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Nigeria 2027: Matawalle, Yari Roll Out Project Tinubu 2nd Term Mandate In North West

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A Movement ” Shehi and Matawalle Project for Tinubu 2nd Term Mandate 2027 North West Zone” has taken off with the inauguration of the Zonal and State Executives on Saturday in Kaduna.
The event featured a convergence of APC stalwarts and teeming supporters drawn from the zone comprising Kaduna , Kano, Katsina, Jigawa, Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara States .
The executives are mandated to among others, mobilize grassroot support, sensitise communities on Tinubu’s achievements across the Zone.

Addressing the convergence, the General Secretary of the  group, Dr. Ahmad Hashim the inauguration marks the beginning of a renewed journey—a journey of loyalty, consolidation, and grassroots mobilization.

The Shehi and Matawalle Project, the General Secretary said, is not only more than a campaign structure, but a strategic movement designed to ensure the continuity and consolidation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership come 2027.
“The project draws strength from the loyal structures and enduring influence of two great sons of the North West, Bello Mohammed Matawalle, who is a symbol of steadfast leadership and national service as well as Senator Abdulazeez Yari (Marafan Sokoto), a political pillar and seasoned statesman.” he said

Chronicling Tinubu’s achievements under the Renewed Hope agenda, Dr. Hashim said the
President has stabilized the economy and uplifted the poor through reforms and targeted programs, including fuel subsidy removal and FX unification.
“Economic Reforms:  Agriculture: Dry-season farming, subsidized seeds/fertilizers.
“Infrastructure: Road rehabilitation, rural electrification.
“Social Welfare: Cash transfers, food palliatives.
Youth & Women Empowerment: Palliative loans, skill training.
“Education: Student loan scheme, adult literacy programs.
“Health & Clean Energy: Cookstoves, maternal health clinics.
“Impact on the North West Zone
“Security operations under Tinubu and guided by Matawalle and Yari have brought peace.
“Cash transfers, food support, and youth programs have reached communities across the region.
“Education and health interventions are making a real difference.
“These are tangible benefits seen and felt in the North West”, he emphasized.
Dr. Hashim therefore tasked  the newly inaugurated executives not to only mobilize, educate, and sustain the movement, but to promote loyalty, truth, unity, and Renewed Hope assuring that with Tinubu, Matawalle, and Yari, “we will deliver 100% for 2027“.
Others Party stalwarts from States who spoke reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring Tinubu’s victory come 2027.

Training: Your Dedication to Strengthen Media Landscape Uncommon – Kaduna NUJ Tells AMDF

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The Africa Media Development Foundation, AMDF has received a pat on the back for consistently standing by the Kaduna State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists in building the capacity of members in various areas.
These areas include investigative journalism, workshops on Safety and fact – checking as well as mental health which was held on Friday in Kaduna.
The Chairman, Kaduna State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Comrade Abdulgafar Alabelewe made the delightful expression at a Mental Health training, organised by the AMDF in collaboration with the Council.
Represented by the Secretary of the Council, Comrade Gambo Santos Sanga, the Chairman sees the training as of immense significance to journalists who operate in an environment where they are exposed to distressing and traumatic sights in the line of duty.
The training, Alabelewe emphasized, places journalists in a better position to responsibly report mental health issues within the society, helping to reduce stigma and promote understanding through stories.

A group photograph by participants

The Council Chairman however pointed out that while journalists were always consumed with the drive to break the news and serve the public, they forgot to take care of themselves.
” Journalist who is not mentally sound cannot effectively hold leaders accountable or serve the society as expected”, he said.
In her opening remarks, the Executive Director, Africa Media Development Foundation, AMDF, Mrs Sekyen Dadik who acknowledged the critical role journalists play in shaping the society, also stressed the need to recognise the unique challenge they face which could impact their well being.

Mrs. Dadik

The training, she explained, was aimed at equipping participants with essential tools and strategies to manage stress, build resilience and promote mental health.
Mrs. Dadik thanked the NUJ State Council for the partnership and also the resource person, Dr. Sanni Kamaldeen of the Federal Neuro- Psychiatric Hospital, Kaduna for his support towards promoting mental well being among journalists.
In his lecture, Dr. Kamaldeen, urged journalists to pay close attention to signs of stress, anxiety and emotional exhaustion, stressing that mental health was just as important as physical health.

He challenged media professionals to break the culture of silence around psychological struggles and seek help when necessary, assuring that timely interventions could prevent more serious complications.
Participants at the training said it could not have come at a better time, given the increasingly hostile and traumatic environments journalists often work in.

Nigeria 2027:  Formation Of Coalition, Born Out Of Selfish Interests –

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By Mohammed Suleiman, Dutse

A Jigawa based political analyst, Comrade Saidu Maigatari has said the projection of the Country’s collective interest is supreme and above Coalition of political parties with people of divergent ideologies.

Speaking to African Prime  News in Dutse . Comrade Maigatari observed that the formation of Coalition as “progressives” to  champion the entrenchment of a vibrant polity and sustenance of political stability as well as good governance, as the proponents claimed, is futile.  “We are aware of their antecedents in holding political offices where their performances were not only rated low but questionable.  They are birds of the same feathers with the ones now in power.

” All the personalities involved in the said Coalition group, are people with divergent views, and mission. Their desire is based on selfish interest and not for the collective interest of either to safeguard, and project the interest of the country or its citizenry”

Maigatari who identified greed, nepotism, lack of principle and ideology as contributing factors bedeviling the country’s democratization process, said unless and until Nigerians refrained from these negative tendencies, the country can not witness a sound political footings.

“It is a pity to note our political process has been characterized by lack of politics of principle, ideology, disobedience to the rule of law, nepotism, selfishness, greediness, and corruption”

According to him, as it is today, the country needs agile leader, an incorruptible leader. A leader who can deliver, who knows the country very well, knows the needs and not an abstract administrator without blueprints.

He suggested that the age of presidency should be between 55 and 60, while the age bracket of those eying for governors should be 45 to 50, while that of Chairmen should stand at 35 to 45 year’s of age.

Maigatari argued that with the current situation, the country needs an energic, and committed leader. A leader with the fear of God, zero tolerance to corruption, a leader with vast public exposure, human compassion and dignity and not a failed and corrupt leader without vision and blueprints.

Nigeria: Stakeholders Task Jigawa On impactful Budgeting To Curb Child Malnutrition

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By Mohammed Suleiman, Dutse

A critical Media dialogue with UNICEF officials in jigawa state wants jigawa state government to equip journalists and stakeholders with vital tools to drive impactful change in tackling child malnutrition affecting 1.7 under five aged in the State.

The dialogue brought together key players, including media representatives, civil society organisations (CSOs), and government officials.

Organized by the UNICEF, the gathering served as a collaborative platform to address critical issues affecting the well-being of Children’s across jigawa state.
Speaking at the event on Wednesday in Dutse,  Mr Rahama Farah, Chief of UNICEF’s Kano Field Office, emphasised the urgent need to invest strategically in children’s welfare adding that
this should be done through informed and deliberate budgeting practices.

“This is an investment in the future of Jigawa, home to more than 1.5 million children under five,” Farah stated, underlining the scale of the task ahead.

While acknowledging progress in child welfare, Farah painted a sobering picture of persistent issues: “Survival at Risk, The Shadow of Malnutrition, Quality Learning Denied, and Protection Gaps.”

He emphasised that child-sensitive budgeting extended beyond earmarking funds; it required a deliberate and systematic approach to planning, allocating, and tracking resources to meet children’s specific needs and rights effectively.

Farah also called for budgeting processes rooted in equity, transparency, accountability, and a lifecycle perspective.
He cited international and national frameworks, such as the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and Nigeria’s Child Rights Act 2003, which Jigawa State has domesticated.

In his keynote, Mr Babangida Umar, Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to prioritising children in budgeting and planning.
He confirmed ongoing preparations to establish dedicated units across ministries to intensify efforts against child malnutrition.

“This dialogue has been crucial in charting a clear path forward,” Umar remarked, commending UNICEF’s support as “commendable.”
Media’s role in the fight was underscored by Mr Zangina Muhammad, Chairman of the Jigawa Correspondents’ Chapel.

“The media must be proactive in highlighting issues and holding leaders accountable,” he urged, calling for sustained coverage of child malnutrition.”

In his submission, Mr Shu’aibu Kafingana, Chairman of the Jigawa State Coalition of Civil Societies, expressed strong support from civil society and committed to working closely with government and media stakeholders.

He stressed the importance of multi-sectoral engagement to ensure effective monitoring and implementation of child-focused programmes.

The guardian noted that participants ended the dialogue with a shared resolve to prioritise children’s needs throughout all stages of planning, budgeting, and implementation in Jigawa State, signalling a strengthened front in the fight against child malnutrition.

WCO; Adeniyi’s Leadership ‘ll Deepen Nigeria Customs’ Global Collaboration – Centre

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By Martha Agas

The Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE), says Adewale Adeniyi’s appointment as Chairperson of the World Customs Organisation (WCO) will boost the Nigeria Customs Service’s (NCS) global collaboration.

The organisation said that as Comptroller-Genera(C-G) of the NCS, Adeniyi’s position at the WCO would further enhance the service’s operations.

Dr Muda Yusuf, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of CPPE, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Abuja.

NAN reports that the C-G was elected chairperson of the WCO Council on June 28 during the concluding session of the 145th/146th WCO Council meeting held at the WCO Headquarters in Brussels, Belgium.

The WCO Council is the highest decision-making body in global customs administration.

Adeniyi is expected to provide strategic leadership to the WCO Policy Commission and steer the global customs agenda by facilitating high-level discussions on trade facilitation, revenue optimisation, security, cross-border cooperation, and digital transformation.

He is the first Nigerian to occupy the position since the organisation’s establishment.

Yusuf described Adeniyi’s appointment as a boost to Nigeria’s international reputation and image of the NCS.

“This appointment will strengthen the capacity of the NCS to deepen customs collaboration within the sub-region, across the continent, and globally.

“This synergy is critical to achieving the economic and trade integration objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), “ he said.

He noted that customs services across countries would play a strategic role in advancing AfCFTA’s goals which could boost intra-regional trade.

The CPPE CEO also said that the WCO chairperson’s office presents opportunities for collaboration in tackling illicit trade, arms smuggling, and broader security challenges.

According to him, Adeniyi is expected to contribute significantly to the WCO’s ongoing modernisation efforts, as NCS has already recorded progress in that area.

“In Nigeria, the NCS has made significant strides in leveraging technology for its operations. The Customs Modernisation Project, including the Single Window platform, is all about integrating technology.

“This model should be replicated across the continent and beyond. While advanced economies are already maximising technology, many developing countries in Africa still have a long way to go, “ he said.

According to Yusuf, there should be a peer review mechanism for customs agencies in Africa.

He said sharing experiences through such collaboration would be instrumental in driving the region’s trade and economic integration agenda within the AfCFTA framework.

He congratulated the new C-G on his appointment and expressed confidence that he would bring his experience in the NCS to bear at the global level.

“The C-G possesses the intellectual depth to serve diligently,” he added.

WCO: Adeniyi’s Leadership Positions Nigeria to Shape Global Customs Policies -SEREC

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By Martha Agas

The Sea Empowerment and Research Centre (SEREC) says the appointment of Adewale Adeniyi as Chairperson of the World Customs Organisation (WCO) has positioned Nigeria to shape global customs policies.

The Head Researcher at SEREC, Mr Eugene Nweke, stated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Abuja.

Nweke said Adeniyi, as Comptroller-General (C-G) of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), would amplify Nigeria’s voice in global customs discussions

NAN reports that the C-G was elected Chairperson of the WCO Council on June 28 during the concluding session of the 145th/146th council meeting held at it’s headquarters in Brussels, Belgium.

The WCO council is the highest decision-making body in global customs administration.

Adeniyi is expected to provide strategic leadership to the WCO policy commission and steer the global customs agenda by facilitating high-level discussions on trade facilitation, revenue optimisation, security, cross-border cooperation, and digital transformation.

He is the first Nigerian to occupy the position since the organisation’s establishment.

According to the SEREC official, Nigeria can shape global customs discourse particularly on issues like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), combating illicit trade, and enhancing digital border management.

“Nigeria can drive customs innovation that supports global supply chain resilience, promoting uniformity, modernisation, and global best practices among customs administrations.

“As the first Nigerian to hold this position, Adeniyi can advocate for developing economies, particularly within Africa and the Global South, ensuring their concerns are addressed in global customs policymaking.

“This position can foster stronger international partnerships, enabling Nigeria to learn from best practices worldwide and attract foreign investment.”

Nweke described the emergence of the NCS boss as the WCO chairperson as a reflection of his qualities, coupled with his leadership at the NCS, adding that this makes him an exceptional administrator.

Nigeria: High Cost of Political Participation Hampering Inclusion – Chinda

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By Justina Auta

Minority Leader, House of Representatives, Mr. Kingsley China says the expensive nature of Nigerian politics is restricted inclusive political participation.

Chinda said this at a Public presentation and stakeholder engagement on the “Cost of Politics and Political Inclusion Report” organised by the Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD) on in Abuja on Tuesday.

The study was commissioned WFD through its Nigeria Open Political Parties (NOPP) Project, with support from the European Union and Foreign, Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO).

The study aimed to investigate the financial requirements of seeking and holding political office in Nigeria and its implications for democratic governance, political inclusion, and accountability.

Chinda said that access to vast financial resources, either through personal wealth or fundraising networks, had become the near precondition for political viability.

Acvording to him, recent rising financial demands of political participation have turned what should be a civic right into an expensive commercial venture.

“The cost of securing a party ticket, funding campaigns, mobilising votes, defending electoral victories and sustaining political office has turned Nigerian politics into an elite preserve.

“It is now a gated community into which only the wealthy and the well-connected, can enter,” he said.

Chinda cited the 2023 general elections, with only 8.4 per cent women candidates, minimal youth and Persons with Disabilities representation, despite the energy and demographic weight they carry.

“Politics in Nigeria has been thoroughly monetised. This cost, borne out of both formal party structures and deeply informal political networks, is disproportionately exclusionary.

“Women, youth, and Physically Challenged Persons (PCPs) are systematically priced out of politics.

“The same groups whose voices we claim to uplift through constitutional and policy frameworks are the very ones we have excluded through the sheer weight of money politics,” he said.

He said that the WFD report highlighted the cost of politics from party nomination forms to the informal but obligatory expenditures on delegates, traditional rulers, community influencers, media operators, security officials and judiciary

“One of the more disturbing implications of the Report is the correlation between high political costs and endemic corruption.

” In a context where elections are viewed as investments, public office becomes a site of capital recovery. Contracts are inflated, public appointments are monetised, and governance becomes transactional.

” What emerges is a vicious cycle. Only the wealthy can afford to contest elections. Once in office, they must recoup their investment.

“In doing so, they deepen public cynicism, which further devalues democratic participation. The moral basis of governance is thus eroded,” Chinda said.

He stressed the need for urgent reform, with recommendations for the executive, legislature, political parties, electoral management body and the civil societies.

He also recommended that political parties should conduct primary elections to substitute candidates rather than go through general elections during supplementary elections.

The lawmaker also said that strong punitive measures should be metted on INEC staff caught in electoral malpractice.

“And anyone who exceed spending limit should be barred from elective office for certain number of years, ” he said.

Mr Adebowale Olorummola, Country Director, WFD, stressed the need to create a more inclusive political environment for all, and strategies on addressing cost of politics.

“The insights from this study offer a
detailed look at how financial barriers to political participation silence many voices, particularly those from underrepresented groups.

“While democracy flourishes through the contributions of diverse voices, the steep costs associated with political engagement often restrict access and representation,” he said.

Dr Yusuf Dantalle, National Chairman, Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), said that people should seek political office for the betterment of the entire Nigerian populace

Dantalle said that politics should be done in a way that will be reflective of the needs of the people.

He said that IPAC established the directorates of Women Affairs, people with disability and the youth, which are being championed by various political parties to drive the inclusion agenda.

Mrs Amina Byrhm, President, National Women Leaders Forum of Political Parties in Nigeria, said that the cost of politics had hindered women’s participation.

Byrhm urged stakeholders to remove the barriers and advance a more inclusive and equitable political space.

Dr Ayibakuro Mattew, Governance Advisor, Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), emphasised the need for incentives that would align with the voters and politicians to promote inclusion and address cost of politics.

Henry Nwawuba, Executive Secretary, National Assembly Library and Resource Centre, said that the cost of participating in politics had become a major barrier to entry, and had not brought outthe best players in the game.

Meanwhile, other Participants unanimously agreed that the increasing cost of politics in Nigeria, unchecked, is a threat to democratic norms and sustainability.

They said that urgent action was required through a concerted multi-stakeholder approach to address the systemic and structural factors affecting the monetisation of the political process

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the “Cost of Politics and Political Inclusion” was unveiled and the findings was presented by Dr Hakeem Onapajo, the Team Lead. (NAN)

AFNIS 2025 Targets Sustainable Local Solutions for Africa’s Industrialisation – Minister

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By Martha Agas

The fourth edition of the African Natural Resources and Energy Investment Summit (AFNIS) will explore strategies to promote local industrialisation in Africa by leveraging local content.

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, stated this at a news conference on Tuesday in Abuja, ahead of AFNIS 2025, scheduled from July 15 to 17 in Abuja.

Alake was represented by the Director-General of the Mining Cadastre Office, Mr Obadiah Nkom.

A group photograph after the news conference

He  said the summit with the  theme` Harnessing Local Content for Sustainable Development` aimed to spotlight how Africa, which holds 30 per cent of the world’s solid mineral resources, can harness them to advance sustainable development.

According to him, the theme signals Africa’s resolve to move beyond rhetoric and begin transforming its mineral wealth through local production and value addition.

The minister, who is also the Chairman of the Africa Minerals Strategy Group, stressed the importance of driving the conversation, especially as the continent holds the critical minerals essential for the global energy transition.

“ Our theme this year encourages a serious rethink about how Africa can shift away from exporting raw materials and instead build factories, refine minerals, generate power locally, and create jobs at home.

“This summit is about building value, where the resources come from, “ he said.

The minister said discussions at the summit would focus on how Africa can convert its vast raw materials into value-added products like batteries, solar equipment, fertilisers, and industrial metals

“ On energy transition, we will discuss on how to take advantage of our renewables and gas to create energy solutions that actually work for African communities’ solutions that are clean, reliable, and affordable.

“On cross-sector integration, we will explore how mining and agriculture, petrochemicals and energy, can be coordinated in a way that makes sense for long-term growth.

“Also on policy and financing, we will talk about crafting laws, incentives, and investment models that attract real capital, not speculative interest, “ he said.

The  minister noted that  the summit would build on the achievements of the 2024 summit, particularly the `Africa for Africa initiative which was unveiled to drive local development within the region.

He said that following the development of the strategy, the Africans for Africa Fund would be unveiled at the 2025 summit with expectation to provide microcredit facilities to mining operators.

“One of the major highlights of  this year will be the formal launch of the `Africans for Africa` Fund; a bold initiative designed to mobilise African capital for African priorities.

“ This isn’t a slogan. It’s a shift in mindset and we are saying clearly that the time has come for Africans to invest in Africa, to back our industries, our innovations, and our infrastructure with the resources we already have, “ he said.

The minister explained that the summit would  present an opportunity to Nigeria as the host to  showcase the country’s progress under the Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly updates on reforms in the solid minerals sector.

He added that it would also highlight Nigeria’s local processing initiatives, renewed commitment to community development agreements, and the rollout of its mineral data platform.

According to him, Nigeria is taking new steps to attract responsible investment and ensure that mining benefits all stakeholders, which will be presented at the summit.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 2025 edition will feature a Ministerial and Chief Executive Officers Retreat, as well as a Strategic Partnership Summit.

It will also include a Technical and Investment Forum, bringing together experts and innovators to discuss key topics such as  critical minerals, and agriculture–mining linkages.

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