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Tag: Kaduna State Government

Kaduna Kidnapping: Gov Uba Sani Assures Safe Return of Abducted Kurmin Wali Worshippers
Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, has assured residents of Kurmin Wali village in Kajuru Local Government Area that efforts are underway to secure the safe return of church worshippers abducted during a recent attack on the community.The governor gave the assurance on Wednesday during a visit to Kurmin Wali, where he led senior government officials and heads of security agencies to commiserate with affected residents. He said the state government is working closely with the military, police, Department of State Services (DSS), and the Office of the National Security Adviser to facilitate the victims’ rescue.
Governor Sani stressed that the number of abducted persons was secondary to the government’s responsibility to protect lives and property. He urged the public to avoid politicising the incident, describing it as a matter of human life and dignity.He also announced that the state government would cover medical expenses for residents injured during the attack. In addition, he said discussions were ongoing with defence authorities on strengthening security presence in the area, given its proximity to known banditry hotspots.
The governor further pledged the construction of an access road linking Kurmin Wali to the highway and the establishment of a primary healthcare centre in the community.Community leaders, including the Agwam Kufana, Chief Dauda Titus, and the President of the Southern Kaduna Peoples Union, Emmanuel Tabara, commended the governor’s visit and appealed for improved infrastructure and security.
January 22, 2026
Zidane Death Sentence: Southern Kaduna Group Challenges Kaduna Govt, Demands Full Trial Records
By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
A Southern Kaduna advocacy group has challenged the Kaduna State Government over its defence of the death sentence passed on Victor Solomon, popularly known as Zidane, describing the government’s position as “shameless” and demanding full disclosure of trial records under the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act.The group, operating under the name Coalition for Truth and Justice in Southern Kaduna, made its position known in a statement signed by its leader, Mr. George Makeri, and made available to journalists in Kaduna on Wednesday. The group criticised the state’s explanation of the Zidane death sentence and accused officials of attempting to “whitewash” alleged judicial irregularities.
The statement followed recent clarifications by the Kaduna State Government, through the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. James Kanyip, and the Commissioner for Information, Mr. Ahmed Maiyaki, that the conviction and death sentence were lawful, evidence-based, and the outcome of a transparent judicial process.
Rejecting that position, the coalition insisted that the case against Victor Solomon was fundamentally flawed and politically motivated. It alleged that Solomon, an Adara farmer from Southern Kaduna, was subjected to prolonged detention, torture, and judicial bias before being sentenced to death on January 6, 2026.
According to the group, the state’s argument that Solomon faced “two distinct cases” does not justify the conviction. It pointed out that Solomon was earlier discharged and acquitted in Charge No. KDH/KAD/73C/2020, which bordered on conspiracy and attempted culpable homicide, arguing that the subsequent conviction in Charge No. KDH/KAD/78C/2020 relied on the same set of disputed facts.The coalition further alleged that confessional statements used against Solomon were extracted under duress and should be inadmissible under Section 28 of the Evidence Act. It argued that the Zidane death sentence represents a “two-tier justice system” that unfairly targets individuals from Southern Kaduna while perpetrators of other violent attacks in the region allegedly enjoy impunity.
In its statement, the group also revisited the 2018 Kasuwan Magani crisis, claiming that mass killings in Adara communities were never adequately investigated or prosecuted. It accused the former administration of inflating casualty figures and using the crisis to justify arrests and prosecutions of Adara youths.
The coalition criticised what it described as attempts by government officials to caution against “misinformation,” arguing that such warnings were aimed at suppressing public scrutiny. It therefore formally demanded, under the FOI Act, the immediate release of complete trial records for both cases involving Victor Solomon, including judgments, exhibits, witness statements, and investigation reports.
In addition, the group called for an immediate stay of execution pending appeal, an independent investigation by the National Human Rights Commission and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, and renewed prosecutions of those allegedly responsible for violence in Southern Kaduna.The Kaduna State Government has not yet responded directly to the coalition’s FOI demands. However, officials have consistently maintained that the Zidane death sentence followed due process and that the convicted defendant retains the constitutional right to appeal.
January 15, 2026
Kaduna Death Sentence: Zidane’s Lawyer to Appeal as State Government Defends Verdict
By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
The Kaduna State Government has defended the death sentence passed on Victor Solomon, popularly known as Zidane, describing the judicial process as lawful, transparent, and based strictly on evidence. This comes amid widespread reactions on social media following the judgment delivered on January 6, 2026.
Speaking on the matter, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. James Kanyip, said claims circulating online about contradictions in the case were false and misleading. He explained that Victor Solomon was tried in two separate criminal cases before two different High Courts, involving distinct offences and victims.According to Kanyip, there was no inconsistency in the court decisions. He noted that Solomon was acquitted in one case in 2024 but lawfully convicted in another case in 2026, based on the strength of evidence presented before the court.“
The first case, Charge No. KDH/KAD/73C/2020, bordered on criminal conspiracy and attempted culpable homicide. It ended with Solomon’s discharge and acquittal on May 21, 2024,” Kanyip said. He added that the second case, Charge No. KDH/KAD/78C/2020, involved more serious offences, including criminal conspiracy, grievous harm without provocation, and culpable homicide punishable with death.“
The trial in the second case was concluded in October 2025, and judgment was delivered on January 6, 2026, resulting in a conviction and sentence of death by hanging,” the Attorney-General explained. Kanyip stressed that the conviction was neither arbitrary nor politically motivated. He said it followed due process, a full trial, and careful judicial evaluation of facts and evidence. He also emphasized that the defendant retains the constitutional right to appeal up to the Supreme Court.Meanwhile, Victor Solomon’s counsel, Barrister Mark Jacob, has confirmed plans to challenge the judgment. Speaking with journalists in Kaduna, he said arrangements had been completed to file an appeal.“We are filing the appeal next week,” Jacob stated, adding that the legal team would pursue all available legal remedies on behalf of their client.
Reacting to growing public commentary, the Commissioner for Information, Malam Ahmed Maiyaki, warned that misinformation surrounding sensitive judicial matters could threaten public order. He cautioned residents against spreading unverified claims online.“ The deliberate spread of half-truths and false narratives about court judgments is dangerous. It risks inflaming passions and creating unnecessary tension. Kaduna residents must verify information before sharing it,” Maiyaki said.
The Kaduna State Government reaffirmed its commitment to the rule of law under the administration of Governor Uba Sani. Officials assured residents that justice in the state would continue to be pursued with fairness, transparency, and without prejudice.The government urged the public to allow the legal process to take its course, noting that the appellate courts remain the appropriate forum for addressing grievances arising from judicial decisions.
January 14, 2026
Kaduna Governor Uba Sani Attends 2025 Christmas Carol, Calls for Unity and Peace
By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, on Sunday attended the 2025 Christmas Carol organised by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in collaboration with the Kaduna State Government, reaffirming his commitment to unity and inclusive governance in the state.The event took place at the Umaru Yar’Adua Conference Centre, Kaduna, and was attended by representatives of various Christian denominations. The programme featured prayers and musical renditions by different church choirs.Governor Sani’s attendance fulfilled a promise he made in 2024 during the Kaduna Unity Christmas Carol held at ECWA Goodnews Church, Narayi High Cost, where he pledged to participate in subsequent editions throughout his tenure.Speaking at the gathering, the Governor said the occasion marked the third time he was sharing what he described as a “sacred moment” with the Christian community in Kaduna State.He noted that each attendance reinforced his belief that faith remains a strong bridge for unity, healing, and collective progress in society, particularly in a diverse state such as Kaduna. According to Governor Sani, Christmas is not only a celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ but also a season that highlights values such as love, sacrifice, humility, compassion, and selfless service.“
These values transcend religious boundaries and speak to our shared humanity. Christmas challenges leaders and citizens alike to live differently by promoting fairness, compassion, and responsibility,” he said.The Governor explained that his participation in the Christmas Carol was driven by conviction and commitment, adding that such gatherings help renew hope and strengthen social cohesion across religious lines.He also commended religious leaders and worshippers for their consistent prayers, counsel, and commitment to peace, noting that their actions have contributed significantly to stability in Kaduna State.“ In moments of tension, the choice of dialogue over division and unity over suspicion has helped to sustain peace. These choices are shaping a more hopeful present and a more secure future for our people,” he stated.
Governor Sani described the Christmas Carol as a symbol of openness and inclusion, urging Kaduna residents to continue positioning the state as a model where diversity fosters progress and unity secures shared prosperity.Reflecting on his administration, the Governor recalled that since assuming office on May 29, 2023, he has remained committed to serving all residents of Kaduna State without discrimination based on faith, ethnicity, or political affiliation.He highlighted achievements recorded across key sectors, particularly infrastructure, healthcare, and agriculture, in his two and a half years in office.According to him, the state has completed or advanced work on 85 roads covering 785 kilometres in the first phase of its road infrastructure programme, while over 50 additional roads and bridges spanning more than 550 kilometres were launched in the second phase.
In the health sector, Governor Sani disclosed that 255 Primary Health Care Centres have been upgraded to Level Two status, the highest number achieved by any state in Nigeria, improving access to maternal and child healthcare services.He also noted that agriculture, which contributes over 42 per cent to Kaduna State’s Gross Domestic Product, now receives over 10 per cent of the state budget, with plans to increase the allocation to about 12 per cent in the 2026 budget.The Governor thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for selecting Kaduna State as the pilot for the Nigeria–China Poultry Project, describing the decision as a vote of confidence in the state’s stability and leadership.
December 23, 2025
Activist Blames Gov Sani, Kaduna Assembly for Delay in Kafanchan FMC Take-Off
By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
An activist, Comrade Daniel Ejembi, has accused Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, and the Kaduna State House of Assembly of delaying the take-off of the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Kafanchan, despite full federal approval and funding. The activist said the FMC project, a key healthcare intervention for Southern Kaduna, remains stalled due to incomplete administrative handover processes at the state level.
Ejembi, who is the founder of the Eagle Brain Human Rights Organization, made the allegation in a statement made available to journalists in Kaduna. He said the FMC, approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as part of his “special interest” in the region, has become the only one among its peers nationwide yet to commence operations.
He noted that while other states such as Borno and Bauchi completed similar handover procedures within weeks, Kaduna State has failed to finalize its required documentation, leaving the project in limbo.
According to him, “As 2025 draws to a close, the residents of Southern Kaduna face a painful disparity. While the new Federal University of Applied Sciences in Kachia launched swiftly, the FMC in Kafanchan is trapped in bureaucratic inertia.”
Ejembi recalled that the Nigerian Senate passed the Federal Medical Centre Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024 (SB. 355) on May 23, 2025, following earlier approval by the House of Representatives, with President Tinubu signing it into law shortly after. He described the continued delay in operationalizing the facility as a setback for communities suffering from longstanding insecurity and healthcare deficiencies.
He explained that the Federal Government has already completed its part by enacting the law, appointing a Chief Medical Director, and allocating funds through a supplementary budget. The state government, he said, is yet to conclude the four mandatory steps required for federal takeover: acknowledging federal notification, securing approval from the Kaduna State Executive Council, obtaining legislative backing from the State House of Assembly, and signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
Ejembi stressed that the FMC Kafanchan was intended to upgrade the existing Sir Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa Memorial Hospital into a fully equipped federal medical facility. He noted that the Coordinating Minister of Health had inspected the site and announced a September start date to address “delayed treatments and preventable deaths.”
He added that the FMC has the potential to generate at least 5,000 direct and indirect jobs, boost the local economy, and reduce the “Japa syndrome” affecting Nigeria’s health sector. He questioned why such a crucial project would remain stalled when its benefits are clear.
Describing the situation, he said, “This is a case of ‘Rijiya ta bada ruwa, amma guga ta hana’—meaning the well has produced water, but the fetcher has refused to bring it out.”
Ejembi argued that the delay contradicts assurances previously given to Southern Kaduna stakeholders, many of whom have expressed political support for the project.
He urged Governor Sani and the Kaduna Assembly to urgently finalize all outstanding procedures to enable the Federal Ministry of Health to deploy personnel and commence operations.
“The people of Southern Kaduna have waited decades for a project of this magnitude. They must not be made to wait another day,” he said.

December 12, 2025
Gov Uba Sani Tells ACF: North Can Overcome Its Challenges if Leaders Unite
By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has said the North has sufficient human and material resources to overcome its development challenges if regional leaders work together. He made the statement when the leadership of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), led by its Board of Trustees Chairman, Alhaji Bashir Dalhatu, paid him a courtesy visit at Sir Kashim Ibrahim House in Kaduna.
The governor said the current generation of northern elites must shift from repeatedly lamenting the region’s problems to taking decisive action.
“For years, we have spoken about our challenges — poverty, education gaps, healthcare deficits, and other development issues. We have reached a point where we must stop complaining and start acting,” Sani said.
He noted that the North boasts accomplished professionals across sectors such as business, academia, medicine, and entrepreneurship, whose collective expertise could drive meaningful development if properly harnessed.
According to him, the ACF is well positioned to unify these experts and mobilize their resources and experience for the region’s benefit.
Governor Uba Sani commended the ACF’s plan to establish a Central Endowment Fund, urging the forum to prioritize skills acquisition to empower citizens and promote self-reliance.
The governor raised concerns over financial exclusion in the North, stating that millions of residents are unable to access government social investment programmes because they do not have bank accounts.
He recalled that his administration’s first action in office was signing an Executive Order on Financial Inclusion, which has since brought more than 2.1 million vulnerable people into the formal financial system.
Sani also encouraged northern investors to support the financial sector, especially in underserved communities.
“Over 60% of local governments in the North do not have a single bank branch,” he said. “Today, Nigeria has over 4,000 bank branches, yet only Kaduna and Kano states have about 100. Some southern states with far smaller populations have more branches than Kano, which has 44 local governments.”
He emphasized that the ACF remains one of the most credible platforms capable of addressing the North’s pressing challenges because it operates without political bias. He added that previous gaps in synergy between ACF, state governments, and elected officials had hindered the forum’s influence, but the current leadership is making efforts to rebuild lost trust.
Governor Sani also praised the ACF for engaging other regional bodies, including Afenifere and Ohanaeze Ndigbo, to strengthen national unity.
Earlier, ACF BoT Chairman Alhaji Bashir Dalhatu said the visit was to formally notify the governor of the Forum’s forthcoming 25th anniversary celebration, scheduled to hold in Kaduna from 20 to 22 November.
He thanked the governor for his continuous support, especially for permanently allocating the Forum’s office space, which had been under government ownership since its establishment.
Dalhatu announced that Vice President Kashim Shettima will serve as Special Guest at the anniversary, alongside ministers of northern extraction. He requested the governor’s support in mobilizing other northern governors to participate.
The ACF chairman added that the Forum has initiated engagements with traditional rulers, religious leaders, lawmakers, and southern socio-cultural groups to strengthen national cohesion.
He disclosed that Alhaji Aliko Dangote will serve as Guest Speaker, with the liberty to choose any topic, noting that his success story remains a source of inspiration.
Dalhatu also confirmed ACF’s plan to set up an endowment fund to move the Forum from advocacy to implementing tangible community-based development projects.
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November 17, 2025
Kaduna Women Journalists Urge Government Action on Poor Power Supply, Commend State’s Climate Efforts
By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Kaduna State Chapter, has called on the Kaduna State Government to urgently intervene in improving electricity supply across communities facing persistent outages.
In a communiqué dated October 24, 2025, and made available to newsmen on Saturday, NAWOJ expressed deep concern over the epileptic power supply in several parts of the state, noting that it continues to disrupt economic activities and negatively impact residents’ quality of life.
The communiqué, signed by Juliet Ekwenugo (Chairperson), Hauwa Mohammed (Secretary), and Hadiza Bello Abdullahi (Assistant Secretary), followed a congress where members deliberated on issues affecting the state, especially those concerning women and children.
“The Congress calls on the Kaduna State Government and relevant agencies to urgently address the irregular electricity distribution in parts of the state. The situation has lingered for too long and continues to affect livelihoods and small-scale businesses,” the communiqué stated.
NAWOJ, however, commended the Kaduna State Government for emerging third in Nigeria’s Climate Governance Ranking, describing the feat as a remarkable milestone that reflects the administration’s commitment to environmental sustainability and climate responsibility.
The association also raised alarm over the increasing menace of scavengers operating across the state. It noted that, apart from posing health and environmental risks, some scavengers have reportedly engaged in criminal activities, including burglary and theft under the guise of collecting scrap materials.
“We urge the government and security agencies to regulate and monitor scavenger activities to safeguard communities, promote public safety, and enhance environmental hygiene,” NAWOJ appealed.
The association further applauded the ongoing Measles Vaccination Campaign by the state government and its health partners, encouraging parents and caregivers to participate fully to protect children from preventable diseases.
NAWOJ also commended Kaduna State’s readiness to host the 2026 NIPR Week, expressing optimism that the event will foster professionalism, collaboration, and positive image-building for the state.
Meanwhile, the Kaduna NAWOJ announced the commencement of its Week of Activities under the theme “Voices of Impact 2025: Women, Media & Social Change”, scheduled to begin on Wednesday, October 29, 2025.
The activities will include a Prison Visitation at the Kaduna Correctional Centre to commemorate Nigeria’s Independence Anniversary, a Medical Outreach at Sabon Gero Community, and a main event on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at Arewa House, Kaduna.
“NAWOJ Kaduna reaffirms its commitment to upholding the ethics of journalism while advocating for women’s empowerment, child welfare, good governance, and community development across Kaduna State and Nigeria,” the statement concluded.
October 25, 2025
Public Schools To Operate Only Four Working Days – Kaduna Govt
As schools resume for the 2021/2022 academic session, the Kaduna State Government has directed all public schools in the state to operate only four working days a week, between Monday to Thursday instead of the usual five working days.
The directive was given by the state Commissioner for Education, Halima Lawal, in a notice for school resumption for the second term of the 2021/2022 academic session.
As a result, the commissioner explained that the 2021/2022 academic calendar would be adjusted to ensure coverage of the curriculum for the academic session.
She also informed all parents, guardians, and the public to note that the state government has approved January 10 as the resumption date for the second term of the 2021/2022 academic session.
This, according to Lawal, is even as the state government advised parents, guardians and students to comply with all public health guidelines by adopting all protective measures against COVID-19.
The directive to public schools comes five weeks after the state government migrated to a four-day working week for all civil servants.
Governor Nasir El-Rufai’s spokesman, Muyiwa Adekeye, had explained that the decision was designed to help boost productivity, improve work-life balance, and enable workers to have more time for their families, for rest, and for agriculture.
January 10, 2022
Kaduna Govt Sacks 233 teachers, Schedules Fresh Competency Test For 12,254 Others
The Kaduna State Government has sacked 233 teachers for presenting fake certificates upon the time of their recruitment.
Tijjani Abdullahi, the Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board disclosed this on Thursday during a press conference in Kaduna.
He said the teachers were sacked after inquiries from the institutions they claimed to have attended, which showed that they presented fake certificates.
The decision to investigate the certificates of the teachers, the SUBEB Chairman explained, commenced in April 2021 as part of the board’s responsibility to ensure that all teachers actually have the qualifications they presented.
According to him, the major objective of the exercise is to ensure that all our teachers have the requisite credentials that constitute the basic qualifications for employment as teachers.
The Kaduna SUBEB Chairman added that 451 certificates have so far been verified by contacting the institutions that awarded the certificates, while nine of the 13 institutions contacted have responded.
“So far, the Board has verified 451certificates by contacting the institutions that awarded the certificates. Nine of the 13 institutions contacted have responded, as of today,” he said.
“The responses from the institutions show that 233 teachers presented fake certificates. This represents 51% of the 451 certificates on which responses have been received from the awarding institutions. One institution disowned 212 of these 233 fake certificates.
“The Board will dismiss the 233 teachers who presented these fake certificates, while their files will be forwarded to the Ministry of Justice to initiate prosecution for forgery. The Board will continue to check the integrity of the certificates presented by teachers to ensure that this critical profession is not devalued by impostors.
“As part of our duty of transparency, the names of the 233 teachers found to have presented fake certificates will be uploaded on the website of the Kaduna State Government today.”
The Board also announced that it will conduct a fresh competency test for 12,254 teachers from January 2022 as part of continuous assessment of its teachers both for their own improvement and for better delivery of learning.
It will be recalled that the Kaduna State Government had in 2017 recruited 25,000 new teachers after it sacked over 22,000 unqualified ones following a competency.
December 2, 2021
Kaduna to build rural roads in 2021 with N970m
The Kaduna state government has earmarked the sum of N970 million for rural feeder roads projects in 2021, under its Ministry for Local Government Affairs.
This is contained in the breakdown of N1.9 billion allocated to the ministry for capital projects in the 2021 approved budget document.
The document obtained by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Kaduna on Saturday, showed that N71 million was allocated for rural electrification and N578 million for purchase and installation of transformers.
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The budget further showed that N173.9 million was allocated for Kauru local government’s special rural electrification intervention and N111.9 million for the construction and renovation of Emirs and Chiefs’ palaces.
The state government also allocated N14.3 billion to the Kaduna State Road Agency for capital projects in 2021, of which N7.6 billion was allocated for township roads projects, and N3.4 billion for state trunk roads.
The document also showed that N1.9 billion was allocated for the ongoing construction of Kawo bridge, N94.7 million for the construction of box culvert, and N94 million allocated for road signages and markings.
Also, N147.8 million was earmarked for the beautification of Bus Rapid Transit lanes and road pavement phase II, while N132.9 million was allocated for the design and construction of double coat surface dressed roads.
A total of N775.5 million was allocated for the provision of Infrastructure at new layouts, and N141 million for the purchase of plants and equipment. Similarly, N13.9 billion was allocated to the Ministry of Public Works and Infrastructure for capital projects, out of which N61.1 million would be spent on light rail transport project.
The document showed that N3.9 billion would be spent on the construction and rehabilitation of roads as well as consultancy services and N2.0 billion on the provision of infrastructure at new layouts.
It also indicated that N3.1 billion would be spent on the provision of solar perimeter lighting at Zaria 150 million litre a day Water Treatment Plant, and N24 million on Infrastructure Master Plan.
Gov Mohammed It equally showed that N2.5 billion would be spent on the provision of integrated solar-powered streetlights in Kaduna, Zaria and Kafanchan, and N75.2 million on the provision of solar-powered traffic signal control systems in the same locations.
Also, N564 million was earmarked for the purchase of water treatment chemicals and other consumables, and N282 million for the rehabilitation and retrofitting of waterworks and selected networks extension.
The document further showed that consultancy services for Greater Kaduna Water Supply Expansion Project got N188 million, while N23.5 million was allocated for the upgrading, repairs, and rehabilitation of the Central Mechanical Workshop Skills Acquisition centre.
It equally showed that N1.0 billion was allocated for the construction and rehabilitation of dams and N50 million for consultancy services and engineering design for Birnin Gwari and Kachia Water Supply Projects.
The budget document also showed that N6.3 billion was allocated to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development of which N3.1 billion was for the construction and acquisition of new State Government administrative buildings.
Construction of low-income mass housing got N1.9 billion, construction of green parks, N141.4 million, while mortgage interest rate subsidy got N470 million. It further showed that N614.4 million was earmarked for the construction of a block of studios and administrative buildings for Kaduna State Media Corporation.
December 26, 2020