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Abuja, News

FCT Minister Bunkure Urges Easter Pilgrims to Pray for Nigeria’s Peace, Unity

The Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Dr. Mariya Mahmoud Bunkure, has urged Christian pilgrims embarking on the 2025 Easter pilgrimage to Israel and Jordan to focus on prayer, spiritual growth, and support for Nigeria’s peace and development. Dr. Bunkure made the call during the pre-departure orientation programme for intending pilgrims, where she described pilgrimage as a spiritually enriching journey that offers immeasurable blessings. She acknowledged the recent geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, which caused delays in the pilgrimage exercise, but reassured participants of the FCT Administration’s commitment to their welfare under the leadership of Minister Nyesom Wike. Read Also: Wike to Flag Off 12 Road Projects, Commission Two, and Launch “Light Up Abuja” Programme The Minister also commended the Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission (NCPC) for its coordination of pilgrimages nationwide and pledged continued cooperation between the FCT Administration and the Commission to ensure successful spiritual journeys. In her remarks, the Director of the FCT Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board, Gloria Dandam, reminded the pilgrims that the trip is more than a tour of historical landmarks, describing it as a sacred journey of renewal, reflection, and redemption. “You will have the opportunity to seek God’s blessings and pray for peace in our homes, our country, and the world,” she told the pilgrims, urging them to encourage one another throughout the journey.

Abuja, National, News

Wike to Flag Off 12 Road Projects, Commission Two, and Launch “Light Up Abuja” Programme

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike, will on Thursday, September 18, 2025, flag off 12 new road projects, commission two completed ones, and inaugurate the “Light Up Abuja” initiative aimed at improving infrastructure and security in the capital city. According to a statement signed by Wike’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, the programme will run from September 18 to October 16, 2025, covering roads and solar lighting projects across major districts and expressways in the Federal Capital City (FCC). As part of the activities, the minister will commission access roads in Sector Centre B, Dakibiyu District, as well as the newly constructed Roads ILS 11 (Esther Bali Street) and MAR 24 (Kez Udezue Street) in Mabushi District. The Light Up Abuja project will deliver integrated solar-powered street lighting across Maitama, Asokoro, Wuse, Central Business District (CBD), Airport Expressway, Katampe, Garki I and II, Mabushi, Gudu, Jabi, and Katampe Extension. Read Also: FCT Minister Reaffirms Commitment to Strengthening Paediatric Surgical Care The road projects set for flag-off include the full development of Arterial Road N1 from Wuye District to Ring Road II, construction of Northern Parkway from Ring Road II to Ring Road III, and provision of access roads to key sites such as the Mabushi Bus Terminal and the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates project site in Karsana West. Other projects include bypass access to the Airport Second Runway with a four-span bridge, access road to the FCT Fire Service Station with erosion control measures in Kaura District, and several bridges and transit connections within the Central Area, Wuse, Asokoro, Guzape, Katampe, and other districts. In addition, the minister will oversee the rehabilitation of the 15-kilometre Old Keffi Road, from Kado Village to Dei-Dei Junction, and the construction of residences for the heads of federal courts, including the President of the Court of Appeal, Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Chief Judge of the FCT, and President of the National Industrial Court. The announcement comes on the heels of recent flag-offs by Wike, including the expansion of water supply to Bwari and Karu satellite towns, the construction of a multi-purpose sports centre in Kafe District, a new Magistrate Court complex in Jabi, and the emergency reconstruction of Karu Road, which was expanded to cover adjoining critical routes. The FCT Administration said the projects reflect its commitment to accelerating infrastructure development, improving mobility, and enhancing the living standards of residents across Abuja.

Abuja, Kano, News

ICPC Wins Court Battle to Investigate Kano Scholarship Board

An Abuja High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has upheld the powers of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to investigate alleged mismanagement of scholarship funds in Kano State. Justice Josephine Obanor delivered the ruling while dismissing a suit filed by the Permanent Secretary of the Kano State Ministry of Higher Education, Dr. Hadi Bala, and others who had sought to block the ICPC from inviting officials for questioning. The case stemmed from a petition to the anti-graft agency alleging irregularities in the management of Kano’s scholarship funds. In response, ICPC invited officials of the Ministry of Higher Education and the Scholarship Board to provide documents and clarifications. Read Also: Kano Protocol DG’s Petition Loses Ground as Lawyers Withdraw Rather than comply, the applicants approached the court with suit No. CV/2857/2025, filed against the Attorney-General of the Federation and the ICPC, claiming the invitation violated their fundamental rights. Justice Obanor ruled that the Attorney-General was wrongly joined in the case and ordered his name struck out. She further held that ICPC acted within its statutory mandate, stressing that an invitation for investigation does not constitute a breach of rights. The court dismissed the suit for lack of merit, affirming that the ICPC cannot be restrained from carrying out its responsibilities under the law. In its reaction, the ICPC welcomed the judgment, describing it as a significant victory that reinforces its determination to ensure accountability and transparency in the management of public resources.

Business, National, News

Africa Can Secure Its Energy Destiny, Says NNPC Boss Ojulari

The Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Limited, Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, has restated Nigeria’s commitment to collaborating with other African nations to secure sustainable energy for the continent. Speaking at the 7th African Petroleum Producers’ Organisation (APPO) National Oil Companies CEOs Forum, Ojulari stressed the urgency of accelerating Africa’s energy transition, citing declining European investments in fossil fuel refineries, most of which are expected to phase out by 2030. “Africa must take ownership of its resources and policies. Our policies should be designed by us. With our vast resource base and improved governance structures, I am confident the continent can secure its energy destiny,” he said. Read Also: NNPCL Nears Full Crude Production Capacity, Credits Security Agencies’ Collaboration Ojulari highlighted major infrastructure projects being undertaken by NNPC Ltd., including the Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline and the Nigeria–Morocco Gas Pipeline Project, an expansion of the West African Gas Pipeline (WAGP) aimed at boosting regional integration and cross-border energy trade. He noted that despite initial challenges of alignment, payments, and collaboration, progress has been made. “The plan is to extend the pipeline to Côte d’Ivoire as the first phase, and ultimately to Morocco,” he explained. The GCEO also pointed to the investment opportunities unlocked by the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) and disclosed that Nigeria has achieved 100 percent pipeline availability for the first time in two decades, thanks to strengthened partnerships with host communities and security agencies. Drawing parallels with global energy giants like Petrobras, Petronas, and Saudi Aramco, Ojulari reaffirmed NNPC Ltd.’s readiness to collaborate with African peers, share knowledge, and drive collective progress to unlock the continent’s full energy potential.

Kano, News

APC Kano Chair Praises Babba Dan Agundi for Empowering Members

The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State, Alhaji Abdullahi Abbas, has publicly praised the Director General of the National Productivity Center (NPC), Dr. Baffa Babba Dan Agundi, for his consistent support toward youth empowerment and party development in the state. Abbas made the commendation during a press briefing held in Kano, emphasizing the significance of Dan Agundi’s monthly contributions to grassroots development. According to Alhaji Abbas, Dr. Dan Agundi has been instrumental in providing essential materials to young people across Kano State, a gesture he described as “critical to the development of the youth.” He noted that the items distributed include tricycles, popularly known as Adaidaita Sahu, motorcycles, financial support, and other tools aimed at enhancing youth productivity and self-reliance. “We are very happy with these materials such as three-cycle machines, Adaidaita Sahu motorcycles, money, and other youth development materials that you are providing,” Abbas stated. He further urged other APC members holding positions of influence to emulate Dan Agundi’s commitment to community upliftment. “We call on our APC members in positions of power to emulate you, Baffa Babba Dan Agundi, in collaboration with our APC members in Kano State to face success by 2025,” he added. Read Also: Abba Ganduje: Reshaping Kano’s Political Landscape Through Empowerment In addition to youth focused initiatives, Abbas revealed that Dan Agundi’s outreach has extended to the agricultural sector, where 1,000 farmers have benefited from fertilizer distribution. “This fertilizer support is helping farmers improve their yields and sustain their livelihoods,” Abbas said, highlighting the broader impact of Dan Agundi’s interventions on rural development and food security. The Kano APC chairman affirmed the party’s appreciation for Dan Agundi’s efforts, describing them as a model of effective leadership and grassroots engagement. He reiterated the importance of such initiatives in strengthening the APC’s presence and performance ahead of future elections.

Katsina, News

Minister hails ex-CMD’s achievements at Katsina Federal Teaching Hospital

The Minister of Health, Dr Ali Pate, has celebrated the immediate past Chief Medical Director (CMD), Federal Teaching Hospital, Katsina, Dr Bello Suleiman, for successful completion of his tenure. Pate, who spoke through Dr Abdulmajid Umar, an official from the minister’s office, said that Suleiman has put the hospital on a right path, and urged the incoming CMD to work hard in sustaining his good leadership. He stated this during a reception organised in honour of Suleiman in Katsina on Monday, by the state’s chapter of the Hambali Family Union, after his tenure as the CMD. Read Also: AKTH, KEDCO Resolve Electricity Supply Dispute According to Pate, during his eighth years as the CMD, Suleiman has facilitated various developments, uplifting the standard of the hospital. He said:“It’s a well known fact that Suleiman has brought a number of developments to the hospital, which makes it to be the best among its contemporaries.” In a remark, the Ajiyan Katsina, who is also a member of the Hambali family, Alhaji Lamis Dikko, observed that health institutions in Nigeria need committed people like Suleiman. Also, member representing Katsina constituency at the state assembly, Alhaji Ali Abu-Albaba, congratulated the family for having sons and daughters who excelled in their various fields of endeavours. Responding, Suleiman expressed gratitude to the family over the honour, attributing his success as the CMD to the support and cooperation he enjoyed from the staff of the hospital. He commended the organisers, the state government, the assembly member representing Katsina for their unwavering support, and urged them to extend similar cooperation to the incoming CMD. (NAN)

Kano, News

Gov Yusuf’s Administration Backs CSOs as ‘Conscience of Society’ at Maiden Kano Conference

The Kano State Government has reiterated its commitment to transparency, inclusivity, and grassroots-driven governance as it flagged off the maiden edition of the Kano Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) Conference. The two-day event, taking place at Khalifa Isyaku Rabiu University (KHAIRUN), is organized by a coalition of Kano-based CSOs with support from the state government through the Ministry of Information and Internal Affairs. Declaring the conference open on behalf of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, Deputy Governor Comrade Aminu Abdulsalam Gwarzo described civil society as the “conscience of the society,” noting their role in amplifying citizens’ voices, monitoring government performance, and driving civic engagement. Read Also: Police Assure Fairness in Investigation of DAILY NIGERIAN Journalists “Your resilience has been evident in education, healthcare, gender justice, climate action, anti-corruption advocacy, and conflict resolution,” Gwarzo said, urging CSOs to collaborate with government in tackling insecurity, drug abuse, and social exclusion while promoting youth empowerment and innovation. In his keynote address, Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, stressed that civil society should be seen as “co-architects of democracy.” He highlighted reforms introduced by the Yusuf administration, including transparent procurement systems, project monitoring, and community-driven development. Waiya also drew attention to the recent decision by the State Executive Council to grant financial and administrative autonomy to all 44 local government councils, in line with a Supreme Court ruling. He said the move was both a legal obligation and a campaign promise designed to strengthen accountability and service delivery at the grassroots. Other reforms cited included initiatives in health, education, and justice, such as collaborations with NGOs to tackle gender-based violence, increased women’s participation in governance, and partnerships with community groups to improve access to education. Both the Deputy Governor and the Commissioner expressed optimism that the conference would generate practical recommendations to boost institutional capacity, enhance partnerships, and accelerate grassroots development. The Kano CSOs Conference, the first of its kind in the state, is expected to serve as a platform for dialogue and collaboration between government, civil society, and citizens.

Kano, News

AKTH, KEDCO Resolve Electricity Supply Dispute

The Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH) has announced the resolution of its electricity supply issue with the Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO), following the intervention of the Kano State Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori. This was contained in a statement signed by the hospital’s Head of Information Unit, Hauwa Inuwa-Dutse, on behalf of the Chief Medical Director. The management expressed appreciation to the Commissioner of Police and the Managing Director of KEDCO, Dr. Abubakar Shuaibu Jimeta, for their timely support during the crisis, while assuring the public that the safety of patients and continuity of healthcare services remain its top priority. Read Also: AKTH Records High Dialysis Attendance After FG Subsidy Rollout According to the statement, the KEDCO Managing Director has directed his engineers to immediately restore electricity supply to the hospital. AKTH further reaffirmed its commitment to settling all outstanding electricity bills in due course and thanked the general public for their patience and understanding.

Kano, News

Police Assure Fairness in Investigation of DAILY NIGERIAN Journalists

The Nigeria Police Force, Zone One Headquarters, Kano, has assured the public of fairness and professionalism in its ongoing investigation involving DAILY NIGERIAN’s Editor-in-Chief, Jaafar Jaafar, and publisher, Umar Audu. The clarification follows concerns raised by civil society organizations and stakeholders over the invitation extended to the journalists. According to a statement by the Zonal Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Bashir Muhammad, the police were acting on the directive of Chief Magistrate Court No. 15, Normans Land Complex, Kano. The court had ordered an investigation into allegations of criminal conspiracy, defamation, and attempted incitement of public disturbance, as contained in a petition before it. Related: Kano Protocol DG’s Petition Loses Ground as Lawyers Withdraw Muhammad explained that the Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of Zone One directed a discreet investigation, which led to the invitation of the journalists for an interview. He stressed, however, that the court’s order clearly stated that the suspects should not be detained until the case is concluded. Read Also: Kano Police Declare New Offensive Against Crime, Recover Arms, Arrest 107 Suspects “We wish to assure the public that the Nigeria Police Force, Zone One Headquarters, Kano, is committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and professionalism in the discharge of its duties. We recognize the importance of free speech and independent media in a democratic society and will ensure that our actions do not undermine the rights of journalists or the public,” the statement read. The police also appealed to the public to allow due process to take its course and to avoid making uninformed comments that could prejudice the investigation. “We call on all stakeholders, including civil society organizations, the media, and the general public, to cooperate with the police in the conduct of this investigation. Our actions are guided by the principles of fairness, justice, and respect for the rule of law,” Muhammad added. The police reiterated their commitment to protecting the rights of all citizens and ensuring justice is served in line with the law.

Abuja, News, Zamfara

ACSPN Hails Dr. Maradun’s Appointment as NAIC Corporate Affairs Manager

The Association of Communication Scholars, Practitioners and Notables (ACSPN) has congratulated Dr. Maradun on his appointment as Manager, Corporate Affairs at the National Insurance Commission (NAIC). The Association described the achievement as a defining moment for both Dr. Maradun and the body of communication professionals it represents. In a statement, Rotimi Olatunji, President of ACSPN, said the appointment was “most fitting, well deserved and represents a defining moment, not only for Dr. Maradun, but also for the ACSPN during the tenure of the current Executive Committee.” Related: Lawal Umar Maradun Appointed Manager, Corporate Affairs at NAIC He added: “He has brought honour to us all as a foremost Association that combines the best in media, academia and the professions. I am personally excited, happy and proud. I have no doubt that Dr. Maradun will not only continue to fly the banner of the ACSPN higher and higher, he will equally uphold the excellence that our Association is globally known to epitomise.” Olatunji also extended the congratulations of the ACSPN Congress, Board of Trustees (BoT) and Executive Committee (EXCO) to Dr. Maradun, wishing him “a superlative achievement in office” and assuring him of the Association’s highest regards.

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