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By Mike Odeh James

Kaduna, Nigeria – Former Senator representing Kaduna Central in the 8th National Assembly and human rights activist, Senator Shehu Sani, has paid a condolence visit to the family of late Nigerian football legend, Ayo Ogunlana.

During his visit to the family’s home in Kaduna, Senator Sani described Ogunlana as an icon who inspired many young people both during his active football career and after retirement.

Expressing his deep sorrow over Ogunlana’s passing, Senator Sani revealed that he had always inquired about the football star and had intended to visit him before hearing of his demise.

“I had always asked about him and wanted to visit him lately, but unfortunately, I could not. It was only when I saw a flier announcing his death that I learned of his passing,” the Senator said.

“At first, I found it hard to believe, so I sent the flier to Tijani Babangida and Daniel Amokachi to confirm. Sadly, they confirmed the painful news.”

While comforting Ogunlana’s widow and family members, Senator Sani acknowledged the deep pain of their loss but urged them to remain strong.

“The death of your husband is painful to all of us, not just to you and the children. But we cannot question God. Please take heart and be strong for the children and grandchildren he left behind,” he consoled.

He further emphasized the need to sustain Ogunlana’s legacy and expressed interest in establishing a foundation in his honor.

“It is a good thing when a person passes away, and all people have to say about them are good things. Your husband has left behind a big shoe, and his legacies must be protected,” he added.

Senator Sani also praised the love and companionship shared by the late Ogunlana and his wife.

“You are a source of comfort; God created you both to be together. Your late husband found his missing rib in you, and for 47 years, you lived in peace as husband and wife. God will comfort you,” he prayed.

Wife Recounts Last Moments of Late Ogunlana

In an emotional response, Ogunlana’s widow, Mrs. Ogunlana, thanked Senator Sani for visiting the family in their time of grief. She revealed that her husband passed away on Friday, February 14, which coincided with Valentine’s Day.

She noted that the late footballer was not sick before his sudden death.

“He was never sick. That morning, he returned from his early morning jogging and told me that he was feeling strange. He asked me to take him inside because he could no longer walk. We assisted him to the

…Vows to Join Akpabio’s wife in Legal battle

Group under aegis of Northern Democratic Alliance (NDA) has condemned what it termed , Unfounded sexual harassment allegation against the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio by Senator Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan.

The Senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, Senator Natasha Akpoti who protested the relocation of her seat accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of persistent harassment, victimization, and blocking her legislative efforts because she rejected his alleged inappropriate advances.

Natasha, who made the claim while speaking on Arise Television’s Morning Show on Friday, detailed what she described as a troubling pattern of professional sabotage and personal intimidation — a fallout, she claimed, of her refusal to engage in an improper relationship with Akpabio.

However,in a reaction to Senator Natasha Apoti”s claim of sexual harassment, the Northern Democratic Alliance condemned the attacks on the Senate President.Saying her face-off with Senator Akpabio is unwarranted, unprovoked and shouldn’t have come from a family friend of the Senate President.

The statement reads: “We have known the Senate President since he was Governor of Akwa Ibom to his days as minister and now Senate President, and can authoritatively tell you that he’s a man who lots of respect for women .

“So , when we heard about Senator Natasha accusations, especially that of sexual harassment,it didn’t add up for us .

“The good people of Akwa Ibom,the wife of the Senate President and members of the National Assembly can also attest to fact that he’s only a cheerful personality,but a seasoned administrator who understands the implications of such act of irresponsibility while holding public office.

“It against this background that we have come to condemn Senator Natasha unsubstantiated claim of sexual harassment and victimization.”

” After careful study of the whole saga ,we have decided to join Senator Akpabio’s wife in court in legal battle against Senator , Natasha who has no evidence to prove her claim.”

… Demands Unreserve Apology for Abandoning Them

Kaduna based political group has expressed anger over the relocation of former President Muhammadu Buhari to his Kaduna residence after several years of abandoning the State .

The group, which asked Buhari to return to back to his Katsina hometown, said they never expected that he could stay away from Kaduna for 24 hours after he left office as Nigeria’s President .

According to the forum, all the privileges the former President has enjoyed and success achieved over years apparently were due to his link to Kaduna, the historical headquarters of the northern region.

It was widely reported that the former President Buhari relocated from his hometown, Daura in Katsina State, to his residence in Kaduna, marking the end of a 21-month stay since leaving office in May 2023.

In a Statement issued today and made to journalists in Kaduna the forum explained: “Buhari abandoned us after he became the President and worst still, Daura home town became his favorite place of abode .

In the statement signed Dr. Musa Ibrahim Gusau the angry members posited, ” We have always supported Buhari in all aspects of his life from the days of military rule to when he decided to join politics and ran for the highly coveted seat of President.

“He later became President in 2015 and suddenly abandoned Kaduna people from 2015 to 2023 .Today he has returned to Kaduna and expect us to give same unalloyed and organic support.

“We used to love Buhari for his regards and respect for the masses .We also strongly believe in his unquenching passion to fight corruption and work for emancipation of the talakawas ,but out mindset had changed now .

“The decision to condemn his renewed decision to relocate to Kaduna was out of anger; pains and feelings of abandonment .

“We are sad that after he became the president, he simply changed and started going to his Daura home town .Kaduna people voted for him;stood for him, but when he became President ,he abandoned Kaduna now he has returned to stay in Kaduna.

“We are therefore call on the former President to apologize to all his supporters or return to Katsina.”

By Ojo Shola

The Executive Director of Retail and Digital Business at Wema Bank, Tunde Mabawonku, on Tuesday described Artificial Intelligence (AI) as the future of Nigeria, hence the need for the right investment in it.

The bank executive spoke while remarking on the launch of an initiative to establish a state-of-the-art Information and Communication Technology (ICT) centre in Nigeria, with the groundbreaking event happening in Kagarko, Kagarko Local Government area of Kaduna State.

He said, his financial outfit, in partnership with the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), decided to partner in putting the centre in place as a way of bringing AI hub to young people at the community level.

According to Mabawonku, “The goal was to create a “skillnovate” platform that enables young people to acquire ICT skills, digital skills, and social skills, ultimately adding income to them”.

Mabawonku emphasized that providing the required resources for basic coding and understanding of AI was crucial to making Nigeria an AI hub.

“Ours is to create what we call “skill novate” to empower young people and enable them to ICT skills, digital skills and social skills, and then it adds income to them.

“When people come to the NYSC for the national service, they are largely unsure of what to do within and outside the service.

“So the thinking is that for that one year or thereabouts they will spend during the national service, can they have a centre like this where they can upgrade themselves digitally so by the end of the service, they can do a lot on their own.

“So we are in partnership with the NYSC to create that platform for development for Nigerian youths.

“The best approach to making the country an AI hub is to provide the required resources for the basic coding and basic understanding of AI.

“These days, you don’t need to be a computer guru to learn AI. They are human-created tools that one can just listen to and learn greatly.

“So, we are going to equip the centre and subsequent ones with the best technology so that the young people can learn and start doing things with AI as seen in countries like China and Japan, among others.

“You can see on your social media handles how the service providers are imbuing AI in them.

“The idea of putting this facility here in Kagarko and not Kaduna is that we have noticed that when we are planning development, we always abandon the hinterlands.

“Everybody is concentrating in State capitals. So, working with the NYSC, we chose this area so we can bring the youths around together to learn and fortunately, the location is close to Abuja and Kaduna”, he added.

Tired of waiting for their entitlements to be paid after being sacked in 2017, the Kaduna State Illegally Disengaged Teachers Forum has publicly condemned former Governor Nasir El-Rufai’s administration for its actions. The teachers, who were dismissed after allegedly failing a competency test, claim the test was unfair and designed to reduce the workforce.

According to the teachers, God will punish El-Rufai for making them suffer untold hardship over the past seven years without paying their entitlements. They also expressed happiness that El-Rufai is already facing the consequences of his actions.

The El-Rufai-led government had sacked 21,000 out of 30,000 primary school teachers who failed the competency test. However, the State Coordinator of KSIDF, Comrade Aminu Maitama, revealed that the test was not conducted in good faith. Maitama personally scored 70% on the test but was still sacked, leading him to question the motives behind the test.

Maitama accused El-Rufai’s administration of using the test as a pretext to reduce the number of teachers and cut costs, without considering the impact on education in the state.

The teachers have appealed to Governor Uba Sani to reconsider their case and pay their entitlements. They also commended Governor Sani for releasing N548 million in withheld funds to the Nigerian Union of Teachers Endwell scheme. Additionally, they requested another competency test to assess their eligibility for reinstatement.

The Kaduna State Illegally Disengaged Teachers Forum, comprising 21,000 primary school teachers sacked in 2017, has publicly condemned former Governor Nasir El-Rufai’s administration for withholding their entitlements. The teachers, who were dismissed after allegedly failing a competency test, claim the test was unfair and designed to reduce the number of teachers employed by the state government [1).

At a press conference held at Arewa House Conference, State Coordinator Comrade Aminu Maitama revealed that he personally scored 70% on the competency test, yet was still sacked. Maitama accused El-Rufai’s administration of using the test as a pretext to cut costs and reduce the workforce, without regard for the impact on education in the state.

The teachers expressed gratitude to Governor Uba Sani for releasing N548 million in withheld funds to the Nigerian Union of Teachers Endwell scheme. However, they also appealed to Governor Sani to revisit their case and consider paying their outstanding entitlements. The teachers requested another competency test to assess their eligibility for reinstatement.

The Kaduna State Illegally Disengaged Teachers Forum’s public outcry highlights the ongoing struggles of teachers in Kaduna State and their quest for fair treatment and compensation.

By Musa Tanimu

The Arewa Youths Consultative Forum (AYCF) has condemned the abduction of Prince Eniola Joseph Ojajuni, President of the Afenifere Youth Council, and demanded his immediate release by the kidnappers.

AYCF in a statement by its President General, Yerima Shettima, averred that since the forcible seizure on Monday, February 17, 2025, of the Afenifere Youth President, he has remained in captivity, a situation he described as worrisome.

According to Shettima, more worrisome is the fact that the kidnappers are demanding an exorbitant ransom of ₦100 million, a situation he said is compounded by the kidnappers’ ultimatum, threatening to take his life if their demands are not met.

“The recent escalation in the kidnappers’ demands, which now includes the provision of two Keke NAPEP vehicles, alongside a menacing deadline set for Tuesday, at 3 PM, underscores the urgent need for immediate action.

“The threat to execute Prince Ojajuni if these demands are not met is not just a reflection of the lawlessness that has gripped our nation, but also a stark reminder of the fragility of life in the face of greed and desperation.

He posited that Prince Ojajuni is not merely a name but a beacon of hope and a symbol of the aspirations of our youth, adding that his unwavering commitment to championing the cause of the Yoruba people has resonated deeply within our communities.

“His abduction represents not only a personal tragedy for his family and friends but also a grievous affront to the collective conscience of our race and the nation as a whole. It is a stark reminder of the challenges our society faces in safeguarding the lives and futures of our youth.

“The Arewa Youths Consultative Forum, representing the interests and voices of the northern youth, unequivocally condemns this act of violence and lawlessness. We recognize that the abduction of Prince Ojajuni is part of a larger crisis that has plagued our nation, where kidnappings for ransom have become an all-too-common occurrence. This trend is not merely a regional issue; it is a national emergency that demands the immediate and concerted efforts of all levels of government.

“In light of this dire situation, we call upon the Federal Government and all relevant state authorities to take immediate action to ensure the safe release of Prince Eniola Joseph Ojajuni”.

The Arewa youth leader said it is imperative that security agencies are mobilized to locate and rescue Prince Ojajuni without delay, stressing that the Federal Government must ensure that law enforcement agencies are adequately equipped and empowered to address the rising tide of kidnapping and violence in our society.

He further urged the Federal Government to collaborate with state governments, local communities, and civil society organizations to create a robust framework for combating kidnapping and improving the overall security situation in the country.

“Engaging with community leaders, youth organizations, and other stakeholders is essential to understanding the root causes of this crisis. A dialogue that prioritizes the safety and aspirations of our youth will foster a more secure environment for all.

“The government must launch public awareness campaigns to educate citizens about safety measures and encourage community vigilance. Empowering citizens with knowledge is a crucial step in combating the menace of kidnapping.

“We call for the immediate review and strengthening of existing laws regarding kidnapping and ransom. The legal framework must reflect the seriousness of these crimes and ensure that perpetrators are held accountable”.

In the present situation, Shettima said the AYCF stands in solidarity with the Afenifere Youth Council and all those advocating for the safe return of Prince Ojajuni while imploring all Nigerians to unite in this critical moment, transcending ethnic and regional divides to demand justice and security for our people.

He reiterated the urgent plea for the safe release of Prince Ojajuni, “Let us not allow fear and despair to dictate our future; instead, let us rise together as a nation, resolute in our commitment to justice, safety, and the well-being of our youth. Time is of the essence. We call upon everyone to act swiftly and decisively. The life of Prince Ojajuni hangs in the balance, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure his safe return” he stressed.

Kaduna Good Governance Monitoring Group again took a swipe at the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and Senator representing Kaduna Central Senatorial District, Senator Lawal Adamu after accusing Kaduna State Governor ,Mal Uba Sani of alleged sabotage.

According to the group,who is sabotaging who now,when records of performance over the past 18 months show that the party’s Senator has been unable to stand to speak on the floor of the Senate and sponsor bills that will help cushion effects of hardship in the State?

Recalled that the Senior Special Assistant to the National Chairman of People’s Democratic Party (PDP) on Media and Communication, Mr Yusuf Dingyadi in a Statement did claim the state government refused to distribute learning and teaching materials procured by Senator Adamu.

According to the PDP statement, the move is aimed at discrediting Senator Adamu, who has been working to improve education in the state.

But in a swift reaction to the statement by PDP , Kaduna Good Governance Monitoring Group queried the rational behind a statement from a party when its representative in the Senate has failed to deliver on campaign promises.

The group in the statement signed by the Secretary, Comrade Bello Bashir Mohammed, said it is unfortunate that a dead opposition party such as PDP could make such sweeping statement in defence of Mr LA ,who since he came on board ,he has no any serious projects to show.

The statement reads : ” Mr LA as he is popularly called and his cohort cannot be hiding under his inability to perform and bring any tangible project to the table to stirr up sympathy from the public who already know he has failed and would be summarily voted out come 2027 .

“How dare the PDP compare Governor Uba Sani’e days in the Senate with that of a lawmaker adjudge by his constituents as complete failure.

“All other two Senators and members of House of Representatives are doing well to the extent that one of PDP senators was able to attract a University to Southern Kaduna with the backing of Governor Uba Sani and the President.

“We make bold to say if senator Lawal has done anything tangible,the Governor and President we know, will come out openly to support him and even go extra miles to ensure he succeeds .

“We have decided to speak out in defence of Governor Uba Sani to avoid misrepresentation of facts . PDP and her failed lawmaker cannot make baseless allegations without getting reaction from our group that has statistics of performance of all political office holders in the State.”

The group however, warned PDP against dragging Governor Uba Sani into the weakness and failure of her lawmaker,Mr LA.

By Emeka Nwosu, Abuja

The national leadership of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has accused Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, of deliberately undermining the efforts of Senator Lawal Adamu (Sen LA), who represents Kaduna Central and serves as the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Basic Education.

The party criticized the governor for allegedly halting the distribution of learning and teaching materials procured by the senator, claiming it was an attempt to tarnish his reputation. In a statement issued by Yusuf Dingyadi, Senior Special Assistant to the PDP National Chairman on Media and Communication, the party urged the state government to set aside political differences and prioritize the welfare of Kaduna residents.

According to Dingyadi, the APC-led state government has refused to distribute essential educational materials, including textbooks and notebooks, to primary and junior secondary schools in the senator’s constituency. “The materials, which were meant to enhance learning and improve the quality of education at primary and junior secondary levels, have been locked away in storage instead of reaching the intended beneficiaries,” Dingyadi alleged.

He further claimed that specific locations, such as LEA Malali Road and LEA Maiduguri Road, were instructed not to distribute the items. “It is expected that the state government, regardless of party affiliation, would collaborate with other elected representatives to improve the lives of Kaduna citizens,” he said.

Dingyadi also accused the APC of employing political propagandists to spread misinformation about Senator LA’s achievements. “They are using radio and social media platforms to claim that Senator LA has done nothing, forgetting that his two years in office have been more impactful than Uba Sani’s four years as a senator. During his tenure in the Senate, Uba Sani focused on passing bills that had little effect on the people,” he stated.

The PDP spokesperson further accused Governor Sani of attempting to impress President Bola Tinubu in anticipation of the 2027 elections rather than focusing on governance. “You cannot make progress by continuously attacking the PDP. You cannot manipulate our political success by sponsoring thugs and propagandists to discredit our performing legislators or by staging political defections in a choreographed manner,” Dingyadi said.

He also warned Governor Sani against relying on political advisers he described as “straying horses” who are liabilities rather than assets. “Our elected PDP members are actively delivering on their mandates and performing better than their APC counterparts. No serious northerner will campaign for APC in the region. Some politicians are only pretending to support the party to secure personal gains,” he concluded.

Aisha Yesufu, a prominent Nigerian activist and convener of the Bring Back Our Girls (BBOG) movement, has come under scrutiny after allegations surfaced that she received funds from USAID to sponsor Boko Haram insurgents. The Forum for Peace and Tranquility in Nigeria (FPTN) has called on the federal government to investigate Yesufu’s source of funding, citing concerns over her involvement in a USAID-backed project aimed at unseating former President Goodluck Jonathan.

The controversy surrounding Yesufu’s funding has been fueled by reports that USA