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Tag: Kaduna

  • Tinubu more popular in Kaduna now than under El-Rufai – Sule

    Tinubu more popular in Kaduna now than under El-Rufai – Sule

    Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule has said that President Bola Tinubu currently enjoys more support in Kaduna State than he did in 2023 when former Governor Nasiru El-Rufai held sway.

    Speaking during a live interview on TVC News on Tuesday evening, Governor Sule dismissed recent comments by El-Rufai, suggesting that President Tinubu’s popularity in the North is on the decline, insisting that the political reality on the ground tells a different story.

    “President Tinubu has more support in the same Kaduna State where El-Rufai comes from today than he used to have when El-Rufai was the governor. After all, President Tinubu got only 300,000 and something votes when El-Rufai was the governor—he lost Kaduna at that time”, Sule said.

    Governor Sule pointed out that under the current Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, public sentiment toward the President has improved significantly, particularly in areas such as Southern Kaduna.

    “If you look at Southern Kaduna, and even from my local government in Nasarawa, which borders some parts of Kaduna, I know what the people say about President Tinubu today. The support is stronger under Governor Uba Sani than it was under Nasiru El-Rufai,” he added.

    He explained that his own experience travelling through Kaduna by road gave him a direct sense of the mood on the ground, saying, “That’s why I sometimes go by road—to stop, interact, and understand what people are saying.”

    The Nasarawa governor, a senior member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), also addressed the issue of public misinformation, warning against taking political rhetoric at face value.

    “Politicians can say whatever they want to say. But the reality is that President Tinubu today has more support in Kaduna than in 2023, when he lost the election there by over 300,000 votes to the PDP,” he emphasised.

    Turning to security, Governor Sule made a strong case for the establishment of state police, arguing that community policing structures currently in place across various states are inadequate to deal with the escalating threat of armed banditry and criminal violence.

    “We have Amotekun, Katsina Marshals, Sokoto Marshals, Zamfara Marshals, and other vigilantes. But they lack proper training and the right equipment You cannot expect results when your security personnel carry dane guns and face criminals armed with AK-47s and automatic machine guns”, he said.

    According to Sule, state police would operate under a regulated structure with proper oversight and training, provided by national security institutions such as the Nigerian Police Force and the military.

    “We’re not saying state police should be totally independent. They’ll be trained by the same national institutions. But the key is that they will be recruited from their own communities, and they understand the terrain better,” he explained.

    The governor said this model would strengthen accountability and responsiveness, as state police officers would be locally based and trusted by the people they serve.

    Read Also: Tinubu’s reform making Nigeria accessible for foreign investors – British envoy

    “If I employ someone in Keffi, he’s not going to work in Lafia or Akwanga. He’ll work in Keffi, where he understands the area, the people, and the issues. That’s what we need for effective security”, he said.

    Responding to concerns about the timeline for impact, Governor Sule was optimistic that, if approved, state police would begin to reduce violent crimes such as kidnapping within months.

    “These criminals are also afraid for their lives. If they know the person facing them is well-trained and armed, they’ll think twice. So yes, state police will reduce kidnappings and insecurity significantly,” he said.

    He emphasised that while no country is entirely crime-free, the presence of a capable and community-rooted police force would serve as a strong deterrent to criminals.

    “If a kidnapper shoots into the air in a market and no one is there to stop him, that’s a problem. But if there are community police present and ready to respond, it’s a different story. That’s what we need,” Sule concluded.

  • Governor Sani establishes Nigeria’s first Lithium processing plant in Kaduna

    Governor Sani establishes Nigeria’s first Lithium processing plant in Kaduna

    ….to produce daily capacity of over 30,000 tonnes

    Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, has established Nigeria’s first lithium processing plant in Kangimi village along the Kaduna-Jos road, with a daily production capacity of over 30,000 tonnes.

    This was revealed by the Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Alhaji Abubakar Buba, during the ongoing quarterly ministerial press briefing. 

    He described Kaduna as the hub of solid minerals in Nigeria, boasting more than 70 mineral resources including lithium, gold, tin, coltan, wolframite, titanium, and iron.

    Buba noted that the Kaduna Mining Development Company has acquired 18 additional mineral titles, as part of efforts to expand the sector.

    He said Governor Sani is determined to reposition the solid minerals sector to boost internally generated revenue, attract foreign investors, create jobs, and curb illegal mining in the state.

    As part of these efforts, the government has engaged Core International Marketing and Management Ltd to develop a comprehensive Mining Development Roadmap for Kaduna.

    According to Buba, the state generated N30 million from mining activities in the last two quarters of 2024, with higher revenue projections for 2025.

    “His Excellency, Governor Uba Sani has established a Lithium processing plant at Kangimi village along the Kaduna-Jos road, the first of its kind in Nigeria.

    “This processing plant has a capacity of producing more than 30,000 tonnes of lithium per day,” he said.

    The Commissioner said that there is ‘’tremendous reduction in the illegal mining operation in the State which is as a result of improved surveillance and the Governor’s renewed thinking. 

    Read Also: Kaduna traditional rulers tasked to mobilise subjects for residency registration

    “Out of the Governor’s magnanimity, he graciously agreed that we should form cooperative societies of these illegal miners, so that at the end of the day, they will still be useful to the society.

    “They will serve as the foot soldiers for any investor that is coming, because they are the indigenes and they know the terrain better than each and every one of us,’’ the Governor argued.  

    Speaking on Environment and Pollution Control, the Commissioner said that Kaduna State has Developed a State Policy on Climate Change and Position Statement.  

    He disclosed that the State is the first sub national that has produced both the policy and position statement in Nigeria, adding that, ‘’a lot of states have done the policy document, but Kaduna State is the first to come out with the two.’’

    “We have Trained and empowered 500 youths and women on briquette making in collaboration with Kaduna Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) project,’’ he said.  

    “In this part of the world, our people normally use firewood as a source of energy for cooking. We thought that before we ban the use of firewood for cooking and charcoal making, we need to provide an alternative to the people.

    “That’s the reason why the state government, in collaboration with ACReSAL, we trained over 500 women and youths on how to make briquettes,’’ he argued.

    Alhaji Abubakar noted that ‘’briquettes can serve as a source of energy to our women and children for cooking without necessarily use burning down of our trees because the trees serve as carbon shield for humanity.’’

    The Commissioner also said that Kaduna State Government distributed clean cooking stoves to 400 women and youths in collaboration with Women’s Initiative on Sustainable Environment (WISE), a Non Governmental Organisation.

    ‘’This will help in reducing the emission of smoke that goes to the atmosphere, which equally distorts the ozone layer and exposes humanity to more risk,” he noted.

    He commended Governor Uba Sani’s efforts which has resulted in including Kaduna State ‘’into the Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas in Nigeria(HYPPADEC).’’

    ‘’Last year, Kaduna State was rated as the cleanest city in north-western Nigeria. This is one of the achievements that we hope to sustain. This year, we hope to be the cleanest state in Nigeria that is our target,’’ he promised.

  • Southern Kaduna Professors reaffirm support for Tinubu, Uba Sani over inclusive governance

    Southern Kaduna Professors reaffirm support for Tinubu, Uba Sani over inclusive governance

    The Forum of Southern Kaduna Professors (FOSKAP) has reaffirmed its support for President Bola Tinubu and Uba Sani, governor of Kaduna, over their commitment to “inclusive governance”.

    Speaking at a press briefing in Kaduna, Chairman of the Forum, John Laah, noted that Southern Kaduna is undergoing a significant economic and political transformation under Tinubu and Sani-led governments.

    Laah noted that Tinubu and Sani’s inclusive governance policies have given the people of southern Kaduna a sense of belonging.

    “I will say this, and you can quote me. Funnily, it is when we have a southerner as president that we tend to get significant appointments in southern Kaduna,” he said.

    “Under former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck, we had ministers of works, finance, the Chief of Army Staff, Chief of Defence Staff.

    “Under northerners who became presidents (late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and Muhammadu Buhari), we had nothing, not even a minister.”

    He added that over the past two years, both the federal and the state governments have brought investments to southern Kaduna.

    Read Also: JUST IN: Tinubu swears in INEC commissioners, CCB board members

    Laah conveyed the forum’s appreciation to the president for approving the establishment of the federal institutions in the state, noting that it has renewed the residents’ belief in the Tinubu-led administration.

    He also expressed satisfaction with the appointments of Mathew Kukah, the Catholic bishop of Sokoto diocese, and Barnabas Qurix as the pro-chancellor and vice-chancellor of the Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia, respectively.

    “We consider it necessary to address you today on issues that are defining and will continue to define our future as a people and as a region,” Laah added

    “Southern Kaduna is currently undergoing a phase of significant economic and political transformation, which has driven both our aspirations and expectations to elevated levels.

    “As critical stakeholders of Southern Kaduna and indeed Nigeria, the Southern Kaduna Professors have resolved to, from henceforth, engineer corresponding actions to support the impactful initiatives by the government (at all levels) and by our elected and appointed representatives.”

  • Northwest Govs meet to tackle insecurity, others

    Northwest Govs meet to tackle insecurity, others

    North West Governors met in Kaduna on Friday night to discuss pressing issues affecting the region, including insecurity, unemployment and excessive drug use.

    The meeting, at the Sir Kashim Ibrahim House, aimed to foster collaboration and develop strategies to address these challenges.

    Chairman of the Northwest Governors’ Forum Umar Dikko Radda (Katsina) disclosed that the seven States have agreed to work together to tackle the issues . 

    According to him: “We just concluded our meeting and the deliberation was very fruitful,” he said.

    “We had a long discussion on issues bothering challenges affecting our region and we have had presentations from Northwest Development Commission, as well as the Federal Medical University Funtua for the region.”

    The Governors discussed ways to prevent excessive drug use and explored potential collaborations with development partners. Dr. Radda emphasized the importance of working together to bring about necessary development in the region.

    Read Also: Northwest Govs solicit UN support

    “We have all agreed to work together on these issues raised, in order to bring the necessary development that is needed in the region,” he said.

    Kaduna Governor, Uba Sani, noted that the issues of poverty, unemployment, and drug addiction are at the forefront and require immediate attention.

    “We are working together to tackle issues affecting the region, and we are in close collaboration with development partners in order to find lasting solutions to the issues affecting the zone,” he said.

  • Kaduna traditional rulers tasked to mobilise subjects for residency registration

    Kaduna traditional rulers tasked to mobilise subjects for residency registration

    The Executive Secretary of the Kaduna State Residents Identity Management Agency (KADRIMA), Dr. John Danfulani, has called on traditional rulers across Southern Kaduna to mobilise their subjects for the ongoing residents’ registration and identity card enrollment exercise.

    Dr. Danfulani made the call during a three-day sensitisation and advocacy tour to several chiefdoms and emirates, where he addressed royal fathers and community stakeholders on the importance of the initiative.

    Speaking at the palaces of traditional rulers in Kachia, Kaura, Jema’a, Sanga and Zangon Kataf local government areas, the Executive Secretary explained that the exercise was aimed at building a comprehensive database of all residents in Kaduna State.

    Read Also: NSCDC Mining Marshals shut down illegal mining site in Kaduna

    He said such data would aid effective planning, security, enable social interventions, and promote financial inclusion.

    “We are appealing to everyone living in Kaduna, including non-indigenes, to update their residential information. As long as you reside in Kaduna, this identity card is for you,” he said.

    Danfulani also dispelled speculations that the initiative was a revenue-generating move or politically motivated. “It is not about generating revenue or any political inclination,” he emphasised. “This is strictly for the benefit of our people.”

    He further revealed that the identity card, which also doubles as a debit or credit card, will serve as a tool for accessing key government services and opportunities, including social welfare programmes, scholarships, free education, subsidised healthcare, and health insurance.

  • Kaduna will lift millions of Kaduna citizens out of poverty through financial inclusion, says Gov Sani

    Kaduna will lift millions of Kaduna citizens out of poverty through financial inclusion, says Gov Sani

    Governor Uba Sani has promised that Kaduna State will lift millions out of poverty through aggressive financial inclusion policies, by opening three million new bank accounts by the end of 2025.

    The governor made the promise while speaking at the Kaduna Economic and Financial Inclusion Summit (KEFIS 2025), themed “Expanding Financial Access for Sustainable Development”, on Wednesday.

    The governor disclosed that over 2.5 million accounts have already been opened, and nearly seven million citizens registered for National Identification Numbers (NIN) to facilitate financial access.

    “True financial inclusion is about granting individuals and communities the means to participate meaningfully in the economy, break the cycle of poverty, and elevate their quality of life,” the Governor told stakeholders, including representatives of the Vice President and development partners.

    According to him, Kaduna’s rural population which make up 70 to 75 percent of the unbanked, is at the center of the state’s inclusion drive.

    “About 3.5 million people in Kaduna were outside the financial system as of 2023,” he revealed.

    “This exclusion hindered economic growth and left many vulnerable groups disenfranchised from the benefits of modern financial systems,’’ he added.

    Recounting his experience as former chairman of the Senate Committee on Banking and Financial Institutions, the Governor said that he sponsored the Banking and Other Financial Institutions Act (BOFIA) 2020.

    Governor Uba Sani pointed out that the law brought fintechs under Central Bank regulation, enabling digital financial services to reach underserved areas.

    “A lot has happened since fintechs came under the CBN’s regulatory oversight. They are now reaching people formerly outside the financial system,” he said, highlighting how they have enabled access to mobile banking, credit, and donor programs.

    According to the Governor, his administration has also institutionalized financial inclusion through the Kaduna State Financial Inclusion Executive Order, leading to the formation of a state committee and targeted interventions.

    He said over N18 billion was channeled into accounts through direct cash transfers and inputs distribution by agencies like KADEDA, KADSIPA, and the Planning and Budget Commission.

    “The signing of the Financial Inclusion Order in 2023 marked a significant moment in our journey toward economic empowerment and social equity,” he said.

    The policy saw a 19% increase in financially served adults, rising from 45% in 2022 to 64% in 2024, with about 9% new banked population and 10% accessing other formal financial services.

    The governor added that Kaduna’s inclusion strategy also supports Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), which are critical to job creation.

    “We are fostering a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem where MSMEs can grow, create employment opportunities, and contribute to the economy of Kaduna State,” he said, adding that the economic impact is already visible, with poverty rates and income inequality on the Governor Uba Sani disclosed that access to financial services and credit “has lifted many people out of poverty.

    Read Also: Kukah commends Gov Sani for stabilising Kaduna

    “In Kaduna State, we believe in a comprehensive approach to tackling insecurity. Financial inclusion is addressing the root causes of insecurity: unemployment and inequality,” he pointed out.

    The governor said that partnership with banks (UBA, Jaiz, Zenith, Fidelity), fintechs (Moniepoint, Momo, TeasyPay, E-Tranzact), and global development partners like the Gates Foundation has been pivotal.

    The foundation, he said, is streamlining NIN enrollment and supporting digital payment systems.

    He noted that in recognition of its progress, Kaduna has been chosen as a pilot state by the Office of the Vice President for a national financial inclusion initiative, saying as part of this, Kaduna will allocate 5,000 hectares for an in-grower scheme, supporting rural farmers through input support and product-based repayments.

    “This approach is tailored to empower rural communities and integrate them into the formal financial system,” he explained.

    The governor disclosed that he was also recently appointed to the Governing Board of the Presidential Committee on Economic and Financial Inclusion (PreCEFI), representing Northern Nigeria—a nod to Kaduna’s role as a trailblazer in financial empowerment.

  • Northwest communities raise alarm over alliance between bandits, kidnappers

    Northwest communities raise alarm over alliance between bandits, kidnappers

    Communities across the North West gathered in Kaduna on Monday to express deep concerns over emerging threats linked to conflict and violent extremism, warning of growing alliances between bandits, old insurgent groups, and kidnappers.

    The communities also raised alarm over the increasing radicalisation of youths in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps, attributing it to poverty and worsening socio-economic conditions.

    Speaking during the inauguration of the Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism Knowledge Innovation and Resource Hub (PCVE-KIRH) in Kaduna, Professor Dung Pam Sha, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Partnering Against Violent Extremism (PAVE), stressed the urgent need for fresh strategies to tackle the evolving security threats.

    According to him, “Emerging issues and dynamics concerning violent extremism in the North West are raising serious concerns. We are beginning to see alliances between bandits and old insurgents, and kidnappers are increasingly becoming part of these networks.”

    He called on security practitioners, government agencies, and community leaders to develop innovative responses to counter the shifting threats and prevent further destabilisation of the region.

    “We are beginning to see the young ones in Internally Displaced Camps (IDP’s) being radicalised, and we are also seeing how transborder criminals are getting into the country and are exacerbating the crises and security situation in the country.

    Read Also: Security operative held for selling arms to bandits

    “One of the strategies we think should be used is to ensure that the government increases its presence at the borders and increases the budget to help and protect the borders. Civil society should play a role in helping deradicalise the young ones who are being radicalised in displaced camps.

    “We also think that traditional rulers must play a very key role in understanding these dynamics by ensuring they work very closely with the government, security agencies and civil society. Everybody should be an actor and should play a role in securing the nation,” he said.

    Jaye Gaskia, the Chairman, PAVE Network Steering Committee, said it is hoped that at the end of all the engagements with the necessary stakeholders will contribute to the development and implementation of pathways, frameworks and processes that will enable shared, coordinated, collaborative, and participatory approaches to addressing and tackling issues in the evolving context and dynamics of violent extremism in North West Nigeria, and across Nigeria, and the Sahel as well.

    Mohammed Auwal Aliyu, National Counter Terrorism Centre, Office of the National Security Adviser (NCTC-ONSA), Staff Officer, PCVE, said the theme, ‘Emerging Issues and Dynamics in PCVE in North West Nigeria’, signifies an important step in fortifying a collective commitment to peace, security, and resilience in the region.

    He said though the challenges are dynamic, through determination to innovate and adapt through collaboration, learning, and resourcefulness the issues can be addressed.

  • Two die, 20 children sick as measles outbreak hits Kaduna community

    Two die, 20 children sick as measles outbreak hits Kaduna community

    Two children have been confirmed dead and over 20 others sick as measles outbreak hits Ungwa Kanawa in Tankarau of Dutsen- Abba Ward of Zaria local government area of Kaduna State.

    This was discovered during a visit to the community as part of activities  commemorating the African Vaccination/World Immunisation Week which commenced on the 24 and will last till the  30th April, 2025 With the theme; “Vaccination for all is Humanly Possible”.

    The visit to the community, which was also to carry out Immunisation, was also meant to be an opportunity to monitor supervision of the ongoing Polio campaign, and to observe and document impact of mobile outreaches in a zero-dose ward/LGA as part of an integrated primary healthcare system.

    Speaking on the.ourbrek and efforts to address it, the Director Disease Control in the Kaduna State Primary Healthcare Board, Hamza Ibrahim Ikara who confirmed the outbreak said the.visit was part of the ongoing process to ensure proper and quality intervention for polio immunization across the country, which we have just commenced.

    “As you have seen in the committee meeting, we have many children who have fallen victim to measles cases, because they have either never received any immunization or missed the measles vaccination we conducted a few months ago.

    “Despite outreach teams visiting them, many parents have not been bringing their children for immunization. This situation stems largely from refusal and non-compliance related to immunization.

    “In this community, we have been making strong efforts to create awareness among committee members. They have shared reasons why they have not been taking their children for immunization or accepting vaccinators when they come,” he said. 

    Read Also: Visa racketeering, cybercrimes, illegal mining alarming in Kaduna – EFCC Director

    In response to this outbreak, he said he has directed the Local Government Surveillance Officer to strengthen surveillance efforts and ensure that they cover all the communities within the Ungwan Kanawa area to ensure no child showing symptoms is missed.

    “We have already ordered vaccines from the state to the local government for re-vaccination efforts within the communities.We have also conducted sensitization activities with household heads, which is very important because, even if women bring their children for immunization, they often cannot proceed without the approval of the men.

    “Fortunately, we have secured their consent now, today (Saturday) by 4 p.m., our vaccination and outreach teams will visit the community to carry out vaccinations. Our goal is to quickly stop the outbreak within this community and across the entire local government area,” he assured.

    The United Nations Children Education Fund (UNICEF) Chief of Field Office Kaduna, Dr. Gerida Birukila corroborated the outbreak of the Measles in the community.

  • Banditry: Kaduna residents hail Gov. Sani for approving Military Base project

    Banditry: Kaduna residents hail Gov. Sani for approving Military Base project

    Residents of Barga in Awon Ward, Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State, have praised Governor Uba Sani for approving the establishment of a Military Forward Operations Base (FOB) in their community.

    The commendation came during a tour of the ongoing project by stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kachia.

    Speaking during the visit, Barga community leader Zanko Adamu said the initiative would significantly curb the rising cases of banditry and other security threats plaguing the area.

    Adamu noted that frequent kidnappings and cattle rustling had driven many residents away from their homes and farmlands. 

    He also disclosed that the community serves as a gateway to the Rijana forest, a location believed to be a major hideout for bandits.

    Another resident, Mark Bawa, stated that the prompt response from the governor in granting the community’s request for the base has rekindled hope among the people.

    Bawa added that the once-thriving farming community has been impoverished by frequent attacks, leading to reduced agricultural output and food shortages.

    “Our community was a very peaceful and productive one before these criminal elements started wrecking havoc on us.

    “It is my prayer that we have come to the end of this nightmare we have been experiencing,” he added.

    On her part, Hannatu Dikko, highlighted the socio-economic impact of insecurity in the area. 

    Dikko explained that many businesses had shut down, while schools remain closed, leaving children without access to education.

    Read Also: Gov. Sani commissions 12 roads in Kaduna 

    Earlier, the Kachia Local Government Council Chairman, Dr Manzo Maigari, noted that citing the base in Barga was in line with the rural infrastructural drive of the present state government.

    According to him, once completed, the FOB is expected to serve as a strategic point for swift military response and surveillance.

    He tasked the community members on providing local intelligence to security agencies, noting that security was a collective responsibility.

    Other stakeholders who spoke also lauded the governor for listening to the cry of the people of the area.

    Awon ward has become a hot bed of attacks in Kachia, with many cattle rustled and residents displaced from their homes in recent times.

  • Blast: Commissioner assures Kaduna citizens of safety

    Blast: Commissioner assures Kaduna citizens of safety

    Kaduna State Government has clarified that experts have found out that the rumoured bomb explosion that took place at Abakpa was exaggerated.

    In a statement, Commissioner of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr James Kanyip, stated that the anti-bomb squad said the blast was an accidental discharge from a local dane-gun.

    Kanyip said investigation on the matter was ongoing, adding that citizens should ‘’ go about their normal business and be assured of Government’s commitment towards ensuring sustainable peace, security and harmonious co-existence of citizens in the state.’’

    Read Also: Tinubu issues fresh security directives, says ‘enough is enough’ – Ribadu

    It will be recalled that the blast which occurred on Tuesday at Abakpa Ward in Kaduna North Local Government, claimed the life of a 12-year-old boy and injured seven others.

    According to the commissioner, the blast “generated fear and tension in people living in the area, hence the spread of the false rumour’.

    He said: ‘’Heads of security agencies comprising the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Service, Nigeria Army as well as the Local Government chairman had visited and assessed the scene to ascertain the actual cause of the incident.’’