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Residents of Birnin Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna State have condemned Senator Lawal Adamu for what they described as “derogatory remarks” mocking the recent flag-off of the reconstruction of the Kaduna-Birnin Gwari road, an event attended by the Emir of Birnin Gwari.

In a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by community leaders, the residents said the Senator’s comments were insensitive to the suffering of the people and an affront to the traditional institution.

“You are a disgrace,” the statement read in part. “At a time when our people are beginning to see hope with the flag-off of the Kaduna-Birnin Gwari road, attended by our revered Emir, Senator Lawal Adamu chose to mock the ceremony instead of supporting it.”

The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Works, last week flagged off the reconstruction of the 200km Kaduna-Birnin Gwari road, a project residents say has been neglected for over a decade despite incessant attacks and economic losses along the corridor.

The Emir of Birnin Gwari, HRH Alhaji Zubairu Jibril Maigwari II, was in attendance alongside government officials, contractors, and community members. Community leaders described the event as a major step toward restoring security, trade, and movement in the area.

The residents accused Senator Adamu of playing politics with a project that directly affects the lives of thousands of Birnin Gwari people who have endured banditry, kidnapping, and poor road infrastructure.

“For years we cried out. Now that the road is finally being worked on, a Senator from our state is busy mocking the effort. That is not representation,” said Malam Suleiman Idris, a community youth leader.

Another resident, Hajiya Aisha Musa, said: “The Emir was there to give royal blessings and to show that our people support development. To mock that gathering is to mock the entire Birnin Gwari people.”

The group called on the Senator to apologize publicly and to join hands with stakeholders to ensure the timely completion of the road project.

The residents further urged political leaders in Kaduna State to prioritize development over partisan attacks, noting that infrastructure, security, and the economy remain the key concerns for the people.

“We appreciate any effort aimed at developing our area. What we need now is unity and support, not ridicule,” the statement added.

As of press time, efforts to get Senator Lawal Adamu’s reaction were unsuccessful.

The Kaduna State Government has described the road reconstruction as part of the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Agenda aimed at opening up rural areas and improving security across the state.

A coalition of professionals from Southern Kaduna has declared support for the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, and announced plans to hold a World Press Conference on Saturday to address what they described as “deliberate misinformation” about ongoing federal infrastructure projects in the region and across Nigeria.

The group, under the aegis of Southern Kaduna Professionals Forum, SKPF, said the press conference will provide factual updates on road projects, funding, and timelines under the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Agenda.

In a statement signed by its Chairman, Dr. Audu Bako, the group said the decision to rally behind Senator Umahi was informed by the Minister’s “transparency, technical competence, and commitment to completing inherited and new road projects.”

“We have watched closely in the last one year how the Ministry of Works under Senator Umahi has moved from mere contract awards to actual site work and performance tracking.

“For Southern Kaduna, and indeed the entire North, this is the first time in a long while we are seeing contractors back on site with measurable milestones.” the group stated.

The professionals specifically referenced the rehabilitation of critical federal roads linking Southern Kaduna to other parts of the state and neighboring states, including sections of the Kaduna-Kachia-Kafanchan road corridor.

They argued that improved road connectivity will boost agriculture, reduce insecurity, and lower transportation costs for farmers and traders who have borne the brunt of poor infrastructure for years.

“Security and the economy are tied to roads. When you can move farm produce from Kagoro, Zangon Kataf and Jaba to major markets without fear or delay, you are directly addressing poverty and banditry,” said Engr. Laraba John, Secretary of the Forum.

According to the group, the Saturday briefing became necessary to correct what they termed “false narratives” circulating on social media about abandonment of projects in the South and non-inclusion of Southern Kaduna in the federal road budget.

“We are not politicians. We are engineers, lawyers, lecturers, medical doctors and business owners from Southern Kaduna. Our interest is development. The Minister has opened the books. He is publishing project status, and we will be presenting those same facts to the world on Saturday.” it hinted.

It added that the press conference will feature presentations on budget performance, project verification reports, and testimonies from community members along project corridors.

The Forum urged civil society, traditional institutions and the media to compare the current pace of infrastructure delivery with previous administrations.

“The role of professionals and community leaders in the past is appreciated, but we must now compare the situation of the country before the present administration with what is happening now,” Bako noted. “In infrastructure, security and the economy, there are clear steps being taken. Let us encourage the government to achieve more instead of politicizing everything.”

The group said invitations have been extended to the Ministry of Works, federal lawmakers from Kaduna State, traditional rulers, and the press for the event scheduled to hold at 10:00am on Saturday in Kaduna

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The Middle Belt Forum (MBF) has defended John Cardinal Onaiyekan and the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), insisting that their criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s administration reflects the everyday experiences of millions of Nigerians rather than partisan politics.

In a statement issued Tuesday by its National Spokesman, Luka Binniyat, the Forum condemned what it described as attempts by presidential aides and political allies to discredit the former Archbishop of Abuja after he questioned the government’s handling of the economy and national security.

The MBF said Cardinal Onaiyekan’s comments were consistent with concerns earlier presented by Catholic bishops during their July 24 meeting with President Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, where they warned that economic reforms had increased hardship and that insecurity remained widespread across the country.

According to the Forum, dismissing the Cardinal’s views amounts to ignoring the daily struggles of Nigerians battling rising food prices, inflation, unemployment, and persistent violence.

The organization also rejected allegations that the senior cleric was engaging in partisan politics, describing him as a respected religious leader whose public interventions have consistently focused on justice, peace, and national unity.

Turning to security, the MBF argued that despite the sacrifices of the Nigerian Armed Forces, large parts of the Middle Belt continue to experience deadly attacks that have displaced millions, destroyed farming communities, and worsened the humanitarian crisis.

The Forum cited Benue, Plateau, Southern Kaduna, Niger and parts of Borno among areas where residents continue to face violence, resulting in abandoned farmlands, destroyed homes and thousands of internally displaced persons with limited government assistance.

It maintained that while security personnel continue to make significant sacrifices, government efforts have yet to halt the persistent attacks on rural communities or enable displaced families to return safely to their ancestral homes.

On the economy, the MBF maintained that official claims of improvement do not reflect realities on the ground. It argued that although the national minimum wage has increased from ₦30,000 to ₦70,000, soaring inflation, rising fuel prices and the sharp depreciation of the naira have significantly eroded workers’ purchasing power, leaving many households worse off than before the reforms.

The Forum said the administration should welcome constructive criticism from respected national figures instead of allowing political allies to attack those raising legitimate concerns about governance.

“The Cardinal merely echoed what millions of Nigerians experience every day,” the statement said. “He spoke neither as a politician nor as an opposition figure. He spoke as a patriotic Nigerian and a respected religious leader committed to justice, peace and the welfare of all citizens.”

The MBF urged the Tinubu administration to focus on reversing the country’s economic hardship, restoring security across troubled regions and addressing the plight of millions of displaced Nigerians, rather than engaging in public disputes with religious leaders who speak on behalf of suffering citizens.

Former Kaduna Central Senator, Shehu Sani, has called on Catholic Bishops in Nigeria to acknowledge the achievements of President Bola Tinubu’s administration while continuing to offer constructive criticism in the interest of the nation.

Sani, in a statement on Sunday, said the Catholic Church has historically played a significant role in shaping public discourse and providing moral guidance, a contribution he said is widely appreciated.

He noted that while it is important for religious leaders to hold government accountable, they should also objectively assess the current situation against what obtained in previous administrations.

“We appreciate that Tinubu has achieved in infrastructure, security and the economy,” Sani said. “Catholic leaders are men of honour and integrity. They should encourage the President to achieve more.”

The former lawmaker stressed that comparing the present realities with the past would give Nigerians a clearer perspective on the progress made so far, particularly in road construction, efforts to curb insecurity, and ongoing economic reforms.

“The role the Catholic leaders are playing in the past is appreciated, but they should compare the situation of the country before the present administration,” he added.

Sani urged the bishops to continue engaging government with facts and recommendations, saying such engagement would help strengthen governance and ensure more dividends of democracy for citizens.

The comment comes amid heightened public debate on the performance of the Tinubu administration, with various stakeholders calling for collaboration between government and civil society to address national challenges.

Veteran journalist and Senior Special Assistant to the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mallam Yusuf Dingyadi, has paid tribute to the late former Finance Minister, elder statesman and Sardaunan Sokoto, Alhaji Abubakar Alhaji, describing him as a trusted brother who lived a fulfilled life of integrity, service and compassion.

In a condolence message, Dingyadi said the late statesman was a gentle, humble and deeply religious man who devoted his life to serving humanity, supporting the less privileged and promoting community development.

He recalled that their relationship blossomed during their journalism careers, particularly through writing, publishing and their involvement with the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA).

“It will be recalled that late Alhaji Abubakar Alhaji organised a reception in his residence to honour three of us—Altine Shehu Kajiji, Kabir Assada and myself. That occasion cemented our relationship for life,” Dingyadi said.

He also reminisced about how the late statesman hosted a delegation of British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) journalists during the turbaning of the late Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Maccido.

“During the dinner, we all benefited from Alhaji’s wealth of experience. Even the leader of the delegation, Hilary Anderson, publicly acknowledged the gesture and said she had learnt many things she never knew despite living in London,” he added.

Dingyadi described the late Sardaunan Sokoto as a man who loved and helped people without discrimination, shunned propaganda, rejected selfishness and remained courageous throughout his life.

“Since the demise of Sarkin Yakin Gwandu, Alhaji Abubakar Koko, Tsoho Mafara and Muhammadu Bature, I have not seen a man who carried the burden of his people with such sincerity as late Sardaunan Sokoto.

“He opened his doors to everyone. On one occasion, he instructed his aide to grant me unrestricted access to him at all times. Anyone who was not close to him could never fully appreciate the depth of his character,” Dingyadi said.

He noted that the late elder statesman fondly called him “Yusufu,” a name he always used affectionately, reflecting his cheerful disposition, humility and respect for others.

Alhaji Abubakar Alhaji served as Minister of National Planning and later Minister of Finance during the administration of former military President Ibrahim Babangida.

Before his ministerial appointments, he built a distinguished career in the federal civil service, rising to the rank of Permanent Secretary and serving in key ministries, including Trade, Finance and National Planning.

Widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s foremost technocrats, he played a pivotal role in shaping the country’s economic policies and managing relations with international financial institutions during a challenging period in Nigeria’s economic history.

In recognition of his outstanding contributions to public service and the Sokoto Caliphate, he was conferred with the prestigious traditional title of Sardauna of Sokoto in 1990, succeeding the late Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Premier of the defunct Northern Region.

Tributes have continued to pour in from political leaders, traditional rulers and associates, who described him as a disciplined administrator, accomplished economist and patriotic Nigerian whose legacy of integrity and selfless service will endure for generations.

His funeral prayer, held at the Sultan Bello Mosque in Sokoto, was attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima, the Sultan of Sokoto, the Deputy Governor of Sokoto State, Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, Hon. Abdulsamad Dasuki, Sambo Dasuki, Abubakar Dasuki and several serving and former ministers, members of the National Assembly, senior government officials, traditional rulers, religious leaders and other dignitaries from across the country.

By Adam Adakole

The Arewa Youth Assembly for Good Leadership (AYAGL) has honoured the member representing Ikeja Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. James Abiodun Faleke, for what it described as his outstanding leadership, commitment to national development and support for youth empowerment.

In a statement issued on Monday in Abuja and signed by its president, Alhaji Danbature Abdul, the youth group said the recognition was in appreciation of Faleke’s contributions to nation-building, exemplary public service and people-centred leadership.

According to the Assembly, the lawmaker has consistently demonstrated commitment to the principles of good governance, inclusive development and national unity through his leadership and service to the country.

The group noted that Faleke’s support for youth development and his leadership style had inspired many young people, particularly in Northern Nigeria, to embrace the values of integrity, excellence and responsible leadership.

AYAGL also commended the federal lawmaker for what it described as his role in encouraging Northern youths to pursue quality leadership, promote national cohesion and strengthen confidence in Nigeria’s democratic process.

It stated that Faleke’s style of leadership continues to serve as an example for public office holders and emerging leaders across the country.

Describing him as a statesman whose influence transcends ethnic, religious and regional divides, the Assembly said his record of selfless service and commitment to the welfare of the people had earned him widespread respect and admiration.

The group further praised the lawmaker for his contributions to youth empowerment and national progress, urging him to remain committed to serving the nation.

It reaffirmed its commitment to promoting credible leadership, youth inclusion, peace, unity and sustainable development across Nigeria.

ENDS

The Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN), Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi, has empowered more than 80 young Nigerians through the maiden edition of the Mustapha Abdullahi Energy Leadership Fellowship (MAELF) 2026,.

MAELF is a week-long leadership and capacity-building programme designed to equip participants with leadership skills, mentorship, professional networks and startup support for Nigeria’s energy sector and broader national development.

The week-long residential fellowship, initiated and fully sponsored by Dr. Abdullahi through the DAM Foundation in partnership with the APC National Youth Wing, brought together carefully selected young Nigerians from across the country for an intensive programme focused on leadership, energy policy, entrepreneurship, innovation, governance and sustainable development.

The fellows arrived in Abuja on Sunday and commenced activities on Monday, participating in six days of lectures, policy dialogues, mentorship sessions, panel discussions, innovation workshops, team projects and networking engagements before the programme culminated in a colourful graduation ceremony on Friday.

Designed to bridge the gap between leadership potential and national development, the fellowship exposed participants to practical knowledge and emerging opportunities within Nigeria’s energy ecosystem while equipping them with the skills, values and networks required to drive innovation, promote sustainable development and provide responsible leadership in their various fields.

Throughout the programme, participants interacted with senior government officials, policymakers, development experts, academics and private sector leaders who shared practical insights on leadership, governance, innovation, public service, youth development and Nigeria’s evolving energy landscape.

Among the distinguished personalities who delivered lectures and participated in interactive sessions with the fellows were the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, SAN; the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande Wisdom; former President of the Senate and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim; the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Rural Electrification Agency, Engr. Abba Abubakar Aliyu; and the National Youth Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon. Dayo Israel, alongside other accomplished professionals, public officials and development experts.

The fellowship climaxed on Friday with the presentation of certificates and an empowerment package valued at over ₦17 million, including startup grants ranging from ₦500,000 to ₦5 million awarded to outstanding fellows to support innovative ideas, enterprise development and community-based initiatives.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, Abdullahi said the vision behind the fellowship was to nurture a new generation of ethical, competent, innovative and visionary leaders capable of advancing Nigeria’s energy transition and contributing meaningfully to national development.

“As I look around this hall today, I see not just graduates of a fellowship programme; I see ambassadors of hope, innovators in waiting, solution providers and future architects of Nigeria’s energy future,” he said.

He commended the fellows for their discipline, resilience, commitment to learning and ability to build friendships across regional, ethnic and religious divides throughout the programme.

“You came here with curiosity. You embraced learning with humility. You challenged ideas respectfully, built friendships across regions and backgrounds, collaborated with one another and demonstrated that the Nigerian youth, when given the right opportunity, possess limitless potential,” he said.

Abdullahi urged the participants to make integrity, excellence and service the defining principles of their leadership journey.

“Certificates may open doors, but character sustains leadership. Knowledge may create opportunities, but integrity preserves them. Influence may attract followers, but service is what builds lasting legacies,” he stated.

He stressed that the energy sector extends beyond electricity generation and infrastructure, describing it as a critical driver of social and economic transformation.

“The energy sector is not merely about electricity, solar panels, gas, hydrogen, batteries or infrastructure. It is fundamentally about people. It is about improving lives, reducing poverty, creating opportunities, empowering industries, strengthening healthcare, enhancing education and securing a better future for generations yet unborn,” he said.

According to Abdullahi, Nigeria’s energy transition requires courageous leadership, innovation, ethical professionals and strategic thinkers willing to place national interest above personal ambition.

“I therefore charge each of you to become advocates of sustainable development, ambassadors of clean energy, champions of innovation, and examples of transformational leadership wherever life takes you. This Fellowship must never become a certificate that gathers dust on your shelf. It must become a responsibility you carry in your heart,” he said.

He also encouraged the participants to sustain the relationships established during the fellowship, collaborate across disciplines and continue developing practical solutions to national challenges, noting that the conclusion of the programme marked the beginning of a lifelong network of leaders committed to national transformation.

The successful conclusion of the maiden edition of the Mustapha Abdullahi Energy Leadership Fellowship marks a significant milestone in the DAM Foundation’s commitment to youth empowerment, leadership development and human capital investment.

The initiative is expected to pave the way for future editions as Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi continues to invest in raising a new generation of ethical, innovative and solution-driven leaders equipped to advance Nigeria’s energy transition and contribute meaningfully to national development.

Former Senator representing Kaduna Central, Shehu Sani, has condemned the engagement of a Washington-based lobbying firm by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to circulate documents relating to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Federal Government to officials in the United States.

Sani described the move as unnecessary and capable of undermining Nigeria’s image abroad, urging political actors to resolve their differences within the country’s democratic and legal institutions rather than seeking to influence foreign governments.

His reaction followed reports that the Washington-based lobbying firm, Von Batten-Montague-York, L.C., retained by Atiku Abubakar under a reported 12-month contract, had begun distributing documents relating to a long-running U.S. civil forfeiture case involving President Tinubu to officials in the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump, members of Congress and congressional staff.

According to reports, the firm said it was sharing records from the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) concerning a 1993 civil forfeiture proceeding involving funds allegedly linked to Tinubu. The lobbying contract, reportedly valued at $1.2 million, covers advocacy, diplomatic outreach and the presentation of Atiku’s positions to U.S. policymakers.

Reacting to the development, Sani maintained that disagreements arising from Nigeria’s political process should not be exported to foreign capitals.

He argued that Nigeria’s sovereignty and international reputation should take precedence over partisan interests, warning that attempts to lobby foreign governments against the country’s leadership could have unintended consequences for Nigeria’s diplomatic standing and national interest.

The former lawmaker called on politicians across party lines to conduct their political engagements responsibly, stressing that elections and governance issues should be addressed through constitutional means and established democratic institutions.

Sani further urged all stakeholders to place national unity and the country’s global image above political rivalry, noting that healthy opposition remains an essential part of democracy but should not come at the expense of Nigeria’s reputation on the international stage.

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The Bauchi State All Progressives Congress (APC) Elders Group has accused former Zamfara State Governor and Senator representing Zamfara West, Abdul’aziz Yari Abubakar, of allegedly sponsoring the governorship ambition of Senator Shehu Buba of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP).

The group described the move as anti-party activity capable of destabilising the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections.

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In a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by the group’s Zonal Secretary, Dr. Mustafa Babayo Tunga, the elders described the alleged actions of Senator Yari, a prominent APC chieftain, as a calculated attempt to weaken the party’s campaign structure and electoral prospects in Bauchi State.

The group vowed to resist any individual using influence or financial resources to sow division within the party.

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“We are aware of Senator Abdul’aziz Yari’s alleged efforts to build a political structure through financial inducements to some APC supporters across the state in support of Senator Shehu Buba of the PRP against our party’s governorship candidate, Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar, ahead of the 2027 general elections,” the statement read.

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According to the elders, Senator Yari was allegedly involved in meetings with some political stakeholders in Abuja where strategies were discussed to mobilise support for the PRP governorship candidate despite his membership of the opposition party.

The group also alleged that vehicles and other forms of support had been provided to strengthen Senator Buba’s political structure.

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It maintained that Senator Buba, having left the APC, no longer had any relationship with the party, warning that anyone supporting his governorship ambition should be regarded as an opponent of the APC.

“Senator Buba has nothing to do with our party. He voluntarily left the APC for the PRP. Anyone openly supporting him is working against the interest of our great party,” the statement added.

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The elders called on the National Chairman of the APC to investigate the allegations and take disciplinary action against Senator Yari if found culpable, saying such steps were necessary to preserve unity and cohesion within the party.

“It is unfortunate that one of our political leaders is allegedly working to undermine the APC’s chances in Bauchi State by supporting the ambition of a candidate who abandoned the party for personal interests,” the group stated.

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The APC Elders Group reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027 and securing victory for the party in the Bauchi State governorship election, insisting that the party remained united despite the alleged attempts to create internal divisions.

Defending champions, Kada Queens of Kaduna State, on Saturday successfully retained their women’s title at the 2026 National Hockey Championship after defeating Plateau State 2-0 in the final played at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.

The victory reaffirmed Kaduna State’s dominance in Nigerian women’s hockey, as the Kada Queens produced a disciplined and commanding performance to overcome a determined Plateau side and lift the championship trophy for another year.

The Kaduna team controlled the pace of the match with impressive tactical organisation, converting two scoring opportunities while keeping their opponents at bay to seal a deserved victory before an enthusiastic crowd of hockey enthusiasts and officials.

Former Senator Shehu Sani, who represented Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani as the Guest of Honour, attended the final and congratulated both teams for their outstanding display of sportsmanship and competitiveness.

He commended the Kaduna State Government for its sustained commitment to sports development, describing the team’s success as a reflection of deliberate investment in youth and athletic excellence.

The triumph further strengthens Kaduna State’s reputation as one of Nigeria’s leading hockey centres. Prior to the championship, officials of the Kada Queens had expressed confidence in the team’s readiness to defend its title, citing months of intensive preparations, quality coaching and participation in international competitions.

Team officials also attributed the successful title defence to the support of Governor Uba Sani’s administration, noting that increased funding for sports, improved welfare for athletes and continuous investment in hockey development have played a significant role in the team’s consistent achievements at national competitions.

With the latest triumph, Kada Queens have added another remarkable chapter to their illustrious history, further cementing their status as one of Nigeria’s most successful and formidable women’s hockey teams while setting the benchmark for excellence in the sport.