Motorcycle Riders Kick Off 10th Anniversary Friday

Motorcycle riders are to kickstart 10 years anniversary programme in the ancient city of Kano tagged: ''Metallic Durbar' anniversary scheduled between October 31st to November 2nd, 2025.

The President of Royal Motorcycle Club, Hamada Adam said over700 motorcycle Riders have arrived the state ahead of the event.

The president said the event which is organized by Kano United Riders has linedup activities include visitation of orphanage, donation to hospitals, free healthcare outreach, bike and car stunts, town ride picnic and award night.

''The riders have been contributed positively to the uplift of the status less privilege in the society and organizing such event of its kind will go along way in supporting and contributing the less privilege and create awareness on value to what we are doing, '' the president revealed.

Hamada Adam said the over 700 riders arrived the city from within Kano state and outside are to show their solidary and support to the state and the federal government commitment to the developmental programmes executed countrywide.

He appealed to the teeming people of the state to give the organisers maximum support and cooperation towards achieve the desired goal.

While appreciating the security agencies for their unflinching support and cooperation, he urged them to sustain the tempo..

Dignitaries within and outside the state are expected to grace the occasion.

Barau support SWAN with N2million at 60th anniversary

The deputy senate President, Barau I. Jibrin has constructed 13 stadia in the 13 local government areas of Kano as part of his contributions and support to the development of sports across the state.

In addition, he directed the upgrading of the Bayero University Kano BUK stadium to the international standard aimed at complementing the use of Sani Abacha Stadium Kofar mata.

The Special Adviser to the deputy senate President on Media and publicity Alhaji Ismail Mudassir made this statement during the 60th years anniversary of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) held in Abuja.

 Alhaji Ismail Mudassir said 52 football clubs from Kano were benefited during this year's Nationwide League One (NLO) registration fees totaling to over 15 millions.

He added that the establishment Barau Football Club was part of the deputy President commitment to empower teeming young players through sports across the country.

He explained that plans are underway to transform Barau FC into a continental football powerhouse, attracting players from across West Africa and beyond, adding that nothing is too much for the Nigerian youth and by extension to sports.

While commending the leadership of SWAN for their recognition, he assured that the deputy President will continue to complement the President Bola Ahmad Tinubu's commitment towards the overall development of various sporting events in the country.

He later donated the sum of two million Naira to the SWAN to enable them start construction of it secretariat in Abuja.

ICPC Collaborates with RoLAC on Capacity Building

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has partnered with the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Programme (RoLAC) to strengthen the capacity of its officers through a training exercise focused on the timely and accurate collection of data to enhance data-driven institutional performance.

In a statement signed by the Director Public Enlightenment and Education of the Commission, Demola Bakare, said a two-day capacity-building workshop, funded by the European Union, was recently held in Abuja. The programme focused on implementing the Commission’s Strategic Action Plan (SAP), Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), as well as data collection and reporting templates designed to support the accurate documentation of departmental activities.

Declaring the event open, the Chairman of the ICPC, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, who was represented by the Director of Planning, Research, and Statistics, Mr. Oche A. Godwin, emphasized the growing importance of data in modern governance. He described data as the foundation upon which informed decisions are made, policies are formulated, and accountability is sustained.

According to him, the ICPC, being a lead institution in promoting integrity and combating corruption, must possess the capacity to collect, manage, analyze, and evaluate data effectively. He described this capacity not merely as a technical requirement but as a “strategic imperative” for the Commission’s mission.

Dr. Aliyu noted that the training was structured to equip participants with the tools and methodologies required to enhance operational efficiency, strengthen transparency, and improve the Commission’s overall impact, particularly in areas such as tracking investigative progress, assessing the effectiveness of preventive initiatives, and reporting institutional performance through robust data management and monitoring and evaluation systems.

In the first technical session, Mr. Oche A. Godwin delivered a presentation on the ICPC Strategic Action Plan (2024–2028). He highlighted key areas such as planning, risk assessment, resource optimization, and adaptive strategies in a dynamic operating environment. He further explained that the value of any plan is realized only through implementation and that effective planning must remain flexible while clarifying both short and long-term goals.

The second technical paper, titled Practicalizing the Annual Work Plan was delivered by Mr. Hilary Zira. He provided participants with practical guidance on how the Annual Work Plan aligns with SAP implementation, stressing its importance in ensuring that departmental activities contribute meaningfully to institutional objectives and measurable outcomes.

The workshop also featured a practical session during which participants applied the concepts and tools learned, including data entry, reporting templates, and KPI measurement. The hands-on component ensured that officers not only understood the theoretical framework but could also translate it into accurate and standardized documentation practices across the Commission.

Also speaking, the Component Lead of RoLAC, Dr. Emmanuel Uche, underscored the importance of proper documentation as a critical tool for accountability, institutional learning, and performance measurement.

Cross River to Host Global Investment Summit in London, Targets Diaspora and Foreign Investors

The Cross River State Government will host an international investment summit in London from Nov. 17 to Nov.19, aimed at attracting global investors and engaging the diaspora in sustainable development.

The summit, themed “Unlocking Opportunities and Driving Sustainable Growth with the People’s First Agenda of Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu”, will spotlight strategic sectors and investment-ready projects across the state.

Hon. Ignatius Oli, Chairperson of the Central Planning Committee, Cross River State Diaspora Commission, disclosed this in a statement issued to the Newsmen Saturday.

> “We are positioning Cross River as a competitive investment destination in Nigeria and West Africa,” Oli said.

“This summit is a strategic move to unlock partnerships that will fuel economic growth and align with the state’s People’s First Agenda.”

He said the event would convene investors, policymakers, diaspora professionals, and development partners to explore opportunities in agriculture, tourism, ICT, manufacturing, renewable energy, infrastructure, and the green economy.

> “We aim to mobilise both domestic and foreign capital into high-growth sectors,” he said.

“It will also promote bankable projects and public-private partnership (PPP) models that can drive long-term development.”

Oli said the summit would serve as a platform for business-to-business and business-to-government networking.

> “Diaspora engagement is central to our strategy. We want to connect with Cross Riverians abroad and create channels for investment, mentorship, and knowledge transfer,” he added.

He noted that the summit’s outcomes would align with the state’s development goals and support Nigeria’s Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP).

The event will be moderated by Mr. Nero Ughwujabo, a public policy expert with a background in stakeholder engagement and strategic communications.

Prince Otu Okor, Chairman of the Cross River State Diaspora Commission, described the summit as a turning point for the state’s global re-engagement strategy.

> “We are deliberately creating a platform that links our diaspora community to viable investment opportunities back home,” Okor said.

“Cross Riverians abroad are not just spectators—they are vital partners in the state’s transformation agenda.”

He said the Commission is working closely with the summit’s planning committee to ensure effective diaspora participation across all sessions.

> “Our people in the diaspora have the networks, skills, and capital needed to accelerate economic growth in Cross River,” Okor added.

“This summit provides a concrete pathway for them to contribute meaningfully.”

Oli further highlighted opportunities across several strategic sectors:

> “In agriculture, we are focusing on commercial farming, agro-processing, and export value chains,” he said.

“Tourism prospects include hospitality, eco-tourism, and cultural festivals. We are also promoting manufacturing opportunities in agro-allied industries, light production, and export growth.”

He said ICT and renewable energy—particularly solar mini-grids, hydro, and biomass—would also feature prominently, alongside infrastructure such as roads, industrial parks, and urban renewal projects.

> “We’re targeting responsible investments in forestry and mining, including sustainable timber, eco-products, carbon credits, and minerals like barite and limestone,” he added.

“We’re also creating pathways for diaspora-led investments through bonds, joint ventures, and mentoring.”

Oli said Governor Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu would deliver the keynote address and officially open the summit.

> “The programme will feature a policy showcase on investment incentives and ongoing regulatory reforms,” he said.

Panel discussions will focus on tourism, infrastructure, health, agriculture, ICT, and renewable energy, while a special diaspora session will address skills transfer, strategic investments, and long-term partnerships.

The summit is expected to attract investors, business leaders, development agencies, diplomatic missions, and senior government officials.

> “This is not just an event; it is a gateway to partnerships that will define the future of Cross River State,” Oli said.

Oli also expressed appreciation to the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Nigeria, led by Ms. Sharon Dimanche, for their strategic support in mobilizing multilateral partners and fostering collaboration to advance the vision of His Excellency Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu.

He noted that IOM’s continued engagement underscores the importance of migration and diaspora investment as key drivers of sustainable development in Cross River State.

"Click on the link for registration https://cridcom.crossriverstate.gov.ng/crs-investment-summit

Nigerian Medical Association NMA lines up a week activities, praises Governor Yusuf

Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has applauded Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for taking measures to renovate over 200 Primary Healthcare Centres as well as upgrading some of PHCs and cottage hospital to general hospital across the state.

This commendation was made by Kano state chairman of NMA, Dr. AbdulRahman Ali while addressing newsmen on this year's Physicians Week held in the state capital.

Dr. AbdulRahman Ali said the commendation became necessary in view of it efforts to improve the health system as well as taking proactive measures aimed at improving the welfare f healthcare workers statewide.

The chairman explained that the measures taken by the state government will ginger and motivate the workers to continue to sacrifice and redouble their efforts in this regards. 

While appealing to the state government as a matter of urgency to innovate ways of ensuring a motivated and well compensated health workforce, he urged the state government to consider training and retraining within and outside the state for better service delivery.

He assured that the NMA members are ready to continue to work tirelessly and support the state government policy aimed at promoting and development of the state.

The chairman however, said that this year's Physicians Week theme is "Healthcare as a Value Chain: Building efficient from policy to patient," encapsulates the urgent need for a coordinated, accountable, and effective health system where every component from policy formulation to patient care is optimized to deliver true value to the Nigerian people.

The chairman revealed that in it's simplest form, a value chain refers to a sequence of interdepependent actions that transform inputs into outcomes of value, applied to healthcare, it represents the continuum that begins with sound policies and strategic financing, flows through efficient planning, an empowered workforce and effective service delivery.

He appealing to the federal, state and local governments as well as other private health partner work closely towards achieve the desired objectives.

Dr. AbdulRahman Ali said that the state chapter has lined up activities include lectures, visitation to various hospitals, free medical outreach among others throughout the week.

SWAN honours former north west VP Ado Salisu

Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, SWAN has conferred the SWAN fellowship award on the former vice president, SWAN north west, Ado Salisu.

The association as part of activities marking its diamond jubilee celebration had decided to confer the award on the Kano born veteran sports broadcaster in recognition of his over three decades of service to the sports media industry.

The award conferment letter signed by the national secretary of the association, Amb Ikenna Okonkwo said the recognition is well deserved, adding that the recipient had played prominent roles in the life span of the association.

He congratulated the recipient for what he described as an honour that is well deserved.

Reacting , an elated Ado Salisu said “ tis gladdens my heart, this is an indication that my service was well recorded and appreciated , I am pleased that, I am been appreciated for my contributions to SWAN and sports in general.

He urged young sports writers to cultivate the spirit of selflessness and doggedness, stressing that the terrain could be rough, but without the vibrancy of sporting press and members of its constituency , the industry cannot thrive.

Ado Salisu reached the pinnacle of his sports journalism career as a reporter with t he renowned Triumph newspaper before been moved to ARTV Kano, from where he took a bow, on completion of his years of merit service.

He rise to the position of the vice president, SWAN north west.

NIPR President Lauds Kano Governor for People-Focused Initiatives

The President of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Dr. Ike Neliaku, has commended Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba K Yusuf, for his exceptional commitment to people-oriented projects and inclusive governance.

This commendation came during an inspection visit by the NIPR Governing Council on Tuesday to assess Governor Yusuf’s suitability for investiture as a Patron of the professional body.

This was contained in a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mustapha Muhammad, on Wednesday.

The NIPR, a non-profit professional organization established to regulate public relations practice in Nigeria, promotes high standards of professional conduct and ethical engagement across sectors.

During the tour—conducted in collaboration with the Office of the Director-General, Media and Publicity, Government House, Kano, Sanusi Bature D-Tofa—the NIPR delegation visited several key project sites showcasing the administration’s focus on infrastructure renewal, community development, and economic empowerment.

At the Dan Agundi Flyover, Dr. Neliaku expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of work, noting that the project, upon completion, would ease traffic congestion and enhance urban mobility. He pledged to return for the inauguration of the completed project.

The NIPR team, accompanied by the Commissioner of Works, Engr. Marwan Ahmad, engaged the project managers on technical and sustainability details, which were satisfactorily explained.

The delegation also visited the multi-billion-naira Bulbula Erosion Control Project in Nassarawa Local Government Area, where significant progress has been made to tackle environmental degradation.

Responding to inquiries, the Governor’s Spokesman, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, explained that the project would enhance transportation, improve access to healthcare facilities, and contribute to curbing social vices such as drug abuse among youths.

At Kwankwasiyya City, the Managing Director of the Kano Housing Corporation, Alhaji Abdullahi Rab’u, informed the visitors that the estate comprises over 500 housing units, with the government ensuring the provision of modern infrastructure to guarantee comfort for residents.

He added that occupants are expected to meet their financial commitments or risk revocation of allocation.

The team later stopped at the Gwarzo Garment Centre, where over 100 young men and women were undergoing vocational training in tailoring and garment production—a testament to the administration’s investment in human capital development.

At Challawa/Goje Dama, Karaye Local Government Area, the delegation was received by the Commissioner of Power, Dr. Gaddafi Sani Shehu, who briefed them on the near-completion of a 6-megawatt power plant that is expected to significantly boost electricity supply across the state.

Speaking to journalists after the inspection, Dr. Neliaku remarked that Governor Yusuf’s initiatives transcend physical infrastructure, emphasizing social inclusion and community ownership.

“We are immensely impressed by the governor’s dedication to projects that directly impact citizens and make them active participants in the state’s progress,” he stated.

“This aligns perfectly with the core principles of public relations, which is about building and maintaining mutually beneficial relationships between an organization and its publics.”

Dr. Neliaku added that the NIPR Council would consider the findings of the inspection in determining the governor’s formal investiture as a Patron of the Institute. He emphasized that the visit underscores NIPR’s commitment to recognizing leaders who uphold transparency, accountability, and citizen engagement.

Kano, Guinea Bissau Strengthen Bilateral Relations

...To Partner on Agriculture, Education, Culture and Tourism

The Kano State Government and the Republic of Guinea Bissau have agreed to strengthen bilateral relations with a focus on agriculture, education, culture, tourism, and human capital development.

This was contained in a statement issued by the Governor’s Spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, on Thursday.

The development followed a high-level meeting held in Bissau, where the Kano State delegation led by the National Chairman of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Dr. Ajuji Ahmed, paid a courtesy visit to the President of Guinea Bissau, His Excellency Umaro Sissoco Embaló.

The delegation represented the Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf.

During the meeting, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to deepen cooperation in areas that promote job creation, youth empowerment, and skill acquisition.

 The collaboration will include initiatives in GSM repairs, fish farming, and the cashew and mango value chains, which are key to boosting economic productivity and employment opportunities.

As part of the agreement, the Kano State Government has offered 50 scholarship slots for citizens of Guinea Bissau to study English and Hausa languages in one of the state-owned tertiary institutions.

 

The initiative aims to foster cultural and linguistic exchange between the two governments and strengthen the historical ties between West African nations.

In his remarks, President Umaro Sissoco Embaló commended the visionary leadership of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and expressed his readiness to pay a return visit to Kano. 

He disclosed that he had already directed his Minister of Defence to lead a government delegation to Kano State to explore further areas of partnership.

The Kano State delegation included Hajiya Amina Abdullahi, Commissioner for Women Affairs, Children and Persons with Disabilities; Hajiya Sadiya Abdu Bichi, Special Adviser on Women, Children and Persons with Disabilities; Arc. Danjuma Zarewa, former Director-General of Urban Beautification; and Hon. Muhammad Sani Gumel.

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building international partnerships that create opportunities for the people of Kano, particularly in human capital development, trade, and cultural exchange.

VP Shettima To Journalists: President Tinubu Will Remain Your Ally, Will Preserve Your Rights

Pledges to table NUJ’s demands of protection, review of libel laws, others before the president 

 

The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, has assured the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains an ally of the media, and is committed to protecting and advancing the journalism profession in the country.

 

In a statement signed by Senior Special Assistant to The President on Media & Communications (Office of the Vice President) Stanley Nkwocha, said the Vice President recalled that President Tinubu has long been supportive of the media and would not deviate from his consistent track record of upholding the integrity of the journalism profession in Nigeria.

 

Senator Shettima gave the assurance on Wednesday when he hosted a delegation of the NUJ leadership at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

 

The Vice President however noted that the government and citizens alike expect a lot from the media, emphasizing that the journalism profession stands almost at par with the judiciary.

According to him, journalists are expected to hold public officials accountable and adjudicate on issues of governance.

 “In President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, you have a friend, an ally, and a proprietor who has been kind to the Nigerian media over the years.

"I want to assure you that this administration will do its best to promote, project, and preserve the interests of the journalism profession. You are the life wire of the nation — we can’t afford to muzzle you,” the Vice President said.

Describing the media as the conscience of the nation, Senator Shettima stressed that authorities cannot afford to intimidate journalists, as they are indispensable to the survival of democracy in the country.

“Past generations of Nigerian leaders — from Herbert Macaulay to Nnamdi Azikiwe and even Obafemi Awolowo — were first journalists before they became political leaders,” the Vice President recalled.

VP Shettima acknowledged the challenges facing the media industry, noting that several media organizations in Nigeria struggle to pay staff salaries and emoluments.

He appealed to the NUJ to remain hopeful, promising that President Tinubu would continue to support the Union.

“Be rest assured that the President will render his support to your organization. We cannot afford to allow the journalism profession to die,” he added.

Shettima further noted that President Tinubu’s decision to remove fuel subsidies was made in the national interest, just as he reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to repositioning the Nigerian economy for the benefit of all citizens.

Earlier, the National President NUJ, Comrade Alhassan Yahya Abdullahi, drew the Vice President’s attention to some critical issues confronting journalists in the course of doing their job, urging him to use his office “to take a firm stance in defending press freedom, and ensuring that journalists are not punished for doing their constitutional duty.”

He also urged the government “to initiate a comprehensive review of colonial-era laws such as sections of the Criminal and Penal Codes that continue to criminalize journalism,” maintaining that “libel should be decriminalized.”

 

Other demands made by the NUJ President include facilitation of a national safety protocol for journalists, in collaboration with security agencies, to ensure that no reporter is harmed for simply reporting the news.

 

He also called for government’s partnership with the media to initiate a media support framework, including training grants, soft loans, tax relief, and a targeted bailout for critical media institutions.

 

The NUJ also sought partnerships with TETFUND, universities, and international media institutes to uplift training standards across the profession, as well as the creation of a Permanent Government- Media Liaison Platform under the office of the Vice President to foster regular engagement, clarify national policies, and prevent the vacuum breeding misinformation.

 

Abdullahi pledged the support of the Nigerian press for the President Tinubu's development agenda, noting however that the press will always maintain the right to speak truth to power for the survival of democracy.

 

“We are institutional partners and would not be drowned in the false narratives that the media must be antagonistic to government. Same way we call out government when we feel that certain issues are not clearly given the needed consideration, we also would be ready to applaud government when things have been done right,” he added.

 

He commended the administration of President Tinubu over what he described as tangible efforts and firm support in key areas of national development, despite the economic headwinds facing Nigeria, just like many other nations.

 

Abdullahi acknowledged that in less than three years, the administration has undertaken bold reforms targeted at stabilizing the nation’s economy.

ICPC Records Landmark ₦1.86 Billion from 2024 Asset Disposal — Highest Since Inception

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has achieved a major milestone in its asset disposal operations, realizing a total of ₦1,868,969,400.00 from the auction of 23 forfeited assets in 2024  the highest amount recorded since the Commission’s establishment.

In a statement signed by the Director Public Enlightenment of the Commission, Demola Bakare, said this achievement was announced during the 2025 meeting of the Asset Disposal Committee, following a report presented by the Proceeds of Crime Department (POCD). 

The exercise was carried out in line with the Proceeds of Crime (Recovery and Management) Act (POCA) 2022, which empowers the Commission to recover, manage, and dispose of assets derived from illicit activities.

According to the report, out of the 23 assets disposed of in 2024, 10 were successfully auctioned in December 2024, while seven could not be sold due to low bids that fell below the approved threshold or forced-sale value. The remaining six assets were affected by legal, security, or encroachment challenges. Four (4) unsold assets have been rolled over into the 2025 disposal programme.

For the 2025 exercise, the Committee has presented 30 movable and immovable assets for disposal. These include four (4) rolled-over assets from 2024, twelve (12) immovable assets, three (3) movable assets, and eleven (11) batches of perishable assets newly enrolled for auction.

A breakdown of the amount of money realized from the disposal revealed that perishable/ scrapped assets stood at N3,969,400.00, Off-cycle disposal sales (3 No. assets) valued at N975,000,000.00, while On-Cycle Disposal Sales (20 No. Assets) is valued at N890,000,000.00.

Presiding over the meeting, the ICPC Chairman, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, commended the Proceeds of Crime Department for its effective implementation of the Commission’s mandate and emphasized that depriving the corrupt of their illicit gains remains one of the most potent strategies in combating corruption.

“The significance of asset recovery in the fight against corruption cannot be overstated. It serves as a vital mechanism for restoring public resources to their rightful use.” Dr. Aliyu noted.

Dr. Aliyu further explained that civil forfeiture provides a faster, cheaper, and more transparent means of recovering stolen assets, while the conversion of confiscated assets into public value enhances national economic growth and rebuilds public confidence in the anti-corruption process.

He reiterated that asset disposal is a critical aspect of ICPC’s responsibilities under POCA 2022 and other enabling laws, aimed at promoting transparency, accountability, and value optimization in the conversion of forfeited assets into proceeds that benefit both victims of corruption and the Nigerian public.

In line with ICPC’s commitment to transparency and due process, the 2025 Asset Disposal Committee meeting was observed by independent representatives from the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Accountability Lab, and the Centre for Fiscal Transparency and Public Integrity (CeFTPI).

Dr. Aliyu commended the presence of these observers, noting that their participation reinforces public trust and ensures that the asset disposal process is conducted with fairness, integrity, and full transparency.