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Abuja, Kaduna, Kano, National, News

Tinubu Has Transformed FCT Within Two Years – Dr. Mariya Bunkure

Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Dr. Mariya Mahmoud Bunkure, has hailed the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what she described as a “massive transformation” of Nigeria’s capital city within just two years. She made the remarks while speaking at a two-day interactive programme on government-citizen engagement organised by the Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation in Kaduna. Dr. Mariya, who represented the FCT Administration at the event, reaffirmed the government’s strong support for participatory governance, transparency, and equitable service delivery. Read Also: APC’s Rising Star: The Woman Ganduje Trusted with the Future According to her, President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda has brought meaningful development to both urban and rural areas of the FCT through infrastructure projects and people-centred policies. “I highlighted some of the numerous projects completed in both rural and urban cities which have significantly improved the social and economic well-being of residents,” she said. “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has wiped away the tears of Gwagwalada residents by completing the Aguma Palace road to Radio Nigeria down to the New Market.” She disclosed that no fewer than 17 major projects have been completed and commissioned across the territory since the beginning of Tinubu’s administration. Dr. Mariya emphasized that the present administration recognizes that governance can no longer be a one-way process, stressing that citizens must be actively involved in policy formulation, project implementation, and service delivery. “Our mission remains to ensure transparent governance, promote accountability, and maintain open communication channels with Nigerians,” she noted. “The Renewed Hope Agenda is dedicated to improving lives, and we are seeing real impact.” She expressed her gratitude to President Tinubu for his continued support to the FCT, noting that the development achieved within the last two years surpasses progress made in several previous administrations. “Everybody who has seen the FCT within these two years compared to previous years, will acknowledge that His Excellency has done well for the nation’s capital city,” she added. Dr. Mariya concluded by urging stakeholders to support the administration’s efforts in delivering more infrastructure, improving social services, and deepening citizen participation in governance.

Katsina, National, Politics

Katsina Senator Resigns from APC, Joins ADC

A prominent Katsina politician and former federal lawmaker, Senator Abubakar Sadiq Yar’adua, has formally resigned from the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing frustration with the party’s leadership and the federal government’s alleged failures in governance. In a strongly worded resignation letter dated July 28, 2025, and addressed to his APC Ward Chairman, Senator Yar’adua expressed deep disappointment with the direction of the party and its role in what he described as Nigeria’s deepening socioeconomic crisis. Related: Tanko Yakasai Accuses President Tinubu of Favoring Lagos with Federal Projects “I can no longer, in good conscience, support a party whose government continues to impose policies that undermine the welfare, dignity, and livelihoods of the Nigerian people,” he wrote. He condemned the APC-led administration as “bad, selfish and stinkingly corrupt,” adding that it now represents a betrayal of the values on which it was built. The former lawmaker also recalled his early sacrifices as one of the founding members of both the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) and later the APC, which collectively helped to unseat the Goodluck Jonathan administration in 2015. “Sadly, those who once stood for change have become worse than the government they replaced. The APC has now turned into a reactionary force, disconnected from the masses,” he said. Yar’adua further accused the current party leadership of inaction in the face of worsening insecurity, economic hardship, and widespread abuses, saying Nigerians continue to suffer while the leadership prioritizes elite interests. Read Also: Why They Are Afraid of Dr. Ganduje He noted that the party has become increasingly detached from the plight of everyday citizens, referencing former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai’s earlier description of “urban bandits” to describe elite behavior. “Today,” he added, “we have actual bandits in government.” Declaring his immediate departure from the ruling party, Yar’adua urged his supporters, associates, and political allies across Katsina State and beyond to join him in the African Democratic Congress (ADC), which he described as a platform committed to “restoring Nigeria’s lost glory and changing the nation’s political trajectory.” His defection is the latest in a growing list of high-profile exits from the APC, signaling rising discontent among party stalwarts over the government’s handling of national affairs.

Abuja, Kano, National, Politics

Why APC Cannot Ignore Ganduje in the 2027 Political Equation

As Nigeria’s political landscape evolves in the buildup to the 2027 general elections, the role of influential party stalwarts becomes increasingly critical, none more so than Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, the immediate past National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former Governor of Kano State. Amid shifting alliances and regional dynamics, Ganduje’s strategic foresight and political architecture continue to shape the party’s future, particularly in Kano and across the Northwest. Even after his exit as APC’s national chairman, Ganduje’s relevance within the party structure remains firmly intact. This is evident in how President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, during his recent address in Abuja, acknowledged Ganduje’s immense contributions to party building, most notably his establishment of the APC Progressive Institute, a policy think tank aimed at fostering ideological clarity and leadership grooming within the ruling party. Positioning the APC in Kano Kano, one of Nigeria’s most politically consequential states, remains a key battleground for 2027. For Ganduje, whose tenure as governor solidified his reputation as a grassroots mobilizer and political tactician, the state represents both a legacy and a laboratory for his continued political influence. Read Also: Why They Are Afraid of Dr. Ganduje In recent years, Dr. Ganduje has quietly but effectively repositioned APC structures across Kano’s 44 local government areas, engaging party elders, youth blocs, and emerging stakeholders. His efforts have centered on reconciliation, inclusivity, and strategic expansion particularly in districts where the party’s performance had declined. Moreover, Ganduje’s extensive network of loyalists across state and federal institutions, including the Progressive Governors’ Forum, provides the APC with a formidable political engine in Kano. This influence is expected to be instrumental when the party begins its search for a governorship candidate. Eye on 2027: Candidate Selection and Unity One of the most anticipated roles Ganduje is expected to play is in the selection of a viable APC governorship aspirant for Kano State. As a former two-term governor, party leader, and elder statesman, his endorsement will carry significant weight, not just among party members but within the broader electorate. Political analysts argue that Ganduje’s approach will likely prioritize unity, competence, and continuity. He has repeatedly emphasized the need for APC to field candidates who embody discipline, loyalty, and mass appeal, that is the qualities he believes are non-negotiable in Kano’s volatile political atmosphere. Importantly, his track record suggests that he will use his influence not merely to install a loyalist, but to stabilize the party through consensus-building and strategic dialogue with stakeholders across factions. National and Zonal Contributions Beyond Kano, Ganduje’s contributions to the APC in the Northwest are equally significant. During his time as National Chairman, he worked to reconcile feuding party factions in states like Sokoto, Zamfara, and Kebbi, laying the groundwork for a stronger zonal presence ahead of 2027. His tenure also saw the inclusion of more Northern professionals, women, and youth in party leadership, a move aimed at rebranding APC as a forward-looking and inclusive party. Even now, Ganduje remains a key adviser on national matters, particularly on Northern political strategy and grassroots mobilization. His ongoing mentorship of emerging leaders and his family’s growing presence in public service, such as Engr. Umar Abdullahi Umar Ganduje at the Rural Electrification Agency and Dr. Asiya Ganduje at the Northwest Development Commission, signal a continuity of vision and influence. A Lasting Political Legacy Dr. Ganduje’s political journey is far from over. As he transitions into the role of a statesman and kingmaker, his enduring relevance lies not just in his titles, but in his ability to galvanize support, build bridges, and steer APC through uncharted political waters. In a period where political loyalty is often fleeting and ideological direction uncertain, Ganduje stands as one of the few with both the experience and vision to provide steady leadership. Political analyst believed his actions in future time will not only shape APC’s fortunes in Kano but could also define its national trajectory. Umar Idris Shuaibu writes from Kano.

National, News

Why CDCFIB Extended 2025 Paramilitary Recruitment Deadline

The Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB) has extended the deadline for its ongoing 2025 paramilitary recruitment exercise to allow more Nigerians an opportunity to apply and complete their entries. The extension, which pushes the closing date from Monday, August 4 to Monday, August 11, 2025, was announced in a statement issued on Sunday by the Secretary to the Board, Maj. Gen. (Rtd) A.M. Jibril. “This extension is geared towards providing additional opportunity for applicants willing to be enlisted into any of the paramilitary services under the Board,” the statement explained. Read Also: Kano Hospitals Management Board Begins Recruitment of Medical Doctors The CDCFIB reminded applicants that the official recruitment portal remains https://recruitment.cdcfib.gov.ng, and reiterated that the application process is free of charge and will be conducted in a fair and transparent manner. The extension comes just two days after the Board issued another advisory concerning applicants who submitted details before a recent portal upgrade. In a statement dated August 1, 2025, the Board advised such applicants to visit https://update.cdcfib.gov.ng to verify their information and complete the application process. The Board explained that after verification, an application slip will be generated using the previously issued application ID. It further clarified that the update portal is not for new applications, warning that any new submission made after the upgrade will override earlier records and will not be visible on the update portal. The CDCFIB urged applicants to comply with the revised procedures and timelines, noting that only those who follow the correct process will be considered.

Kano, National, News

Tinubu Replaces Gawuna With AVM Kaita as BUK Governing Council Chair

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Air Vice Marshal Saddiq Ismaila Kaita (Rtd.) as the new Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Bayero University, Kano (BUK). AVM Kaita replaces Dr. Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna, who also serves as the Chairman of the Board of the Federal Housing Authority (FHA). Read Also: Why Ganduje Still Matters: A Power Bloc Too Strategic to Ignore According to a statement issued on Friday by Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, the decision was taken to allow Dr. Gawuna to focus fully on his role at the FHA, where he is expected to drive key national housing initiatives. Dr. Gawuna is a close political ally of the immediate past National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, who currently serves as Chairman of the Board of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN). AVM Saddiq Kaita, a seasoned military officer, held several high-ranking positions before retiring from the Nigerian Air Force. He served as Director of Strategy at the Defence Headquarters and was also Chief of Defence Transformation and Innovation, where he played a key role in advancing Nigeria’s military modernization agenda. The appointment of AVM Kaita is expected to bring strategic leadership to the governing council of BUK, one of Nigeria’s premier institutions of higher learning.

Health, National, News

FG Reaches Truce With Nurses, Strike Suspended

The National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) has suspended its nationwide industrial action following a closed-door meeting with government officials on Friday. Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, confirmed the development while briefing journalists after the meeting in Abuja. He disclosed that a resolution was reached after negotiations with the association’s leadership. Read Also: FG Launches N10m Support Fund for Tertiary Institution Staff Although representatives of NANNM did not speak to the press, the outcome signals a temporary end to the strike that had disrupted activities across federal health institutions since July 29, 2025. The warning strike was initially scheduled to last until August 5. The nurses embarked on the strike over grievances related to welfare, poor working conditions, and the government’s failure to respond to a 15-day ultimatum issued on July 14. Before the suspension, NANNM National Chairman Comrade Morakinyo Rilwan had criticized the government for ignoring the association’s concerns during the negotiation window. “As far as we are concerned, there has been no communication from the government to this moment. That is why we are saying the strike is going on, and nothing is stopping it,” he stated earlier in the week. “Even if the government calls today or tomorrow, it won’t stop the strike. They had enough time.” The association’s demands include a review of shift and uniform allowances, the adoption of a separate salary structure for nurses, improved core duty allowances, recruitment of additional personnel, and the creation of a dedicated nursing department under the Federal Ministry of Health. Comrade Rilwan stressed that the strike was not a decision of the leadership alone but a reflection of widespread discontent among members over what they described as years of neglect. With the suspension now in effect, stakeholders are hopeful that negotiations will yield tangible improvements in the welfare of nurses and midwives, who form the backbone of the country’s healthcare system.

National, News

Tinubu Urges Governors to Prioritize Rural Electrification, Agriculture and Infrastructure

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on state governors to intensify investments in rural development by prioritizing electrification, agricultural mechanisation, poverty reduction, and infrastructure expansion across Nigeria. The President made the appeal on Thursday during the 150th National Economic Council (NEC) meeting held at the State House Council Chambers in Abuja, following a presentation by the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, on the Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme (RHWDP). “I want to appeal to you; let us change the story of our people in the rural areas,” Tinubu said, according to a statement by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant on Media and Communications (Office of the Vice President). “The economy is working. We are on the path of recovery, but we need to stimulate growth in the rural areas. We know the situation in the rural areas, let us collaborate and do what will benefit the people.” Read Also: Alfindiki Assures Tinubu of Resounding Victory in Kano Come 2027 The President urged governors to partner with the Federal Government to activate sustainable development in underserved communities. He further highlighted the importance of agricultural mechanisation, addressing insecurity, and boosting school enrolment through improved feeding programmes. As part of efforts to fast-track national development, President Tinubu also directed the NEC to constitute a committee that will accelerate key federal projects, including the Lagos-Calabar and Sokoto-Badagry super highways. He additionally ordered that the Office of the Surveyor-General of the Federation be moved to the Presidency to ensure seamless delivery of infrastructure initiatives under his administration. The NEC formally endorsed the Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme, which targets Nigeria’s 8,809 administrative wards with ward-based, inclusive economic projects. The initiative is structured as a collaborative framework between federal, state, and local governments and forms part of the broader Renewed Hope Agenda, which aspires to grow Nigeria’s economy to $1 trillion by 2030. Providing details, Bagudu said the RHWDP seeks to achieve a national growth rate of 15 percent, above the current sub-four percent. He added that its legal backing is rooted in the 1999 Constitution and the Fifth Alteration Act. Under the programme, a minimum of 1,000 economically active people in smaller wards, and 2,000 in larger ones, will benefit from targeted support to drive sustainable income-generating activities. A National Steering Committee with representatives from all six geopolitical zones will oversee the programme, with the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning serving as the secretariat.

Kano, National, Politics

Alfindiki Assures Tinubu of Resounding Victory in Kano Come 2027

Frontline All-Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, Alhaji Faizu Alfindiki, has assured President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of a decisive victory in Kano State during the 2027 general elections, declaring the state as a strategic electoral stronghold for the APC. Alfindiki gave the assurance on Wednesday in Kano while hosting a luncheon for a team of social media influencers supporting Tinubu’s presidency. He commended their efforts in amplifying the President’s achievements over the past six months, particularly in Kano and the wider northern region. “Our meeting this morning is to evaluate progress, address challenges, and refocus your activities. I’m pleased to say that your bold efforts over the last six months have significantly enhanced the public perception of President Tinubu’s administration across Kano State and beyond,” Alfindiki stated. Related: Why They Are Afraid of Dr. Ganduje The former Chairman of Kano Municipal Council, known for his political mobilization skills, had in February officially inaugurated a group of high-profile digital media influencers tasked with promoting the Tinubu administration’s successes and policies. Alfindiki emphasized that the 2027 elections would be a pivotal moment for Kano and the North, stressing the region’s firm support for President Tinubu due to what he described as the President’s “unparalleled commitment” to Northern development. “For us in Kano and across Arewa, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains our choice for 2027. His contributions to the region cannot be overlooked,” he said. Addressing ethnic-based political campaigns, Alfindiki cautioned against what he called “tribal sentiments masquerading as national interests,” warning that the North was now politically aware and would not be swayed by narrow ethnic appeals. “This outdated style of ethnic politicking has only enriched a few individuals and their immediate families. The people of the North are more politically conscious today and will make informed decisions based on leadership capacity and performance,” he added. Read Also: Why Ganduje Still Matters: A Power Bloc Too Strategic to Ignore He called on President Tinubu to remain focused on delivering national objectives and not to be distracted by “ethnic champions” seeking relevance. “The 2027 elections will be delivered to the APC on a platter of gold,” Alfindiki said confidently, assuring that the grassroots mobilization in Kano was already underway. Alfindiki reiterated the APC’s dominance in Kano politics, saying the state would continue to play a critical role in shaping national leadership through credible and issue-based campaigns.

National, News

Tinubu Extends Customs CG Bashir Adeniyi’s Tenure by One Year

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a one-year extension for the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, whose tenure was initially set to expire on August 31, 2025. The announcement was made on Thursday in a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy. Read Also: Tinubu Appoints Olumode Adeyemi as New Fire Service Boss According to the statement, the extension is aimed at allowing Adeniyi to consolidate ongoing reforms and see through critical projects aligned with the administration’s priorities. Among the key initiatives listed are the modernisation of the Nigeria Customs Service, the implementation of the National Single Window Project, and the execution of Nigeria’s commitments under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) protocol. President Tinubu commended Adeniyi’s “steadfast leadership and commitment to service,” expressing confidence that the extension would further strengthen the Customs Service’s core mandate of trade facilitation, revenue generation, and border security.

Agriculture, Economy, National, News

FG to Establish Cattle Breeding Centres Across Six Geopolitical Zones

In a strategic move to modernize livestock production and bolster food security, the Federal Government has announced plans to establish cattle breeding centres in each of Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. The Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, made the disclosure on Tuesday during the Citizens-Government Engagement and Midterm Performance Assessment of the Tinubu administration, held in Kaduna. The event was organised by the Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation. According to Abdullahi, the initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and aims to transition Nigeria’s livestock sector from subsistence-based methods to structured, technology-driven practices. He noted that the new centres would serve as regional livestock hubs to enhance meat and dairy output while reducing tensions between farmers and herders. Read Also: Fixing the Forgotten Crisis: Solutions to Nigeria’s Herders-Farmers Conflict “The synergy among the ministries of agriculture, environment, water resources, livestock development, and marine and blue economy is crucial for achieving this national goal,” Abdullahi stated. Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, who also attended the event, shared updates about the programme on his official X (formerly Twitter) handle. He described the breeding centres as a cornerstone in the administration’s efforts to reform agricultural production and promote sustainable livelihoods. The Federal Government believes the project will help curb farmer-herder conflicts, improve yields, and contribute meaningfully to national food sufficiency targets. The initiative follows concerns raised earlier in April by the National Economic Council (NEC), which described Nigeria’s current livestock rearing practices as outdated and unsustainable. The council had called for urgent reforms, citing escalating violence in parts of the country—including Benue, Plateau, and Kwara states—where farmer-herder clashes have resulted in loss of lives and property. Briefing State House Correspondents after the NEC meeting, Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, stressed the need for a complete overhaul of the sector. “We cannot continue to live in the past. The time has come to embrace modern livestock production in Nigeria,” Diri stated. The cattle breeding centres are expected to form part of a broader roadmap toward achieving food security and rural development across Nigeria.

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