News Agency of Nigeria
Mining firm begins construction of 8km road in Ebonyi community
General News

Mining firm begins construction of 8km road in Ebonyi community

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By Douglas Okoro

A mining company has commenced an 8 kilometre road construction work along Ubegbu–Onuavia in Ihietutu Community, Ishiagu, Ivo Local Government Area of Ebonyi.

 

The work is being sponsored by the mining company, Ambertone Logistics Company, operating in the area.

 

Mr Ebuka Iwuji, a top management staff of the company, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Ishiagu that the project was awarded at the cost of N3 billion to an indigenous firm, FELJESON Nigeria Ltd.

 

He said the project, with a four-month completion period, is scheduled for delivery in December.

 

According to him, the road, which stretches from the Ihietutu town hall at UBEGU to the company’s mining site at Onuavia, will provide access to farming areas among other benefits.

 

“The project, which is already witnessing site activities including drainage construction on both sides, is not part of our Community Development Agreement (CDA).

 

“It is an additional gesture from the company to support our host community.

 

“It was awarded to a company owned by an indigene of the community and fully funded by Ambertone Logistics.

 

“When completed, it will significantly improve movement of farm produce and enhance development in the area,” Iwuji said.

Iwuji added that Ambertone Logistics remained committed to infrastructure and human capital development in line with its obligations to the host community.

 

“This is where we do our business; it is our responsibility to ensure improvement in the socio-economic and infrastructural wellbeing of the community.

 

“If the people are happy, God will bless us and expand our business,” he said.

 

He noted that the road project would also ease access to the mining site and open up the community for further development.

 

Some community members who spoke with NAN commended the company for embarking on what they described as “a people-oriented project”.

 

Mr Bernard Chukwu, a community leader, said the project would transform agricultural and commercial activities in the area.

 

“We are grateful for this road because it has been one of our major challenges. With this development, farmers will find it easier to transport their produce and traders will have better access to the markets,” he said.

 

Mr Jeremiah Okoro, another resident, lauded the company’s contributions to youth empowerment, security, peace and infrastructure in the area.

“Beyond this road, Ambertone has continued to honour its commitments under the CDA. They have supported security initiatives, empowered youths and promoted peace in our community,” Okorie said.

 

Also, Mr Kingsley Onyebuchi described the project as a demonstration of the company’s goodwill.

 

“All we can do is pray that God blesses (the) company abundantly, and show him more prosperity in our land,” he said(NAN). (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Yakubu Uba

Dangote Cement marks Int’l Youth Day at Obajana
General News

Dangote Cement marks Int’l Youth Day at Obajana

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By Nana Musa

The Dangote Cement says its company’s policy is in line with the United Nations’ ideals of empowering the youth for social and economic development of societies.

 

The Plants Director, Nawabuddin Azad, said this when the company marked the International Youth Day at its Obajana plant, Kogi.

Azad, who was represented by the General Manager, Social Performance, Ademola Adeyemi, was speaking on the theme: Local Youth Action on SDG and Beyond.

 

He said that the youth have always been a priority in its job creation drives and empowerment programmes.

 

He noted that, only recently, youths from the company’s host communities were empowered on poultry farming, solar entrepreneurship, fashion design, and several other vocational skills.

 

“At our plant, we believe in shared value, where business success goes together with social progress. We are committed to supporting initiatives that empower the youth, uplift communities and promote sustainable practices,” he said.

Addressing staff and guests at the plant, the Chief General Manager and Head of Production, Mr John Gwong, described the youth as the greatest asset of any nation, noting that their creativity, energy, and innovation remain critical for Nigeria’s future.

 

He stressed that Dangote Cement views the youth not only as future leaders but also as present contributors to the company’s growth.

 

“At Dangote Cement, we see the youth as the backbone of society. By mentoring them, building their capacity, and exposing them to new technologies, we are preparing a generation that will secure the growth of both our company and our nation,” Gwong said.

 

On his part, the Head of Human Resources, Mr Azeez Adeniyi, emphasised the importance of instilling discipline, hard work, and integrity in young people.

 

He noted that the youth population is central to Nigeria’s workforce and their skills and values directly influence the productivity of industries.

 

“Our engagement with young employees goes beyond technical training. We prioritise ethics, teamwork, and responsibility, because these are the values that shape strong leaders and professionals. When the youth succeed, companies like Dangote Cement and the entire nation also succeed,” Adeniyi remarked.

 

Also speaking, Mr Wale Adedeji, Head, Technical, Dangote Academy, urged youths to embrace technology and innovation, stressing that the future belongs to those who are adaptable and forward-thinking.

 

 

Adedeji explained that Dangote’s continued investment in young professionals has strengthened its operations and positioned the company as a leader in Africa’s cement industry.

 

“The world is changing rapidly, and young people must be equipped not only to take jobs but also to create them. The values of curiosity, resilience, and problem-solving are essential for them to remain competitive globally, and these qualities directly translate into the company’s ability to innovate and remain productive,” Adedeji said.

 

The officials collectively noted that industries, governments, and communities must create platforms that empower young people to maximise their potential.

 

They warned that failing to invest in youth development could worsen unemployment and social vices, which would threaten national stability.

 

Dangote Cement showcased initiatives such as its graduate trainee scheme, internship opportunities, and community empowerment projects, which have empowered hundreds of young people across its host communities and built skilled workers for the company.

 

According to the management, the youth are not only vital to Nigeria’s future but are already playing an indispensable role in the day-to-day operations of Dangote Cement through innovation, energy, and fresh perspectives.

 

The highpoints of the ceremony was a call on young Nigerians to remain committed to lifelong learning and positive values, while stakeholders were urged to sustain efforts at mentoring, empowering, and involving youths in nation-building.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Train derailment: NRC says emergency responders on ground ‎
Metro

Train derailment: NRC says emergency responders on ground ‎

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By Gabriel Agbeja

‎Mr Kayode Opeifa, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), on Tuesday said that emergency responders are already on ground at the site of the derailment of a Kaduna-bound train at Asham station.

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In a statement posted on NRC X handle, Opeifa said that the emergency team and medical personnel had been mobilised to the scene to attend to injured passengers.

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‎ “The Nigerian Railway Corporation confirms a train derailment involving our Kaduna-bound AKTS train service at about 11:09 am at KM 49 between Kubwa station and Asham station.

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‎”Emergency rescue, medical personnel, and nearby hospitals have already been mobilised

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‎”A full complement of security is already on the ground as efforts are ongoing to move all passengers on the train back to Abuja safely,” he said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Deborah Coker

Eno receives newly graduated Ibom Air pilots, maintenance engineers
General News

Eno receives newly graduated Ibom Air pilots, maintenance engineers

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By Sunday Bassey

Gov. Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom has received 35 indigenous Ibom Air cadet pilots and maintenance engineers who graduated from Airbus Flight Academy in France and Ethiopian Airline Aviation Academy.

 

Eno while receiving the Board and Management of Ibom Air at the Government House, Uyo on Tuesday, expressed delight at the successful graduation of the 15 aircraft pilots and 20 maintenance engineers.

 

He described them as “assets to the state” and commended them for showing diligence in their career paths.

 

”I am very proud of you; and to know that you are all Akwa Ibom indigenes gives me greater joy. So, I will like to welcome you back on behalf of the government and people of the state from your training as pilots and engineers,” he said.

 

He assured them of more opportunities in the sector that would lift them to greater heights.

 

The governor thanked his predecessor, Mr Udom Emmanuel, for his sterling vision of setting up and nurturing the state-owned airline.

 

He also commended Emmanuel for selecting indigenes of the state for training as pilots and aircraft maintenance engineers.

 

”The vision will surely continue. When we mention Ibom Air, we cannot forget Mr Emmanuel.

 

”We appreciate him on a day like this, and I know how proud he will be to know that the seed he sowed has brought forth all of these harvests today,” Eno said.

 

The governor applauded the management of Ibom Air for the work they have done, saying that they have encouraged his administration to build on the achievements of the airline especially in capacity development and quality facilities.

 

He expressed delight that the beneficiaries were selected based on merit.

 

”We must build a state where people don’t have to benefit from the state or programmes because they know somebody, and we are truly working as hard as we can to make sure that people get what they should get on merit.

 

”I really want to say that Ibom Air is the airline to beat, and even our competitors know that. You are indeed doing a great job, and we are so proud of you for giving us this level of human capacity that you have brought to the airline,’’ he said.

 

Eno assured the management of Ibom Air that the state under his leadership would continue to support its plans and programmes to enhance a more excellent service delivery in the country and beyond.

 

The governor promised to provide conducive work environment for aviation professionals by giving them comfortable accommodations along the aviation corridor of the state.

 

Earlier, the Chairman of Ibom Air, Capt. Mfon Udom, said the team of pilots and engineers graduated with excellent grades from the aviation training schools.

 

Udom appreciated the governor and his immediate predecessor for believing in their people and ensuring that they were appropriately trained in critical areas of the aviation industry.

 

He said this would go a long way to boost the state’s airline efficiency and help deliver on its set goals. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Deborah Coker

Passengers unhurt as Kaduna-Abuja train derails 
General News

Passengers unhurt as Kaduna-Abuja train derails 

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By Moses Kolo

A passenger train travelling from Kaduna to Abuja derailed on Thursday morning, leaving several cabins overturned along the busy corridor.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the incident caused panic among the passengers, many of whom scrambled to safety.

 

Although details remained sketchy, there were no confirmed reports of casualties as of press time.

 

The Managing Director of NRC, Mr Kayode Opeifa, told NAN in a telephone interview that “yes, it has been confirmed. But there was no any casualty”.

 

Eyewitnesses said some coaches were badly affected, with the passengers sustaining minor injuries while trying to exit the overturned cabins.

 

The exact cause of the derailment was yet to be determined.

 

However, possible factors being considered include vandalism and scavengers’ activities along the rail line, or mechanical issues such as hot axles.

 

NAN reports that emergency responders were said to be assessing the situation.

 

Authorities were also expected to launch an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the derailment.

 

NAN also reports that this was not the first challenge faced on the route.

 

The Kaduna-Abuja rail corridor had witnessed disruptions and security threats in the past, most notably the March 2022 terrorist attack that claimed several lives and led to the suspension of services.

 

Also, just last week, the Abuja-Kaduna train service experienced a technical scare linked to a hot axle.

 

The Kaduna-Abuja is one of Nigeria’s most critical rail lines, which serves thousands of passengers daily.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

Court orders 6 banks to furnish I-G with account details linked to Sowore
Judiciary

Court orders 6 banks to furnish I-G with account details linked to Sowore

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By Taiye Agbaje

The Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday, ordered six banks to furnish the Inspector-General (I-G) of Police with details of account documents and all transactions, including inflows and outflows, linked to Omoyele Sowore from January 2024 till date.

 

Justice Emeka Nwite gave the order after I-G ‘s lawyer, Wisdom Madaki, moved an ex-parte motion to the effect.

 

The I-G, in the motion, had told the court that Sowore, the publisher of Sahara Reporters, is being investigated on allegations bordering on terrorism financing, money laundering and fraudulent activities.

 

Justice Nwite, in a ruling, held that the application was meritorious.

 

“I have listened to the submission of the counsel to the applicant and I have also gone through the affidavit evidence.

 

“I am of the view and so hold that the application is meritorious.

 

“The prayer is hereby granted as prayed,” the judge ruled.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the I-G, in the ex-parte motion marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/1757/2025, had sued Sowore and Sahara Reporters Media Foundation as 1st and 2nd defendants.

 

The applicant joined the United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, Guarantee Trust Bank (GTB) Plc, Zenith Bank Plc, Opay Digital Services Ltd, Moniepoint and Kuda Microfinance Bank Ltd as 3rd to 8th defendants respectively.

 

The I-G sought “an order directing the following banks; UBA Plc, GTB plc, ZENITH Bank Plc, Opay Digital Services Limited, Moniepoint and Kuda Microfinance Bank Limited to furnished the applicant through the office of the Inspector General of Police Monitoring Unit account opening package/mandate card, certified true copy of the statement of account reflecting transfers with account numbers of both inflows and outflows from January, 2024 till date.”

 

The I-G, in the five-ground of argument, said Sowore “is being investigated for terrorism financing, money laundering and fraudulent activities.

 

“That the complainant had commenced investigation in the activities of the 1st respondent.

 

“That the accounts seeking to obtain the statement of accounts are the accounts which the 1st respondent is using for terrorism financing and money laundering.”

 

The applicant said there was need for the court to grant the relief sought for the purpose of investigation and that if the order was not granted, it would jeopardise the police investigation.

 

Also in the affidavit attached to the motion, Bassey Ibrahim, a police officer in the Legal Section, Force CID, alleged that his office received intelligent report that Sowore “is using the accounts for terrorism financing, money laundering and receives financial support from foreign partner for terrorism.”

 

Ibrahim averred that there was a need for the police to secure the order of the court to obtain the statements of the accounts to enable the office carry out investigation into the alleged fraudulent activities of the suspects.

 

“That the respondents will not be prejudiced or indemnified by the grant of this application.

 

“That I swear to this affidavit in good faith believing the content to be true and correct in accordance with the provision of the Oath Act, 2024,” he deposed.

 

NAN reports that no fewer than 26 bank accounts linked to Sowore, including Sahara Reporters Media Foundation and African Action Congress (AAC)’s accounts, among others, are being investigated.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

How David Mark’s interview landed us in Abacha’s gulag– Yakubu Mohammed
General News

How David Mark’s interview landed us in Abacha’s gulag– Yakubu Mohammed

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By Kadiri Abdulrahman

 

A former Executive Editor of the defunct Newswatch magazine, Yakubu Mohammed, has recounted how a rare interview with Brig.-Gen. David Mark had put the magazine’s directors in trouble with late Gen. Sani Abacha.

 

 

 

 

Mohammed recalled the experience in his recently published memoir, “Beyond Expectations.”

 

 

 

 

According to him, after Abacha sacked the Ernest Shonekan-led Interim National Government (ING) on Nov. 17, 1993, his next move was to remove the so-called “Babangida Boys” in strategic positions in the military.

 

 

 

 

“That, ironically, included Gen. Aliu Gusau, his soulmate, who accompanied him to Shonekan’s office to ask for his voluntary disengagement.

 

 

 

 

“Another one was Brig.-Gen. David Mark, former military governor of Niger State and almost a constant feature in the Babangida adventure in government.

 

 

 

 

“Many of the retired officers were bitter about the treatment meted out to them by the new helmsman.

 

 

 

 

“But it was Mark who decided to spill the beans and expose the real motive of Abacha, ” Mohammed wrote.

 

 

 

 

He said that Abacha had initially given the impression that he sacked the ING to pave way for the installation of Chief M.K.O. Abiola as president or to conduct another presidential election.

 

 

 

 

Mohammed said that Mark granted the then editor-in-chief of Newswatch, Dan Agbese, an explosive interview in London where he had gone to stay after his forceful disengagement from the military.

 

 

 

 

“What Abacha did, according to Mark, was tantamount to a betrayal of hope.

 

 

 

 

“In the interview, he confirmed that indeed, there was a plan to hold a constitutional conference to prepare a new constitution.

 

 

 

 

”It was the idea of Gen. Oladipo Diya, next in command to Abacha,” he said.

 

 

 

 

The veteran journalist recalled that the impression that the removal of the ING was to pave the way for the swearing in of Abiola drew some pro-democracy politicians into Abacha’s cabinet.

 

 

 

 

He listed such politicians to include Abiola’s running mate in the 1993 presidential election, Babagana Kingibe, former Lagos State governor, Lateef Jakande and former Plateau governor, Solomon Lar.

 

 

 

 

“But David Mark said it was all a ruse.

 

 

 

 

“Instead of six months as planned, Mark was convinced that Abacha was determined to stay at least five years and, thereafter, transmute into a civilian president,’’ he said.

 

 

 

 

Mohammed said that a manhunt for the Newswatch editors, who had been declared wanted by the SSS, started after the interview was published on April 11, 1994.

 

 

 

 

He said that the SSS operatives had trailed him to Lokoja, the Kogi capital, where he had gone to keep an appointment with the military governor, Col. Paul Omeruo.

 

 

 

 

“While waiting to see the governor, something strange happened.

 

 

 

 

“Some plain-clothed officials gave me a piece of paper to write my name.

 

 

 

 

“I wondered if that was the alternative to a visitor’s form.

 

 

 

 

” But it turned out that they were SSS men wanting to confirm if I was the Yakubu Mohammed already declared wanted.

 

 

 

 

“On my way out of the governor’s office, I meet Chris Okolie, the late publisher of Newbreed magazine.

 

 

 

 

” He told me that security men had picked up Dan Agbese the previous evening,” he said.

 

 

 

 

Mohammed said that he was later arrested at the Kogi Government House and driven to Lagos.

 

 

 

 

He said that Ray Ekpu, who was in Calabar for his annual leave, was arrested at the airport while trying to board a flight to Lagos and driven to Lagos by road.

 

 

 

 

Mohammed recounted that the three editors were accommodated in one cell with one single double-decker bed.

 

 

 

 

“There was only one light bulb in the room, but the control switch was outside the room.

 

 

 

 

“The light was on throughout the night so that warders could check us any time they felt like doing so.

 

 

 

 

“If you could not sleep with lights on that was your own kettle of fish,” he said.

 

 

 

 

He said that interventions by media colleagues, the Newspaper Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria, the Guild of Editors, and elder statesmen led by Adamu Ciroma later got the listening ears of Abacha.

 

 

 

 

He said that Abacha promptly ordered their release with all charges bordering on sedition dropped.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Mufutau Ojo

Niger govt. spends N250m on women empowerment
General News

Niger govt. spends N250m on women empowerment

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By Rita Iliya

Niger government on Monday empowered no fewer than 2,500 women in Kontagora Local Government Area with N250 million as part of Gov. Umaru Bago’s women empowerment grant to boost their business.

 

Hajiya Hauwa Bako, Special Adviser to the governor on Social Investment Programme and Focal Person, National Social Investment Programmes, disbursed the grant to the beneficiaries on behalf of the governor.

 

Bako said that each of the beneficiaries received the N100,000 to improve their businesses.

 

She said that the aim was to support nano-businesses ran by women and promote community-driven development and inclusivity.

 

“The initiative prioritised women from diverse backgrounds, including Fulani women, women with disabilities, widows and low-income households.

 

“The approach ensures that the initiative reached a wide cross-section of women in Kontagora and environs,” she said.

 

Bako disclosed that the selection process involved traditional community, women and religious leaders to help identify deserving beneficiaries.

 

Some of the beneficiaries, Hadiza Bala and Larak Isah from Kawo Village, thanked the Niger government for the gesture.

 

The duo promised to use the money to invest in their existing businesses, saying the money would go a long way in improving their income and livelihoods.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Esenvosa Izah/Isaac Ukpoju

Dele Giwa’s assassination had nothing to do with Gloria Okon-Yakubu Muhammed
General News

Dele Giwa’s assassination had nothing to do with Gloria Okon-Yakubu Muhammed

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By Kadiri Abdulrahman

Veteran journalist and one of the founders of Nigeria’s first weekly news magazine, Newswatch, Yakubu Mohammed, says the assassination of Dele Giwa in 1986 had nothing to do with the late Gloria Okon.

Mohammed, who co-founded Newswatch with Giwa, Ray Ekpu and Dan Agbese in 1984, said this in his memoir, “Beyond Expectations.”

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Giwa, one of Nigeria’s most flamboyant journalists, was assassinated on Oct. 19, 1986, after a parcel bomb was delivered to his house in Lagos.

After the incident, the rumour mill was agog with the conspiracy theory that Giwa had a scoop on Okon who had been arrested at the Aminu Kano Airport for trafficking in drugs.

The said Okon was later reported dead by the authorities.

The rumour, however, persisted that she had been released secretly and was living large in London.

Mohammed wrote: “Was Dele Giwa doing a story on Gloria Okon? And did he interview her in London and the tapes of the interview along with pictures brought to Lagos by Kayode (Soyinka)?

“In discussing these theories, I am mindful of the fact that I am accountable to only God, my creator.”

He stressed that the magazine was not planning to do any story on Okon.

“Not by any of our reporters, not by any of the editors and not by any of the directors – Dele, Ray, Dan and Yakubu,” he said.

According to him, the Okon story idea was suggested by Bose Lasaki, a relatively new member of staff who was determined to learn the ropes, only to discover that it was a ruse.

“One day at the general editorial conference, she said she had a story idea.

“She muttered some words to the effect that there was a rumour that the drug courier that was arrested in Kano and reported dead did not die.

“Her colleagues laughed at her suggestion and she appeared visibly embarrassed. Dan who conducted the meeting advised her to do more work on the idea.

“When she reported back the following week, she admitted that there was nothing to the story. And that was the end of the story,” he said.

Mohammed said that Giwa and Ekpu were not in any of the editorial meetings and knew nothing about the Okon “fable”.

According to him, until the tragic death of Giwa, nobody heard anything again about Okon.

“But she came alive as possible reason why Dele Giwa was killed. Dele was said to have travelled to London some weeks before his death and interviewed Gloria Okon.

“The fact is that Dele Giwa did not meet any Gloria Okon on the trip in question.

”I know this for sure because I travelled with him to London,” he said.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Mufutau Ojo

Investigative journalists begin Governance Assessment Tour in Kaduna
General News

Investigative journalists begin Governance Assessment Tour in Kaduna

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By Ebere Agozie

The Nigerian Guild of Investigative Journalists (NGIJ) has begun the 2025 Governance Assessment Report (GAR) Tour in Kaduna State.

This is contained in a statement issued by the NGIJ President, Malam Abdulrahman Aliagan, in Abuja on Monday.

The guild said the tour was a core component of its flagship GAR project, designed to independently evaluate government policies, infrastructural projects, social programmes and overall performance indicators.

The president said that 12 members of the guild, comprising investigative journalists and researchers from across Nigeria, would be in Kaduna for a one-week comprehensive exercise.

He said the assessment aligned with NGIJ’s mandate of deepening democratic culture, promoting transparency, and strengthening accountability.

“We will engage in a five-day intensive assessment covering all the 23 Local Government Areas of the state.

“The exercise will involve field investigations across key sectors such as education, healthcare, infrastructure, security, agriculture, human capital development, women and youth empowerment, and job creation.

“We will administer structured questionnaires and conduct interviews with stakeholders to gather first-hand information on governance performance.”

He noted that the guild would also engage with critical stakeholders, including security agencies, political office holders, traditional rulers, labour leaders, and civil society groups.

“The guild will also engage representatives of political parties, and grassroots citizens, to ensure a comprehensive and inclusive assessment of Gov. Uba Sani’s administration.”

He added that the team would document flagship projects and publish daily field reports across national media platforms.

“At the conclusion of the tour, the guild will hold a press conference and present a comprehensive Governance Assessment Handbook, summarizing its findings, impacts, and policy recommendations.”

Aliagan noted that the Kaduna tour builds on the guild’s previous successful assessments conducted in Kogi, Kwara, Bayelsa, Ondo, and Osun states.

He sid in these states, NGIJ worked closely with state governments and stakeholders to ensure objectivity and credibility.

He, therefore, urged stakeholders to cooperate fully with guild members during the assessment to ensure a smooth and transparent process.

“We are not here to witch-hunt or politicize governance,” Aliagan stated.

“Our goal is to provide an independent, fact-based, and grassroots-oriented evaluation that amplifies the voices of the Kaduna residents while highlighting government achievements and challenges.

“The five-day exercise is expected to produce an in-depth Governance Assessment Handbook, which will serve as a reference document for policymakers, development partners, and the general public,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Sadiya Hamza

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