Kaduna

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini 

Comrade Shehu Sani, on his X (Twitter) account, said no amount of falsehood and disinformation would change the facts and figures that from 2015–2023, Kaduna State was looted, and our children and grandchildren have been left with a huge burden of debt. 

He was quoted as saying, “They shamelessly left behind a litany of uncomplicated projects and contractual liabilities that has suffocated the economy of our state.

“They pocketed billions for non existent light rail projects, tied our IGR to fraudulent Bank loans.  

“Kaduna is like a woman raped and the rapist wants honour. Every reasonable resident of Kaduna can clearly see and attest to the properties and wealth amassed by those who claimed to have served the state.

“The spirit and the blood of the people they wasted and the lives and livelihoods they destroyed will continue to haunt them. We shall recover every penny of our state funds looted by those rodents and their larcenous head.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini 

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) said no fewer than 25 persons died while 53 persons were injured in an accident that occurred along the Kano-Kaduna highway on Monday. 

The corps’ public education officer, Olusegun Ogungbemide, said this in a statement in Abuja. 

He said the crash involved a trailer conveying about 90 persons at about 03:15 a.m. Mr Ogungbemide said the accident was caused by a speed violation that eventually led the vehicle to lose control. 

“However, the FRSC emergency and rescue team was able to rescue 12 persons without injury from the crash. 

“The rescued victims have been taken to the Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital in Kano for proper medical attention,’’ he said. 

Mr Ogungbemide said the truck driver had been arrested and handed over to the police for further investigation and possible prosecution. 

The spokesman, however, quoted the FRSC corps marshal, Shehu Mohammed, as calling on traditional and religious leaders to join FRSC in the campaign against conveying humans, goods, and animals by trailers. 

Mr Shehu also implored them to caution their subjects against travelling on such trailers.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini 

The military high command has established new commands in Kaduna State to address insecurity. 

The three new commands are located in Samaru Zango-Kataf, Giwa, and Birnin-Gwari. Additionally, the Air Force will establish a base in Millennium City, in Chikun local government area. 

The Southern Kaduna Journalists’ Forum (SKJF) has praised the collaboration between the State governor, Uba Sani and the Chief of Defense Staff, General Christopher Musa, for their efforts in addressing insecurity in the State. 

In a statement issued by SKJF chairman, Ango Bally and Secretary, Lilian Silas, the forum expressed joy over the establishment of the military bases. 

The statement read in part: “These strategic moves will significantly help in addressing the protracted banditry, kidnapping and other security threats in the region and enhance agricultural activities in the State”. 

The Forum expressed optimism that the deployment of additional military personnel will significantly improve security and enable farmers to access their lands without fear, especially in communities like Maro-Kajuru, Kauru, Sanga, Giwa and Birnin-Gwari, which have been witnessing persistent banditry attacks.

By Uzair Adam Imam

Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has responded to the Kaduna State House of Assembly’s recommendation to probe his 8-year tenure as governor.

El-Rufai’s Special Adviser on Media, Muyiwa Adekeye, issued a statement expressing disgust at the “show of shame” exhibited by the State House of Assembly during the sitting of the ad-hoc committee.

El-Rufai is confident in his records, assures integrity and competence during his tenure, and dismisses the probe as a politically motivated witch hunt.

According to the statement, El-Rufai led a government of integrity and competent governance, and he is immensely proud of his record of governance and the legacy he left in Kaduna State.

The statement also mentions that many officials who served in the El-Rufai government appeared before the ad-hoc committee, confident in the quality of their service and the rectitude with which they served Kaduna State.

The statement concludes by assuring discerning Nigerians that El-Rufai has served Kaduna State with integrity and to the best of his capacity, assisted by a hardworking and patriotic team, and that he complied with all extant laws in all his activities while he was governor.

By Uzair Adam Imam

A newlywed woman, Habiba Ibrahim, has been arrested for allegedly cutting her husband’s manhood while he was asleep.

The incident occurred in Kaduna State, Nigeria, on May 26.

The husband, Salisu Idris, 40, a commercial motorcycle rider, said the attack came without warning and that he was rushed to several hospitals for treatment.

Idris stated that they had been married for four months and that he could not understand the reason for her action, as they loved each other and had no prior misunderstandings.

His mother, Rabi Salisu, said her son had never complained about his wife, and that the wife’s parents are willing to settle his medical bills.

The police have arrested Habiba Ibrahim, and the case is under investigation.

The reason behind the attack is still unknown.

By Uzair Adam Imam

Bello El-Rufai, the House of Representatives member for Kaduna North Federal Constituency, asserted that he was not involved in awarding contracts during his father, Nasir El-Rufai’s tenure as Kaduna State governor.

In an interview with Yaya Abba on “With Shuraim,” Bello clarified his non-involvement, highlighting his father’s efforts to keep him away from political influence.

He stated that his father’s integrity and leadership, noting his own exile to avoid conflicts of interest.

Bello also recounted his work experience at Huawei, which helped him understand organizational structure.

This comes amid allegations of significant debts left by Nasir El-Rufai for his successor, Uba Sani.

By Uzair Adam Imam 

Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, has said that more than 1,500 schools across the state, particularly in the eight frontline local government areas, are without proper fencing. 

Speaking to stakeholders from all 23 local government areas, Governor Sani stated the urgency of addressing this issue for the safety and security of students. 

The governor unveiled a plan to address this shortfall by enlisting the support of prominent Kaduna-based business figures, Alhaji Adamu Atta of Fifth Chucker and Alhaji Bukar Shettima of Barbados.  

Together, they will fund the construction of fences for 100 schools as part of the Safe School Initiative.  

Governor Sani noted that education is a top priority for his administration, seeing it as the key to unlocking potential and opportunity. 

The need for action became even more apparent following a tragic incident in Kuriga, where 137 children were kidnapped.  

Governor Sani cited this event as a catalyst for a comprehensive assessment of school infrastructure across the state, revealing a dire need for security measures, particularly in junior secondary and primary schools. 

Highlighting security as paramount, Governor Sani commended the efforts of the service chiefs, singling out the Chief of Defence Staff for establishing a military base in Kachia. 

By Uzair Adam Imam

Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State recently spoke at a town hall meeting, shedding light on the hurdles impeding his administration’s ability to pay workers’ salaries.

Sani attributed this predicament to the substantial debts inherited from his predecessor, Nasir El-Rufai.

During the meeting, Sani revealed that his administration inherited a colossal debt burden totaling $587 million, N85 billion, and 115 contractual liabilities from the previous government.

He disclosed that a significant portion of the federal allocation for Kaduna State in March, amounting to N7 billion out of N10 billion, was diverted to service the state’s debt.

Consequently, only N3 billion remained to cover expenses, falling short of the state’s monthly salary bill of N5.2 billion.

Sani emphasized the adverse effects of the exchange rate fluctuations, resulting in the state paying back nearly triple the amount borrowed by the previous administration.

Despite these challenges, he asserted that his administration had refrained from borrowing any funds in the past nine months.

The governor underscored his commitment to steering Kaduna State towards progress and sustainable development despite the inherited debt burden.

He highlighted key priority areas for his government, including safety and security, housing, education, healthcare, and support for micro, small, and medium enterprises.

Additionally, he pledged to prioritize inclusive development by investing in human capital, stimulating the economy, and providing affordable housing.

By Muhammad Muzdaleefa

The groundbreaking ceremony for the AMA Medical Manufacturing OSD Plant marks a turning point for the Nigerian medical industry.

The new plant, which will produce oral solid dosage (OSD) medications, will not only boost the local economy but also improve access to high-quality healthcare for the Nigerian people.

It is a testament to the company’s commitment to investing in the future of healthcare in Nigeria.

The ceremony was conducted by the Director General of the World Trade Organization, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo Iweala, and attended by a number of dignitaries, including the Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani, Deputy Governor of Kaduna State, Dr. Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe, Minister of Health, Prof. Ali Pate, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Trade and Industry, the Vice President’s representative, Emir of Zazzau, Amb. Ahmad Nuhu Bamalli among others.

A number of medical experts from UK, US, Germany and representatives from numerous health organizations were also in attendance, including the ambassador of Indonesia in Nigeria, partners from Korea, and representatives from the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

Also, a number of memorandums of understanding (MoUs) were signed during the ceremony, reflecting the commitment of various stakeholders to supporting the new plant and its mission to improve healthcare in Nigeria.

The event was a clear sign of the importance of the new plant to the future of healthcare in the country. It is imperative to note that prior to the establishment of the AMA Medical Manufacturing plant, there is virtually no medical companies operating in northern Nigeria.

This meant that many people in the region had limited access to high-quality, affordable medical products and services.

The AMA Medical Manufacturing plant aims to address this issue by providing a reliable source of quality medical products for the people of northern Nigeria.

In addition, the plant’s location in Kaduna State, which is central to the region, makes it accessible to a large population and well-positioned to serve as a hub for medical products distribution.

The founder of AMA Medical Manufacturing, Alhaji Musa Bello Abdullahi, chose Kaduna as the location for the new plant because of its strategic location and rich history.

Kaduna is a major transportation hub, with good road, rail, and air links, making it easy to get medical products from the plant to people across the region.

In addition, Kaduna has a long history as a center of industry and commerce, and the founder hopes that the plant will help to revitalize the local economy.

During her address, the DG of the WTO stated that she is pleased to see the establishment of the AMA Medical Manufacturing plant in Kaduna, and believes that it has the potential to become a global leader in medical equipment production.

She has expressed her commitment to providing the company with the necessary support and assistance to help it achieve this goal.

This includes helping the company to access international markets and comply with international standards.

The Minister of Health has also voiced the federal government’s support for the AMA Medical Manufacturing plant, stating that the government is committed to assisting the company in any way possible.

This includes providing regulatory and policy support, as well as assistance with accessing capital and markets. The Minister has expressed confidence that the plant will help to address some of the healthcare challenges facing Nigeria, and will contribute to the overall development of the country.

The establishment of the AMA Medical Manufacturing plant in Kaduna is a significant development for both the state and Nigeria as a whole.

The company has the support of both the federal government and the WTO, and has the potential to become a global leader in the medical equipment industry.

With the right support and commitment, the plant can play a major role in improving healthcare in Nigeria and making the country a more competitive player in the global economy.

The future of medical equipment manufacturing in Nigeria looks bright, thanks to the efforts of AMA Medical Manufacturing.

Muhammad Muzdaleefa writes from Kaduna and can be reached via mohammedadamu736@gmail.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

There has been outrage over the abduction of over 280 pupils and teachers of Government Secondary School and LEA Primary School at Kuriga, Kaduna State, by bandits on Thursday. 

The bandits reportedly invaded the Kuriga area of the Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State on Thursday, shooting at their victims before taking away at least 280 of the pupils and teachers from both schools.

The secondary school had been relocated to the primary school due to insecurity in the council. 

Various organisations and authorities, including the Jama’atu Nasril Islam, Amnesty International, the Parent-Teacher Association of Nigeria, the Nigeria Union of Teachers, and the House of Representatives, have condemned the attack, calling on the government to rescue the victims immediately. 

This incident occurred barely 24 hours after insurgents abducted 200 internally displaced women in Borno State.

The women were kidnapped in Ngala, the headquarters of Gambarou Ngala in Borno State, while fetching firewood in the bush. 

Sani Abdullahi, a teacher at Government Secondary School Kuriga, narrated the attack, stating that about 280 pupils and teachers were taken by the hoodlums.

He recounted the chaos that ensued as the bandits surrounded the school premises, forcing them to flee into the bush. 

State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, led senior government officials and heads of security agencies to the scene of the attack, assuring the community that efforts were underway to rescue those abducted.

The governor stated that security operatives had swung into action to search for the kidnapped pupils. 

Efforts to identify those kidnapped are ongoing, with the head teacher of the school and some staff members among those abducted.

According to reports, a pupil identified as Ahmed, who sustained gunshot wounds during the attack, succumbed to his injuries while receiving treatment at Birnin-Gwari General Hospital.

The community is reeling from the shock of the incident, with residents describing the bandits as wielding dangerous weapons and taking their victims into the forest.