Author name: Umar Idris Shuaibu

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has restated his administration’s commitment to the creation of state police as part of efforts to confront Nigeria’s worsening security challenges. Speaking on Tuesday, September 2, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja during a courtesy visit by prominent Katsina indigenes led by Governor Dikko Radda, the president said the federal government is determined to tackle banditry and other threats head-on. READ ALSO: Kano Govt Clarifies Position on Elders Council, Reaffirms Commitment to Advisory Body Tinubu disclosed that security agencies have been directed to reassess their operations in Katsina, where bandit attacks have spiked in recent months. He further revealed that advanced military equipment, including drones and surveillance technology, would soon be deployed to strengthen counter-insurgency efforts in the state. The president also announced that the capacity of newly recruited forest guards would be expanded, noting that they are expected to play a vital role in protecting vulnerable communities. “The security challenges that we are facing are surmountable. Yes, we have porous borders. We inherited weaknesses that could have been addressed earlier. It is a challenge that we must fix, and we are facing it,” Tinubu said. He added: “I have today directed all the security agencies to energise further and review strategies. We have approved the additional acquisition of drones. I am reviewing all aspects of security. I have to create state police. We are looking at that holistically. We will defeat insecurity. We must protect our children, our people, our livelihood, our places of worship, and our recreational spaces. They can’t intimidate us.” The president recalled that in February 2024, the federal government inaugurated a committee to develop a framework for state policing. While the initiative has received widespread support, Vice-President Kashim Shettima disclosed in March that 20 states were yet to submit their reports. Tinubu also paid tribute to former President Muhammadu Buhari, assuring the delegation that his legacy would be preserved. “The time we lost our brother, President Buhari, is a loss for all of us. It is the will of God Almighty, but he has left in a good way. He didn’t hand over a defeated country or a battered political structure, but a legacy of success, and that is the most important thing,” he said. Governor Radda, in his remarks, expressed gratitude for the president’s consistent support, noting that Tinubu had always responded to his requests. Former Governor Aminu Masari and Ibrahim Ida, the Wazirin of Katsina, also commended Tinubu for honouring Buhari and investing in infrastructure. Ida, however, urged the federal government to prioritise the upgrading of Umaru Musa Yar’Adua International Airport and intensify security operations in southern Katsina.

The National Orientation Agency (NOA), has unveiled strategies to address the disturbing issue of extreme students’ graduation ceremonies by secondary school students and tertiary institutions in Katsina. The NOA Director-General, Mr Lanre Issa-Onilu, revealed this while addressing journalists in Katsina on Tuesday, to flag-off campaign on the Federal Government’s policies. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Issa-Onilu, was represented at the event by Mr John Bala, the Director, Reform Coordination and Service at the NOA headquarters, Abuja. Read Also: Kano Govt Clarifies Position on Elders Council, Reaffirms Commitment to Advisory Body “The agency is focusing on national value re-orientation campaigns and sensitisation against extreme graduation practices which do not align with our values. “During graduation ceremonies, students even try to force their parents to contribute money and some of these students go extra miles against our noble norms. “You’ll see some even going naked, drinking alcohol, cigarettes, some are even cutting themselves, all in the name of graduation. “Therefore, we feel this is contrary to our noble values of discipline and honesty. So, we feel we should carry this campaign so that we educate not only parents but also schools,” he said. The director-general identified other areas of the campaign to include; the Nigerian Identity and National Symbols sensitisation, aimed at familiarising the public with the current National Anthem, unity and patriotism. “These campaigns will also promote adherence to right attitude towards National Symbols: the National Flag, the Naira, the Nigerian Passport among other things. “The campaigns will be carried out through press conferences, town hall meetings, advocacy visits, visitation to schools, traditional rulers, motor parks and markets. “Campaign will be conducted in the 36 states of the federation, FCT and 774 Local Government Areas (LGA) across Nigeria,” Issa-Onilu revealed. The D-G explained that in recent times, the agency had expanded its messaging platforms to meet the diverse requirements of their equally diverse audience demography. He stated that this approach in various communities was aimed at enabling members of the public to speak their minds to government, ask questions and get answers on programmes and policies of government that require further clarity. “In this third quarter nationwide sensitisation exercise, we shall be engaging the public to further understand policies of government, especially government students’ loan (NELFUND), and Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT). “Other areas include; National Youth Investment Fund (NYIF), the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), Flooding and Disaster Preparedness, National Security Awareness, and Presidential Flood Mitigation,” he said. (NAN)