a governor who is reclaiming and revitalizing urban infrastructure through massive development projects, or a leader who is revolutionizing agriculture and livestock production, making it a viable and profitable economic base for the state’s citizens?”

    “How can one ignore the countless youth empowerment programs, small and medium-scale business initiatives, and educational reforms spearheaded by this administration”?

    Other Katsina citizens that were interviewed by The Nation, also shared the believe that a divided political landscape with opposition political parties faced with leadership tussles and no viable agenda to unseat a sitting Governor, can never pose any political threat to ‘’Muhammadu Buhari House’’, come 2027.

    READ ALSO: 2027 coalitions and collisions

    Khaleed Yazeed, Katsina based political commentator, also told The Nation that defeating Radda in the upcoming general election in the state will remain a tall ambition for opposing parties as they have a long political rope to climb .

    Society for Family Health, SFH, donates medical equipment to Katsina health ministry

    The Society for Family Health, SFH, yesterday in Katsina donated several medical equipment, consisting of, 500 pieces of family planning register,500 monthly summary form and 12,000 pieces of clients ‘cards, to the Katsina State Ministry of Health

    Omokhudu idiogho, the Managing Director of SFH and the lead Director, Anthony Nwala, who jointly made the presentations to the Katsina Health Commissioner, Dr Musa Adamu Funtua during the annual stakeholders coordination meeting in katsina, said the NGO had noted katsina state government’s commitment to the health and wellbeing of her people which had remained commendable and key to their shared progress

    He said ‘’at the society for family health, our mission has always been clear to empower Nigerians with the knowledge and tools to lead healthier lives’’

    ‘‘Delivering innovation in self-care (Disc project),in Katsina state funded by the children investment fund foundation, CIFF, with technical support from population services international, PSI, embodies this commitment ‘’

    The SFH boss also highlighted some of the achievements recorded during their journey to include the implementation of SFH-Disc projects across the the 34 local government areas in the state as well as training all LGA my maternal and child health workers an coordinators, on essential skills like counseling for choice, empathy based counseling, etc

    The Permanent Secretary, Katsina State Ministry of Health, Dr Ahmed Ham Zar at the occasion , commended the society for promoting stakeholders review of the performance of the mandate and updates on project implementation and sustainability.

    He further lauded the NGO for their contributions to sectoral and reproductive health agenda of the state government as well as malaria control through the distribution of insecticide treated mosquito nets.

    Anti -corruption Zar exonerates Dikko Radda’s two years administration as corrupt free

    The Executive Secretary, Katsina State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission, Dr Jamilu Abdulsalam Charanci, has exonerated Governor Dikko Umar Radda’s administration in the past two years in Katsina State, as corrupt free

    Charanci who made the declaration at a public lecture organized by katsina based ‘’Citizens Participation Against Corruption: ‘’one day symposium to mark the two years of Dikko Radda’s administration’’, said investigations carried out by the commission on the various key sectors of katsina state’s economy in the past two years, has given the governor a clean bill of health

    He further outlined the key areas investigated to include: Recovery of Mis-appropriated public funds, ongoing Investigations across MDAs, recovery of diverted agricultural materials, resolution of public complaints, hosting of International anti-corruption day and, strengthening of Institutional partnerships and reforms.

    Also during his lecture presentation, a director at the Katsina State Revenue Board, Dr Kabir Abdullah Yantumaki, in his presentation on revenue generation and utilization in the two year administration of Dikko Radda’s administration, said the present government in power at the state level has laid a strong foundation for the economic growth and development of the state

    Banditry: Katsina lauds successful military operations which neutralised Bandits camps

    The Katsina State Government has commended the Nigerian Air Force and a coalition of security agencies for their significant victories against criminal elements and bandits terrorizing communities in the state through precision airstrikes and ground operations that destroyed notorious bandit hideouts and neutralized several armed criminals.

    A Press release which was signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Kaula Nuhammad, further listed some of the significant strides that were recorded to include: the Air Component Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Sector 2, which executed successful strikes against identified bandit enclaves at Sanusi Dutsinma and Sanusi Iku, all within the Matallawa Hills in Kankara Local Government Area.

    He said ‘’these operations, based on credible intelligence gathered through human and electronic sources, completely obliterated the criminal camps. Several bandits died in the strikes, while six injured criminals fled away’’.

    “The Air Component responded swiftly to a distress call from Kankara LGA after bandits ambushed Nigerian Police personnel conducting clearance operations behind Science Secondary School, Kankara.”

    “The criminals, led by notorious kingpin BABARU, attacked a Police Armored Personnel Carrier, killing one police inspector and injuring another officer’’.

    “Nigerian Air Force fighter jets immediately deployed to the area, successfully neutralized the bandits operating on motorcycles.”

    “Additional strikes also targeted criminals attempting to escape by hiding within rustled cattle herds and dense riverside vegetation, significantly disrupting their movement and operations’’.

    ‘’The Katsina State Government remains resolute and committed to restoring peace and security through enhanced collaboration with all security agencies operating in our state.”

    Katsina rewards three outstanding female corps members with N3m, charge their male counterparts on creativity.

    The Katsina State Government yesterday rewarded 3 outstanding female Youth Corps members who distinguished themselves in humanitarian activities during their 2024 batch A service year community service, with N1m each .

    Meanwhile, the State government have also charged male youth corps members serving in the state to emulate their female counterparts by displaying uttermost creativity and hard work during their service years Investigation by The Nation revealed that the rewarded corps members had during their service year executed community oriented projects that benefitted the people of their host communities to the extent that one of the Corps members was even given a chieftaincy title (Sarauniya Bautar Kasan Kaita Na daya) in Kaita Local Government Area of Katsina State.

    Presenting the award on behalf of the Governor of Katsina State, Umaru Dikko Rada, the Commissioner for Youths and Sports, Alhaji Aliyu Lawal, said the award was aimed at encouraging other Corps members to put in their best in the grassroots’ development of their host communities.

    The Corps members that were awarded include: Nafisa Umar Hassan KT/24A/1178, Hafsat Abdulhamid Abdulsalam KT/24A/0255, Blessing Ene Ameh KT/24A/0277. Radda further declared that henceforth, the award for the best three Corps members would be sustained by the Katsina State Government and urged the Corps members especially the male counterparts who usually don’t show much interest in community development service to begin to do so

    He also disclosed that the state was also working towards giving outstanding corps members an automatic employment in the state civil service.

    Earlier, the NYSC Katsina State Coordinator Alhaji Ibrahim Saidu had thanked the state government for the hospitality that NYSC Corps members always enjoy in the state, and requested its for sustainability. Society for Family Health,

    Katsina trains 955 Out-of-School Girls on creative skills

    The katsina state Government has announced the training of 955 out-of-school adolescent girls who have graduated from the State skills acquisition centres.

    Hajiya Jamila Abdu Mani, Special Adviser on Girl Child Education and Child Development, who announced the above achievement recorded by her agency stated that the centre has expanded from 4 to 9 locations in 2024, targeting 1,000 trainees statewide.

    The centres were located in Katsina, Kaita, Baure, and Funtua, with additional locations added due to overwhelming demand.

    Jamila further noted that the Governor’s administration has implemented wide-ranging programs addressing various aspects of child welfare and development:

     She said “The Katsina Orphanage Home received comprehensive improvements including specialized medical teams with pediatricians and nutritionists. All children were enrolled in the State’s Social Health Insurance Scheme for continuous healthcare access’’.

    “The Governor also personally intervened in the case of a baby girl born with four legs in Bujawa, Mani LGA, ensuring she received successful corrective surgery at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Katsina’’.

    “The establishment of the NASIHA Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) has provided medical, psychosocial, and legal support for survivors. The center operates with a full clinical team including nurses and obstetrician/gynecologists, partnering with the Association of Female Medical Doctors,”.

    Katsina set to combat gender-based violence

    Katsina State Government has taken decisive action against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) following a two-day stakeholder workshop that brought together key players from across the justice system, civil society, and traditional institutions.

    The Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hajia Hadiza Yar’adua, who made the above disclosure, said the workshop was organized by the Ministry of Women Affairs, in collaboration with the World Bank, to develop a coordinated approach to preventing and responding to GBV across the state.

    She said “The workshop brought together key stakeholders from the justice system, HISBAH, NAPTIN, civil society organizations, and religious and traditional institutions,”

    “Comprehensive strategy emerging from the workshop includes expanding survivor support services, reactivating a 24/7 GBV hotline, and training women, including those with disabilities’’.

     “Participants also agreed on the critical need to simplify and translate the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law into local languages for better public accessibility.”

    “We also agreed on the need to simplify and translate the VAPP Law to make it more accessible to the public. The strong support and active engagement of our traditional and religious leaders remain central to creating lasting change at the grassroots,”

    Katsina targets 2,500 beneficiaries across agriculture, culinary arts, fashion, and ICT sectors through empowerment programs

    The katsina state government in collaboration with 9jaFood Fiesta Empowerment Program, Office of the First Lady and the Ministry of Women Affairs, has targeted 2500 beneficiaries across agriculture, culinary arts, fashion, and ICT sectors through empowerment programs.

    The Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hajiya Hadiza Abubakar Yar’adua, who served as Chief Host, described the initiative as “a beacon of hope, a catalyst for transformation, and a celebration of potential.”

    She further stated that the program aligns with Governor Dikko Umaru Radda’s “Building Your Future” development blueprint, which creates sustainable platforms for youth, women, and persons with disabilities to thrive economically.

    She said: “This is more than training; it is an investment in people, in purpose, and in progress. These are lifelines, wings, and keys to independence, dignity, and economic freedom for our beneficiaries,” Commissioner Hadiza stated. “To every participant, your dreams matter, and your future is worth investing in,”

    Also speaking, the Program Coordinator and Founder, Alhaji Muhammed Mustapha, outlined the comprehensive scope and strategy of the empowerment scheme, stating its focus on practical, income-generating skills, adding that the initiative is about rewriting the narrative for 2,500 people across Katsina State.

  • Zamfara Govt denies loan allegation claims by media outfit

    Zamfara Govt denies loan allegation claims by media outfit

    The government of Zamfara State has refuted claims made by an online platform, Sahara Reporters, which alleged that the current administration, led by Governor Dr. Dauda Lawal, has taken loans.

    Hon. Abdulmalik Gajam, the Zamfara Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning in a statement on Tuesday, said the report contradicts the governor’s earlier assertions made during a press briefing, where he confidently stated that Zamfara State possesses the financial capability to initiate and complete any project without facing financial constraints, and that no loans had been taken under his administration.

    He clarified that the loans referenced by Sahara Reporters were accrued during the tenure of former Governor Bello Matawalle, who is currently serving as the Minister of State for Defence.

    “This distinction is crucial, as it places the responsibility for the state’s outstanding debts squarely on the previous administration,” he said.

    Gajam vehemently condemned the allegations presented by the media outlet, labelling them as misleading and unfounded.

    He characterised the article as “sensationalist, even going so far as to describe it as ‘gonzo journalism’; a term commonly used to refer to a style of journalism that blends factual reporting with subjective narrative. 

    Read Also: Group calls for review of Zamfara’s peace strategy, faults Gov Lawal’s approach 

    Gajam explained that the budget for 2023, which was scrutinised in the Sahara report, was crafted during the Matawalle administration and featured an allocation of ₦53.2 billion earmarked solely for servicing the debts inherited from that government. “This critical clarification emphasises that Governor Lawal has not undertaken any new borrowing since he took office”.

    Furthermore, Gajam urged the online platform to redirect any inquiries related to these loans and their intended purposes to former Governor Matawalle, who was responsible for securing these financial resources.

    “Sahara Reporters should direct their questions to the former governor regarding the use of those loans, taken during his tenure and which, by most accounts, yielded little to no developmental outcome. That is the existing debt being serviced today.”

    The state government also highlighted several significant discrepancies in the way the online platform portrayed financial information, particularly regarding their interpretation of the state’s officially documented budget.

    Gajam issued a challenge to the publication, requesting that they provide any documentary evidence to back their claims that the Lawal administration has sought or acquired new loan facilities.

    “We hereby challenge Sahara Reporters to produce any documentary evidence indicating that the current administration under Governor Lawal has sought or secured any new loan facilities, domestic or international. None exist.”

    The Zamfara government reaffirmed its dedication to transparency and responsible fiscal management. The administration expressed its intent to clarify these important issues for the public, emphasising the necessity of understanding the historical context surrounding the state’s current financial situation. By doing so, they aim to ensure that the citizens are accurately informed about the state’s financial health and the integrity with which their government operates.

  • Group urges NMDPRA boss to step aside, calls for review of regulatory practices

    Group urges NMDPRA boss to step aside, calls for review of regulatory practices

    A civic group under the umbrella of the Young Professionals Forum of Nigeria has called on the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Farouk Ahmed, to step aside, pending a review of ongoing concerns regarding regulatory operations under his leadership.

    Speaking during a peaceful demonstration on Monday at the NMDPRA headquarters in Abuja, the group’s coordinator, Felicia E. Daniels, said the call was part of a broader appeal for transparency and integrity in the country’s petroleum regulatory framework.

    The group noted that the NMDPRA, created under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), is a critical agency tasked with upholding transparency, enforcing regulatory compliance, and safeguarding public interest in Nigeria’s midstream and downstream oil sectors.

    Daniels emphasised the need for improved accountability within the agency and urged government institutions to ensure due process in addressing all operational concerns. She said the group’s appeal aims to strengthen public confidence in the agency and reinforce its intended role as a driver of reform in the oil and gas sector.

    “We are simply asking for a thorough and impartial review of the current leadership and regulatory processes within the NMDPRA,” she stated.

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    The forum also highlighted the importance of ensuring that public service reflects the principles of fairness, diligence, and ethical conduct. It called for enhanced oversight to align regulatory actions with environmental and public health standards.

    The group further expressed its readiness to work with relevant authorities to ensure reforms are effectively implemented in the sector for the benefit of all Nigerians.

    While reiterating its support for the goals of the Petroleum Industry Act, the Young Professionals Forum said it would continue to advocate for a transparent and accountable regulatory environment in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.