Zamfara NUJ Correspondents' Chapel lauds appointment of Jamilu Iliyasu Birnin Magaji

The Correspondents' Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ)  has expressed delight on the appointment of a Veteran Journalist, Malam Jamilu Iliyasu Birinin Magaji as Managing Editor, Zamfara State Printing and Publishing Company, the Legacy Newspapers.

This is contained in a statement issued by the Chapel's Chairman, Comrade Ishaq Zaki Tambuwal,  on Thursday in Gusau.

Tambuwal expressed delight over Birnin Magaji's  appointment, described the appointment as a round peg in a round hole.

The Chapel's Chairman identified Jamilu Iliyasu as competent, dedicated and professional journalist who contributed immensely in journalism development in Zamfara state.

"Jamilu Iliyasu was Former Secretary to the State NUJ Council, Former MC Government House Gusau, 

Former Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Zamfara State and 

Former Director General, Former Controller of News Zamfara state Radio and Television service among others"

"I believe Birinin Magaji's integrity, diligence, and commitment will add immense value to the Legacy Newspapers as well as Printing and Publishing company in general.

"On behalf of the entire members of the Zamfara NUJ Correspondents' Chapel, we commend State Ministry of Information and Culture over the appointment," he said.

Tambuwal also commended Alhaji Bello Abdullahi, Managing Director, Zamfara State Media Corporation for making effort towards repositioning of State owned media outfits.

The chairman noted, the effort would bolster Zamfara state into the new Global Information and Communication Order.

Zamfara NUJ Correspondents' Chapel Congratulates Zannan Bungudu over Traditional Title Appointment.

The Correspondents' Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists NUJ, Zamfara State Council has expressed optimism over recent traditional title conferred on the  Member of the House of Representatives, Bungudu/Maru Federal Constituency in Zamfara, Alhaji Abdulmalik Zubairu (Zannan Bungudu), as Chief Mayegun of Ikare-Okoko Kingdom in Ondo State.

This is contained in a statement issued to newsmen by the Chapel's Chairman, Ishaq Zaki Tambuwal on Thursday in Gusau .

Tambuwal described Zannan Bungudu as dedicated, philanthropist and a committed leader who uses all his means to serve the humanity.

"On behalf of the entire members of Zamfara NUJ Correspondents' Chapel, I congratulate you on your new and prestigious title: "Chief Mayegun of Ikare-Akoko kingdom" conferred on you by His Royal Majesty Oba Akadri Saliu Momoh the Olukare of Ikare-Akoko Kingdom.

According to him, the Chapel join millions of people to celebrate with him on this special Traditional Title appointment in  far away Ondo state.

"We wish you more recognitions, Allah's guidance and protection," Tambuwal said in the statement.

MATAWALLE: FOR THE PEACE AND DEFENCE OF OUR FATHERLAND

By Yusuf Idris Gusau 

The  Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle has been a diehard seasoned politician and reputed for keeping in constant contact with his people, especially when he served as the executive governor of Zamfara State between 2019 and 2023.

Matawalle's position as the Northwest Presidential Campaign Council Coordinator  ensured that, the APC won a landslide win in the 2023 presidential election in the north western part of the country where he served with dedication, hard work, traversing wider Campaigns in the region for  Tinubu/Shatima ticket 

According to the statement, it earned him respect and more recognition from the president who later appointed him as the Honourable Minister of State for Defence as the administration kick started the business of governance.

"Having officially moved to the federal capital, Abuja to serve as a National Executive Council member representing Zamfara State despite the desperate opposition staged against him in his home state of Zamfara by his successor and other callous elements within and outside the state"

It explains that, as a former governor, the Minister stayed away from the state in order to maintain political peace but at the same time, he kept in touch with and saw his people either by proxy or they would go to Abuja to meet him while he also assisted many people cutting across party decides especially those affected by human and natural disasters.

"The situation remained so until after many pleas by the people of the state particularly APC members that he should come to the state, that Matawalle finally yielded last Friday 21/12/2024 for a Six day official/private visit by visiting banditry and other disaster victims, inspecting some military formations and meeting party members and relatives"

While driving by road from Abuja to Gusau through Kaduna, the Minister stopped over at all the military check points along the road where he encouraged personnel to be more committed to their assigned responsibilities assuring them that the federal government has made adequate arrangements to provide more sophisticated weapons and other benefits to ensure the complete elimination of the criminals by the incoming year 2025 with the military on their part hailing the federal government over the information.

On arrival in Gusau, the Zamfara State capital, the Minister was received by an overwhelming crowd of party supporters, party faithful, well-wishers, party leaders and other stakeholders who made a beehive of activities around the former governor's GRA residence with traders of various wares making brisk business while entertainers and praise singers chose their acquaintances to raise money.

Following his declaration that his six days stay will positively impact the people, the Minister made sure that anyone who came smiled back home.

Addressing the crowd of supporters, Matawalle implored them to continue to be law abiding, peaceful, and prayerful so that APC's leadership with him as governor will return to the state.

He explained that he would be coming to the state very often, hence so that they would be strategizing for a greater Zamfara.

The Minister also continued to meet and interact with APC leadership ranging from SWC,  State Exco, Local government Party Chairmen, Elders, Youths, Women, and  critical stakeholders where he explained more about the reforms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration which are not Anti north but  aimed at improving the standard of Nigerian citizens economically, socially and politically without denying any region. 

He further explained the security measures being put in place to restore peace in the northwest region and the country as well as Tinubu's administration in providing all the needed support to security agencies especially military in order to fight banditry that is bedevilling the northwest region and assured that the government will ensure that in the coming year 2025, all forms of banditry and other criminalities are eliminated.

Citing the current military operations in the region is yielding positive results because of the deployment of committed and patriotic military personnel in most of the flash points as large number of bandits were being neutralized and some are on the run, he appealed to the citizens to support government and security agencies with genuine intelligence that will lead to success.

Matawalle also said that security is everybody's concern and the need to take every person and property's security serious and urged citizens to support the troops with prayers for success rather than condemnation.

The Minister's home visit has created more awareness about President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's renewed hope agenda and a lot of people have changed  their perception. 

APC is honoured with the  Minister's visit because he exhibited a high sense of belonging to all party members and supporters at all levels.

Yusuf Idris Gusau, is the APC Publicity Secretary in Zamfara State.

Zamfara Health Commissioner Pushes for Revenue Boost in 2025.

Zamfara State Commissioner of Health Dr. Nafisa Muhammad Maradun has called on all parastatals and agencies under the Ministry to navigate ways of  increasing revenue in 2025.

She made the made the call during an official visit to the Zamfara State Drugs and Consumables  Management Agency DMA in Gusau. 

Dr. Maradun stressed that, the State Ministry of Health had the potential to derive revenue through legal derivable ways to support the State Government, hence the need for concerted effort among the key drivers manning agencies and parastatals.

The Commissioner who went round all the agency's  departments and units  as well as  the warehouse also directed all state health care facilities to exclusively purchase essential medicines and consumables from the DMA.

According to her, the State Drugs and Consumables  Management Agency 

DMA is the sole government agency responsible for quantifying, procuring, planning, and distributing drugs and medical consumables in the State.

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Malam Bashiru Surajo urged DMA staff to maintain diligence, prioritize citizen's  needs and work towards Governor Dauda Lawal's administration people oriented one. 

The Executive Secretary, Drug Management Agency, Pharmacist Sani Bello Thanks the Commissioner for the visit and assured full support from his Staff.

Defence Minister, NUJ to organise sensitisation workshop on security reportage.

The Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalist (NUJ) in Zamfara State is to collaborate with the office of the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle to organise sensitization workshop for working Journalists in the North-west on Security Reportage.

A statement issued by the Chapel Chairman, Ishaq Zaki Tambuwal says the idea for the sensitization workshop was to equip working Journalists with new modern techniques of reporting security issues.

According to the statement, the chapel was concerned with the mode of security Reportage by working journalists in the North- West.

The statement explains that, the Chapel has constituted a 13-man committee, under the chairmanship of Umaru Mohammed Maradun and Ibrahim Ahmad Gada to serve as Secretary of the Committee.

According to the statement, Maiharaji Altine is the Vice Chairman while Comrade Ibrahim Kanoma is the Vice Chairman two.

It says Aminu Abubakar Mayanchi, the Chapel's Secretary is the Assistant Secretary one, and Aminu Dalhatu as Assistant Secretary two.

Other members of the committee are 

Idris Salisu, Babangida Ibrahim, Theophilus Darofai, Silas Adamu, Sanusi Muhammad, and Abdullahi Abdurrahaman Chakwa, Husaini Yero of Leadership Hausa.

Lifts ban on Mining exploration activities will boost socio economic development of Zamfara State - Matawalle

Minister of State for Defence, Bello Mohammed Matawalle says the Federal Government lifted ban on mining exploration activities in Zamfara State will definitely bring investors and boost the socio economic development of the state.

He stated this while addressing journalist in Gusau, the Zamfara State Capital.

Alhaji Bello Matawalle explained that, since the banned of mining activities during the administration of President Mohammadu Buhari due to issue of insecurity, the state has lost alot in the area of Solid minerals.

He described Zamfara State as hub of Mineral resources, stressing that many foreign nationals had shown interest to invest perticulerly in lithium. 

The Minister commended President Bola Tinubu for approving his request to lift ban on Mining activities due to it impacts to people Zamfara state.

"President approval to lift the ban is clearly an indication that, Tinubu has listening ear,  “We the people of Zamfara wish to thank Mr. President Bola Tinubu for listening to our request on lifting”

According to him, the lifting would help in attracting investors to Zamfara within and outside the country.

Alhaji Bello Matawalle also stated that, Mr President says any potential investors who is ready to invest in the mining sector will process the Minerals in the state with a view to create job opportunities and boost socio economic development.

He said the priority of President Bola Tinubu is to develop any state that has such potentials 

Matawalle urged the people of Zamfara to reciprocate the gesture by extending necessary support and cooperation to the President Tinubu’s administration.

On the issue of LAKURAWA terrorist group, the Minister maintained, the measures taken in dealing with the situation in yielding positive results and there was no report of them in the last two weeks.

Alhaji Mohammed Bello Matawalle dispelled the rumour being circulated that, there is no LAKURWA group in Zamfara. "Our military personnel are done with the Lakurawa insurgents, so nothing like Lakurawa insurgents in the Northwest.

He further assured Nigerians federal government determination and Commitment to bring an end the activities of bandits and other terrorists groups in the North West and the country in General by 2025.

Adding that, armed forces have been tirelessly  winning the war against bandits sofar.

Senator Yari donates Rice, cows to Christians, asked them to pray for peace and progress of Nigeria.

The Senator Representing Zamfara West Senatorial District and former Governor of Zamfara State, Senator Abdulaziz Yari Abubakar has presented 310 bags of 50kg of Rice, 16 Cows and One Million Naira Cash to Christians Association of Nigeria CAN, Igbo and Yoruba Communities in Zamfara State as a support to celebrate Christmas.

In a statement by the Chairman Publicity Committee, Senator Abubakar  Yari Political Organization, Ibrahim Muhammad Danmadanin Birnin Bagaji says all APC Igbo and Yoruba Wings are also beneficiaries of the gesture.

Senator Abdul'azeez Yari Abubakar urged Christians faithfuls to use the forthcoming Christmas festivities as an avenue to enhance national unity and pray for continued peace and progress of Nigeria.

The Senator Represented by the Federal Commissioner, Federal Character Commission from Zamfara State during the distribution, Alhaji. Sani Garba, Senator Yari emphasised the need for Christians to pray for good health and God's guidance to the Nation Leaders, especially President Bola Tinubu to successful implement his good policies.

Receiving the items, the Chairman of Christians Association of Nigeria, Zamfara State, Evengelist Michael Tajudeen Azeez Afolabi thanked the Senator Yari for the gesture.

According Micheal Afolabi said it was not the first time they have been receiving from him even after he left office as Governor since 2019.

He pledged to reciprocate the gesture through prayers, solidarity and support to the donor and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

In her remarks, Chairperson of Zamfara State APC Igbo Wing, Mrs. Collins Prayed God Almighty to reward the donor abundantly.

Christains Association of Nigeria, CAN, Zamfara state chapter, 200 bags of rice (50kg), 10 cows and one million Naira, Igbo APC Wing, Zamfara state, 20 bags of rice (50kg) and one cow and Yoruba Wing APC, Zamfara state, 10 bags of rice (50kg) and one cow"

"Igbo Community in Zamfara state, 50 bags of rice (50kg) and two cows, Yoruba Community in Zamfara state, 30 bags of rice (50kg) and two cows"

President Tinubu directs total elimination of bandits by 2025 - Matawalle.

The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Mohammed Matawalle says President Bola Tinubu has directed for the total elimination of banditry in the Northwest and other forms of insecurity in the country in 2025.

He stated this while addressing All Progressive Congress APC party stalwart in Gusau, the Zamfara State Capital.

Alhaji Bello Matawalle explained that, Mr President also directed for the deployment of more troops and fighting equipments to all communities facing security challenges as part of commitment to ensure total elimination of banditry.

He said the approval given President Bola Tinubu for the purchase of military fighting equipments such 

Armored Personnel Carriers APCs,  fighter jets among others, some of them have started arriving.

Alhaji Bello Matawalle further stated that, federal government is taken adequate measures to ensure lasting peace in all trouble community perticulerly communities confronted with bandits activities and other issue of insecurity across the country.

The Minister identified activities of informants as one of the major challenges bring setback in the fight against insecurity.

He stressed the need for people across Zamfara State and beyond to remove politics out security issue by contributing their quota in dealing with the menace.

He urged people not to allow anyone to deceive them with wrong information on the Federal government policies and programmes.

The Minister also urged people to always share vital informations to the security agencies inorder to help toward achieving the desired objective.

Alhaji Mohammed Bello Matawalle also announced the donation of two hundred million naira to the All Progressive Congress APC in Zamfara.

According to him, adequate arrangements had also been made to support people to ease their hardship.

The Minister was well received by the thousands of the party supporters since he arrived Gusau while his resident was also overcrowded with people including elderly men and women, youths groups and other critical stakeholders of APC in Zamfara State.

Yuletide: Muslim Woman Donates Clothes to Christian Widows for Christmas and New Year Celebrations in Kaduna to Strengthen Relationships

Ahead of the Christmas and New Year celebrations amidst the rising cost of living, a Muslim woman, Hajiya Hafsat Mohammed, has donated dozens of new clothes—wrappers—to Christian widows in Kaduna to help them celebrate the festive season with new clothes, just like other Christian women.

Hajiya Hafsat, who has been donating Christmas trees to Christians in Kaduna for many years, says her goal is to bring joy to widows and remind them that the true meaning of the season is the birth of Jesus Christ.

She emphasized that this gesture is aimed at fostering better interfaith relationships between Muslims and Christians, while spreading a message of peace and unity.

According to Hajiya Hafsat, the season provides an opportunity for Muslims around the world to demonstrate that Islam is a faith of peace, love, forgiveness, and tolerance. 

She believes such acts of goodwill can help bridge divides and promote harmony between the two religious communities.

This year’s Christmas celebrations come at a time when Nigerians are grappling with difficult economic conditions, rising security challenges, and the escalating cost of food due to fuel price increases.

“This is not the first time I’m donating Christmas trees to my Christian friends and families, both locally and abroad,” she said. “Last year, I donated over 10 Christmas trees to families in southern Nigeria.”

She also highlighted the impact of ongoing ethno-religious and political crises in Northern Nigeria, stressing the need to encourage peaceful coexistence among all.

In response, Pastor Dr. Yohanna Buru, Senior Pastor of Christ Evangelical and Life Intervention Ministry in Sabon Tasha, Kaduna, noted that every year, Muslims from across the country send him Christmas trees and other gifts to strengthen interfaith relationships.

 He expressed gratitude for the gesture and prayed for abundant blessings for Hajiya Hafsat.

Pastor Dr. Buru also pointed out that the church reciprocates this kindness by distributing foodstuffs to Muslims during Ramadan, stating, “We are one family under God.”

He further mentioned that every year, Hajiya Ramatu Tijjani also sends Christmas and New Year foodstuffs to the widows. 

He said every year,his church use to bail out Muslims in various prison for them to participate in the 30 day's fasting and praying with their families at home 

He thanked the Kaduna Peace Commission for their efforts to promote peaceful coexistence among different faith-based organizations in the state.

Pastor Buru also called on wealthy Christians and corporate organizations to always remember the less fortunate during the festive season.

Governor Lawal signs 2025 budget into law.

Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal has signed the 2025 appropriation bill of 546 billion naira into law.

The Governor shortly after the signing the Budget at Government Gusau, reaffirming his government determination to completing ongoing projects and advancing its Rescue Agenda.  

Dr Dauda Lawal revealed that, the budget which is titled Rescue Budget 2.0 was designed to address critical areas such as security, education, health, infrastructure, and agriculture. 

He assured full implementation of the budget for the benefit of the entire people of Zamfara State.

Dr Dauda Lawal reiterated his administration's resolve to implement policies that would uplift the state's economy, improve public services, and provide a foundation for sustainable development.  

He commended the Speaker of Zamfara State House of Assembly and other members for their good working relationship for the overall development of Zamfara State.

Dr Lawal has also signed two Executive Orders aimed at improving the lives of the people and prosperity of the state. 

The Executive orders are for Land Acquisition and Usage while the other one has to do with telecommunications operating in the state.

The Governor signed the Budget in the Presents of majority of his cabinets members, members of the state House of Assembly among other dignitaries.

dRPC supports ECCD Schools in Kano and Jigawa with Millions worth of learning and play materials.

The development Research and Projects Centre (dRPC), a local NGO has distributed learning and play materials worth over 3 million naira to 23 young female proprietors of community-based

Early Childhood Care and Development ECCD schools in Kano and Jigawa states.

The dRPC’s Gender Officer, Hajiya Aisha Bello, disclosed this during a one-day  workshop titled - Supporting Community ECCD Innovations and Distribution of Replenishment Packs at the Kano State Public Library. 

Hajiya Aisha Bello said the gesture was part of continuing support for young female secondary school graduates to set up and run community-based ECCD Centres. 

According to her, the dRPC’s young female school leavers, ECCD Centre support project, was first rolled out in the 1990s with funding from the Bernard Van Leer Foundation and scaled up in 2016 under the MacArthur Foundation’s PSIPSE program.

She noted that, the major highlights of the workshop was the findings of the dRPC’s recent survey on centre-supported community-based ECCD Centres in Kano and Jigawa States.

"The Survey findings which was presented by Hajiya Aisha Bello identified the key challenges as more than 70% for parents of children in community ECCD schools were found to be falling behind on payment of school fees"

It says 80% of owners of community ECCD schools reported that, they were unable to replenish materials, especially play materials, used up by children over the 2024 academic year. 

According to her, the survey revealed that while the young female school proprietors increased school fees from modest sums of 3,000 to 7,500 per term, only 30% of parents paid fees regularly and on time.

She maintained that, Low levels of payment have reduced the capacity of proprietors to renew and replenish play and learning materials for children in community ECCD centres. 

"Despite these challenges, the survey also found a 38.6% increase in pupil enrolment in 2024 compared to 2023 for both Kano and Jigawa states"

To address increasing class sizes and growing enrolment rates, proprietors in both states were forced to recruit more caregivers from local communities. 

"This led to as many as 37.3%, more caregivers being recruited in 2024 compared to 2023 and to a ratio of 1 caregiver to 15 children"

"Despite these challenges, the survey showed that the young female proprietors maintained a strong commitment to continuing to run community ECCD schools"

According to her, all the 23 proprietors,  expressed determination to keep children engaged in education rather than leaving them vulnerable to roaming the streets. 

"Government officials present at the workshop included Mallam Ibrahim Nakudu, the ECCD Coordinator of the Jigawa State Universal Basic Education Board; Alhaji Bashir Baffa, the Permanent Secretary of the Kano Ministry of Education; and several other education officials from both states"

"UNICEF, other development partners, and the Kano State Education Outreach Manager of Ubongo International were also present"

"The workshop ended with the dRPC awarding the 23 young female proprietors with replenishment packs consisting of learning and play materials, sanitation items, and the distribution of non-android phones to facilitate mentoring"

The dRPC is a non-profit organisation committed to strengthening partnerships to support innovative development impact initiatives of civil society organisations and local actors.

Senator Yari constructs new mosque for Zamfara Community.

The Senator representing Zamfara West Senatorial District, Senator Abdul'azeez Yari Abubakar has constructed a befitting Jumu’at Mosque in Dada village of Garbadu District of Talata Mafara Local Government area of the state.

The befitting Mosque was officially launched on Friday for the Dada community by Senator Abdulaziz Yari Abubakar, Marafan Sokoto.

Senator Yari represented by the former Chairman of Talata Mafara local government, Alhaji Dahiru Maiyara Garbadu, urged the people of the Dada Community to make good use of the mosque not only for praying but also to make it as a learning centre.

The first Jumu’at prayer was led by the former commissioner for Religious Affairs, Dr. Abdullahi Mahrazu, at Dada village in the state.

In his sermon, Dr Maharazu commended the effort of Senator Abdulaziz Yari for building the wonderful mosque, which he described as world-class.

He called on well-to-do individuals and politicians to emulate Senator Yari in such generous activities to the community.

Residents of Dada Community and environs have expressed their unquantifiable appreciation to Senator Yari and further prayed to Allah to reward him abundantly.

SCDGG appeals to President Tinubu to revert his recent appointment of Yazid Shehu Danfulani as Executive Secretary Solid Minerals Development Fund SMDF.

A Non Governmental Organization NGO Society For Continuum of Democracy and Good Governance (SCDGG), has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to revert his decision on the recent appointment of Yazid Shehu Danfulani as Executive Secretary Solid Minerals Development Fund SMDF.

The National Coordinator of the Organisation, Comrade Ibrahim Sahabi made the plea during a press conference in Zamfara State.

Comrade Sahabi said the tenure position of Fatima Shinkafi as Executive Secretary SMDF has already been elapsed, hence the need for for her step down for another person.

He stated that Yazid Danfulani recent appointment as SMDF supposed to be reverted considering his track records in Zamfara and the nation in general.

Comrade Sahabi alleged that, Fatima Shinkafi, the current Executive Secretary SMDF served two terms without much impact to her immediate Society Zamfara which he said it was counterproductive and against the principles of the All Progressive Congress (APC) and President Bola Tinubu renew hope agenda.

He maintained that Fatima Shinkafi had never contributed to the success of APC as a party, stressing that “even during the last election, instead of actively mobilizing voters to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, she was nowhere to be found during the electioneering period,”.

According to National Coordinator SCDGG, extension of Fatima Shinka’s tenure was based on misinformation given to both Minister of Solid Minerals and the President which made them to believed that, she had only served single term, thereby qualifying her for another term.

He said Yazid Danfulani’s experience in the financial sector has equipped him with the expertise to drive economic growth and development in Nigeria especially Solid Minerals Development Agency that need economic and financial expert to drive it.

“Throughout his career, he has consistently demonstrated his passion for the development of Zamfara state and Nigeria as a whole. His contributions to our state’s growth and development are immeasurable, and we are proud to call him our own"

The Coordinator of the organisation urged all citizens of Zamfara state to join hand in supporting this exceptional individual. 

"Let us rally behind him as he continues to serve our state and nation with dedication, passion, and commitment,”.