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

Gov. Idris Extols Tinubu @74

Kebbi State Governor, Comrade Dr Nasir Idris, Kauran Gwandu has congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on his 74th anniversary.

In a message to Mr President issued to Newsmen in Birnin Kebbi, the governor described the 74 years as years well-spent and prayed for many more good years ahead.

In a statment Ahmed Idris,Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Kebbi State, the cover "Mr President is a man of integrity and honesty, May Almighty Allah give him more wisdom in piloting the affairs of this country.

"There is no doubt that Mr President's Renewed Hope Agenda has made significant impact on the lives of many Nigerians.

"We are not surprise about the progress so far, it's our ultimate desire that more dividends of democracy will be delivered for the good of the people," he said. 

The governor called on Nigerians to rally round the present administration at all levels to enable them succeed.

Kebbi Health Science College Gets NBTE Approval To run 7 ND Programmes

The National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) has approved seven National Diploma programmmes at the Kebbi State College of Health Sciences and Technology, Jega.

The Chairman, Governing Council of the institution, Alhaji Magaji Abdullahi (Turakin Bunza) confirmed the development and unprecedented moments in the history of the college to newsmen in Birnin Kebbi.

He said that the achievement was possible following the commitment and support of the Executive Governor of Kebbi State, Comrade Dr Nasir Idris, Kauran Gwandu.

"This is an unprecedented moment in the history of Kebbi State College of Health Sciences and Technology, Jega, as we proudly announce the approval to commence seven National Diploma (ND) programmes from the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) following the successful resource verification and advisory visit in December 2025" he said.

He equally commended the Kebbi State Governor for his unwavering support in achieving this significant milestone. 

"The governing council, under my  leadership deserves recognition for their steadfast commitment to ensuring the college attains a national outlook," he said.

Abdullahi added that the council has also championed the initiative to eliminate the era of enrolling students without the possibility of graduation with recognised certificates.

"Now, our students can pursue further education through Direct Entry B.Sc. or Higher National Diploma programmmes upon graduation from our institution," the chairman said.

He therefore emphasised that the governor has made history in Kebbi State, "a legacy we will remember for years to come. Congratulations to the Governing Council and the entire Kebbi State community.

"Moving forward, it is imperative for the Governing Council to ensure effective management through diligent oversight functions."

The chairman stressed the need for the institution to recruit qualified staff and enhance the organisational structure of the college to facilitate successful future accreditations. 

"Any factors that threaten the State Government's commitment to quality education must be identified and addressed by the Governing Council," he noted.

The chairman listed the accredited programmes to include; ND Public Health Technology, ND Environmental Health Technology, ND Community Health Technology, ND Health Information and Management, ND Medical Laboratory Technology and ND Health Education and Promotion. 

How my rural upbringing inspired me to write literature books -Kaduna Journalist

From Noah Ebije, Kaduna 

The Sun Newspapers Correspondent in Kaduna, Mr Noah Ebije has attributed the inspiration for his two newly published literature books; a Poetry collection and a Play to his rural upbringing and lived experiences in communities grappling with hardship in present-day Kogi State.

Ebije made this known at the launch of the books during the peak of the 2025 Press Week of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kaduna State Chapter, held on Saturday, December 13, 2025.

Speaking at the event, Ebije recounted growing up in a remote rural settlement in the late 1960s and early 1970s, where basic amenities such as health centres, motorable roads, electricity and clean drinking water were nonexistent.

Raised on traditional herbs and cereal-based foods, he said farming, hunting and crafts defined daily life, while evenings were spent listening to folktales by moonlight.

According to the author, his poetry collection draws heavily from these formative years, particularly his childhood experiences working on palm and plantain plantations close to the village, in contrast to the more strenuous farming in distant hinterlands.

He explained that this experience mirrored his academic journey, where he excelled in Literature in English but struggled with conventional English language studies, hence the meeting point of poetry and plantain plantations.

“Poetry, like plantain plantations, came naturally to me. The book reflects the simplicity, rhythm and imagery of rural life that shaped my worldview,” he said.

His second book, a play titled Mosquitoes Sucked Their Blood for Five Years, was inspired by the ordeal of secondary school boarding students who studied in a mosquito-infested environment between the late 1970s and early 1980s.

Ebije recalled that the school was located near a forested area, exposing students to persistent mosquito bites and recurrent malaria infections, often forcing them to seek treatment at distant primary health centres at the expenses of their academic works.

Reviewing the play, Chairman of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), Kaduna State Chapter, Stephen Adinoyi, said “Mosquitoes Sucked Their Blood for Five Years” goes beyond a school narrative to showcase a scenario  akin to a political situation, where citizens endure prolonged socio-economic hardship.

Adinoyi described the book as a must-read for all Nigerians, noting its strong allegorical relevance and social commentary. 

He added that characters in the book reminded one of the George Orwell’s novel, “Animal Farm”, where both animals and humans played the major characters.

The book launch was done in collaboration with the 2025 NUJ Press Week, Kaduna State Council.

END.

2027: Gov. Idris' Re-election is Certain But Bunza, Kalgo, Birnin Kebbi Federal Constituency is Questionable

 

As 2027 General Elections draws closer, politicians across the country are working hard to achieve their goals, these goals are not far from winning political seats either to remain in the corridor of power or get their way into the position of authority regardless of political party they belong to. 

The current political trend in the country shows how the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is waxing stronger and stronger, gradually spreading its tentacles, consuming opposition parties.

There is no doubt that the party has proved to be the biggest political party not only in Nigeria but in the whole of Africa. This might not be unconnected to its fairness, accommodation, and hospitality to all members irrespective of new or old members' status.

The party is following the footsteps of some past notable leaders like Sir Ahmadu Bello Sardauna of Sokoto and Chief Obafemi Awolowo among others, whose vision and mission laid a solid foundation for a prosperous Nigeria. The party through the leaders ensured that everyone is carried along 

Indeed, Kebbi State which was carved out of old Sokoto State has 21 Local Government Areas with four Emirates, including; Gwandu, Argungu, Yauri and Zuru Emirates. Politics is a game of number, Gwandu Emirate with 11 LGAs has the highest number of LGAs and largest population. Therefore, since the creation of the state and return to democracy in 1999, Gwandu Emirate being the largest Emirate has been producing the Governor of the state.

It is interesting to note that from 1999, Sen. Adamu Aliero governed Kebbi State for good eight years, Alhaji Usman Nasamu Dakingari administered for eight years, while, Sen. Abubakar Atiku Bagudu also ruled for eight years. The present administration under the able leadership of Comerade Dr Nasir Idris, a grassroots developer and a teacher will In Sha Allah complete his eight years.

Dr Nasir Idris, an educationist, urban and rural transformer and a human capital developer has won the minds of Kebbi masses. During the 2023 general elections he defeated the opposition with a large margin.

When contacted, one of the political elite in Kebbi State, Issa Alhassan assured that even if Gov. Nasir Idris decided not to campaign, people of the state would surely cast their votes for him because of the achievements he has recorded just within less than three years of his administration.

Alhassan, who expressed satisfaction over the gigantic achievements recorded by the people's governor, said that Kauran Gwandu is a man of integrity and honesty, he has empowered many people irrespective of tribe or religion.

"His Excellency, our amiable Governor has not only transformed the state capital to be at par with other state capitals across Nigeria, he also extended similar gesture to all the four Emirates in the state. Therefore, the chances of Kauran Gwandu winning the 2027 election is very bright and straight forward," he said. 

He, however, expressed concern over challenges that the party might face in Kalgo, Bunza, Birnin Kebbi Federal Constituency, adding that from information available, the Governor is planning to impose an unpopular, unsuitable and unsellable candidate.  

"It is pertinent to offer a candid advice to the governor not to allow the is proposed friend to vie for this position but if His Excellency refuse to take this advice and insist that the person must contest, then what might happen might be unpleasant.

"My advice is that if the governor cannot bring people like Rilisco or Alhaji Kabiru Sani-Giant then he should bring a neutral person," he advised. 

He added that: "I have no choice but we must call a spade a spade, I don't know Kabiru Giant but his name has been all over in view of what he is doing for the people.

"It is a known fact that in Kebbi State we are already done with 2027 election, our Governor is continuing to complete his eight years In Sha Allah."