Author Archives: News All Around

By Hon. M.K. Uthman, S.A. on Legal Matters to the Governor of Kaduna State

KADUNA — As Governor Uba Sani marks his second year in office, stakeholders and citizens across Kaduna State are lauding his administration’s transformative strides across security, health, infrastructure, education, and inclusive governance.

Described by many as a unifier, bridge builder, selfless servant, and innovative thinker, Governor Sani has become a defining figure in Kaduna’s political and developmental landscape. In 730 days, his leadership has been characterized by bold policies, inclusivity, and a results-driven approach that has earned him accolades as both a noble statesman and a compassionate listener.

Security and Peacebuilding

One of Governor Sani’s standout achievements is in the area of security. His proactive strategies—particularly in the crisis-prone Birnin-Gwari/Giwa axis—have restored confidence among residents and security agencies alike. The administration has supported law enforcement with 100 brand-new operational vehicles, 1,500 motorcycles, and a range of incentives to enhance mobility and effectiveness in combating crime.

This hands-on commitment has been widely praised as innovative and responsive, contributing to increased safety and stability in previously volatile areas.

Healthcare and Education Reform

In the health sector, the governor has overseen the upgrade of 14 General Hospitals and more than 200 Primary Health Care Centres, transforming them into Tier 2 facilities outfitted with modern medical technology. These interventions have significantly improved healthcare delivery across urban and rural communities.

Education has also received a major boost. The state government under Sani sponsored WAEC and NECO examination fees for 5,000 public school students, and settled outstanding foreign scholarship debts. The construction of 62 new schools comprising over 650 classrooms, along with the establishment of vocational and skills acquisition centers in all three senatorial zones, reflects a clear commitment to human capital development.

Infrastructure and Economic Development

Under Governor Sani’s stewardship, Kaduna State has witnessed rapid infrastructural development. Seventy-nine road projects covering 819 kilometers were initiated, with 49 already completed. Rural electrification projects and solar-powered streetlights have been deployed to improve quality of life and enhance local security.

The administration’s empowerment of over 50,000 youth, farmers, and women—particularly in agriculture, business, and technology—has boosted livelihoods and local enterprise. His policies have also attracted both foreign and domestic investments, further increasing the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).

Inclusive Governance and Institutional Strengthening

In a move to deepen youth participation in governance, the governor created a dedicated Ministry for Youth Development. Currently, 69.7% of appointed officials in the state are either youth or women, a figure that underscores his administration’s inclusive and progressive governance agenda.

Traditional institutions have also not been left behind. Governor Sani has strengthened their roles and status, distributing 23 SUVs to traditional rulers to support their mobility and engagements within communities.

A Legacy of Purposeful Leadership

Governor Uba Sani’s governance style—centered on unity, inclusion, and accountability—has bridged divides and set new standards for public service in Kaduna. By eschewing nepotism and embracing a merit-based approach, he has won the confidence of citizens across religious, ethnic, and political lines.

His achievements, accomplished in just two years, reflect a visionary leadership committed to long-term development and peace. As he enters the next phase of his administration, the people of Kaduna State look forward to more innovation, compassion, and progress under his stewardship.

“Indeed, Governor Uba Sani is a symbol of hope, unity, and transformation,” said Hon. M.K. Uthman, Special Adviser on Legal Matters, in a statement commemorating the administration’s two-year anniversary.

By Sarah Skai

The Northern Stakeholders Consultative Forum (NSCF) has extended heartfelt congratulations to Honorable Yazid Shehu Danfulani, Turakin Zamfara, on his appointment as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Agricultural Insurance Corporation (NAIC).

Chairman of the forum, Comrade Danjuma Paul, in a statement, described the appointment as a significant milestone in Hon. Danfulani’s distinguished career and a beacon of hope for Nigeria’s agricultural sector.

“Honorable Danfulani, your leadership, vision, and unwavering dedication to excellence make you the ideal choice to guide NAIC toward greater heights,” the statement read.

It highlighted Danfulani’s academic background, including a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and a Master’s degree in Arts and Management from the University of Hertfordshire, UK, as testament to his commitment to continuous education and professional growth. His wealth of experience in banking, computing, and business administration was also cited as key to his new role.

The forum further pointed to his previous positions, including his work at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and as Zamfara State’s Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, as having equipped him with a well-rounded understanding of the financial and agricultural landscape in Nigeria.

“Your understanding of financial systems and your commitment to economic development are critical assets that will drive NAIC’s mission to deliver innovative insurance solutions to farmers across the country,” the forum added.

It emphasized the importance of the agricultural sector to Nigeria’s economy and expressed confidence that under Danfulani’s stewardship, NAIC will not only protect farmers from risks but also promote sustainable farming practices.

“Your appointment comes at a crucial time when the need for effective agricultural insurance is urgent. Your leadership will be key in tackling these challenges,” the statement noted.

The NSCF concluded by expressing its readiness to support Hon. Danfulani and work collaboratively to advance the goals of NAIC and the wider agricultural sector.

“We commend you on this well-earned appointment. It reflects your dedication to national progress. We wish you success in your new role,” the statement concluded.

By Maria Oyale
Kaduna

The Northern Awareness Network (NAN) has praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what it described as a progressive and forward-thinking decision in appointing Dr. Yazeed Shehu Danfulani as the Managing Director of the Nigerian Agricultural Insurance Corporation (NAIC).

In a statement signed by its Chairman, Salifu Suleiman, the group said Dr. Danfulani’s appointment reflects the President’s commitment to youth inclusion in governance and strategic leadership in the agricultural sector.

“The appointment of Dr. Yazeed Shehu Danfulani as the head of NAIC is not just a political gesture; it is a strategic move aimed at bolstering agricultural productivity and ensuring food security nationwide,” the statement read.

The group described Dr. Danfulani as a distinguished young political figure and a rising star in Zamfara State politics, known for his innovative thinking, resilience, and dedication to public service. NAN emphasized that his experience and in-depth knowledge of the agricultural landscape make him well-suited to lead NAIC, especially at a time when Nigeria is confronting significant agricultural challenges.

“In a nation where agriculture is the primary livelihood for millions and forms a substantial part of our GDP, institutions like NAIC play a vital role. The impact of climate change, unpredictable weather patterns, pest infestations, and other natural disasters make agricultural insurance indispensable,” Suleiman said.

NAN further highlighted that Dr. Danfulani’s appointment signifies the Tinubu administration’s awareness of these pressing realities and its resolve to address them through competent and youth-driven leadership.

“Dr. Danfulani’s youth and energy are expected to inject a new dynamism into the operations of NAIC. His leadership offers hope for reform, transparency, and enhanced service delivery that will benefit farmers across the country,” the statement continued.

The group expressed confidence that with Dr. Danfulani at the helm, NAIC will be restructured to not only expand its insurance coverage but also make its services more accessible and beneficial to the rural farming population.

Beyond the technical and managerial expectations, NAN said the appointment sends a powerful message to the Nigerian youth — that merit, hard work, and dedication are still pathways to national leadership.

“This is a call to action for other public and private institutions to recognize and harness the potential of young professionals who have what it takes to move the nation forward,” the statement added.

The group congratulated Dr. Danfulani on what it called a well-deserved elevation and urged him to continue demonstrating the commitment and drive that have characterized his public service career.

“As he steps into this critical role, we urge Dr. Danfulani to remain focused and proactive. The task ahead is enormous, but with determination and innovation, he can lead NAIC to become a model institution in agricultural insurance,” NAN concluded.

ENDS

*Accuses Gov of propaganda, brinkmanship

A former political ally of Governor Alex Otti, Prof. Moses A. Orji, has asked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu not to honour an invitation by the Abia State Governor to commission just one project.

The President is reportedly scheduled to visit Abia State on May 23, to among other things, commission the 6.5 kilometre Port Harcourt Road in Aba, which was rebuilt by the administration of Governor Alex Otti administration.

Responding to the development through an open letter to the President, released to newsmen on Tuesday, Prof. Orji said: “it could even be in the personal interest of Governor Otti that the President doesn’t come now. Perhaps Otti needs time to put his house in order.”

According to Orji, It is not enough to be dragging the President of the Federal Republic about just because the governor’s cousin is a Federal Minister, and ‘one of those who has the ear of Mr. President.

” In which state in the Federal Republic of Nigeria has the president gone to commission just a single completed project, and nothing more?

” Why would Mr. President go to Enugu state to inaugurate seven (7) different key projects completed (by a fellow first termer with Otti), and then feel the same sense of duty to be called upon to inaugurate just one in Abia?

” Why would the President go to commission the dazzling wonderland called Funcity built by Governor Soludo of Anambra state, and not ask us questions about the whereabouts of Abia’s “Recreational Facilities” which was completed last year at the cost of over N7 billions but is nowhere to be found? Or do we think the presidency is not aware?

“Why would we want to drag the President into our numerous cases of “flag-offs” when work has not commenced on any of the previous flag-offs?

“What about our flagged-off Seaport, Fertilizer Plants, Refineries etc at the proposed Owazza Integrated Industrial Park? Has anybody seen the feasibility study report, or the Environmental Impact Assessment Report of any of them? But they have been flagged-off.

“What about the Pensioners who are proposing to come out in their numbers to make their case before the President? What are we going to tell Mr President? That we are the only state in the South East still owing Pensioners their arrears. What would be our governor’s excuse for wanting Abia pensioners to forfeit their earned pensions when our monthly inflows has quadrupled?.”

While accusing Alex Otti led administration of employing propaganda and brinkmanship, Prof. Orji recalled that Governor Otti, about a year ago, nearly pulled off a similar stunt when he tried to drag Governor Sanwo-Olu of Lagos state to Abia state.

“Our Governor wanted his colleague from Lagos state to come and commission a 200 metre track road (Yellow Avenue) on the outskirts of Aba, a street leading to the private residence of one of his business friends. Of course his intended guest caught wind of it, and refused to show up.

“I am therefore of the opinion that this make-believe approach to scoring dubious political points by an administration that is grossly underperforming should be exposed and discouraged.

“For example, what if the President decides to have a breather at the Government House, Umuahia which has a Presidential Lounge? Would Mr Otti tell the President to follow him to his private residence at Isiala Ngwa? Remember the President is not coming on a social visit? Or would our Governor tell his august guest that tortoise, vulture and other animals were used to lay the foundation of our Government House?

“Again the Abia “Medical City” at Owerrinta is within the precincts of our Owerrinta Rice Complex.

“What if the President decides to have a glimpse of the ‘Owerrinta Rice Mill. The proximity of the “two projects” could tempt the President to kill two birds with one stone.”

Orji submitted that Abia state have been wallowing in the morass of propaganda and brinkmanship while states like Enugu and Anambra have taken a quantum leap forward.

“Yet we may not have learnt our lessons as our governor continues to fire broadsides at his predecessors, and as he continues to blame the rate of the Dollar to the Naira for the inflated value of his contracts.”

Ahead the 2027 general elections , the core stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress(APC) in the Northwest geo-political zone converged on Kaduna on Saturday to declare a vote of confidence on the leadership and administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The event was lit up by arrival of the APC National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, Kaduna Governor, Senator Uba Sani, Speaker of House of Representatives , Rt Hon Tajudeen Abbas and Senator Shehu Sani ,whose return to party excited the large crowd of party supporters present at the event.

The arrow heads of the party have not only decided to mobile support for President Tinubu but work ensure his resounding victory across the zone

At the meeting,the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abas, moved the motion for the endorsement of the President, while Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, seconded the motion, passing a vote of confidence in Tinubu for the second term in 2027.

The event took place at the Indoor Sports Hall of the late Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Hall, Murtala Square, Kaduna on Saturday.

This was after the Kaduna State Governor and APC North-West Co-ordinating Governor, Senator Uba Sani, called upon Speaker Abas to step forward before the gathering to move a motion for the endorsement.

Abas said, “Ladies and gentlemen, we are about to witness a history. My name is Abas Tajudeen, the Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives and I move on behalf of the entire APC family of the North-West Zone Stakeholders emphatically a motion of a vote of confidence in our dear President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu, GCFR, for his progressive governance, improving leadership and his unwavering support for the socio-economic development of the North-West geo-political.

“In so doing, unequivocally, endorse him as our only preferred candidate for the 2027 elections. I so do!”

The Speaker later put the motion to a voice vote for the stakeholders, where they all overwhelmingly affirmed the endorsement of the president for continuity in 2027.

In return, all the APC governors in the NorthWest Zone were offered automatic tickets for second term in the 2027 governorship elections as announced by the National Chairman of the APC, Abdullahi Ganduje, in his address to the gathering.

According to Ganduje, there is “no vacancy” in Aso Rock, come 2027.

Thereafter, a communique on behalf of stakeholders from the zone was read by the Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani.

The party leaders including Ganduje, three governors of Kaduna, Uba Sani, Jigawa, Namadi and Kebbi, Nasir and Speaker of the House of Representatives, ministers as well as party executives, overwhelmingly declared their supports for the president during the APC North-West Zone Stakeholders meeting.

Governors of Katsina and Sokoto states sent their representatives.

Among other party faithful at the gathering are Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, Minister of Budget and National Planning, Atiku Abubakar Bagudu, and Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal.

Others are a former Speaker and governor of Katsina, Bello Aminu Masari, a former senator representing Kaduna Central Senatorial, Shehu Sani, a former Governor of Zamfara State, Senator Ahmed Yerima, former House of Representatives members from the zone, former governor of Zamfara, Mahmud Shinkafi, former governor of Kebbi, Senator Adamu Aliero.

The chairman of state chapters, state and federal legislators, as well as ministers, heads of federal agencies, including senior political appointees, were also at the meeting, themed: “Consolidating on our gains, facing the future together.”

The foundation for the endorsement of the President was laid when the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, while addressing the stakeholders, asked: “Aso Rock”? with the stakeholders responding by saying” no vacancy.”

With the response from the gathering, Barau said, “So it is clear in 2027, we are going to have a landslide victory, inshallah. So let us continue on the way we are going. Let us continue to cooperate, work with the president, work with everybody, cooperate amongst ourselves so that we have the desired victory.”

He said the defection of stalwarts of the opposition political parties to the party (APC) was as a result of the performance of Tinubu in addressing the challenges bedevilling the country.

Arewa Professionals Forum has resolved to back the Registrar of Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Professor I shaw Oloyede after the accepting the issue technical glitch and subsequent public apology to that effect.

According to the Forum, the JAMB Boss has demonstrated high sense of responsibility to own up the examination technical errors and decision to make amends immediately.

The JAMB registrar had broke down in tears as he offered an apology to candidates affected by technical errors in the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Exam (UTME) and admitted that mistakes made by one of the service providers led to distorted results for nearly 380,000 candidates in 157 centres across Lagos and Owerri.

In a six paragraph communique issued after a meeting held at Arewa House Kaduna today, the Arewa Professionals Forum stated , ” That we stand to be corrected, this is the first time we can recall that the head of agency in Nigeria can come out openly to accept faults and apologize to Nigerians accordingly.

The Communique jointly signed by the Coordinator and Secretary , Comrade Usman Ibrahim and Comrade Peter Bege further stated: “And the good part of the apology was the fact that he provided a timely solution to address the issues raised as a result of examination glitch.

“That oloyede has been prudent with management of JAMB funds over the years and has also demonstrated that he has the capacity and administrative prowess to make JAMB a model of excellence.

“In this regard,we appeal to affected candidates; parents and Nigerians to consider his performance above this recent technical glitch that hitherto has stirred public anger against him .”

… Insists He’s a Complete Failure,Vows to mobilise against his re-election

Kaduna Central Movement for Development (KCMD) has described the lawmaker representing Kaduna Central Senatorial District, Senator Lawal Adamu popularly known as Mr.LA as a “Complete failure “for his inability to use the alleged increased funds allocated for visible constituency projects.

According to the group ,it is almost two years that Senator Adamu was elected to represent the people of Kaduna North, Kaduna South, Chikun, Giwa, Birnin-Gwari and Igabi local government areas that make up Kaduna Central senatorial district.

A chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State, Ayodele Asalu, had publicly alleged a substantial increase in constituency project allocations for federal lawmakers following the removal of the fuel subsidy last year.

In a statement in response to the revelations that each Senator receives a minimum of ₦2 billion annually for constituency projects and each member of the House of Representatives now receives at least ₦1 billion, the group expressed shock over inability of the People’s Democratic Party lawmaker, Senator Adamu to improve lives of constituency members.

In the statement signed by the Chairman of the Kaduna Central Movement,Comrade Yahaya Babangida the group said ,” A good lawmaker and member of the main opposition party would have would have capilsed on this opportunity o is supposed to use the opportunity to make a difference.”

Information gathered revealed that these funds, officially designated as constituency allowances, are federal allocations intended to support lawmakers in addressing local socio-economic needs and fostering rural development within their constituencies.

While condemning Senator LA for lack of visible projects despite huge funds released for constituency projects,it dared him to provide records funds received and what they were used for .

As group of concerned members of the Kaduna Central senatorial district, with members across the 7 local government areas of the district, we are prepared to mobilise the electorate to ensure that he doesn’t return to floor of the Senate come 2025 .

The group however credited the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the upward review, suggesting the move was intended to improve citizens’ lives by empowering elected representatives to deliver more tangible developmental projects at the grassroots level.

The Koro people in Kaduna State on Saturday rolled out drums to celebrate what could be described as a ‘Great and colourful’ maiden Cultural Day Festival.

The event attended by large number of dignitaries within and outside Kaduna was the first of its kind since the creation of Koro Chiefdom in the State.

In his speech during the occasion held at Government Secondary School,Kubacha, Kagarko local government areas of Kaduna State the President of Koro Community Development Association (KCDA), Prof. John Yakubu Magaji said the theme: Revitalizing Koro Cultural Heritage, Bridging Generations and Uniting Communities reflects the collective aspirations of the Koro people.

Speaking further on the theme, Prof Magaji said, “It speaks to our long-held desire to deliberately revive our rich cultural and traditional values, build sustainable connections across generations, and foster unity in the pursuit of progress, development, and peaceful coexistence with our neighbours.”

Though he acknowledged that this first attempt to organize the Koro Cultural Festival came with its own challenges and unintended outcomes, he gave assurance that subsequent events would be better.

While reflecting on the history and journey of our association, he explained: “The Koro Community Development Association began as individual units at village levels. The idea of coming together as a collective started in Kaduna town, where all Koro indigenes residing in Kaduna began to meet as a group—what is today known as “the Koro Community Development Association Kaduna Branch”. It was this branch that took the crucial step of registering the association with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), giving it formal recognition.

“The unification of all village development associations was spearheaded by Mr. Emmanuel Ejah, fondly known as Polude, who served as the first president. He was succeeded by L.L. Lamba, under whose leadership the Koro Chiefdom was created—a foundational milestone that laid the groundwork for the democratic dividends we are witnessing today. The mantle of leadership then passed to Dr. Kurah of blessed memory. After his passing, the Association nearly went into extinction, until it was revived in 2022 under my leadership, with me, Prof. J.Y. Magaji, emerging as the elected president. It is by the grace of God and the resilience of our people that we are standing strong today.

“Nevertheless, today is a day of pride for every son and daughter of the Koro nation. This annual cultural day festival has come to stay, and we pledge to build upon the strong foundation that has now been laid.”

He however, thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Uba Sani for the commendable development work they are doing across the nation and the State and prayed to God to grant them good health as well as the opportunity to continue and accomplish all the positive agendas they have set for the country and State.

He also commended the Kagarko Council Chairman, Hon. Muhuyideen, who according to him wholeheartedly embraced the event as his own.

He didn’t end his speech without extending appreciation to the Executive Cabinet of the Koro Community Development Association for their unwavering support and dedication to the vision of their community and the 2025 cultural Day Board members;all the sub-committees and those,who helped in one-way or the other for their nurturing spirit, energy, creativity, commitment and consistent contributions, to the success of the festival

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Planned Protest: Nigerians in Diaspora Withdraw Action Against Kyari

Nigerians based in United States under the umbrella of Nigerians in Diaspora for Peace and Unity today withdrawn its earlier decision to embark on Protest against for Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Engineer Mele Kyari on suspicion that it was sponsored.

According to group with its headquarters in Washington D.C, it didn’t get its facts right,when the decision to embark on the Protest was made, thus was misled to believe that Kyari mismanaged the country’s oil company.

“We were ready to move to the street to protest because we were made to believe Kyari fled Nigeria to avoid accountability for financial misconduct during his six-year tenure at NNPCL from 2019 to 2025.” It stated .

It was widely reported that that hundreds of Nigerians had protested at the Nigerian High Commission and the UK Home Office in London, calling for the deportation of former Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) boss, Mele Kyari, to face corruption investigations in Nigeria.

In a statement issued and made available to journalists today, the Nigerians in Diaspora for Peace and Unity announced that it has withdrawn from the planned protest schedule for Friday and orders members across United and United Kingdom to comply with the directive.

The group in the statement signed by the Chairman ,Chief Sebastian West Lokpobiri explained: “We did set a 10-man fact finding committee ahead of the scheduled date for the protest and later discovered that the former NNPCL boss rather did well to reposition the company and shouldn’t be ridiculed

The statement further reads : “We also discovered that NNPCL under Kyari was not only revived to produce refined Petrol for our teeming population,but it operational lines were transparent; effective and profit oriented.

“As group,we don’t take actions blindly without digging up the facts behind any issue raised from public discourse or disenchantment. It is against this background that we have decided to suspend action to embark on protest.

“We therefore advise other groups that have been misled or sponsored to protest to suspend action and commend Kyari efforts to resuscitate our once comatose oil company.”