Zamfara Correctional Service Seeks NHIS Enrollment for Inmates.

The Controller of the Nigeria Correctional Service, Zamfara State Command, Murtala Muhammad Haruna, has called for the enrollment of inmates into the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) to ensure consistent access to quality healthcare services.

He made the call during a courtesy visit to the Zamfara State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Nafisa Muhammad Maradun, in her office in Gusau.

Haruna said the initiative aligns with the vision of the Controller General of the Nigeria Correctional Service and is aimed at improving the welfare of inmates across custodial centres.

The Controller also emphasized the need to upgrade the Correctional Service Clinic at the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Gusau, and to provide adequate medical equipment and essential drugs to meet the increasing healthcare needs of inmates. 

Murtala Mohammed Haruna noted that, the move complements President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which focuses on enhancing the welfare of all Nigerians, including those in custody.

In a statement by the Public Relations Officer of the Command, Mustapha Abubakar, the visit was aimed at strengthening collaboration between the Correctional Service and the State Ministry of Health to improve healthcare delivery for inmates across Zamfara’s custodial facilities.

Responding, Dr. Nafisat Muhammad Maradun commended the Correctional Service for its commitment to the welfare of inmates and the protection of public safety.

She revealed that Governor Dauda Lawal had already procured the medical items and equipment promised during his recent visit to the Gusau Correctional Facility.

According to her, the procured drugs will soon be handed over to the Command, while the equipment will be installed once the clinic upgrade is completed.

The Commissioner assured the Controller of the Ministry’s readiness, under the leadership of Governor Dauda Lawal, to partner with the Correctional Service in improving healthcare delivery.

She added that the collaboration would cover technical support for renovations, facility upgrades, and the NHIS enrollment process.

AGILE and Zamfara Radio Mark 2025 International Day of the Girl Child.

The Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) Project, in collaboration with the Zamfara State Media Corporation, has joined the global community to celebrate the 2025 International Day of the Girl Child by providing a platform for female students to express their thoughts on the significance of the day.

The event, held at the Zamfara State Radio studio in Gusau, brought together girls from various secondary schools to share their views on girl-child education, empowerment, and challenges affecting them.

Speaking during the celebration, the AGILE project Communications Officer in Zamfara State, Bashir Ahmad, said the day was set aside to encourage and motivate girls to pursue education to realize their full potential.

According to him, the commemoration served as a reminder to parents and guardians on the importance of enrolling their daughters in school to enable them to acquire quality education, which is the foundation for a better society.

Bashir Ahmad emphasized that, such discussions are vital with a view to influence parents’ perceptions about the education of their daughters for prosperous community.

He reaffirmed AGILE’s commitment to continue partnering media organizations to promote programs and activities that support adolescent girls’ development perticulerly in the area of education.

One of the student participated, Zainab Sadiq, expressed happiness over the commemoration, explaining that, it gave them an opportunity to voice out the challenges they face and possible ways to overcome them.

She stressed that, education played a vital role in shaping their future, lamented that, many girls still prefer staying at home than going to school.

 “We now understand that, attending school is more beneficial because when a woman gets married, she  can raise and educate her children properly,” she said.

Zainab revealed that, her ambition was to become a Medical Doctor to contribute meaningfully in the society and she urged her peers to take their studies seriously for a better future.

Another student, Hafsa Lukman Wakili from Government Girls Secondary School, Saminaka Gusau, described education as the greatest achievement a girl can have.

She emphasized that, education would definitely benefits her, her family, and the entire society.

Similarly another student, Aisha Abdullahi stated that her goal was to become a health worker in order to help women, especially during childbirth.

While Hauwa’u Abdurrahman narrated that, girl-child education is a form of empowerment that helps girls realize their God-given potential.

Also speaking, Mrs. Zainab Sani Mada, a teacher, said that people with physical disabilities can attain great heights in life through education, like anyone else, if given the right opportunities.

The event ended with participants reaffirming their commitment to education and calling for more awareness to encourage parents to send their daughters to school.

Zamfara First Lady Calls for More Opportunities for Girls to Excel.

The First Lady of Zamfara State, Hajiya Huriyya Dauda Lawal, has called for sustained efforts to create more opportunities for girls in business, entrepreneurship, leadership, politics, ICT, science, and technology to enable them to reach their full potentials.

She made the call while joining the global community to commemorate the 2025 International Day of the Girl Child, with the theme: “The Girl I Am, the Change I Lead: Girls on the Front lines of Crisis.

Hajiya Huriyya Dauda Lawal emphasized that investing in the girl child is an investment in progress, peace, and prosperity.

Adding that, girls deserve quality education, opportunities, and representation  not as privileges, but as fundamental rights.

She expressed optimism that, the voices of girls will continue to be heard, their dreams supported, and their aspirations realized.

The First Lady encouraged girls across Zamfara State and beyond to believe in their abilities, and continue striving to make positive change in society. 

She urged them to keep dreaming, keep learning, and keep working toward becoming the best versions of themselves, reminding them that the world is waiting for their light to shine.

Reaffirming her strong commitment to promoting quality education, empowerment, and protection of the girl child in Zamfara, Hajiya Huriyya Dauda Lawal noted that, this year’s theme serves as a reminder that girls are not just victims of challenges but leaders and change makers in their homes, schools, and communities.

In a statement by her Press Secretary, Rabi Yusuf, the First Lady observed that even in times of conflict, poverty, or hardship, girls continue to demonstrate resilience, courage, and leadership — proving that their voices are vital to building peace and sustainable development.

“Every great nation begins with empowered girls girls who are taught to believe in their worth, pursue their purpose, and lead with courage.” 

Hajiya Huriyya Dauda Lawal argued that, supporting girls on the front lines of crisis means giving them access to quality education, healthcare, and leadership opportunities, enabling them to rebuild and shape stronger, more inclusive societies.

Zamfara Commissioner Commends Governor Lawal’s Drive to Attract Foreign Investment.

Zamfara State Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Abdulrahman Muhammad Tumbido, has commended Governor Dauda Lawal for his visionary leadership in promoting Zamfara as an emerging investment destination.

The Commissioner, who joined Governor Lawal on an official delegation to the Canada–Africa Trade and Investment Expo held in Toronto, Canada, said the governor’s participation has opened new opportunities for the state in trade and economic development.

In a statement issued by the Information Officer of the Ministry, Jamilu Bello, Tumbido assured that the Ministry of Commerce and Industry would ensure continuous follow-up to actualize the partnerships and agreements reached during the trip.

According to him, Governor Lawal showcased Zamfara’s vast mineral resources and exportable agricultural products during the exhibition segment of the Expo, which attracted the attention of international investors and development partners.

Similarly, during the visit, Zamfara State signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with CStaible Inc., Canada, aimed at promoting climate-smart agriculture, agribusiness development, and youth empowerment across the state.

Governor Lawal also delivered the keynote address at the event, titled “Strengthening Canada–Africa Partnerships in Trade and Investment for Sustainable Growth.” 

He emphasized the importance of genuine collaboration between Africa and Canada to drive sustainable economic progress.

The Zamfara delegation further participated in the U.S.–Africa Business Week and the Unstoppable Africa Forum in New York, where Governor Lawal served as a keynote speaker and panelist, sharing insights on investment opportunities in Zamfara State.

Tumbido reiterated the commitment of the Ministry to build on the governor’s international engagements and ensure that Zamfara continues to attract investors for economic diversification and job creation.

Nigeria at 65: Niger State Permanent Secretary Hails Progress, Calls for Unity

By Nura Mohammed,Minna

As Nigeria marks its 65th Independence Anniversary, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure Development in Niger State, Hassan Baba Estu, has congratulated Nigerians and urged them to remain united and committed to national growth.

Estu said the anniversary is not just about the passage of years but a celebration of resilience, unity, and the sacrifices of Nigeria’s founding fathers who fought for freedom and self-governance.

He noted that at 65, Nigeria has continued to strengthen democracy and development despite challenges.

Hassan Estu commended Governor Umar Mohammed Bago for what he described as “remarkable strides” in both infrastructure and human capacity development. He highlighted ongoing expansion of road networks, introduction of modern facilities, and deliberate efforts to connect rural and urban communities to boost economic growth.

According to him, the governor’s dual focus on infrastructure and empowerment of youths and women represents a holistic model of development that is already yielding results.

“I take this opportunity to thank His Excellency Umar Bago for his vision, courage, and commitment within just two years in office. His leadership is bringing real change to our dear state,” Estu stated.

At the national level, he urged Nigerians to be patient with ongoing reforms, stressing that development is a gradual process that requires unity, sacrifice, and trust in government.

He called on citizens to renew their patriotism, celebrate diversity, and work together to build a greater Nigeria.

“May Almighty God continue to bless Niger State and Nigeria with peace, prosperity, and progress. Happy 65th Independence Anniversary,” Estu prayed.