Kaduna

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.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

The Comptroller of the Federal Operations Unit Zone ‘B’ Kaduna, Comptroller Dalha Wada Chedi, has taken swift action in response to allegations of extortion by an officer of the Nigeria Customs Service.

The incident allegedly occurred along the Mokwa-Jebba Road in Niger State. 

According to reports, the officer in question is accused of extorting the sum of Five Hundred Thousand Naira (N500,000.00) from a car buyer named Muhammad Dahiru Ahmad.

The complainant reported the incident, prompting an immediate investigation by authorities. 

Addressing the media at the unit’s headquarters in Kaduna, Comptroller Dalha Wada Chedi confirmed that the suspected officer is a member of the unit deployed to the Mokwa Patrol Team in Niger State. 

He stated the gravity of the allegations and the commitment of the Nigeria Customs Service to uphold integrity and discipline within its ranks. 

“The Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, and his Management team frown upon such unruly behavior,” stated Comptroller Dalha Wada Chedi. “The disciplinary committee will conduct a diligent and firm investigation into this matter.” 

The suspected officer has been handed over to the Assistant Provost Marshal (APM) Customs Police Unit in Kaduna for a discreet investigation.

Comptroller Dalha Wada Chedi assured the public that the findings of the investigation would be transmitted to the Nigeria Customs Service Board for further action. 

“We are deeply concerned and assure the general public that this matter will be treated with the deserved vigor, decisiveness, and transparency,” he added. 

The Comptroller pledged to provide updates on the investigation’s progress, urging the public to continue rendering support and cooperation. 

The Nigeria Customs Service remains committed to maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and accountability, and any misconduct within its ranks will be thoroughly investigated and addressed accordingly.

By Prof. Abdalla Uba Adamu

The recent Facebook ribbing about the number of professors from states and localities in various northern cities with universities reminds me of the male adolescent macho posturing of “mine is bigger/thicker than yours” game played behind classrooms! I am even mentioned as a trophy — “yes but WE are the ones with a double professor!” referring to my being from Bayero University, Kano (BUK), in Kano State (Daneji in Kano Municipal).

The whole thing was ignited by an infographic with its origin in ₦airaland Forum where one Zafsy75 posted the graphic. Right away a fierce debate ensured on the forum with many commentors disputing the figure. Zafsy75 themselves did not provide additional scientific methodology on how they arrived at the figures. Nevertheless, they infographic became viral — and started the prideful ‘mine is bigger than yours’ ribbing.

The infographic was from Statisense which uses Generative Artificial Intelligence to generate its data! A search on its site revealed another graphic of “most professors” in Nigerian universities, in September 2023, with the University of Jos leading with 530 professors. BUK had 434 professors which included 10 women. I can personally count more than 20 women professors in BUK in 2021, not 2023! No methodology was provided as to how the figures for the universities were arrived at.

People should be aware that AI generated data is based on what the engine can find — it does not create the data. Thus, it is actually not possible to accurately determine the number of professors per state or local government even based on the much-quoted NUC Directory of Full Professors, 2021 (link to the publication attached below).

This is because the directory lists professors by DISCIPLINE in order to promote research collaboration and networking amongst Nigerian academics. Also, the Directory was not based on official submissions by various universities, but voluntarily by INDIVIDUALS which was synthesized and summarized by NUC. Additional source for the AI was personal websites where a professor proclaims to come from a particular university.

Thus, not EVERY professor agreed to submit their details to be captured. With this, it therefore becomes very difficult to accurately determine the number of professors from each state, as that was not the focus of the Director (or NUC’s intentions).

You can only get the official number of professors from individual universities. As of October 2023, BUK had 381 professors with the largest category being in Medical Sciences. All the professors were, however, not listed by their States or Local Governments, but their DEPARTMENTS or specializations.

So, I can’t see how the game of ‘mine is bigger than yours’ started. I believe; however, it was started by the infographic floating around showing the number of professors per UNIVERSITIES in the various states. The graphic was not providing the number of professors per state of origin, but per the universities IN the state. It made it clear by stating it is “by state where the school is located.”

Thus, if you are from Anambra and are a professor in BUK, this infographic will capture you as being from a university in Kano, but you will not be captured in any university in Anambra. In this way, it does not tell you the number of professors from indigenous to Anambra.

Right away, it is faulty (or fake). As of October 2023, BUK had 381 professors. Last week another 11 were announced bring the total to 392 as of February 2024. So how can Kano have 428 professors in 2022? Granted there are many universities in Kano, but the main prominent ones — Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology, Yusuf Maitama Sule University — are basically tributaries of BUK. Indeed, most of the others rely on BUK professors as ‘visiting’ to their faculties.

Kaduna State where Ahmadu Bello University is located has at least eight universities — and you want me to believe the entire universities in the State have 62 professors? I am sure Kaduna State University (KASU) alone had either more than or close to that.

While the ribbing was fun while it lasted, at least it wakes us up to the idea of fake data and weaknesses of Generative Artificial intelligence.

As promised, below is the link to the authentic number of professors voluntarily submitted to NUC as of 2021. BTW, yours truly is listed TWICE on page 836. They still pay me single salary, though!

Directory of Full Professors in the Nigerian University System, 2021: https://shorturl.at/yKV34

 By Sabiu Abdullahi 

The abduction of Kaduna-based ophthalmologist Ganiya Olawale-Popoola, her husband Nurudeen Popola, and their 16-year-old guest AbdulMugniy Folaranmi has taken a grim twist as reports indicate the abductors are unyielding in their demand for a N100 million ransom, one month after the initial kidnapping. 

Despite the family’s earnest attempts to negotiate a reduction in the ransom, the kidnappers have held their ground, insisting on the hefty sum.

The kidnappers, who allegedly broke into the ophthalmologist’s residence on December 27, 2023, at 1 a.m., took the doctor, her husband, and their teenage guest. 

Communication from the kidnappers only commenced on the fourth day, with a demand for N100 million for the release of the victims.

The family source revealed that the kidnappers threatened to harm the couple if the ransom wasn’t paid by January 18, reasserting their demand on Friday. 

Despite the family’s plea to consider a reduced amount, such as the N20 million they were able to raise, the kidnappers remained unyielding.

The family is now grappling with the situation, expressing confusion about the way forward. Efforts by the family to seek assistance from the Air Force and police authorities yielded assurances of ongoing endeavours to secure the victims’ release without harm.

However, the family, facing exhaustion, has called on the Nigerian government to intervene, as they find it impossible to meet the demanded ransom. 

In response to inquiries, Kaduna State Police Public Relations Officer Mansir Hassan affirmed that the police are actively working to secure the release of the abductees without casualties.

He underscored the commitment to rescuing victims from abductors and emphasised efforts to prevent harm during the rescue operation.

 By Uzair Adam Imam 

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Kaduna Sector Command, announced that four people have died and 56 others have been injured in a road crash on the Kaduna-Abuja expressway. 

Mr. Kabir Nadabo, the Sector Commander, relayed the traumatic incident to journalists, which he said occurred at Sabon Sara village along the expressway on Tuesday. 

He said that the tragic accident involved a trailer (Iveco) with registration number MKA99YS, and it occurred at around 03:30 hrs. 

“The combined rescue teams of RS1.113 Zhipe and RS1.17 Birnin Yero conducted the rescue,” he said. 

According to Nadabo, the initial investigation revealed that the cause of the crash was the overloading of goods and humans, as well as fatigue. 

He said, “Further investigation of the incident shows that 73 people were involved in the crash, 59 got injured, and sadly, 4 were deceased.” 

He said the injured have been conveyed to St. Gerard and AP Smart Hospitals, all in Kakuri. 

“Kaduna State is a critical corridor that links the North to the South; this is why the Kaduna State Command has activated several measures and homegrown initiatives. 

”Like the establishment of roadside camps at Kakau and Rigachikun to promptly respond to crashes, the provision of standby ambulances at Jere, Doka, Kakau, Gonin Gora, Rigachikun, Zaria, and Tashar Yari, with experienced staff to handle first aid care. 

“Also, the corps in the state will continue to aggressively create awareness and sensitization among road users on general safety ethics. 

“For the record, I want to inform the public that henceforth, any driver arrested for overloading of goods and humans will be arraigned before the courts for prosecution for endangering the lives and properties of Nigerians. 

“Already, concerted efforts have resulted in the arrest of the trailer driver involved in this crash. 

“I wish to emphatically reiterate our resolve in reaching out to stakeholders, particularly transport unions, to preach and sensitise their drivers on the dangers of excessive speeding, overloading, dangerous driving, and using their phones while driving, among others,” he said.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

In a strong stance against what they deem a failure of the federal government to provide adequate compensation for the victims of the Tudun Biri bombing in Kaduna state, lawyers representing the Concerned Northern Forum have issued a threat of legal action.

The tragic incident unfolded during the Maulud celebration last Sunday night, claiming the lives of over 80 villagers. 

Nafi’u Abubakar, the spokesperson for the lawyers’ forum, conveyed their unwavering commitment to securing justice for the families impacted by the regrettable event.

Speaking to reporters in Kaduna on Saturday, December 9, Abubakar stressed the urgent need for the federal government to take swift and decisive action, ensuring a comprehensive and unbiased inquiry into the incident. 

Abubakar notes, “It is imperative that those responsible are held accountable for their actions, and measures are put in place to prevent any recurrence of such incidents in the future.

“We also urge the Nigerian Army to reevaluate its rules of engagement and training procedures to prevent the loss of innocent lives during military operations.” 

The forum, comprising over 600 members, extended sincere sympathies to the grieving families, affirming solidarity in their grief.

Abubakar stated, “We stand united with them and pledge unwavering support in ensuring justice is served. The Concerned Northern Lawyers Forum will tirelessly pursue legal avenues to claim the compensation owed to the victims.”