The Nation Newspaper

Category: Northern Reports

  • Abdulrazaq inaugurates steering committee, hands over Kampe Game Reserve to FG

    Abdulrazaq inaugurates steering committee, hands over Kampe Game Reserve to FG

    Kwara Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq on Tuesday inaugurated a steering committee for the transfer of the Kampe Games Reserve to the Federal Government as a National Park.

    The Governor also officially handed over the reserve to the Federal Government as a national park. 

    The reserve is located in Patigi Local Government Area of the State. Its handover followed the presidential declaration of November 2020, and the subsequent passage by the National Assembly. 

    The Governor called it a significant step taken to improve the environment and advance the sustainability of the natural resources.

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    “Today marks a crucial moment in our collective efforts. The inauguration of the Steering Committee is a fulfillment of the Federal Government’s roadmap for the transformation of the Kampe Games Reserve into a National Park,” the Governor said at the inauguration ceremony in Ilorin.

    The committee, which comprises cabinet members, traditional leaders, and other senior citizens, is tasked with guiding the process and bringing their invaluable experience to ensure the successful transition. 

    “Our commitment to this initiative stems from our desire to offer Kwara State greater opportunities for growth,” the Governor said through Deputy Governor Kayode Alabi. 

    “We aim to position our state on the global map for biodiversity conservation, environmental sustainability, and the effective management of our human and natural resources.

    “The Kampe Games Reserve, named after the Kampe River, is one of Kwara State’s natural treasures. It is a gift of nature, and our responsibility is to preserve and enhance it for the benefit of future generations.” 

    Abdulrazaq congratulated the committee members and tasked them to participate actively in the process to conserve the park and contribute to a sustainable future for all Nigerians.

    Minister of Environment Mallam Balarabe Abbas Lawal, who was represented by the Conservator General National Park Service, Ibrahim Goni, said former President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari had approved the upgrade of 10 Forest and Game Reserves to National Parks, including Kampe Forest Reserve, increasing the total number of National Parks in Nigeria to 17.

    He said the establishment aligns with the country’s efforts to meet global biodiversity conservation targets outlined in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) and to enhance internal security. 

    He commended the Governor’s swift response to the call by the Federal Government, adding “your commitment to protecting our planet is truly commendable, and your role in the sustainable development of our Nation is invaluable”. 

    Chairperson of the Committee and Commissioner for Environment Hon. Nafisat Musa Buge said the development offers opportunities for environmental restoration, biodiversity regeneration, and an additional tourist site in the state.

    “As a state, we acknowledge that this new status of KAMPE will be of immense benefits to us, the neighbouring and adjoining communities to Kampe, and indeed neighbouring states,” she said. 

    Emir of Patigi Ibrahim Umar Bologi II thanked the Governor for taking a bold step to hand over the KAMPE reserve to National Park.

    He pledged the support of the Emirate for the Federal Government towards the realization of the project.

  • Ladoja vs Akande: Arewa Think Tank calls for probe into unresolved high-profile assassinations

    Ladoja vs Akande: Arewa Think Tank calls for probe into unresolved high-profile assassinations

    The Arewa Think Tank (ATT) has weighed in on the controversy surrounding former Osun State Governor Chief Adebisi Akande’s claim that ex-Oyo State Governor, Chief Rashidi Ladoja may have information on the 2001 assassination of former Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Chief Bola Ige. 

    Ladoja has strongly denied the allegation, threatening legal action against Akande. 

    In a statement on Tuesday, ATT’s Chief Convener, Muhammad Alhaji Yakubu, noted that the exchange between Akande and Ladoja presents an opportunity to revisit past unresolved assassinations of prominent Nigerians. 

    The group urged President Bola Tinubu to take immediate action by launching a fresh probe into similar high-profile killings across the country.

    “Arewa Think Tank stands by Chief Adebisi Akande’s narrative. In furtherance to this narrative, we are urging President Bola Tinubu to probe past high-profile murders of senior citizens in the country, including Harry Marshall and Dokubo, among other such killings so that historical justice can be done to those affected families.

    “In addition, we have it on good authority that it was Ladoja’s government that filed a Nolle Prosequi in the lower court. And that is why the case didn’t get to the Supreme Court. If however the case had gone to the Supreme Court, it wouldn’t have served public interest for the evidence such as the case number to be published,” the statement said.

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    Akande had in a recent interview implied that Ladoja might have crucial information about Ige’s murder. He lamented that individuals who could have provided clarity on the case, such as former Oyo State governor Lam Adesina, had passed away.

    The elder statesman suggested that Ladoja had a role in withdrawing Ige’s murder case, asserting that Adesina had pursued the matter legally before Ladoja took over as governor.

    “There are many things that die with people,” Akande said. “Lam Adesina went to court over this matter, but his successor, Ladoja, withdrew the case. If you ask him, he would know more about Bola Ige’s death.”

    Akande, who served as Osun State governor at the time of Ige’s assassination, maintained that since Adesina was the chief security officer of Oyo State, he was in a better position to investigate the case.

    He added that crucial conversations he had with Adesina about the case could not be disclosed. “Now that Bola Ige and Lam Adesina are both dead, who will be my witness?” Akande said.

    However, the report said Ladoja dismissed Akande’s remarks as baseless and untrue. 

    He emphasised that his administration did not interfere with the case and stated that it was pursued by the Supreme Court.

    He also clarified that he assumed office 18 months after Ige’s assassination, making any suggestion of his involvement illogical and false.

    “Chief Bola Ige was murdered on December 23, 2001, while I became governor on May 29, 2003,” Ladoja stated. “Neither I nor my government withdrew the case. It was prosecuted by the Supreme Court.

    “Chief Akande has falsely accused me and this is not the first time he has been called out for making untrue statements – Baba Adebanjo even noted this in his book.”

    Ladoja expressed his sorrow over Ige’s death and highlighted his close relationship with the late minister. 

    He also issued a warning to Akande, demanding a public retraction and apology, failing which he would consider legal action.

    Chief Bola Ige, chieftain of the opposition Alliance for Democracy (AD), was appointed Minister of Mines and Power by President Olusegun Obasanjo in 1999. However, after failing to achieve significant progress in Nigeria’s power sector, he was reassigned as Minister of Justice and Attorney General in 2000.

    On December 23, 2001, he was assassinated at his Ibadan residence, a case that remains unresolved.

  • NCDC: Tinubu has changed the narrative for North Central – Ex-Nasarawa commissioner

    NCDC: Tinubu has changed the narrative for North Central – Ex-Nasarawa commissioner

    Former Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism during the first tenure of Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State, comrade Dogo Shammah has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for changing the narrative in the North Central region by signing into law the North Central Development Commission (NCDC) bill.

    Comrade Dogo Shammah, also a former NUJ state chairman in a press statement, he signed and a copy made available on Wednesday to our correspondent in Lafia described the President’s action as a milestone development for the geo-political region.

    He said: “You will recall that the president of the Nigeria Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio announced on Tuesday during plenary the coming onboard of the commission, which I believe will provide sustainable life achievements to citizenry.

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    “I believe that the NCDC will be a game changer for the region which has not in the past felt the presence of Federal Government projects execution just as being enjoyed by other regions.

    “It is no more a doubt that the sponsor of the bill, member representing Akw/N. Eggon and Wamba federal constituency at the National Assembly Hon. Jerry Umaru, has again proved his commitment to the well-being of his constituents as a people’s ambassador at the National Assembly.

    “Your consistent engagements on the floor of the National Assembly always make your constituents proud as you have proved your worthiness and competence.

     “I believe that the NCDC will strengthen the economy and infrastructural development of the zone as white as accelerate social engagements for the well-being of the people of the North Central Zone.

    “May I also use this opportunity to commend the Governor of Nasarawa State, Eng. Abdullahi Sule, for his continued support to the member representing Akwanga-Nasarawa Eggon and Wamba Federal Constituency, Hon Jeremiah Umaru

    “The citing of the headquarters of the commission in Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital is a well thought choice considering the peaceful and friendly nature of the people Nasarawa State”

  • Kaduna group hits El-Rufai for distracting Gov Sani

    Kaduna group hits El-Rufai for distracting Gov Sani

    The Kaduna Good Governance Forum (KGGF) has condemned former Kaduna Governor Nasir el-Rufai’s alleged attempts to rewrite history and act as the owner of the state. 

    The group accused el-Rufai of harassment and distraction of incumbent Governor Uba Sani while threatening him with the 2027 general elections.

    According to the forum, el-Rufai’s actions smack of desperation to rewrite history and suit his narrative. 

    They argued that his threats towards Governor Sani are a threat to democracy, as only the people of Kaduna state have the right to decide their leader.

    In a statement by Comrade Richard Amos, the forum praised Governor Sani’s efforts in healing the wounds of insecurity and corruption that characterised el-Rufai’s tenure. 

    They criticised el-Rufai’s alleged inability to tackle insecurity in the northwest while in office.

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    The Kaduna Good Governance Forum demanded that el-Rufai stop his alleged revisionism and allow the current administration to continue its work in restoring peace and unity to Kaduna State.

    “He is a retired former politician who is traipsing the country, trying to form a collective of those who had failed in public office and are too bitter at being rejected.

    “We urge el-Rufai to desist from any further threats and allow the current administration to continue its work in restoring peace and unity to Kaduna State while focusing on how to explain how money was spent in his tenure

    “The Kaduna Good Governance Forum demands that el-Rufai immediately stop his attempt at revisionism, as the people are too enlightened to fall for such a cheap trick.”

  • NCDC: Tinubu is a listening president, says North Central APC Forum

    NCDC: Tinubu is a listening president, says North Central APC Forum

    President Bola Tinubu has been described by the North Central All Progressives Congress Forum as a “Listening President” for his commitment to addressing the grassroots’ demands for equitable development. 

    This followed the signing into the law of the North Central Development Commission (NCDC) by the President as announced by the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio on Tuesday on the floor of the Senate.

    According to the Forum, President Tinubu’s decisive action has validated the zone’s confidence in his leadership, further strengthening their support for his bid for a second term in office.

    The Forum recalled that previous attempts by regional leaders to establish a development commission for the zone had been unsuccessful. 

    It noted that a bill for the North-Central Development Commission passed its first and second readings in the 9th National Assembly but failed to secure presidential assent before the end of former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.

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    Stressing that President Tinubu is an empathetic leader with a listening ear, Forum Chairman, Saleh Zazzaga, said that just days ago the Forum decried the exclusion of the North-Central region from the N2.493 trillion allocated to regional development commissions in the proposed 2025 budget, being the only zone among the six geopolitical zones without a Development Commission.

    The Nation reports that the Ministry of Regional Development was created by President Bola Tinubu in October 2025 to replace the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs.

    Reacting to the development, Zazzaga, a member of the APC presidential campaign council during the 2023 election, in a statement on Tuesday, said, “The North-Central APC Forum commends President Bola Tinubu for signing into law the bill establishing the North-Central Development Commission.

    “The President’s action shows that he is a listening President. 

    “He has listened to the cries of the North-Central APC Forum which has been agitating for the creation of a Development Commission for the North-Central, as had been done for the other geo-political zones – for the sake of equity and justice. 

    “Just a few days ago, we cried out that the exclusion of the North-Central in the N2.493 trillion allocated to regional development commissions in the proposed 2025 budget amounted to injustice and marginalization.

    “We cried out that such injustice is unacceptable to the people of the North-Central, who deserve to be treated as equals to other Nigerians, rather than being subjected to marginalization and neglect. 

    “For us in the North-Central APC Forum, the exclusion was even more worrisome because in the last election, after the South-West, the North-Central is second in terms of general acceptability of President Bola Tinubu.

    “Today we feel that we have been vindicated for giving our support to President Bola Tinubu during the 2023 election. He has listened to our cries”. 

    According to Zazzaga, President Tinubu’s action has justified the North Central geo-political zone’s confidence in him, which prompted the Forum to endorse him for a second term. 

    “The establishment of the North-Central Development Commission will ensure accelerated development of the region. It will also ensure that the North-Central does not lag behind other regions in terms of development.

    “We also commend members of the National Assembly and other stakeholders, including leaders of the North-Central, who played different roles towards the establishment of a Development Commission for the region. 

    “We equally call on all the people of the North-Central to support this noble initiative in any way they can, to ensure that the Commission works for the development of the region,” he added.

    The APC Forum, however, called for a supplementary budget to fund projects under the North-Central Development Commission within the 2025 fiscal year, as is the case with other regions.

  • Katsina records sharp decline in food prices as security, agriculture improve

    Katsina records sharp decline in food prices as security, agriculture improve

    …collaboration with FG leads price reduction, says Radda

    Katsina state has witnessed a significant drop in food prices, thanks to a strong partnership with the federal government aimed at addressing insecurity and revitalizing agriculture.

    Governor Umar Dikko Radda attributed this positive shift to a strategic focus on three key areas: agricultural development, economic growth through industrialization, and reducing the number of out-of-school children. 

    However, he noted that the most immediate and visible impact has been in the agricultural sector, driven by improved security.

    Speaking on Arise Morning Show, Governor Radda, who also chairs the North-West Governors’ Forum, commended President Bola Tinubu’s administration for its commitment and political will in tackling insecurity, which has, in turn, boosted food production and stabilized prices.

    “After our inauguration into office, we visited the President and told him that we need support to tackle insecurity in the north-west region as well as support in terms of improving agricultural productivity,” Radda explained.

    “The synergy with the federal government has paid off with the creation of the Livestock Ministry and increased support for the Ministry of Agricultural.

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    “This strategic partnership has led to an impressive increase in farmland cultivation. In the last farming season, we witnessed improvement in terms of land cultivation. Our farmers were able to cultivate about 95% of our land in Katsina state,” Radda noted, which has significantly contributed to the decline in food prices.

    “Last year, we were buying a bag of maize for above 100,000 naira. Today, a bag of maize sells for between 50,000 to 54,000 naira,” he added, celebrating the substantial price drop.

    The governor also shared details on the ongoing security dialogues, which are crucial for sustaining this agricultural revival.

    “Just yesterday, I had a meeting with the Zamfara state governor and the NSA as well as the Minister of Defence where we strategized on how to holistically look at security issues and how to address them,” he said, indicating a continuous effort to maintain the peace necessary for economic activities.

    Beyond agriculture, Governor Radda touched on educational initiatives, which are vital for long-term development.

     “On the issue of out of school children, we are tackling it head-on. Education has received the highest budgetary allocation in 2024 and 2025.

    “We are creating more schools. The initiative is to build 150 junior and senior secondary schools. 75 have been completed while 75 are ongoing. The number of available schools was inadequate to take in students being fed from the primary school system.

    The governor emphasized the significant strides being made in education, noting that there is an aggressive recruitment drive for educators. “We have recruited more than 7,000 teachers in one fell swoop,” he declared.

    He further detailed the comprehensive investment in the sector: “We have invested about 120 billion naira in education since we assumed office, focusing not only on training these new teachers but also on enhancing infrastructure, constructing new schools, and improving staff welfare and professional development.”

    Governor Radda confidently asserted, “If a statistical survey were to be conducted today on the number of out-of-school children, we would see a dramatic decrease in that number,” highlighting the effectiveness of this multi-faceted approach to uplifting the educational landscape of the region.

  • Army commissions renovated school block, borehole in Danja

    Army commissions renovated school block, borehole in Danja

    The Nigerian Army has commissioned a fully renovated and furnished Pilot Primary School awith newly constructed toilets and a solar-powered borehole in Danja Local Government Area of Katsina State.  

    Speaking during the commissioning,the projects sponsor, Major General Mohamed Dahiru Danja, said the critical demand for improved learning environments in Katsina State with over 3,000 primary schools requiring urgent repairs, had placed significant burden on the State Government.  

    He said: ”This project was conceived in December 2024, and work commenced immediately.

    ”Initially, it involved the renovation and furnishing of the school, as well as the construction of toilets,however, after considering the water scarcity challenges in the area and the importance of clean water for pupils, we included a solar-powered borehole in the project.”  

    Investigation by The Nation revealed that the renovation encompassed a complete re-roofing of the school, installation of new ceilings and the provision of 100 new desks and seats made from high-quality marine board.

     Also, 76 previously damaged seats were repaired while new staff furniture and dual-purpose writing boards were also installed in all classrooms.  

    To enhance hygiene standards, five new toilets were also constructed for both pupils and staff. 

    The solar-powered borehole, which was a key component of the project, featured a 10,000-liter storage capacity supported by two 5,000-liter overhead GP tanks.

     The borehole operates independently of electricity, powered solely by four 250-amp solar panels.  

    While addressing the headmaster and staff, Major General Danja demanded the non- commercialisation of the borehole.

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    He said: “This facility is for the use of pupils and can be extended to the nearby community on designated days, but under no circumstances should money be collected for water. Any violation will attract serious sanctions.”  

    A caretaker committee was appointed to oversee the borehole’s maintenance, including water pumping and security.  

    The commissioning ceremony was attended by top dignitaries, including the Secretary to the Katsina State Government, the Chief of Civil-Military Affairs of the Army and the General Officer Commanding the 8th Division.  

    The project initiative was seen by members of the public as aligning with the Army’s commitment to supporting local communities and enhancing educational infrastructure as the project would significantly improve learning conditions for pupils at Pilot Primary School and serve as a model for similar interventions in other parts of the state.

  • World Bank crowns Niger state best in fund disbursement

    World Bank crowns Niger state best in fund disbursement

    In a significant milestone for Niger State, it has been recognised as the top performer in fund disbursement for the year 2024, surpassing six other states in Nigeria. 

    This accolade comes from the 8th Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP) implementation support mission, with the World Bank announcing the rankings on Monday, February 3, in Abuja.

    Under the leadership of the Farmer Governor Mohammed Umar Bago, Niger State not only topped the fund disbursement category but also clinched the award for the “Overall Best in NIRTIMS (2024)” among its peers.

    Amb. Nmaa Ahmed, the Director General of RAAMP in Niger State, highlighted that the award underscores the state’s commitment to enhancing rural infrastructure. 

    “The funding has made a visible impact, with rural roads developed across the three senatorial zones of the state. The governor’s new Niger agenda is particularly focused on agriculture, which has facilitated better access to communities and farmlands,” he stated.

    He further emphasized that last year’s harvest was successfully transported to silos and storage facilities, thanks to the newly constructed rural roads. 

    Recently, Gov Bago approved over 900 million Naira in counterpart funding aimed at enhancing rural roads and market accessibility in the state.

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    Amb. Nmaa noted that over 300 kilometers of rural roads are currently under construction, alongside essential infrastructure like culverts and drainages. 

    Additionally, more than 70 kilometers of roads have been completed within 18 months.

    The Director General also extended his congratulations to the state’s Commissioner for Rural and Community Development, Hon. Phalal Bako Mohammed, as well as the state project coordinator, Ibrahim Dada and all Niger RAAMP staff for their relentless dedication and exemplary service to the state.

    This recognition reinforces Niger State’s commitment to improving rural infrastructure, paving the way for enhanced agricultural productivity and better living conditions for its residents.

  • Kaduna will balance AI with human engagement in education – Commissioner

    Kaduna will balance AI with human engagement in education – Commissioner

    Kaduna State Commissioner for Education, Professor Muhammad Sani Bello has emphasized the State’s commitment to balancing technological advancements with human engagement and autonomy in educational settings.

    He stated this on Monday at the official commemoration of this year’s International Day of Education with a focus on “AI and Education: Protecting Human Agency During a Wave of Automation”.

    Professor Bello stated that the Kaduna State government has made significant strides in integrating Artificial Intelligence technologies into the education sector, earning an award as the second runner-up on ICT Human Capital Development at the 12th National Council on Communication and Digital Economy in 2024.

    He said the initiatives include the procurement and distribution of computers, provision of internet connectivity, stable power supply through solar energy, creation of simulations for teaching and learning, and training teachers to leverage AI technologies.

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    “These efforts aim to improve access to quality education, enhance learning outcomes, and equip students and teachers with the tools needed to thrive in an increasingly automated world.

    “The state government recognizes the potential benefits of AI in education, including improved learning outcomes, enhanced critical thinking and analytical skills, and better preparation for the future workforce”, he said.

    He, however, added that the government acknowledges the risks associated with AI, including job displacement and the potential decline of human agency.

    “To mitigate these risks, the state government emphasizes the need for a thoughtful and ethical approach to AI integration, ensuring that AI complements rather than replaces human involvement in education”, he said.

    The successful commemoration of the International Day of Education was made possible through collaborations with esteemed partners, including ROOSCP, AGILE, PLANE, UNICEF, and SCI.

    “The state government expresses gratitude for the contributions of various stakeholders and reaffirms its commitment to prioritizing policies that balance innovation with human development”, the Commissioner stressed.

  • World Bank ranks Kwara Nigeria’s best in RAAMP’s counterpart payment, overall disbursement

    World Bank ranks Kwara Nigeria’s best in RAAMP’s counterpart payment, overall disbursement

    Kwara has emerged as the best State in counterpart funding payment for the RAAMP.

    The ranking was announced on Monday in Abuja at the 8th RAAMP implementation support mission, which assesses the progress of all the states as part of the preparation for the new year.

    “This is a big win for our state. It shows how committed His Excellency has been to the cause of equitable development. This award is a confirmation of his efforts to develop our state,” Commissioner for Works and Transport Engr. Abdulquawiy Olododo said shortly after the award was announced.

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    “At the session, awards across different categories were given, and Kwara won two categories. We won overall best in counterpart funding among the 19 participating states. What this means is that no state paid more counterpart funding to the programme than Kwara amongst the participating states.

    “We also won the award for overall disbursement, which means no state among the 13 states in our category drew more funds than Kwara from the World Bank and French Development Bank. The evidence for this abounds as construction works are ongoing on 209.77km roads across the state.”