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The Northern Stakeholders Consultative Forum (NSCF) has extended its heartfelt congratulations to Honorable Yazid Shehu Danfulani, Turakin Zamfara, on his recent appointment as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Agricultural Insurance Corporation (NAIC).

Chairman of the forum, Comrade Danjuma Paul, in a statement described the prestigious role as not only a significant milestone in the distinguished career of Hon. Danfulani but also a beacon of hope and progress for Nigeria’s agricultural sector.

“Honorable Danfulani, your leadership, vision, and unwavering dedication to excellence position you as the ideal choice to guide NAIC toward greater heights,” the statement read.

The forum highlighted Danfulani’s educational background, noting his Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and a Master’s degree in Arts and Management from the University of Hertfordshire in the UK, as a strong foundation for his new role. His professional experience, which includes stints in banking, computing, and business administration, was also cited as an asset to his leadership at NAIC.

The NSCF emphasized that Danfulani’s previous roles—particularly at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and as Commissioner for Commerce and Industry in Zamfara State—have equipped him with a deep understanding of financial systems and the economic dynamics of the agricultural sector.

“The agricultural sector is vital to Nigeria’s economy, providing livelihoods for millions and contributing significantly to national food security. Under your stewardship, we are confident that NAIC will continue to evolve, implementing strategies that not only protect farmers from unforeseen risks but also promote sustainable agricultural practices,” the forum said.

The NSCF expressed confidence that Danfulani’s vision will inspire trust among stakeholders, encouraging innovation and collaboration within the agricultural ecosystem.

“We commend you on this well-deserved appointment, which is a testament to your hard work, expertise, and unwavering commitment to national development. The NSCF stands ready to support your initiatives and collaborate in any capacity that will advance the goals of NAIC and the agricultural sector in Nigeria. Once again, congratulations on this significant achievement. We wish you every success as you embark on this new journey,” the statement concluded.

ENDS

Ahead the 2027 general elections , the core stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress(APC) in the Northwest geo-political zone converged on Kaduna on Saturday to declare a vote of confidence on the leadership and administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The event was lit up by arrival of the APC National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, Kaduna Governor, Senator Uba Sani, Speaker of House of Representatives , Rt Hon Tajudeen Abbas and Senator Shehu Sani ,whose return to party excited the large crowd of party supporters present at the event.

The arrow heads of the party have not only decided to mobile support for President Tinubu but work ensure his resounding victory across the zone

At the meeting,the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abas, moved the motion for the endorsement of the President, while Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, seconded the motion, passing a vote of confidence in Tinubu for the second term in 2027.

The event took place at the Indoor Sports Hall of the late Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Hall, Murtala Square, Kaduna on Saturday.

This was after the Kaduna State Governor and APC North-West Co-ordinating Governor, Senator Uba Sani, called upon Speaker Abas to step forward before the gathering to move a motion for the endorsement.

Abas said, “Ladies and gentlemen, we are about to witness a history. My name is Abas Tajudeen, the Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives and I move on behalf of the entire APC family of the North-West Zone Stakeholders emphatically a motion of a vote of confidence in our dear President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu, GCFR, for his progressive governance, improving leadership and his unwavering support for the socio-economic development of the North-West geo-political.

“In so doing, unequivocally, endorse him as our only preferred candidate for the 2027 elections. I so do!”

The Speaker later put the motion to a voice vote for the stakeholders, where they all overwhelmingly affirmed the endorsement of the president for continuity in 2027.

In return, all the APC governors in the NorthWest Zone were offered automatic tickets for second term in the 2027 governorship elections as announced by the National Chairman of the APC, Abdullahi Ganduje, in his address to the gathering.

According to Ganduje, there is “no vacancy” in Aso Rock, come 2027.

Thereafter, a communique on behalf of stakeholders from the zone was read by the Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani.

The party leaders including Ganduje, three governors of Kaduna, Uba Sani, Jigawa, Namadi and Kebbi, Nasir and Speaker of the House of Representatives, ministers as well as party executives, overwhelmingly declared their supports for the president during the APC North-West Zone Stakeholders meeting.

Governors of Katsina and Sokoto states sent their representatives.

Among other party faithful at the gathering are Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, Minister of Budget and National Planning, Atiku Abubakar Bagudu, and Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal.

Others are a former Speaker and governor of Katsina, Bello Aminu Masari, a former senator representing Kaduna Central Senatorial, Shehu Sani, a former Governor of Zamfara State, Senator Ahmed Yerima, former House of Representatives members from the zone, former governor of Zamfara, Mahmud Shinkafi, former governor of Kebbi, Senator Adamu Aliero.

The chairman of state chapters, state and federal legislators, as well as ministers, heads of federal agencies, including senior political appointees, were also at the meeting, themed: “Consolidating on our gains, facing the future together.”

The foundation for the endorsement of the President was laid when the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, while addressing the stakeholders, asked: “Aso Rock”? with the stakeholders responding by saying” no vacancy.”

With the response from the gathering, Barau said, “So it is clear in 2027, we are going to have a landslide victory, inshallah. So let us continue on the way we are going. Let us continue to cooperate, work with the president, work with everybody, cooperate amongst ourselves so that we have the desired victory.”

He said the defection of stalwarts of the opposition political parties to the party (APC) was as a result of the performance of Tinubu in addressing the challenges bedevilling the country.

Arewa Professionals Forum has resolved to back the Registrar of Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Professor I shaw Oloyede after the accepting the issue technical glitch and subsequent public apology to that effect.

According to the Forum, the JAMB Boss has demonstrated high sense of responsibility to own up the examination technical errors and decision to make amends immediately.

The JAMB registrar had broke down in tears as he offered an apology to candidates affected by technical errors in the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Exam (UTME) and admitted that mistakes made by one of the service providers led to distorted results for nearly 380,000 candidates in 157 centres across Lagos and Owerri.

In a six paragraph communique issued after a meeting held at Arewa House Kaduna today, the Arewa Professionals Forum stated , ” That we stand to be corrected, this is the first time we can recall that the head of agency in Nigeria can come out openly to accept faults and apologize to Nigerians accordingly.

The Communique jointly signed by the Coordinator and Secretary , Comrade Usman Ibrahim and Comrade Peter Bege further stated: “And the good part of the apology was the fact that he provided a timely solution to address the issues raised as a result of examination glitch.

“That oloyede has been prudent with management of JAMB funds over the years and has also demonstrated that he has the capacity and administrative prowess to make JAMB a model of excellence.

“In this regard,we appeal to affected candidates; parents and Nigerians to consider his performance above this recent technical glitch that hitherto has stirred public anger against him .”

… Insists He’s a Complete Failure,Vows to mobilise against his re-election

Kaduna Central Movement for Development (KCMD) has described the lawmaker representing Kaduna Central Senatorial District, Senator Lawal Adamu popularly known as Mr.LA as a “Complete failure “for his inability to use the alleged increased funds allocated for visible constituency projects.

According to the group ,it is almost two years that Senator Adamu was elected to represent the people of Kaduna North, Kaduna South, Chikun, Giwa, Birnin-Gwari and Igabi local government areas that make up Kaduna Central senatorial district.

A chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State, Ayodele Asalu, had publicly alleged a substantial increase in constituency project allocations for federal lawmakers following the removal of the fuel subsidy last year.

In a statement in response to the revelations that each Senator receives a minimum of ₦2 billion annually for constituency projects and each member of the House of Representatives now receives at least ₦1 billion, the group expressed shock over inability of the People’s Democratic Party lawmaker, Senator Adamu to improve lives of constituency members.

In the statement signed by the Chairman of the Kaduna Central Movement,Comrade Yahaya Babangida the group said ,” A good lawmaker and member of the main opposition party would have would have capilsed on this opportunity o is supposed to use the opportunity to make a difference.”

Information gathered revealed that these funds, officially designated as constituency allowances, are federal allocations intended to support lawmakers in addressing local socio-economic needs and fostering rural development within their constituencies.

While condemning Senator LA for lack of visible projects despite huge funds released for constituency projects,it dared him to provide records funds received and what they were used for .

As group of concerned members of the Kaduna Central senatorial district, with members across the 7 local government areas of the district, we are prepared to mobilise the electorate to ensure that he doesn’t return to floor of the Senate come 2025 .

The group however credited the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the upward review, suggesting the move was intended to improve citizens’ lives by empowering elected representatives to deliver more tangible developmental projects at the grassroots level.

The Koro people in Kaduna State on Saturday rolled out drums to celebrate what could be described as a ‘Great and colourful’ maiden Cultural Day Festival.

The event attended by large number of dignitaries within and outside Kaduna was the first of its kind since the creation of Koro Chiefdom in the State.

In his speech during the occasion held at Government Secondary School,Kubacha, Kagarko local government areas of Kaduna State the President of Koro Community Development Association (KCDA), Prof. John Yakubu Magaji said the theme: Revitalizing Koro Cultural Heritage, Bridging Generations and Uniting Communities reflects the collective aspirations of the Koro people.

Speaking further on the theme, Prof Magaji said, “It speaks to our long-held desire to deliberately revive our rich cultural and traditional values, build sustainable connections across generations, and foster unity in the pursuit of progress, development, and peaceful coexistence with our neighbours.”

Though he acknowledged that this first attempt to organize the Koro Cultural Festival came with its own challenges and unintended outcomes, he gave assurance that subsequent events would be better.

While reflecting on the history and journey of our association, he explained: “The Koro Community Development Association began as individual units at village levels. The idea of coming together as a collective started in Kaduna town, where all Koro indigenes residing in Kaduna began to meet as a group—what is today known as “the Koro Community Development Association Kaduna Branch”. It was this branch that took the crucial step of registering the association with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), giving it formal recognition.

“The unification of all village development associations was spearheaded by Mr. Emmanuel Ejah, fondly known as Polude, who served as the first president. He was succeeded by L.L. Lamba, under whose leadership the Koro Chiefdom was created—a foundational milestone that laid the groundwork for the democratic dividends we are witnessing today. The mantle of leadership then passed to Dr. Kurah of blessed memory. After his passing, the Association nearly went into extinction, until it was revived in 2022 under my leadership, with me, Prof. J.Y. Magaji, emerging as the elected president. It is by the grace of God and the resilience of our people that we are standing strong today.

“Nevertheless, today is a day of pride for every son and daughter of the Koro nation. This annual cultural day festival has come to stay, and we pledge to build upon the strong foundation that has now been laid.”

He however, thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Uba Sani for the commendable development work they are doing across the nation and the State and prayed to God to grant them good health as well as the opportunity to continue and accomplish all the positive agendas they have set for the country and State.

He also commended the Kagarko Council Chairman, Hon. Muhuyideen, who according to him wholeheartedly embraced the event as his own.

He didn’t end his speech without extending appreciation to the Executive Cabinet of the Koro Community Development Association for their unwavering support and dedication to the vision of their community and the 2025 cultural Day Board members;all the sub-committees and those,who helped in one-way or the other for their nurturing spirit, energy, creativity, commitment and consistent contributions, to the success of the festival

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…Appeal to affected candidates to accept idea of resit

Coalition of Civil Society Group under aegis of Quality and Improved Education Development in Nigeria has suspended its planned protest action against the Registrar of Joint Admissions And Matriculation Board (JAMB) , Professor Ishaq Oloyede

According to the CSOs ,the earlier decision to embark on a protest was informed by the public outcry and initial wrong information gathered.

The JAMB boss,Prof. Oloyede had been under fire following the mass failure of students from the recent examination conducted by the body as a result of what the he described as “technical glitches”, in the five states of the South East and Lagos State who sat for the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination.

Speaking on the issue during a press briefing in Abuja, Professor Ishaq Oloyede who overtly admitted that the errors were caused by a systemic failure,broke down in tears .

The group in a statement made available to Journalists today said it has investigated the issue and discovered the errors were not intentional,thus the decision to suspend the protest.

In the statement jointly signed by the Coordinator,Dr. Yusuf Bala Gerei and Secretary,Dr. Pius Ishaku the group said,
“It is our resolve that since he has owned up responsibility for the glitches and rescheduled May 16 for candidates in Lagos and the Southeast to retake the examinations, the threat for legal action against the examination body should be shelved

The CSOs however , warned against politicising the issue surrounding the errors encountered and called on affected candidates, parents and other Nigerians to accept the idea of resit and conducting fresh exams.

The statement further reads: $We understand he feelings of disappointment expressed the shadow government, established by Political Economist Prof. Pat Utomi who called for the sack and subsequent probe Oloyede over the technical glitches that led to mass failure of students in the 2025 examination,and we appeal for calm since he has promised to make necessary amends

“We are there calling on registrar of JAMB and stakeholders to address the issues of poor performance including technical glitches and inadequate preparation.There is a need for systemic reforms to ensure fair and reliable assessment processes in future”.

By Mike Odeh James

A planned protest against the former Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Engineer Mele Kyari, has been called off by a diaspora-based group over concerns of misinformation and possible external sponsorship.

The group, Nigerians in Diaspora for Peace and Unity, headquartered in Washington D.C., announced on Thursday that it was withdrawing from the protest initially scheduled to hold in both the United States and the United Kingdom.

According to the group, the decision to suspend the protest followed findings from a 10-man fact-finding committee set up to investigate the allegations against Kyari.

“We were ready to take to the streets because we were led to believe that Engr. Kyari had fled Nigeria to evade accountability for alleged financial misconduct during his tenure from 2019 to 2025,” the group stated.

However, after thorough investigation, the committee found no credible evidence to support the claims of corruption or mismanagement.

The statement, signed by the group’s Chairman, Chief Sebastian West Lokpobiri, reads: “We discovered that rather than mismanaging the company, Engr. Kyari played a critical role in reviving the NNPCL. His leadership brought transparency, operational efficiency, and a profit-driven focus to the once struggling national oil corporation.”

The group acknowledged that the decision to initially plan the protest was made without a full understanding of the situation and admitted to being misled.

“As a responsible organization, we do not take actions based on hearsay or media sensationalism. We are committed to promoting peace and unity, not fueling unnecessary discord. It is on this basis that we are suspending all protest plans,” the statement added.

The group further urged other Nigerian diaspora organizations who may have been similarly misled or influenced to protest to also reconsider their actions.

Last week, reports circulated that hundreds of Nigerians had demonstrated at the Nigerian High Commission and the UK Home Office in London, demanding Kyari’s deportation to face alleged corruption charges. But the Nigerians in Diaspora for Peace and Unity has now distanced itself from such movements.

“We commend Engr. Kyari’s efforts in repositioning the NNPCL and believe he should be recognized for his contributions, not vilified,” the statement concluded.

Maliki Maye

In the wake of continued attacks on vulnerable communities across Nigeria’s Middle Belt, the Middle Belt Forum (MBF) has issued a strong statement appealing to the Federal Government to empower besieged populations with the means for lawful self-defense, describing them as “first lines of defense.”

The appeal comes in response to comments made by the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, during a condolence visit to Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State. The NSA, while condemning the recent spate of killings by suspected armed Fulani herdsmen, downplayed the crisis by comparing it to global conflicts and denying the existence of territories under the control of armed groups within Nigeria. The MBF described Ribadu’s comments as “inaccurate” and “callous,” citing overwhelming evidence of occupation by armed militants in parts of Benue, Southern Kaduna, Plateau, Niger, Sokoto, Kebbi, Katsina, Zamfara, and Borno states.

In a strongly worded statement signed by Luka Binniyat, MBF’s National Spokesman, the Forum criticized what it sees as government insensitivity, noting that “many communities remain under the occupation of armed Fulani militants who violently displaced the original inhabitants.” It warned that failure to acknowledge these realities was tantamount to denying displaced persons justice and the hope of ever returning home.

The MBF also expressed grave reservations about an ongoing “North Central Workshop on Developing a National Framework on Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration” being convened under the NSA’s office in Makurdi. It raised fears that the workshop may adopt the “Kaduna model,” which it says involved unilateral amnesty for terrorists without any regard for their victims.

Recalling the controversial 2024 amnesty granted to so-called “repentant” terrorists in Birnin Gwari by Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani—reportedly with support from the NSA—the MBF questioned the wisdom of forgiving perpetrators of mass killings, arson, and kidnappings, while their victims continue to suffer.

“The government must not allow murderers and destroyers of communities to simply surrender weapons and walk away free. Justice must be served,” the statement declared.

Citing a February 2025 statement by the Director General of the Department of State Services, Mr. Oluwatosin Ajayi, which encouraged communities to act as first responders in the face of terrorist threats, the MBF asked whether the disarmament workshop would contradict that stance by targeting defenseless communities who have taken up rudimentary arms in self-defense.

The Forum presented four key demands:

1. No Blanket Amnesty for Terrorists – Justice must be prioritized, and perpetrators of violence must not be released without legal consequences.
2. Right to Self-Defense – Vulnerable communities should be legally empowered to defend themselves. The MBF urged the government to support the procurement of light weapons, training of youth volunteers, and deployment under vetted security supervision.
3. State and Local Policing – The Forum reiterated its longstanding call for state, local government, and ward-level police structures to improve security responsiveness.
4. Due Process for Amnesty – Any reintegration program must be transparent, follow due legal process, and involve legislative oversight. The Forum opposes any unilateral forgiveness of terrorists.

“The time has come for serious, responsible, and empathetic governance that truly reflects the pain and suffering of affected communities,” the statement said. “The NSA must offer leadership that reassures victims, not pamper terrorists.”

The MBF warned that the large-scale amnesty program extended to Boko Haram insurgents in the North East has failed to end the crisis, stressing that justice and security reforms remain the only sustainable solutions.

By Ekani Sunday

The North-East Youth Revival Movement (NEYM) has expressed deep sorrow and outrage following the recent deadly attack by Boko Haram insurgents on a military base in Marte, Borno State, which led to the death of five Nigerian soldiers.

In a statement issued by its Chairman, Abbarious Lawal, the group described the attack as a damning indictment of the federal government’s failure to protect both the nation’s armed forces and its citizens. It called for the immediate resignation of Defence Minister Badaru Abubakar, citing persistent failures in Nigeria’s security architecture.

“In light of this devastating event, we hereby call for the immediate resignation of Defence Minister Badaru Abubakar,” Lawal stated. “This demand reflects a growing frustration among the citizens of Nigeria regarding the government’s failure to provide adequate security and effectively combat the escalating threat posed by insurgents.”

According to the group, the insurgents overran a forward operating base, looted weapons, and commandeered military vehicles. In the aftermath, several soldiers, overwhelmed and demoralized, reportedly abandoned their posts and fled to nearby villages, leaving their equipment behind.

“This alarming behavior illustrates a critical crisis of confidence within our military ranks,” NEYM said. “The sight of a commanding officer’s vehicle and vital military resources falling into insurgents’ hands gravely compromises our operational integrity and further weakens morale.”

The statement also highlighted the broader humanitarian implications of the attack. Residents of Marte and nearby communities, fearing further violence, have fled to towns such as Dikwa, Lukumani, and Mafa. This has exacerbated the region’s displacement crisis, with overcrowded IDP camps now facing additional pressure.

Citing data from SBM Intelligence, the group revealed that over 2,000 Nigerians were killed in violent incidents between January and March 2025. Borno State reportedly recorded the highest number of casualties, including 892 civilians, 462 bandits, and 234 Boko Haram fighters.

“Our call for the resignation or retirement of Minister Badaru Abubakar by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is emblematic of a broader demand for accountability within our government,” the statement continued. “The perception of incompetence in handling the escalating insecurity in the region is not unfounded.”

NEYM accused the federal government of lacking a clear and strategic counterinsurgency plan and criticized its failure to engage local communities or equip military personnel adequately. The group argued that the repeated desertions by troops were less about cowardice and more about systemic neglect.

“Our soldiers are often thrust into perilous situations without adequate training, equipment, or support,” the statement read. “It is essential to address the root causes of this crisis, such as inadequate funding, lack of morale, and poor strategic planning.”

NEYM insisted that accountability at the highest levels is crucial to restoring public trust and improving national security. The group emphasized that without real reforms, the cycle of violence and displacement in the North-East would continue unchecked.

“The call for the resignation of Defence Minister Badaru Abubakar is a reflection of deep-seated frustration with the status quo and a demand for meaningful change,” the group declared. “As our nation grapples with the consequences of ongoing violence, we must prioritize accountability, reform, and a renewed commitment to the safety and security of all Nigerians.”

“Only through concerted efforts to address these pressing issues can we hope to overcome the challenges posed by insurgency and restore peace and stability to the North-East and beyond,” NEYM concluded.