Category: North West

  • Zamfara Bombing Linked to Lakurawa Terrorists –  Police

    Zamfara Bombing Linked to Lakurawa Terrorists – Police

    The Nigeria Police have identified the Lakurawa terrorist group as the perpetrators behind recent explosions in Zamfara State.

     According to the Zamfara State Commissioner of Police, Muhammed Dalijan, the local bandits operating in the state lack the skills to create or use explosive devices.  

    On Wednesday, a deadly blast along the Dansadau-Gusau Road in Maru Local Government Area claimed the life of a motorist and left three others injured. 

    The Police Commissioner revealed that the incident occurred when the terrorists, dislodged from Sokoto and Kebbi by military forces, were moving towards Birnin-Gwari forest. 

    In their retreat, they planted a bomb under a bridge, which detonated as the vehicle passed.  

    Dalijan stated that this marked a new challenge for the region, as bomb attacks were previously unheard of in Zamfara.

     He confirmed that reports of the Lakurawa group’s movements near the area tied them directly to the incident.

  • Kano Governor Returns Minors Arrested For Protesting to Parents

    Kano Governor Returns Minors Arrested For Protesting to Parents

    Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, has returned 76 minors detained during the August #EndBadGovernance protests to their families. 

    The handover took place on Thursday at the Muhammadu Buhari Specialist Hospital, where the children had been cared for after being arrested for their involvement in the protests, which called attention to governance issues in Kano and Nigeria at large. 

    Governor Yusuf, represented by his Chief of Staff Shehu Sagagi, acknowledged President Bola Tinubu’s role in securing the minors’ release. In his address, he urged parents to collaborate with the state government in providing quality education for their children, which he believes is key to the state’s growth.

     He also cautioned parents against using any associations to solicit funds, as such behavior would not be tolerated.

    Kano’s Education Commissioner, Haruna Doguwa, shared that steps had been taken to support the minors’ educational journeys, including providing school uniforms for 50 of them. 

    Additionally, a final-year student protester would be assisted in completing their studies, and another with a National Certificate in Education would be given a job.

    Health Commissioner Dr. Abubakar Yusuf confirmed that the minors had all received medical treatment during their stay at the hospital before being reunited with their families.

     The event also saw former Sokoto State Governor, Attahiru Bafarawa, donate N50,000 to each child for their education.

  • New Minister Targets APC Victory in Kano 2027  

    New Minister Targets APC Victory in Kano 2027  

    Yusuf Ata, the newly appointed junior Minister of Housing and Urban Development, has set his sights on reclaiming Kano State for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 elections. 

    During his maiden visit to Kano following his swearing-in, Ata emphasized his political mission to strengthen the party’s position in the state, particularly in Kano Central, his home base.  

    Ata’s appointment follows a recent cabinet reshuffle by President Bola Tinubu, which saw the dismissal of Abdullahi Tijjani Gwarzo, the former Minister of State for Housing. 

    Gwarzo has since criticized the decision, suggesting that Nasiru Gawuna, the APC’s 2023 governorship candidate, would have been a better choice for the role to bolster the party’s influence in Kano Central.  

    Despite the controversy, Ata has vowed to balance his ministerial duties with frequent visits to Kano to spearhead APC’s efforts in regaining control of the state. 

    Gwarzo, meanwhile, has pledged continued support for the President’s administration, stating that his removal was politically motivated rather than performance-related.  

  • Fiscal 2025: Kano Gov proposes 31% for education 

    Fiscal 2025: Kano Gov proposes 31% for education 

    Kano Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has presented the 2025 Fiscal appropriation of N549.16billion to the state house of assembly, with education accounting for 168.4 billion or 31 percent.

    This was disclosed in a statement by the Governor on his X handle on Friday, November 8.

    He disclosed that Capital expenditure stands at N312,634,912,672.18 billion, while recurrent expenditure takes 236,525,504,990.82 billion.

    According to Yusuf’s statement, the budget aims for a capital-to-recurrent expenditure ratio of 57:43 upon approval.

    The statement reads: “This morning, I had the honor of presenting the Kano State 2025 Fiscal Budget, totaling N549,160,417,663.00 billion, before the Kano State House of Assembly. Capital expenditure stands at N312,634,912,672.18 billion, while recurrent expenditure takes 236,525,504,990.82 billion. 

    “This budget is projected to have a ratio of capital to recurrent 57:43 percent, respectively, when approved. Important sectors of the economy have their share as follows; Education: 168.4 billion (31%) Health: N90. 6 billion Transport: N12. 2 billion Agriculture: N21.03 billion Water Resources : N27. 23billion Infrastructure Development: N70.78 billion.

    “It could be recalled that the 2024 budget was presented before the honorable house in October last year, containing a budgetary size of N437.3billion and tagged as ‘Budget of Restoration and Transformation’, with recurrent allocation of N157.5 billion and capital allocation of N279.8 billion. 

    “The general performance of the 2024 approved budget stood at 77% percent in terms of Recurrent Revenue, while the Expenditure has a performance of 65% from January to August 2024, respectively.”

  • New Terror Group Emerges In Sokoto

    New Terror Group Emerges In Sokoto

    Sokoto State is facing a fresh security concern with the emergence of a militant group called Lakurawas, which is reportedly operating in five local government areas.

     The state’s deputy governor, Idris Mohammed Gobir, revealed this development while addressing officials from Nigeria’s National Defence College, who are on a study tour in Sokoto. 

    Lakurawas, described as a faith-oriented group, is known for its idealistic leanings and advanced weaponry.

     The presence of this group compounds existing security challenges in a state already troubled by ongoing bandit activity. Authorities are working closely with federal security forces to contain the threat and protect residents.

    In response, the deputy governor outlined the government’s initiatives to manage the security situation, while expressing optimism that the study tour would provide additional strategies for maintaining peace in the region.

    “This unsettling development has emerged at a time when the state is already grappling with persistent banditry.

    “The state government is collaborating closely with federal security agencies to tackle the many threats to the lives and property of the residents of Sokoto,” he said.

  • House Of Reps Member Defects From PDP To APC

    House Of Reps Member Defects From PDP To APC

    The member representing Gummi/Bukkuyum Federal Constituency of Zamfara State in the House of Representatives, Sulaiman Abubakar Gumi, has decamped to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Gummi dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the APC with immediate effect.

    The defection was announced on the floor of the House by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas while reading a letter from the lawmaker during plenary on Wednesday.

    Gumi in his letter, said his defection is a result of the lingering and unresolved internal crisis within the PDP.

    “It is noteworthy to state here that the PDP has two chairmen in my constituency, Gummi/Bukkuyum Federal Constituency.

    One was unconstitutionally removed while the other decamped with me, hence the party lacks structure in my constituency, and this has made it difficult for me to provide good representation and prompt delivery of dividends of democracy to my constituents,” the letter read.

    After reading the letter, Speaker Abbas asked Gummi to stand up for recognition as he welcomed him to the APC.

  • Kano Governor Yusuf Approves New Minimum Wage for Workers

    Kano Governor Yusuf Approves New Minimum Wage for Workers

    Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State has approved a new minimum wage of N71,000 for civil servants, effective November.

    According to the governor, the increased wage will raise the state’s monthly salary obligations by N6 billion and N7 billion for local government councils.

    Additionally, 20,737 promoted teachers will receive a total increment of over N340 million.

    Yusuf praised the state minimum wage implementation committee for their efforts, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to workers’ welfare.

    A statement by Yusuf posted on his Facebook account reads: “The decision is in line with my administration’s commitment to social justice and the improvement of living standards for our workers.

    “In line with our commitment to social justice and enhancing the standard of living for our workers, we have approved the sum of 71,000 naira as the new minimum wage in Kano State.”

    “Additionally, following the promotion of 20,737 teachers by our government, a total increment amounting to over 340 million naira has now been reflected in their respective salaries.”

    “Once again, I commend the state minimum wage implementation committee for its commendable work. – AKY.”

  • N70,000 Minimum Wage: Katsina Sets Up 13-Member Committee

    N70,000 Minimum Wage: Katsina Sets Up 13-Member Committee

    The Katsina State Government has empaneled a whopping 13 member committee to implement the N70,000 minimum wage increase.

    The committee is to also address the financial challenges faced by its workforce.

     Led by the Deputy Governor Faruk Lawal, the committee includes 13 members, representing labor unions, government officials, and civil society organizations.

    This initiative encompasses state and local government employees, along with other categories of workers, as Katsina joins other states such as Akwa Ibom, Kebbi, and Lagos in adopting or discussing similar wage adjustments. 

    Katsina’s move follows earlier investments in the state’s health sector, where nearly N3.78 billion was allocated for improvements from June 2023 to April 2024, including the establishment of a sickle cell center and free drug distributions at Katsina General Hospital.

  • Kano State Promotes Teachers, Staff, New Education Initiative

    Kano State Promotes Teachers, Staff, New Education Initiative

    Governor Abba Kabir-Yusuf of Kano State has approved the promotion of 20,542 personnel within the state’s primary and junior secondary schools, covering both teaching and non-teaching staff for the years 2023 and 2024.

     The development was disclosed by the chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Yusuf Kabir, during a meeting with various education stakeholders held in Kano on Monday.

    The promotions, scheduled for implementation in October, are part of the administration’s broader goal to enhance the welfare and motivation of education personnel across the state.

     Kabir encouraged the beneficiaries to demonstrate renewed commitment to their duties, underlining that the state government expects a positive impact on student performance and overall educational quality.

    Additionally, he called upon community leaders, Islamic scholars, and organizations to play a proactive role in advocating for school enrollment among children in their communities. 

    This step, he stated, would be crucial in ensuring that the benefits of the state’s investment in education reach as many children as possible.

    Attendees at the meeting acknowledged the governor’s consistent efforts to improve the educational system.

     They highlighted recent actions like distributing educational materials, constructing new classrooms, renovating existing ones, and providing specialized training for teachers as evidence of the administration’s dedication to uplifting Kano’s educational standards.

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  • Sokoto Offers Food Relief at 55% Discount Amidst Economic Hardship

    Sokoto Offers Food Relief at 55% Discount Amidst Economic Hardship

    Sokoto State has launched a new relief initiative aimed at providing residents with food and essential items at a 55% discount, as announced by Governor Ahmed Aliyu.

     This programme, introduced on Monday, is a response to the economic hardship intensified by the recent subsidy removal and global financial downturns.

    Governor Aliyu highlighted the inclusive nature of the initiative, ensuring that all residents, regardless of political affiliation or social status, have access to the discounted goods. 

    He emphasized the government’s dedication to distributing these items across all 244 wards in the state, making them accessible to families who need them the most.

    Additionally, the Sokoto government has taken other measures to ease the economic burden on residents. Mass transit services have been subsidized to reduce transportation costs and ensure that people can move around the state affordably.

     The governor affirmed that these palliatives are part of a broader strategy to support the population during this challenging period.

    Governor Aliyu also appealed to affluent community members and corporate organizations to support the program by providing food and essentials to the less privileged in their localities.

     This collaborative approach, he believes, would amplify the impact of the state’s efforts and create a wider safety net for those most in need.

    Chiso Dattijo, who leads the committee overseeing this initiative, expressed support for the governor’s actions, commending the approach as a proactive solution for the economic challenges faced by Sokoto residents.

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