The Nation Newspaper

Category: Northern Reports

  • Leadership, legacy, and liquidity: How Kogi’s debt-free status reflects discipline and vision

    Leadership, legacy, and liquidity: How Kogi’s debt-free status reflects discipline and vision

    • Abdulazeez Alfa

    When the people of Kogi State cast their votes in the 2023 gubernatorial election, choosing to align their future with the All Progressives Congress (APC) by electing Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, it was not just a political decision, it was a resounding endorsement of a legacy. It was an affirmation of the solid foundation laid by his predecessor, His Excellency Alhaji Yahaya Bello, whose administration demonstrated rare courage in confronting the fiscal rot that once held Kogi State in a stranglehold.

    Upon assuming office in 2016, former Governor Yahaya Bello inherited a state buried under heavy debts and a backlog of unpaid salaries from the ruins of the Peoples Democratic Party. He took charge of a financial system riddled with inefficiencies, leakages, and systemic abuses. 

    Recognising the urgent need for what he described as “fiscal surgery,” Yahaya Bello adopted stringent financial discipline to restore credibility, liquidity, and stability to Kogi’s economy.

    His first major step was to clear the backlog of workers’ salaries, a long-standing burden that had demoralized the state’s workforce. But more boldly, he launched one of the most audacious and painful yet impactful civil service reforms in the state’s history. 

    This reform, though initially met with resistance and discomfort, was pivotal in eliminating ghost workers and erasing fictitious claims that were draining public coffers. What began as a tough pill to swallow eventually became the pathway to a healthier, more transparent public service structure; one in which legitimate workers became the true beneficiaries.

    Yahaya Bello’s legacy in financial management was not just about plugging holes; it was also about long-term sustainability. From a debt profile of over ₦100 billion, his administration prudently reduced the state’s liabilities to less than ₦100 billion, all while executing ambitious infrastructure projects, improving human capital development, and spearheading urban renewal and job creation across the state.

    This commitment to financial probity laid the groundwork for Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s seamless succession. Having served as Auditor-General for Local Government under the Yahaya Bello administration, Ododo brought to office a deep familiarity with the intricacies of governance and a firsthand understanding of what it meant to entrench accountability and fiscal order, especially at the grassroots—the tier of government closest to the people.

    With the granting of local government autonomy by the Bello-led administration and as the Auditor-General, Ododo played a pivotal role in raising local government salary payments from a precarious 15% to a much-improved 75% before the administration wound down in January 2024. 

    This was not just a statistical improvement; it was a reflection of a deep-rooted philosophy that salaries and pensions are not privileges but rights that must be honored consistently.

    Graciously, the monthly allocation to the State, which previously hovered between ₦2.5 billion and ₦3.2 billion during the fuel subsidy regime under the former administration has now witnessed a significant and commendable increase, having quadrupled in value and figures following the removal of the subsidy. 

    This substantial boost in revenue under the Bola Ahmed Tinubu #RenewedHope agenda has translated into greater financial flexibility, enhanced financial capacity , and increased availability of funds to meet the developmental needs and governance priorities of the state. 

    It is no surprise then, that Ododo was not only the natural successor to continue Yahaya Bello’s legacy but also the most qualified—technically, morally, and professionally—to consolidate the gains made. From the day of his swearing-in on January 27, 2024, Governor Ododo hit the ground running, reinforcing and expanding upon the key pillars of development: civil service reform, infrastructure growth, health sector revitalization, education improvement, and enhanced security.

    However, the most historic and widely celebrated milestone of his young administration came just fifteen months into his tenure: the liquidation of Kogi State’s ₦98.8 billion debt. For the first time since its creation in 1991, Kogi State became debt-free—a feat that reverberated across Nigeria’s economic and political circles. This was more than just a financial achievement; it was a redefinition of how state governments can responsibly manage public resources.

    The implications of this monumental achievement are both immediate and long-term. A debt-free Kogi can now plan with greater clarity, independence, and foresight. The burden of recurring debt servicing is gone, making room for more targeted investments in critical sectors. More importantly, the state becomes a beacon for investors both locally and internationally, who now see Kogi as a stable, secure, and investment-ready destination with credible leadership and consistent policies.

    Read Also: Kogi Arts and Literary Festival debuts in Lokoja

    Governor Ododo has proven that fiscal responsibility is not a campaign slogan but a governance principle. 

    His commitment to financial transparency and economic revitalization echoes the very values that earned Kogi three awards for Accountability, Transparency, and Fiscal Responsibility from the World Bank during Yahaya Bello’s administration. It is also heartwarming to note with keen interest that Kogi’s fiscal discipline and financial accountability was widely acknowledged and rewarded by the World Bank when it returned $4.63 million surplus funds of World Bank intervention fund to Plateau.

    Another area where Ododo’s administration is sustaining the legacy of his predecessor is the aspect of security. Before 2015, no inch of Kogi’s territorial land was free of insecurity. With the meager resources available to the state, Bello was able to quell the rising tide of insecurity—in some cases leading security agencies to the criminals’ abodes while demolishing their illicit wealth to serve as a deterrent against criminality.

    In October 2024, Governor Ododo took the message of a transformed Kogi to the global stage when he met with Yan Yuqing, the Consular General of the People’s Republic of China in Lagos. That engagement opened strategic conversations around partnerships in agriculture, manufacturing, commerce, and infrastructure—further reinforcing Kogi’s attractiveness as an investment hub.

    By May 2025, the Governor led a high-level delegation to Hunan Province, China, securing a landmark partnership under the China-Africa Economic and Trade Partnership (CAETP). The “Sister City” collaboration agreement will unlock Kogi’s vast agricultural and mineral resources while accelerating industrial development and innovation.

    Governor Ododo emphasized Kogi’s advantages: its arable land, rich mineral endowment, abundant water bodies, and strategic location that connects Nigeria’s major economic corridors. He painted a vivid picture of a state poised for an agro-industrial revolution, driven by well-crafted policies and sustainable investments. His message was simple yet profound: Kogi is open for business—serious business.

    Ododo stated: “Kogi’s fertile soil and conducive weather make it an ideal location for large-scale farming and agro-industrial ventures, while its untapped mineral wealth including iron ore, limestone, and coal positions it as a powerhouse for manufacturing and mining. Our rivers and water bodies provide ample opportunities for irrigation, aquaculture, and hydroelectric power generation, ensuring that development is not only rapid but sustainable.”

    His sound economic decisions are not accidental. They are the result of years of experience, deep institutional knowledge, and a governance model that puts people first. By delisting Kogi from Nigeria’s list of indebted states, Governor Ododo has cemented his reputation as a fiscally responsible leader and a worthy successor in the APC administration in Kogi State.

    While campaigning for Ahmed Usman Ododo in 2023, former Governor Yahaya Bello repeatedly told the people: “I have done my best as governor for eight years, considering where the state was when I took over. Ododo could have been an Igala, an Okun, or from any other tribe in Kogi. His emergence as our party’s candidate was not about ethnicity but about compassion, patriotism, and his deep love for the people of our dear state. My greatest political legacy will be for Ahmed Usman Ododo to surpass my administration, because no father wishes to be greater than his children.” Today, it is common knowledge that Governor Ododo is performing exceptionally well, earning widespread admiration and bringing a deep sense of fulfillment to the people and the All Progressives Congress Party.

    As the Confluence State marches into a greater future, one thing is certain: the combination of fiscal discipline, keying into the visionary leadership style of his boss, Alh Yahaya Adoza Bello *CON*, and a business-friendly environment positions Kogi as one of Nigeria’s rising economic frontiers. And for that, the people of Kogi and indeed all Nigerians have every reason to be optimistic.

    • Written by Dr Abdulazeez Alfa, FCA Abuja, FCT
  • Military operations: The imperative of heeding security alerts

    Military operations: The imperative of heeding security alerts

    • By Mukhtar Ya’u Madobi

    The tragic air strike that took place on May 31, 2025, in the Maraya–Wabi axis of Zamfara State—resulting in the elimination of twenty armed bandits—offers a painful but important lesson about the critical importance of complying with security alerts during military operations.

    According to intelligence reports, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), while pursuing fleeing terrorists, executed a precision airstrike in a bandit-infested area. The targeted terrorists, known for attacking villages and ambushing security personnel, were attempting to regroup and escape through forest routes. In response, a decisive air raid was authorized to eliminate them before they could vanish into nearby communities.

    The operation was largely successful, neutralizing over 20 terrorists and destroying several of their motorcycles. However, the mission also resulted in unintended civilian casualties—individuals who ignored repeated warnings and evacuation directives issued by both the military and local authorities. Their tragic deaths underscore the dire consequences of disregarding security advisories.

    This incident reflects a broader and troubling trend in Nigeria’s conflict zones, where civilians often downplay or outright shun warnings from security forces. Several factors contribute to this behavior. Years of living under the shadow of violence have desensitized many residents, leading to a false sense of security.

    For some, the presence of military activity or the sound of gunfire has become so routine that it no longer triggers urgent action. Others mistakenly believe their remote villages are too insignificant to be affected, even when fighting occurs close by.

    The challenge is further compounded by the spread of misinformation and the lack of clear, real-time communication. In many communities, residents rely on rumors or dismiss official alerts as exaggerated or irrelevant, often with deadly consequences.

    In modern asymmetric warfare—especially in Nigeria’s North-West and North-East—terrorists frequently flee into villages or blend with civilians to evade capture, forcing security forces to act swiftly and decisively. Airstrikes, while effective, can have tragic results if civilians remain in or near the target area. Therefore, evacuation orders or movement restrictions must not be taken lightly. These directives are issued to save lives.

    The Zamfara incident is not isolated. Similar tragedies have occurred in Sokoto, Katsina, and Borno states, where timely intelligence was either ignored or inadequately communicated. Each of these painful events reinforces the urgent need for better awareness, responsiveness, and mutual trust between civilians and security agencies.

    Read Also: DSS, military continue dislodgement of bandits, neutralise 45 in Niger

    Survivors and eyewitnesses often express deep regret for not acting sooner. Their testimonies highlight the consequences of failing to respond to warnings. For security agencies, such outcomes complicate operations, damage public trust, and provide propaganda fodder for adversaries—despite their mission to protect lives.

    To prevent recurrence, communities must treat every security alert with the seriousness it deserves. What appears calm can escalate in moments during high-risk operations. Immediate compliance with evacuation or movement directives should become standard practice, not a reluctant afterthought.

    Proactive collaboration between communities and security forces is equally vital. Establishing local liaison officers, community radio systems, mobile alerts, and pre-designated evacuation zones can bridge the communication gap. Regular drills and public sensitization programs should be institutionalized in areas vulnerable to insurgent activity.

    Such measures not only enhance preparedness but also build community resilience. Religious leaders, traditional rulers, and civil society organizations must play active roles in educating the public about the life-saving importance of following security directives.

    Moreover, government and security agencies must enhance their community engagement efforts. Warnings should be delivered in local languages, backed by credible action, and followed by transparent communication. When civilian casualties occur, thorough investigations and appropriate restitution are essential to rebuild trust and ensure continued cooperation.

    Ultimately, the Zamfara airstrike is a painful yet instructive reminder that military success hinges on civilian cooperation. Remaining in a high-risk zone during combat operations is not an act of courage—it is a fatal misjudgment. The inconvenience of temporary displacement pales in comparison to the cost of ignoring life-saving advice.

    Security alerts are not abstract bureaucratic messages; they are grounded in intelligence and crafted to protect lives. Ignoring them could mean the difference between survival and tragedy. As Nigeria continues its fight against terrorism, every citizen must understand their role in ensuring personal and communal safety.

    Safety is a shared responsibility. The first step toward staying alive is simple: listen and act when security forces speak. The lesson from Zamfara must not be forgotten. It must instead ignite a culture of awareness, responsibility, and unity in the face of ever-present danger.

    Mukhtar Ya’u Madobi is a Research Fellow at the Centre for Crisis Communication, Abuja.

    Email: ymukhtar944@gmail.com

  • Group commends Chief of Army Staff over visit to Benue after deadly attacks

    Group commends Chief of Army Staff over visit to Benue after deadly attacks

    The Benue Good Governance Network (BGGN) has lauded the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, for his recent visit to Benue State to coordinate military operations aimed at restoring peace and order in conflict-affected communities.

    The group described the Army Chief’s actions as bold, timely, and deeply reassuring to the people of Benue, many of whom have endured years of violent attacks and displacement without visible federal intervention.

    In a statement signed by the Convener, Dr. Amase Paul, the BGGN said General Oluyede’s presence in the state — personally assessing the situation, meeting with troops, and engaging with key stakeholders — sent a strong message of renewed federal resolve to bring an end to terrorism and protect innocent lives.

    “For many of our people, this visit came like the first rainfall after a long drought. It was a powerful demonstration that Benue is not alone and not forgotten. Lieutenant General Oluyede has restored our faith in the Nigerian Army and in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration,” Dr Paul said. 

    Benue State has witnessed a series of brutal attacks by armed militias and terrorists, especially in rural communities where state protection has been minimal. Dozens have been killed, properties destroyed, and families forced to live in IDP camps for years. In recent months, this violence intensified, leaving residents feeling abandoned and vulnerable.

    According to BGGN, the military chief’s proactive decision to visit the flashpoints and directly coordinate troop deployment marks a turning point in the fight to reclaim the state from lawlessness.

    “His boots-on-ground approach shows courage and sincerity. It gave our people a sense of safety they have not felt in years. Our women now sleep without fear, and our youths feel that the government finally understands their pain,” he added. 

    The statement further praised the renewed military coordination as evidence of President Tinubu’s determination to tackle insecurity in all parts of Nigeria, particularly in regions where terror has lingered too long without response.

    “Before now, there was a growing belief that Benue had been left to its fate. But the actions of General Oluyede and the clear support from the President have changed that perception. Our people now feel reassured that all will be well again,” he added. 

    Read Also: Benue killings: Army chief moves in, deploys more troops, logistics

    The Benue Good Governance Network said the federal government must ensure this momentum is sustained. It called for more troops, intelligence operations, and continued community engagement to eliminate criminal hideouts and build trust between civilians and the military.

    “We urge the Chief of Army Staff not to allow this visit to be a one-off gesture. Let it mark the beginning of sustained and well-coordinated efforts to permanently end terrorism in our land,” Dr. Paul stated.

    The group also pledged the full cooperation and support of Benue youths to complement the military’s efforts. It noted that local knowledge, civilian intelligence, and inter-generational partnerships will be key to restoring lasting peace.

    “The youths of Benue are ready to support this new direction. We will organise, sensitise, and mobilise our communities to work hand-in-hand with the Nigerian Army in defeating terror. It is our land, and we will defend it — through unity, lawful engagement, and honest partnership,” the group stated. 

    The BGGN said it has already begun deploying its networks across affected local government areas to facilitate communication between youth leaders and military commanders on the ground.

    “We believe peace must be built by both the gun and goodwill. While the soldiers defend us, our duty is to help create an environment where peace can grow and survive,” Paul added.

    The group further urged the Army and federal government to pay attention to the post-conflict phase, including the reconstruction of schools, hospitals, roads, and homes destroyed by violence.

    “Lasting peace goes beyond the battlefield. It requires healing, rebuilding, and restoring the dignity of displaced families. We appeal to the Chief of Army Staff to work with relevant agencies to ensure that the military’s success is followed by relief, recovery and development.”

    Dr. Paul concluded by reaffirming the network’s commitment to advancing good governance, civic responsibility, and public accountability in the state. 

    He also called on traditional institutions, religious leaders, and civil society groups to rally behind the peace efforts initiated by the military leadership.

    “Lieutenant General Oluyede has done what true leaders do. We thank him. And we stand ready to support him in this courageous mission to restore peace in our dear Benue State,” the group concluded.

  • Monarch praises Tinubu’s appointment of Dogara to head NCGC

    Monarch praises Tinubu’s appointment of Dogara to head NCGC

    The Emir of Tikau, Alhaji Abubakar Muhammadu Ibn Grema, has lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decision to appoint former Speaker Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara as Chairman of the new National Credit Guarantee Company Limited (NCGC).

    In a statement signed by Alhaji Muhammad Sambo Sarki, Galadiman Tikau, the first-class monarch expressed profound gratitude, emphasising that Dogara is a valuable asset to the president. 

    The Emir stated that Dogara’s extensive experience as a legislator, lawyer, and leader will be instrumental in achieving the goals of the newly established company.

    Read Also: Nigeria secures over $2.2bn funding commitments for health sector reforms – Tinubu

    The monarch highlighted Dogara’s “exemplary public service, steadfast commitment to democratic principles, and untainted track record in governance and legislative excellence” as key reasons for his suitability. 

    “This decision not only echoes President Tinubu’s astute leadership but also accentuates his strategic effort on consolidating national institutions through the appointment of capable hands like Hon. Dogara,” the statement read.

  • My tour of Benue not political, says ex-information minister Maku

    My tour of Benue not political, says ex-information minister Maku

    Former Minister of Information, Labaran Maku has said his participation in the Good Governance tour of development projects in Benue State was not an attempt to facilitate the defection of Governor Hyacinth Alia from the All Progressives Congress to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    Maku said this in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja.

    According to him, the good governance tour is a professional effort designed to shift the focus of political leaders – across all parties and at all levels – away from endless political quarrels towards the urgent need for development and service delivery, particularly to the grassroots.

    “This concept is not new. It began during my time as Minister of Information, when I initiated the National Good Governance Tour, as a non-partisan platform for assessing and showcasing development efforts by incumbent leaders across the country,” Maku said.

    He added: “Prof Jerry Gana also undertook a nationwide media tour during his time as the Minister of information and National Orientation. At that time, it became clear that our political space was dominated by power tussles and not enough attention was being paid by political actors and the media to the real needs of the people.

    “The tour helped many leaders to refocus on their core mandate, which was service to the people. As sitting Minister then, I led journalists to states governed by different political parties, and the feedback was very encouraging. Several state Governors confessed that the tour prompted them to take their development agenda more seriously.

    “Since leaving office, I have remained concerned about the continued lack of priority attention to governance. Media coverage today is saturated with political insults, inter and intra-part party wrangling, and reports about persistent insecurity, while genuine development receives little focus.

    Read Also: Navy launches Special Operations in Benue

    “It was in response to this troubling trend that I reached out to like-minded professionals, including Dr. Mike Omeri, former DG of the National Orientation Agency, to revive the good governance tour as a tool for civic accountability and public engagement.

    “We have approached political leaders across party lines, requesting permission to assess and showcase their projects and policies. A number of them have responded positively. The Governor of Benue State, Rev (Dr) Hyacinth Alia happened to be the first to officially invite us to tour his state.

    “The Governance Tour of Benue was conducted transparently and broadcast across multiple media platforms. It included a lively town hall where citizens directly engaged the government, asked tough questions, and received honest answers on development and security efforts.

    “We have since received a wave of positive feedback from citizens across Nigeria, many of whom are urging us to bring the good governance tour to their own states. The widespread enthusiasm underscores the importance of what we are doing.”

    Maku further said: “Let me be clear: No part of our mission to Benue State involved persuading Governor Alia to switch political parties. That narrative is absolute fiction. Those who know him understand that he is not driven by desperation for 2027, but by a burning desire to serve.

    “We are far more interested in promoting development initiatives and concrete service delivery by our leaders than in the endless cycle of political scheming and bitter power games.

    “I encourage Nigerians to stay focused on the tour’s real purpose: which is to showcase credible governance and accountable leadership.

    “We remain committed to keeping the Good Governance Tour transparently non-partisan, results-focused, and open to all leaders across party lines who have something to show the Nigerian people.

    “We appeal to our detractors not to use the governance tour to distract Governor Alia from the commendable work he has started in Benue State.”

  • Coalition advocate reform of real estate industry

    Coalition advocate reform of real estate industry

    The Civil Society Groups for Good Governance (CSGGG) has called for accountability and reform within the real estate industry.

    It expressed concern over “increasing irregularities and unresolved documentation issues in Nigeria’s real estate sector.”

    The coalition—comprising over 17 civil society organisations—highlighted a specific case involving a property transaction with Pwan Real Estate Company, saying it received several complaints from individuals who encountered difficulties after making property purchases.

    Addressing a press conference in Abuja on Wednesday, the Public Relations Officer of CSGGG, Comrade Austin Peacemaker Inaede cited the case of Mr. Tochukwu Ariwodo, who, in 2022, purchased a 600-square-meter plot at Pwan Prestige Estate in Lagos through an agent of the company.

    According to Inaede, nearly three years after completing payment, Mr. Ariwodo has not received the full documentation required to establish legal ownership of the property.

    “Despite repeated efforts—via phone calls, legal correspondence, and visits to the company’s Lagos office—he has not received documents such as the deed of assignment, survey plan, certificate of occupancy, or governor’s consent,” Inaede said.

    He explained that the only documents currently in Mr. Ariwodo’s possession are a payment receipt, a letter of allocation, and a contract of sale. While acknowledging these as part of the process, he emphasized that they do not independently confer full legal ownership under Nigerian law.

    He noted that findings of the coalition indicated other Nigerians have reported similar experiences, prompting the organisation to call for stronger regulatory oversight in the sector.

    Read Also: Real estate firm, clients square up over facility management

    Inaede said the group remains committed to constructive engagement and urged other Nigerians who may have had similar experiences to come forward.

    He added: “Our internal review, supported by online testimonies and growing public concern, suggests that this is not an isolated case. It raises questions about compliance with documentation standards in property transactions.

    “We are calling for transparency, accountability, and fair treatment of all citizens involved in real estate transactions.

    “Our goal is to support reforms that will protect the rights of buyers and ensure the sector operates within the bounds of legality and best practice.”

  • Arewa youths, women felicitate SSDC MD on birthday

    Arewa youths, women felicitate SSDC MD on birthday

    Arewa youths and women have congratulated the Managing Director of the South South Development Commission, Miss Usoro Akpabio, on her birthday. 

    In a statement by Comrade Yasir Ibrahim on Wednesday, they noted that her selfless service to humanity through the Usoro Akpabio Educational Foundation has made a lasting impact, supporting children’s education, combating gender violence, and providing water supply to communities.

    The statement reads in part: “As you celebrate your birthday, we recognise your remarkable leadership, vibrant energy, and dedication to empowering others, which inspire many.

    “On behalf of the Arewa Youth and Women Association for Good Governance (AYWAG), Katsina State Chapter, I extend our warmest congratulations on your birthday and your appointment as Managing Director of the South South Development Commission (SSDC).

    Read Also: Buratai urges Nigerians to support FG, counter terrorists, bandits’ propaganda

    “We commend President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR for recognising your exceptional leadership qualities and the National Assembly, under the leadership of the Senate President, His Excellency Senator (Dr) Godswill Akpabio GCON, for confirming your appointment. 

    “Your portfolio assignment is a testament to your outstanding rating and the trust Nigerians, including the Northern region, have in your abilities.

    “Your selfless service to humanity through the Usoro Akpabio Educational Foundation has made a lasting impact, supporting children’s education, combating gender violence, and providing water supply to communities. 

    “As you celebrate your birthday, we recognise your remarkable leadership, vibrant energy, and dedication to empowering others, which inspire many.

    “May Almighty God grant you wisdom, competence, and capabilities to excel in your role. 

    “We wish you continued success, fulfilment, and divine favour in the years ahead. May your future be blessed abundantly.”

  • Sallah: Pantami foundation donates N66m, 162 animals to underprivileged in Gombe, Abuja

    Sallah: Pantami foundation donates N66m, 162 animals to underprivileged in Gombe, Abuja

    In a major philanthropic gesture to support the less privileged during the 2025 Eid-el-Kabir celebration, the Professor Isa Pantami Foundation has doled out 12 cows, 150 rams, and N66 million.

    The donations, valued at over N170 million, would ease the burden of Sallah expenses for the poor, orphans, religious scholars, and community stakeholders across Gombe State and Abuja.

    The distribution commenced on the 1st of June 2025 across the 11 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Gombe State, as well as parts of the Federal Capital Territory.

    The Distribution Committee is chaired by Alhaji Ahmad Abubakar Walama, ex-Chairman of Dukku Local Government and former Commissioner for Local Government in Gombe State.

    Walama, a kingmaker in the Gombe Emirate, noted that the donations were made to honour the Foundation’s commitment to uplifting vulnerable groups during religious festivities.

    Breakdown of the intervention includes 150 rams valued at N49 million—100 allocated for beneficiaries in Gombe and 50 in Abuja—and 12 cows worth N15 million, all distributed in Gombe.

    Furthermore, a total of N66 million in cash was shared among stakeholders, orphans, and the less privileged throughout the 11 LGAs of Gombe.

    Committee members who coordinated the distribution are notable figures such as Dr. Abubakar Saidu, ex-Chief Medical Director of the Federal Teaching Hospital, Gombe; Dr. Muhammad Bello of Gombe State University; Dr. Umar Garba Dokaji; Architect Dahiru Saidu; Alhaji Adamu Abubakar (Talban Akko).

    Others include Muhammad J. Tulashi Billiri; Alhaji Muhammad Dandi Balanga; Dr. Buhari Magaji Bajoga; Hajiya Aisha Puma; Malama Jamila; Hajiya Uwani; Hon. Muhammad Buhari Dalhatu; Alhaji Bappa Abdullahi Ahmad, a retired CBN Director; and Malam Abdulhamid Hassan Shongom.

    Read Also: SDP debunks appointments of Uba, Gombe as NWC members

    Beneficiaries across various locations expressed deep gratitude for the gesture, offering prayers for the continued blessings and success of the Foundation and its founder.

    The committee also made arrangements for additional cows to be slaughtered and meat distributed during Sallah at the Gombe residence of Professor Pantami to reach even more individuals in need.

    Established by Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, the Foundation is dedicated to supporting education, health, feeding, and mentorship programmes for the underprivileged.

    The latest assistance underscores the humanitarian organisation’s broader mission to alleviate hardship and promote social welfare in communities.

  • Islamic forum calls for preservation of Zamfara’s cultural, religious values

    Islamic forum calls for preservation of Zamfara’s cultural, religious values

    …slams display of alcohol at Zamfara mid-term anniversary

    A prominent Islamic organisation in Zamfara State has called for the preservation of the state’s long-standing religious and cultural values following the recent celebration marking Governor Dauda Lawal’s second year in office.

    In a statement issued to journalists in Gusau on Friday, the Zamfara Ulama Defence Forum (ZUDF) expressed concern over aspects of the anniversary event, urging public officials to remain mindful of the moral standards that have historically defined governance in the state.

    According to the group, the anniversary event held in the state capital, featured musical performances accompanied by skimpily dressed female dancers, and the open consumption of alcoholic beverages — acts considered unacceptable under Islamic law and cultural norms in Zamfara.

    The president of the group, Sheikh Bashir Mu’azu Marafa, noted that the state has long served as a model for religious governance and urged leaders to continue upholding those values.

    “Zamfara is a land of honour and religious discipline. We must be cautious about the kind of public events we organise and the message they send to the younger generation,” Sheikh Marafa said.

    Read Also: Mid-Term review: Group evaluates Zamfara gov, questions FAAC fund utilisation

    The forum encouraged state officials, religious leaders, and traditional institutions to work together in maintaining the moral fabric of society, while urging greater sensitivity in the planning of future state functions.

    “We call on all stakeholders, including the state house of assembly and community-based organisations, to ensure that public celebrations reflect the values cherished by the people of Zamfara,” the statement added.

    The group appreciated members of the public who constructively voiced their concerns, particularly the youth, and reaffirmed its commitment to promoting community awareness and accountability in governance.

    “The Zamfara Ulama Defence Forum will continue to engage with leaders and citizens to support actions that strengthen our collective identity and moral integrity,” the group said.

  • APC group seeks review of ex-PDP man’s eligibility ahead of FCT poll

    APC group seeks review of ex-PDP man’s eligibility ahead of FCT poll

    A group within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), known as the APC Consolidation Group, has raised concerns over the eligibility of Mr. Danjuma Samuel Shekwolo to contest in the forthcoming Area Council elections.

    Speaking at a press conference on Friday in Abuja, the group’s spokesperson, Mallam Idris Jibril, questioned Shekwolo’s recent defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC, stressing the need for internal party cohesion and transparency.

    According to the group, Shekwolo allegedly served as a delegate at the PDP’s zonal convention as recently as May 24, before purchasing the APC nomination and expression of interest forms — a move they believe undermines long-standing APC loyalists in the FCT.

    They warned that his sudden rise within the party has unsettled members, particularly in Kuje and Bwari Area Councils, and could threaten party unity ahead of the 2026 elections.

    The group also referenced unverified claims of external influences attempting to manipulate the APC’s internal processes and called on party leaders to uphold democratic standards in the screening of aspirants.

    Read Also: Don’t focus only on Tinubu, hold your governors accountable too, APC chieftain tells Nigerians

    Mallam Jibril expressed the group’s confidence in the FCT APC leadership and praised their ongoing efforts to solidify party structures.

    He also appealed to the APC national chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, to ensure proper vetting of candidates.

    Additionally, the group urged security agencies, including the Inspector General of Police and the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), to closely monitor political developments in the FCT to ensure peace and order.