Islamic Scholar Commends Kaduna Government on Peace and Unity Efforts.

An Islamic scholar in Kaduna State, Sheikh Usman Mohammed Gwalli, has commended the Kaduna State Government for its commitment to promoting peace, unity, and religious harmony among different faiths and groups in the state.

Sheikh Gwalli made the commendation shortly after visiting the Director-General of the Kaduna State Bureau for Interfaith Tahir Umar Tahir, in his office.

Sheikh Gwalli said the courtesy call was aimed at strengthening the relationship  particularly in fostering peaceful coexistence among citizens.

He explained that during the meeting, they discussed extensively with the DG on issues relating to peacebuilding, interfaith collaboration, and the overall development of the state.

The Islamic scholar expressed readiness to work closely with the Kaduna State Government and the Interfaith Bureau to contribute their quota toward promoting peace, unity, and good conduct among residents.

Sheikh Gwalli noted that the role of religious leaders in shaping the attitude and behavior of citizens cannot be overemphasized, hence the need for constant engagement between government and faith-based organizations.

He also reaffirmed the support of policies and programs of the Kaduna State Government, especially those designed to provide the dividends of democracy and ensure social cohesion.

The visit, according to him, would open a new chapter of collaboration between religious groups and government agencies working to sustain peace in the state.

Stakeholders Validate Guidelines for Alternative Care of Children in Zamfara.

Stakeholders in Zamfara State have reviewed and validated the Guidelines for the Alternative Care of Children in the state.

The two-day review and validation exercise was organised by the National Child Protection Network with the support of SOS Children’s Villages, UNICEF, and the Zamfara State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development held in Gusau, the Zamfara State Capital.

Speaking at the event, Chairperson of the Technical Working Group and Director of Child Development in Zamfara State Ministry of Women Affairs, Hajiya Farida Abdulrazak Tigana, said the review was necessary to strengthen the framework to providing alternative care to vulnerable children in the state.

Hajiya Farida Tagana urged stakeholders to make meaningful contributions by identifying and documenting children whose parents are either deceased, mentally ill, in correctional facilities, or otherwise unable to care for them.

"As many of us are aware, the National Policy on Alternative Care for Children was shared with us since last year, but due to certain challenges, we were unable to domesticate it. However, with the intervention and support of the Child Protection Network, UNICEF, and SOS Children’s Villages who are the facilitators of this meeting we are delighted that this validation exercise has become a reality today"

According to Hajiya Farida, the common goal in the exercise was to guarantee the protection and well being of children who lack parental care or are at risk of losing it.

The Director thanked all the participants for honoring their invitation and for their commitment to supporting the vulnerable children of Zamfara State.

Also speaking, Sheikh Aminu Aliyu Modibbo Gusau called on government and non-governmental organizations to intensify efforts in addressing the plight of street children without parental care.

He further appealed to wealthy individuals in the state to support such children by sponsoring their education, both Islamic and Western.

In their separate remarks, stakeholders emphasized the importance of improving access to healthcare, shelter, education, and other social welfare services for children.

Similarly, Zamfara State Coordinator of the Child Protection Network commended the state government and partners for their commitment to promoting child survival programmes.

Facilitator of the review, Professor Umar Alkali of Maiduguri University, congratulated the stakeholders on the successful validation of the document and appreciated their active contributions during group sessions and presentations.

Participants were drawn from Ministries, Departments and Agencies, religious and traditional institutions, civil society organizations, security agencies, and the media.

Zamfara APC Appreciates Electorate, Dedicates Victory to Citizens of the state.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Zamfara State has expressed appreciation to the people of Kaura Namoda South constituency and party members across the state for their support in the just concluded rerun bye-election for the State House of Assembly.

In a statement issued in Gusau, the State Publicity Secretary of the APC, Yusuf Idris Gusau, described the outcome of the election as a demonstration of the people’s confidence in the party, noting that the APC won with a margin of more than 1,600 votes.

He alleged that, the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) deployed various tactics, including intimidation and attempts to compromise election officials, but said the will of the electorate prevailed.

Yusuf Gusau commended the Federal Government and security agencies for ensuring adequate security during the exercise, which, according to him, helped safeguard lives and property.

He further reassured citizens that the APC would continue to place the interest of the people first in its quest to promote growth and development in the state.

The party also acknowledged the support of the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle, and former Governor, Senator Abdulaziz Yari Abubakar, for their role in maintaining the unity and stability of the APC in Zamfara.

In addition, the party thanked youths, women, religious leaders, and other supporters for their contributions, while urging sustained cooperation ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Rerun Election in Kaura Namoda Records High Turnout Amid Tight Security

The rerun election in five polling units of Kambarawa and Sakajiki Wards in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area of Zamfara State witnessed a large turnout of voters, particularly women.

The exercise, which commenced between 8:30 and 9:00 a.m., was generally peaceful as security agencies provided adequate protection for voters, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials, and election materials.

Our correspondent observed that the process was smooth, with voters orderly joining queues to exercise their franchise. 

Party officials, agents, and other stakeholders were also present at the polling units to monitor the exercise.

Speaking with newsmen at Kambarawa polling unit, the Assistant Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Gumel, deployed to Zamfara to coordinate security for the election, expressed satisfaction with the conduct of both voters and security personnel.

He explained that the presence of senior officers across polling centres boosted confidence and discipline among operatives.

“With the level of deployment, voters should be rest assured of a peaceful atmosphere,” Gumel said.

He further noted that no incidents of violence or hostility had been reported since the commencement of the exercise, while commending journalists for their balanced reporting, which he said helped to prevent misinformation and tension.

However, at Sakajiki Ward, the Chairman of Talata Mafara Local Government, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar Yari of the PDP, alleged that voters were intimidated by bandits operating around the Dan Sadiya axis.

“This unit is just a kilometre away from the hideout of a bandit leader. Our supporters were threatened that if they voted for PDP or any other party apart from APC, they would face action. That is why you see only one party voting here. For us in the PDP, this is not a free and fair election,” he alleged.

He further claimed that despite the heavy security presence, operatives were siding with one party, alleging personal intimidation and urging journalists to interview affected voters.

On his part, a member of the House of Representatives representing Maru/Bungudu Federal Constituency, Dr. Abdulmalik Zubairu Zannan Bungudu of the APC, commended the process while speaking with journalists at Takasu village, Kambarawa Ward.

He described the turnout as impressive and lauded the performance of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), adding that there were no cases of ballot snatching or vandalisation.
“So far, the process has been peaceful and security agencies are on ground,” he said.

Similarly, at the volatile Alko 002 polling unit in Sakajiki Ward, a stalwart of the APC, Alhaji Sha’ayau S. Pawa, commended both INEC and security agencies for what he described as a “wonderful job.”

As of the time of filing this report, voting was still ongoing peacefully, with collation of results expected at designated centres.

Security personnel deployed for the rerun election included the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), while the military was stationed at a distance for possible intervention if required.

Non-state security actors were not allowed within the election premises.

Zamfara By-Election: Lawmaker, others Praise Orderly Conduct, Security Arrangements.

The Member, House of Representative Member, Representing Bungudu/Maru Federal Constituency in Zamfara State, Abdulmalik Zubairu Zannan Bungudu have commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies for a peaceful conduct of supplementary election in Kaura Namoda South State Assembly Constituency in Zamfara state.

The INEC had fixed today, Thursday, August 21, for the rerun polls in the five polling units of Sakajiki and Kyambarawa wards of Kaura Namoda Local governments following the cancellation of over 3,000 votes during the last Saturday's bye-election in the area.

The election materials and INEC staff arrived the poling units in the early hours of Saturday between 8:00am and 9:00 am.

The election also records large turnout of voters with adequate security arrangements in all the Five poling units.

Zanna also a leader of APC delegation team at Takasu polling unit described the conduct of the election as credible and peaceful.

Zubairu noted that the election had started in an orderly and peaceful manner.

"As you can see our voters have been on the queue since morning in an orderly manner conducting their votes without any problem.

"I want commend INEC staff and management for taking their responsibilities with high level of seriousness.

"I want also commend security agencies for massive deployment of their personnel to ensure the election conducted  peacefully", he explained.

Zannah also commended voters for active participation, saying that it has indicated a trust of the electorates to the democracy.

Also speaking, one of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) delegates in Kasuwar-Daji poling units, Muhammad Sanusi commended arrangement of the supplementary election by the INEC.

Sanusi urged security agencies to ensure presence of their personnel up to the end of the exercise.

He described voter's turn out for the election as a sign of improvement of voters awareness to the democracy.

Also speaking, Rep, Sulaiman Abubakar Gummi said, the election was free, fair and credible.

"We want to thank the INEC for making the election so credible which led active participation of voters".

Gummi representing Gummi/Bukkuyum Federal Constituency in the state expressed confidence that the election will end peacefully.

"We are expecting large number of voters and you can see they are still coming in large number to exercise their constitutional rights.

Alhaii Shaaya'u Sarkinfawa, Zonal Coordinator Senator Abdul'aziz Yari constituency office, predicted victory for the All Progressive Congress (APC) at the end of the election.

Sarkinfawa who spoke with journalists in Sakajiki community commended large turn of voters and their peaceful conduct during the exercise.

"You know earlier, in the last Saturday's bye-election, the APC recorded tremendous success, despite the cancellation of these poling even now our people are still willing to vote for our party", he said 

Addressing newsmen in Kasuwar-Daji community, the Assistant Inspector of Police deployed to the state for the rerun election, Muhammad Gumel said the Nigerian Police Force ensured deployment of large number of other security personnel.

According to the AIG, the police will perform their duty professionally during the elections.

Gumel, said the police, in collaboration with sister security agencies, are monitoring the elections in the Five polling units to ensure the safety of the electorates.

"We urged our personnel and officers to avoid any unholy act and work together to ensure the election succeeded in a peaceful manner," he added.

Troops of security personnel deployed for the election at the polling units comprised the Nigerian Police, Department of State Security Services (DSS), Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the Federal Road Safety among others.

Zamfara APC Raises Alarm Over Alleged meeting with INEC REC, PDP, Govt to manipulate rerun election in Kaura Namoda.

INEC REC dismisses the allegations as untrue.

Zamfara Govt Denies APC Allegations, provide evidence of the meeting.

The Zamfara State chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC, has raised alarm over an alleged plot by the Independent National Electoral Commission’s Resident Electoral Commissioner in collaboration with the state government and the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to manipulate the forthcoming rerun election in Kaura Namoda South Constituency.

In a statement issued in Gusau, the APC Publicity Secretary, Yusuf Idris Gusau, alleged that a secret meeting was held at the Government House on Tuesday, which lasted into the early hours of the day, between the Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, the state government, and the PDP.

"The Zamfara State chapter of the All Progressives Congress APC has received credible information from the state government house of a nocturnal meeting carried out last night till around 3am of today, Tuesday (19/8/2025) between the INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner on the one hand and the state government and PDP on the other"

According to him, three major issues discussed at the meeting have become a source of serious concern to the APC and the electorate.

Malam Idris Gusau claimed that, the meeting resolved to conduct the rerun election without the use of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System, BVAS, so as to manipulate the contestable three thousand votes in favour of the PDP, despite the APC leading with over 1,600 votes in the inconclusive poll.

"An impeccable source however revealed that the state government/PDP versus the REC met and decided that they will not use the BVAS machine in the rerun, this is because out of the 3000 contestible votes, they can easily manipulate the figures in favour of the PDP and declare it winner in the election that APC is already leading with over 1600 votes"

He emphasized tha party stand on the use of BVAS during the election 

Gusau further alleged that the meeting agreed that security for the rerun would be coordinated by Government House security personnel, including police and DSS operatives attached to top government officials, which the party believes may compromise the integrity of the process.

The APC spokesperson also alleged that the REC received the sum of 250 million naira to carry out the plot.

"Lastly, we also gathered that the REC received the sum of N250 million to perpetrate this act by compelling his staff against using the BVAS machine"

Yusuf Idris Gusau therefore called on the National Chairman of INEC to remove the Resident Electoral Commissioner from supervising the rerun election and to deploy a neutral official to ensure that the exercise is conducted fairly using BVAS.

He also appealed to the Commissioner of Police, the DSS, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps to ensure their personnel attached to Government House remain at their official duty posts and not be deployed for the rerun.

In his reaction, the Resident Electoral Commissioner in Zamfara State, Dr Mahmud Isah described the rumours being circulated on he collected money to manipulate the election as untrue.

"It is a wicked liar against the me.

So I leave people to Allah.

I have no that record in my history"

"And that I oblige under the law to ensure justice to all and to conduct free, fair and credible election And that's my duty and I assure you I will do that"

"let me repeat again and again, the wicked liar going around against me, I just leave it to Allah. I am here to do my duty.

"Whatever the people are saying about me, it's not true and very untrue"

"I was also in my sleeping place.

I left here yesterday half past eight and I went to bed at 10 o'clock.

I didn't wake up except this morning.

So I'm assuring people of the Zamfara state that I'm here to discharge my duty according to the law and I will do whatever is possible according to the law to make sure that we have done justice for all"

Reacting to the claims, the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Dauda Lawal on Broadcast, Press and Public Affairs, Mustapha Jafaru Kaura, described the APC’s allegations as baseless and lacking evidence.

On the alleged secret meeting between INEC and the state government, the Governor’s aide challenged the APC to provide concrete evidence to support its claims. He stressed that raising allegations without proof amounts to misleading the public.

Jafaru Kaura maintained that, the present administration under Governor Lawal is committed to upholding democratic values, particularly the principle of one man, one vote.

He said the government has always demonstrated seriousness in ensuring sanity in elections and governance.

ZAMFARA BYE-ELECTION: APC APPRECIATES ELECTORATE.

The Zamfara State chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC, has expressed appreciation to the electorate for their resilience during Saturday’s State House of Assembly bye-election in Kaura Namoda South Constituency.

The APC Publicity Secretary in Zamfara State, Yusuf Idris Gusau, stated this in a statement noted that, despite what he described as threats and intimidation, the people of the constituency turned out in large numbers to exercise their franchise.

Yusuf Gusau commended the electorate for remaining focused in what he called a tense and tough electoral process, while also acknowledging the contributions of the party leaders, particularly former Governor Abdulaziz Yari Abubakar and the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Mohammed Matawalle, for their support and encouragement.

"No doubt, the election was tough, tensed, and conducted under very harsh conditions as the government in power used all its illegal machinery to threaten and harass the electorate, yet the people remained focused and resilient" he alleged 

According to him, the bye-election results so far reflect the continued acceptance of the APC by the people, stressing that the outcome indicates dissatisfaction with the present administration in the state.

Mr. Idris said although the election was declared inconclusive by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, the party remains optimistic that the INEC will uphold the people’s mandate.

"Although the agents of manipulation are currently working frantically to overturn the results, which was declared inconclusive, we are confident that the electoral umpire, INEC will not allow itself to be drawn in such mess again"

The APC further called on its members, supporters, and the general public to remain calm as the electoral process continues, assuring that any attempt to subvert the will of the people will be resisted.

The party also appreciated voters in Kyambarawa, Banga, Sakajiki, Kurya, Dan-Isa, and Kagara wards for their turnout despite alleged intimidation.

APPEAL COURT AFFIRMS RETRIEVAL OF OVER 40 GOVERNMENT VEHICLES CARTED AWAY BY FORMER ZAMFARA GOVERNOR MATAWALLE.

The Court of Appeal, Sokoto Division, has upheld the judgment of the Federal High Court, Sokoto, which dismissed the appeal filed by former Zamfara State Governor, Bello Mohammed Matawalle, over the ownership of more than 40 official vehicles taken away after the 2023 general elections.

A statement by the Spokesperson to the Zamfara State Governor, Sulaiman Bala Idris, said the court’s three-man panel, in a unanimous decision delivered by Justice A. M. Talba on 8th August 2025, ruled that the former governor failed to present credible evidence to support his claim of ownership of the vehicles recovered from his residence.

"The Court of Appeal in Appeal No. CS//S/2024 - Bello Muhammed Matawalle vs Nigeria Police & Others held that the decision of the Federal High Court Sokoto division on the right of the Police to investigate allegations of commission of crime was correct" 

The court further affirmed that, the police have the constitutional power to investigate allegations of crime, and that the recovery of the vehicles by security agencies was in line with due process and did not violate the fundamental rights of the former governor.

It could be recalled that in June 2023, acting on a complaint by the Zamfara State Government, police raided the residence of Bello Matawalle and recovered over 40 official vehicles allegedly taken away by him and his cabinet before handing over power on May 29, 2023.

Governor Dauda Lawal had earlier given the former governor and his deputy five working days to return all government vehicles. 

"When the vehicles were not returned, the state government sought and obtained a court order, leading to their recovery by the police"

Bello Matawalle had approached the Federal High Court in Gusau, seeking an order for the vehicles to be returned to him and the enforcement of his right to own property. 

"The case was later transferred to the Federal High Court, Sokoto Division, which in December 2023 dismissed his claims and affirmed that the vehicles remained the property of the Zamfara State Government"

Dissatisfied, Matawalle appealed the judgment. However, the Appeal Court upheld the earlier decision, stating that the process adopted by the state government in retrieving the vehicles was lawful and that the former governor could not use claims of fundamental rights as a shield against investigation and possible prosecution.

APC Raises Alarm Over Alleged Deployment of Armed Thugs in Today’s Bye-Election in Kaura Namoda.

The Zamfara State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has raised alarm over the alleged deployment of armed thugs by the state government to intimidate voters in today’s House of Assembly bye-election in Kaura Namoda Constituency.

The party’s Publicity Secretary in the State, Yusuf Idris Gusau announced this in a statement claimed that, the suspected thugs, allegedly working for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), were seen in Kaura Namoda town and Kasuwar Daji village on Friday night. 

According to him, the men were armed and wearing uniforms of the state Community Protection Guards (CPG), despite a ban by security agencies with a sole motive to threaten and intimidate innocent citizens that will participate in the bye election. 

He stressed that, the development poses a threat to peace and could endanger citizens participating in the election. 

Yusuf Gusau also alleged that, firearms were being stockpiled for possible use in the 2027 general election.

"This also indicates and confirmed APC's alert that the state government is hiding firearms to be used during the 2027 general election"

"Over a year ago, we raised complaint against governor Dauda Lawal, his government and the PDP using guns through their thugs to harass innocent people in the state that at a point some people were killed in the state capital while the trigger happy thugs were part of a motorcade escorting the governor to his residence"

The party said it had formally written to security agencies in the state to investigate the matter and prevent a breakdown of law and order.

The party publicity Secretary urged the National Security Adviser (NSA) to investigate the source of the alleged firearms, seize them, and ensure that those found culpable face the law.

Zamfara APC Raises Alarm Over Alleged Deployment of Outlawed Vigilante Group Ahead of Bye-Election.

The Zamfara State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has expressed concern over alleged noticed move by the state government to deploy the draded outlawed 'yan sakai to Kaura Namoda local government area ahead of Saturday's State House of Assembly bye election in the state. 

In a statement, the APC Publicity Secretary in the state, Yusuf Idris Gusau, alleged that members of the outlawed group had been sighted entering the Government House. 

He claimed that, information gathered indicated, they were being provided with uniforms and firearms associated with the state government’s security watch group.

"Currently, we have seen the entrance of such miscreants into the government house and information gathered from the government house have also revealed that they are being kitted with uniforms and firearms used by members of the state government security watch group"

"This is an alarming situation used by the PDP and state government machinery in their desperate move to forcefully ensure that their candidate is declared winner at the end of the election" he alleged 

The statement described the situation as alarming, alleging that, it was part of a plot by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the state government to influence the election outcome in favour of their candidate, regardless of possible harm to persons or property.

The APC further alleged that the state government and the PDP had earlier attempted to shift the election date, citing insecurity, a move the APC opposed.

According to the statement, the party is concerned about the safety of its members and supporters, particularly in the affected local government area, should the alleged deployment proceed.

The APC called on security agencies to take note of the development and act promptly to prevent any breach of peace during the poll.

It also urged that only recognised and constitutionally empowered security agencies  namely the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC)  be deployed for election duties in the area.

The Zamfara State Government and the PDP have yet to respond to the allegations as of the time of filing this report.

Zamfara Factional Assembly Alleges Governor Dauda Lawal’s Poor Handling of Security, Calls for Federal Government’s Independent Intervention

The factional Zamfara State House of Assembly under the leadership of Bashar Aliyu Gummi has called on the Federal Government to independently coordinate security operations in Zamfara to safeguard the lives and property of residents, in line with Chapter Two of the Constitution.

At Tuesday’s plenary, the members took turns to allege that, bandits have continued to attack many communities across the state, while the Governor and his administration are more focused on his second-term bid and apportioning blame to perceived opponents.

They further alleged that, the Governor has neither paid sympathy visits nor sent government delegations or assistance to affected communities or victims’ families. 

The lawmakers also claimed that the Governor is now planning to visit Banga community in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area recently attacked by bandits because he allegedly needs the area’s support in next weekend’s State Assembly bye-election.

The House has again alleged insensitivity on the part of Governor Dauda Lawal Dare to the security situation in the state.

Moving a motion on the development, Hon. Barrister Bashir Abubakar Masama, member representing Bukkuyum North, commended the Federal Government’s efforts in tackling banditry despite what he alleged to be the State Government’s frustration of security personnel. He said in his constituency alone, four communities Adapka, Zauma, Gwashi, and Mayanchi have suffered repeated attacks.

Supporting the motion, Hon. Bashir Bello Sarkin Zango, representing Bungudu West, alleged that Gidan Bugaje, Zaman Gida, Kukan Nine, and Gidan Dan-Inna have been turned into war zones by criminal gangs, making travel there a life-threatening venture.

Also contributing, the Minority Leader, Hon. Aliyu Ango Kagara of Talata Mafara South, listed Morai, Bobbo, Makera, Jangebe, Gwaram, and Ruwan Gizo as the worst-hit villages in his area.

The lawmakers urged the Federal Government to fully take charge of security operations in the state, alleging that the Governor’s actions have frustrated the work of security agencies. They advised residents to remain law-abiding and provide credible intelligence to security operatives.

Hon. Ibrahim Tudu Tukur of Bakura Constituency alleged that his people remain under siege, citing recent bandit attacks on Damri, Dakko, Kwanar Kalgo, Sama, Sabon Garin Damri, and Sade, with livestock rustled and no sympathy or support from the State Government.

Hon. Amiru Ahmed Keta of Tsafe West alleged that his constituents face daily security challenges, accusing the Governor of neglecting them while attending social events.

Hon. Faruk Musa Dosara of Maradun I condemned what he alleged to be the Governor’s abandonment of communities in the face of repeated attacks and suggested the House consider impeachment proceedings against him.

Hon. Nasiru Abdullahi Maru of Maru North alleged that the Governor lacks empathy in handling security issues, claiming that even farm animals receive better care than residents. He further alleged that political thugs loyal to the Governor assaulted internally displaced persons during a peaceful protest demanding to return to their homes, leaving some victims in a coma and others with fractures.

The members reiterated their commitment to advocate for good governance in Zamfara for the growth and development of the state.

BIRNIN RUWA GETS BOOST IN CLEAN WATER SUPPLY TO COMBAT CHOLERA OUTBREAK.

Zamfara State Government has installed new water facilities in Birnin Ruwa community, Gusau, as part of efforts to sustain the fight against cholera.

Speaking with newsmen shortly after inspecting the facilities, the Zamfara State Programme Manager, Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWATSAN), Dr Abubakar Nasiru Galadima, said the gesture was aimed at providing the community with clean and hygienic water.

Dr Galadima explained that the installation followed a recent cholera outbreak which affected communities across 11 local government areas of the state, with health investigations confirming that unsafe water consumption was the primary cause.

According to him, Birnin Ruwa was identified as one of the worst-hit areas due to its population density.

He revealed that the project, undertaken by UNICEF in partnership with RUWATSAN, included the installation of an elevated surface tank with a daily capacity of 40,000 litres to supply safe drinking water to residents.

“The supply is split into two phases — 20,000 litres in the morning and another 20,000 litres in the evening — serving both Dan Bedi community and Birnin Ruwa Bayan Police Station,” he stated.

Dr Galadima noted that the tank is connected to the State Water Board’s pipeline for consistent refilling, with pumping machines provided to speed up distribution. He added that water trucking had been deployed for over six weeks to supply clean water to all affected areas.

He further disclosed that two boreholes would soon be constructed to reinforce water availability in the area.

The General Manager commended community leaders for their cooperation and urged them to take ownership of the facility to ensure proper maintenance.

Dr Galadima also lauded Governor Dauda Lawal’s Rescue Mission for prioritising public health and called on residents to support the administration’s efforts to deliver democratic dividends.

He equally applauded the Zamfara State Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Alhaji Lauwal Barau, for his all-round support in enabling the agency to deliver on its mandate.

CCS MUSA HONOURED WITH AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE.

The Controller of Correctional Service, Zamfara State Command, Alhaji Musa Tanko, has been honoured with a merit award in recognition of his outstanding leadership, dedication to national service, and reforms within the Nigerian Correctional Service, particularly at the NICOWA School, Gusau.

The award was presented by officials of the Nigerian Correctional Service Officers’ Wives Association (NICOWA) School, Gusau, led by the Acting Chairman, ASC I Dahiru Ibrahim, at the State Headquarters, Federal Secretariat Complex, Gusau.

Presenting the award to the newly promoted Assistant Controller General of Correctional Service, Alhaji Musa Tanko, the Acting Chairman commended his commitment to the improvement of the school through the provision of incentives to teachers and corps members, and modern whiteboards for classrooms, among other initiatives.

Also speaking, the Officers-in-Charge of the Non-Custodial Centre and Medium Security Custodial Centre, Gusau, DCC Laruba Faruna and CSC Bello Ambursa, lauded the new ACG for enhancing the operational efficiency of custodial and non-custodial centres across the command.

In his remarks, DCC Tanko Isah Ikoh described Alhaji Musa Tanko as the best controller posted to the command, citing achievements in rehabilitation programmes, reformatory services, and inter-agency collaboration.

He said the award was a well-deserved recognition of his visionary leadership.

In his acceptance speech, Alhaji Musa Tanko dedicated the award to the Controller General of Correctional Service, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, MFR, mni, and officers and men of the service. He reaffirmed his commitment to professionalism, discipline, and the protection of human rights in correctional administration, while commending the staff for their dedication, unity, and hard work.

PEBEC Holds Stakeholders Town Hall meeting in Gusau to Boost Business Climate.

The Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) has held a one-day Stakeholders’ Town hall Meeting in Gusau, the Zamfara State capital, aimed at improving the state’s business environment.

Declaring the meeting open, the State Focal Person of PEBEC and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Alhaji Sani Bukkuyum, said the Council was established to drive business environment reforms across the country.

Alhaji Bukuyum explained that, the collaboration with the Zamfara State Government is geared towards economic development and creating a thriving business ecosystem.

He urged stakeholders to actively participate in the discussions for meaningful outcomes.

"The Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) is a Federal Government initiative established in 2016 to oversee and drive reforms aimed at removing bureaucratic constraints to doing business in Nigeria"

"It was set up by the Presidency to create a more business-friendly environment, improve Nigeria’s ease of doing business ranking, and attract both local and foreign investments"

In his keynote address, Deputy Governor of Zamfara State, Mani Malam Mumini, said the state government has  prioritizes economic reforms to support entrepreneurship and business growth.

He revealed that, the government had amended several business-related laws and established five small claims courts to facilitate speedy resolution of commercial disputes. 

The Deputy Governor further stated that legislative and executive interventions had addressed challenges related to land administration, taxation, incentives, and business regulations.

Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Donor and Multilateral Agencies Coordination Office, Hajiya Sa’adatu Abdu Gusau, noted that Zamfara is endowed with abundant human and natural resources.

She expressed optimism that with the right reforms and partnerships, the state’s economic potential could be fully harnessed.

The meeting featured technical sessions where experts and stakeholders deliberated on strategies to enhance business development and strengthen the capacity of entrepreneurs in the state.

PEBEC works in collaboration with federal agencies, state governments, and the private sector to ensure that business environment reforms are effectively implemented across Nigeria.

Zamfara First Lady's Delegation pays Condolences Visit to New Emir of Gusau, Congratulates him on his appointment.

A delegation representing the First Lady of Zamfara State, Hajiya Huriyya Dauda Lawal, has paid a condolence visit to the newly appointed Emir of Gusau, Alhaji Abdulkadir Ibrahim Bello in hos palace.

The visit followed the recent demise of the late Emir of Gusau, Dr Ibrahim Bello, who was widely celebrated for his exemplary leadership and contributions to the development of the emirate and Zamfara State.

Leader of the delegation, Hajiya Larai Musa Lawal, conveyed the First Lady’s condolences to the royal family and prayed for the peaceful repose of the late Emir.

She also delivered a congratulatory message to the new monarch, wishing him a successful reign filled with wisdom, peace, and unity.

In his response, the new Emir of Gusau, Alhaji Abdulkadir Ibrahim Bello, expressed gratitude to the First Lady for the thoughtful visit and continued support. 

He described her as a sister figure and thanked Governor Dauda Lawal for the trust reposed in him.

The Emir pledged to uphold the legacy of his late father and lead with humility and dedication.

The delegation has also visited the Chairman of the Zamfara State Council of Chiefs and Emir of Anka, Alhaji Attahiru Muhammad Ahmad, to commiserate with him over the passing of the late Emir of Gusau.

Alhaji Attahiru commended the First Lady for the kind gesture, describing it as a sign of unity and respect for traditional institutions.

The delegation included Permanent Members, Special Advisers, Senior Special Assistants, the State PDP Women Leader, wives of local government chairmen and lawmakers, women politicians, directors, and other dignitaries.