Kebbi Govt. absorbs GAVI/UNICEF supported PHC staff into unified LG Service

The Kebbi State Governor, Comrade Dr Nasir Idris has approved the full absorption of all GAVI/UNICEF supported Primary Health Care (PHC) staff into the unified Local Government Service to strengthen the PHC system and improve service delivery at the grassroots.

This is contained in a statement signed by the Hon. Commissioner, Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Umar Dutsin-Mari and made available to newsmen in Birnin Kebbi.

"In line with the present administration's commitment in strengthening the Primary Health Care (PHC) system and improving service delivery at the grassroots, His Excellency, Comrade Dr Nasir Idris has approved the full absorption of all GAVI/UNICEF supported PHC staff into the unified Local Government Service.

"The decision followed the successful implementation of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Kebbi State Government and GAVI/UNICEF which has greatly enhance the quality and accessibility of Primary Health Care Service across the 21 LGA in the state," he said.

Dutsin-Mari further explained that during the MoU close-out ceremony, Gov. Idris pledged to secure the future of the dedicated staff who served under the GAVI/UNICEF-supported PHC programmes.

"In fulfilment of that promise, His Excellency, Gov. Nasir Idris has graciously granted approval for their full integration into the Unified Local Government Service," he revealed.

In a similar vein, the Kebbi State Governor had also approved the recruitment of additional 191 personnel bringing the total number of staff to be recruited across the 21 local government areas to 500.

"This measure aims to strengthen manpower capacity, ensure continuity and enhance effective health care delivery across all communities.

"The Kebbi State Government deeply appreciates the invaluable support and partnership of GAVI/UNICEF in improving health outcomes and reforming the health sector," he noted.

According to the commissioner, government remains fully committed to sustaining these achievements and ensuring the welfare of health workers across the state.

He encouraged the public to continue supporting government initiatives aimed at achieving quality and accessible health care services for all residents of Kebbi State.

Shettima Bags “Ezi Enyi Ndi Abia” By Igbo Community In Kaduna

His Royal Highness, Eze Igbo of Kaduna, Eze Silvanus Aleke, on behalf of the Igbo community in Kaduna, has conferred honorary chieftaincy title of “Ezi Enyi Ndi Abia” — meaning Good Friend of Abia — on Ambassador Yerima Usman Shettima.

Shettima is the President General of the Area Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF) and Convener of the Northern Stakeholders Consultative Forum ((NSCF), a respected Northern leader and 2027 Senatorial hopeful for Kaduna Central Senatorial District under the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The honour was bestowed during the Abia Cultural Day Celebration and Fundraising Project for the construction of the Abia State Secretariat, organised by the Abia State Indigenes Welfare Association Kaduna (ABSIWA).

In his royal remarks, His Royal Highness, Eze Igbo of Kaduna Chief Aleke, praised Ambassador Shettima describing him as a visionary leader whose commitment to peace, unity, and inter-ethnic harmony has endeared him to the Igbo community in Kaduna and beyond.

“Ambassador Yerima Shettima has been a steadfast friend of the Igbo people. He is a bridge-builder, a peace advocate, and a true patriot whose leadership reflects fairness and inclusiveness. This honour is our collective appreciation for his unwavering support and friendship,” His Royal Highness Eze Igbo stated.

Eze Aleke further described Shettima as a political leader who embodies tolerance and national understanding, adding that his example continues to inspire mutual respect among Nigeria’s diverse ethnic groups.

In his response, Ambassador Shettima expressed gratitude to the Eze Igbo of Kaduna and the Abia community, describing the recognition as a symbol of unity and shared national purpose.

“This honour means a lot to me because it reflects the unity and brotherhood that define us as Nigerians. I am proud of the friendship and cooperation that exist between the North and the South East, and I remain committed to promoting peace, justice, and development for all,” Shettima said.

The colourful event drew community leaders, politicians, and cultural associations from across Kaduna, featuring rich displays of Igbo traditional dances and cultural exhibitions, all celebrating unity in diversity and reaffirming the strong bond between the northern and southeastern communities in the state.

ENDS

Kebbi Government denies Hiring any foreign security firm to fight Lakurawa

The attention of the Kebbi State Government has been drawn to a recent media report claiming that the State Government has hired a Chinese security firm, G-Safety, to combat banditry and related crimes in the state.

The Government wishes to categorically state that no such agreement or contract has been signed with any foreign security company. The report in circulation is therefore false, misleading, and should be disregarded by the general public.

While the administration of Governor Nasir Idris, Kauran Gwandu, remains firmly committed to strengthening security across the State.

The Kebbi State Government under the leadership of Governor Nasir Idris,  reiterates the administration’s resolve to continue working closely with the Nigerian Armed Forces, Police, and other security agencies to ensure lasting peace, protection of lives and property, and the overall safety of the people of Kebbi State.

The public is therefore advised to rely only on verified information from official government sources.

Kebbi Govt dismisses report of bandits invasion Maku-ku village

Kebbi State Government has denied a news report aired by one of the FM radio stations in Birnin Kebbi that bandits have invaded Maku-ku village in Sakaba Local Government Area of the state and killed many people.

The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ahmed Idris, dismissed the report in a statement issued to Newsmen in Birnin Kebbi on Monday.

Idris said there was nothing like that in Kebbi State, describing the report as a calculated attempt to tarnish the image of the state government.

While clarifying that the attack was at Rijau in Niger State not in Kebbi State, the image-maker said the military base established at Sakaba by the Kebbi State Governor, Comrade Dr Nasir Idris had help the situation.

"I want to use this medium to urge the concerned FM station to quickly withdraw their report and apologise for misleading the general public.

"Let me also advise them to always verify their reports before going on air because security is a very sensitive issue," he admonished. 

Idris also called on the good people of Kebbi State to disregard the news and go about their normal businesses, insisting that the news report had no iota of truth in it.

He reiterated the commitment of Kebbi State Government under the able leadership of His Excellency, Comrade Dr Nasir Idris to secure the state, saying: "the Governor is working hard to ensure that the state is crime-free.

"The present administration has been supporting the security agencies with all the necessary logistics to enable them discharge their duties diligently, so that crime and criminality are effectively tackled," he assured.

Arewa 100% Focus Condemns Victimisation of Dangote Refinery

A northern socio-political and economic advocacy group, Arewa 100% Focus, has condemned what it described as the victimisation and orchestrated hostility against the Dangote Refinery and its founder, Alhaji Aliko Dangote.

In a statement signed by its president, Hon. Abubakar Sadiq Sa’ad (Fakai), the group said the ongoing dispute between the Dangote Group and PENGASSAN, along with other forms of antagonism directed at Dangote, was unjust and against the national interest.

The group said rather than persecution, the industrialist deserves national recognition and respect for his contributions to Nigeria’s economic transformation and industrial development.

“Such hostility toward a man whose vision, enterprise, and investments have catalysed Nigeria’s industrial transformation is unpatriotic and detrimental to national interest,” the statement read.

Arewa 100% Focus also denounced what it termed deliberate attempts to sabotage or discredit the Dangote Refinery through misinformation and economic hostility, warning that such actions could undermine a strategic national asset.

The group described the Dangote Refinery as a symbol of national pride and a testament to African innovation and industrial capacity, noting that the facility had played a vital role in addressing Nigeria’s downstream petroleum challenges and promoting self-sufficiency.

It called on the Federal Government and relevant regulatory bodies to protect the refinery from undue interference, intimidation, or sabotage, stressing that the refinery represents a critical pillar of Nigeria’s industrial sustainability.

The group further appealed to the media and civil society organisations to uphold fairness and responsibility in their coverage of issues surrounding the refinery, cautioning against manipulative narratives that could erode public confidence.

“Responsible reportage is essential to protect one of Africa’s greatest industrial achievements and prevent the erosion of public trust in a project that holds immense national value,” the group said.

Arewa 100% Focus reaffirmed its commitment to continuous advocacy, public enlightenment, and monitoring of developments affecting the refinery, adding that it would continue to support policies that promote industrial transformation and job creation.

The group said it would also engage with relevant stakeholders to ensure that Nigeria’s private sector continues to thrive as a driver of economic growth and national self-reliance.

Olawepo-Hashim Condoles with Kaduna Coordinator, Hon. Aliyu. Kachan over Mother’s Passing

Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, leader of the Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim FRONT 2027 movement and the leading Peoples Democratic Party PDP Presidential ticket contender has extended his deepest condolences to his Kaduna State Coordinator, Hon. Aliyu Muhammad Kachan (Achili), on the passing of his mother, Hajiya Hadiza Muhammad Kachan, who died on Saturday at the age of 98 years in Kaduna.

According to a statement signed by Sharifudeen Ibrahim Muhammad, Kaduna State PR and Media Manager, Dr. Olawepo-Hashim described Hajiya Hadiza Muhammad Kachan as a devoted Muslim and a true mother who dedicated her life to serving humanity. She was known for her kindness and generosity, particularly towards orphans, widows, and the less privileged.

Dr. Olawepo-Hashim expressed his sadness over the loss and prayed for Allah to forgive Hajiya Hadiza Muhammad Kachan's shortcomings and grant her Aljannatul Firdaus. He also prayed for Allah to bless her family and grant them the fortitude to bear the irreplaceable loss.

The Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim FRONT 2027 leader sent a high-powered delegation led by his Chief of Staff, Malam Kamaldeen Adebayo to commiserate with Hon. Kachan's family, friends, and the entire Kaduna community. This gesture demonstrates Dr. Olawepo-Hashim's commitment to those around him and showcases his leadership style which has endeared him to many.

 

Dr. Olawepo-Hashim described Hajiya Hadiza Muhammad Kachan's demise as a great loss not only to her immediate family but also to the Kaduna community and the Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim GOH-FRONT 2027 movement. Her legacy will live on through the countless lives she touched.

The Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim FRONT 2027 movement joins Hon. Kachan's family, friends, and the entire Kaduna community in mourning the loss of this remarkable woman. May Allah grant them peace and comfort during this difficult time.

As the Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim FRONT 2027 movement mourns the loss of Hajiya Hadiza Muhammad Kachan, we pray that Allah grants her soul peace and comfort. May her legacy continue to inspire generations to come.

In a show of solidarity, the Kaduna State chapter of Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim GOH-FRONT 2027 also registered their condolences, led by the Zone One Coordinator, Hon. Sa'ad Shehu Zaria. They expressed their sadness over the loss and prayed for Allah to grant the family peace and comfort during this difficult time.

Signed: Sharifudeen Ibrahim Muhammad, MNIPR, MICA

PR and Media Manager

GOH-FRONT 2027 Kaduna State Chapter.

AICIF 2025: Metropolitan, SEC to Expand Islamic Financing Ecosystem in Nigeria

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Nigeria has pledged to deepen the country’s non-interest finance market in partnership with Metropolitan Skills Limited and Metropolitan Law Firm. As Africa’s leading Islamic finance platform, the African International Conference on Islamic Finance (AICIF) convened its 2025 Pitch Competition in Abuja on Saturday.

The event, held in Abuja, was part of the pre-conference activities leading up to the 7th AICIF, scheduled for November. It brought together innovators, regulators, investors, and entrepreneurs under the theme: “Africa Emerging: A Prosperous and Inclusive Outlook.”

Delivering her opening remarks, Ummahani Ahmad Amin, Conference Chair and Chairman, Board of Directors of Metropolitan Skills Limited, said the collaboration with SEC was a “historic step” for positioning Nigeria at the centre of Africa’s ethical finance revolution.

“Together, we are working to strengthen the foundation of Islamic finance across Africa, expanding its reach into the capital markets to create new opportunities for inclusive and sustainable growth,” she said. 

“Islamic finance is not just an abstract set of ideals. Its principles of fairness, risk-sharing, and social responsibility are practical tools for building economies that serve people, not just profits.”

For the SEC, the collaboration signals its commitment to broadening Nigeria’s financial ecosystem. Abdulkadir Abbas, Director at the SEC, told PRNigeria that the regulator has already developed a robust framework for non-interest capital markets.

“As regulators of the capital market, we are keen on developing all segments, including non-interest finance. We have frameworks that cover fintechs, crowdfunding, and even Sharia-compliant tokenisation. This partnership allows us to create awareness, attract innovators, and build a resilient, ethical finance system in Nigeria,” Abbas said.

He further highlighted the SEC’s 10-year master plan for non-interest finance, which is set to expire this year, noting that the regulator had introduced innovative products such as Sukuk to support infrastructure financing.

Ms Yinlaifa Edolo, Managing Director of Metropolitan Skills Ltd., explained that hosting the pitch competition ahead of the leading conference reflects Metropolitan’s resolve to build an ecosystem where ethical finance drives real innovation.

“The N5 million grant is not just a prize. It serves as seed capital for transforming bold ideas into enterprises that can reshape entire industries. Our focus is to inspire startups, support small businesses, and show that halal and ethical finance can power inclusive growth in Africa,” she said.

Backing this view, Abimbola Ajinibi, Regional Manager, First Trustees, a longtime partner of Metropolitan, said the last decade has witnessed a remarkable transformation in Nigeria’s Islamic finance space.

“Ten years ago, there was little awareness about instruments like Waqf, Sukuk, or ethical crowdfunding. Today, we have federal and state Sukuk projects worth over a trillion naira financing roads, schools, and hospitals. We’ve moved from theory to real impact,” he said.

Industry experts believe that by incorporating Islamic finance principles into Africa’s economic development, countries like Nigeria can establish more resilient financial systems that address unemployment, poverty, and inequality while remaining competitive in global markets.

As preparations build up to the November AICIF conference, the Abuja pitch competition has set the stage for regulators, innovators, and investors to work together in driving Africa’s halal economy and advancing inclusive prosperity.