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Zulum Donates ₦50m to family of late Lt. Col Okolo, assured Support for fallen Heroes

Muhammad Khamis
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Zulum Donates ₦50m to family of late Lt. Col Okolo, assured Support for fallen Heroes

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has donated ₦50 million to the family of the late Lt. Col. OC Okolo, who lost his life during a Boko Haram attack at Mandaragirau in Biu Local Government Area of Borno State on 16 February 2026.

The governor recently made a similar intervention, donating ₦150 million to the families of three military officers who died in separate attacks across the state.

Governor Zulum reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to supporting families of officers and men who paid the ultimate price in defence of the nation. He also assured that he would continue to visit families of other personnel killed or declared missing in action in the ongoing military operations.

The governor, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Security, Brigadier General Abdullahi Sabi Ishaq (Rtd), made the donation during the funeral service held in Obinofia Ndiuno, Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State on 10 April 2026.

The cash donation was presented on behalf of the Borno State Government as part of Governor Zulum’s sustained support to families of fallen heroes and those wounded in action in the ongoing counter-insurgency efforts.

Governor Zulum, on behalf of the government and people of Borno State, extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family.

“My heartfelt condolences to the immediate family, friends and colleagues of Lt. Col Okolo on his painful demise,” Zulum said.

“Lt Col OC Okolo was a gallant, dedicated and committed officer of the nation whose contributions will not be forgotten.”

He prayed for the repose of the soul of the deceased and for God to grant his family the strength and fortitude to bear the painful loss.

Speaking on behalf of the family, Prof. Stanley Okolo expressed deep appreciation to Governor Zulum for the compassion and solidarity shown.

“The family members were particularly touched with the cash donation of N50m and delegation sent from Maiduguri to attend the funeral service despite the short notice,” Stanley stated.

He also commended the Chief of Army Staff and the General Officer Commanding, 82 Division, for sending representatives.

The funeral service was attended by the representative of the Chief of Army Staff, Brigadier General G.A. Suru; the Task Force Commander, 25 Brigade, Brigadier General I.P. Omoke, who represented the Theatre Commander of Operation HADIN KAI; members of NAOWA; and members of the host community

 

Maryam Abacha urges Northern stakeholders to adopt constructive engagement with FG

Tukur Muntari
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Maryam Abacha urges Northern stakeholders to adopt constructive engagement with FG

Former First Lady, Hajia Maryam Sani Abacha, has called on political leaders, traditional institutions, religious scholars, women and youth organisations across Northern Nigeria to adopt a coordinated and constructive approach in engaging the Federal Government on the region’s multifaceted challenges, with a view to achieving durable and sustainable solutions.

She also cautioned against the use of abusive language and derogatory remarks in public discourse, noting that such conduct is inimical to constructive engagement, undermines governance processes, and does not contribute to meaningful progress.

According to her, “the use of invective against leaders does not serve the interests of the ordinary citizen; rather, it weakens governance structures.What is required is constructive engagement, accompanied by prayers and a sincere articulation of the people’s challenges in a manner that promotes unity and collective advancement.”

Mrs Abacha made the call in a statement she personally signed and issued to newsmen from Paris, on Friday, April 10, 2026.

Maryam Abacha further noted that, drawing on her experience as a former First Lady familiar with the workings of government and established channels for transmitting public concerns, there is a need for Northern stakeholders to recalibrate their approach to advocacy and grievance articulation.

“Rather than resorting to media platforms for the exchange of insults, I call on Northern traditional rulers to close ranks and engage the Federal Government through appropriate institutional mechanisms on the pressing challenges confronting the region—particularly insecurity, poverty, and the socio-economic hardship affecting the populace.”

She emphasised the importance of inclusive participation, stating that all segments of society must be actively involved in structured advocacy and representation.

She further called on women’s groups, business leaders, the organised private sector, youth organisations, religious scholars, academics, and security personnel of Northern origin, alongside other stakeholders, to forge a unified platform for dialogue with the Federal Government aimed at addressing the region’s developmental and security concerns.

“I have had the privilege of being within the seat of the Federal Government; I understand how sustained and coordinated public pressure through legitimate channels can prompt decisive action.

“I therefore appeal to Northerners–particularly religious leaders, traditional rulers, business leaders, women’s groups, youth organisations, university academics, and all stakeholders—to speak with one voice, including security personnel of Northern origin, especially on the issue of insecurity and the underlying factors driving underdevelopment in the region.

“After presenting grievances, prayers should follow. Let there be supplication, patriotism, and then structured engagement with government. When such concerns are harmonised across all sectors, the government will be compelled to respond constructively in the interest of peace and stability,” Hajia Maryam said.

She also extended goodwill to public office holders at all levels, from the Federal Government to state governors, legislators, local government chairmen, and councillors, urging them to discharge their responsibilities with justice, equity, and a strong sense of national responsibility.

The former First Lady further expressed concern over what she described as the relative cohesion among stakeholders in Southern Nigeria in advancing their collective interests through coordinated representation, stressing the need for Northerners to cultivate similar unity of purpose and strategic engagement.

She also urged the Federal Government to intensify its focus on youth welfare, particularly by tackling unemployment and insecurity, in order to enhance socio-economic conditions and strengthen national stability.

Hajia Maryam further noted that her appeal was made in her capacity as a mother to all Nigerians, with the objective of fostering balance, equity, and social cohesion across the country.

“I made this appeal as a mother to all Nigerians, in the interest of fairness and national harmony. Those who may be uncomfortable with my remarks should recognise that it reflects the truth and exercise patience—truth, by its very nature, can be difficult to accept,” she said.

The first lady also offered prayers for Nigeria, seeking enduring peace, stability, and unity for the nation.

FG awards N3.8bn contract for construction of solar mini grid at Aliko Dangote varsity

Tukur Muntari
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FG awards N3.8bn contract for construction of solar mini grid at Aliko Dangote varsity

The Federal Government has awarded contract worth N3.8 billion for the construction of two megawatts Solar Minigrid for the generation of power at Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology, Wudil, Kano State.

This is contained in a statement by the
Deputy Registrar, Information and Public Affairs of the University, Abdullahi Datti Abdullahi, a copy of which was made available to The Punch on Thursday.

According to the statement, the Director General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria, Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi dropped the hint when he received the Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Musa Tukur Yakasai on Wednesday in Abuja.

“The contract for the project which has already been awarded by the Federal Ministry of Innovations, Science and Technology at the cost of N3.8 billion, will soon commence,” Dr. Abdullahi was quoted as saying in the statement.

The ECN Boss said the project would be completed within three months.

“The Renewed Hope solarization cut across every state and the infrasructures to benefit mostly are hospitals, tertiary institutions and rural areas”, the Director General emphasized.

According to him, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu directed for the flagging up of four megawatts in Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, after two patients lost their lives due to lack of electricity.

Meanwhile, Dr. Abdullahi who had earlier provided 200 units of streetlights to the university, said additional 200 will soon be released to the university.

He expressed appreciation to the VC, members of the Governing Council, staff and students for the solidarity shown to him.

Speaking earlier, the VC , Prof. Yakasai appreciated the contributions of the Director General to the development of the University especially in the area of power supply.

He specifically thanked the DG for providing 200 units of streetlights which significantly changed the system by reducing security challenges and providing opportunity for students to read comfortably, especially at night.

Prof. Yakasai, who congratulated the MD on his appointment by President Bola Tinubu, called for further collaboration between the two organizations especially in renewable energy, central energy laboratory, energy calculator, and training among others.

Kano donates three operational vehicles to NDLEA to enhance its operations

Tukur Muntari
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Kano donates three operational vehicles to NDLEA to enhance its operations

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Kano Strategic Command, has received a donation of three operational vehicles from the Kano State Government to enhance its anti-drug operations.

This is contained in a statement by the command’s Public Relations Officer/ Assistant Superintendent of Narcotics, Sadiq Maigatari, a copy of which was made available to The Punch on Friday.

“The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Kano Strategic Command, received a donation of three operational vehicles from the Kano State Government, on Thursday, 09/04/2026,” the statement said.

According to the statement, the vehicles were handed over to Commander Dahiru Lawal by the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Farouk Ibrahim, on behalf of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf on Thursday.

Speaking at the brief handover ceremony, the SSG described the donation as a motivating gesture that will enable the NDLEA to intensify efforts to curb substance abuse in the state.

He emphasized that substance abuse is a primary enabler of various crimes and other social vices and urged continued collaboration to protect the people of the state.

Responding, the NDLEA commander expressed profound appreciation to Governor Yusuf and the state government for the support, assuring that the donated vehicles would be judiciously used.

“These vehicles will strengthen our operational capacity and support more robust actions aimed at dismantling drug cartels and ensuring the sustained closure of drug joints across Kano State,” he said.

The donation complements recent successes by the NDLEA Kano Strategic Command, notably “Operation Ramadan Mubarak,” during which over 200 suspects were arrested and more than 20 drug joints were dismantled.

“On behalf of the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Agency, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), Commander Lawal thanked the Kano State Government for the enduring cordial relationship and shared commitment to peace and security in the state,” the statement added.

Tukur Muntari
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The Kano State Government has so far paid N32bn out of the inherited N48bn backlog of unpaid retirees’ gratuities and death benefits.

The state Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf stated this on Wednesday while flagging off the payments of sixth trench of gratuity and death benefits to retirees in the state.

“As of May 2023 we inherited N48 billion retirees’ gratuities and death benefits as liabilities.

“Alhamdulilahi, today I am happy to say that N27 billion has been settled in five tranches. Today we have N5 billion as the sixth tranche. So, with this we have now paid N32 billion out of the N48 we inherited,” he said.

He assured that the state government’s commitment to offset the balance before the end of the year to address long-standing liabilities and reposition Kano State as a model of responsible governance.

“The settlement of these outstanding gratuities and death benefits not only alleviates the hardship faced by affected families but also reaffirms the administration’s promise to restore trust in government and uphold social justice.

He commended the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners for their patience and good leadership.

A cross section of the Pensioners appreciated governor Yusuf for magnanimity and called on the Pensioners to reciprocate the gesture by ensuring his success in 2027.

Kano pilgrims board urges NAHCON to address delays in airlifting pilgrims

Tukur Muntari
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Kano pilgrims board urges NAHCON to address delays in airlifting pilgrims

The Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board has called on the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria to ensure there are no delays by air carriers during the airlift of intending pilgrims for the upcoming Hajj exercise.

The plea is contained in a statement on Wednesday by the board’s Public Relations Officer, Sulaiman Dederi, a copy of which was made available to The Punch online.

According to the statement, the Director General of the Board, Abubakar Matawalle, made the appeal while receiving a delegation from NAHCON on an official visit to Kano.

He emphasized that the Board has completed all necessary preparations for intending pilgrims and stressed the importance of timely airlift operations to avoid inconvenience and ensure a smooth Hajj exercise.

“We have finalized all arrangements for our intending pilgrims and expect that there will be no unnecessary delays from air carriers when the airlif begins,” Matawalle said.

Earlier, the Head of Delegation and NAHCON Commissioner for the North-West Zone, Sheikh Muhammad Bin Usman, explained that the team was in Kano to assess the condition of facilities provided for intending pilgrims in the state.

He noted that the delegation had toured several states across the North-West region to ensure that all facilities are in proper working condition for the benefit of pilgrims.

Sheikh Usman assured the board that concerns regarding potential delays by air carriers would be communicated to the national headquarters for prompt action.

Also speaking, the NAHCON Zonal Director for Kano Zone, Alhaji Ahmad Muhammad Kalgo, commended the Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board for its well-organized arrangements and preparedness for the Hajj operations.

He further encouraged the board to sustain its enlightenment and sensitization programmes for intending pilgrims, particularly in the area of Hajj induction.

Gov Yusuf vows to address persistent water scarcity

Tukur Muntari
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Gov Yusuf vows to address persistent water scarcity

The Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has vowed to address challenges of water scarcity in the state as he embarked on inspection tour to all water treatment plants in the state.

The visit was aimed at assessing their condition and explore solutions to the problem of inadequate water supply being experienced in some parts of the state.

This was contained in a statement by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mustapha Muhammad in Kano on Tuesday.

According to the statement, the visit was also part of the state government’s efforts to ensure the provision of adequate and safe drinking water for the populace.

“The Governor was accompanied by the Commissioners and representatives of CGC, a Chinese Company with a vast experience in solving perennial water supply to forward a feasibility studies on how to solve the problems once and for all,” the statement said.

The governor began the inspection with
Tamburawa treatment plant where, the Governor inspected key components of the water treatment facilities, including water treatment machines, distribution pipelines, and other essential equipment, with a view to identifying issues hindering optimal performance.

Some of the problems identified include the leakages of water flows on the pipes, malfunction of some machineries and some were obsolete, promising to look into the problems.

Addressing journalists after the inspection, Governor Yusuf reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to rehabilitating all malfunctioning parts of the water treatment plants and improving their operations to ensure effective water supply to residents.

“The State Government will collaborate with CGC, a Chinese firm to strengthen the delivery of clean, safe, and adequate potable water to residents across the state,” Gov Yusuf said.

He emphasized that the partnership forms a critical component of the administration’s broader strategy to revitalize water infrastructure, improve public health, and ensure sustainable access to safe drinking water for all citizens.

He stressed that the provision of clean and safe drinking water remains a top priority of his administration, assuring that no effort will be spared in ensuring that every citizen has access to quality water.

NSCD arrests 20 foreign nationals for lack of valid travel document

Tukur Muntari
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NSCD arrests 20 foreign nationals for lack of valid travel document

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Kano State Command, has arrested twenty foreign nationals in the Danbare area of Kumbotso local government area of the State.

The suspects, comprising individuals from Sudan, Chad, and other neighbouring countries, were apprehended following credible intelligence and a coordinated operation by the operatives of the corps.

The state NSCD commandant, Mohammed Hassan Agalama confirmed the arrest of the suspects while addressing a news conference in Kano on Tuesday.

“The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Kano State Command, wishes to inform the general public of the successful arrest of twenty (20) foreign nationals in the Danbare area of Kumbotso Local Government Area of Kano State,” he said.

Agalama said preliminary investigations indicated that the individuals could not provide valid travel or identification documents, raising concerns over their mode of entry and activities within the state.

He said exhibits recovered from the suspects included Ten (10) android phones.

He said the Corps is currently profiling and investigating the suspects to ascertain their mission and possible links to any unlawful activities pointing out that relevant agencies have been duly notified, and necessary steps are being taken in line with extant laws.

The NSCDC Kano State Command reiterates its commitment to safeguarding critical national assets and maintaining internal security, urging members of the public to remain vigilant and continue to support security agencies with timely and useful information.

He said further developments will be communicated to members of the public as investigations continued

World Health Day: Fix Nigeria’s health budgeting, policy crises, FG urged

Tukur Muntari
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World Health Day: Fix Nigeria’s health budgeting, policy crises, FG urged

As Nigeria joins the global community to mark the 2026 World Health Day, Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa, has urged governments at all levels to move beyond rhetoric and urgently address the chronic underfunding and policy gaps undermining the country’s health sector and worsening its disease burden.

In a statement on Tuesday by the CAPPA’s Media and Communication Officer, Robert Egbe, to mark the day, CAPPA decried Nigeria’s persistent failure to adequately fund the health sector over the past decade.

Citing data from the Budget Office of the Federation, the organisation noted that allocations have consistently fallen short of the 15 per cent benchmark set under the Abuja Declaration, with even approved funds often not fully released.

The group pointed to recent examples. In January, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare reportedly lamented its inability to implement its 2025 capital budget after only N36 billion was released out of the N218 billion allocated.

“Similarly, in 2024, just N26.552 billion was released from the N233.656 billion earmarked for capital projects.

“This longstanding gap between budget promises and actual releases has weakened the health system and is short-changing Nigerians,” said CAPPA’s
Executive Director, Akinbode Oluwafemi.

“It shows up in limited access to essential medicines, overstretched facilities, a severe shortage of health workers worsened by the ‘Japa’ trend, high out-of-pocket costs, and a growing burden of non-communicable diseases driven by unhealthy food environments.”

CAPPA warned that non-communicable diseases – including hypertension, diabetes, obesity and heart-related conditions – now account for about 29 percent of annual deaths in Nigeria, placing enormous strain on families and the health system.

It stressed that reversing this trend requires urgent preventive policies, particularly to curb excessive consumption of salt, sugar and trans fats.

Referencing the World Health Day 2026 theme, “Together for health: Stand with science,” the organisation called on governments to prioritise evidence-based policies.

One such measure, CAPPA said, is a stronger Sugar-Sweetened Beverage tax.

The group welcomed moves by the National Assembly to review the current N10 per litre levy and transition to a percentage-based tax tied to retail price, with part of the revenue earmarked for health promotion.

“We maintain that the current SSB tax is too low to significantly reduce consumption,” Oluwafemi said. “We are calling for an increase to at least 50 per cent of the retail price, in line with World Health Organization recommendations.

There is compelling evidence that stronger fiscal measures can reduce consumption while generating much-needed revenue for health financing.”

“Tobacco use remains one of the leading causes of preventable deaths worldwide, including in Nigeria,” Oluwafemi said. “Effective implementation of the National Tobacco Control Act requires far greater investment than what is currently provided.”

The organisation called on governments, policymakers and relevant agencies to scale up health sector funding, ensure full and timely release of budgeted funds, fast-track the adoption of healthy food policies, and strengthen accountability across the system.

“Prevention must become central to Nigeria’s health strategy,” Oluwafemi added. “That means backing science with action through adequate funding and strong policies that protect public health.”

Ex-INEC chairman Attahiru Jega loses wife

Tukur Muntari
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Ex-INEC chairman Attahiru Jega loses wife

Bayero University, Kano on Sunday, announced the passing of Hajiya Hadiza Attahiru Jega, wife of former BUK Vice-Chancellor and former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Attahiru Jega.

In a statement shared on its official social media page, BUK said, “Inna lillahi wa inna ilaihi raji’un. With total submission to the will of Allah, we announce the passing of Hajiya Hadiza Attahiru Jega.”

The statement noted that her Janazah prayer would be held immediately after Zuhr at the National Mosque, Abuja, on Sunday, 5th April 2026.

BUK prayed for the eternal repose of the deceased, saying, “May Allah grant her Aljannatul Firdaus and forgive her shortcomings. May He also grant the family the strength and patience to bear this loss. Ameen.”

The Director, Public Affairs, Bayero University Kano, Lamara Garba has also confirmed the death of Hajia Hadiza Attahiru Jega in a telephone interview with Daily Telescope on Sunday.

“Yes, it’s true the wife of our former VC and former INEC chairman, Hajia Hadiza Attahiru Jega is dead and will be buried in Abuja.May the Almighty Allah forgive her shortcomings,’ he said.

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