Kaduna Church’s Annual Ramadan Aid: Over 1,000 Muslims Receive Food Donations to Strengthen Peace and Tolerance.

The Church of Christ Evangelical and Life Intercessory Ministry, Sabon Tasha, in the Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State, on Friday morning, distributed food items to over 1,000 underprivileged Muslims and Islamic schools in preparation for the 30-day Ramadan fasting period. The distribution aimed to foster peace and unity in the community.

Among the food items distributed, mostly to Almajiri, beggars, and members of the Association of Persons with Disabilities at the Kano Road Central Mosque in Kaduna, were bags of maize, millet, plastic kettles, and prayer mats.

Pastor Dr. Yohanna Buru, General Overseer of the church, spoke to newsmen after the distribution. He explained that the church has consistently targeted over 1,000 underprivileged Muslims and Tsangaya Islamic schools across northern Nigeria for food assistance during Ramadan. The goal is to provide foodstuffs and grains to be used throughout the 30-day fasting and prayer period.

The pastor emphasized that the distribution aimed to alleviate the effects of the naira redesign, fuel scarcity, and rising food prices on the underprivileged in society. Additionally, he noted that the gesture was intended to strengthen peaceful coexistence and religious tolerance among residents in the region.

“We are also reciprocating the kindness of Hajiya Ramatu Tijjani, a Muslim woman who regularly donates rice, cash, and new clothes for the church's widows and orphans during Christmas, New Year, and Easter celebrations,” he added.

According to Pastor Buru, the church has been distributing rice, maize, and other food items to poor Muslims in five northern states for the past 19 years, enabling them to participate fully in the 30-day fasting and prayers of Ramadan. This year, the church also included mats and plastic kettles, encouraging recipients to pray at home for an end to the rising challenges of insecurity, high inflation, and other issues affecting peace and stability in the country.

Additionally, the church has supported Muslim prisoners, helping those jailed for minor offenses to spend Ramadan at home with their families.

“We are targeting over 1,000 poor Muslims this year and have purchased 30 bags of maize and millet to distribute, starting today,” Pastor Buru shared.

He appealed to well-meaning individuals to support the less privileged and called on traders to refrain from arbitrarily raising food prices during Ramadan. The pastor further revealed that he had mobilized 30 volunteer pastors and imams for a 7-day campaign with market traders to reduce food prices.

“As Muslims worldwide begin their 30-day fasting and prayers tomorrow, we wish them a happy Ramadan Kareem in advance,” he added.

Receiving the items, Mallam Hassan Lawal, a leader of the Association of Persons Living with Disabilities in the state, expressed gratitude for the church’s ongoing support. He noted that for the past 19 years, the church has consistently provided foodstuffs and other items to the association for use during Ramadan.

He appealed to wealthy Muslims to support the less privileged with foodstuffs to allow them to stay at home and pray for the nation.

“We truly appreciate our Christian brothers and sisters because the help they provide comes at a time of great need, when no one else seems to be concerned about us,” he added.

Similarly, Mallam Tukur Zubairu, the Kaduna State leader of the Blind Persons Association, acknowledged the church’s long-standing support for Muslims during Ramadan.

On behalf of his school, Imam Ibrahim Musa, a leader of Tsangaya Islamic schools in Kaduna, thanked the church for its continuous assistance with food grains, which are used by the school during the 30 days of fasting and prayer.

Imam Ibrahim Musa expressed his gratitude to the church for remembering the Muslims and the school during this important time.

Zamfara Zakkat Board Supports 6,000 Orphans and Vulnerable Individuals with Ramadan and Sallah Welfare Packages.

The Zakkat Collection, Distribution, and Endowment Board in Zamfara State has provided support to 6,000 orphans and vulnerable individuals through a Ramadan and Sallah welfare package.

The Executive Secretary of the Board, Alhaji Habibu Dahiru Muhammadu, made the announcement during the flag-off ceremony for the distribution of the package in the Central Zone of the state.

Alhaji Habibu Muhammad explained that the package includes a 10kg bag of rice, financial assistance of 20,000 naira, and a piece of clothing. 

According to him, the assistance is being distributed across the 19 Emirates of the state, benefiting a total of 6,000 vulnerable individuals.

He noted that the distribution in the Western and Northern zones of the state had already been completed.

Alhaji Habibu Muhammad further revealed that the current flag-off was for the Central Zone, which includes Gusau, Tsafe, Bungudu, Maru, Kwatarkwashi, Dan Sadau, and Birnin Yan Donto Emirates.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the Zakkat Collection, Distribution, and Endowment Board, Sheikh Ahmad Ibn Umar Kanoma, emphasized that the board is dedicated to supporting every less privileged person in the state in various ways.

Sheikh Ahmad Kanoma appealed to wealthy individuals to contribute their Zakkat to the Board, ensuring it reaches those in need.

He also highlighted the significance of feeding others during Ramadan, stressing that the benefits of such actions cannot be overemphasized.

The Chairman assured that any Zakkat presented to the Board would be distributed directly to those in need.

Also Speaking, the Chairman of Maru Local Government, Alhaji Mohammed Bello Jabaka, underscored the importance of embracing the gesture of supporting the needy, particularly in Zamfara State.

Alhaji Mohammed Jabaka reiterated that giving Zakkat is a duty for those who are able, as instructed by Allah.

He also called on wealthy individuals to adopt the good policies of Governor Dauda Lawal, emphasizing for timely Zakkat distribution for the benefit of the less privileged.

According to Jabaka, Maru Local Government has made adequate arrangements to distribute Ramadan food items such as rice, millet, sugar, and maize, worth over 150 million naira.

Earlier, the Wife of the Zamfara State Governor, Hajiya Huriyya Dauda Lawal, described the event as a true expression of love, generosity, and care for one another.

"Ramadan is a time for reflection, self-discipline, and, most importantly, compassion. It teaches us patience, humility, and gratitude, reminding us that wealth and blessings are gifts from Allah (SWT), entrusted to us to uplift those who are less fortunate," she said.

Hajiya Huriyya added that the initiative was not just an act of charity but a fulfillment of one of Islam's greatest pillars, which is Zakkat.

"Zakkat is not merely about giving; it is about purifying our wealth, fostering unity, and ensuring no member of our society is left behind. It strengthens community bonds and ensures that even the most vulnerable can experience compassion," she explained.

Hajiya Huriyya Dauda Lawal also expressed her appreciation to the Chairman of the Zakkat and Endowment Board, Sheikh Ahmad Bin Umar Kanoma, the Executive Secretary, Malam Habibu Balarabe Muhammad Zawiyya, and the entire staff for their dedication.

"Your commitment to ensuring the Board fulfills its responsibilities is truly commendable. We recognize and appreciate your hard work, and we pray that Allah (SWT) continues to bless and guide you in all your efforts."

"As we embrace the spirit of Ramadan, let us all use this opportunity to practice kindness, generosity, and gratitude—not just during this blessed month but throughout our lives. May we continue to uplift one another and build a Zamfara where no one is left behind."

Zamfara ULAMA Consultative Council Holds Seminar for Islamic Scholars Ahead of Ramadan Tafsir.

The ULAMA Consultative Council in Zamfara State has organized a seminar for Islamic scholars who will be leading Qur'anic Tafsir sessions during the upcoming holy month of Ramadan. 

The event, which held in the state capital, Gusau, brought together renowned clerics, scholars, and religious leaders from various parts of the state.

The seminar focused on preparing the scholars for an effective and insightful interpretation of the Qur’an throughout Ramadan tafsir.

Speaking at the event, the Deputy Governor of Zamfara State, Mani Malam Mumini who acknowledged the contribution of Islamic clerics in Zamfara, advised them to use their Tafsir sessions to promote peaceful coexistence, and ethical behavior in accordance with Islamic principles.

Malam Mumini emphasized that, the seminar served as a significant step in ensuring that, scholars are adequately prepared to guide the Muslim faithful through their spiritual journey and  Qur'anic reflection

He revealed that, Zamfara State government doors are always open to receive advises from scholars to make the state great again.

The Deputy Governor urged them to pray for peace and stability in Zamfara State, as the state government is making giant stride to bring lasting peace and meaningful developments in all parts of the state.

Also Speaking, the Special Adviser to the Zamfara State Governor on Religious Affairs, Malam Mohammed Bello Almufty noted that, the seminar was organised to remind Islamic clericks on the need to convey the message of Allah as it is, without distortion or personal bias.

Malam Almufty also said the seminar would help to enhance mutual understanding among Islamic scholars conducting Tafsir across the 14 local government areas of the state and to educate them on their responsibilities.

He urged the scholars to approach their teachings with humility, present their interpretations with respect, and acknowledge the perspectives of others.

Earlier, the Chairman of the ULAMA Consultative Council in Zamfara State, Sheikh Ahmad Bin Umar Kanoma, who presented a paper on Disputes in Islam, called on Islamic scholars to use kind and unifying words in their tafsir to foster unity among the people.

Sheikh Kanoma advised those conducting Tafsir to have the fear of Allah in their hearts while delivering their sermons, by ensuring that their teachings promote unity and harmony among the people.

Sheikh Umar Kanoma  encouraged the scholars to deliver their Tafsir in a ways that could promote moral values within the community.

Dr. Atiku Shehu Balarabe Zawiyya Gusau described the seminar as a crucial initiative aimed at reminding Islamic scholars of their responsibilities in delivering Tafsir with sincerity.

He emphasized that this would help to strengthen unity among Muslims and contribute to the growth of Islam.

In a remark, Dr Ibrahim Sha'aban,  College of Education Maru, Arabic Department stressed the need for the scholars to avoid personal opinion and focus on telling the gospel truth as contain in Qur'an and Hadiths.  

Dr Sha'aban also appealed to Zamfara State government, to support mosques with Iftar foods as a way of encouraging people to participate fully and listen Words of Allah during Tafsir 

Other key speakers at the event emphasized the necessity for every Scholars to have deep and comprehensive knowledge of the Qur’an, its meanings, and its contextual interpretations before commencing Tafsir.

COV/A D.

Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation announces date for its 11th Annual lecture.

The Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation has announced 24th February 2025 as the date for its 11th Annual Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Lecture. 

The Director Dr. Abubakar Gambo Umar

Director-General made this known in a statement says the event will take place in Bauchi State.

Dr Umar explains that,  annual event commemorates the life and legacy of the late Sir Ahmadu Bello, KBE, Sardauna of Sokoto, and Premier of the defunct Northern Region. The lecture series rotates among the 19 Northern states, with this year's edition held in collaboration with the Bauchi State Government.

The theme of this year's lecture, "Nature's Bounty: Turning Northern Nigeria's Natural Resources into Sustainable Prosperity," is particularly relevant given the current economic challenges facing Nigeria, especially the North. The region is richly endowed with natural resources, including agricultural land, minerals, and water resources. However, despite this abundance, the North continues to grapple with poverty, unemployment, and underdevelopment.

The lecture will explore the opportunities and challenges of harnessing the North's natural resources to drive sustainable economic growth and development. It will also examine the role of government, the private sector, and civil society in promoting sustainable resource management, value addition, and job creation.

According to the Foundation's Director-General, Engr Dr. Abubakar Gambo Umar,

"The North's natural resources hold the key to unlocking its economic potential. However, we must adopt a sustainable and inclusive approach to resource management to ensure that the benefits are shared equitably among all stakeholders."

The event will also feature

Presentation of scholarships to indigent students of Bauchi State in tertiary institutions, The Memorial Lecture, Presentation of awards to deserving Nigerians and Medical Outreach.

He pointed out that, the lecture will be delivered by Dr. Mansur Muhtar (Sarkin Bai Kano), former Vice President of the Islamic Development Bank and current Chairman of the Bank of Industry.

His Excellency Senator George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, will serve as the Special Guest of Honor.

His Excellency Alh. Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, Executive Governor of Gombe State and Chairman of the Northern States Governors' Forum, will chair the occasion.

The Executive Governor of Bauchi State, His Excellency Sen. Bala Mohammed, CON, will be the Chief Host.

Other dignitaries expected to attend include Governors, members of the National and State Assemblies, Ministers, heads of MDAs, statesmen, and other stakeholders.

The event aims to provide a platform for intellectual and practical discussions on how the North can sustainably develop its human and natural resources to drive economic growth and prosperity.

The Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation was established to pursue the legacy of leadership and good governance bequeathed by the late Sir Ahmadu Bello. 

The Foundation's focus is on advancing education, human, and economic development in Northern Nigeria, among others.

Zamfara APC asks police to arrest those involved in attacking it members.

The Zamfara State chapter of the All Progressives Congress APC has implore the police and other security agencies to immediately swing into action by arresting the perpetrators that attacked their members along Gusau - Bungudu road to face the consequences of their actions.

The APC Publicity Secretary in Zamfara State, Malam Yusuf Idris Gusau made the plea in a statement says the party has strongly condemned action of the thugs.

According to him such attacks might henceforth forced them to defend themselves against anyone or group that charges against any of their members or property.

Malam Yusuf warned all those who have made it traditional to attacking its members or property especially when the party is organizing or carrying out an activity in the state.

The warning was coming on the heels of suspected PDP thugs along with their Yansakai, attacked attendees of the grand finale of the official commissioning of Constituency projects executed by the House of Representatives member representing Maru/Bungudu in the National Assembly, Abdulmalik Zubairu Bungudu for the benefit of his constituents and the state in general.

The party publicity secretary lamented that, the criminals openly and strategically stationed themselves along Gusau/Bungudu road to perpetrate the attack which led to the destruction of many vehicles and wounded the occupants simply because they are APC members.

He said the warning has become pertinent as the police in the state seem to have abandoned them to their fate, for not paying attention to their several complaints.

Malam Yusuf explained that, the party has officially written three petitions to the police over such attacks, giving them the impression that the state Police Command is complicit in the matter.

Malam Yusuf Idris Gusau urged the members to remain patient as the party will ensure justice is done to all those attacked and those who sustained injuries or had their properties destroyed.

Budget Performance: stop reporting fake news, Zamfara Gov't tackled Sahara reporters.

The Zamfara State Government has cautioned Sahara Reporters regarding to spreading misinformation on security spendings of the state in its online flatform.

Sahara Reporters has published a story on Friday with the headline ‘Amid Insecurity, Zamfara Govt Spends N30Million On Internal Security, N3.6Billion On International Travels In 2024’.

A statement by the spokesperson of the Zamfara Governor, Sulaiman Bala Idris, described the report by Sahara Reporters as misinformation peddled to mislead the gullible.

The statement noted that the story revealed Sahara Reporters’ shortcomings in two ways: lack of diligence in reviewing the budget document or their usual style of yellow journalism.

“Our attention has been drawn to a fake story reported by an online platform, Sahara Reporters, saying that the Zamfara State Government spent N30 million on internal security in 2024.

“The story does not only lack substance, but an intentional misinformation intended to mislead the public.

“Our budget performance is up to date on the official website of the Zamfara State Government, www.zamfara.gov.ng, so the public can read and get the correct information instead of the misinformation cherry-picked by the online platform.

“The spending on security is in many folds. We have the Ministry of Internal Security and the Office of the Secretary of the State Government, which handles the security vote.

“The Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs with 012400000000 as economic code on the budget performance document.

“Page 31 of the same document highlighted that the Ministry of Internal Security has spent N1,011,695,854.50, achieving a 104% performance in 2024.

“Sahara Reporters' laziness blocked the online platform from paying attention to page 41 under ‘other services general.’ We spent 1,267,716,000.00 on Security Services, which is 80% performance.

“On the same page 41, Security Votes were captured with a total spending of N12,519,494,459.00, which is a 72% performance.

“In 2024, the Zamfara State Government has spent N500 million to acquire security equipment for operations. This information is included in the same document shared by Sahara Reporters, which the platform opted to ignore.

“Furthermore, the total personnel expenditure of the internal security ministry is N207,947,374. 

“It is both a serious concern and laughable to observe how Sahara Reporters has chosen to demean itself by referring to the N30 million allocated for administrative classification as the total expenditure of the Ministry of Internal Security. This is a disgrace and an affront to journalism - a noble profession that values factual reporting.

“Thanks to technological advancements, the internet allows you to verify information with much less stress. Of course, this has reduced the yellow journalism market that Sahara Reporters feeds on.

“The only reason we are responding to such sensational journalism is to set the record straight and protect the public from false news from a medium that claims to stand for and by the truth.

“In 2024, the Zamfara State Government has spent N14,352,373,550.10 for security, as detailed in the budget performance document available on our website. 

the newly Controller, Nigeria Correctional Service, Zamfara state command assumes office.

The newly Controller of the Nigeria Correctional Service, Zamfara State Command in person of Musa Tanko has assumed office.

Controller Musa Tanko took over the mantle leadership of the command from Tanko Isah ikoh who was on acting capacity after the retirement of Controller Shehu Ibrahim.

In a statement by the Public Relations officer, Zamfara State Command of the Service, Mustapha Abubakar says the handing and taking over ceremony was done at the Federal Secretariat Complex Gusau.

Controller Musa Tanko while addressing the staff, charged them to be discipline, Punctual, and  dedicated to their duties as well as to shun absenteeism from work.

He said his door remains open for meaningful suggestions from the staff perticulerly the suggestions that will uplifting the service to a greater height.

Controller Musa served in different formations and held various positions in his Career with the Nigerian correctional service.  

"The Newly posted Controller until his present appointment was serving as  Controller incharge of Operations and also Second in Command to the Zonal Coordinator, Zone B Kaduna"

"He holds his first degree in Education and a Master Degree in Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice, all from the prestigious Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria among others.

Earlier, the Acting Controller DCC Tanko Isah Ikoh, thanked all staff for their  hard work and commitment to duties during his short transitional period.

Barrister Surajo Gusau Foundation Empowers 12 Entrepreneurs.

In a bid to boost economic growth and support small businesses, a foundation in Zamfara State has awarded grants totaling N1.2 million to 12 entrepreneurs in Zamfara State.

The foundation's Chairman, Barrister Surajo Garba Gusau, presented the grants to the beneficiaries at a ceremony held in Gusau, the state capital. 

He said each beneficiary received N100,000 to support their businesses which range from agriculture to trade - commerce among others 

Surajo Garba Gusau said the foundation's initiative was to empower entrepreneurs, create jobs, and stimulate economic growth in the state, emphasizing the importance of entrepreneurship in driving economic development and pledged the foundation's continued support.

According to him, other support being provided by the foundation are for Education trust fund, Health care services, youth empowerment, environmental sanitation, social welfare as well as women and children welfare.

"We are committed to supporting people in Zamfara State, we believed that, through empowering them, we can create jobs, stimulate economic growth, and improve the standard of living for our people."

In his presentation, Alaramma Umar Mohammed Gusau reminded the beneficiaries to use the funds wisely and for the intended purpose, emphasising that, charity in Islam is key.

"In Islam, charity is significant and Muslims are encouraged to give to those in need as an act of worship and purification"

"The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasized the significance of charity, saying that it protects one from calamity.

Alaramma Umar Mohammed noted that, Charity is also considered as a means of increasing blessings and barakah in one's wealth.

"Allah promises to replace what is spent in charity with something better"

The beneficiaries expressed gratitude to the foundation for the grant, saying it would go a long way in boosting their businesses and improving their livelihoods.

The initiative was part of the Barrister Surajo Garba Gusau Foundation's efforts to promote economic development and improve the lives of people in Zamfara State.

L-PRESS project vaccinates over 10,000 animals in Zamfara State.

Over 10,000 animals have been vaccinated against anthrax and other infectious diseases affecting animal health across Zamfara State. 

The Coordinator, Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L PRESS) in Zamfara State, Mr Nasiru Mohammed stated this at a two day capacity building training on effective disease surveillance for Veterinarians, para - veterinarians and community animal health workers held in Gusau.

Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project, L-PRESS is an agricultural project aimed at enhancing livestock productivity, resilience and sustainability particularly in rural areas. 

Mr Nasiru Mohammed explained that, vaccination exercise is ongoing across the fourteenth local government area of the state being carried out in collaboration with Zamfara state government.

He stated that, the Project had received over four hundred thousand dose of animals vaccines for the exercise from it National office.

According to Mr Mohammed, the vaccination exercise had been a success since its launch in December last year by the state's Deputy Governor, Mani Malam Mumini, saying that, it was a significant achievement in protecting animal health and preventing the spread of diseases.

He noted that, the exercise would help significantly in reducing animals mortality rate, improve animal productivity and enhance food security as well as to Protect human health.

Mr Mohammed further revealed that, the main objective of organising the capacity building training was to educate the participants on the principles and importance of disease surveillance in maintaining animal health and preventing the spread of infectious diseases.

The Coordinator maintained that, the training was also to equip participants with practical skills in conducting surveillance activities, including data collection, analysis and reporting of such animal cases.

The Coordinator stressed that, early detection is key to controlling outbreaks of any animal disease while accurate data helps them understand disease patterns and make informed decisions.  

Earlier, one of the resources person, Dr Nafiu Lawal of Danfodiyo University Sokoto, expressed gratitude with the way the participants conducted themselves and asked relevant questions.

"The responses we have gotten sofar shows that, what we have trained them on and they have benefited immensely. 

Some of the participants who spoke with Radio Nigeria at the end of the training, said the training has equipped them with latest knowledge and best practices, enabling them to perform their duties effectively. 

They commended the L-PRESS projects for organizing the training, which has broadened their understanding of the current realities in their field.

More than one hundred Animal health workers attended the two day training.

The L-PRESS project is expected to contribute to the development of the livestock sector in Nigeria, improving the lives of livestock farmers, pastoral lists, and their communities.

NYSC DG urges Corps members to always be security conscious.

The Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps NYSC, Brigadier General Yushau Ahmed has urged Corps members across the country to always be security conscious and avoid unnecessary travelling for their safety.

He stated stated this while addressing the 2024 Batch C, Stream II Corp members, at the ongoing orientation course in Gusau the Zamfara state Capital.

The NYSC Director General, who was on his routine camps tour to Zamfara state, expressed satisfaction over the security arrangement and other activities in the orientation camp.

Brigadier Ahmad emphasised that, the safety and well-being of corp members remain a top priority for the organisation.

He assured the corps members that they will only be posted to safe communities.

"The security arrangement is very okay, because army, police, DSS, Civil Defense are all here and you can see all hands are on deck. I have asses the camp and is okay"

"We have given them pamphlet on security matter and equally sent it online for them to read it on their security"

He also encouraged them to learn at least two skills in order to become self reliant after service year.

"The main focus of the SAED was to ensure that after service, they became employers of labour, as people no longer relied on the government white-collar job"

According to him, the NYSC would continue to do everything possible to guarantee the welfare of the Corp members, stressing that, Federal government has recently approved increased for the allowances of Corpers.

"Federal Government, has approved an increase in the monthly allowance of Corps members from N33,000 to N77,000, what we are waiting is the just implementation and we are hopeful any moment from now, the federal government will start the payment. 

In a remark, the Coordinator of NYSC in Zamfara State, Malam Mohammed Lawan commended the Director-General of the NYSC on his leadership, guidance and  the release of necessary resources to ensure the smooth resumption of the orientation programme in Zamfara State which commenced with the successful conduct of the last orientation course.

Malam Lawan revealed that, 573 Corps Members have been registered for the orientation course and they have quickly adapted to their new environment and were responding positively to all camp activities and instructions.

"As a matter of fact, they have been well behaved and generally follow all the camp rules and regulations. In the same vein there is high level of cooperation, synergy and teamwork among the camp officials"

"I am also glad to inform you, that we are enjoying a good rapport from the Zamfara State government and other critical stakeholders. The Governor personally attended the swearing: in programme held on Friday 24/01/2025"I

In line with the policy of the NYSC DG, the Coordinator pointed out that, they are determined to continue their robust engagement with all necessary stakeholders to ensure that, the welfare and security of all Corps Members in Zamfara State are given premium attention.

Highlights of the event, including inspection of cutter guards, displayed of cultural dance by some corp members among others