Islamic Scholar Urges Unity for National Progress.

An Islamic scholar in Kaduna State, Sheikh Usman Mohammed Maimota Gwalli, has emphasized the need for unity among Nigerians to effectively address the challenges confronting the nation and promote sustainable progress.

Sheikh Gwalli made the call while speaking with newsmen in Kaduna, where he stressed that peace, mutual understanding, and collective effort remain essential ingredients for national development.

According to him, Nigeria’s diversity should be seen as a strength rather than a source of division. 

He noted that citizens must rise above ethnic, religious, and political differences to build a more prosperous and united country.

“Our challenges as a nation can only be overcome when we stand together as one people with a shared vision and common destiny,” Sheikh Gwalli stated. “

Sheikh Usman Gwalli pointed out that, no society can move forward in an atmosphere of disunity and mistrust.

He further called on religious leaders across the country to use their platforms to preach tolerance, peaceful coexistence, and patriotism among their followers.

The cleric also urged political leaders to demonstrate sincerity and fairness in governance, adding that justice and accountability are critical to earning the trust of the people.

Sheikh Gwalli concluded by praying for peace, stability, and continued prosperity in Nigeria, calling on citizens to contribute positively to nation-building through good conduct and respect for one another.

Zamfara First Lady Leads Cancer Awareness Campaign, Urges Early Detection among Young Girls.

The First Lady of Zamfara State, Hajiya Huriyya Dauda Lawal, has called on young girls and other women to prioritize their health through regular medical check-ups for early detection of cancer for quick medication.

Hajiya Huriyya made the call during the School Based Cancer Awareness Outreach organized by the First Ladies Again Cancer in collaboration with her office held at a government Girls Secondary School Gusau.

The awareness campaigns had brought  together adolescent girls students, health experts and other stakeholders.

Addressing the students and other participants, Hajiya Huriyya emphasized that awareness and knowledge are powerful tools in preventing the disease.

Hajiya Huriyya said the campaign reflects the global theme Every story is unique, every journey matters which underscores the importance of solidarity in the fight against cancer.

“As women, we face health challenges such as breast and cervical cancer. Let us prioritize our health and encourage others to do the same. Gaining early knowledge and awareness will help you make wise choices and build a healthier, brighter future for our society,” she advised.

Hajiya Huriyya, who also served as the National Secretary of the First Ladies Against Cancer (FLAC), commended the organization for its commitment to educating communities and empowering women with life-saving information. 

She assured that, her office would continue to sensitize the public on early detection, regular screening, and healthy living practices.

Delivering a lecture at the event, the Chairperson of the Medical Women Association of Nigeria, Zamfara State Chapter, Dr. Khadija Kanoma, highlighted that, breast and cervical cancers remain the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women worldwide.

Dr. Kanoma explained that, one in every eight women is at risk of developing breast cancer, stressing that, early detection through self-examination and regular screening can significantly reduce mortality.

“Prevention starts with awareness. Regular self-breast examination, avoiding cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption, maintaining a healthy diet, and engaging in regular exercise are vital preventive measures,” she said.

Dr Khadija Kano also stated that, cervical cancer, caused mainly by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), is entirely preventable through vaccination and early screening.

According to her, as part of the initiative, the First Lady has approved free cancer screening for 200 women across the state, while medical experts demonstrated practical steps for early detection and the importance of timely hospital response.

Ealier, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Hajiya Maryam Shantali lauded the initiative, described it as a reflection of the First Lady’s compassion and commitment to the welfare of women and girls in the state.

"By bringing this awareness campaign to our schools, you are not only promoting early detection and prevention of cancer but also inspiring a culture of health consciousness among our girls, the future mothers and leaders of our society,” she stated.

Hajiya Shantali further noted that the outreach aligns with Governor Dauda Lawal’s vision of transforming schools into platforms for both academic learning and life skills education.

One of the students who spoke on behalf of her colleague commended the Zamfara first lady for all her laudable initiatives to improve the lives of women.

She also said they would take the campaign seriously for the benefit of their health.

During the awareness sensitisation, experts have demonstrated on how the students would carryout early detection of cancer among them.

Experts Advocate Stronger Legal Framework and Gender-Responsive Policies to Tackle Climate Change and Conflict in Nigeria.

Experts have called for urgent reforms in Nigeria’s climate governance and policy implementation to strengthen accountability, ensure gender inclusivity, and address the rising link between climate change, insecurity, and social vulnerability.

The Deputy Director of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies, Dr. Terfa Abraham, said this while speaking during a webinar organized by the Rule of Law and Empowerment Initiative, also known as Partners West Africa Nigeria (PWAN).

According to Dr Abraham, the National Assembly must first strengthen the legal framework for climate action in Nigeria, nothing that, the current Climate Change Act is weak and limits effective legislative oversight.

He noted that, under the existing law, the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC) is chaired by the President and Vice President, making it difficult for the National Assembly to hold the Council accountable.

“No legislator can effectively engage the Council in such a setup. We must amend the Act to create a clear and functional governance framework,” he emphasized.

Dr Terfa Abraham urged lawmakers to leverage their constituency projects to address local climate impacts, promote adaptation, and support women farmers through community-based initiatives.

“Climate change effects are happening right in the constituencies drought, erratic rainfall, biodiversity loss. Legislators must use their constituency engagement platforms to support climate-resilient farming, empower women, and promote sustainable livelihoods,” he added.

Dr. Abraham stressed that, Nigeria’s policy direction must recognize the link between climate change and insecurity, noting that, women are often the most affected during floods, droughts, and conflicts.

“Climate change leads to insecurity, and insecurity worsens climate impacts. During floods or conflicts, it is women who flee with children, lose farmland, and face food insecurity. Policies must be gender-responsive and sensitive to these realities,” he said.

He further called for the legislation of national development frameworks such as the Renewed Hope Agenda to ensure continuity beyond political cycles.

Also speaking, the Gender and GBV Expert Advisor, ACReSAL Project, Mrs. Helen John, underscored the importance of gender integration and capacity building at all levels of climate programming.

“Gender mainstreaming should not be treated as an afterthought. Policymakers and project managers must understand why gender integration is crucial and provide adequate funding for it,” she said.

Mrs. John emphasized that, women should not only be beneficiaries but also leaders and decision-makers in climate and development programs. 

She cited examples from Nasarawa and Adamawa states where community women now lead mixed groups and have begun gaining access to land ownership through ACReSAL interventions.

In her remarks, the Child Protection Manager at Goal Prime Organization Nigeria, Hauwa Danjuma, highlighted the role of localization in ensuring sustainable, inclusive, and gender-responsive humanitarian interventions.

“Localization is the long-term solution to sustainable climate response. Local actors understand the context, cultural dynamics, and community needs better,” she explained.

Hauwa called for direct funding and capacity building for community-based women organizations to strengthen their technical and financial ability to engage in climate and peacebuilding processes.

“Most community-based women organizations lack capacity and resources. Empowering them will enhance women’s voices in decision-making and build local ownership of climate initiatives,” she added

Earlier, the Programme Manager of Partners West Africa Nigeria (PWAN), Aisha Isa, said the webinar was part of the organization’s quarterly dialogue series aimed at addressing emerging issues around climate, governance, and gender.

“We’ll continue to unpack challenges around climate, governance, and gender, bringing together experts, policymakers, and community leaders to shape solutions that are inclusive and leave no one behind,” she stated.

According to her, the session aimed to txplore the interconnections between climate change, gender inequality, and conflict and Showcase women and youth-led grassroots initiatives promoting peace and environmental resilience.

Similarly to Co-create practical strategies for gender-responsive climate justice and Strengthen multi-stakeholder collaboration for peace and sustainability.

The webinar, titled “Climate Change and Conflict: Advancing Climate Justice through Gender-Responsive Peacebuilding,” brought together civil society actors, and development partners to deliberate on how gender-inclusive approaches can strengthen Nigeria’s climate resilience and peacebuilding efforts.

Background

The increasing incidence of climate-induced disasters continues to compound Nigeria’s security and development challenges.

According to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), over 5.2 million Nigerians were affected by floods and climate disasters in 2024, resulting in 1,237 deaths, the displacement of 1.2 million people, and destruction of over 116,000 homes and 1.4 million hectares of farmland across 35 states.

Experts warn that without deliberate, gender-sensitive, and community-based interventions, climate change will continue to exacerbate poverty, displace rural populations, and fuel violent conflicts across the country.

ADS

Zamfara First Lady Advocates Regular Health Screening, Cancer Awareness Among Women.

The First Lady of Zamfara State, Hajiya Huriyya Dauda Lawal, has urged women across Nigeria to prioritize their health through regular medical screenings and active participation in initiatives that promote cancer awareness and treatment.

She made the call when she joined other First Ladies, dignitaries, health advocates, and citizens in Abuja for the Walk Away Cancer 2025 campaign to commemorate World Cancer Day 2025, themed “United by Unity.”

Hajiya Huriyya Dauda Lawal reaffirmed her commitment to the fight against cancer, stressing the importance of early detection, regular medical check-ups, and community support, particularly among women.

In a statement issued by the Press Secretary to the Wife of the Governor, Rabi Yusuf, Hajiya Huriyya emphasized the need for women to care for themselves and one another.

“As women, we must care for ourselves and for one another. For those battling cancer, let us stand with them in love, strength, and hope. Together, we can build a future where no one faces cancer alone,” she said.

Hajiya Huriyya Dauda Lawal further noted that, behind every cancer diagnosis is a face, a name, and a life that deserves care and dignity.

The Zamfara First Lady commended the women of Zamfara State for their resilience and commitment to health-related causes, assuring them of her continued advocacy for cancer prevention, awareness, and access to quality healthcare.

The event, which drew hundreds of participants, was filled with colour, energy, and compassion as attendees walked in solidarity with those lost to cancer, those still fighting, and those who can be protected through awareness and early detection.

Wamban Shinkafi Supporters Accuse Zamfara APC of Favoritism.

Supporters of the Wamban Shinkafi Democratic Front, under the chairmanship of Yushau Abdullahi Mada, have alleged that the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Zamfara State is promoting favoritism among its members.

Speaking with journalists in Gusau on Saturday, Mada stated that the group was deeply concerned about an emerging culture of favoritism and exclusion within the state chapter of the APC.

He explained that, the group’s leader, Dr. Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi, had remained steadfast in his commitment to the unity and progress of both the party and Zamfara State, despite attempts to malign his reputation.

“We came across a certain publication filled with falsehoods, slander, and insults directed at our political leader, Dr. Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi. This was clearly done to please the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, and to create the impression that there are ‘favored’ and ‘unfavored’ members within the Zamfara APC,” Mada said.

Yushau Mada alleged that, in 2019, when Dr. Shinkafi was preparing for his governorship campaign under the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), several political figures including Bello Matawalle, the late Ibrahim Mallaha, Senator Sahabi Yau, Kabiru Amadu Mai Palace, Mahdi Aliyu Gusau, and the late Jamilu Aliyu Zannan Gusau visited Shinkafi to seek his support in their effort to unseat the then-ruling government.

“Out of humility and goodwill, Dr. Shinkafi accepted their request on the understanding that, regardless of who won the election, they would all work together for the progress and development of Zamfara State,” he explained.

Following the election, Yushau Abdullahi Mada said, Dr. Shinkafi challenged the results at the election tribunal on grounds of irregularities. 

"However, after appeals from notable figures, including the then-Attorney General Zarumi and elder statesman General Ali Gusau (rtd), Shinkafi withdrew his petition, an action that ultimately cleared the path for Bello Matawalle to become governor.

“Sadly, after assuming office, Matawalle failed to honor the promises and understanding reached with Dr. Shinkafi, Mada lamented.

He  also alleged that, Dr. Shinkafi played a crucial role in shaping Matawalle’s early policies, especially during the first 100 days of his administration, before their relationship deteriorated due to differences in governance style.

“When Dr. Shinkafi observed that the administration was drifting from its original vision, he advised the governor in good faith. Unfortunately, instead of improving, things worsened,” Mada said.

He argued that, Dr. Shinkafi was never Matawalle’s subordinate and they were political allies who shared a common goal for the progress of Zamfara State.

The Wamban Shinkafi Democratic Front therefore called on APC leaders in Zamfara to fear God and stop taking sidesurging them to treat all members equally.

Mada also criticized the party’s Publicity Secretary, Yusuf Idris, accusing him of bias.

“As the Publicity Secretary, your duty is to promote the image and activities of the APC, not to serve as a personal spokesperson for the Minister of Defence. You should either be neutral or resign,” he declared.

He also appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the APC National Leadership to caution Matawalle and his loyalists against using a federal office for partisan political battles.

The group had also reaffirmed its total support for Dr. Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi, describing him as “la dedicated APC stalwart who consistently stands against injustice.

“We believe in equity, fairness, and justice,” Mada said.

“In the 26 years of democracy in Zamfara, the state has had three governors from Zamfara West Ahmad Sani Yarima, Abdulaziz Yari Abubakar, and Bello Mohammed Matawalle who collectively governed for 20 years. The North had four years, while the Central Zone has just completed two years.”

The group therefore declared its opposition to any plan to field another governorship candidate from Zamfara West in 2027, insisting that power should shift to the North or Central Senatorial Zone.

“Justice and fairness are our guiding principles. Anything short of that will not have our support,” Mada affirmed.

He concluded by describing Dr. Shinkafi as a visionary and principled leader whose political ideology places the needs of the people above personal interest.

Yashau Mada urged supporters to remain law-abiding and committed to the collective vision of a peaceful, just, and prosperous Zamfara State.

Similarly, the APC Publicity Secretary in Zamfara State