Northern Youth Groups Condemn Sealing of ACF Headquarters, Demand Legal Action

The Joint Action Committee of Northern Youth Associations (JACON) has condemned the sealing of the national headquarters of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) by operatives of the Nigeria Police Force, describing the action as illegal and unconstitutional.

In a  statement jointly signed by Muhammad Isa, Director of Public and Strategic Communication of JACON, and the group’s Secretary, Comrade Raphael Terkolar, they stated that the closure of the ACF headquarters represented “a dangerous assault on the rule of law, fundamental rights of association, and the sanctity of civil society organization's in Northern Nigeria.”

The youth groups said there was no justification for the shutdown of the ACF office without due legal process.

“This draconian action… represents a dangerous assault on the rule of law,” the statement said, adding that the development was being viewed “not as an isolated act but as a calculated pattern of intimidation against voices of reason and conscience in our region.”

JACON accused the police of exceeding its constitutional powers, insisting that sealing a private property and civil society office without a court order amounted to abuse of power.

The group called on the Inspector-General of Police to identify and sanction officers allegedly involved in the action.

“We strongly condemn the Nigeria Police Force for overstepping its constitutional mandate,” the statement added.

The youth coalition further alleged that the action may have been aimed at silencing the ACF over its positions on governance and national issues.

It urged the leadership of the ACF to institute legal action against the Nigeria Police Force and any other parties connected to the sealing of the headquarters.

According to the group, the ACF should seek judicial pronouncement declaring the action unlawful and resist “any backdoor negotiations that legitimise the act.”

JACON also warned that northern youths may mobilise for peaceful protests and civil action should the ACF headquarters remain sealed.

The development comes amid an ongoing leadership crisis within the ACF, which has pitched the Board of Trustees (BOT) against the National Executive Committee (NEC) over tenure disputes, constitutional interpretation and allegations of financial misconduct.

The internal rift has led to parallel claims of legitimacy by both camps, further deepening tensions within the influential northern socio-political organisation.

Kaduna 2027: Shettima Picks APC Nomination Forms for Senate Bid

A frontline aspirant for Kaduna Central Senatorial District, Alhaji Yerima Shettima, has obtained his expression of interest and nomination forms on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The forms were collected on his behalf by his associates, Hon. Danjuma Paul and Barrister Onus Eugene.

Speaking with journalists shortly after the exercise, Shettima said his decision to pick the forms was aimed at dispelling doubts about his seriousness to contest the seat.

He recalled that he recently led a large crowd of supporters on a declaration visit to the party leadership in Kaduna State, where he formally signalled his intention to join the race.

The aspirant reaffirmed his readiness to participate in the party primaries and dismissed speculations about the emergence of a consensus candidate.

According to him, Kaduna Central requires quality representation in the Senate, stressing that he possesses the integrity, capacity and acceptance needed to serve the people effectively.

Shettima, a former President-General of the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF) and convener of the Northern Stakeholders Consultative Initiative(NSCI), said his background in youth advocacy has strengthened his connection with the electorate.

Political observers believe his previous leadership roles have boosted his popularity, particularly among young people in the district.

Also speaking, President of the Capacity Movement, Shehu Sani Sado, described Shettima as a strong contender in the race, noting that current political dynamics favour his emergence.

He added that the aspirant remains one of the leading figures to watch in the Kaduna Central senatorial contest.

ENDS

AYAGL, CSOs Applaud Military Pensions Board Boss Over Reforms

The Arewa Youth Assembly for Good Leadership (AYAGL), in collaboration with the Forum for Youth Development Unity & Peace Initiative and 11 other civil society organisations, has commended the Chairman of the Military Pensions Board, Air Vice Marshal Mikail Abdulraheem, for what it described as outstanding leadership and transformative reforms in pension administration.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, and made available to newsmen,  the group said the Board under Abdulraheem’s leadership has emerged as a model of discipline, transparency and efficiency, particularly in the timely payment of entitlements to retired military personnel.

AYAGL President, Ambassador Abdul Danbature, who signed the statement on behalf of the coalition, noted that the consistent and prompt payment of pensions marks a significant departure from past challenges that had undermined the welfare of retirees.

He said, “The timely and consistent payment of retired military personnel under his leadership is not just commendable. It is exemplary and transformative.”

The group observed that pension administration in the military had, over the years, been fraught with delays and inefficiencies, but added that the current leadership of the Board has reversed the trend through deliberate reforms and administrative discipline.

According to the statement, key improvements recorded by the Board include enhanced operational efficiency, removal of bureaucratic bottlenecks, and the adoption of a people-centred approach that prioritises accountability and welfare.

“This remarkable turnaround reflects a clear vision for institutional reform and a commitment to service. This is leadership that delivers and reform that works,” the statement added.

The coalition also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing Abdulraheem to lead the Board, describing the decision as strategic and impactful.

It stated that the appointment has yielded tangible results and underscores the administration’s commitment to strengthening public institutions and improving governance.

While urging the Military Pensions Board to sustain and deepen the reforms, the group called on other government agencies to emulate the standard of service delivery demonstrated by the board.

AYAGL further reaffirmed its commitment to promoting good governance, accountability, and impactful leadership across the country.

“When leadership works with integrity, the people benefit. Today, we celebrate such leadership,” the statement said.

ENDS

Kebbi State Government Moves to Address Power Supply Challenges, Set Up Investigative Committee

The Kebbi State Governor, Comrade Dr Nasir Idris, Kauran Gwandu, has assured 

 the people of Kebbi State that his administration will do everything humanly possible to ensure they enjoy 24 hours electricity supply.

The governor also directed that a committee be established to investigate the causes of lingering epileptic power supply in the state.

He made this known during a meeting with KEDCO management and electricity consumers held in Birnin Kebbi on Wednesday night.

The meeting, attended by the Managing Director, KEDCO, Dr Umar Hashidu, alongside other top management staff of the company, drew participants from various segments of society, electricity consumers from different walks of life, including government officials, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), Trade Unions and ordinary citizens.

Governor Idris directed that the committee should comprise representatives from Kebbi Development Forum (KDF), Commissioners, Local Government Chairmen, CSOs, State Assembly, APC, NLC, Traditional Rulers, among others.

He stated that the committee would engage with the Kaduna Electric to identify the root  causes of epileptic power supply to Kebbi and recommend actionable solutions.

Idris assured that: "As a government, we are looking for another alternative as far as power is concerned and In-Sha-Allah, we will get there."

Earlier, the Secretary to Kebbi State Government (SSG), Alhaji Yakubu Bala-Tafida, said the essence of the meeting was to discuss with the suppliers of electricity why Kebbi was underserved towards finding a lasting solution to the lingering challenges of power.

In their submission, Mr Usman Anache, the NLC Public Relations Officer (PRO) in the state, and Mr Ibrahim Ngaski, Chairman, CSOs Kebbi State chapter, described the lingering power shortage as a sabotage against the government.

They insisted that over 70 per cent of power challenges were deliberately caused by Kaduna Electric.

Also in their separate submission, the Chairman, KDF, Alhaji Usman Abubakar, and the Youth Leader in the state, Ahmad Rufa'i, observed that Kaduna Electric did not invest 10 per cent of what the Kebbi Government invested in the purchase of electrical installations.

They urged the company to be fair, sincere and transparent in dealing with customers, adding that demands of Kaduna Electric on government and customers were endless.

The duo recalled that when power was under NEPA, the company used to replace poles, transformers, and other electrical installations, but today Kaduna Electric declines, leaving such responsibilities to government and communities.

In his response, the MD KEDCO insisted that the company was supplying power to Kebbi in different bands, adding that those on Band A were enjoying 24 hours power supply, while other bands were being served according to their band.

While assuring that, based on his record, Kebbi was getting power compared to some states, the MD, however, promised to improve the supply.

He also cited the vast landmass of Kebbi State as a logistical challenge, noting that it is comparable in size to some countries.

President Tinubu Condoles With Kebbi Govt. Over Bandits' Attack, Speaker's Death

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has visited Kebbi to sympathise with the State Governor and the entire people of the state over bandits' attack that claimed the lives of eleven security personnel in Shanga Local Government Area of Kebbi State as well as the death of the Speaker, Kebbi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Muhammad Usman-Zuru.

The President, who was represented by the Vice President, Sen. Kashim Shettima, described the loss of the security personnel and the late speaker as a profound and painful one. 

Delivering his message of sympathy at the Government House in Birnin- kebbi, President Tinubu condemned the killing of the security personnel as a barbaric act and commended the gallant efforts of security in protecting lives and property. 

"We commend you for your efforts, the Federal Government is doing everything possible to support you in all ramifications.

"We are here to express our deep sympathy to the families of the fallen soldiers and the affected communities.

"We are also here to condole with you over the demise of the speaker, Kebbi State House of Assembly, late Rt. Hon. Muhammad Usman-Zuru," he said.

Responding, the Kebbi State Governor, Comrade Dr Nasir Idris expressed appreciation to the President for the visit, noting that it demonstrate ls solidarity and shared grief with the people of the state.

The Governor explained that the security personnel were ambushed while responding to distress called in Shanga LGA.

He added that the state government made very effort to ensure the late speaker received adequate medical attention abroad but ultimately submitted to the will of Almighty Allah.

The governor commended the president for his  show of compassion, care and support to Kebbi State and its people.

Also speaking, the Emir of Zuru, Alhaji Sanusi Mika'ilu, praised the governor for his sustained support to the families of victims and affected communities within the emirate.

WE MUST UNITE IN PRAYER TO SAVE NIGERIA- GOV. IDRIS

The Kebbi State Governor, Comrade Dr Nasir Idris, Kauran Gwandu, has urged Nigerians to intensify efforts in seeking divine intervention to overcome the security challenges facing the country.

The governor made the call while speaking at an interfaith seminar and prayer session organised for clerics across the state, held at the Presidential Lodge, Birnin Kebbi, on Wednesday.

The event, themed ” The role of clerics in promoting purposeful leadership, peace and security in the state was organised by the Ministry of Religious Affairs and the Office of the Secretary to the State Government in collaboration with the Kebbi State Council of Ulama.

"Nigeria needs prayers to overcome the lingering security challenges, therefore, we must unite in prayer to save this country.

"Pray for Nigeria, pray for Mr President and pray for Kebbi State," the governor appealed. 

Speaking on his administration, Gov. Idris noted that the progress recorded in the state is a result of purposeful leadership and the continued prayers of the people. 

The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to good governance and inclusive development.

"My administration has recorded significant achievements in critical sectors, including healthcare, education, infrastructure, workers’ welfare and support for traditional institutions.

The governor disclosed that Specialist hospitals are currently undergoing renovation across the state, while more than 242 Primary Healthcare Centres have been upgraded to improve access to quality healthcare services. 

On education, he said the government has awarded scholarships, spent N300 million on school feeding, renovated and constructed over 2,000 schools, and supplied furniture to improve the learning environment.

He added that road projects had been executed in Argungu, Gwandu and Zuru Emirates, while the Ka’oje-Illo road project will soon be awarded.

The governor also said his administration has improved workers’ welfare through the implementation of the new minimum wage, and pledged sustained support for security agencies to strengthen safety across the state.

In his welcome address, the Commissioner for Religious Affairs, Sheikh Muhammad Sani Aliyu, noted that clerics have a critical role to play in ensuring peace within the state and beyond.

He explained that the seminar featured several sub-themes aimed at fostering lasting peace across the state, with "Good Governance, Peace and the Role of Clerics in sustaining Peace" as the central theme.

The commissioner commended Gov. Idris administration for establishing the Ministry of Religious Affairs, describing it as a landmark achievement in the state’s history.

He also appreciated the governor for introducing regulatory laws governing the activities of boards operating under the ministry.

These laws are meant to shape the society," he said.

The commissioner also thanked the governor for allocating piece of land for cemeteries for both Muslims and Christians.

In separate presentations, Sheikh Muhammad Abubakar-Wali and Sheikh Ahmed Usman-Mukhtar called for justice, fairness, prudent leadership and the responsible use of social media by religious leaders.

Also speaking, Christian leaders, including Rev. Nuhu Mamman-Kuda and Rev. Ayuba Kanta, commended the governor for promoting unity and peaceful coexistence among religious groups in the state.

On his part, scholar Sheikh Abbas Jega urged clerics to uphold justice, sincerity and integrity in the discharge of their religious responsibilities.

Engineers urged to embrace Artificial Intelligence for competitive advantage

Professionals in Nigeria’s engineering sector have been urged to adopt artificial intelligence (AI) as a strategic tool to enhance productivity and remain competitive in a rapidly evolving global economy.

The call was made at the 2nd and 3rd Engr. Augustine Ikebude Okolo Memorial Lecture organised by the Automotive and Locomotive Engineers Institute in collaboration with the Nigerian Society of Engineers Kaduna Branch and the Nigerian Institution of Mechanical Engineers Kaduna Chapter.

The event attracted senior engineers, fellows and industry practitioners, with the Presidents of the Nigerian Society of Engineers and the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria in attendance.

Delivering a keynote lecture titled “Rethinking Productivity, Performance, and Professional Impact in the Age of AI,” the Founder of AI Mastery Academy, Gabriel Gambo Nmadu, said traditional measures of productivity are rapidly becoming obsolete.

He noted that many professionals still equate busyness with productivity, stressing that the emerging reality demands smarter, technology-driven approaches to work.

Nmadu introduced what he described as a “new productivity equation,” explaining that output is now determined by the combination of skill and AI leverage over time.

According to him, professionals who will thrive are those who can effectively integrate their expertise with AI tools to deliver faster and higher-quality results.

He further highlighted the concept of a “personal AI productivity stack,” which includes tools for communication, research, data analysis, presentations and automation.

“High performers today are not defined by how hard they work, but by how intelligently they use AI as a co-pilot,” he said.

While advocating wider adoption of AI, Nmadu stressed that human capabilities such as critical thinking, creativity, ethical judgment and effective communication remain essential.

He described these skills as the key differentiators that will continue to give professionals an edge in an AI-driven environment.

The session also featured practical demonstrations showing how AI tools can be integrated into everyday engineering workflows.

Nmadu urged professionals to position themselves for emerging opportunities by acquiring AI skills, updating their professional profiles and engaging in continuous learning.

“AI will not replace you, but a professional who uses AI will replace you,” he said.

The lecture, organisers said, is part of ongoing efforts to promote capacity building and ensure Nigerian engineers remain relevant in a technology-driven