Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has felicitated Nigerian women, children, vulnerable groups and the entire nation on the occasion of this year’s Christmas celebration.
In a statement on Wednesday by her media team, the minister reminded Nigerians that the festive season is a time for family reunion, love and sharing.
She added that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda for women, the elderly, children and vulnerable groups are manifesting in many spheres as the ministry continues to distribute the End of Year food interventions to put smiles on the faces of families.
She, however, urged all Nigerian women to use the opportunity of the season to strengthen family bonds, promote peaceful coexistence, and foster a sense of community.
The statement reads in part: “To all Nigerian women, I say thank you for your resilience, hard work, and dedication to your families and communities.
“Your contributions to national development are invaluable, and I celebrate you all.
“As we mark the birth of Jesus Christ, I pray that His teachings of love, peace, and kindness continue to guide us as individuals and as a nation.
“Let us also remember the vulnerable among us, including women, children, and the elderly, who may be struggling during this time.
“As a nation, we must continue to work towards creating a more inclusive and equitable society, where everyone has access to opportunities and resources.
“As we look to the new year, I reaffirm the Ministry’s commitment to advancing women’s empowerment, gender equality, and social development.
“We will continue to work tirelessly to address the challenges faced by women and girls, including gender-based violence, economic exclusion, and limited access to education and healthcare.”
Kwara Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq has said the government is keenly following the probe into the sad death of Mr. Jimoh Abdulqadir in police custody, urging members of the public to remain calm.
The Governor said the prompt visit of the Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, PhD, to the family of Abdulqadir raises greater hope about a thorough probe of the unfortunate incident.
Abdulrazaq commended the IGP and his entourage for the visit to Ilorin within hours of being informed of the incident, urging the super cop to ensure that justice is truly done in the case.
“We are devastated by the death of Mr. Jimoh Abdulqadir. It was one tragedy too many for our community. It is unacceptable,” the Governor said.
“While restating our commiserations to the Balogun Fulani Alhaji Abubakar Sidiq Atiku Fulani and the immediate family of the deceased, we are upbeat that the police hierarchy will get to the roots of the incident, ensure that justice is served, and step up efforts to address other alleged violations and reservations of the citizens.”
He urged residents, especially the youths, to remain calm, law abiding, and avoid hasty conclusions that may affect genuine resolutions of the issues.
“I also commend the Balogun Fulani of Ilorin and the youths of the area for the maturity with which the issue has been handled. We ask Allaah to repose the soul of Mr. Jimoh Abdulqadir,” the statement added.
Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has extended a gesture of goodwill to the Christian community in Bauchi State by donating 1,000 bags of 25kg rice to support their Christmas and New Year celebrations.
The gesture was part of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, aimed at alleviating the economic hardships faced by Nigerians.
Speaking during the handover on Monday, the Bauchi State Coordinator of the Northern Nigeria Christian Political Forum, Ayuba Umar Yelwa, announced that the donation was facilitated through the organization, which operates across the 19 Northern states and the FCT.
“In her usual compassionate manner, Her Excellency, the Wife of the President, has donated 1,000 bags of 25kg rice to the Christian community in Bauchi State for the Yuletide celebrations,” Yelwa said.
He explained that the rice would be distributed across all 20 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state, prioritizing widows, widowers, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups.
“This is the first time we are receiving such a gesture from the Presidency, particularly through the Office of the First Lady, under the leadership of Hon. Amin Sani Jaji. We are deeply grateful,” Yelwa added.
Yelwa also revealed that the initiative followed a meeting between the organization and Sen. Oluremi Tinubu on December 19, 2024, in Kaduna.
He expressed optimism that the donation would help ease the economic challenges faced by many during the festive season.
The coordinator for Bauchi LGA, Iliya Bukar, expressed gratitude on behalf of the Coordinators, adding that the donation would bring joy to many families during the season.
“We assure the donor that the distribution will be fair and just, reaching the intended beneficiaries,” he said.
A notable Northern group, Arewa Think Tank (ATT), has lambasted the 2023 former presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, over his comments regarding a stampede that killed several Nigerians in Oyo, Anambra, and Abuja a few days ago during the distribution of Christmas rice and other foodstuffs to the less privileged in society by non-governmental organisations.
Peter Obi had blamed the stampedes on systemic failures in Nigeria amid widespread hardship under the current administration.
In a statement by the Convener of Arewa Think Tank, Muhammad Alhaji Yakubu, he warned politicians against linking the stampedes to President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms.
“We want to advise Peter Obi to be civil in his criticism of this government because he too contested to be president; if he had won, would he be happy receiving criticism against his administration as he is now directing at President Tinubu?
“However, we want to sympathise with the families of those who lost their lives in the tragic incidents, which claimed over 70 lives, including about 40 children.
“We are very much aware that the tragedies underscore the importance of ensuring proper crowd management during such charitable activities, especially during the festive season.
“We want to acknowledge the noble intentions of organisers who seek to bring relief to vulnerable members of society and admonish all individuals and organisations planning similar events to comply with the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Kayode Egbetokun, on liaising with police formations for effective crowd control and security measures.
“The police and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) were crucial in safeguarding lives and ensuring that such efforts to assist those in need do not inadvertently lead to further distress.
“We are appealing to politicians and other stakeholders to refrain from politicising the unfortunate incidents, and we wish to state clearly that those tragic events were in no way connected to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration’s economic reforms.
“It is worth noting that similar unfortunate occurrences have been recorded in the past, before the current administration; thus, any attempt to link these tragedies to the President’s reforms is unfounded and sentimental.
“We believe that the reforms, which are repositioning the Nigerian economy for sustainable growth, are designed to uplift the lives of all Nigerians, particularly the vulnerable, without causing distress,” the statement read.
No fewer than 50 youths from across Adamawa Central Senatorial District have benefitted from an intensive weeklong training on solar power installation and maintenance.
Courtesy of the senator representing the zone, Aminu Iya Abbas, the 50 youths were groomed not only to install and maintain solar power but to also effectively pass the knowledge to estimated 500 other youths around the zone.
At the close of the training which was conducted in collaboration with the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN) and Sng Structure Synergy Limited, Abbas said the training was designed to provide beneficiaries with renewable energy skills in the era of failing public power supply.
Represented by his associate, Dr Adamu Babikkoi, Senator Abbas said part of the packages of the training was to provide start-up tools to the beneficiaries who were drawn from Hong, Gombi, Song, Girei, Yola North,Yola South and Fufore local government areas that constitute his constituency.
The Director General of the ECN, Dr Mustapha Abdullahi who was represented by Alhaji Na’yaya Garba, explained that the beneficiaries were equipped with the necessary skills for renewable energy technologies on solar hybrid system.
Speeaking on their own, N’ayaya Garba and Nafi’u Tijjani who jointly supervised the training on behalf of the ECN, commended Senator Abbas for providing youths with skills for self-reliance.
Speaking also, the Vice Chairman of Girei Local Government, Chief Luri Zephania described the training as timely and advised the benefitting youths to make the best of their knowledge and the tools that would be given to them.
Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, Imamu Garba and Hingino Enock said that they as trainees had received sufficient knowhow to pass efficiently to people in their respective communities.
Over 20,000 small-scale business owners across Niger state have benefitted directly from the Niger State Community Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus (NG-CARES) program.
The Director General of the Niger State Small, Medium and Microfinance Agency, Ahmed Shu’aibu Gwada, who spoke to The Nation, said that N3 billion has been disbursed to small, medium and micro business entrepreneurs across the 25 local government areas of the state.
He said that the programme has been the most impactful of its kind in Niger State’s history.
“We had targeted that by the end of this year, we would reach 30,000 beneficiaries. But so far, we have supported about 20,000 directly with grants ranging from ₦50,000 to ₦600,000 depending on the nature and scale of their businesses.”
Gwada said that the initiative targets entrepreneurs across various sectors, including nano, small, and medium enterprises adding that beneficiaries include male, female, and vulnerable individuals.
He stated that to ensure equitable distribution, the agency adopted an online application system supported by the World Bank and its technical partner, Bank of Industry (BOI).
Nkoda explained: “The online system ensures transparency and eliminates favouritism. Applications are processed based on the information provided, and funds are directly disbursed to beneficiaries’ bank accounts by BOI.
“While urban areas have higher participation due to greater access to information, we have ensured representation in every local government and ward.”
Gwada states that the governor has also established the Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprises to further support entrepreneurship in the state noting that the current administration’s efforts have surpassed achievements of previous governments in SME development.
Kwara Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq laid the 2025 appropriation bill before the parliament Friday, substantially focusing on completing ongoing projects, starting new ones, and doubling down on social protection for the people of the state.
Valued at N540, 368, 119, 765.00, capital expenditure guzzles 62.1% of the fiscal plan while recurrent gets 37.9%.
The Governor said the budget will complete the major infrastructural projects across the state, and fund new ones such as 250 units of mass housing and inner roads in the smart city — another big feather to his cap.
The stadia in Offa and Lafiagi are also prioritised in the budget, while new roads are to be constructed in Kwara South, North, and Central to further ease the movement of goods and services within the state, according to the Governor.
He said construction work will begin on a multi-story CourtHouse, the best of its kind in the northern region, while the Metropolitan Square will be upgraded and completed.
Pointing at massive youth and women empowerment and anti-poverty initiatives, the social sector gets 32.50% of the plan, while education and health are allotted 16.2% and 10.56% apiece, with a focus on getting the new university of education off the ground and strengthening existing institutions across the state.
Ministry of Works and Transport gets 17.51% to carry on its massive road construction and maintenance mandate.
The Governor said the budget is not just a ritual as it “reflects our commitment to delivering on promises as resources permit”, recalling how the 2024 budget brought significant benefits to various sectors, including infrastructure, healthcare, education, and social protection.
“In 2024, we supported 171,649 farmers, invested in irrigation systems, and provided N2.2bn worth of farm inputs,” he said.
“We also funded education for 66,000 entrance exam candidates, 58,420 BECE candidates, 28,500 WAEC candidates, and 27,000 NECO candidates. Over 70,000 vulnerable people received social protection, including those impacted by the urban renewal programme.
“Additionally, 15,000 indigent Kwarans benefited from free medical interventions.
“The urban renewal programme has transformed the capital city, improving its infrastructure significantly, restoring law and order, and projecting Ilorin as a modern city.”
The Governor celebrated the prudence of his administration, saying “while the year recorded unprecedented investment in physical infrastructure and social welfare, we similarly reduced the debt burden of the state to N58.87b in the third quarter, down from N109.16bn in December 2023”.
“I thank the Honourable House, party leaders, and all our partners for their support,” he said.
Accompanied by top government officials led by Chief of Staff Prince Abdulkadir Mahe, Justice Oluwayemisi Ajayi, Justice Ahmad Sayi, first class traditional rulers led by the Olupo of Ajase-Ipo Oba Ismail Yahya Alebiosu, who stood in for the Emir of Ilorin, clergymen, and security commanders, the Governor commended all the stakeholders in the state who continue to support his administration.
APC chairman Prince Sunday Fagbemi captained the party hierarchy to the session, which was occasionally punctuated by partisan singsong and lyrics.
Governor Abdulrazaq said the budget stands on projected oil prices of $75 per barrel, daily oil production of 2.06 million barrels, and 6.4% GDP growth.
The funding windows are FAAC receipts, which constitute 48.1%; and opening balance (N62bn), IGR, and other capital receipts that form the balance of 51.9%.
“The budget of economic stability and sustained prosperity funds the completion of ongoing projects like the international conference centre, innovation hub, Patigi Motel, Kwara Hotel, and several roads across the state. Construction will begin on the multi-story CourtHouse and access roads for Smart City project, alongside the development of 250 mass housing units. Statewide road construction and the reconstruction of Lafiagi and Offa Stadia are also prioritised.
“Further, we are committed to workers’ welfare, social protection for the poor, and strengthening mechanised agriculture with the procurement of modern equipment.”
Speaker Yakubu Danladi-Salihu, who commended the strides of the Governor across the state, assured him of speedy yet thorough consideration of the fiscal proposal.
“Your administration is known for transparency, accountability, and fiscal discipline,” he said.
“It is also observed with satisfaction the level of your commitment to the completion of all the legacy projects of the administration, and we are confident that they will be completed and put to use in no time.
“I must also mention that it is gratifying to note that aside from adequate funding of these legacy projects, your administration remains focused in providing the dividends of democracy to different parts of the state in all sectors.”
The Speaker said the state’s investment in the payment of counterpart funds to development partners has bolstered its standing in education, health, and agricultural sectors.
“On our part as legislators, we will immediately swing into action by looking at the document, and interact with heads of ministries, departments, and agencies at the defence sessions that will be underway shortly.”
The New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) has condemned the continued attempts by police detectives to arrest Mr. Sanusi Bature Dawakin-Tofa, the spokesman to Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf.
The National Publicity Secretary of the party, Ladipo Johnson, in a statement in Kano, said the police, acting on directives from the headquarters Abuja, were still making spirited efforts to arrest Dawakin-Tofa despite a court injunction restraining them from carrying out such arrest.
Johnson also accused the police of harassing Dawakin-Tofa’s family members.
According to him, the police were acting on a petition filed against the governor’s spokesman by the former governor and National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje.
The NNPP national publicity secretary described the police actions as “abuse of power and violation of the rule of law.”
“Sanusi Bature Dawakin-Tofa has been forced into hiding as a way of hedging against his unlawful arrest,” Johnson said.
He added: “The general public can see the uneasy situation in Kano; officials of the state government are being harassed and intimidated by people abusing power. It is really bad and unfortunate.
“Since there is a court injunction restraining the police, further attempts to arrest Sanusi cast a terrible slur on the image of the Nigeria Police, a sad reminder of similar actions and posturing regarding the power game in Kano over the emirate council.
“NNPP is calling on the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, a renowned professional, to ensure the police resist the dangerous slide into partisan politics and to restrain his men from further harassment and intimidation of the Kano governor’s spokesman.
“Mr. Sanusi Bature Dawakin-Tofa has his fundamental human rights to be protected by the law and respected.”
A Civil society organisation, Yiaga Africa has called for the strengthening of processes leading to the collation of election results.
The organisation tasked political parties in the country to take responsibility and deploy party agents to polling units during elections to ensure credibility of results.
Executive Director, Yiaga Africa, Samson Itodo gave the charge during the release of the organisation’s preliminary report of the 2024 Ghana general election held on December 7.
It would be recalled that Yiaga Africa deployed a 12-man Election Study and Observation Mission (ESOM) from December 3 to December 10 to understudy the electoral governance architecture, especially in election results management.
Responding to questions on lessons learnt from the elections, Itodo said the deployment of party agents was key to ensuring that no party was shortchanged.
He said: “Our Nigerian parties must come to realise that participating in elections requires a lot of responsibility. You have to deploy party agents; you need eyes in all the polling units because for the parties in Ghana to perform the kind of responsibility they did was contingent on the fact that they had a spread of agents across polling units. They were training people; in fact, one of the parties recruited over 1,500 ad hoc officials, trained them for a period of one year and deployed them for the elections. So elections are a serious business, especially if you want to provide oversight on the election management body.”
Speaking further on lessons learnt from Ghana on how to achieve a credible, transparent and controversy-free election, Itodo said the electoral officers must inspire public trust and confidence.
He called on the appointing authorities to uphold the constitution in major appointments like that of the Resident Electoral Officers.
According to him, there are two conditions: they must be individuals that are non-partisan and of unquestionable integrity.
“We have also been advocating that those conditions are not enough; you need competence; you need diversity of skill sets in INEC’s leadership. Also the level of due diligence must be performed when those appointments are made,” Itodo said.
Also speaking, Chairman, Senate Committee on INEC and Electoral Matters, Abiodun Alli, said that for the country to improve in its elections, everyone must trust the system and play by the rules.
Alli, responding on the issue of cross-carriage by politicians, said it was not limited to Nigeria but prevalent because of the lack of identifiable ideology of the political parties and of internal democracy in the parties.
On his part, President, Nigerian Bar Association, Afam Osigwe said the country must strengthen the processes of collation of results during elections.
He said the polling units and collation centres were the weakest links in the electoral processes during the result announcement.
According to him, these are the points results are easily manipulated.
Chair, ESOM delegation to Ghana, Aisha Abdullahi, highlighted some findings that made Ghana experience a success, one of which is transparency and responsiveness in election administration.
Other measures she added include proactive measures such as cleaning the voter register, issuing copies to political parties, and involving party representatives in ballot printing, among others.
This infrastructure development is expected to boost agricultural activities and trade in the benefiting communities.
The roads are at various stages of completion. The Zerewa to Fulatan Road in Rogo local government area is 90 percent finished and is set to be completed in the first week of January.
The remaining roads are scheduled to be completed by March 31 of the following year.
In Gwangwan, a 7.5 km road with drainage is under construction, while another 7.5 km road runs from Mil Goma to Yankasari. Additionally, a 3 km road connects Wasai to Baitai.
The project, being implemented in collaboration with the Islamic Development Bank (IDB), Lives Livelihood Fund (LLF), and other partners, has seen a significant investment.
Engr. Zaharaddeen Hamisu, the KSADP Infrastructure Engineer, confirmed that a total of N11 billion has been allocated to the 10 roads under construction.
He said funding for the project was sourced from the Islamic Development Bank, which contributes $90 million, with an additional $6.5 million in grants from the Lives Livelihood Fund (LLF). The Kano state government is providing a counterpart fund of $5 million.
Engr. Hamisu said: “When we first came here, the road was so narrow and bad that even a motorcycle could find it difficult to transport anything out of this place.
“Because of the presence of the Wasai Dam, farming is all year round. But when farmers harvest their produce, whether in the rainy or dry season, they cannot convey the commodities from here to the markets because of a lack of access roads.
“That is why this 3.5km road is constructed strategically for farmers and their clients to be able to do their business activities, especially in the area of conveying harvested produce to the markets for sale.”
