The Nation Newspaper

Category: Northern Reports

  • Afenifere Youths hail Dangote Group for festive fuel price reduction

    Afenifere Youths hail Dangote Group for festive fuel price reduction

    The Afenifere Progressive Youth Movement (APYM) has praised the Dangote Group for its decision to lower fuel prices during the festive season, describing it as a significant relief for Nigerians.

    Aare Oluwarotimi Dare, the Worldwide President of APYM, commended the group’s move to slash petrol prices to N899.50 per litre, calling it a “heartwarming gift” that eases economic pressures on citizens.

    Dare lauded the Dangote Group’s leadership for its dedication to Nigeria’s economic growth, highlighting the gesture as a remarkable example of corporate social responsibility and patriotism.

    He further noted that the decision aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s economic vision for the nation, offering much-needed support to Nigerians as the country gears up for 2025.

    He noted that the company’s dedication to supporting the government’s economic policy thrust is a demonstration of its willingness to collaborate and contribute to the country’s economic growth.

    The Afenifere Progressive Youth Movement also applauded the Dangote Petroleum Refinery’s innovative approach to making fuel more accessible to Nigerians.

    Dare said the offer of an additional litre of fuel on credit for every litre bought on a cash basis is a masterstroke that will undoubtedly alleviate the financial burden on many citizens.

    Furthermore, the group acknowledged the Dangote Petroleum Refinery’s commitment to providing premium-quality petroleum products that are competitively priced, environmentally friendly, and engine-friendly.

    Dare noted that the refinery’s operations have marked the end of Nigeria’s reliance on substandard imported products which have posed significant risks to human health, machinery, and the environment.

    “The Afenifere Progressive Youth Movement also acknowledges the Dangote Petroleum Refinery’s commitment to providing premium-quality petroleum products that are competitively priced, environmentally friendly, and engine-friendly.

    Read Also: August 1: No protest will hold in southwest, Afenifere youths vow

    “The refinery’s operations have marked the end of Nigeria’s reliance on substandard imported products, which have posed significant risks to human health, machinery, and the environment.

    “We acknowledge the Dangote Group’s pivotal role in shaping Nigeria’s economic landscape. The company’s investments in critical sectors such as petroleum refining, agriculture, and infrastructure have created thousands of jobs, stimulated economic growth, and enhanced the nation’s competitiveness.

    “As Nigeria prepares to usher in a new year, the Afenifere Progressive Youth Movement urges other corporate organisations to take a cue from the Dangote Group’s exemplary leadership. By working together, we can build a more prosperous, equitable, and just society for all Nigerians.

    “In conclusion, the Afenifere Progressive Youth Movement salutes the Dangote Group for its outstanding contributions to Nigeria’s economic development and its people. May this gesture inspire others to follow in their footsteps, and may Nigeria continue to thrive under the leadership of visionary entrepreneurs like Aliko Dangote.”

  • Yuletide: Rotary Club brings festive smiles to special needs orphans in Abuja 

    Yuletide: Rotary Club brings festive smiles to special needs orphans in Abuja 

    The Rotary Club of Abuja, Kubwa has received praise from the management of JKS Orphanage Home for Children with Special Needs in Kubwa, a satellite town in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), for its commendable humanitarian efforts.  

    The recognition came after the club donated limb-assisting equipment and other essential materials to support children with disabilities during its recent two-in-one community service initiative.  

    Led by its president, Olayemi Idowu, the Rotarians commenced the project with a free medical outreach within the satellite town.  

    In partnership with Street Love Alliance, the outreach provided comprehensive health check-ups and free medication for malaria, blood sugar levels, and blood pressure, earning the gratitude of the beneficiaries.  

    After the medical outreach, Idowu led the club members to the JKS Orphanage Home for Children with Special Needs, where they donated essential items, including wheelchairs, a first aid box, play mats, and other vital supplies, to support the children.

    Nifemi Ajileye, the Proprietress of the orphanage, highlighted the significance of the Rotary Club’s gesture, emphasizing that the impact of the donations is immeasurable, considering the challenges involved in caring for children with special needs and supporting their caregivers.

    She recounted the immense challenges of caring for the children, most of whom were taken in under dire circumstances, with various health challenges, including autism, cerebral palsy, and other complex medical conditions.

    Read Also: Roli Mabo Foundation, rotary club provide clean water for Delta community

    According to her, some were abandoned in hospitals or other unimaginable places by their parents, like one child left in a hospital kitchen by the mother, and another rescued from a mentally ill mother who had endured prolonged labour. 

    Ajileye and the caregivers at the orphanage expressed deep gratitude for the visit and donations with heartfelt prayers for the members of the Rotary Club.  

    Commending the caregivers for the wonderful job they are doing for humanity, Rotarian Obas Ekeinde said, “This is where charity begins, and this is where goodwill truly takes root. 

    “We want to thank you for caring for these kids, one can just imagine the effort involved in caring for one challenged child, let alone this number of children. It is tedious work. 

    “To the parents who consider abandoning their responsibilities, we empathize with the challenges you face. 

    “But for you who have taken on the monumental task of caring for so many children, we deeply appreciate your dedication”.  

    Olayemi, while commending the caregivers for their remarkable efforts, emphasized that one of Rotary’s core values is bringing smiles to the faces of those in need, particularly struggling and underserved communities. 

    She noted that the support provided to the orphanage was a fulfillment of the Rotary ideals while urging the Orphanage caregivers not to despair, knowing that what they are doing is for humanity.

    “As a club, this is our humble contribution. We encourage you to use it in the best way possible, and for that, we sincerely say thank you,” she added. 

  • Fed Govt open to economic relations with MIKTA, says Tuggar

    Fed Govt open to economic relations with MIKTA, says Tuggar

    Minister of Foreign, Yusuf Tuggar has said the Federal Government is open to enhancing its partnerships with Mexico, Indonesia, the Republic of Korea, Türkiye, and Australia – collectively known as MIKTA to further stimulate Nigeria’s economic growth.

    MIKTA – often referred to as the middle powers of great nations – is a collaborative group established in 2013 with the aim of fostering mutual development and addressing global challenges through shared knowledge and experiences.

    Speaking at a MIKTA Roundtable presentation and film festival in Abuja, Tuggar highlighted the importance of learning from the experiences of member countries regarding their evolution, management of security challenges, and pathways to success.

    The minister said: “MIKTA comprises nations with diverse geographical and cultural backgrounds, each bringing a unique historical perspective that enriches the group. They are united by a commitment to democracy and the Rule of Law, values that strongly resonate with Nigeria as a nation.”

    Tuggar noted that over the past decade, MIKTA has effectively collaborated on key issues such as women empowerment, climate change, economic development, and establishing a prominent role in global governance.

    He said: “One of the remarkable strengths of MIKTA lies in its commitment to best practices.

    “As Nigeria seeks to build upon its achievements while addressing ongoing challenges, it stands to gain invaluable insights from the group’s extensive experiences.”

    Tuggar said MIKTA is a platform for mutual learning and a bridge connecting various regions and cultures.

    The minister pointed out that the regular interactions among MIKTA’s leaders demonstrated a collective commitment to fostering productive collaboration.

    He said that Nigeria deeply values the model of dialogue and consensus-building promoted by MIKTA and reaffirmed the country’s aspirations to strengthen bilateral and multinational partnerships, aiming for active participation in the G20.

    This partnership included a special screening of the popular Korean film “Thieves,” aimed at promoting cultural exchange and understanding between diverse communities.

    By showcasing this intriguing movie, the organisers hoped to spark conversations about Korean cinema and encourage attendees to explore the richness of Korean culture.

  • E-library built by Seyi Tinubu will enthrone vibrant democracy – Coalition

    E-library built by Seyi Tinubu will enthrone vibrant democracy – Coalition

    The Coalition of Nigerian Youth Leaders (CONYL), the umbrella body of all the youth groups across the six geopolitical zones has commended Seyi Tinubu for donating a state-of-the-art e-library and a co-working space at Mississippi Street Abuja to the Young Parliamentarian Forum of Nigeria.

    CONYL said he has shown that he is a detribalized Nigerian who sees Nigeria as his immediate constituency.

    The project, the coalition said will produce Nigerian Young Parliamentarians who will compete favorably with their counterparts from other developed nations of the world, thereby placing the nation on the international map among the comity of nations.

    According to a statement issued on Wednesday by the President General of CONYL, Comrade Goodluck Ibe: “The facility will equip our vibrant and ebullient young lawmakers to interface and discuss on national progress and development thereby contributing positively to nation building and growth.

    “It will provide a conducive environment for lawmakers to articulate and come up with laws that when implemented will produce results that will improve the welfare and economic development of the country.

    “Seyi Tinubu has shown that the country is immensely blessed with men of goodwill who mean well for her nation. This state-of-the-art edifice has clearly shown that Chief Seyi Tinubu is a leader who understands what is needed by the people to make life more meaningful and worthwhile.

    “Few weeks ago, Seyi Tinubu via his Maternal and Child Health Intervention Scheme established a drug bank health facility for indigent patients aimed to reduce the rate of maternal and infant mortality in the Obstetrics and Gynaecology and Pediatric Pharmacy units of the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan because he believes that health is not a privilege but a right of every citizen. 

    “The initiative is established to administer free medicines and delivery materials to 60 tertiary hospitals across the nation. The Scheme aims to ensure that Nigeria attains and possibly surpasses the SDG Goal 3 in Nigeria, on Maternal and Infant Mortality.

    The scheme is supporting indigent patients who may not be able to afford hospital bills while also providing free drugs and free materials for safe delivery.

    “The wonderful programme will capture Secondary and Primary Care levels in General Hospitals and Primary Healthcare Centres. Seyi Tinubu’s passion for saving lives, especially the lives of children is matchless. The scheme even extends to supporting and taking care of Pediatricians who take care of children.

    Read Also: Seyi Tinubu donates state-of-the-art hub to empower, inspire young leaders

    “The programme also has a scholarship scheme for resident doctors who are in the final year of their pediatric residency programme with a scholarship grant of N1 million to support them in registration and preparation for their final fellowship examination.

    “Seyi Tinubu by his positive actions, impact, and contributions to humanity has clearly shown that he is light personified and light cannot be hidden under the bed or table but must be set on the hilltop to shine for the benefit of all.

    “His matchless contributions to humanity have put smiles on the faces of Nigerians most especially the indigents once. We urge him not to relent in his efforts to make life more meaningful to the people”.

  • Gender-based violence: Advocates raise the alarm over FCT gender violence surge

    Gender-based violence: Advocates raise the alarm over FCT gender violence surge

    The Federal Capital Territory Sexual and Gender-Based Violence SGBV Working Group (FCTSGBVWG) has expressed grave concern over the alarming rise in Sexual and Gender-Based Violence within the Territory, calling for urgent and decisive action from policymakers. 

    The coalition described the situation as a critical crisis, highlighting that the FCT ranks among the regions with the highest prevalence of SGBV in Nigeria.

    The group lamented that records reveal over 3,000 reported cases within the first 100 days of the current administration.

    The coalition, comprising over 20 organizations, including the Association of Women in Trade and Agriculture (AWITA), Vaccine Network for Disease Control (VNDC), Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC), African Women’s Development Fund (AWDF), and Nigerian Girl Guides Association FCT Chapter, called for leadership and accountability.

    Speaking in Abuja on Wednesday at a press conference, themed ‘Investing in a Safer Future: End Violence Against Women and Girls in the FCT’, Aanu’ Rotimi, Executive Director of the Centre for Accountability and Inclusive Development (CAAID) and Chair of the FCT Accountability Mechanism Network, noted that SGBV affects every community, council, and family in the FCT, calling it both a moral and economic crisis with an estimated cost of 3.7% of the GDP annually. 

    “This is not just a women’s issue; it affects national development”, she said while lamenting that many cases, particularly in rural communities, remain undocumented due to stigma, family pressure, and inadequate resources. 

    To enable the relevant official organs of the FCT administration to address the issue frontally, Rotimi urged FCT Minister Nyesom Wike to double down on the efforts he is making already and prioritize increased budgetary allocations and empower the Women’s Secretariat to combat the issue.

    Furthermore, Area Council Chairpersons and key government agencies were also urged to take decisive steps by enhancing coordination among stakeholders.

    “We need a gender-responsive 2025 budget to fund prevention programs, survivor support, and accountability measures,” she said. 

    The coalition also stressed the urgent need to enforce the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) (VAPP) Act of 2015, which criminalizes various forms of violence.

    Despite its potential, gaps in funding, lenient penalties, and limited access to justice have hindered its effectiveness.

    Rotimi called for allocating 0.5% of national tax revenue to implement the law and for public hearings on a proposed VAPP Repeal Bill to strengthen its provisions. 

    The coalition further recommended creating a multi-sectoral task force for improved coordination among government agencies, civil society, and local stakeholders.

    However, she warned that inaction would perpetuate a culture of impunity, deepen survivors’ trauma, and undermine economic growth while urging policymakers to act decisively to create a society where women and girls can live free from violence and discrimination. 

    “We are calling for leadership, accountability, and commitment. Together, we can reduce the prevalence of SGBV, foster economic growth, and build a more equitable society. 

    “The consequences of inaction, she stressed, are too dire to ignore,” Rotimi, urging the media to amplify survivors’ voices and hold leaders accountable.

    On her part, Ruth Agbo, President of the Association of Women in Trade and Agriculture (AWITA) and Chair of the FCT Coalition for Sustainable Development (FCTCSD), emphasized the challenges at the grassroots level.

    Read Also: Foundation wants gender-based violence, others criminalised

    “When it happens to the poorest of the poor, survivors are silenced by fear of stigma and family pressure. We’re urging them to speak out and hold offenders accountable,” Agbo said.

    She stressed the importance of robust VAPP law implementation, noting that prevention is far less costly than addressing the aftermath of violence. 

    Ambassador Ojineme Enakeme, Secretary of the FCT Civil Society Desk, highlighted systemic shortcomings within the FCT.

    “Unlike the States, the FCT lacks legislative structures and dedicated resources. Safe houses and interventions are often managed nationally, leaving local cases underfunded. We demand that the FCT be treated as a State with its own dedicated budget for SGBV response,” Enakeme said.

  • EU-RoLAC supports Kano govt to launch anti-corruption strategy

    EU-RoLAC supports Kano govt to launch anti-corruption strategy

    In a bold step towards strengthening transparency and accountability, the Kano State Government has officially launched its Anti-Corruption Strategy (2024–2028), a comprehensive framework designed to combat corruption and foster integrity across the state.

    The strategy was unveiled during a high-profile event supported by the European Union-funded Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) Programme Phase II, implemented by the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA).

    The launch coincided with the commemoration of the 2024 International Anti-Corruption Day (IACD), themed “Uniting with Youth Against Corruption: Shaping Tomorrow’s Integrity.”

    This year’s theme underscores the critical role of young people as drivers of change in the fight against corruption.

    Speaking at the event, the Governor of Kano State, Abba Kabir Yusuf, emphasized the need to tackle corruption, describing it as “a cancer that erodes trust, undermines institutions, and hampers progress.”

    He further stated, “Protecting human rights is at the core of our administration’s agenda. We are determined, as a government, to block systemic linkages, investigate corruption, and ensure value for public funds.”

    In addition to the strategy launch, the event featured activities such as debates, sensitization campaigns, and stakeholder discussions.

    Read Also: EU-RoLAC, Edo mark 16 days of activism with renewed commitment to end GBV

    These engagements emphasized the need for stronger collaboration among anti-corruption agencies, civil society, media, and the private sector to tackle corruption effectively.

    The RoLAC state coordinator, Ibrahim Bello, highlighted the EU’s commitment to supporting anti-corruption reforms in Nigeria, stating, “The European Union and International IDEA remain steadfast in their partnership with Nigeria to promote good governance, transparency, and accountability. This strategy is a testament to what can be achieved through collective efforts.”

    Bello further expressed his delight and commended the governor’s reform-minded approach and consistent support of his administration for the programme.

    “The governor is a formidable partner in fighting corruption in the state. He has demonstrated his commitment by working with development partners to ensure a corruption-free state,” he said.

  • NiMet, NGF sign MoU to enhance climate-smart information and meteorological services

    NiMet, NGF sign MoU to enhance climate-smart information and meteorological services

    The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) have signed a memorandum of understanding to collaborate in assisting the thirty-six states of the federation in implementing climate-smart information and standard meteorological services across various sectors including agriculture, telecommunications, marine, oil and gas, mining, aviation, disaster management, and other areas of the economy.

    At the MoU signing in Abuja on Wednesday, December 18, NiMet’s Director General and Chief Executive Officer, Professor Charles Anosike, expressed gratitude to the governors of the 36 states, the Chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF), Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State, the Director General of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Alhaji Abdulateef O.T. Shittu, and the NGF team for the opportunity to strengthen the collaboration between NiMet and NGF.

    “This is a piece of the puzzle that we’ve been trying to solve. For us to be able to scale up access to weather information, not just to farmers, but also to help us manage our state airports. Without NiMet information, we cannot fly. So this relationship is very critical for us,” Professor Anosike said.

    He also informed the NGF team that the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo SAN, has approved the date for the public presentation of the 2025 NiMet Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP).

    “The 2025 NiMet SCP will be unveiled on Tuesday 4th February 2025. NiMet cannot implement the downscaling without the support of the state governments. Signing this MoU is a milestone for us and we thank the NGF team for this opportunity”, Prof. Anosike concluded.

    Read Also: NiMet hosts workshop ahead release of 2025 SCP

    Responding, the Director General of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Alhaji Abdulateef O.T. Shittu said that it was a good thing that both agencies are signing a formal MoU although they have had a 10-year-old relationship.

    “NiMet is doing a good job. We still have in our libraries NiMet’s forecasts dating back to 10 years ago. We are delighted with the signing of this MoU because of what we will be able to do jointly for Nigeria and our communities in the states.

    “The MoU NiMet and NGF will collaborate in providing meteorological and climatological data as it relates to the agricultural environment and activities or any area of meteorology for the development of climate change indices and impact in the 36 states of the federation”, Alhaji Shittu said. 

  • Foundation wants gender-based violence, others criminalised

    Foundation wants gender-based violence, others criminalised

    *As founder Lilian bags PhD in Humanities

    The Lilian Ike Foundation has called for laws that would criminalise all forms of violence, including domestic violence, sexual harassment, and child marriage.

    The organisation said this would effectively address and end violence, especially gender-based violence.

    Its Founder, Chinwe Lilian said to curb GVB from its root, there was a need to teach boys about consent, respect, and healthy relationships early on.

    Lilian was recently honoured with Doctor of Philosophy in Humanities for Exemplary Humanitarian Contributions by Prowess University Delaware USA, to celebrate her commitment by improving lives across Africa and beyond.

    She called for a comprehensive education that would help boys understand their roles in preventing violence and challenging harmful stereotypes.

    Lilian said the organisation recently organised a capacity building and mentorship for youths in the country.

    According to her, the organisation has a strong history of impactful programs for youth and girls, rooted in empowerment, leadership, and advocacy.

    She, however, lamented that lack of funding and resources were one of their challenges for empowering women.

    She said: “A few weeks ago, we organised the 5th edition of our leadership/education summit for youths emphasizing capacity building and mentorship.

    “We also organise a mentorship advocacy programme through the Visionary African Women community where we focus on confidence building, safety, and future planning.

    “We spearheaded initiatives such as the Visionary African Women Summit and the Lilian Ike Foundation Education Summit now transitioning to Global Visionary Leadership Summit which have empowered countless individuals through education, mentorship, and advocacy.”

  • Ganduje: Police hunt for governor’s spokesman

    Ganduje: Police hunt for governor’s spokesman

    Forty special detectives, acting on the directive of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbedokun, are searching to arrest Mr. Sanusi Bature Dawakin-Tofa, the spokesman of Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf, The Nation has learnt.

    It was gathered that the IGP men were deployed from Abuja to arrest Dawakin-Tofa on a complaint filed by the National Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.

    Ganduje had petitioned the IGP over his suspension from his ward in Dawakin-Tofa Local Government, accusing the governor’s spokesman who is from his constituency of orchestrating the suspension.

    Family sources told reporters yesterday that the detectives who were in plain clothes were spotted around the residence of Dawakin-Tofa on Monday.

    One of the members of the family who wants to remain anonymous because of security reasons lamented that the secret police ransacked the residence more than five times, scaring members of Dawakin-Tofa’s family, including the wife and children, as well as creating apprehension in the neighbourhood.

    Read Also: Uba Sani and the ‘Kaduna Model’ of tackling insecurity, banditry and kidnapping

    “The IGP special force has mounted dragnet for Sanusi Dawakin-Tofa’s arrest in the last two weeks despite an order of the court restraining the IGP, DSS, CP Kano and other security agencies from arresting and or harassing the Kano hovernor’s media director general,” the family source said.

    Justice Amina Adamu Aliyu of Kano State High Court had granted an ex parte application, preventing further manhunt of Dawakin-Tofa pending the hearing and determination of substantive matter on his fundamental rights slated for January 22, 2025.

    The animosity between Dawakin-Tofa and Ganduje dated nine years ago, when Ganduje, as governor-elect, reportedly ordered Dawakin-Tofa’s arrest over his opposition during the gubernatorial election.

  • Customs, WJC seize 2,179kg of pangolin scales

    Customs, WJC seize 2,179kg of pangolin scales

    • One suspect arrested

    The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Kano/Jigawa Command and Wildlife Justice Commission (WJC) have seized 2,179kg of pangolin scales.

    Kano/Jigawa Customs spokesman, Saidu Nuruddeen, who announced this yesterday, said the recovery was made following the arrest of one suspect in Mubi, Adamawa State.

    He said the seizure was made with the support of FOU Zone D and the Wildlife Justice Commission (WJC), making it the third major seizure of pangolin scales by NCS command led by  Comptroller Dauda Ibrahim Chana and WJC this year.

    “This achievement is a testament to the command’s commitment to fighting all forms of crime, supporting global efforts to fight wildlife crime, while protecting Nigeria’s wildlife and preserving the country’s biodiversity.

    Read Also: Ogun 2027 and the cacophony of voices

    “In line with the statutory responsibilities of NCS, under the Comptroller General of Customs Bashir Adewale, the success of this operation is attributed to  the ongoing collaboration between the NCS and WJC which has been strong since 2021, and has resulted in multiple arrests and seizures,” Nuruddeen.

    According to him, a total of 21,582kg of pangolin scales have been seized in Nigeria by NCS as a result of the partnership with WJC.

    “Fifty-four per cent of this amount or 11,673.2 kilograms has been seized in 2024 alone, and 4,473.2kg of this is by the NCS Kano/Jigawa command.

    “The perpetrators will be prosecuted accordingly and the service will leave no stone unturned to further apprehend anyone connected to this criminal network.

    “This operation demonstrates the power of collaboration; the NCS and WJC force, and it also reaffirms NCS’ dedication to combating wildlife trafficking,” the statement said.