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Tag: national development

Peace Journalism Key to National Transformation and Social Healing — Rev. Hayab
By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
The Country Director of the Global Peace Foundation Nigeria (GPFN), Rev. Joseph John Hayab, has described Peace Journalism as the heartbeat of national transformation, capable of fostering reconciliation, dialogue, and social healing.
Speaking at a one-day workshop on Peace Reporting for National Development organized by the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kaduna State Council, in partnership with GPFN and the Kaduna State Ministry of Information, Rev. Hayab emphasized that journalists have a moral responsibility to promote unity through their narratives.
“Peace reportage is not about suppressing the truth; it is about presenting it with empathy, balance, and purpose—to heal, not to hurt,” he said.
Citing global examples such as Rwanda’s post-genocide recovery and South Africa’s Truth and Reconciliation process, Hayab urged Nigerian media houses to invest in peace journalism training and strengthen collaborations with peace-building organizations.
“We are one family under God, and the stories we tell must unite us, not divide us,” he added.
Delivering a presentation titled “Kaduna Peace Model: From Fear to Hope – The Role of the Media,” the Kaduna State Commissioner for Information, Malam Ahmed Maiyaki, outlined the devastating effects of insecurity between 2015 and 2023, during which the state recorded more than 4,800 deaths and thousands of kidnappings.
He explained that the Kaduna Peace Model, developed in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), prioritizes dialogue, inclusion, and socio-economic renewal over confrontation.
“You cannot bomb peace into existence; you must build it with trust,” Maiyaki stated, noting that over 500 kidnapped persons have been released through negotiations and community mediation efforts.
Maiyaki also shared success stories of former bandits who have now become peace mediators, helping to sustain stability in affected communities. He called on journalists to focus on solution-driven stories that highlight peace-building efforts rather than fear-based narratives.
In her goodwill message, the Chairperson of the Correspondents’ Chapel, Hajiya Maryam Suka, commended the organizers and reaffirmed the vital role of journalists in shaping public opinion.
“As reporters, we influence perception—let’s choose to shape it toward unity and development,” she said, urging media practitioners to embrace conflict-sensitive reporting using the Kaduna Peace Model as a guide.
The Guest Lecturer, Mrs. Fatimah Shuaibu, Head of the Department of Strategic Communication and Media Studies at Kaduna Polytechnic, presented a paper titled “Peace Building: Media as a Shield for National Growth.” She emphasized that Nigeria’s diversity should be viewed as a strength rather than a source of division.
Mrs. Shuaibu cautioned against the dangers of misinformation and hate speech, particularly on social media, and called on journalists to verify facts, maintain ethical standards, and consciously promote peace and social cohesion.
The workshop, attended by representatives of 30 media organizations, communication scholars, peace-building experts, and civil society representatives, ended with a renewed commitment to using the media as a tool for peace, unity, and national transformation.
November 6, 2025
Kwankwaso’s Policies Reflect National Progress – NNPP Chairman Dungurawa
By Jabiru Hassan
The Kano State Chairman of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Dr. Hashimu Sulaiman Dungurawa, has described Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso as a visionary leader whose policies and ideologies are designed to promote national development and unity.
Dr. Dungurawa made this known during a special birthday celebration held in honour of Kwankwaso, a former Kano State Governor, Minister, Senator, and the National Leader of the NNPP.
He noted that Kwankwaso’s leadership style and political philosophy—popularly known as the Kwankwasiyya Ideology—reflect selfless service and a commitment to human development.
“It is gratifying to associate with Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso because he is a selfless politician and a leader whose objectives are centered on human progress and fairness. He continues to provide avenues for growth and inclusiveness without bias,” Dungurawa stated.
The NNPP chairman expressed confidence that Kwankwaso would remain steadfast in serving humanity through democratic means, adding that Nigerians would continue to benefit from his vast experience and dedication to public service.
“We are certain that our leader, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, will continue to be more committed to the service of humanity in a democratic dispensation. By the special grace of Allah, Nigerians will keep benefiting from his wealth of experience,” he said.
Dungurawa further emphasized that Kwankwaso’s approach to politics prioritizes citizens’ welfare across all sectors, which, according to him, is why many party members have remained loyal to his leadership and principles.
He called on the people of Kano State and Nigerians at large to support the Kwankwasiyya movement and its ideology, noting that its principles of accountability, empowerment, and service are crucial for Nigeria’s progress.
“We urge Nigerians to embrace the Kwankwasiyya ideology for the benefit of all and congratulate our great leader on celebrating another birthday in good health and strength,” Dungurawa concluded.
The event was attended by NNPP members, political associates, and supporters who commended Kwankwaso’s contributions to democratic governance and national development.
October 22, 2025
Governor Lalong Reviews Independence Parade, Charges Nigerians To Strengthen Diversity For National Development
Governor Simon Bako Lalong of Plateau State says harnessing the benefits of Nigeria’s diversity is key to eliminating most of the challenges besetting national development.
Governor Lalong who spoke shortly after reviewing the independence parade held at the Rwang Pam Township stadium Jos said Nigeria has made significant progress during its 62 years of existence as a sovereign Nation.
He said despite the challenges the nation has passed through, its citizens have remained resilient and continue to have faith in the unity of the country. What he said remained important was for Nigerians to do more in appreciating the diversity of the country as well as harness it for growth.
“Nigeria is a great nation with abundant human and material resources comparable to very few countries in the world. These blessings have passed through different attempts to harvest them for the good of the citizens who are diverse in ethnic, religious, social and political orientations. Our diversity which in itself is a major resource has also put demands on managing our endowments to the point that many question whether it is a blessing or a curse. However, we should never forget that Nigeria’s diversity is in its greatest strength and not its weakness. Therefore, we should devote more time, energy and resources on things that unite us than our differences of origin which in most cases we have no control over. We should equally devote more energy towards ensuring that people are treated fairly, justly and with dignity that is guaranteed by our constitution. Plateau State under our watch presents this template of managing diversity”.
Lalong who said he was addressing the State on Independence Celebration as Governor for the last time, described the event as very nostalgic for him and one that reminds him about the journey so far.
He said “Many of you will recall that when we came on board, we were confronted with many challenges that threw our State into a near state despondency and hopelessness.
From the high level of insecurity and unrelenting attacks on our people, to the huge months of unpaid salaries, pensions and arrears as well as abandoned projects littered across the State, we knew that the task was a huge one. However, I am happy to say that despite the many setbacks we were confronted with such as global crash in oil prices, criminal attacks, Covid-19 among others, we have been largely successful in restoring Plateau State to its status as the Home of Peace and Tourism.
He said his Rescue Administration can proudly boast of being one of the few across the country to vigorously pursue the completion of abandoned and inherited projects started by previous administrations including Government of a different political party. Rather than allow the common patrimony of Plateau people to rot away under the guise of political ego, he vowed to complete many of the abandoned projects inherited for the benefit of the people.
“While handling the inherited and abandoned projects, we also initiated many new projects with most of them completed, commissioned and put into use while others are on the verge of completion. Our administration believes that this approach is the best way to sustain development and defend the Plateau Heritage. In the coming months, we shall be commissioning some of the completed projects and others soon to be completed. Some of them include the New High Court Headquarters Complex, General Hospital Mabudi, General Hospital Kanke, Kalong-Angwan Dadi Bridge (the longest bridge in Plateau State), the Shendam Internal Road Networks, and the Potato Value Chain Processing Centres in Bokkos, Barkin Ladi, and Mangu. Work will soon resume on the Legacy Projects located across the 17 Local Government Areas of the State. Our commitment is to ensure that we complete ongoing projects before the end of this administration”.
On security, the Governor appreciated all citizens for their support and collaboration towards the restoration of peace and security in Plateau State over the years saying although total success in eliminating criminal attacks have not been achieved, the State has substantially overcome the wanton destruction of lives and properties through ethno-religious crises and other senseless attacks on the people.
On the forthcoming general elections, he said “Let me therefore use this opportunity to call on all politicians to put the general interest above their personal or party interests before, during and after the elections. We should never do anything that will jeorpadise, the peace, security and unity of Plateau State and Nigeria just to win elections. Without peace and stability, there will be neither democracy nor room for any politician to canvass for votes or aspire to lead. We must act with utmost responsibility and caution because despite political differences, we are all Plateau citizens and shall continue to remain brothers and sisters. Similarly, I urge the youths to shun all forms of actions that are inimical to conduct of peaceful elections such as thuggery and violence. Nobody should deceive you into believing that you are relevant or you can be made rich through violence. Think about your future and reject those who hide their children but recruit the children of others to carry out political violence on their behalf. Our administration has demonstrated that it is committed to providing opportunities for youths through empowerment and job creation. That is why I challenge you to take advantage of empowerment programmes rather than participating in political violence”.
He reassured all stakeholders that the Government under his watch will ensure that that the rights of citizens and political parties and their candidates to freely sell their manifestos and canvass for votes as enshrined in the law are protected.
However, he warned that those who want to use politics to cause chaos and disharmony will be confronted by the security agencies that are empowered to maintain law and order. Similarly, those who also want to cause trouble through fake news, hate speech, and incitement should be ready to face the law.
Commissioner for Information and Communication Hon. Dan Manjang in a remark appreciated the Governor for successfully hosting the event and also ensuring that there is peace and harmony in the State.
The parade also featured match past by the students of various schools while winners were given prizes.
October 1, 2022
Stakeholders move to drive friendly policy options for national development
By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
Stakeholders from the Federal Ministry of Budget and National Planning at the 21st Edition of the Joint Planning Board of the Ministry of Budget and National Planning at a two day meeting moved for friendly policy options to drive the development of the nation.
The 2 Day Conference held in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State with the theme ,”Good Governance and Institutional Capacity: Pathway to Sustainable National Development” comprised of Commissioners and Permanent Secretaries of Economic Planning at the Sub-national including critical Stakeholders to brainstorm and plans formulation with a view to proposing policy options that would enhance the economy.
Ebonyi State governor, His Excellency, Engr. David Uweze Umahi, who officially opened the forum noted that the theme of the conference, was in line with the policies of the Ebonyi Government which places high priority on good governance and sustainable development with testimonies of the changed narratives by indigenes.
The Deputy Governor who represented the governor added that the State Government was mindful of the economic challenges facing the country and also the need to institutionalize good practice, which has yielded success.
He urged all participants both to f adhere to all the proceedings and make inputs for the good of Nigeria.
Permanent Secretary, Budget and National Planning and Chairperson of the Board, Mrs. Olusola Idowu, noted that the theme of this year’s gathering was apt considering the fact that Nigeria for many decades had been faced with a lot of challenges working against her development as a nation.
According to Idowu some of the challenges include: weak institutions, policy inconsistencies, mono-cultural dependence on oil, weak coordination mechanism, and lack of attitudinal change, among others.
She notef that sustainable development hinged on the total commitment of both the leadership and follower-ship adding that both parties must work together in harmony to achieve the desired goals of the country.
Furthermore she stressed that pursuant of sustainable national development, accountability, transparency, efficiency and rule of law at all levels are crucial.
The Permanent Secretary charged stakeholders to brain storm on the theme of the meeting, relating institutional capacity to governance at all levels and proffer policy options while taking into cognizance the peculiarities of the country to remedy the development challenges.
Idowu said, ‘’ I urge you to make use of the meeting and come up with far-reaching recommendations that when implemented, would improve the socio-economic development of Nigeria.”
She lauded the Government of Ebonyi State for demonstrating an exemplary leadership quality in the deliverance of dividends of democracy to the people of Ebonyi State, especially n the areas of road construction, provision of quality education, health care services, Agriculture and strong collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Finance Budget and National Planning.
Also speaking, the Chairman, Commissioners of budget and economic planning forum (CoP), Hon. Solomon B. Elisha who is the Commissioner, Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Taraba State, promised that the JPB/NCDP event would always provide the platform for robust discussions of ideas and recommendations that would lead to sustainable national development.
In the light of the theme, he said, ‘’Good governance is essential for sustaining economic transformation in developing countries. but stressed that many developing countries currently lack the capacity to achieve this feat.
He stated that lack of good governance has been demonstrated to have corrosive effects on the development process. ”
Such poor governance has been shown, among other things to undermine democracy, subvert the rule of law, entrench corruption, scare of foreign investment.”
He noted that Capacity had been identified as one of the missing links in Africa’s development and democratization. In the context of governance, capacity entails the ability of an institution of governance – the legislature, executive, judiciary, civil society or private sector – to perform its constitutionally or politically mandated functions or roles efficiently and effectively.
He admonished, ‘’As we pursue capacity development for good governance, both national and sub-nationals must ensure that such initiatives are comprehensively designed to be simultaneously related to change and transformation at the individual, institutional and societal levels and to be owned and controlled locally’’.
The Director General/Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) who was represented by the Senior Economist of the Forum, David Nabena, stated that ‘’Good governance is a tailwind for sustainable development, as it creates an environment for the rule of law, accountability, transparency, inclusiveness, responsiveness, and efficiency in government administration’’.
Institutional capacity on the other hand, portends a great opportunity to leapfrog through the pathways of development, even in environments where good governance tenets were not fully entrenched, Nabena maintained.
The Lead Paper titled: Unlocking the Nigerian Economy through the National Development Plan (2021-2025): The Implementation Strategies was presented by S.A to the President on Finance & Economy Dr. Sarah Alade, represented by the Director, Department of Macro- Economic Analysis, Budget and National Planning, Mr. David Adeosun .
The 1st plenary session featured papers on: Developing Effective Accountable and Transparent Institutions at all levels, Open Government Partnership: Co-creation as a Strategic Mechanism for National Public Reform-a Case for OGP and Government Business, Smart Technology and Digital Economy.
Daybreak reports that the conference was organized by the Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning (Planning Arm), in collaboration with Ebonyi State Government.
April 8, 2022