The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Kaduna

  • Accidental discharge, not explosion killed two kids in Kaduna, Police insist

    Accidental discharge, not explosion killed two kids in Kaduna, Police insist

    Kaduna State Police Command has debunked reports of a bomb explosion in Abakpa, Kaduna State, which reportedly killed two children.

    Spokesman of the command, Mansir Hassan, said in a statement that preliminary investigations by the Anti-Bomb Squad indicate that a local firearm (Dane gun) was discharged, resulting in the unfortunate loss of life of the young boy.

    Read Also: Consortium launches free battery design training for Nigerians to boost clean energy innovation

    According to the police, the incident, which occurred about 8:30 am yesterday at Josawa Road in Abakpa, claimed the life of a 12-year-old boy, identified as Abubakar Muhammed of Josawa Road, while seven other individuals sustained injuries.

    The command stated that a combined team of policemen led by the Divisional Police Officer of Kawo Division and Department of State Services (DSS), and Chairman of Kaduna North Local Government, visited the scene, following a distress call, and an assessment was carried out.

    Police said further investigations and assessments were ongoing.

    The command assured the public that further developments would be duly communicated.

  • ‘Explosion’ kills two children, injures three others in Kaduna

    ‘Explosion’ kills two children, injures three others in Kaduna

    Tragedy struck in the Abakpa community, Kaduna North Local Government Area on Tuesday morning when two children died and three others sustained injuries in an incident initially feared to be an explosion.

    The deceased were identified as 13-year-old Imam and six-year-old Nasrin. 

    The incident occurred near the old site of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), triggering panic among residents who mistook the loud sound for a bomb blast.

    A resident, who witnessed the aftermath but asked not to be named said: “I was having my bath when I heard a loud bang. I rushed out and saw Imam in critical condition. I tried taking him to the hospital but he didn’t survive.”

    Buy Kaduna Police Command dispelled the rumour of an explosion, stating that preliminary findings showed the incident was caused by the discharge of a locally made firearm, popularly known as a Dane gun.

    Read Also: Kaduna partners MAMII to tackle high maternal mortality in seven LGAs

    Spokesperson of the Command, DSP Mansir Hassan, in a statement on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, said a distress call was received around 8:30am and operatives led by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Kawo Division were immediately deployed to the scene.

    He said a joint visit by the Commissioner of Police, the Garrison Commander, the State Director of the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Chairman of Kaduna North LGA was conducted for an on-the-spot assessment.

    “Contrary to initial reports, experts have confirmed that the incident was not an explosion. Preliminary investigations conducted by the Officer in Charge of the Police Anti-Bomb Squad revealed that a locally made firearm (Dane gun) was discharged, leading to the unfortunate deaths and injuries,” the statement said.

    The Command assured residents that investigations were ongoing to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the incident. It also extended condolences to the families of the deceased and wished the injured a speedy recovery.

    The incident has since left residents in shock, with many still reeling from the tragic loss and confusion surrounding the cause.

  • AYCF lauds Kaduna’s pact with World Bank, seeks public cooperation

    AYCF lauds Kaduna’s pact with World Bank, seeks public cooperation

    The Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF) has applauded Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, for his commitment to the state’s development through a strategic collaboration with the World Bank.

    AYCF President General, Yerima Shettima, praised the partnership, which includes eight key projects valued at $885 million, as a major milestone in tackling critical developmental challenges in the state.

    Shettima highlighted that during a recent visit by Mr. Ousmane Diagana, the World Bank’s Regional Vice President for Western and Central Africa, Governor Sani outlined a clear and visionary roadmap to maximise the impact of the projects across sectors such as education, healthcare, infrastructure, agriculture, and social welfare.

    “We applaud the governor’s recognition of the transformative role that the World Bank has played in our state, particularly through initiatives such as the Adolescent Girls’ for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) Project, the Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (SURWASH) Programme, and the Nigeria COVID-19 Action Recovery and Economic Recovery Stimulus Programme (NG-CARES).

    Shettima averred that these projects have not only laid the groundwork for sustainable development but have also provided our youth with opportunities for empowerment and growth, adding that the governor’s commitment to expanding World Bank support into new areas, including the Sustainable Power and Irrigation in Nigeria (SPIN) Project and the Resilient and Accessible Microfinance (RAM) Project, is a testament to his dedication to building a diversified and resilient economy for Kaduna State.

    Read Also: AYCF condemns abduction of Afenifere Youth president, demands immediate release

    “As stakeholders in the future of Kaduna, we recognize the importance of public cooperation in ensuring the success of these initiatives” he stated.

    The AYCF urged all citizens to actively engage with and support the government’s efforts in implementing these projects, stressing that it is imperative that we work together to create an environment conducive for development, where the benefits of such investments can be felt by all, especially the most vulnerable among us.

    “We also commend Mr. Ousmane Diagana for his recognition of Governor Sani’s strong leadership and the effectiveness of Kaduna’s collaboration with the World Bank. Such acknowledgment is a reflection of the potential that exists within our state when we harness the right partnerships and leadership”.

    The AYCF said it stands firmly behind Governor Uba Sani in his mission to elevate Kaduna State to new heights.

     “We call upon all residents, community leaders, and stakeholders to join hands in fostering a spirit of cooperation and unity. Together, we can ensure that the benefits of these projects are maximized, leading to a brighter future for all citizens of Kaduna State” he stressed.

  • Troops hit terrorists in Borno, Plateau, Kaduna, others

    Troops hit terrorists in Borno, Plateau, Kaduna, others

    Terrorists suffered a heavy blow from military onslaught in the past week with many of them killed, the Defence Headquarters said yesterday.

    Many parts of the North have been reeling from an upsurge in terrorist activities.

    Insurgents had attacked four military formations in Borno State and dislodged troops, with many civilians and security agents killed.

    There have also been attacks on Plateau communities, with many killed and property destroyed.

    In a statement yesterday, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj-Gen Markus Kangye, said troops in collaboration with other security agencies and hybrid forces recorded successes in neutralising several insurgents.

    They also rescued abducted persons, arrested insurgents and recovered arms and ammunition, as well as stolen crude oil in the Southsouth.

    Kangye said between April 10  and 14, troops raided Konduga, Kukawa, Abadam and Mobbar in Borno and Gujba in Yobe.

    Some terrorists were neutralised and others apprehended, while PKT guns, AK-47 rifles, Dane guns, PKT barrels and assorted rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition as well as Improvised Explosive Devices were seized.

    The spokesman said troops intercepted seven terrorists’ logistics suppliers and recovered supplies in Monguno, Mobbar and Kukawa in Borno and Potiskum in Yobe.

    Read Also: Fasoranti applauds Tinubu, backs President’s leadership

    According to him, scores of Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists, comprising adult males, adult females and some children, surrendered to troops within the theatre of operation.

    Kangye said within the period, troops also neutralised many terrorists and bandits in Tsafe, Talata Mafara, Kaura Namoda and Maru in Zamfara, Northwest.

    He said: “A terrorist kingpin, Bello Kaura, was also neutralised in an air interdiction.

    “Troops also arrested some terrorists and rescued 17 kidnapped victims.”

    Terrorists were also eliminated in Bungudu and Maradun, Zamfara State, with three arrested.

    Five kidnapped victims and two students of the Federal University of Dutsi-Ma were freed, the spokesman said.

    Troops also recovered arms and assorted kinds of 7.62mm ammunition, motorcycles and rustled cows.

    “Troops, acting on credible intelligence, arrested 13 suspected terrorists and a gunrunner in Giwa and Chikun Local Government Areas of Kaduna State, and Gusau Local Government Area of Zamfara State on April 11 and 13,” Kangye said.

    In Plateau State, the defence spokesman said troops’ onslaught in Barkin Ladi, Wase, Jos South, Mangu and Bassa, and Jama’a and Sanga in Kaduna State, led to the neutralisation of many terrorists and the rescue of 21 kidnap victims.

    Eight suspected criminals/kidnappers were arrested in Jos North, Bassa, Shendam and Jama’a in Plateau, Kangye said.

    He added that troops were similarly active in the Niger Delta.

    Kangye said: “The troops seized 117,395 litres of stolen crude oil, 22,050 litres of illegally refined AGO, 6,000 litres of DPK and 8,060 litres of PMS.

    “Additionally, they discovered and destroyed 102 crude oil cooking ovens, 94 dugout pits, 18 boats, four speedboats, 56 storage tanks, 164 drums and 42 illegal refining sites.

    “Other items recovered include pumping machines, drilling machines, galvanised pipes, tricycles, motorcycles, mobile phones and nine vehicles.

    “We are committed to taking the battle to the enemy to deny them freedom of action, thereby making them thirst for surrender.”

    Also yesterday, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) component of Operation Hadin Kai, in a military onslaught against Boko Haram in the Northeast, neutralised scores of terrorists in the Sambisa general area and the Southern Tumbuns in Borno.

    It also destroyed terrorists’ infrastructure and hideouts in the areas.

    NAF’s spokesman, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said in a statement that the air strikes were executed at the two terrorist strongholds on April 15.

    Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, said the recent increase in terrorist attacks will not diminish the military’s determination.

    In a statement by the Director of Defence Information, Brig-Gen Tukur Gusau, the CDS said troops were more dedicated to duty despite difficult challenges.

    Northern coalition seeks action

    Also yesterday, the Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) described the killings in Plateau as senseless and unacceptable.

    It called on the Federal Government to take immediate and decisive action to stop the violence and bring those responsible to justice.

    In a statement by the National Coordinator, Jamilu Aliyu Charanchi, CNG said: “These killings are not isolated. They are part of a broader resurgence of violence across the North, including terrorist attacks by Boko Haram in the Northeast, banditry in the Northwest, and ethno-religious clashes in the Northcentral.

    “The government’s tepid response has emboldened killers, leaving citizens to question its commitment to their safety.

    “For years, our communities have endured unending cycles of violence while the government issues hollow condolences and empty promises.

    “The blood of Nigerians is not cheap. We reject the normalisation of these tragedies and demand accountability through result-oriented action.

    “The CNG demands that the President halt his holiday in France in the face of the massacre of his citizens, whose resources he is utilising insatiably to return to confront the problem head-on. It is a case of Nero fiddling while Rome is burning.

    “We demand that reinforced security forces be deployed at all flashpoints in Plateau to protect civilians. The government must adopt brutal efficiency in dismantling terror networks.

    “We demand that all perpetrators be arrested and prosecuted, including sponsors of these attacks.

    “The era of impunity must end immediately and permanently.

    “Nigeria’s security framework must be overhauled to prioritise intelligence-driven operations, community engagement, and collaboration with locals.”

    CAN donates relief materials

    The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) donated relief materials to victims of attacks in Bokkos, Plateau.

    Its Vice President, Rev. Stephen Panya-Baba, presented the items yesterday.

    Gunmen on April 2 attacked Hurti, Josho, Daffo, and other communities in Manguna District of the locality.

    The relief materials include building materials, foodstuffs, and toiletries, among others.

    “They are an expression of our deepest concern, genuine love, and care for all of you,” Panya-Baba said.

  • Kaduna leads Nigeria’s agric revolution with SAPZ launch

    Kaduna leads Nigeria’s agric revolution with SAPZ launch

    • By Abel Musa

    It was a bustling affair on Wednesday as the Vice President, Kashm Shettima, laid the foundation for the construction of a Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ) in Kaduna. And with that move,, Kaduna made history as the first Nigerian state to launch SAPZ.

    Indeed, when it comes to agri-business, Kaduna is damn serious and this is testament of Governor Uba Sani’s commitment.

    “You didn’t just put your money where your mouth is – you put your money where your mind and your body are,” Adesina said, referring to Sani’s input to developing agriculture in the state, particularly his input to SAPZ, an initiative of the African Development Bank (AfDB) in conjunction with the federal government as well as other state governments.

    “Kaduna’s leadership on this project reflects not just a vision for food security, but a roadmap for economic prosperity and inclusive development. You are the first state to launch the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone in Nigeria. This is a great day for us all. We’re proud to partner with a government that listens, that leads with compassion, and that is open to all.”

    Backed with an investment of $538 million in SAPZ from AfDB, this initiative is set to be a game-changer in Nigeria’s agricultural revolution. In its first phase, the initiative aims to add value to the agri-sector in eight locations – Kaduna, Kano, Kwara, Cross River, Imo, Ogun, Oyo, and the Federal Capital Territory. It would connect  2,300 hectares of irrigated land and farms to market access roads. In Kaduna, SAPZ is focusing on tomato, maize, and ginger, three crops which the state has a comparative advantage in its production.

    According to AfDB, the huge investment in SAPZ is to address Nigeria’s $4.9 billion annual food security challenge and transform the country to global agribusiness leader. And in this light, it’s great that the bank is partnering with Kaduna. Adesina said this alignment would see the bank supporting Kaduna State in expanding school feeding programs and integrating them with the new processing zones. He also pledged additional support for primary health care improvements, health insurance, and infrastructure, including water, sanitation, and digitalization. It should however, be noted that this scheme is not peculiar to Nigeria but rather it is Africa-wide.

    “The Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone is about developing new economic zones across Africa, close to where farmers are,” Adesina had explained elsewhere, stating that AfDB is investing over $3 billion in more than 11 countries. However, pertaining to Nigeria, an earlier statement by AfDB indicated the aim of SPAZ.

    “The initiative is being launched at a critical time as Nigeria intensifies efforts to diversify its economy and combat rising food insecurity,” the statement read. “Kaduna and Cross River States will lead this agricultural transformation, marking a pivotal shift in Nigeria’s approach to agribusiness and food security. With an unprecedented investment of $538 million, SAPZ Phase 1 marks the African Development Bank’s largest programme in any African country to date, underscoring the scale and significance of this undertaking. The SAPZ initiative embodies President Tinubu’s commitment to strengthening food security, generating sustainable employment opportunities, and revitalizing peri-urban economies through innovative public-private partnerships.”

    In his remarks, Sani said that the launch of the SAPZ is very dear to Kaduna State. He also lauded Dr. Adesina’s intervention in transforming agriculture across the continent and described him as “a blessing to Nigeria, Africa, and humanity.” He reiterated how Akinwunmi’s tenure as Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture benefited more than 15 million smallholder farmers across the country through his E-wallet initiative. According to Akinwunmi, the initiative would transform and address the challenges of financial exclusion faced by smallholder farmers.

    “It could have also addressed the problem of insecurity we are facing in Northern Nigeria,” Sani said, referring to the SAPZ.

    Read Also: Canada will match Trump’s 25% auto tariff, says PM Carney

    “In Kaduna, agriculture contributes about 42 percent of our GDP and accounts for about 60 percent of employment in the state. This is why we believe insecurity has hindered much of the development we could have achieved through agriculture. Because we believe it is one of the most important sectors to invest in, part of what we did was to increase the agricultural budget from N1.4 billion, which we inherited in 2023, to N74 billion in the current budget. By doing that, we became the first sub-national government to achieve the 10 percent target of the 2014 Malabo Declaration, which set the goal of allocating 10 percent of the budget to agriculture.”

    In terms of developing the agriculture sector in the state, the Sani-administration deserves its flowers. Among the states, Kaduna leads in the cultivation of ginger. It produces bountiful amounts of crops like rice, maize, millet, soybean, groundnut and tomatoes. It would also surprise some people that Kaduna produces grapes, especially around Kudan Local Government Area which is responsible for 85% of the total grape production in the country.  And since assuming office, the Sani administration has also partnered with the private sector. It inked a $120m deal with StarAgri West Africa Limited to modernise state-owned warehouses and silos and deploy an electronic warehousing system in five years. The state also partnered with Sunagrow International Oil Ltd to build a $50 million soya bean oil refining plant in Kutungare, Igabi Local Government Area, capable of producing 500,000 litres per day.

    The Kaduna State government has also intensified on building rural roads to connect farmers from their farms to the markets. Also, with the Kaduna Model, which incorporates security agencies with the various stakeholders in the communities, insecurity is being eradicated across the state. In places like Birnin-Gwari, which used to be a stronghold of criminality, normalcy has been restored, with farmers returning to their farms and markets re-opened. Then, it is interesting to note that the administration audaciously increased its budget for agriculture from N1.4b in 2023 to N74b in 2025.

    In the first phase, the SAPZ is targeting eight states. And already, AfDB secured a $2.2 billion commitment for the Nigerian Phase 2 SAPZ at the recent Africa Investment Forum in Rabat, Morocco. While the second phase of SAPZ will bring onboard the other 28 states later, it is pertinent to remind the other state governors that they can preempt whatever AfDB intends to do. Take the case of Kaduna for instance. The present enviable position of Kaduna in terms of agriculture was revitalised by the current administration. All over Nigeria is arable land and other state governors can copy the little ‘agricultural’ steps of Sani as a blueprint for success.

    In less than two years as governor, Sani’s sterling performance across different sectors has earned him praise and accolades from diverse persons. And with the setting up of the SAPZ in Kaduna, there would be increased value-added to these agro-products which hitherto were solely disposed of in their raw forms. This move has started earning the governor laurels. Hear how the visionary AfDB president lauded Sani with endearing words, describing him as “a model leader – he’s a listener, a unifier, and above all, a doer.” The governor has definitely worked hard to earn the praises.

  • Four suspects remanded over murder of Kaduna SS2 students

    Four suspects remanded over murder of Kaduna SS2 students

    Four suspects have been remanded in a correctional facility over the alleged murder of Ahmed Musa, a 16-year-old SS2 student of Government Technical College, Malali, Kaduna.

    Musa, the son of Kaduna-based journalist, Musa Mohammed, was brutally killed on February 16, 2025. His lifeless body was discovered within the school premises, sparking outrage and a demand for justice.

    Read Also: Notorious serial killer ‘Abba Dujal’ surrenders, confesses to multiple murders, robberies in Kano

    The suspects—Timothy Abba (56), Joseph Ogoni (41), Bulus Adamu (42), and Francis Adamu (48)—all personnel of the Kaduna State Vigilance Service (KADVS), were arraigned before the Chief Magistrate Court in Kabala Doki on Thursday.

    They were charged with criminal conspiracy, negligence, and murder in connection with the student’s death.

    Presiding Magistrate Naheed Ibrahim Abdulhamid ordered the remand of the four men in a correctional facility and adjourned the case to May 27, 2025, for further hearing.

  • World Bank to invest more in girls’ education in Kaduna

    World Bank to invest more in girls’ education in Kaduna

    The World Bank has promised improved investment in girls’ education in Kaduna and other states of Nigeria under the Adolescent Girls’ Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) Project.

    This was as the state Governor Uba Sani disclosed that the World was currently funding eight projects in the state to the tune of over $885 million,

    Regional Vice President of the World Bank, Ousmane Diagana disclosed this on Wednesday when he inspected AGILE Intervention Project at Government Girsl Secondary School Kawo, Kaduna, staying that, the Project was World Bank’s response to negative statistics of out of school children in Nigeria.

    According to him, “reports have it that there are about 18 million out-of-school children in Nigeria and that 90 per cent of this number are in Northern Nigeria, the majority of whom are girls. So, AGILE is a response to addressing this issue, to create space for girls to go to school and thrive. This will impact society in the long run.”

    While expressing satisfaction with the performance of the GGSS Kawo students who made presentations during the inspection programme, the World Bank Regional Vice President said the Bank will continue to invest in girls’ education in Nigeria, particularly Northern Nigeria. “You will see more of AGILE Projects everywhere,” he said.

    Earlier, at the government, when Diagana paid a courtesy visit on Governor Uba Sani, the Governor said that Kaduna State can be a model for effective donor-funded World Bank projects in Nigeria, with its strengthened systems and consistent leadership.

    According to the governor, the World Bank Projects are ‘’aimed at improving education, healthcare, infrastructure, environmental resilience, agriculture, and social welfare. These projects have not only reinforced the state’s development agenda but have also contributed to reducing poverty and enhancing the quality of life across various sectors,’’ he added.

    Governor Uba Sani further said that Kaduna State looks forward to strengthening the existing partnerships with the World Bank and exploring new areas of collaboration.’’

    He listed the eight projects that the World Bank is funding in the state, totalling over $885 million, which include the Adolescent Girls’ Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) Project, with $80 million in credit.

    The Governor said that the AGILE Project “has advanced secondary education opportunities for adolescent girls, achieving over 70% disbursement and notable progress in school infrastructure and enrolment campaigns.’’

    He further disclosed that the Accelerating Nutrition Results Nigeria (ANRiN) Project has been  fully disbursed and now closed, adding that  ‘’the  $17 million health and nutrition project significantly improved nutrition services for pregnant and lactating women, adolescents, and children, helping reduce maternal and child mortality.’’

    According to him, the State has also benefited from the  Nigeria Covid-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus Programme (NG-CARES), which is designed as a COVID-19 recovery effort, adding that, ‘’this $20 million project is supporting vulnerable households and small enterprises. Approximately 45% has been disbursed and fully utilized to date.’’

    Read Also: World Bank commits $16bn portfolio to Nigeria

    He disclosed that Kaduna State has drawn from a $700 million pool of the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL), adding that the project addresses land degradation and climate resilience through watershed management and afforestation.

    The Governor of Kaduna State further disclosed that ‘’over $5.8 million has been disbursed, with implementation gathering momentum.’’

    On Kaduna State Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (KADRAAMP), he said that  ‘’this $20 million rural infrastructure project is enhancing agricultural market access through rural road rehabilitation. Half the loan has been utilized, and requests for 2025 counterpart funding are under review.’’

    According to him, Kaduna State’s portion of the $700 million Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (SURWASH) Program  “is progressing, with over $4.2 million drawn down.’’

  • Kaduna recovers 13 children sold to traffickers in other states

    Kaduna recovers 13 children sold to traffickers in other states

    The Kaduna State Government has rescued 13 children allegedly sold to child traffickers outside the state.

    The Commissioner, Ministry of Human Services and Social Development, Hajiya Rabi Salisu, disclosed in a chat with newsmen that the stolen children were first taken to Abuja by a syndicate who from there ferried them to Enugu.

    Some members of the trafficking gang, she said, were yet to be arrested.

    “One of the abducted children was stolen when the child was seven days old, and now, the child is seven years old.

    “The children cannot identify their locations. But the authorities will do everything humanly possible to ensure that all the children are reunited with their family members,” she said.

    She, however, lamented that all the recovered children already had their names changed.

    She said: “All of them have had their names changed from Hausa to other names.

    “Those brought to Kaduna are under the special intervention and emergency support of the government under the ministry’s facility to provide psychosocial counseling and support, food, medical care and rehabilitation.

    “Upon review of the situation in one of the scenarios after the arrests made, on 24th March, 2025, the ministry received 11 children from the office of the state Commissioner of Police and from Abuja.”

    The Commissioner said five members of the kidnapping gang disclosed that the gang’s leader operates an orphanage in Abuja, and under this guise they conduct their nefarious activities.

    “She uses her orphanage as temporary shelter for the stolen children and negotiates for their sale to prospective buyers in the eastern part of the country.

    Read Also: Police arrest ‘human traffickers, cultist’

    “This evil act is so alarming that all the children found and brought back have lost their identity, so much so that they cannot remember their original homes.

    “Seven of the children were received on 9th April, 2025 from the State CP’s office. The remaining children from Abuja were six others brought back from Birnin-Kebbi, who were abducted and sold to a woman nicknamed Maman Salamatu in Calabar, name concealed as the case is still under investigation in Kebbi.”

    She called on parents who lost their children and are searching for them to come forward with concrete evidence, proof of birth and other relevant information to be reunited with their children.

    She advised parents to be vigilant, imbibe the culture of good parenting and nurture their children with good moral upbringing to protect them against all forms of abuse, violence and exploitation.

    Ali Adamu, whose daughter, Maryam, was abducted on 13th February, 2025 in Kogi State, thanked the ministry and other government agencies for reuniting him with his daughter.

    He called on parents to be watchful over their children so that they do not go through the trauma of losing them.

  • Kaduna, Borno, Kano, ten others prone to meningitis

    Kaduna, Borno, Kano, ten others prone to meningitis

    The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has alerted Nigerians of the outbreak of meningitis in thirteen states of the country.

    The 13 states prone to meningitis according to the agency are; parts of Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara, Katsina, Kano, Jigawa, Bauchi, Yobe, Gombe, Adamawa, Kaduna and Borno states.

    The agency in its meningitis and heat stress watch released on Friday, stated that some parts of the country would also experience heat stress.

    For meningitis, the agency stated: “There is an increased chance of outbreak of Meningococcal meningitis over the country. 

    This prospect is heightened with the fresh dust haze that came into the country early hours of 11th of April. Areas most prone to the outbreak includes Parts of Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara, Katsina, Kano, Jigawa, Bauchi, Yobe, Gombe, Adamawa, Kaduna and Borno States.

    The agency while stating that the most vulnerable groups include infants, young children, the aged, and those with weak immune systems, advised them to get vaccinated against meningitis, practice good hygiene by washing hands regularly and avoid close contact with those affected. 

    It called on relevant bodies responsible for public health to take note of the alert and take necessary preventive actions. 

    Read Also: Eyes on  Ibadan, Kaduna as polo tour resumes next month

    On the heat stress, it noted that the discomfort levels are expected to increase for 12th of April.

    “This is coming after three consecutive days of rainfall over the country. Maximum temperatures over the north are within 40 ℃ . Clear skies and moisture will aid this heat and attendant discomfort.

    “Discomfort levels should be highest over parts of Borno, Adamawa, Taraba, Gombe, Yobe, Bauchi, Jigawa, Kano, Katsina, Kaduna, Zamfara, Sokoto, Kebbi, Niger, Kogi, Nasarawa and Benue states including the Federal Capital Territory”.

  • Kaduna aims to become Nigeria’s skills hub to tackle youth unemployment — Commissioner

    Kaduna aims to become Nigeria’s skills hub to tackle youth unemployment — Commissioner

    …we have trained 2.4m youths, got 500,000 jobs in 4yrs -Jobberman

    The Kaduna State Commissioner for Business Innovation and Technology, Mrs Patience Fakai, has said that Governor Uba Sani’s drive to transform Kaduna into the nation’s skills hub is a strategic step towards addressing youth unemployment.

    Speaking at the 2025 edition of the Jobberman Career Fair held over the weekend, Mrs Fakai revealed that the state government is constructing three world-class Vocational and Technology Skills Acquisition Cities, one in each senatorial zone, to equip young people with relevant skills.

    She emphasised that tackling youth unemployment requires a holistic and collaborative strategy, urging stakeholders to develop integrated employment plans that not only generate jobs but also support young people in transitioning into decent and sustainable careers.

    Mrs Fakai reminded the participants that the Career Fair ‘’reflects a powerful partnership between government, the private sector, and educational institutions aimed at empowering our youth and supporting our economic ambitions.”

    She recalled that the maiden edition of the Career Fair which held on the 23rd of November, 2023, recorded a significant milestone, with ‘’a total of 1,496 unemployed youth with 71 representatives of employers of labour in attendance and over 300 job placements have been secured to date and still counting.”

    Read Also: Real reasons Tope Alabi refused to perform at Liz Anjorin’s surprise birthday party

    The Commissioner noted that this year’s edition of Jobberman Kaduna Career Fair ‘2025 is themed “Meet – Connect – Get Hired,’’ just as she expressed optimism that the programme will succeed in addressing the challenges of youth unemployment.

    According to her, the success of the programme is hinged on employers of labour, career placement organizations, and training providers, remaining committed to the implementation strategies.

    Mrs Fakai reminded employers that they are the backbone of economic growth, adding that their willingness to invest in talent will empower ‘’ not just for those you hire, but for the entirety of Kaduna State.’’

    The Commissioner told the job seekers that the Fair provides an ‘’opportunity to showcase your skills, your creativity, and your passion. It is a moment to engage, learn, and grow.’’

    “Remember that each interaction here is a step toward realizing your potential and securing your future. Your careers do not only serve your personal growth but are integral to the progress of our beloved state,’’ she added.

    She also commended Jobberman for ‘’orchestrating such a vital initiative, connecting thousands of hopefuls with their potential careers and contributing to bridging the employment gap in Nigeria.”

    In his welcome address, the Head of Programme Impact and Partnerships The African Talent Company(TATC), Ahmed Alaga said Jobberman Nigeria, was deeply committed to tackling youth unemployment and equipping young Nigerians with the skills and opportunities they need to thrive in the workforce, as it has trained over 2.4million youths and placed over 500,000 on dignified jobs in the last five years.

    According to him, “One of the key ways we have done this is through the Young Africa Works (YAW) initiative, a groundbreaking partnership with the Mastercard Foundation aimed at connecting young people to dignified and fulfilling work.

    The first phase of this initiative was a remarkable success, enabling us to train over 2.4 million youth in soft skills and place over 500,000 talents in dignified work between 2020 and 2024.

    “However, we recognise that our work is far from done. As part of The African Talent Company (TATC) – a network of pan-African brands working together to close the continent’s talent gap – Jobberman is doubling its commitment in this second phase. We are more determined to expand our impact, build stronger industry linkages, and ensure that more young people, especially in Northern Nigeria, have access to the skills, jobs, and opportunities they need to succeed.

    “To every jobseeker here today: this fair could be the turning point in your career journey. Some of you will leave this hall with job offers. Others will walk away with a lead, a connection, or insight that could define your next step. We want you to leave here better informed, better equipped, and more hopeful than when you walked in,” Alaga said.