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Showing posts from January, 2026

NBTE Reviews 60 Programmes at Nuhu Bamalli Polytechnic, Ends Accreditation

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By Muazu Abubakar Albarkawa  The National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) has concluded a landmark accreditation, reaccreditation, resource inspection and institutional reaccreditation exercise at Nuhu Bamalli Polytechnic, Zaria, aimed at strengthening academic standards and technical education delivery. The exercise, which ended on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, was held at the Engineering Twin Theatre after briefings by team leaders who assessed 60 academic programmes, making it the largest accreditation exercise in the history of the institution. The exercise was coordinated by the Rector, Engr. Muhammad Kabir Abdullahi, PhD, who led the Polytechnic’s engagement with the NBTE team. Speaking at the exit meeting, the Head of the NBTE Accreditation Team, Dr. Fatima Kabir Umar, who is also the Director of the Polytechnic and Allied Programmes Department, noted some challenges observed during the exercise. She explained that the non-payment of Imprest to Departments by t...

Speaker Abbas to again put a smile on faces of Zaria residents

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  By Abdul-azeez Suleiman  On January 29, the people of Zaria are set to welcome a significant event. The Speaker of the Nigerian House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas Iyan Zazzau, will deliver a blessing to the people of Zaria to ease the burden of the upcoming Ramadan fasting month.  The event is of great importance to the people of Zaria, who are facing many challenges during this fasting period. The fasting month of Ramadan is one of the pillars of Islam. During this period, Muslims perform worship and protect their body and soul, focusing on good deeds and helping each other. This period provides an opportunity for the people to review their lives, and to rise with the thought of doing good to each other. Therefore, the sending of blessings from Tajudeen Abbas Iyan Zazzau at this time is of great importance to the people of Zaria. Tajudeen Abbas Iyan Zazzau, who is known for his commitment and good intentions in supporting the community, has a history ...

2050: Centre unveils framework to boost industrial growth

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By Muazu Abubakar Albarkawa  The Galadiman Ruwa Centre for Strategic Leadership and Communication has unveiled an economic transformation framework aimed at repositioning Nigeria as a global industrial force by 2050. In an open memo titled “March to 2050 Edition: Activating the SSMV Framework – Turning National Liabilities into Global Assets”, the centre called on the Federal Government to activate the Special Strategic Mission Vehicle (SSMV) model as a national recovery mechanism. Dr Ja’afaru Sa’ad, founder of the centre, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the government should adopt a non-bureaucratic, mission-driven structure to revive dormant national assets and convert them into sustainable revenue streams. He cited historic industrial breakthroughs in Saudi Arabia, South Korea, and India, which he said resulted from deliberate Special Initiatives rather than conventional public-sector administration, noting that Nigeria now stands at a similar crossroads. ...

Kaduna hosts maiden spelling bee finals as students jostle for top position

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From Abubakar Sadiq Mohd Zaria  Students from Junior and Senior secondary schools in Zone one of Kaduna state has showcased exceptional intellectual capacity at the final stage of the maiden edition of Team Addah annual spelling bee competition. The academic drill aimed at identifying young talents was organized in honour of Governor Uba Sani's initiative of investing more on education aimed at providing quality education and exploring young minds with exceptional talents for brighter educational future. The competition held at the Federal University of Education, Zaria recorded intense and highly competitive spelling battles as students from various secondary schools showcased exceptional brilliance, confidence, and intellectual ability. Speaking at the event on behalf of Governor Uba Sani, the Deputy Governor of Kaduna State, Dr. Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe, said the administration remains committed to investing in the future of younger generation, ...

Fresh Students Matriculate at Makarfi Health College

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The Provost of Shehu Idris College of Health Sciences and Technology, Makarfi, Mahmud Muhammad Shu’aibu, has commended the Kaduna State Government for its continued support to the institution, particularly in the provision of essential infrastructure that has improved the learning environment for students. The Provost made the commendation on Thursday, during the matriculation ceremony of newly admitted students held at the college’s main campus in Makarfi Local Government Area of Kaduna State. According to him, the state government has addressed some of the major challenges previously faced by the college, including the provision of steady water supply and electricity at the students’ hostels, which have significantly enhanced students’ welfare. He congratulated the newly admitted students and urged them to remain disciplined, focused, and committed to their academic pursuits, reminding them that they are being trained to become future healthcare professionals responsible ...

Minister inaugurates 4 interventions projects to boost livestock productivity

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  From Abubakar Sadiq Mohd, Zaria  Federal Ministry of Livestock Development has inaugurated four intervention projects at the National Animal Production Research Institute (NAPRI) of Ahmadu Bello University,Zaria to boost livestock productivity. The projects strategically provided through Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES) were aimed to boost dairy, beef, and small ruminants research programmes at the animal research institute. Inaugurating the interventions during a one day working visit to Zaria, the Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha, said the projects consist of construction of 500 tonnes per annum hay barn and construction and equipping of a single line 10 tonnes per hour pasture seed processing unit.  Others include a 20 tonnes per annum pasture seed drying shade, four-solar-powered borehole at NAPRI headquarters, and one-solar-powered at the institute's outpost in Yobe.  The Minister who describ...

Al-Iman Clinic Opens with Pharmacy, Laboratory and Maternity Unit in Zaria

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By Muazu Abubakar Albarkawa  The Chief Executive Officer of Al-Iman Clinic and Maternity Services in Zaria, Dr. Bashir Abdulmumin, has explained that the newly opened health facility was established primarily for the benefit of the community, with the aim of improving access to quality and affordable healthcare for residents of Zaria and its environs. Dr. Bashir Abdulmumin made this known during a media interaction with journalists on Wednesday, January 23, 2026, shortly after the official opening of the clinic. He said the decision to establish the hospital was driven by the challenges many people face in accessing timely and quality medical care. According to him, the new Al-Iman Clinic is equipped with modern medical facilities designed to ensure accurate diagnosis and effective treatment of various health conditions. The clinic features a fully equipped maternity unit, a modern delivery room, and well-maintained inpatient wards that provide comfort and safety for pa...

Kaduna Govt Debunks Report on Creation of Hausa Dynasty in Zazzau

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The Kaduna State Government has dismissed as false a report circulating on social media alleging that Governor Uba Sani has approved the creation of a Hausa Royal Dynasty in the Zazzau Emirate. In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Office of the Honourable Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Sadiq Mamman Lagos, the government described the report as misleading, fabricated and completely untrue. According to the statement dated January 20, 2026, the fake report claimed that the state government had concluded plans to establish a Hausa Dynasty within the Zazzau Emirate as part of efforts to restore balance and inclusiveness in the traditional leadership structure of Zaria. It also falsely suggested that a new dynasty would be added to the existing Fulani dynasties in the emirate. The commissioner, however, clarified that Governor Uba Sani has no intention or plan to create any new dynasty in the Zazzau Emirate, stressing that no approval of such ...

Uniformed personnel showcases talent at Mu'assasa Quranic recitation competition

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  From Abubakar Sadiq Mohd Zaria  The Mu'assasa Al-Islah foundation has organized the first Quranic recitation competition for military and paramilitary personnel, in Zaria, challenging stereotypes about their religious commitment.  The competition, held at the foundation's premises in Tudun Wada, Zaria, brought together competitors from various agencies, including the Nigerian Army, Police Force, National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Federal Road Safety Corp, and Nigeria Correctional Service. Other agencies that participated in the maiden edition of the event include Kaduna State Traffic Enforcement Law Agency,KASTELIA, Kaduna State Vigilante Service KADVIS, Hisbah, Aides groups of both Jamaatu Izalatul Bid'ah and Fityanul Islam of Nigeria. Speaking at the finals of the competition, the founder Sheikh Shuaibu Salihu Zaria explained that the competition aimed to showcase uniformed personnel's dedication to their religion and encourage them on adherence to their...

Lawmaker unveils road project, pledges more infrastructure to constituents

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From Abubakar Sadiq Mohd, Zaria  Member representing Sabon gari federal constituency in kaduna state, Sadiq Ango Abdullahi has unveils a road project linking various communities in his constituent. The road construction project will link Basawa community to Samaru in Sabon gari local government area. Speaking at the unveiling of the project, the legislator who is also the Deputy Chairman House Committee on FERMA said the construction of the 3.7 kilometre road was long overdue due to its socio-economic significance to the communities. He explained that when completed, the road will serve as a gateway to motorists travelling to neighbouring Katsina and Zamfara states. "This road is one out of seven major road construction projects I initiated and captured in the 2025 appropriation budget. "I want to assure you that the remaining.road, projects will also be executed in the shortest time possible. "Other projects I facilitated which will also be executed in this year include...

Former Archbishop of Canterbury to speak on inter-ethnic, religious harmony at ABU 

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From Sadiq Mohd Zaria  The 105th Archbishop of Canterbury, Right Reverend and Right Honourable Justin Welby, GCVO, will speak on inter-ethnic and religious harmony at a public lecture billed to hold at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria on Thursday, 29th January, 2026. Right Reverend Welby was the 105th Archbishop of Canterbury, serving from 2013 until his resignation in 2024. The lecture, titled "Building Inter-Ethnic and Religious Harmony in Nigeria: Pathways to National Unity'", is part of the activities lined up for the university's 45th Convocation Ceremony. The public lecture will take place at 10:00am at Abdullahi Mahadi Conference Centre, Ahmadu Bello University, Main Campus, Samaru - Zaria.  Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Ahmadu Bello University Governing Council Mahmud Yayale Ahmed, will chair the occasion, while a good number of dignitaries from all walks of life are expected to attend the one-day lecture.  Prominent among them include, former Niger...

Sheikh Shu’aibu Salihu Praises Security Agencies as 3rd Qur’an Competition Closes in Zaria

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The Chief Organizer of the Prof. Abdullah Bin Ali Tammam Holy Qur’an Competition, Sheikh Shu’aibu Salihu Zaria, has described the 3rd edition of the competition as a remarkable success, noting that the event attracted wide attention and strong participation from both the public and security agencies. Speaking at the closing ceremony of the competition (1447AH / 2026), Sheikh Shu’aibu praised the commitment and cooperation of security personnel, saying their presence and active involvement contributed greatly to the peaceful and orderly conduct of the programme. He noted that some security operatives were not only providing protection but also took part as participants and supporters of the Qur’anic event, which, according to him, demonstrated the unifying power of the Holy Qur’an across professions and institutions. Sheikh Shu’aibu explained that the Qur’anic competition has continued to grow in stature and influence, capturing the attention of scholars, youths, and the wid...

Integrity, Service, and Community Development: The Umar Yakubu Story

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In an era where accountability and integrity are central to sustainable development, Umar Yakubu, Executive Director of the Center for Fiscal Transparency and Public Integrity (CeFTPI), stands out as one of the leading voices driving reforms in governance, security, and anti-corruption efforts in Nigeria. Through a combination of rigorous research, innovative technology, and principled advocacy, Yakubu has positioned CeFTPI as a critical institution in the national and global fight against corruption and financial crimes. Established in 2016, the Center for Fiscal Transparency and Public Integrity is a non-governmental, non-partisan organization dedicated to promoting accountability and transparency in the public sector. Under Umar Yakubu’s leadership, CeFTPI has expanded its mandate to include oversight of public finance, integrity systems, access to information, and public service delivery. The organization’s work reflects a clear vision: strengthening democratic governan...

Economic Security: Expert urges Tinubu to establish Revenue Regeneration Corporation

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An economic development expert has called for the urgent establishment of a National Revenue Regeneration and Financial Corporation (NRRFC) to shield Nigeria from fiscal collapse and fast-track economic diversification. Dr Ja’afaru Sa’ad, Chairman and Founder of the Galadiman Ruwa Centre (GSCLC), a Non Governmental Organisation, made the call in an open memorandum to President Bola Tinubu. Sa’ad elaborated on the proposal in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Zaria on Thursday. He said Nigeria’s heavy dependence on crude oil revenues had become a strategic vulnerability, stressing that incremental reforms could no longer address the country’s widening economic risks. He said the proposed NRRFC would serve as a national commercial command structure, mandated to restructure, commercialise and revitalise dormant and underperforming government institutions into revenue-generating corporations. According to him, the initiative is critical to achieving Nigeria’...

Legal Battle Continues as Court Hears Arguments on Seized Vehicles in Kwari Land Case

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Proceedings commenced on Wednesday 15 January, 2026 at High Court of Justice Dogarawa Zaria, Kaduna State, presided over by Justice Yakubu Badamasi in a criminal case involving Abdu Kwari, Hajiya Amina Dalhatu Akilu, and Shehu Abdu Kwari, over allegations of fraud and criminal conspiracy arising from a disputed land and building exchange transaction in Zaria. The case was instituted following a criminal complaint filed by a Zaria-based businessman, Ahmed Muhammad Gusau, who alleged that the defendants fraudulently induced him into exchanging his residential property at No. 17 Sale Annur Street, Kabama Layout, Sabon Gari, Zaria—valued at ₦60 million—for a plot of land at No. 5 Abubakar Mustapha Road, Kabama Layout, allegedly owned by Senator Abdu Kwari and valued at ₦20 million. According to the complainant, the agreement was reached after he was informed that the Senator does not sell land but only exchanges property. He said he accepted the arrangement due to his interest ...

ABU Vice-Chancellor Commends Huawei as ICT Revamp Project Takes Off

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By Muazu Abubakar Albarkawa  The Vice-Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University, Adamu Ahmed, has expressed appreciation to Huawei Technologies Nigeria Limited for choosing the university as a trusted and worthy partner in the upgrade of its information and communication technology infrastructure. Prof. Ahmed spoke on Wednesday during the official kick-off ceremony of the ABU ICT Infrastructure Revamp Project, held at the university. The project, tagged “Network Infrastructure Refresh Project: Huawei Smart Campus for ABU,” formally commenced with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the university and Huawei. According to the Vice-Chancellor, the partnership is a strategic intervention aimed at addressing the growing ICT needs of the campus. He clarified that the collaboration with Huawei does not replace existing service providers, but is designed to strengthen teaching, learning and research through improved digital capacity. Prof. Ahmed noted that t...

CeFTPI Raises Alarm Over N43bn Third Mainland Bridge Project, N2.5bn CCTV Cost

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The Center for Fiscal Transparency and Public Integrity (CeFTPI) has raised serious concerns over the N43 billion Third Mainland Bridge rehabilitation and surveillance project, citing transparency gaps and indications of possible contract inflation. Speaking on behalf of the organisation, the Executive Director of CeFTPI, Dr. Umar Yakubu , said the group’s assessment—benchmarked against global infrastructure standards—revealed cost figures that significantly exceed acceptable international norms, particularly in the areas of maintenance and surveillance. According to CeFTPI, the allocation of N40.6 billion for rehabilitation translates to about N3.4 billion per kilometre, a figure Dr. Yakubu described as excessive for maintenance works and comparable to the cost of constructing new highways in similar markets. He noted that such expenditure raises serious questions about value for money and fiscal responsibility. The organisation also expressed concern over the N2.5 bil...

Ali Khamenei's Address and the Unyielding Spirit of a Nation

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By Abdul-Azeez Suleiman  The recent address by Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of Iran, encapsulates not only the sentiments of a nation grappling with external pressures but also highlights a resolute commitment to sovereignty and unity. Khamenei's speech, focuses on themes of national identity, resistance against foreign intervention, and the imperative of unity among the Iranian populace. Khamenei's address commences with a reminder of the historical grievances that have shaped the Iranian psyche. By stating that "America’s hands are stained with the blood of more than one thousand Iranians," he invokes a collective memory of loss and suffering that resonates deeply with the Iranian people. The reference to "leaders, martyrs, and innocent men, women, and children" underscores the indiscriminate nature of the violence inflicted upon Iran, thereby framing the United States not merely as a geopolitical adversary but as a perpetrator of...

Donald Trump, the Unfettered Mind, and the Boundaries of Power

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By Abdul-Azeez Suleiman  In political leadership, the interplay between authority and morality often defines the trajectory of a nation’s policies and its standing on the global stage. The recent assertions by Donald Trump, the President of the United States, have ignited a discourse that transcends conventional political analysis, delving into the psyche of a leader whose self-imposed constraints appear to be as nebulous as his interpretations of international law. With Trump declaring that the only thing stopping him is “my own morality, my own mind,” we are compelled to consider the implications of such a mindset not only for the United States but for the world at large. Trump’s admission, articulated during an extensive interview with *The New York Times*, unveils a disconcerting truth: the absence of a robust moral framework can lead to a governance style that dismisses the established norms of international relations. The chilling notion that his actions are limit...

APC Stalwart Laments Neglect by Party Leadership in Zaria

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A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from **Kaura Ward in Zaria Local Government Area, Aminu Abubakar Shilafin, has expressed deep frustration over what he described as continued neglect and abandonment by party leaders despite his contributions and loyalty during the last general elections. Speaking during an interview, Shilafin said he and his supporters worked tirelessly to mobilise voters and ensure victory for the APC in the area, often at personal risk and expense. However, he lamented that since the elections, party leaders have allegedly stopped taking their calls and no longer engage with them, leaving grassroots supporters exposed to intimidation and harassment by opposition elements. According to him, the situation has created a sense of disappointment and demoralisation among APC loyalists in Kaura Ward, many of whom now feel forgotten and unprotected. He said the lack of communication and recognition from party leadership has weakened morale and m...

The Tragic End of Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa: A Coup D'état Unraveled

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By Abdul-Azeez Suleiman  The early hours of January 15, 1966, marked a watershed moment in Nigeria's tumultuous history, as the nation witnessed the violent upheaval of its nascent democracy. At approximately 1 a.m., a cadre of soldiers, emboldened by discontent and ambition, launched a brazen assault on the Officers Mess of the Presidential Guard at Dodon Barracks in Obalende. This audacious coup, orchestrated by a faction of military officers, heralded the tragic end of Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Nigeria's first and only Prime Minister to date. The coup was not merely a spontaneous eruption of military discontent; it was the culmination of deep-seated grievances that had festered since Nigeria's independence in 1960. The plotters, led by Major E.A. Ifeajuna, a former Commonwealth champion, and Major C.I. Anuforo, among others, were motivated by a perceived need to rectify the political inequities and ethnic tensions that had plagued the nation. The coup's...

UNICEF strengthens media partnership to advance women, children agenda in Kaduna

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Zaria (Kaduna State) Jan. 8, 2026( NAN) Dr Idris Baba, Officer-in-Charge of the UNICEF Kaduna Field Office, says the organisation has renewed strategic engagement with media executives, editors and partners to deepen collaboration on issues affecting women and children. Baba disclosed this while speaking at the second edition of the strategic engagement with the Media Executives, Editors and Partners in Zaria on Thursday. The event was organised by UNICEF in collaboration with the Kaduna State Ministry of Information. The engagement has ‘Partnering With The Media To Enhance The Reach and Impact of Essential Health Services in Kaduna State’ as it’s theme. Baba said the initiative was revived to brief the media executives on UNICEF’s planned activities for 2026 and to strengthen meaningful interaction with the media. He stated that the media remained a critical platform for presenting evidence-based information and shaping public discourse. “We want to hear from them, get the...