Principal Staffs for Tsafe Federal Health University to be appointed soon - Bilbis.

The Senator representing Zamfara Central, Senator Ikra Aliyu Bilbis, has disclosed that the appointment of principal officers for the newly established Federal University of Health Sciences and Technology, Tsafe, is currently underway to ensure a smooth take-off of academic activities.

He made this known while addressing journalists in Gusau, reaffirming his commitment to the successful establishment of the university, a project he has championed in the Senate.

Senator Bilbis expressed optimism that the appointments would be made in the near future.

Senator Bilbis explained that the principal officers are the Vice Chancellor, Registrar, Bursar, and University Librarianwill be appointed by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria through the Federal Ministry of Education.

According to the Senator, Governor Dauda Lawal has already handed over the official documents of the permanent site of the College of Health Sciences and Technology, Tsafe, which will serve as the take-off site for the new university.

He further revealed that officials from the Federal Ministry of Education are expected to conduct an on-the-spot assessment of the site to evaluate existing facilities.

Senator Ikra Aliyu, Bilbis assured that once the university’s management staff are appointed, full academic operations will commence without delay.

He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the establishment of the institution, which aims to provide highly trained manpower in the health sector across the country.

The Senator also lauded Governor Dauda Lawal for creating a conducive environment for the university’s take-off, and for offering the necessary support and encouragement to ensure its smooth establishment.

Why I Honoured Governor Dauda’s Invitation — APC’s Chieftain in Zamfara Abdullahi Shinkafi.

A prominent chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Zamfara State, Dr. Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi, has clarified the reasons behind his decision to honour an invitation from the state governor, Dauda Lawal of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), to attend a recent project commissioning ceremony.

Addressing journalists in Gusau, the state capital, Dr. Shinkafi said his attendance was driven by a strong sense of patriotism and a desire to place the state’s development above partisan politics.

Dr Shinkafi clarified that his presence at the event should not be misinterpreted as a defection or shift in party loyalty but rather a demonstration of unity in the face of progress.

“I am still a bona fide member of the APC and will remain in the party. Let us set politics aside and put Zamfara first,” he stated.

“As a prominent APC member, I want to set the record straight. I attended Governor Dauda Lawal’s invitation to witness the commissioning of development projects, alongside other respected personalities such as former President Olusegun Obasanjo, former Governor Mamuda Aliyu Shinkafi, and former Nigerian Ambassador to the UAE, Abubakar Chika Shehu Bungudu, among others,” he explained.

Dr. Shinkafi urged politicians in Zamfara to put aside partisan differences and work collectively towards the development of the state.

He also commended Governor Lawal for his performance in key sectors including education, infrastructure, and general project execution"

"Under Governor Dauda Lawal, I have seen real transformation. He has changed the narrative in Zamfara with visible developments across the state,” Shinkafi said.

He further remarked that if Governor Lawal continues with the same pace and quality of development projects, the opposition may have little chance in the 2027 elections.

“If this continues, no one will match him in 2027. The opposition will only be wasting their time,” he added.

Dr. Abdullahi Shinkafi also accused the previous administrations for awarding phantom contracts and mismanaging public funds.

“I’m not a sycophant. I’m only speaking based on what I have seen,” he said.

He thanked Governor Dauda Lawal for the invitation and reaffirmed his commitment to the APC, urging all political actors in the state to remain focused and allow the governor to discharge his duties without unnecessary distractions.

Zamfara Govt Approves Resumption of Monthly Allowances for 5,080 Imams and Ladans.

Zamfara State Executive Council Meeting has approved the resumption payment of monthly allowances for 5,080 imams and Ladans ( Muezzins) across the state.

In a statement issued by the State Commissioner for information, Mahmud Mohammed Dantawasa said the allowances, which had previously been suspended would not only resume but with improved provisions, starting from May 2025.

He explained that, the move reflects the government’s continuous support for religious institutions and leaders, recognizing their vital role in promoting peace and unity.

"The Zamfara State Executive Council, under the leadership of His Excellency Governor Dr. Dauda Lawal, convened its 11th Council Meeting for the year 2025, where critical decisions were made to improve governance, security, social welfare, and agricultural productivity across the state"

Mahmud Dantawasa also stated that, the Council had approved ₦696 million for the full furnishing of the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, including selected offices within the JB Yahaya Secretariat. 

He maintained that, the investment would enhance administrative efficiency and service delivery, particularly in areas concerning women and vulnerable groups.

In the area of health, the Commissioner also disclosed that, within a 10-week period, a total of 712 PHCs were assessed, out of which 581 centers underwent full evaluation. 

According to him, the assessment aims was  to improve healthcare access and quality, especially in rural communities.

Mahmud Dantawasa maintained that, 

In preparation for the 2025 wet season, the government has increased its fertilizer allocation by an additional 10 trucks, raising the total from 50 to 188 trucks. 

"This proactive move is intended to support farmers and boost food security across the state"

The Council also strongly advised farmers not to plant tall crops such as millet and sorghum within 500 meters of major roads. This measure is critical to prevent bandits from using dense crops as cover to stage ambushes on highways. 

The government calls for community cooperation in adhering to this safety guideline to protect lives and property.

Mahmud Dantawasa reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to transparency, accountability, and the welfare of all Zamfara residents. 

He called on the media, traditional institutions, and citizens to remain supportive of the government’s Rescue Mission and play active roles in sustaining peace and development across the state.

PWAN Expresses Deep Concern Over Escalating Insecurity in Benue State, calls for urgent action by all stakeholders.

The Rule of Law and Empowerment Initiative, also known as Partners West Africa Nigeria (PWAN), has expressed deep concern over the deteriorating security situation in Benue State, where repeated violent attacks on communities have resulted in mass displacement, loss of lives, and widespread destruction of property.

In s statement issued by the Executive Director Partners West Africa Nigeria, Mrs Kemi Okenyodo says the attacks largely attributed to armed criminal elements and have become alarmingly with minimal visible deterrence.

PWAN described the persistent failure to protect lives and prevent the atrocities as a clear breakdown of preventive and responsive mechanisms at the local, state, and federal levels.

It calls for urgent coordinated and proactive security deployment, enhanced intelligence gathering, and strengthened civilian oversight.

The group emphasized that political leaders must demonstrate the will to act decisively, allocate resources effectively, and enforce institutional accountability.

 "Anything less," PWAN warned, "will only entrench a culture of impunity and further erode public trust in governance and the rule of law."

The statement notes that, PWAN is particularly alarmed by the devastating impact of the attacks on women, children, and the elderly.

It maintains that, the displacement has left thousands vulnerable to hunger, exposure, and violence, with women and girls facing increased risks of gender-based violence, including sexual exploitation and abuse.

Children have been cut off from education and healthcare, while many elderly persons often unable to flee—have been left behind during attacks.

The violence has also severely impacted food security in Benue and beyond as Nigeria’s "Food Basket," 

"Benue plays a vital role in national agricultural production. The destruction of farms, displacement of farmers, and loss of livestock have significantly reduced food availability, worsening the hunger crisis and threatening regional food systems"

PWAN therefore calls on the Federal Government to urgently deploy coordinated security operations to protect civilians and restore order.

It also urges the Benue State Government to strengthen its humanitarian response, particularly in supporting women, children, and displaced populations.

Furthermore, security agencies must act swiftly to prevent the illegal occupation of abandoned lands by individuals suspected of links to the violence.

PWAN also appeals to the National Assembly to fulfill its legislative oversight responsibilities and to promote policies that address land-based conflicts, the proliferation of armed groups, and climate-induced displacement.

“Benue State must not be allowed to slide into protracted insecurity and neglect. 

The situation demands urgent, sustained, and inclusive action that prioritizes human dignity, civilian protection, and long-term peacebuilding,” the statement concluded.

Partners West Africa – Nigeria (PWAN) stands in solidarity with the people of Benue and remains committed to supporting rights-based, gender-responsive, and community-led approaches to national security and social justice.

GBV: Shari’a Court Judges in Kano and Kaduna States meet to ease access to justice for survivors.

Over 50 Shari’a Court Judges from Kano and Kaduna met in Kaduna to deliberate a new practice direction aimed at easing the administration of justice as part of efforts to fight the growing cases of gender-based violence in the two states.

The Ford Foundation supported the one-day Joint Session with Shari’a Judges from Kaduna and Kano States on the Islamic Perspective on Preventing Gender-Based Violence, 

The event was organised by the development Research and Projects Centre (dRPC) in collaboration with the Centre for Islamic Civilisation and Interfaith Dialogue, Bayero University, Kano (CICID) and supported by Ford Foundation.

Speaking at the event, the Acting Grand Khadi of Kano State, Khadi Mukhtar Muhammad Kunti, revealed that the event was organised to educate Shari’a Judges on new measures and rules introduced to reduce the burden of witnesses on survivors.

He disclosed that, the new practice direction gazetted on February 25, 2025, is aimed at enriching the existing laws in the state civil procedures rules that ease the adjudication of cases of GBV. 

According to him, the new law provided an alternative to abuses that occur at homes or where there are no witnesses.

Khadi Kunti pointed out that, the new law applies to all Upper and Shari’a Courts in the state and all civil cases. 

He also urged the Kano state government to join the 35 other states in the federation in domesticating and implementing the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Law to reduce the growing cases of gender-based violence in the state.

In her presentation at the event,  the Commissioner of Women Affairs, Children, and Disabled, Hajiya Amina Abdullahi Sani, represented by the Director, Planning, Alh Yakubu Muhammad, challenges Shari’a Judges in the two states to confront the menace of GBV that is increasingly becoming a grave violation of the human rights of survivors in the states.

‘This joint session is a collective testimony to our responsibilities to foster an environment where every woman and child can feel safe, respected, and protected in the states she said

She urged the Shari’a Court Judges to always be guided by compassion, integrity, and a unified purpose to influence change and advocate for justice in the two states.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Human Services in Kaduna State, Hajiya Rabi Salisu, disclosed that several interventions were introduced in the state to prevent cases of gender-based violence in the state, adding that adequate measures are provided to cater for the needs of survivors.

The Kaduna State Coordinator at the National Human Rights Commission,Dr Terngu Gwar,  disclosed that his commission is working hard with all stakeholders in the state to prevent cases of GBV and to provide justice for victims of violence.

He called on the judiciary to improve access to justice and deliberate on mechanisms to protect survivors in their states.

Ealier, the Director of Partnerships and Communication at the Development Research and Projects Centre, Hassan Aliyu Karofi, stressed that, the centre's determination, with support from the Ford Foundation, to sustain efforts to engage stakeholders in the judiciary to strengthen the administration of justice and prevent cases of gender-based violence in Kano and Kaduna States

Zamfara First Lady Donates Sallah Packages to Thousands of Women Across the State.

As part of efforts to support the less privileged, the First Lady of Zamfara State, Hajiya Huriyya Dauda Lawal, has distributed Sallah packages to thousands of women across the state in celebration of the forthcoming Eid-el-Kabir festival.

The items were presented on her behalf in Gusau by Larai Musa Lawal and Hajiya Hussana Sani Muhammad, who explained that the gesture aims to ease the financial burden on women during the festive period and enable them to celebrate with joy and dignity.

She noted that the initiative aligns with the priorities of the current administration, led by Governor Dauda Lawal, which is committed to improving the welfare of the less privileged, particularly at the grassroots level.

“We are distributing cows, rams, foodstuffs, and cash to beneficiaries selected from all fourteen local government areas of Zamfara State,” they announced.

The First Lady urged the people of Zamfara to use the Sallah period to pray for peace and seek divine intervention in addressing the security challenges facing the state and the country at large.

She emphasized that, the PDP-led administration under Governor Dauda Lawal has consistently placed women's empowerment at the heart of its development agenda.

The distribution exercise targeted PDP women politicians, councillors, local government women leaders, female elders, and beneficiaries of the Hajiya Huriyya Dauda Lawal Trust Fund Foundation, among others.

Hajiya Huriyya Dauda Lawal, renowned for her longstanding philanthropic and humanitarian work, continues to lead initiatives that uplift the vulnerable and bring hope to those in need.

She further called on the people of Zamfara to continue supporting Governor Dauda Lawal’s administration as it strives to bring lasting progress and stability to the state.

In her remarks, political associate Hajiya Hadiza Mai H expressed appreciation to the First Lady, describing the support as timely. She also encouraged beneficiaries, especially those in rural communities, to ensure transparency and fairness in the distribution process.

EID-UL-ADHA: Zamfara APC Urges Prayers for Leaders, Nation’s Prosperity

The Zamfara State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has called on citizens to intensify prayers for national prosperity and the success of leaders at all levels as Muslims around the world celebrate Eid-ul-Adha 1446 After Hijra., 

In a goodwill message to mark the occasion, the APC Chairman in the State, Tukur Umar Danfulani, extended warm felicitations to the Muslim Ummah, especially in Zamfara State, on behalf of the State Working Committee, party executives, elders, stakeholders, and supporters.

Danfulani described Eid-ul-Adha as a significant period in Islam, marked by devotion, sacrifice, and a renewed commitment to faith. 

He emphasized the virtues of the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah, encouraging Muslims to remain steadfast in their worship and good deeds.

"I urge us all to remain faithful and prayerful, so that the Almighty Allah may count us among the righteous and generous, now and always. May He accept all our acts of Ibadah and the sacrifices we offer in search of His unending mercy," he said.

The chairman also prayed for the safety and successful spiritual journey of Nigerian pilgrims currently performing the Hajj in the Holy Land of Saudi Arabia.

Tukur Umar Danfulani further urged the people of Zamfara and Nigerians in general to use the festive period to pray for lasting peace and stability in the state and across the country.

In a statement by the APC Publicity Secret in the state, Yusuf Idris Gusau, the party expressed gratitude to its national leaders, including the Minister of State for Defence,  Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle, and Senator Abdulaziz Yari Abubakar, for their consistent support and commitment to the welfare of the APC and its members in Zamfara State.

EID-EL-KABIR : Minister Matawalle Distributes 3000 Rams to Zamfara APC Members and Senior Citizens.

The Minister of State for Defence and immediate past governor of Zamfara State, Bello Matawalle has distributed 3,000 Rams to APC members in the state to celebrate Eid-El-Kabir  with ease.

The Minister who is also the APC leader in the state flagged off the distribution in Gusau, the state Capital.

In a statement by the APC Publicity Secretary in Zamfara State, Yusuf Idris Gusau said the Minister was represented by the Zamfara State APC Chairman Tukur Umar Danfulani. 

He explained that out of the 3000 Rams, 1400 are to be distributed to the party officials  across the 14 local government areas of the state where each local government will get 100 while the remaining 1600 will be distributed among state party Executives,  Party elders, Youths, Women groups and other senior citizens.

Bello Matawalle added that Ulamas and other groups will also benefit from the gesture throughout the state. 

According to him, the gesture is part of his annual support to his party members in order to appreciate their constant support to the party and to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's renewed hope agenda, which is encouraging. 

He expressed satisfaction with the level of loyalty displayed by APC members in Zamfara saying it is a reflection of the good leadership role and tenets of the party.

He urged members of the party to continue to be law abiding assuring that with the increasing support and members joining the APC, the party will regain its political position in the state. 

Matawalle also described the annual ritual as a very important sacrifice that Allah loves, and for the faithful to earn Allah's mercy and forgiveness. 

He called on the party  beneficiaries to use the Eid-El-Kabir season to pray for peace, unity, and success of Nigeria under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. 

He urged APC members in the state to remain focused and steadfast for the party to ensure  President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's development agenda succeed for the betterment of Zamfara State and Nigeria. 

He added that as leaders of the party, they will continue to support all party members across board.

Matawalle maintained that the support the party is getting at festivities from him and Senator Abdulaziz Yari Abubakar are to ensure the welfare of the party members at all levels. 

Bello Matawalle said Senator Yari also distributed over 300 cows to party members where each ward will got 2 cows across the 147 wards in the state for the Sallah festival.

The distribution ceremony was attended by the APC State Secretary, Hon.  Ibrahim Umar Dangaladima,  Publicity Secretary, Malam Yusuf Idris Gusau, Welfare Secretary, Alh.Bashir Idris Ataka, Special Adviser to Minister Hon. Ibrahim Maigandi Danmalikin Gidan Goga, Former APC Treasuser,  Alh. Babangida Abubakar Anka, APC Youth Leader, Hon Musa Idris Ardo,  Deputy Welfare Secretary,  Alh Shehu J Muhammad,  former Gusau Local government Chairman, Engr Babangida Abdullahi,  Hon.Ibrahim Maaji admin and Assistant Publicity Secretary, Hon.  Junaidu Attahiru Dosara among others. 

Zamfara First Lady Empowers over 1,000 Women as part of Second Year Anniversary Celebration of their administration.

As part of the activities marking the second anniversary of Governor Dauda Lawal’s administration, the First Lady of Zamfara State Hajiya Huriyya Dauda Lawal has launched a significant empowerment initiative aimed at uplifting women across the state.

Speaking at the ceremony, Hajiya Huriyya Dauda Lawal explained that, 1,020 women received start-up packages  in areas such as local juice production, traditional food preparation, and vegetable trading among others.

According to her, aach beneficiary also received a cash grant of ₦20,000 to complement their business endeavors.

Hajiya Huriyya Lawal expressed deep gratitude to Governor Dauda Lawal for his unwavering commitment to women's development, describing the initiative as a reflection of a shared vision for a more inclusive and prosperous Zamfara.

“Today is not just another event,” she said. “It is a reflection of our shared commitment to building a Zamfara where every woman is supported, empowered, and equipped to thrive"

"This program aligns with His Excellency’s six-point agenda, which places a strong emphasis on economic empowerment especially for women, who are the backbone of our communities.”

She urged the beneficiaries to treat the support not merely as a gift, but as a seed to nurture, encouraging them to grow their businesses with a sense of pride and responsibility.

Huriyya Dauda thanked the organizing committee for their tireless efforts and coordination, as well as her family and friends for their support.

The program concluded with prayers for greater progress in the coming year and for the continued success of the administration’s developmental agenda.

“As we look ahead, we pray that His Excellency’s third year in office will be even bigger, better, and filled with greater impact for all citizens of Zamfara State,” she said.

The presence of His Excellency, Governor Dauda Lawal, is significant and warmly acknowledged as a strong show of support for women’s advancement in the state.

In a remark, Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State said in the last two years his administration has implemented various policies and plans to enhance, uplifting and improve the lives of women in Zamfara State.

Dr Lawal explained that, his government had provided interventions to women farmers, artisans and adolescent girls  which are yielding positive results

"As part of other initiative of this administration to empower women, the youths and other vulnerable members of the society the Skills Acquisition Programme was flagged off to ensure they are empowered with different skills"

"Today's programme is part of series of activities embarked upon to lift thousands of women out of poverty to provide succour"

Dr Dauda Lawal urged the beneficiaries of the programme to use the empowerment stater pack judiciously  and not to sell them.

Zamfara State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Aisha Anka applauded wife of the Governor for her bold initiative toward supporting women, children and vulnerable across the state.

The beneficiaries have collected their empowerment support.