Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, has concluded arrangements to offer scholarships to 1,000 students from Kano Central and South Senatorial Districts to pursue degree programmes in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) related fields through the Barau I. Jibrin Foundation (BIJF).
The beneficiaries would be the pioneer students of the seven study centres of the Federal University, Dutsin-ma, Katsina state that would be established in Kano Central and South Senatorial Districts courtesy of the Deputy President of the Senate.
The Special Adviser to the Deputy President of the Senate on Media and Publicity, Alhaji Ismail Mudashir, who disclosed this in a statement in Abuja, said Senator Barau and the university’s management concluded arrangements to establish the study centres in the two senatorial districts at the weekend.
According to the statement: “The University was represented during the meeting by Prof. Abubakar Sadik Suleiman, the Dean of the Faculty of Management Science, who is also a board member of the College of Professional and Continuing Studies; and Dr. Jamilu Ajiya, the Acting Provost of the College of Professional and Continuing Studies.
“Last year, Senator Barau facilitated the establishment of four study centres in Gwarzo, Danbatta, Dawakin Tofa, and Gabasawa local government areas in Kano North Senatorial District. Under this arrangement, more than 1,000 youth are pursuing various degree programs.
“To expand university education across the 44 LGAs of Kano State, Senator Barau, who represents Kano North Senatorial District, is establishing seven study centres in Kano Central and South Senatorial Districts through his foundation.
“The study centres will be located in the Madobi, Kiru, Tudun Wada, Rano, Gaya Dawakin Kudu, and Minjibir local government areas.
“Like in Kano North, when established, the university’s degree and diploma programmes will be offered at the seven centres in Kano Central and South Senatorial Districts.
“To launch the centres, Senator Barau is offering scholarships to 1,000 students from Kano Central and South Senatorial Districts to pursue degree programmes in ICT-related fields.”
In addition, the statement quoted Barau, who is also the First Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, to have said that: “Education is the bedrock of the development of all nations. I will continue to work towards providing qualitative education to our people across the 44 LGAs.”
Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State has honoured 35 distinguished indigenes of the state for their indelible marks in their various fields of endeavour and contributions to nation building.
The award dinner and grand ceremony was held at Government House, Kano, at the weekend, featuring cultural displays to showcase Kano’s rich heritage.
The state banquet brought together dignitaries from diverse sectors, including military officers, academics, public servants, engineers and business leaders.
Those honoured included recently promoted Generals in the Nigerian military, senior police and paramilitary officers, and Federal Permanent Secretaries of Kano origin, whose leadership and dedication have significantly impacted national security and governance.
Governor Yusuf described the event as “a night of pride, inspiration and recognition,” describing the honourees as “Kano’s finest personalities.”
Yusuf explained that the ceremony was more than awards night. “It is a celebration of Kano’s enduring legacy of excellence,” he said.
He highlighted the honorees’ dedication, resilience, and service, stressing that their achievements serve as an inspiration for future generations.
“These distinguished sons and daughters of Kano state have brought pride to the state. Their commitment to excellence is a beacon of hope for our youths who must strive to follow their footsteps.
“It is our responsibility to honour them and ensure their contributions are never forgotten,” the governor said.
The honoured individuals included Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, Prof. Shehu Galadanci, Dr. Nasiru Gwarzo, Yakubu Adamu, Major General M S Ahmed, Major General Sani Ibrahim, Air Vice Marshal M Yusuf and Air Vice Marshal G A Bello.
Others included Rear Admiral Idi Abbas, DIG Dasuki Galadanchi, DDG DSS, Alhaji Ado Muazu, Prof. Umma Abdullahi, Prof. Hadiza Galadanci, Prof. Sagir Adamu Abass, CP Hajiya Hauwa Ibrahim, Engr. Mustapha Shehu and Arc. Hauwa Hassan, among others.
Special Adviser to the Governor on National and International Relations, Mohammed Jamu, emphasised that the selection was non-political, stating that it was a ceremony of Kano’s immense talents and influence in shaping national progress.
Jamu, who chaired the organising committee, announced that the award ceremony will be institutionalised as an annual event that serves as a platform of unity, sustainable development and economic prosperity.
Deputy Benue Governor Dr. Sam Ode has congratulated Dr. Bawa Kyauta Nathan on his 47th birthday.
In a congratulatory message, Ode praised Dr. Nathan as a seasoned banker, development expert, dedicated patriot, and cherished friend.
He acknowledged his longstanding commitment to excellence and service in the banking sector, which has not only uplifted his community but also inspired countless individuals to pursue their dreams with fervor.
Ode also celebrated Dr. Nathan’s perseverance and integrity, qualities that reflect the true essence of leadership.
Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has launched the MOWA-SARA skills acquisition programme.
It is aimed at empowering women to be self-sufficient.
The project is at Karaye Local Government Area of Kano State.
It is in partnership with Wema Bank Plc.
The guests were welcomed by a mammoth crowd led by the Emir of Karaye, Alhaji Mahraz Karaye.
The initiative aligns with actualising the mandate of the ministry on economic empowerment of women, and It is designed to impact 500,000 women across the country.
The empowerment focuses on key areas such as vocational skills, access to market, digital skills for beginners and business entrepreneurship.
The skill acquisition centre for this project in Kano is strategically located in Karaye Local Government Area, which also hosts the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Orientation Camp.
Fully equipped with the basic amenities such as water, electricity and access roads, the centre is also equipped with computers for ICT training, industrial dehydrating machines, grinding machines, shredders, slicers etc, all used for training purposes.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim said the project demonstrated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s willingness iand commitment to ensuring that women are empowered across the nation.
She admonished the Karaye community to protect what the Federal Government has given to them.
She encouraged the beneficiaries not to take for granted the skill they have acquired.
The minister noted that an empowered woman adds value to her family, community and the Nation.
The highpoint of the event was the minister’s tour round the facility in company of the Emir, some directors from the Ministry of Women Affairs , Special Advisers, Karaye Local Government Chairman, Haruna Safianu , Karaye community Heads and other dignitaries.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim symbolically handed over some starter packs, food items, to representatives of different groups of Women in Karaye .
The atmosphere was filled with joy and happiness.
Encomium was showered on the minister for finding Karaye LGA worthy to pilot such laudable project.
Karaye Local Government Chairman, Alhaji Haruna Safianu on his perception of the project, referred to it as being very timely especially now that women are showing enthusiasm and readiness to be empowered.
He maintained that Karaye Local Government will do everything at their disposal to ensure collaboration , maintenance and sustainability.
The Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has reiterated the ministry’s commitment to sustaining the rehabilitation of the Chibok girls.
She commended their impressive performance at the American University of Nigeria (AUN).
Speaking during her visit to the AUN in Yola, Adamawa State, where 68 survivors are undergoing rehabilitation, the minister highlighted their strength in the face of unimaginable challenges.
The visit was to evaluate the progress and success of the girls in partnership with AUN.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim said: “I want to assure you that everybody here is important and your voice will be heard.
“We’ll work together to ensure that not just only you, not just the empowered women of Chibok, but everybody that wants to contribute will be able to reach their full potential and support the emergence of the Nigeria World Dream.
“The welfare and well-being of every citizen is a top priority for the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
“For the first time, we’re seeing an almost 1,000 per cent rise in our budget.
“It means we can do more for women and for children and for families and for the vulnerable in Nigeria.
“You all have done so well for yourselves; it is one thing for people to experience life.
“It is another thing for people to have the bounce back ability to be able to rise above it. Life happens. Life happens.
“It can happen to anybody. Some people just go to bed, and when they wake up, they don’t have a house because of a flood.”
President of the University, Prof. DeWayne Frazier, described the girls as intelligent and strong women, saying that the institution is proud to raise them.
He said: “They have adapted so much to the environment.
“They are also doing well in their field of study. They have worked hard and overcame a lot.”
The Chibok girls were among those kidnapped by Boko Haram insurgents from the Government Girls Secondary School in Chibok, Borno, in 2014.
Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim presented materials and cash gifts to the girls during the visit.
In a significant step towards improving child nutrition and education, the Federal Government through the Renewed Hope National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme (RH-NHGSFP), has launched a pilot feeding programme at Jere Tsangaya School in the Kagarko Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The programme attended by the Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Yusuf Tanko Sununu; key government officials, development partners, and community stakeholders underscores President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to tackling child hunger, enhancing education, and supporting vulnerable communities.
The event held at Jere in Kagarko Local Government Area of Kaduna State is a pilot programme for the RH-NHGSFP model in partnership with Aminu Musa Abdulsalam (AMA) Foundation and Kaduna State Government to ensure that more children in Tsangaya schools and underserved communities benefit from sustainable, nutritious feeding interventions.
Speaking during the launching of the feeding programme, Sununu, who disclosed that over 785 pupils of this institution were enrolled and captured in the National Register, commended the Homegrown School Feeding Programme for demonstrating collaboration with other intergovernmental agencies.
He said: “Mr. President’s will is to see that families have enough buffer that can allow them to have the freedom to do their normal activities in the country so that they can contribute positively to the development.
“In this regard, our ministry is ever ready to face that challenge. Let me assure Nigerians, the suspension has been placed following the happenings in the ministry in the last few months.
“That suspension of all social intervention programmes in Nigeria has been lifted by Mr. President.
“I want to assure all the empowered beneficiaries that their dues will soon be settled and we will continue with the programme’s grant to the vulnerable groups and other social interventions, such as the Homeschool Feeding Program that we are flagging off today will not only be restored but will come in a better form that will see the advantage by Nigerians so that everybody will have to trust.
“On our part, we assure you that we are going to be transparent enough and very accountable so that we can restore the trust of not only Nigerians but of the international community to the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction so that together we cannot only walk the talk but we can reach people at their doorstep.”
Speaking earlier, the National Programme Manager of Renewed Hope National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme, Dr. Aderemi Adebowale, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to nurturing the next generation by investing in their well-being and education.
“As we launch this enhanced feeding programme, we are not just providing meals; we are securing the future of our children. The success of this initiative is a testament to what we can achieve through collaboration, dedication, and a shared vision,” she said.
Dr. Adebowale also expressed gratitude to the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction for championing the initiative and to the National Coordinator of the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA), Prof. Badamasi Lawal, for steering the agency towards achieving President Tinubu’s vision for vulnerable citizens. She also appreciated the Almajiri Commission, the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), the National Orientation Agency, and other key stakeholders for their unwavering support.
Adebowale also commended the outstanding contribution of the Aminu Musa Abdulsalam Foundation, who not only bolstered the feeding programme but also undertook critical interventions, such as the construction of a modern kitchen, provision of cooking utensils for 1,000 pupils, installation of a water supply system, donation of footwear, and medical care support for students, among others.
She also commended the Renewed Hope National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme team and its consultant, TANTACOM Experiential Projects Ltd, for their strategic coordination and execution of the initiative, as well as the headmaster, teachers, community leaders, parents, and cooks for their dedication in ensuring the smooth implementation of the programme.
…Kano Tops Maternal Mortality Chart as Stakeholders Identify Key Causes
Participants at the ongoing workshop on the implementation design of the Maternal and Neonatal Mortality Reduction Innovation Initiative (MAMII) in Kano have identified the major causes of maternal deaths in Nigeria, highlighting why Kano State leads in the statistics.
The stakeholders developed a strategic template to address these challenges, which stem from health complications, cultural factors, and socioeconomic conditions.
The federal government launched the MAMII implementation design on Monday with the Kano workshop, aiming to significantly reduce or eliminate maternal deaths nationwide.
Among the participants were Dr. Saidu Ahmed Dombulwa, Director in the Office of the Coordinating Minister of Health and National Programme Manager of NEMSAS; Kano State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abubakar Labaran Yusuf; and representatives from the National ALGON, Northern Governors Forum, and various medical professionals from across the country.
Key causes of maternal deaths identified include hypertensive disorders in pregnancy, obstetric hemorrhage, pregnancy-related sepsis, acute cardiac diseases, HIV/AIDS-related complications, and uterine rupture.
In their social autopsy, the team found out that financial constraints and lack of health insurance significantly delay access to medical care.
They discovered high prevalence of young or underaged mothers with poor knowledge of healthcare as well as non existence of emergency transport system at health facilities.
Also, inadequate number of staff at health facilities was identified as a major challenge, as the participants observed that a midwife who is available only three days a week was not seen at the time of visit at the facility where she works.
“Access challenges, including poor road infrastructure and long distances to health facilities, worsen these delays.
“Health system inadequacies, such as insufficient staffing, lack of essential resources, and poor communication, further hinder timely and effective care.
“Community factors, including reliance on traditional medicine and cultural norms influencing healthcare decision-making, were also identified as critical barriers.
“After identifying the challenges and barriers, the participants reviewed their findings from the field and co-created a template of intervention suite for MAMII,“ the communique by the participants said.
The Peering Advocacy and Advancement Center in Africa (PAACA) has backed the proposed N126 billion budget presented by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the 2025 fiscal year, describing it as essential for credible elections in Nigeria.
In a statement released in Abuja on Tuesday, PAACA Executive Director, Ezenwa Nwagwu commended INEC for its transparency in presenting its financial needs and detailed breakdown of planned expenditures to the National Assembly.
The statement comes amidst ongoing debates in the National Assembly over INEC’s budget proposal, with the Commission emphasizing the need for robust funding to meet the rising costs of election administration in Nigeria.
The PAACA boss noted that the proposed N126 billion budget reflected the reality of electoral management in Nigeria, including funding for off-cycle elections, voter registration, and the replacement of damaged materials.
The statement said: “The challenge is when people look at the budget, what they see is the figure. However, what they fail to see is that the budget has four components – personnel cost, overhead, electoral expenditure and capital projects.
“INEC currently has 14,786 career staff scattered in all INEC offices in the 774 local government areas across the country. The Commission also has 51 political appointees which include National commissioners and Resident Electoral Commissioners (REC). Now, if we take into consideration the recent minimum wage increment announced by the Federal government and its consequential adjustment in line with NSIWC Circular, you can imagine how much of the budget will go into payment of salaries. The personnel cost is already taking 85 billion of the budget. We are also screaming on INEC to train its personnel and embark on voter education, all of these require funding.
“Also, many Nigerians have misunderstood that 2025 is not an election year. Contrary to that, INEC has 12 off-cycle elections, the Anambra governorship and FCT area council election this 2025. These require significant financial resources for preparation and execution.
“Besides, INEC is responsible for more than just elections every four years. From voter registration and maintenance of polling units to constituency delimitation and political party regulation, the Commission’s activities are ongoing.
“Furthermore, Nigeria’s unique electoral challenges, including attacks on electoral facilities, require sustained financial commitment. Over 440 Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) machines, ballot boxes, and voting cubicles have been destroyed and must be replaced. These are realities and funding shortfalls t also a threat to the integrity of elections.
“In addition to elections, there are numerous electoral activities, including Voter Registration, the cleaning-up of the voters’ register, voter distribution to polling units etc. For instance, INEC is expected to resume Continuous Voter Registration across over 8,800 centers nationwide, this critical exercise ensures that eligible voters who have turned 18 are not disenfranchised.”
Ezenwa explained that the current inflation in the country has affected the cost of running and managing elections
He further urged the Federal Government to prioritise the early release of funds to enable INEC to plan and execute electoral activities seamlessly, especially with the Anambra governorship elections.
The statement added: “Delays in fund disbursement undermine election preparedness, leading to rushed processes, operational and logistics bottlenecks. Early release of funds will empower INEC to carry out voter registration, rehabilitate its facilities, and ensure adequate preparation for upcoming off-cycle elections. We don’t have to wait to blame INEC, if we fail to prepare early, the consequences are always there waiting.”
The organisation also called on the National Assembly to approve the proposed budget without unnecessary cuts, noting that INEC’s financial needs are critical for strengthening democracy in Nigeria.
“As citizens, we must recognize that credible elections are the backbone of good governance. Supporting INEC with adequate funding is not just a financial obligation but a commitment to safeguarding our democratic processes,” it added.
Kwara Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq is an outstanding leader and amazing achiever who has done exceptionally well for his people, First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu said on Wednesday as her visit to the state capital entered the second day.
Joined by the wife of the Vice President Nana Shettima, Nigeria Governors’ Forum Chairman, his wife Amb. Olufolake Abdulrazaq and several other first ladies from across the country, the day began with the First Lady flagging off the distribution of 10,000 professional kits to midwives in the North Central region.
Next to that was her launching of the General Tunde Idiagbon Flyover in Ilorin — a gesture the widow of the no-nonsense late general Cecilia Idiagbon said was memorable and reflective of Governor Abdulrazaq’s respect for history.
Senator Tinubu later visited the Innovation Hub, a facility that is designed to be Kwara’s version of the Silicon Valley to raise generations of techies and build skills that resolve local developmental challenges.
“I am so, so glad with what I have seen. This is truly amazing, and I am going back home to tell the President what I have seen. You (Governor) are a man truly in love with your people. You have really done so well,” she said as the Managing Director of the Hub Temi Kolawole took her through the mandate of the multibilion naira facility while the Governor and his wife sat next to her.
The sight of the facility triggered a brief conversation around her setting up a “Dream Centre”, which she said is an idea she hopes would give talented underprivileged children a platform to shine and rule their world.
“What I have seen here is borne out of a clear dream about where the Governor wants his people to be. This dream is coming alive…. We can stay here forever. You have enough projects to showcase, and I am indeed very proud of you,” the Senator said.
Her motorcade then headed to the site of the Senator Oluremi Tinubu Hospital, the foundation stone of which she unveiled.
Designed to be a multi-storey building, the hospital is rising from the ashes of the old civil service clinic in the GRA and is meant to offer premium healthcare services for the people of the state and beyond, according to the Commissioner for Health Dr. Amina Ahmed el-Imam.
The First Lady then officially opened the Dr. Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari Flyover in downtown Ilorin — named after the revered Emir of Ilorin and Chairman of the Kwara State Council of Chiefs.
The General Tunde Idiagbon Flyover is 562m long, while the Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari Flyover stretches across 457.4 metres — both of them adding to the road networks which reduce travel time and the aesthetics of the capital city.
Senator Tinubu immediately proceeded to the Sugar Factory Film Studio, another legacy project of the Abdulrazaq administration, wrapping up the day’s activities.
Speaking at the distribution of professional kits for midwives, Senator Tinubu commended the Governor and his wife for the top-quality hospitality accorded her and her entourage.
“This is the standard we want to see in other states. This is truly amazing. Everything we have seen is of very good quality. Despite the short notice, the hospitality is amazing, and I want other First Ladies to copy this as a template,” she said.
Speaking on the kits presented to midwives, she said: “This is to complement the ongoing federal government’s retraining exercise of 120,000 frontline health workers nationwide. I am informed that the 54,346,000 health workers have already completed their training, and that is why the Renewed Hope Initiatives (RHI) procured 60,000 branded scrubs and 60,000 crocs as incentives to encourage and support the tireless dedication of our midwives,” she said.
“All the six geopolitical zones will be receiving 10,000 crocs and 10,000 scrubs to be shared among the states in the region. We will be visiting other states for the allocation of these items.
“Tomorrow by the grace of God, I will be launching the free to shine and triple elimination campaigns of HIV, Hepatitis and Syphilis also here in Kwara state.”
Governor Abdulrazaq commended the First Lady for the humanitarian gestures, saying: “The kits will not only ensure that our health workers are well-equipped to perform their duties but also send a strong message of solidarity and hope to those who are devoted to protecting the health of our mothers and children.
“These dedicated men and women deserve our full support, and this gesture by Her Excellency is a clear reflection of the commitment to their welfare and safety.”
Mrs AbdulRazaq, in her remarks, said the initiative by the First Lady exemplifies her commitment to the welfare and professionalism of midwives across the nation, and praised her for her service to humanity.
“We are confident that these kits will significantly enhance the quality of maternal and child healthcare services in our zone,” she said.
Minister of State for Health Dr Iziaq Adekunle Salako said midwives play vital roles in preventing maternal and perinatal death, and are most times the only skilled health professionals available in communities.
He described the event as a significant step to strengthen the capacity of midwives and advance the goals of sustainable development.
Executive Director National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA) Dr Muyi Aina, who highlighted some of the achievements of the agency, said the professional kits will strengthen the work of the midwives.
He applauded the First Lady’s strong support for maternal health.
In its bid to make health more accessible to people in rural areas, the Niger state government has disclosed plans to launch a drone vaccine delivery project to hard-to-reach communities across the state.
The state has over 4000 Hard-to-Reach communities which are usually five kilometres or more from a functional primary healthcare centre.
These centres are usually without any basic amenities, including potable water, electricity, schools, health facilities, good road networks, and even mobile networks.
Niger State Governor Umaru Mohammed Bago disclosed this when the Global Alliance Initiative (GAVI) and UNICEF visited him as part of activities to celebrate the close-out of their Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).
According to the governor, the drone vaccine delivery would leverage technology to bridge the health gap in these communities.
He further said that plans are on the ground by the state government to deploy telemedicine facilities across all primary healthcare centres, provide internet services, and build doctors’ accommodations to house medical personnel within the facilities.
Bago expressed gratitude to partners for supporting the state’s primary healthcare initiative, which received seed money of about N6 million dollars, matched with an additional N1 million dollars by the state government.
He added that the partnership has achieved significant milestones, including the recruitment of 1,500 new health staff, retention of 400 health staff, procurement of medical equipment, and provision of access to quality health services for vulnerable populations.
The Chief of Health, UNICEF, Dr. Shyam Pathak, acknowledged the governor’s achievements and commended the contributions of traditional and religious institutions towards strengthening the primary healthcare system.
Pathak advocated for increased investment, oversight, and improvement in sustaining the project, retaining health workers, maintaining equipment, and sustaining the mechanism of operation of services and data documentation.
The World Health Organization (WHO) representative, Dr. Alex Chimbaru, said that the Governor’s commitment to ensuring the project’s success is commendable, which led to a decrease in maternal and infant mortality rates in the state.
He, however, stated that sustainability is crucial to maintaining the progress made, appealing to the government to ensure investment into the project does not stop.
The state Commissioner for Primary Healthcare, Dr. Ibrahim Dangana disclosed that the programme had made tremendous progress in reducing maternal and infant mortalities in the state.
“We have cleared our zero-dose children, who had never been immunized before, from 7,094 to zero,” he said.
