Kaduna Prepares For Grading, Classification Of Hotels, Hospitality Outfits

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05/12/2025

Following the lingering insecurity challenges in the country, especially in the north, stakeholders in the hotels and hospitality industry in Kaduna state have converged on Kaduna, North West Nigeria, to discuss on how the industry can be used to address the challenges.

During a one-day summit in the State capital, on Wednesday, it was noted that step taken by the Kaduna state government for the grading and classification of hotels and hospitality outfits was in the right direction.

The stakeholders at the summit opined that the policy would go a long way in the fight against insecurity, as all outfits are expected to be on a register book of the government for proper identification.

In her remarks, the Commissioner for Business Innovation and Technology, Hon. Patience Fakai, explained that the stakeholders meeting was in line with the policy of Kaduna state government to ensure that the hotels and hospitality industry is safe for all and sundry.

While fielding questions from Journalists, the Commissioner further said that the meeting is to sensitize the stakeholders which aims at revamping the industry, and boost the tourism sector in the state.

According to Fakai, the stakeholders meeting was one of the steps being taken by the government to ensure that the hospitality and tourism industry in Kaduna state meets the national and international standard.

“This exercise is a cornerstone of our strategy to position Kaduna as a premier destination for tourism, business, and investment. This is to instituting a clear, transparent, and internationally recognized star-rating system,” the Commissioner explained.

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On his part, the Lead Consultant of the programme, Ini Akpabio, disclosed that the grading and classification exercise is to put all hotels and hospitality outfits in Kaduna State on a classification status.

The Consultant further explained that, the classification system is designed to provide
a level playing field where excellence is recognized.

In their separate remarks, the National Secretary of Hospitality and Tourism Management Association of Nigeria (HATMAN), Ayodele Arokoyo, the Kaduna state Coordinator of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria(FTAN), Tobi Bernard Thomas, the Secretary, Nigeria Hotel Association (NHA), Gaiya Mairai, applauded the policy, adding that it is a policy in the direct direction.

Speaking further, the Kaduna FTAN Coordinator explained that the exercise would build customers trust and confidence, just as it would drives operational excellence.

SGAI, NAPTIP, Rally FCT Community to Tackle Digital GBV

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04/12/2025

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By Justina Auta

Sustainable Gender Action Initiative (SGAI), UN Women and the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) have intensified grassroots mobilisation against technology-facilitated gender-based violence across communities in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Dr Mufuliat Fijabi, Executive Director of SGAI, during a community outreach in the Kabusa community on Thursday in Abuja, highlighted the need to address online harassment, cyberstalking, non-consensual image sharing and other forms of technology-facilitated violence.

Fijabi explained that the outreach was part of activities marking the 2025 16 Days of Activism Against GBV, themed “UNITE to End Digital Violence Against All Women and Girls.”

She noted that young women in the community remained vulnerable due to limited digital literacy and inadequate access to reporting mechanisms.

According to her, the exercise aims to empower them with knowledge, support networks and safe online practices.

“This will enhance their confidence to participate meaningfully in digital spaces while resisting and reporting online exploitation.

“We know that most of them use Android phones and are on various social media apps, like Facebook, where they share pictures and communicate.

“At times, when things go wrong and it becomes emotional violence, they don’t know who to turn to.

“That is why we are here, to give them the necessary information and knowledge to identify the signs and prevent or report it,” she added.

Mrs Theresa Kuma, Assistant Director, Violence Against Persons Department at NAPTIP, underscored the agency’s role in preventing, investigating and prosecuting GBV cases.

“We sensitise communities so they can be informed, supported and protected against violence and harmful traditional practices.

“We provide psychosocial services, and when cases are reported, we counsel survivors, offer medical services, investigate and prosecute offenders,” she said.

The Chief of Kabusa Community, Samuel Kpowu, urged residents to ensure an end to all forms of violence and reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring perpetrators are reported and prosecuted in accordance with the law.

Some community members expressed appreciation to the organisers for the sensitisation exercise and donation of items.

Hajiya Fatima Salihu, a community member said, “I didn’t know much about GBV before, but I now understand the early signs of violence, the different forms, including digital GBV, and the appropriate authorities to report to.”

Similarly, Mrs Nonye Chukwukah assured that she would pass the lessons on to others, especially young women and girls, to raise awareness on digital violence.

“We now understand that online harassment, cyberstalking, non-consensual sharing of pictures and other technology-facilitated forms of violence can be perpetrated without physically meeting the person.

“I will educate other women, especially young girls, on how to prevent such violence and where to report it,” she said.

Other activities to mark the event included interactive sessions on digital GBV, early warning signs of violence and the role of NAPTIP in ending GBV. (NAN)

Strengthen Your Role In Promoting Inclusive Development Across Africa, AMDF Tasks Media

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04/12/2025

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The 9th African Conference on Development Journalism has opened in Kaduna, North West Nigeria with a call for the media to strengthen its role in promoting Inclusive development across the continent.

Executive Director of the Africa Media Development Foundation, AMDF, organisers of the conference, Sekyen Dadik said this year’s theme ” Media, Inclusive Development: A Call To Action For Africa’s Future”, reflects the urgent need that amplify marginalised voices, support equitable growth and hold leaders accountable.

Sekyen Dadik

She noted that the conference coincides with the International Day of persons with disabilities with first bi- session dedicated to advancing disabilities inclusion through media.

While welcoming the participants, Dadik told them that the 2 days of dialogue is aimed at using journalism to drive development, promote transparency and inspire solutions across the continent.

She expressed appreciation to partners including WADATA Media and Advocacy Centre, Sightsavers Nigeria, MTN, Kaduna State Media Corporation, KSMC and Daily Trust Foundation for supporting the conference.

In a paper titled “Amplifying Voices Bridging Gaps, the Role of Media Shaping Inclusive Africa”, the Kaduna State Commissioner for Information, Ahmed Maiyaki highlighted the media’s responsibility in ensuring that all groups are represented, especially marginalized communities.

Ahmed Maiyaki

Inclusive storytelling, Maiyaki emphasized, remains essential for Africa’s progress.

A lecturer at the University of Abuja, Dr Jamila Dahiru who spoke on “Framing Integrity Through Strategic Communication: Case Study of AGILE and the Safe School Initiatives Program in Bauchi State, described communication as a tool for social change.
She urged the media to discard sensationalism for solution journalism to create more constructive public discourse and empower communities towards solving social issues.
Dr Dahiru said in a context like Nigeria, especially in the North, the prevailing insecurity, poverty, gender inequality, institutional fragility and issues of corruption, needed to be brought forward for transparent strategic communication.
Dr Dahiru who noted the continued decline in public trust towards the institutions that govern them, said Strategic communication would shape perception, legitimacy and citizens participation .
“We are no more talking about passive audiences but active audiences. So there is need for active participation, dialogue and problem solving, rather than top-down information dissemination as being done”, She said.
Presenting a paper titled, “Shaping Africa’s Climate Future, The Transformative Power of Inclusive Media”, the Executive Director, Bridge That Gap Initiative, Gloria Kasang Bulus urged the media to amplify voices that are silent and hold powers accountable .

She also stressed the need to use journalism not just to inform but to transform adding that Africa’s future depends on the narrative the media created today.

The conference, apart from presentations, is featuring panel sessions, Awards and Networking.

Nigeria: NGO Unveils EduReach App, Awards Scholarships to Rescued Abducted Students

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03/12/2025

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By Justina Auta

An NGO, StemChild Care Academy, has unveiled the “EduReach” online learning application and awarded two-year scholarships to rescued students kidnapped in Kebbi and Niger states, supporting their recovery and reintegration into formal education.

Its Chief Executive Officer, Alhaji Mamu, stated on Wednesday during a press briefing and the unveiling of the app that the initiative aimed to ensure every child, regardless of circumstances, had access to quality education.

He added that the programme also sought to provide every child with the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential.

According to him, the EduReach online app is designed to bridge the education gap among pupils and ensure they are on par with students at similar levels globally.

Mamu explained that the app delivered both Nigerian and Cambridge curricula for primary and secondary students, covering STEM subjects, including robotics, coding, and AI.

He added that the pre-recorded lessons were taught by experienced educators and complemented by lesson notes, quizzes, assignments, live discussion forums, and personalised learning paths to support individual students.

“We have written to the respective state governments to formally extend this offer as part of our contribution to the students’ recovery and reintegration into learning.

“We urge all stakeholders to join hands in confronting the challenges that have long plagued our education sector.

“No child should be denied the right to safe, equitable, and quality education,” he emphasised.

He noted that insecurity, harmful cultural practices such as early marriage and teenage pregnancy, combined with structural challenges like poverty, continued to affect the nation’s educational system.

He cited that about 350,000 teachers served 46 million students at the basic and senior secondary levels, resulting in an alarming student-teacher ratio of roughly 130:1, far above the global benchmark of 20:1.

“These tragedies further complicate an already fragile education system plagued by outdated curricula, inadequate teacher supply, poor infrastructure, and insufficient instructional materials,” he added.

Mr Fidelis Agoundjekpo, an IT expert and Chief Software Engineer of the organisation, highlighted that students could access classes and videos, and engaged with educators, even with limited data.

“The students can participate in quizzes, submit assignments, and interact just as they would in a traditional classroom, now in an online format,” he said.

He added, “For instance, with about 200MB, a student can watch the Year One video lessons, costing around N100 or slightly more, while upper-class courses require a maximum of one gigabyte, costing around N500 or more to view an entire course.

“That is how small our bandwidth requirement is, which makes our software very unique.”

He therefore urged parents, educators, the government, and other stakeholders to ensure that students had access to the online app, enabling them to improve their education, particularly in STEM-related subjects. (NAN)

‎Nigerian Govt Provides Free Annual Liver, Kidney Tests For HIV Positive Individuals

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03/12/2025

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By Justina Auta

‎‎ The Federal Government of Nigeria says it has begun providing people living with HIV/AIDS access to free annual liver and kidney function tests through expanded health insurance, aiming to improve long-term health outcomes nationwide.
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‎Dr Iziaq Salako, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, stated this during the 2025 World AIDS Day celebration in Abuja, organised by the National Agency for the Control of AIDS and partners.
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‎Salako said the initiative was part of Nigeria’s efforts to strengthen quality care for people living with HIV, ensuring earlier diagnosis, better retention in treatment, and improved health outcomes for all patients.
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‎“We are moving toward full integration of HIV, tuberculosis, malaria, nutrition, and the National AIDS, Viral Hepatitis and STIs Control Programme (NASCP) as one-stop services for children, adolescents, and adults,” he explained.
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‎The minister said that during the 66th National Council of Health, the age of consent for voluntary HIV counselling and testing was reduced from 18 to 14 to increase adolescent testing rates.
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‎Salako added that the NCH approved a national clinical mentorship programme, urging states to integrate mentorship into annual plans and budgets to reduce treatment loss to follow-up among people living with HIV.
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‎Dr Temitope Ilori, Director General of NACA, said in spite of global disruptions, Nigeria was on track to meet the 2030 target of ending HIV, maintaining strong performance across diagnosis, treatment, and viral suppression.
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‎“We have achieved an impressive 87–98–95 performance: 87 per cent know their status, 98 per cent of those are on treatment, and 95 per cent on treatment have viral suppression,” Ilori confirmed.
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‎She added that Nigeria had recorded a 46 per cent decline in new HIV infections, with more people living with HIV enrolled and retained in care than ever before.
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‎Abdulkadiri Ibrahim, President of the Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria (NEPWHAN), called for stronger domestic funding, improved community engagement, and expanded access to viral load testing for better patient outcomes.
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‎Ibrahim emphasised that adherence, psychosocial support, follow-up for missed appointments, and retention strategies remained critical to closing gaps in prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) and improving overall HIV management.
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‎Mrs Esther Hindi, National Coordinator of the Association of Women Living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria (ASWHAN), stressed that children continued to be born with HIV, urging expanded access to testing and treatment for pregnant women.
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‎Elsie Attafuah, Acting UN Resident Representative, and Ayo Ipinmoye, Acting Chairman of the Global Fund, reaffirmed their commitment to supporting HIV prevention, treatment, civil society engagement, and strengthening Nigeria’s health system for resilience and equity.
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‎Attafuah stressed the importance of domestic financing, human rights protection, community empowerment, and health system strengthening to enhance efficiency, resilience, and equitable access, ensuring sustainable HIV responses across the country.
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‎“Together, we will sustain the HIV response, overcome disruptions, and build a future where every person can live with health, dignity, and hope,” she said, highlighting collective responsibility and commitment.
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‎Dr Muyi Aina, Executive Director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, pledged continued promotion of accessible healthcare services nationwide to ensure equitable HIV testing, treatment, and preventive interventions for all Nigerians.
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‎Activities to mark the day included awards presented to Odunayo Sanya, Executive Director of MTN Foundation, and Dr Allen Onyema, Chairman and Founder of Air Peace, recognising their contributions to health and community development. (NAN)

Northern Youth Council of Nigeria Backs Gen. Musa as Defence Minister

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03/12/2025

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…Urges Swift Senate Confirmation

The Northern Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) has expressed its support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s appointment of former Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa as Nigeria’s new Defence Minister.

In a statement signed by Sharifudeen Ibrahim Muhammad, NYCN’s National Publicity Secretary, the organization commended President Tinubu for prioritizing professionalism and good track record in the appointment.

According to the statement, the NYCN believes that General Musa’s vast experience and expertise in defence and security matters make him an ideal candidate for the position.
The organization, the statement emphasized, is confident that his leadership will enhance the country’s defence capabilities and promote peace and stability in the region.

It said the previous Defence Minister, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, recently resigned citing health reasons, leaving a gap in the country’s defence leadership adding that General Musa’s appointment is seen as a strategic move to address these security concerns and restore stability in the region.

“The NYCN’s endorsement is significant, given the country’s current security challenges, including mass kidnappings and attacks by Islamist militants.
“The organization has been vocal on issues affecting the nation, and its support for the new Defence Minister is expected to boost morale and promote a sense of unity in the fight against insecurity.

“The NYCN is confident that General Musa’s leadership will enhance the country’s defence capabilities and promote peace and stability in the region.

“The organization believes that the new Defence Minister has the right skills and experience to tackle the complex security challenges facing Nigeria.
“The appointment has also been welcomed by other stakeholders, who praise General Musa’s professionalism and commitment to serving the nation. His experience as Chief of Defence Staff has prepared him well for this new role, and stakeholders are eager to see him take on the challenges facing the country”.

The Youth Council therefore calls on the Senate to speedily confirm General Christopher Musa as the new Defence Minister, noting that his expertise and experience are crucial in addressing the country’s security challenges.

Nomination Of Former CDS As Defence Minister, Best Decision By President Tinubu – Thomas

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03/12/2025

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A Kaduna based businessman, Tobi Bernard Thomas, has hailed the nomination of the former Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa for the position of Defence Minister.

Thomas who commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the choice of the former CDS, noted that his appointment was the best decision by the President.

This was contained in a statement he made available to newsmen on Wednesday.

Recall that the former Nigeria’s Defence Minister, Alhaji Mohammed Badaru resigned from his position a few days ago, citing health reasons.

In his congratulatory message, Thomas expressed confidence in the capacity of General Musa to man the ministry.

Thomas further explained that the nomination of the former CDS comes amid President Tinubu’s declaration of a national security emergency, with plans to fight the lingering security challenges in the country.

He added that the nomination was in the right direction, while urging Nigerians to bury their whatever differences, and support the government in the fight against insecurity, which according to Thomas, is already eaten deep into the fabric of every sector of the country.

In the statement, Thomas appealed to the Senate to expedite action on the confirmation process, saying Nigerians expect a smooth transition that will contribute to the ongoing fight against criminality.

” Just like many have attested to his capacity, I equally have no doubt in his capacity. He is a man of integrity, a man of honor, and above all, a man of capacity,” Thomas emphasized.

Security Fund: Don’t Pacify Bandits With N19bn Monthly Levy – NUJ Cautions Northern Governors

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03/12/2025

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The Kaduna State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists(NUJ) has called for strict transparency and proper utilisation of the proposed N19 billion monthly security fund by the 19 Northern States Governors, warning that the money must not be used to “pacify bandits.”

This was contained in a communique issued at the end of it’s monthly meeting in Kaduna, North West Nigeria which also addresses pressing state infrastructure issues and union affairs.

The Congress, attended by past leaders, veterans, and members from all chapels, expressed confidence in the newly appointed Minister of Defence, former Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, while urging Northern Governors to establish a “strike force” in strategic areas to contain banditry.

The congress emphasised that the hefty N19bn monthly security levy from the 19 states must be deployed to eliminate insecurity, not negotiate with criminals.

“The Congress observed that the N19 Billion which will be gathered from all the 19 Northern States every month, though on the high side, the governors should therefore adopt proper utilization measures and transparency,” the communique stated.

It further resolved: “The money should not be used to pacify bandits but put in proper use to eliminate the menace.”

On local governance, the NUJ commended the Kaduna State Government for restoring monthly sanitation and for proactive school closures as a security measure.

However, it raised an alarm over non-functional water infrastructure, noting worries that “there is no water flowing on the pipes” despite the installation of new ones at great cost.

The Congress also called on the state government to enforce its development plan and halt ongoing constructions near major roads, specifically citing Ibrahim Yakowa Way in Chikun LGA.

It further urged its members to complement government efforts in the fight against insecurity through responsible reporting.

Regarding internal union matters, the Congress resolved to request the NUJ National Secretariat to immortalize former Governor Colonel Tanko Ayuba for his instrumental role in actualizing the Kaduna NUJ Secretariat in 1984.

It also assured members that the full accreditation of the NUJ International Institute of Journalism was at a final stage, which would aid career progression.

The resolutions from the Congress highlight the NUJ Kaduna Council’s active engagement with both national security strategies and local governance issues, positioning itself as a stakeholder advocating for accountability, practical solutions to insecurity, and infrastructural development in the state and region.

The Congress also deliberated on issues of development of the Council especially the upcoming press week which is scheduled for 13th of December 2025 to feature sporting activities, Chairman’s night, road work, conference, Muslims and Christian prayers in mosques and churches among other activities.

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