The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Kaduna

  • JUST IN: Police rescue 23 kidnapped victims in Kaduna

    JUST IN: Police rescue 23 kidnapped victims in Kaduna

    The Kaduna State Police Command has rescued 23 kidnapped victims in a joint security operation in Kajuru Local Government Area (LGA).

    A statement issued by the Command’s spokesperson, DSP Mansir Hassan, said security operatives, acting on credible intelligence, advanced into the Doka Village bush on February 2, 2025, and engaged a gang of armed bandits attempting to relocate their victims to Kajuru Forest.

    During the encounter, the joint team of police and military personnel inflicted heavy casualties on the bandits, forcing them to retreat with gunshot wounds. 

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    This led to the rescue of the victims, who had been kidnapped in Kauru LGA.

    The police said all the rescued victims had been safely reunited with their families, while security operatives had intensified surveillance and patrols in the area to prevent further attacks.

    The Commissioner of Police, CP Rabiu Muhammad, reaffirmed the command’s commitment to securing lives and property, assuring residents that the police would continue working with the military and other security agencies to combat crime in line with Governor Uba Sani’s security vision for the state.

  • Uba Sani pledges to make Kaduna the nation’s skills hub

    Uba Sani pledges to make Kaduna the nation’s skills hub

    Governor Uba Sani is dedicated to transforming Kaduna State into a leading skills hub in Nigeria by establishing institutions that will provide artisans with the necessary training and certification. 

    The commitment was highlighted in a statement on Sunday by the Commissioner for Business Innovation and Technology, Mrs. Patience Fakai.

    She explained that this initiative is part of the Governor’s broader policy on Human Capital Development. 

    Mrs. Fakai pointed out that Governor Sani has already established the Skills Development Council, which includes her Ministry, the Ministry of Sports Development, the Ministry of Local Government Affairs, and the Ministry of Human Services and Social Development. 

    In pursuit of this goal, Mrs. Fakai disclosed that she and officials from her ministry met with the Executive Secretary of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), Prof. Idris Bugaje, on Saturday to further the Governor’s objectives. 

    The statement also revealed that the state government is building three Vocational and Technology Skills Acquisition Centers in each of the three senatorial districts of the state. These centres will be located in Soba, Rigachukun, and Samarun Kataf in Soba, Igabi, and Zangon Kataf local government areas, respectively. 

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    According to Mrs. Fakai, the purpose of these centres is to equip the people of Kaduna State with 21st-century skills to foster independence and self-employment. 

    In addition, the state government is remodelling Panteka Market in Kaduna to become a major skills acquisition centre that will engage approximately 40,000 artisans. Necessary infrastructure is being put in place to support this transformation. 

    Mrs. Fakai also emphasized that her ministry is collaborating with NBTE to provide Nigerian Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF) certification for graduates of the three skills centres and Panteka Market, ensuring they are recognized for their expertise.

  • Prices of food items crash in Kaduna 

    Prices of food items crash in Kaduna 

    Seventeen days into  2025, it has ushered in a bit of hope as the prices of some food items have nosedived  in Kaduna State.

    Checks by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) showed that the prices of grains and other staple food items were steadily coming down in markets across the state, against the skyrocketed prices in 2024.

    Further checks by NAN Correspondents in Kaduna showed that the prices of food items like rice, beans, yams, garri and noodles had been reduced even though not much.

    At the Sheikh Abubakar GumiMarket, Kaduna’s central market, a 50kg bag of foreign rice, which was sold for about N125,000-130,000 before was now being sold for between N120,000 and N123,000.

    Also, yams, which were in some weeks in 2024  sold for N7,000 per tuber and N28,000 for a set of five, now sells from N5000  to N6,000 and  N2,500 of medium ones by those who sell on bonanza

    A local measure of eight cups of beans which was initially selling for between N3,000 to N3,500, now costs N2,500, while a measure of garri, previously being sold for between N1,400 and N1,500 now costs N1,200.

    A carton of Indomie noodles previously sold at N7,700 now sells at  N7,500.

    Some consumers, who spoke to NAN in separate interviews said they hoped that the prices of food items would continue to crash.

    Hafsat Muhammad said she now buys a local measure of rice at N2,100 against its initial price of N2,400, adding that a local measure of  corn which cost N1200 before  now goes for N900.

    Similarly, Hajiya Ummi Shuaibu, a business woman, said she bought bags of maize immediately after the harvest to resell  after some months but her plans changed since the prices of food items began to come down.

    ” I was expecting the prices to go up like last year but they  didn’t ; so I have to bring out my stock in order not to run on a loss.

    ” A bag of corn that used to be N60,000 is now around N50,000 to N55,000, that is why I must sell it off as soon as possible, “she said.

    (NAN) 

  • Kaduna: How we tackle climate change – Commissioner

    Kaduna: How we tackle climate change – Commissioner

    The Kaduna State Government said it plans to plant about 10 million trees over four years in its afforestation programme to mitigate the effects of climate change and protect the environment.

    The Commissioner for Environment, Alhaji Abubakar Buba, who spoke to stakeholders on Wednesday, disclosed that the government had already planted approximately 1.7 million trees last year.

    Alhaji Abubakar promised that his Ministry plans to double the number of trees to be planted this year, adding that, “we have the nurseries that have generated these three seedlings.”

    “The major challenge of climate change is carbon emissions, greenhouse gases, and the like. The primary thing that absorbs carbon dioxide is trees. We expect residents not just to plant trees but to nurture them to grow; not only in the cities but also in the suburbs and villages,” he said.

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    He commended Governor Uba Sani for initiating what he described as a “greener and cleaner Kaduna State,” adding that “he is an environmentally friendly Governor.”

    “The governor also mandated us to desilt about 140 kilometres of drainage within the city centres to check flooding during the rainy season by easing the free flow of water,” he said.

    The Commissioner further disclosed that Governor Uba Sani has asked the Ministry to dredge the River Kaduna and other water bodies within the state so that “the water flowing into the rivers as a result of our desilting the drainages will be so much that, at the end of the day, it will flow back to the people’s houses.”

    Alhaji Abubakar commended the Governor for the increased allocation in this year’s budget, adding that he promised substantial implementation of the 2025 budget.

  • Southern Kaduna: From killing field to infrastructural hub

    Southern Kaduna: From killing field to infrastructural hub

    SIR: One of life’s most poignant aphorisms is one which recreates the impermanence of life. When people say that no condition is permanent, they mean it as both a statement of hope and a testament to defiance. People have lived to witness the fiercest storms finally and improbably wash by, and they have come to learn that even the thicket darkness will someday lift.

    For the long-suffering people of Southern Kaduna, the election of Bola Ahmed Tinubu as president in 2023 has brought them unexpected succor. Shortly after he assumed office, he took the unprecedented step of appointing General CG Musa who is from Southern Kaduna as the Chief of Defence Staff. The masterful appointment was a masterstroke on so many levels.

    While Southern Kaduna has always been a flash point, the period between 2015 and 2023 proved especially bloody, with terrorists chewing up and spitting out the people of the zone. Dozens were killed every month there while the administrations pf Muhammadu Buhari as president and Nasir El-rufai as governor did pretty little.

    In those days when the blood of innocent, vulnerable rural dwellers flowed freely in Southern Kaduna, whispers of genocide, ethnic cleansing and systematic killing in addition to abuse of their sensitivity were rife because the governor did not give a hoot.

    Recently, Kassim Shettima, the vice president was in the zone for a condolence visit during which he revealed that the federal government plans to establish a Federal Medical Center as well as a university in the zone.

    The current governor, Uba Sani, came with an agenda for with peace, humility, and reconciliation and the bloodbath ceased. The diverse ethnic groups in the state have seen themselves as one, and oneness has returned.

    The Tinubu government is about to follow up  with a university and a Federal Medical Centre in the zone.  The university would help the killers and their victims to interface and embrace civilization and socialization in an atmosphere of learning. On the other hand, the Federal Medical Centre would improve critical healthcare for the people.

    Read Also: Rabiu assumes duty as 45th CP in Kaduna 

    Surely but steadily, the government of Governor Uba Sani is reminding the long-suffering citizens of the state of the time Ahmed Makarfi because he was a peaceful person. For all the horrors they have survived in the past 20 years, the good people of Southern Kaduna deserve critical infrastructure as well as lasting peace and security.

    Now that a new Pharaoh is in town, one that is deaf to the sirens of religion and tribalism, there is no better time to console the people.

    It is hoped that other neglected parts of the country who have known depredation and destruction either as a result of environmental degradation or terrorism will come to experience a similar level of attention at the hands of the government.

    If every part of the country is to feel a sense of belonging, then the government must take measurable steps to promote inclusion and unity.

    • Ike Willie-Nwobu,Ikewilly9@gmail.com
  • Rabiu assumes duty as 45th CP in Kaduna 

    Rabiu assumes duty as 45th CP in Kaduna 

    Mr Muhammad Rabiu, has assumed duty as the 45th Commissioner of Police(CP) of the Kaduna State Police Command.

    The command’s spokesperson, DSP Mansir Hassan, stated this in a statement on Thursday in Kaduna.

    Hassan said, “The command is pleased to announce the assumption of duty by Rabiu as the 45th Commissioner of Police for the state on Tuesday.”

    He said the new CP took over from Mr Ibrahim Abdullahi, who was promoted to the rank of an Assistant Inspector General (AIG).

    According to him, the new CP, who was born on July 16, 1969, in Ketare District, Kankara Local Government Area of Katsina State,  brings a wealth of experience and professionalism to the command.

    Hassan said, “He was enlisted into the Nigeria Police Force in 1994.

    “He graduated from Bayero University, Kano (1990) and holds MSc in Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria , 2009.”

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    According to the PPRO, throughout Rabiu’s illustrious career, he has held various positions within the force.

    He said that they included: Divisional Police Officer Kubwa, DPO Area 1 Durumi, DPO Gwagwalada, DPO Life Camp FCT Abuja, ACP Ops, Taraba and Command, AC Admin. FCT Command.

    Others were; Police Component Commander, Operation Delta Safe Yenagoa, Commander 5 PMF Benin, Commander 22 PMF Lagos, Commander Spu Base 6 Portharcourt. Deputy Commander, Operation Safe Haven Jos and DC Operations, Ondo Police Command.

    He said his exceptional service had earned him numerous commendations for gallantry and professionalism.

    Hassan said Rabiu’s expertise included operational leadership, fostering police-community relations, and implementing intelligence-led strategies to combat crimes effectively.

    “The Kaduna State Police Command is confident that CP Muhammad Rabiu’s extensive experience and commitment to service will enhance security, strengthen public trust, and promote peace across the state, “Hassan said.

    (NAN)

  • Fake Video: Court remands Mahadi Shehu in Kaduna prison

    Fake Video: Court remands Mahadi Shehu in Kaduna prison

    Kaduna based public commentator Mahadi Shehu, has been remanded at the Kaduna Correctional Service Facility following his arraignment on Tuesday, at the Chief Magistrate Court (CMC 1), located at Ibrahim Taiwo Road Kaduna.

    He was arraigned on two count charges of Conspiracy, Aiding and Abetting Terrorism, Contrary to Section 26 (2)(3) of the Terrorism (Prevention & Prohibition) Act, 2022 and Inciting Public Disturbances Contrary to Section 78 of the Penal Code Law of Kaduna State, 2017.

    The Judge of Magistrate Court, Abubakar Lamido, remands Mahadi Shehu in the Correctional Service Facility, pending the determination of the case on an adjourned date slated for the 14th of January 2025 for further hearing of the case.

    Shehu had alleged in a post made on his X account insinuating plans by the Federal Government to site a French military base in the north-east of Nigeria as reportedly claimed by the Niger Republic Military Leader, Abdourahamane Tchiani, which was later rebutted by the Nigerian Government.

    An allegation that was later discovered to be fake as fact-checked by credible media organizations, including The Cable confirming the video originally showed of Nigerian soldiers at Bamako Airport during the deployment for an ECOWAS Peace Keeping Mission in Northern Mali. It was first posted on YouTube in January 2013.

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    Shehu was arrested by the Department of Secret Security Service (DSS) some days ago and was summarily arraigned at the Chief Magistrate Court for prosecution after investigation of the Defendant by the DSS.

  • Kaduna Gov urges unity, optimism in 2025 New Year message

    Kaduna Gov urges unity, optimism in 2025 New Year message

    Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani has called on the citizens to approach 2025 with hope and a collective commitment to progress.

    In his New Year message, he reflected on the challenges of 2024, including security and developmental hurdles, while highlighting achievements under his administration.

    The governor emphasized the significant investments made in education, healthcare, and infrastructure across the state’s 23 local government areas. 

    He credited peace initiatives with stabilizing security, reopening key markets like Kara in Birnin Gwari and Kidandan in Giwa, and revitalizing cultural festivals previously halted due to insecurity.

    He pointed to the successful Kaduna Countdown 2025 event as a testament to restored social harmony in metropolitan Kaduna. 

    Looking forward, Governor Sani pledged to build on past successes, learn from setbacks, and work towards creating a brighter future.

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    “Let us look to the future with hope and optimism. Let us work together to build a better tomorrow,” he urged.

    The governor thanked citizens for their resilience and support, promising to continue fostering peace, development, and unity in Kaduna State.

  • Governor Sani’s achievements unmatched in Kaduna’s history, says PPA

    Governor Sani’s achievements unmatched in Kaduna’s history, says PPA

    The Principal Private Secretary (PPS) to Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, Prof. Ayuba Bello, has commended the governor for his remarkable achievements within a short time in office, stating that no administration in the state’s history has accomplished such feats.  

    Prof. Ayuba made this assertion on Thursday while interacting with journalists in Kaduna during an end-of-year gathering. 

    He highlighted the governor’s numerous accomplishments over the past 18 months, noting that the list shared was merely a summary of the administration’s successes.  

    The PPS expressed optimism about the governor’s commitment to sustaining and surpassing these milestones, emphasizing the administration’s dedication to the development and progress of Kaduna State.

    “This is not a speech-making event. It is just an occasion for us to fraternise and unwind, more so as the year is winding down. But as we all know, where two or three journalists are gathered, the discussion almost always gravitates towards politics and governance. For this reason, I want to give you a summary of the unprecedented achievements of the Executive Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani in the last 18 months. No doubt, there has never been any administration in the history of Kaduna State, which achieved so much, within a short time and with limited resources, like the Government of Senator Uba Sani.

    “In less than two years, the Governor Uba Sani administration in Kaduna State has been rapidly transforming rural communities through massive infrastructural development, revival and revitalization of the health and educational sectors, frontally fighting poverty, and strengthening partnership with security forces to secure the State. In the area of security, the Government has forged a solid partnership with federal security forces to secure Kaduna State, by giving them logistics support to enhance their operations. 

    “Governor Uba Sani distributed 150 operational vehicles and 500 motorcycles to them and the Kaduna State Vigilance Service (KADVS) to boost their operations. Besides that, the Governor has recently signed the Kaduna State Security Trust Fund Bill into Law. The Trust Fund will raise funds for the acquisition and deployment of even more security equipment, personnel and materials as well as training of security personnel.

    “Through the efforts of the Peace Dialogue Group established by the Kaduna State Government in collaboration with federal agencies and security services, peace has returned to Birnin Gwari. On November 29, the Governor reopened the famous and strategic Birnin Gwari Market which had been closed for about 10 years, thus signalling the commencement of commercial activities. Above all, the long-abandoned Birnin Gwari Road has come back to life. Similarly, the Kidandan market in Giwa local government of Kaduna State, which had not been patronised for several years owing to insecurity, has been opened. Indeed, this marks the beginning of the return of peace and stability to Giwa local government.

    Significantly, Governor Uba Sani has been embarking on a massive rural development by extending infrastructure development to all local government areas, with the goal of supporting rural communities to achieve rapid economic growth and development.

     “In this regard, the Government has undertaken 68 road projects, covering a total of approximately 700 kilometres, across the three senatorial districts. Human Capital Development is one of the pivots of Governor Uba Sani’s administration and for this reason, it has improved access to education and revived the health sector. So far, the Kaduna State Government has built 62 new secondary schools, comprising 39 Junior and 23 Senior Secondary Schools, across the three senatorial districts. Besides, approval has been given for the construction of an additional 50 secondary schools across the state and upon completion, these new schools are expected to enrol over 100,000 students, further solidifying Kaduna State’s commitment to providing inclusive and accessible education for all. Also, 2,000 qualified teachers have been recruited, awaiting deployment to these newly completed schools.

    “In addition, the Government has constructed 2,326 new classrooms, renovated 707 classrooms, supplied 30,742 two-seater pupil’s furniture, provided 3,704 Teachers Furniture, and constructed 918 VIP Cubicle Toilets and 51 hand pump boreholes in schools across the State.

    “Significantly, the administration is building three Vocational and Technological Skills Acquisition Cities to equip youths with the requisite skills to enable them to take up jobs in industries and other businesses. The Skills Cities will graduate at least 12,000 youths annually.

    “In addition, the Government is remodelling the Panteka Market in Kaduna to become a major centre for skills acquisition, engaging over 38,000 artisans. A comprehensive infrastructure upgrade is being carried out to make it an international centre for skills acquisition and job creation. Besides, the Kaduna State Government is collaborating with the National Board for Technical

    “Education (NBTE) to provide Nigerian Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF) certification for graduates of the Skills Cities and Panteka Market. Specifically, Governor Uba Sani is carrying out a surgical operation in the healthcare sector because he wants to deliver a top-notch healthcare system that addresses the needs of the people. The administration is working day and night to complete the ultra-modern Specialist Hospital at Millennium City, Kaduna. On Wednesday, 27th November 2024, the Governor commissioned the remodelled, upgraded and fully equipped Dabo Lere Memorial Hospital, Kaduna.

    “He has embarked on the remodelling, equipping and upgrading of 13 General Hospitals in the 3 Senatorial Zones of the State. This includes General Hospital Gwantu, General Hospital Rigasa, General Hospital Maigana, and in Sanga, Igabi and Soba local governments respectively, as some of the hospitals that have been remodelled, equipped and upgraded.

    “Others are Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa, Kafanchan, in Jema local government; General Hospital Giwa, in Giwa local government and Ikara General Hospital, located at Kara local government. The rest are General Hospital Sabon Tasha, Chikun LGA; General Hospital Saminaka, Lere LGA, and General Hospital Kachia, Kachia LGA.

    “Governor Uba Sani has placed agriculture at the centre of Kaduna State’s development agenda. In the last 18 months, Kaduna State has become a beacon of hope for smallholder farmers, an engine of economic growth, and a model of agricultural excellence. Under the remarkable palliative program, Sustainable Livelihoods through Social Interventions and Economic Empowerment, the Get Back to the Farm initiative has breathed new life into the agricultural sector. 

    “Government has distributed vital inputs-high-quality seeds, fertilizers, agrochemicals, and farming equipment to 41,693 smallholder farmers and cooperatives across all 23 LGAs. This initiative is a game-changer for our farmers, restoring their livelihoods and driving increased productivity across the state.

    “Significantly, the Uba Sani administration undertook the largest Free Fertilizer Distribution in Kaduna State’s history, with the distribution of 500 trucks of fertilizer from which 240,000 bags were given out free to 120,000 smallholder farmers. The Government has also invested heavily in both mechanization and micro-mechanization of the agricultural sector. Indeed, the last time the State invested in mechanization through the procurement of Tractors was in 2010 but this Government has procured 12 heavy-duty tractors that can handle large-scale commercial farming and complex and difficult farming operations.

    “Since he assumed office in May 2023, Governor Uba Sani has placed a high premium on bringing succour to the poor, vulnerable and underserved in Kaduna State. In this regard, he has been carrying out pro-poor measures to bring needed relief to Kaduna State citizens, first by signing an Executive Order on Financial Inclusion. By so doing, the Governor has shown commitment to addressing the exclusion of the poor, under-served and vulnerable from financial services and ensuring that they benefit from social intervention programs of Kaduna State and the Federal Government.

    “The aim is to empower people with tools like savings accounts, credit, insurance, and digital payment options, enabling them to participate in the formal financial system, manage their finances, and build economic resilience.

    In addition, the Kaduna State Government has forged a significant partnership with Google Africa for the ArewaTech4Ladies Skills Development Project.

    “Through this collaboration, it has empowered 5,000 women and girls with skills in data science, Artificial Intelligence and entrepreneurial applications of digital technologies. Through the Kaduna State Enterprise Development Agency (KADEDA), the Government has supported 8,649 nano and micro businesses with grants to expand their business operations. The support ranged from N300,000, N200,000, N150,000, N100,000, to N50,000.

    “The poverty alleviation programme, “A Kori Talauchi programme” has empowered 4,912 underserved women across the state. Furthermore, the Government has supported another 100 food vendors at the Kaduna Food Festival 2024, which took place from April 11th to 14th 2024 at Murtala Square, Kaduna. The festival was a vibrant celebration of the rich culinary diversity of Kaduna and Northern Nigeria, designed to showcase a spectrum of local culinary art and street food. The festival attracted more than 2,000 guests daily, providing women with the platform to showcase their local businesses.

    “Significantly, Kaduna State Government has instituted a Revolving Loan Scheme to enable civil servants to meet financial needs with seed funds of five hundred million Naira (N500,000,000) at a single-digit rate of five percent (5%). This initiative aims to promote access to funds for civil servants to meet financial obligations. More so, the administration has been clearing pension arrears. The State Government has to date paid approximately four billion, seven hundred million Naira (N4.7 bn) for clearance of death and gratuity benefits.

    “As servants of the people, the Uba Sani Government places a great premium on accountability. Transparency and accountability are not principles to be trifled with. Last month, the Centre for Fiscal Transparency and Public Integrity Watch (CeFTP|W) ranked Kaduna State as the first subnational in its Transparency and Public Integrity Index. The ranking which was done for the entire 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, placed Kaduna State as number 1, with a score of 51. 42, in its 2024 Integrity Index Report. CeFTPIW is a non-governmental organization established in 2016 to promote good governance, by strengthening transparency and accountability in public institutions and organizations. In addition, Kaduna State came second out of thirty-six (36) states in the ICAN Accountability and Transparency Index, reflecting its commitment to transparency, accountability, and effective resource utilization.

    “In the last 18 months, the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) profile of Kaduna State has improved. Last November, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) released the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of all in the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and Kaduna State raked in N62.49 billion last year, emerging the state with the highest IGR earnings in the north. Governor Uba Sani’s policy of financial inclusion and widening the tax net as well as reorganising the entire Kaduna State Internal Revenue Service (KADIRS) is responsible for this feat.

    “Since he came on board, KADIRS has been expanding the tax net in a horizontal manner as against the vertical approach of the past which led to stagnation. Above all, the policies of the Uba Sani administration which have a human face, have made businesses and companies that have left Kaduna State in the past, to return. Coupled with that, he has initiated a lot of business-friendly policies which are having positive impact on revenue generation. In addition, the rural transformation of the Kaduna State Government has improved voluntary tax compliance because people can see how their money is being spent.

    “Besides, KADIRS is effectively deploying technology in its operations to ensure effective service delivery to taxpayers.

    A major component of the Uba Sani Governance Agenda is Nurturing Citizen Engagement, to carry the people along in decision-making processes, especially on how their resources are allocated.

    “Consequently, the Government has been holding Town Hall Meetings and consultations with critical stakeholders like Traditional Rulers, Religious Leaders, Elders/Influential Citizens, and Leaders of Women and Youth Groups, as well as Development Organizations, on major Government policies and programmes, especially the yearly budget proposal.

    This is just the tip of the iceberg of what Comrade, Senator, Dr, Malam Uba Sani has accomplished in the last 18 months as the Governor of Kaduna State,” Ayuba stated.

  • Christmas: Former Kaduna PDP guber candidate felicitates with Christians

    Christmas: Former Kaduna PDP guber candidate felicitates with Christians

    The 2023 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) gubernatorial candidate in Kaduna State, Rt. Hon. Isa Mohammed Ashiru, has extended warm Christmas greetings to Christians across the state, urging reflection on the values of kindness, unity, and peace during the festive season.

    In a statement commemorating the celebration, Ashiru acknowledged the economic challenges faced by many Nigerians but underscored the enduring message of hope and compassion that Christmas represents.

    “Christmas is not just a time for festivities but an opportunity to reflect on the virtues of forgiveness, kindness, and unconditional love, as exemplified by the life of Jesus Christ,” Ashiru said.

    He encouraged Christians to mark the season by supporting those in need, fostering peace within their communities, and striving for a more just and harmonious society.

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    Ashiru also offered prayers for God’s blessings on every family, urging citizens to travel safely and celebrate responsibly with their loved ones.

    “May the spirit of Christmas inspire us to work together to build a state grounded in justice and shared values. I pray the coming year brings prosperity, good health, and spiritual growth to all,” he concluded.