Author: Online Editor

By Muhammad Ibrahim, Sokoto

The state government has commissioned newly constructed Agro-milling processing hub in Gagi District of Sokoto South local government area.

Speaking during commissioning the project, state Commissioner for Social Welfare and Humanitarian affairs Hon. Asabe Balarabe said the project is a collaborative effort between Sokoto State government and ECOWAS, under United Nations World Food programme.She said the idea was to reduce the burden among rural communities in processing their grains.

The Commissioner therefore charged the benefiting Communities to make best use of the project for their own benefit.Honourable Asabe Balarabe assured of the state government’s commitment to collaborate with any organization within and outside the country to improving the welfare and living condition of people of the state.

To this end she commended ECOWAS for it’s concern to people of the state and hope the tempo would be sustained.Later the Commissioner and her entourage was conducted round various section of the milling company by officials from the ECOWAS.

Registered runners for the 2025 ECOWAS Abuja International Marathon will start collecting their running kits as the Marathon Expo begins on Thursday at the Federal Secretariat Car Park, Eagles Square, Abuja.The 2025 ECOWAS Abuja International Marathon is slated for Saturday, March 1, 2025. There will be two races, the half marathon and the 5 km fun race.

The half marathon will start and finish at the ECOWAS Commission, while the 5 km will start at the Independence Bridge near Sahad Stores and also finish at the ECOWAS Commission.According to Race Director Gabriel Okon running bibs and running vests must be collected at the VIO Container Booth, Federal Secretariat Car Park, Eagle’s Square, Abuja, from February 20-28 from 9 am-5 pm daily.Okon also revealed that running bibs may only be collected by participants upon presentation of a valid proof of identification. However, participants wishing to have their running numbers collected on their behalf must provide the collector with an authority note, a copy of the completed entry form, bearing their photograph and a copy of the participant’s valid proof of identification.

Okon said collectors must show proof of their identity to collect the running kits. He revealed that registration is still open to all runners worldwide till February 28.Residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) can pick up physical forms at the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Package A, Abuja, the FCT Sports Council and the Area Councils.Speaking on the ECOWAS, Okon said, “As we are all aware, sport is a powerful tool for bringing people together and this is no less the case in West Africa.

Apart from integrating West Africans, the ECOWAS Abuja International Marathon also encourages us – especially residents of FCT, which hosts the ECOWAS Commission – to embrace the culture of walking, jogging, and running which comes with immense health benefits.“The ECOWAS Abuja International Marathon, from its inaugural edition, has also been a powerful tool of youth empowerment and engagement; and it has had positive impacts on the FCT economy, especially the hospitality and allied industries and acts as a catalyst to boost tourism”.

By Israel Adamu, Jos

Bingham University, Karu, in Nasarawa State, on Wednesday inducted 80 doctors into the medical profession. Speaking during the induction ceremony in Jos, the Plateau State capital, the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Professor Haruna Kuje Ayuba, urged the new doctors to uphold professionalism in the discharge of their duties. He emphasized their responsibility to remain dedicated to saving lives and serving society with integrity. Prof. Ayuba commended the graduates for their perseverance and skill in completing the rigorous six-year clinical program.

He encouraged the newly inducted doctors to be innovative and always strive for excellence. “Today marks a great milestone in the history of Bingham University as we induct the 2017/2018 set of the university’s trained medical doctors. By this, we are helping to fill the manpower gap in the medical profession in the country,” he said. “Out of the 80 inducted, there are 57 females and 23 males. I am particularly excited that we are producing more female doctors than male doctors. This means we are strategically raising educated generations, as these women will ensure their children also excel academically.” “With your induction and oath-taking ceremony, you have agreed to work with the highest sense of professionalism and ethical standards. You must adhere strictly to the codes and ethics of your profession,” he added.

The Vice-Chancellor also reminded the inductees of the values instilled in them during their training. “During your studies at Bingham University, you have acquired both spiritual and academic knowledge, as well as the necessary skills for self-reliance. In an environment filled with quacks, we expect you to be worthy ambassadors of Bingham University and Christ wherever you go,” he stated. “You are now medical missionaries. Do not be driven solely by profit, but by what Jesus wants you to do and where He wants you to go. You have succeeded in your studies, and we now look forward to seeing you excel in your journey as medical professionals and missionaries,” he concluded.

A medical elder, Professor Jeremiah Aboi Madaki, in his speech, urged the newly inducted doctors to resist the urge to relocate abroad, advising them to remain committed and patriotic in serving their country. “I must say this—please don’t japa. Let’s do this together and build a better image for the health sector and our nation,” he appealed. “Being labeled a medical doctor carries with it the duty of care to individuals, families, and communities. You now have a responsibility to patients, families, the medical profession, colleagues, and, of course, as ambassadors of your alma mater. Henceforth, you will be expected at all times to show empathy and compassion in dealing with people and their health concerns.”

The Provost of the College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences at Bingham University, Professor Haroun Omeizah Isah, also spoke at the event. He highlighted that with the induction of the new doctors, the institution has now produced 711 medical doctors since its inception in 2006, contributing significantly to Nigeria’s healthcare workforce.

“This achievement wouldn’t have been possible without the hand of Almighty God and the unwavering support of the university’s proprietor, the Church of Christ in All Nations (ECWA),” he said. “It is a testament to ECWA’s resolve to produce high-quality medical doctors who excel in knowledge, character, and skills, and who practice medicine in the fear of Christ.”

Hee urged the new doctors to be good ambassadors of the institution. “As you take the Hippocratic Oath, you are making a solemn commitment to uphold the highest ethical standards in your practice,” he stated. –

“… says the region will forever remain grateful for the present administration, lauds senate on resolving relocation of headquarters agitation for united North Central Region…”

The Immediate Past Speaker of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Ibrahim Balarabe Abdullahi, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for signing into law the bill establishing North Central Development Commission (NCDC)

This, he said the President has again demonstrated his leadership qualities and the concern he has for sustain peace, unity and enhance equitable development across the Country.

Balarabe Abdullahi, who is the Chairman, Governing Council, Federal Polytechnic, Damaturu, Yobe State gave the commendation while speaking with newsmen in Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital.

He said that the commission would address the emerging challenges facing the people of the North Central Region.

” First, I want to commend and appreciate His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for signing the North Central Development Commission (NCDC) bill into law.

“This is a milestone achievement that would drive sustainable development in the North Central region, it is a great achievement of the present administration for the entire people of the geo-political zone that we will for ever remain grateful for President Tinubu”

“The commission if become operational, it will improve on the standard of living of our people and bring speedy development to our region and our people will be better for it” he said.

According to him, the commission apart from creating jobs for the people of North Central region, it will boost the socio-economic activities.

“This is one of the many milestones of the present administration, this singular, no doubt has further demonstrated the leadership qualities and zeal of Mr President to ensure equitable development across the country and we from the zone will forever remain grateful for the gesture”

The former Speaker also commended the great effort of the National Assembly in ensuring quick passage of the bill just as he hailed Sen. Abba Moro (Benue South) and Reps Jeremiah Umaru (Akwanga/Nassarawa Eggon/Wamba) federal constituency for initiating and sponsoring the bill.

” I want to thank Sen. Abba Moroa of Benue State and Hon. J J Umaru, House of representatives member from Nasarawa State for sponsoring the bill.

” Their efforts deserves commendation, it will not go in vain and I pray God to bless them accordingly”

“I also want to appreciate all members of the National Assembly and other stakeholders in the country for their positive inputs towards the realization of the NCDC” he said.

Balarabe Abdullahi also appreciated Gov. Abdullahi Sule and other Governors and stakeholders of the North Central region for their efforts in ensuring that the bill became a reality.

“I also want to thank Gov. Abdullahi Sule, the Chairman, North Central Governor’s Forum for his efforts in bringing together his colleagues in unity and togetherness towards ensuring full support in realization of this great achievement” he said.

The former Speaker equally thanked the Senate for quick response and resolving the agitation on the issue of relocating the headquarters of NCDC particularly the Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Ahmed Aliyu Wadada, Nasarawa West who championed the resolution.

“This agitation was no doubt, an ill wind which would have devastated the geopolitical zone” He added.

He called for support and collaboration for the success of the commission to achieve its mandates and objectives in the region rather than divided tendencies.

The former Speaker further called on the people of the region to continue to pray and support President Tinubu’s administration to succeed.

By Jabiru Hassan

Dr. Hashim Sulaiman Dungurawa, the Kano State Chairman of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), has been commended for his significant role in promoting the Kwankwasiyya movement.

The commendation came from several NNPP members across Kano State, who hailed Dr. Hashim as a true democrat and a respected political figure.

Alhaji Idris Bulai, a prominent NNPP member from Garko Local Government, praised Dr. Dungurawa’s contribution to the Kwankwasiyya movement. He highlighted that the movement is rapidly advancing in Nigeria, thanks to the efforts of respected individuals like Dr. Hashim Sulaiman Dungurawa. He expressed optimism that in the near future, Kwankwasiyya would become stronger and better positioned to make Nigeria’s democracy more inclusive and beneficial to all citizens.

Similarly, the Kano North Youth Support Group lauded Dr. Dungurawa as an exemplary leader, whose efforts are furthering the progress of Kwankwasiyya. The group pledged to continue contributing to the movement, emphasizing their commitment to advancing its goals.

Malama Sabuwa Kwa also spoke to our correspondent, stating that Dr. Hashim Sulaiman Dungurawa is a leader trained by one of Nigeria’s most prominent politicians, Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso. She emphasized that Dungurawa’s leadership reflects the values of democratic principles instilled in him by Kwankwaso.