The Nation Newspaper

Category: Northern Reports

  • 2027: Southern Kaduna group passes confidence vote on Tinubu, Uba Sani

    2027: Southern Kaduna group passes confidence vote on Tinubu, Uba Sani

    The Southern Kaduna All Progressives Congress (APC) Unity Forum has passed a vote of confidence in the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani.

    The group also declared its full support for the re-election of President Tinubu and Governor Uba Sani, citing what it described as the administration’s consistent commitment to the growth and development of Southern Kaduna.

    The forum, which comprises both long-standing and new APC members, reaffirmed its loyalty to the President and the governor, describing the party as united, focused, and expanding its influence across Southern Kaduna.

    Addressing journalists on Monday, the chairman of the forum, Edward John Auta, said the APC remained firmly united under the theme, “One people, one party, one agenda.”

    He said the gathering was aimed at reaffirming collective confidence in the renewed direction of the party under the inclusive leadership of President Tinubu and Governor Uba Sani.

    According to Auta, the APC has undergone significant transformation, overcoming earlier perceptions of exclusion and attracting increased federal and state government presence to Southern Kaduna.

    “Major roads and social infrastructure are now receiving renewed attention, while federal presence in our zone has expanded significantly,” he said.

    Auta cited the establishment of the Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia, and the Federal Medical Centre, Kafanchan, as concrete evidence of the Federal Government’s renewed commitment to the area.

    “These are landmark institutions that reflect long-awaited federal attention to Southern Kaduna,” he added.

    Read Also: Tinubu boldly steering Nigeria toward sustainable future — Okowa

    The forum also praised what it described as inclusive governance, noting that sons and daughters of Southern Kaduna now occupy strategic positions at both state and federal levels.

    “Our people have been appointed to influential positions, including the Minister of Defence, the Head of Service of Kaduna State, and the Executive Chairman of the Kaduna State Internal Revenue Service. This clearly shows that Southern Kaduna is no longer excluded,” Auta said.

    He said these developments had made the APC increasingly attractive, leading to the defection of prominent politicians and political structures from opposition parties.

    “Distinguished leaders, including Senator Sunday Marshall Katung, members of the Kaduna State House of Assembly, and other political heavyweights, have joined the APC with their supporters and structures,” he said.

    According to him, the defections have significantly altered the political landscape of Southern Kaduna.

    “The APC has now emerged as the party of choice in the zone, effectively ending the decades-long dominance of the Peoples Democratic Party,” he stated.

    Reacting to rumours of an impending implosion within the APC, Auta described such claims as baseless.

    “These rumours are unfounded and amount to deliberate mischief or a misunderstanding of Governor Uba Sani’s unifying leadership philosophy,” he said.

    He stressed that all APC members, both old and new, understood that personal ambition must remain secondary to collective interest and party stability.

    Auta also defended Senator Katung’s loyalty to the party, noting that the lawmaker enjoys a cordial relationship with President Tinubu and Governor Uba Sani.

    “It is well known that Senator Katung holds the President and the Governor in the highest esteem and has consistently called for unity and collective effort within the party,” he said.

    The forum cautioned against attempts to overheat the polity with issues that could be resolved internally, urging APC members to remain disciplined and focused.

    In conclusion, the Unity Forum called on all party stakeholders to work towards the re-election of President Tinubu, Governor Uba Sani, and all APC candidates in the 2027 general elections.

    “United in purpose and guided by a shared vision, we are confident that the APC will emerge victorious at all levels,” Auta said.

  • North’s group hails Tinubu over delisting from high-risk money laundering list

    North’s group hails Tinubu over delisting from high-risk money laundering list

    A northern group, Arewa Think Tank (ATT), has hailed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for getting the European Union’s decision to remove Nigeria from its list of high-risk jurisdictions for money laundering and terrorist financing.

    In a statement by its Convener, Muhammad Alhaji Yakubu, ATT said the delisting, which took effect on January 9, reflected the success of sustained reforms in Nigeria’s financial and regulatory systems under the Tinubu administration.

    Yakubu noted that the delisting by the European Union Commission followed resolutions taken at the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) plenaries.

    During the sessions held in June and October, last year, Nigeria was adjudged to have made sufficient progress in strengthening its Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) framework.

    “The removal of Nigeria from the EU high-risk money laundering list is a strong endorsement of President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to financial transparency, institutional reforms, and global best practices.

    “It sends a powerful signal to the international community that Nigeria is back on the path of credibility, responsibility, and economic competitiveness,” the statement said.

    Read Also: JUST IN: Tinubu in closed-door meeting with Kano Governor, Yusuf

    The EU Commission, in its updated list of high-risk jurisdictions, also removed Burkina Faso, Mali, Mozambique, South Africa, and Tanzania, after their successful exit from the FATF list of jurisdictions under increased monitoring.

    According to the commission, Nigeria and the other delisted countries have closed key technical and operational gaps in their AML/CFT regimes and fulfilled commitments outlined in their FATF action plans.

    Yakubu said Nigeria’s delisting would have far-reaching implications for the economy, particularly in easing financial transactions with European countries.

    The ATT convener explained that Nigerian banks, businesses and other financial institutions would no longer be subjected to automatic enhanced due diligence requirements, which were previously imposed on transactions involving high-risk jurisdictions.

    “This development will reduce compliance costs, improve the ease of doing business and enhance Nigeria’s attractiveness as a destination for foreign direct investment, especially from the European Union.”

    “At a time of intense global competition for capital, this achievement strengthens Nigeria’s standing as a reliable economic partner,” Yakubu added.

    He also praised key institutions involved in the reform process, including the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), regulators, law enforcement agencies and the National Assembly, for their collaborative role in strengthening Nigeria’s financial integrity architecture.

    He referenced remarks by the Minister of State for Finance, Doris Anite, who described the delisting as a “big win for Nigeria” and a boost to trade and investor confidence.

    The ATT convener also alluded to the comments by the Chief Executive Officer of the NFIU, Hafsat Bakari, who called the decision an important external validation of Nigeria’s reform efforts.

    Yakubu recalled that Nigeria was removed from the FATF grey list last October, having been placed on it in February 2023, a development that had negatively affected investor confidence and capital inflows.

    The ATT convener noted that studies by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) had shown that grey-listed countries typically suffer significant reductions in foreign investment.

    “President Tinubu’s administration has demonstrated that with political will, coordination and national ownership, Nigeria can overcome long-standing structural challenges.

    “This achievement should, however, not lead to complacency. Sustaining these gains requires continuous reforms, vigilance and adaptation to emerging financial crime risks,” Yakubu said.

    According to him, the EU delisting places a renewed responsibility on all stakeholders to maintain momentum ahead of Nigeria’s next FATF mutual evaluation scheduled for 2027.

    Yakubu added: “The Arewa Think Tank urges the Federal Government to build on this success by deepening reforms, strengthening institutions and ensuring that Nigeria’s financial system remains resilient, transparent and globally competitive.”

    The organization said the EU decision not only reinforced international confidence in Nigeria’s financial system but also underscores the country’s role as a cooperative and responsible participant in the global financial architecture.

  • APC constitutional review highlights youth, gender inclusion

    APC constitutional review highlights youth, gender inclusion

    Youths and gender inclusiveness dominated memoranda submitted by APC members at the North-East public hearing on the party’s constitutional amendment in Maiduguri on Monday.

    Declaring the hearing open, Borno Governor, Babagana Zulum, commended the APC National Executive Committee for creating a platform to strengthen internal democracy.

    Represented by his deputy, Alhaji Umar Kadafur, Zulum endorsed greater gender inclusiveness and emphasised increased youth participation in political activities at all party levels.

    He described the proposed amendment as timely and strategic, aimed at strengthening internal democracy, enhancing transparency, and improving grassroots mobilisation.

    “Central to these reforms are decentralisation of power, improvement of candidate selection, and increased representation of women and youths, the driving force of the party,” Zulum said.

    The governor urged participants to prioritise transparency, inclusiveness, credibility, and fairness in candidate selection and all party processes.

    Zulum also advocated mandatory regular local elections, consultations, and engagements to sustain the party’s vitality at the grassroots.

    APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, said the constitution review followed President Bola Tinubu’s directive to accommodate Nigerians’ diverse interests within the party.

    Represented by Deputy National Chairman (North) Ali Bukar Dalori, Yilwatda assured that all memoranda submitted would be carefully considered.

    Read Also: Obasanjo holds closed-door meeting with Babangida in Minna

    Similarly, APC National Legal Adviser, Murtala Aliyu Kankiya, expressed optimism the review would produce a transformative constitution rooted in justice, fairness, equity, and democratic ideals.

    Kankiya said the amendment would address administrative lapses and strengthen the party’s internal mechanisms.

    In his presentation, Constitution Review Committee Chairman and Yobe Governor, Mai Mala Buni, said the review aimed to ensure fairness in democratic processes.

    Represented by his deputy, Alhaji Idi Barde Gubana, Buni said the amendment was inspired by President Tinubu’s performance across various development sectors.

    He expressed confidence that state-level party executives and stakeholders had scrutinised the constitution and submitted necessary amendments.

    Buni urged party executives to strictly adhere to rules during congresses to avoid unnecessary litigation.

    He also proposed amending sections denying party executives and State Working Committee members the right to vote for aspirants during primaries.

    National Deputy Women Leader, Hajiya Zainab Ibrahim, submitted a memo seeking to reposition women for greater political participation.

    Meanwhile, Gombe State did not submit a memo, citing confidence in the review committee’s integrity and competence.

    Taraba called for a constitutional provision requiring defectors seeking readmission to secure endorsements from at least two-thirds of ward members.

    Similarly, Bauchi State urged firm measures against defections, proposing that defectors should not contest elective offices immediately after joining the APC.

    (NAN)

  • Adamawa progressive elders council endorses Tinubu for 2027 

    Adamawa progressive elders council endorses Tinubu for 2027 

    The Adamawa Progressive Elders Council (APEC) has formally endorsed President Bola Tinubu for re-election come 2027.

    Reaffirming its loyalty to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its commitment to the unity and progress of the party in Adamawa State, the APC support group said Tinubu has done well enough to merit a second term.

    The resolution to support Tinubu’s re-election was reached at a well-attended meeting of the Council held in Yola, where it was reiterated that the Elders Council was constituted to, among other things, build a formidable APC structure capable of delivering President Bola Tinubu and all APC candidates in the 2027 electoral cycle.

    Read Also: Tinubu has ended Southeast’s roads nightmare, says Umahi

    The Yola meeting was attended by eminent party stakeholders, including a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, former governors, serving and former ministers, former members of the national and state houses of assembly, former state cabinet members, current federal appointees, and other high-profile APC leaders from across the state.

    In a communique signed by the Vice Chairman of the Council, Senator Abubakar Girei and the Secretary, Mrs Olvadi Madayi, the Council which comprises  prominent APC members drawn from all 21 local government areas of Adamawa State, commended President Tinubu for appointing the Leader of the Party, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, to what it described as the most sensitive and strategic position in government. 

    It also expressed appreciation for the various federal appointments extended to Adamawa indigenes, and resolved to cascade its activities to local government and ward levels to strengthen grassroots engagement, facilitate early identification of disputes, and ensure prompt conflict resolution.

  • Why Kaduna will support Tinubu’s re-election, by Uba Sani

    Why Kaduna will support Tinubu’s re-election, by Uba Sani

    Governor Uba Sani has pledged that Kaduna State will support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election because of the dividends of democracy that he has brought to the state and the country at large.

    The governor, who listed projects that were executed by Federal Government and those that it has attracted in Kaduna State, spoke on Sunday during a stakeholders’ engagement on the ongoing e-registration of APC members across the country.

    Addressing Zone 2 stakeholders, Governor Uba Sani said that Kaduna State is targeting 2.5 million members in the ongoing exercise because APC is now the dominant party in the State.

    The Governor argued that his inclusive development model, where projects are spread across the state and President Tinubu’s projects in Kaduna State, have made members of the opposition to defect to the APC in large numbers.

    According to Governor Uba Sani, the President has supported the Kaduna State Light Rail project to the tune of N1 billion, which he described as unprecedented in the whole of northern Nigeria.

    He maintained that no other subnational has enjoyed this kind of support, apart from Lagos State, for the execution of the Light Rail Project in the whole of Nigeria.

    ‘’Only three weeks ago, I was in China, in the company of the Director General of Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership, at the instance of President Bola Tinubu, who has also decided that Kaduna State would be the pilot state to embark on a major poultry project.

    ‘’The project will generate at least 350,000 jobs. Already, the federal government has approved $200 million for it and Kaduna State will have the biggest poultry project in South-Saharan Africa and the ground breaking will be done in the next three weeks,’’ he added.

    The Governor added that the project will also support 10,000 direct and indirect small businesses, particularly SMEs, those that are allied to poultry farming.

    ‘’ Again, we must thank our leader, President Bola Tinubu, for approving the construction of Mando to Birnin Gwari road, which is very critical, as well as re-construction of Kwoi to Jama’a road,’’ he added.

    Governor Uba Sani also said that a lot of projects have also been approved in partnership between Kaduna State Government and the office of the Right Honourable Speaker, Tajuddeen Abbas, in the current budget, for Zone 1.

    He pointed out that Zone 1, or northern senatorial district, has benefited more than any zone in Kaduna State, adding that having House Speaker Abbas has been a blessing.

    The Governor added that Zone 1 is also lucky to have the Minister of Environment, Malam Balarabe Abbas Lawal, who has done very well in supporting Kaduna State generally.

    ‘’When you look at some of the major projects that we are embarking on, under ACRESal, addressing erosion and other climate issues, he has played a pivotal role in that regard.

    ‘’In the next one or two months, we will be doing ground breaking for one of the major projects in Zaria and Rigasa, totaling about N53 billion, courtesy of the support and effort of the Minister of Environment, Mallam Balarabe Abbas.

    ‘’So I can say that we are very lucky, we have people that are working for the Federal Government from our State that have been able to attract very important projects to our state,’’ he added.

    Governor Uba Sani further said that with all that the State Government has done for the people of Kaduna State and the projects that President Tinubu has attracted to the subnational, it will be one of the leading states in the e-registration exercise.

    Earlier, the Governor had held similar engagements with stakeholders from Zone 2 on Saturday, comprising APC members from Kaduna North and Kaduna South, Chikun, Kajuru, Igabi, Birnin Gwari and Giwa local government areas.

    On Sunday, the Governor and senior government officials also met with stakeholders from Zone 1, which is made up of Zaria, Sabon Gari, Soba, Makarfi, Kubau, Kudan, Ikara and Lere local governments.

    Likewise, he interacted with stakeholders from Zangon Kataf, Kachai, Jaba, Jemaá, Kaura, Kaura, Kagarko and Sanga local governments of zone 3, or southern Kaduna senatorial district on Sunday.

  • Kaduna Assembly assures of speedy passage of bill seeking to provide life skills for girls

    Kaduna Assembly assures of speedy passage of bill seeking to provide life skills for girls

    The chairman, Kaduna State House of Assembly Committee on Education, Mahmud Ismaila, has assured lawmakers’ commitment to pass the draft bill seeking to ensure protection and provide life skills for the girl-child.

    Ismaila gave the assurance during a one-day follow-up critical stakeholders’ meeting on the strategic institutionalisation of life skills under the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) project, organised by the Centre for Girls’ Education (CGE) in collaboration with the Kaduna State Government in Abuja.

    The discussion focused on policy reforms and legislative actions, including updates on a draft bill to institutionalise life skills as a co-curricular subject across public secondary schools in Kaduna State.

    The lawmaker assured stakeholders of the Assembly’s commitment to fast-tracking the draft bill.

    “The essence of this bill is to protect our children and ensure quality education through Life Skills,” Ismaila said.

    According to Ismaila, lawmakers would focus on ensuring the law is implementable, avoids duplication and clearly delivers its intended objectives.

    He added that the Assembly had advised the Ministry of Education to establish a technical committee to refine the draft bill and develop an interim policy framework pending its passage into law.

    Also speaking at the event, Executive Director, Centre for Girls’ Education (CGE), Habiba Mohammed, said discussions had moved beyond pilot programmes to system-wide reform aimed at embedding Life Skills permanently within the state’s education framework.

    Mohammed said, “What we are seeing today is a shift from project-based experimentation to long-term system reform. Evidence from multiple programmes shows Life Skills education improves school retention, strengthens decision-making among girls, delays harmful practices, and improves relationships between schools, families, and communities.”

    Mohammed noted that CGE’s Safe Space model, which blends life skills, literacy, numeracy, health education, and mentorship, has been implemented for over 18 years across Northern Nigeria, delivering consistent results across different communities.

    In her remarks, AGILE Project Coordinator for Kaduna State, Maryam Dabgaji explained the push for institutionalisation was driven by the scale of investment already made under the World Bank-supported project and the need for sustainability beyond its lifespan.

    “The AGILE project is nearing closure, and a lot of investment has gone into Life Skills education. We want the state government to sustain this investment by making Life Skills part of the normal school system, so that it continues even after the project ends,” Dabgaji said.

    She explained that broad stakeholder buy-in, including from religious leaders, parents, legislators and budget authorities, was critical to avoiding community resistance and ensuring effective implementation.

    “Life Skills cannot be institutionalised by pronouncement alone,” she said. “There must be policy backing, budget lines, trained teachers and mentors, and community understanding,” she added.

    Permanent Secretary, Kaduna State Ministry of Information, Bashir Mohammed, said the initiative aligned with the state’s commitment to inclusive governance and long-term peacebuilding.

    He said the ministry will work with local governments and community structures to drive awareness and public understanding of the reform

    Mohammed said, “When Life Skills are integrated into education, the benefits are not only immediate; they extend decades into the future. A child who acquires skills early is less likely to depend on government jobs and more likely to contribute productively to society.”

    The meeting, held under the AGILE project, brought together state lawmakers, education policymakers, religious and community leaders, civil society groups, and development partners.

    Participants reviewed progress on a draft bill seeking to make Life Skills a co-curricular, non-examinable subject across public secondary schools in Kaduna State, as well as pathways for embedding the programme into existing education policies and budgets ahead of the AGILE project’s closure.

  • Kogi East backs Ododo’s second term, seeks return of power to zone in 2031

    Kogi East backs Ododo’s second term, seeks return of power to zone in 2031

    Stakeholders from Kogi East have endorsed Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for a second term in 2027 and resolved to pursue a strategic alliance aimed at returning political power to the senatorial district in 2031.

    This was part of resolutions reached at the Kogi East Political Summit held on Friday, January 16, 2026, at the Auditorium of Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba, Kogi State.

    The communiqué was signed by Professor David Avon Menenge, Secretary of the Planning Committee, and Barrister Musa Isiaka, Chairman of the Planning Committee.

    The summit, organised by the Kogi Elites Forum, brought together scholars from academia, traditional and religious leaders, civil society organisations, women and youth groups, students, faith-based organisations, and Kogi East indigenes in the diaspora.

    Participants deliberated on the long-standing aspiration of Kogi East for fairness, social justice, equity and sustainable development, while acknowledging the economic constraints and political challenges confronting the district in its bid to regain the governorship of the state.

    In a keynote address, the guest speaker, Professor Ilemona Adofu, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Nasarawa State University, presented an analysis of past Kogi State elections, stressing that numerical strength alone does not guarantee electoral victory. 

    He argued that Kogi East must pursue a statewide political agenda rather than an ethnic-based approach and cautioned that dislodging an incumbent governor requires broad, strategic alliances across senatorial districts.

    Speakers at the summit also paid tribute to the founding fathers of Kogi State, including Senator Ahmadu Ali, General Salihu Ibrahim and Senator Tunde Ogbeha, for their leadership roles in the state’s political evolution.

    Read Also: Tinubu congratulates Ododo on birthday

    The summit noted that the 2027 general election presents a critical opportunity for Kogi East to reset its political strategy. 

    Stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to sustained advocacy, unity of purpose, consultations and collaboration with other parts of the state to strengthen the district’s quest for power.

    In a 10-point communiqué issued at the end of the meeting, participants called for an urgent and workable alliance with Kogi Central, where the incumbent governor hails from, as a pathway to returning power to Kogi East.

    The summit appraised Governor Ododo’s two years in office, scoring him “very highly” on developmental initiatives and his handling of security challenges across the state. Consequently, participants unanimously endorsed him to seek re-election in 2027, with an understanding that power should return to Kogi East after the completion of his second term in 2031.

    The gathering also unveiled a “Movement for Strategic Alliance,” a mobilisation platform aimed at promoting peaceful elections devoid of violence and political malpractice in the state.

    It further resolved that a high-level committee comprising eminent leaders from Kogi East, Central and West be constituted to work out modalities for the rotation of power after 2031. While recognising Kogi West’s aspiration to produce the next governor, the summit demanded a level playing field for candidates from both Kogi East and Kogi West at the expiration of Governor Ododo’s tenure.

    As part of its implementation strategy, the summit announced the establishment of the Kogi Elites Strategic Group (KESG) to drive its resolutions. Traditional rulers were also encouraged to form a Kogi East Council of Traditional Rulers to enhance consultations and collaboration with government and other stakeholders.

    Participants commended the proposed establishment of a military barrack at Ogidibeje Junction and applauded the Chief of Army Staff, the Federal Government and the Kogi State Government for the initiative. They recommended the creation of a local security body to work with the barrack to further strengthen security in the state.

    The summit concluded with expressions of appreciation to traditional rulers, spiritual leaders, political party representatives, academics, speakers and panelists, as well as the organisers and the management of Prince Abubakar Audu University for their roles in the success of the event.

  • Arewa group plans northern convention to tackle insecurity, shape 2027 politics

    Arewa group plans northern convention to tackle insecurity, shape 2027 politics

    • …blames rising insecurity on weak prosecution of criminals, culture of impunity
    • …calls on Northern leaders to emulate Sardauna’s values of integrity, unity, institution-building

    The Rebuild Arewa Initiative for Development (RAI4D) has announced plans to convene a major regional convention aimed at forging a unified strategy on security, development and inclusive governance ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    The group disclosed this on Friday in Abuja while briefing journalists on activities lined up to mark the 2026 Sardauna Memorial Day. 

    It said the proposed convention, scheduled for April, would provide a non-partisan platform for stakeholders across Northern Nigeria to collectively address the region’s pressing socio-economic, political and security challenges.

    Speaking at the briefing, RAID’s Director of Communications and Publicity, Comrade Bitako Abubakar Umar, said the convention would bring together political, traditional and religious leaders, as well as youth and women groups, civil society organisations, professionals and business leaders from across the North.

    According to him, participants are expected to work towards articulating a common position on restoring peace, tackling poverty and unemployment, reviving education and strengthening governance in the region.

    Umar explained that the initiative is designed to produce a people-driven roadmap that would help guide leadership choices and policy direction in the build-up to the 2027 polls, while reaffirming the North’s commitment to unity, constructive engagement and national development.

    He warned that the prevailing insecurity in the region, marked by banditry, terrorism, farmer-herder conflicts and kidnappings, poses a grave threat not only to Northern Nigeria but also to the country’s overall stability and prosperity.

    Fielding questions from journalists, Umar attributed the worsening security situation to weak prosecution of criminal elements, poor governance and the failure to effectively implement key social policies, particularly in the education sector. 

    He lamented what he described as a culture of impunity, noting that reports of past commissions of inquiry were rarely followed by concrete prosecutions.

    He also criticised the payment of ransom to kidnappers, arguing that it reinforces inequality and further incentivises criminal activity. 

    Umar added that the poor implementation of the Universal Basic Education policy has contributed to the growing number of out-of-school children, many of whom, he said, are vulnerable to recruitment by extremist and criminal groups operating in the region.

    Beyond security concerns, Umar said political interference, historical injustices and selective remembrance of national leaders have continued to fuel discontent in the North, stressing the need for inclusive dialogue and broader recognition of shared sacrifices in Nigeria’s nation-building process.

    Earlier, RAI4D’s Secretary, Kabiru Duhu, renewed calls for Northern Nigeria to emulate the leadership philosophy of Sir Ahmadu Bello, describing his legacies as critical to addressing insecurity, poverty and weak institutions.

    Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto and Premier of Northern Nigeria from 1954 until his assassination in 1966, was widely regarded as a visionary statesman who prioritised education, unity, institutional development and moral leadership.

    Duhu recalled that the Sardauna’s administration established landmark institutions, including Ahmadu Bello University, alongside teachers’ colleges, scholarship schemes and agricultural initiatives that drove economic growth and social cohesion across the region. 

    He noted that the Sardauna’s inclusive governance style, personal integrity and long-term planning remain highly relevant in addressing contemporary challenges.

  • Dr Akpa builds free state-of-the-art hospital in Ankpa

    Dr Akpa builds free state-of-the-art hospital in Ankpa

    A state-of-the-art hospital is being constructed in Ankpa Local Government Area of Kogi State by Dr Engr. Stephen Achema Akpa is nearing completion, with work reported to be about 70 per cent finished.

    Dr Akpa, who is the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Zoe New Dawn Nigeria Limited and Rehoboth City Estate, said the facility is intended to improve access to quality healthcare in the area. According to project details, the hospital is designed to provide modern medical services, with plans for medications to be offered free of charge to patients.

    The project has been described by residents as a major intervention in a community that has long faced challenges in accessing adequate healthcare services. When completed, the facility is expected to ease the burden on families who often travel long distances for medical treatment.

    Beyond the hospital project, Dr Akpa has been involved in several philanthropic initiatives across Kogi State and the Federal Capital Territory. These include the distribution of food items during festive periods, educational support through scholarship programmes, and financial assistance aimed at supporting individuals and families.

    Read Also: Sampling Fela music doesn’t make you him – Seun Kuti

    In addition to his humanitarian efforts, Dr Akpa is also active in real estate development through Zoe New Dawn Nigeria Limited. The company has ongoing and completed estate projects in locations such as Maitama 2, Katampe Extension, Guzape 2, Apo Wassa, Apo Gude, Jabi, Dakibiyu, Lugbe, and Gwarinpa in Abuja. The developments are designed as integrated communities, incorporating healthcare facilities, schools, shopping centres, and recreational spaces.

    As construction progresses at the Ankpa hospital site, community leaders and residents have expressed optimism that the project will contribute significantly to improved healthcare delivery and overall social development in the area.

    The initiative adds to growing private-sector participation in addressing healthcare and infrastructure gaps, particularly at the grassroots level, where access to essential services remains limited.

  • Onuigbo lauds unveiling of Nigeria’s carbon market framework

    Onuigbo lauds unveiling of Nigeria’s carbon market framework

    Nigeria’s champion of climate change, Sam Onuigbo has hailed the unveiling of Nigeria’s Carbon Market Framework at the ongoing Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW).

    Onuigbo said the approval of the carbon market framework shows that Nigeria was ready to attract the much-needed investment into green sectors of the economy.

    According to him, Nigeria’s participation in the ongoing Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) was not only a great opportunity to consolidate on its gains, but also a crucial step towards advancing the country’s climate action agenda.

    Onuigbo, a two-term federal lawmaker, who sponsored Nigeria’s signature Climate Change Act in 2021, praised President Bola Tinubu’s continued participation in the sustainability dialogue, stressing that the President’s engaging interest has helped in strengthening international partnerships and accelerating sustainable development.

    Onuigbo, who is attending the ADSW, said that the global event, apart from being one of the world’s leading sustainability platforms, provides Nigeria with such a rare opportunity to align its national priorities with global climate solutions.

    Dismissing the suggestion in some quarters that the event was not worth Nigeria’s attendance, Onuigbo, who is a member of the North East Development Commission (NEDC), maintained that ADSW 2026 is not just another international conference for Nigeria stressing that it is a strategic space where climate ambition meets real investment, innovation, and action.

    He stated: “Nigeria’s presence signals our readiness to transition to a greener economy while addressing energy poverty, unemployment, and climate vulnerability.

    Read Also: Tinubu has done very well for his reelection in 2027 – Onuigbo

    “Nigeria’s participation is boosted by the physical presence and address by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu both in 2025 and 2026. It is heartwarming that the President in his speech mentioned Nigeria’s readiness to partner with the rest of the world and even extended an open invitation to them.

    “Not that alone, the President signalled Nigeria’s firm commitment to a green and inclusive transition, declaring that the country is aligning climate action with energy access, economic goals and social development.

    “I want to commend Mr. President for announcing that Nigeria will co-host Investopia with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in Lagos in February as part of efforts to attract global investors and accelerate sustainable investment inflows into the country.”

    Onuigbo disclosed that Nigeria’s attendance will strengthen its influence in global climate and sustainability discussions

    He added: “As Africa’s most populous country and largest economy, Nigeria’s development choices have far-reaching implications for the continent.

    “Participation at ADSW allows our country to clearly present its climate challenges ranging from flooding and desertification to energy access gaps while contributing African perspectives to global policy conversations.”

    According to him, the investment potential of the event is huge, saying: “Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week attracts global financiers, development partners, and technology providers focused on renewable energy, climate-smart agriculture, water security, and green infrastructure.”

    He added: “Nigeria’s engagement creates direct pathways for funding solar and wind energy projects, waste-to-energy initiatives, and sustainable transport systems. At a time when Nigeria is pushing for an energy transition that leaves no one behind, ADSW provides access to investors who are actively seeking bankable green projects in emerging markets and this can translate into jobs, improved power supply, and sustainable economic growth.”