Francis Sardauna in Katsina

The Women Initiative for Northern Nigerian Development (WINNDEV) has unveiled a Neighborhood Committee Network (NCN) to boost security and empower 48,000 people across 16 local government areas in Katsina State.

The NCN, according to WINNDEV, is a grassroots movement that seeks to empower neighborhoods at various communities and villages as part of its efforts to enable communities to take ownership of their development, safety and well-being.

Unveiling the programme at a news conference in Katsina Wednesday, the WINNDEV National Coordinator, Zainab Mohammed Sada, said it would enhance community development and social cohesion.

She said the programme would be implemented in the 16 local governments of Katsina, Jibia, Funtua, Daura, Dutsinma, Kaita, Bakori, Danmusa, Rimi, Safana, Batagarawa, Kurfi, Kankara, Musawa, Charanchi, Kankia and Batsari.

She explained that in each of the 16 local governments, 3,000 women, youths and the less privileged, totaling 48,000, would be trained and empowered with relevant security and entrepreneurial skills to be self-sufficient.

Sada reiterated that the Neighborhood Committee Network would serve as a viable platform for citizens to come together, share ideals and work collectively towards common goals for peace and development to thrive.

“We shall establish a national secretariat as part of plans to develop a robust training programme, foster partnership with governmental agencies, NGOs and private sector organisations.

“Our goal is to build stronger and more resilient communities that are better equipped to withstand challenges and seize opportunities at any given time”, she added.

Francis Sardauna in Katsina

The Katsina State Enterprise Development Agency (KASEDA) has announced the selection of another 245 business owners and entrepreneurs as beneficiaries of the second batch of the KASEDA and Sterling Bank-managed MSMEs loan initiative.

This brings the total number of beneficiaries to 449 businesses, following the 204 entrepreneurs who received funding in the first batch of the disbursement.

In a statement by the Head of KASEDA Public Relations Unit, Hauwa Ibrahim Jikamshi, yesterday, the agency reiterated its commitment to continue to support MSMEs in the state.

She directed all selected beneficiaries to visit the Sterling Bank branch in Katsina to collect their loan offer documents and complete the disbursement process without delay.

She also encouraged the beneficiaries to reach out to KASEDA through its official communication channels or visit the agency’s office for further guidance and clarification.

Hauwa, added that KASEDA’s Director General, Hajiya Aisha Aminu, on behalf of Governor Dikko Umaru Radda, has extended congratulations to all successful applicants and expressed optimism that the intervention would boost business productivity and economic prosperity across the State.

“The initiative represents a significant step in Governor Radda’s commitment to stimulating economic growth, creating jobs, supporting MSMEs, and fostering entrepreneurship throughout Katsina State,” she added.

Francis Sardauna in Katsina

The Katsina State Government in collaboration with the World Bank, under its Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (SURWASH) project, has earmarked N20 billion for water supply and sanitation projects in 10 local government areas of the state.
The State Commissioner for Water Resources, Dr. Bishir Gambo-Saulawa who disclosed this while briefing journalists in Katsina, said the World Bank funded SURWASH project aimed at improving access to potable water, sanitation and hygiene in the state.
He explained that the N20 billion allocated through the SURWASH would enable the state government to drill solar-powered motorised boreholes with 8,000-litre capacity overhead tanks, hand-pumping boreholes and latrines in 110 communities across the 10 selected local governments.
He said the state government has already injected N5 billion for the implementation of the programme, adding that the procurement plan would cover 10 local government areas in the first phase of the project, “but plans are on to extend the programme to other local governments by 2025.”
Gambo-Saulawa, during the joint press conference, said: “The Katsina State Government in partnership with the World Bank, has allocated N20 billion for various water and sanitation projects in the state. These projects are going to be executed under the SURWASH programme.
“Already, the state government has invested N5 billion for the implementation of the programme. The procurement plan would cover 10 local government areas of the state in the first phase.”
The commissioner reiterated that the water projects were in line with Governor Dikko Umaru Radda’s unprecedented commitment to tackling water scarcity and ensuring that residents of the state have access to quality and sustainability water supply.
Also, the Executive Director of the State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA), Abubakar Suleiman, said solar-powered and hand-pumping boreholes would be drilled in 90 rural communities of the state.
On his part, Dr. Tukur Hassan-Tingilin, the Managing Director of the Katsina State Water Board, said part of N20 billion would be used for water pipeline networking in communities across Daura, Malumfashi, Funtua and Dutsinma Local Government Areas.
According to him, “20 areas will be covered in Katsina, followed by 14 communities in Daura, nine each in Malumfashi and Funtua, while Dutsinma will have six areas covered by the water project.”

The Executive Director of the Small Towns Water Supply and Sanitation Agency, Ibrahim Lawal-Dankaba, who also spoke during the press conference, said the agency would build 225 cubic-metre water reservoirs and public water stands across the 10 benefiting local government areas. 

•Complete Dasin Hausa Dam to absorb excess water from Lagdo Dam, House urges FG

•MSF expresses worry over increasing malnutrition cases in northern Nigeria

Francis Sardauna in Katsina, Juliet Akoje in Abuja and Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi

Governor Dikko Radda of Katsina State, Tuesday, said the state government had received N3 billion support from the federal government to tackle the devastating effect of flooding in the state.

Radda, who announced the provision while flagging off financial assistance to flood victims in the state, said the widespread flood had ravaged several local government areas.

He said homes, farmlands, roads, and public utilities had been severely damaged by the devastating effect of the natural disaster, leaving thousands of residents homeless with worsening environmental degradation.

Relatedly, the House of Representatives urged the federal government to expedite the completion of the Dasin Hausa Dam in Adamawa State to help absorb excess water released from the Lagdo Dam. The House also sought the rehabilitation of critical infrastructure in flood-prone areas in the country

The lower chamber mandated the Nigerian/Cameroon Friendship Group to investigate the Nigerian/Cameroon agreement on the Lagdo Dam and mitigation measures, and advise the House within two weeks for further legislative action.

Meanwhile, MÊdecins Sans Frontières (MSF) said following the devastating flood in some parts of northern Nigeria, especially Borno and other north-eastern states, there had been an increase in child malnutrition cases across healthcare centres where its officials were rendering services.

MSF also lamented that despite the harvest season across the sub-region, the number of malnourished patients being admitted in hospitals was increasing.

Responding to the flood disaster in his state, Radda said, “Recognising the calamity of the situation, the federal government has stepped in to provide more needed assistance as part of the federal government’s intervention of about N3 billion to the state government. This funding is aimed at providing relief to the victims and helping them rebuild their lives.”

He explained that after a careful verification process by the technical committee inaugurated by the state government to ascertain the effect of the flood, it was established that 1,067 persons were seriously affected by the natural disaster.

Radda stated that out of the 1,067 victims, 439, whose homes were completely smashed by the flood, would each receive N600,000 each, while 628 victims, whose homes had significant damage, would receive N300,000 each.

He added that the state government had procured N200 million worth of building materials to be distributed to 1,772 victims, whose houses were partially damaged, to build their homes and restore their livelihoods.

Radda stated, “The total financial support allocated to these victims stands at N451,800,000. In addition to monetary aid, the Katsina State government is equally committed to ensuring that those affected receive comprehensive support.”

He said his administration had earmarked N2.9 billion for emergency flood and erosion control projects across several locations in the state.

On their part, the federal lawmakers directed the Federal Ministry of Environment to undertake a comprehensive study of the impact of climate change and Lagdo Dam’s annual release on Nigeria’s riverine communities and develop an actionable flood management plan to protect lives and properties.

The resolution followed the adoption of a motion of urgent national importance on the need to investigate the recurrent flooding due to the opening of the Lagdo Dam, moved by Hon. O. K. Chinda at plenary on Tuesday.

While presenting the motion, Chinda stressed that the Lagdo Dam located on the Benue River in northern Cameroon, was built in 1982 primarily for irrigation and electricity generation.

He stated that every year, during the rainy season, the dam operators in Cameroon released excess water to prevent overflow, which inevitably flowed downstream into Nigeria, causing significant flooding in states along the river, including Borno, Adamawa, Benue, Taraba, Kogi, and beyond.

The lawmaker expressed worry over the recurrent loss of lives, displacement of communities, destruction of farmlands, livestock, and homes, and damage to critical infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, schools, and healthcare facilities, as a result of the flooding.

“Mindful that despite early warnings by the Nigerian authorities about the release of water from the Lagdo Dam, many communities remain unprepared and are left vulnerable to the devastating impacts of the floods,” the legislator noted.

He recalled that while the construction of a buffer dam, the proposed Dasin Hausa Dam in Adamawa State, was agreed upon in principle between Nigeria and Cameroon to help contain the excess water from Lagdo Dam, the project had remained stalled for years due to funding and bureaucratic delays.

Recognising the urgent need for the federal government to develop long-term solutions to mitigate the effect of the annual flooding and protect vulnerable communities along the River Benue and Niger basins, Chinda urged swift actions to engage relevant stakeholders, both within and outside Nigeria, to mitigate the annual disasters and to provide lasting solutions for affected communities.

Without such actions, he said the situation will persist annually with each year worse than the former, thus, diminishing the confidence of the people in the leaders.

The House, in its resolution, urged the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), in collaboration with State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs) in the affected states, to henceforth enhance early warning systems and improve evacuation and relief efforts for communities in flood-prone areas prior to the flood.

A signed press statement made available to journalists yesterday by MSF International President, Dr. Christos Christou, said, “But this year, at a time when the peak is supposed to be over, the number of patients admitted to the hospital is not going down. Worse, the condition in which they arrive is even more severe than usual.”

MSF stated, “Very often, people don’t have access even to basic medical care where they live, and do not have enough money or available transport. As a result, they reach to us too late.”

Christou explained that, presently, many organisations, which were providing support in Maiduguri and other parts of the north, had had to reduce their budgets or even stop their operations.

He said for the past few years, MSF had seen significant increase in the number of admissions for malnutrition, adding that the numbers in 2022 and 2023 are already critically high.

“But between January to August this year, we have seen a 51 per cent increase in admissions of children with severe malnutrition, compared to the same period last year,” the MSF international president pointed out.

He said over the first eight months of this year, MSF treated 52,725 children with severe malnutrition, a life-threatening condition, across northern Nigeria.

He said aside that, outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases, such as measles, one of the leading causes of death of children, were recurrent in Nigeria.

“Between January-August this year alone, we had already treated over 12,500 cases of measles. That’s nearly double the same period last year,” MSF said.

It stated that outbreaks of infectious diseases significantly increased mortality risks for children under the age of five, while unvaccinated children in this age group were particularly vulnerable to vaccine-preventable diseases, which elevated the risk of acute malnutrition.

Francis Sardauna in Katsina

The Katsina State Police Command has arrested a 24-year-old man for raping and throwing a 16-year-old girl into a well in Katsina Local Government Area of the state.

The Command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Abubakar Aliyu, while parading the suspect alongside other suspected criminals yesterday, said he was nabbed on 17 September in Ambassadors’ quarters.

He said the suspect accosted and threatened the victim who was on errand with knife before dragging her into an uncompleted building where he “violently assaulted and raped” her.

In a desperate bid to conceal his crime, he said the suspect threw the victim into a nearby well and hurled stones down the well, with intent to murder her, but she was rescued and taken to hospital by police operatives.

Aliyu said: “On September 27, 2024, at about 1216hrs, the Katsina State Police Command succeeded in arresting a suspected rapist for the brutal assault and attempted murder of a 16-year-old girl in Ambassadors quarters, Katsina. “The victim was sent on an errand by her mother when the suspect, one Usman Mohammed Iyal, m, age 24 of Ambassadors quarters, armed with a knife, accosted, threatened, and dragged her into an uncompleted building where he then violently assaulted and raped the victim.”

He added:“Upon the victim’s disappearance, her father Abdullahi Sabitu, reported the incident at the GRA divisional police headquarters, leading to swift action. 

“An investigation was immediately launched, successfully rescued the victim from the well and arrested the suspect. The victim is currently receiving medical attention, and investigation is currently ongoing.”

He said the suspect would be charged to court for  rape, assault and attempted murder after preliminary investigation by police in the state.

Francis Sardauna in Katsina 

Justice Abdullahi Bawa-Faskari of the Katsina State High Court Wednesday dismissed the suit seeking the removal of Ambassador Umar Iliya Damagum as the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

A member of the opposition PDP, Ibrahim Musa, had approached the court, claiming that the replacement of Dr. Iyorchia Ayu with Damagum was against the constitutional provisions of the party.

The plaintiff further argued that the replacement of Ayu should be from the North-central geo-political zone of the country where the ex-PDP national chairman hails from. 

But Justice Bawa-Faskari, during Wednesday’s ruling, struck out the suit number KTH/74/24 on the grounds that it was solemnly the internal affairs of the party and the court has no jurisdiction. 

He upheld the preliminary objection of the first and second defendants, noting that the “matter is not justiciable being one which falls entirely within the internal affairs of the party and the court has no jurisdiction”.

Speaking on the ruling, the counsel to the respondent, Isaac Nwachukwu, lauded the court for dismissing the suit, adding that it lacked jurisdiction to entertain the case.

However, the counsel to the plaintiff, Abdullahi Abdulkadir, vowed to challenge the ruling before the Court of Appeal after scrutinising the certified copy of the judgment.

Francis Sardauna in Katsina 

No fewer than 200 women from four banditry-ravaged local government areas of Katsina State and civil society organizations (CSOs) have brainstormed and re-strategized on how to strengthen peace and security in the state.

The women drawn from the four local governments of Batsari, Jibia, Danmusa and Kankara, through the Women Peace and Security (WPS) initiative of Mercy Corps, converged on Katsina, the state capital, where they deliberated on ways of fostering peace. 

The two-day women dialogue was organised by Mercy Corps in collaboration with the Katsina State Ministry of Women Affairs with support from International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD).

Under its Conflict Mitigation and Community Reconciliation in North-west Nigeria (CMCR-NW) project, funded by the European Union (EU), Mercy Corps and partners seek to build the capacity of women and CSOs in peace-building and peaceful co-existence in the state.

One of the participants from Jibia, Amina Mohammed, said the dialogue would assist all women to work harmoniously towards achieving cohesion in the peace-building process in communities rather than working at cross-purposes due to duplicity of activities.

She said Mercy Corps and its partners have empowered them with fresh insights and recommended better ways of working together to ensure peaceful coexistence among communities affected by banditry in Kankara, Jibia, Batsari, Danmusa and other parts of the state. 

Another participant, Zainab Aliyu-Kankara, explained that the women’s dialogue served as a veritable platform for them to collectively deliberate on innovative strategies for peace-building in the state, especially in communities ravaged by insecurity. 

In her remarks, the Senior Programme Officer of Mercy Corps, Lynda Nkechi Emmanuel, said the two-day women peace and security dialogue was aimed at developing collaborative strategies for promoting peace and security in the state.

According to her, the WPS initiative was a significant step taken by Mercy Corps and partners towards empowering women to play a critical role in promoting peace and security across communities in Katsina State.

She said: “We have over 200 women here who have been selected from Danmusa, Jibia, Batsari and Kankara to discuss the role of women in peacebuilding, identify challenges and opportunities and develop collaborative strategies for promoting peace and security.”

While emphasising the importance of women’s participation in peace-building, the Mercy Corps programme officer encouraged them to take ownership of the initiative by reciprocating the gesture in their respective communities. 

In her opening remarks, the state Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hadiza Yar’adua, reiterated the state government’s commitment in tackling security challenges and improving the welfare of women and children affected by conflict. 

She assured the participants that the state government under the leadership of Governor Dikko Umaru Radda would continue to prioritise their needs and work towards creating a better living environment for women in the state.

Francis Sardauna in Katsina

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reiterated its readiness to end proliferation of small arms and light weapons as well as smuggling of contrabands in border communities across the country.

The NCS Zonal Coordinator, Zone B, Kaduna, Sambo Dangaladima, reiterated the service’s readiness to combat the menace while addressing officers and men of the Katsina Area Command of the Service Wednesday.

He said the NCS under the stewardship of CGC Bashir Adeniyi has adopted proactive measures to adequately tackle the influx of small arms and light weapons in border communities.

He added that the Nigeria Customs Service has taken strategic measures to intensify surveillance operations at the nation’s border communities to fight against economic saboteurs and criminality.

Dangaladima said: “We are committed to man our borders properly and prevent the influx of contraband goods as well as proliferation of small arms and light weapons that may end up in the hands of bandits and other criminal entities.”

On welfare of officers, the NCS zonal coordinator said CGC Adeniyi was aware of the hardship that officers and men of the service were going through and is committed to cushioning and improving their livelihood.

According to him, the service under Adeniyi remains committed to providing strategic leadership to ensure effective and efficient service delivery for optimum performance.

He therefore charged the officers and men of the service to redouble their efforts to ensure that the NCS achieves greater heights in its mandates of revenue generation, suppression of smuggling, and trade facilitation.

Earlier, the Controller of the Katsina Area Command, Comptroller Abba-Aji, said the state has 12 border areas that were not active except Jibia border which was recently reopened for legitimate business activities.

Dangaladima, who is in Katsina to sensitise officers on the importance of collaboration, innovation and relationship between stakeholders and the Nigeria Customs Service, is expected to meet with members of the business and border communities.

Francis Sardauna in Katsina

Governor Dikko Umaru Radda of Katsina State has ordered the immediate amendment of the state’s Penal Code Law to make provision for effective punishment of terrorists’ informants and other terrorism-related offences in the state.

Radda disclosed this Tuesday while declaring open a two-day capacity building workshop for stakeholders in the criminal justice system organised by the state Ministry of Justice.

He explained that the state is currently faced with security challenges, hence the need for the modification of the penal code law to provide stiffer punishments for terrorists’ informants and their sponsors.

He said: “I have given directives to the office of the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice to amend the Penal Code Law to make provision for effective punishment of informants and other accomplices of the offences of banditry, kidnapping, among other things.”

Governor Radda reiterated that the administration of criminal justice plays a pivotal role in sustaining social order, cohesion and protecting individuals’ rights by addressing challenges and implementation of workable solutions.

He said building the capacity and enhancing the skills of critical stakeholders in the administration of justice for efficient and effective service delivery remain the cardinal objectives of his administration.

He stressed that his administration has revamped the state judicial system and it was committed to ensuring that justice is served for the betterment of the state and the country at large.

The governor therefore urged all the participants to pay attention and make robust contributions to the discussions and issues to be raised during the two-day capacity building workshop.

According to him, “Let us work together to build a more effective and just administration of criminal justice law in Katsina state.”

Francis Sardauna in Katsina

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Tasuri A ward of  Kurfi Local Government, Katsina State, has suspended the former National Secretary of the party, Senator Umar Ibrahim-Tsauri from the opposition party over alleged anti-party activities.

In a  statement by the PDP chairman of the ward, Danjuma Abubakar and Secretary, Abdullahi Garba, the party also accused Mr. Tsauri of  uttering unguarded statements against the national leadership of the party.

The statement read: “The Tsauri A ward executives of the PDP at its sitting of 13th September, 2024 has suspended Senator Umar Ibrahim Tsauri from the party pending the outcome of the disciplinary committee set up to investigate him on the followings:“Anti-party activities, unguarded utterances against the national leadership of the party, actions and associations capable of embarrassing and bringing the party to disrepute. The suspension is in line with provision of Article 59 (1) of the PDP Constitution which empowers ward party executives to take disciplinary action against erring members.”

The PDP urges all its members to remain committed to the principles of party’s discipline and loyalty, adding that: “We must work together to build a strong and united party capable of winning elections and serving the interest of our people.”

But when contacted, Tsauri described his suspension from the party by his ward executives as an inefficacious exercise carried out by some sponsored elements who are parading themselves as PDP executives.

He explained that the “unrecognised ward executive” members of the opposition party have no power to suspend him except the National Working Committee (NWC) because “I am a live member of PDP.”

Francis Sardauna in Katsina 

The Katsina State Government has adopted the Open Government Partnership (OGP) in order to foster transparency, participatory and accountable governance in the state.

Governor Dikko Radda, while signing a report detailing preparatory activities undertaken to ensure smooth entry into the OGP at the Government House, said his administration was committed to transparency and accountability, hence the adoption of the global initiative.

Radda, in Tuesday’s statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Mohammed, added that the development comes after months of strategic engagement with relevant stakeholders, including civil society organizations (CSOs), as the state moves to align itself with OGP standards.

As Katsina State progresses in its journey to becoming an OGP member, Governor Radda said the people of the state can expect more inclusive and transparent governance practices aimed at improving public trust and driving sustainable development.

He, however, directed the state Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning to continue engaging with the OGP National Secretariat to further develop action plans and letters of intent, particularly concerning the “HOPE Governance and Health Project”.

The Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Alhaji Bello Husaini-Kagara, while submitting the report to Governor Radda, highlighted significant progress made during a series of meetings with civil society organisations and other critical stakeholders on the open government partnership.

He said one of the notable steps taken to ensure seamless adoption of the OGP was the formation of a 30-member steering committee, comprising state and non-state actors to oversee the implementation of the initiative in the state.

The statement read: “Additionally, a dedicated state secretariat has been established, and thematic areas for action have been identified to guide the state’s engagement in the OGP framework.

“The report, however, states further actions including a visit to the OGP National Secretariat, the drafting of a letter of intent, and the exploration of two key support windows for the state: Centre LSD and the HOPE Project.”

Francis Sardauna in Katsina

Former Nigerian Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, has commended Governor Dikko Umaru Radda’s efforts in restoring peace in 24 local government areas of Katsina State.

Abubakar, who disclosed this on Monday in Katsina while consoling late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua’s family over the demise of Hajiya Dada, said farmers had returned to their farms in the state.

He explained that the restoration of peace in the 24 local governments by the administration would tackle the threat of hunger and boost economic activities of the state.

“I want to commend him (Governor Radda) for the effort he has done in bringing peace back to Katsina State and indeed to Nigeria. I remember very well when he took over, there were about 24 local governments under threat out of the 34 local governments.

“But so far, he has been able to bring peace back to these 24 local governments. I have seen that farmers have gone back to their farms so the threat of hunger is overcome,” the former Nigerian leader said.

He, however, extended his condolences to the Yar’Adua family, the government and people of the state over the death of Hajiya Dada, who died last week, praying: “May Allah accept her in Al-jannah.”

Francis Sardauna in Katsina 

A former Nigerian Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, has commended Governor Dikko Umaru Radda’s efforts in restoring peace in 24 local government areas of Katsina State.

Abubakar, who disclosed this Monday in Katsina while consoling late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua’s family over the demise of Hajiya Dada, the mother of the former Nigerian president, said farmers have returned to their farms in the state.

He explained that the restoration of peace in the 24 local governments by the administration of Governor Radda would tackle the threat of hunger and boost economic activities of the state.

He said: “I want to commend him (Governor Radda) for the effort he has done in bringing peace back to Katsina State and indeed to Nigeria. I remember very well when he took over, there were about 24 local governments under threat out of the 34 local governments. 

“But so far, he has been able to bring peace back to these 24 local governments. I have seen that farmers have gone back to their farms so the threat of hunger is overcome.”

He, however, extended his condolences to the Yar’Adua family, the government and people of Katsina State over the death of Hajiya Dada who died last week, adding that “May Allah accept her in Al-jannah.”

The former Nigerian Head of State was received by Governor Radda and top government officials at the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua International Airport, Katsina, before proceeding to late Yar’Adua’s family compound in Katsina metropolis.

At the Yar’Adua quarters, Abdulsalami and his entourage were received by Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yar’Adua and other family members where he offered prayers for the deceased and sought God’s comfort for the bereaved family.

•Procure food supplements for 8,000 malnourished children

Francis Sardauna in Katsina

The Katsina State Government and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) have procured 7,000 cartons of Ready-to-use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) and other supplementary food worth N400 million to tackle severe acute malnutrition bedeviling children in the state.

The UNICEF Country Representative, Cristian Mundauate, who disclosed this Wednesday while handing over the food supplements to the state government in Katsina, said the RUTF will provide life-saving assistance to 8,000 malnourished children under five years in the state.

She said the food supplements were purchased by UNICEF in collaboration with the Katsina State Government through the Child Nutrition Match Fund, as part of the UN agency’s commitment in taming severe acute malnutrition and other impediments beleaguering children in the state.

Mundauate said: “Today (Wednesday), we are delivering about 7,000 cartons of RUTF purchased by UNICEF and the Katsina State Government. These RUTFs will be used to attend and provide life-saving assistance to almost 8,000 children under five years who suffered severe acute malnutrition.

“They are the children that are so weak and about to die. Unfortunately, many of them who have reached this state already had impaired their intellectual capacities for life long. So, we are saving them so that they can function as any other children who can grow and develop in normal conditions.”

While receiving the RUFT, Governor Dikko Umaru Radda said: “Katsina State has a very high number of malnourished children”, but the rapprochement between the state government and the United Nations Children’s Fund would significantly improve children’s health and eradicate the scourge in the state.

He said the state government and UNICEF have injected the N400 million as matching funds to provide the needed nutrients to children between zero to five years, adding that addressing malnutrition at the tender age remained the cardinal objective of his administration.

According to him, “We are happy that UNICEF is matching the amount we put on ground to provide the needed nutrients to Katsina children below the age of five. That is the most critical period in life.

“If we are able to address the issue of malnutrition within that range (zero to five) we are saving lives. Katsina State Government has provided N200 million which UNICEF has equally matched with N200 million”.

• Procure food supplements for 8,000 malnourished children 

Francis Sardauna in Katsina 

The Katsina State Government and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) have procured 7,000 cartons of Ready-to-use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) and other supplementary food worth N400 million to tackle the severe malnutrition bedevilling children in the state.

The UNICEF Country Representative, Cristian Mundauate, who disclosed this Wednesday while handing over the food supplements to the state government in Katsina, said the RUTF will provide life-saving assistance to 8,000 malnourished children under five years in the state.

She said the food supplements were purchased by UNICEF in collaboration with the Katsina State Government through the Child Nutrition Match Fund, as part of the UN agency’s commitment in taming severe malnutrition and other impediments affecting children in the state.

Mundauate said: “Today (Wednesday), we are delivering about 7,000 cartons of RUTF purchased by UNICEF and the Katsina State Government. These RUTFs will be used to attend and provide life-saving assistance to almost 8,000 children under five years who suffered severe acute malnutrition. 

“They are the children that are so weak and about to die. Unfortunately, many of them who have reached this state already had impaired their intellectual capacities for life long. So, we are saving them so that they can function as any other children who can grow and develop in normal conditions.”

Governor Dikko Umaru Radda while receiving the RUFT, said: “Katsina State has a very high number of malnourished children”, but the rapprochement between the state government and the United Nations Children’s Fund would significantly improve children’s health and eradicate the scourge in the state.

He said the state government and UNICEF have injected N400 million as matching funds to provide the needed nutrients to children between the age of zero to five years, adding that addressing malnutrition at the tender age remained the cardinal objective of his administration.

According to him, “We are happy that UNICEF is matching the amount we put on ground to provide the needed nutrients to Katsina children below the age of five. That is the most critical period in life. 

“If we are able to address the issue of malnutrition within that range (zero to five) we are saving lives. Katsina State Government has provided N200 million which UNICEF has equally matched with N200 million.”

Francis Sardauna in Katsina

The Katsina State Government, in collaboration with security agencies, has unveiled a 30-day continued operation in 19 local government areas of the state to protect lives and properties of the citizens.

Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr. Nasiru Muazu, disclosed this in a statement Tuesday night after an expanded state security council meeting at the Government House.

He said the 30-day continued security operation would be carried out simultaneously in the 19 local governments of Jibia, Batsari, Safana, Danmusa, Kankia, Faskari, Dandume, Sabuwa, Dutsin-ma, Kurfi, Kankara, Musawa, Matazu, Malumfashi, Danja, Bakori, Funtua, Charanchi and Batagarawa.

He explained that the state government and security agencies unanimously agreed to empower the affected local government councils in order to provide modalities for security operations, emphasising strong community-based intelligence gathering mechanisms.

Muazu added that the meeting equally adopted the implementation of a community-based approach to security, leveraging local intelligence and participation, and activation of the four-tier security structure established by Katsina State law to galvanise coordinated community-based security operations.

“These measures represent a comprehensive and collaborative approach to tackling the security challenges facing our communities. The Katsina State Government is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all residents and will spare no effort in implementing these resolutions.

“We urge all citizens to cooperate with security agencies and report any suspicious activities in their areas. Together, we can build a safer and more secure Katsina State.”

Francis Sardauna in Katsina

The Katsina State Government in collaboration with security agencies has unveiled a 30-day continued operation in 19 local government areas of the state to protect lives and properties of the citizens.

The state Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr. Nasiru Muazu, disclosed this in a statement Tuesday night after an expanded state security council meeting at the Government House.

He said the 30-day continued security operation would be carried out simultaneously in the 19 local governments of Jibia, Batsari, Safana, Danmusa, Kankia, Faskari, Dandume, Sabuwa, Dutsin-ma, Kurfi, Kankara, Musawa, Matazu, Malumfashi, Danja, Bakori, Funtua, Charanchi and Batagarawa.

He explained that the state government and security agencies unanimously agreed to empower the affected local government councils in order to provide modalities for security operations, emphasising strong community-based intelligence gathering mechanisms.

Muazu added that the meeting equally adopted the implementation of a community-based approach to security, leveraging local intelligence and participation and activation of the four-tier security structure established by Katsina State law to galvanise coordinated community-based security operations.

He said: “These measures represent a comprehensive and collaborative approach to tackling the security challenges facing our communities. The Katsina State Government is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all residents and will spare no effort in implementing these resolutions.

“We urge all citizens to cooperate with security agencies and report any suspicious activities in their areas. Together, we can build a safer and more secure Katsina State.”

The commissioner reiterated that the meeting was convened by Governor Dikko Umaru Radda in a bid to address the recent “surge in bandits’ attacks exploiting the cover provided by the rainy season and high crops”.

Francis Sardauna in Katsina

The Katsina State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested three suspected vandals of streetlights and armoured cables at different locations within the Katsina metropolitan area.

The suspects, Hassan Suleiman of Sabon Unguwa; Kamaluddeen Shu’aibu of Goruba road and Aliyu Yunusa who hails from Kofar Durbi, were nabbed by operatives of the Special Anti-vandal unit of the command during operations.

A statement Saturday by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSC Buhari Hamisu, said the suspects belong to a notorious syndicate who specialises in vandalising armoured cables, streetlights and theft in Katsina metropolis.

He explained that one burnt armoured cable, two hack-saws, two rolls of armoured cables, jackknife, iron bending tool and one tricycle with registration number, KZR 048 UD, have been recovered from the three suspected vandals.

During investigation, he said Suleiman and Shu’aibu confessed to committing the crimes and revealed that “on 14th of August, 2024, Hassan Suleiman conspired with Mubarak (alias Tulaka) now at large, two of them went to Usman Nagogo road, opposite Ministry of Works and removed streetlights armoured cables using digger and hack-saw”.

He noted that the suspects were traced and apprehended by the Special Anti-vandal team while burning the stolen cable at an uncompleted building, while Aliyu Yunusa was intercepted while conveying vandalised streetlight armoured cables with a tricycle.

“Aliyu is a suspected vandal of streetlights, armoured cables and theft, and during investigation, the suspect confessed to committing the crime. All the suspects will be charged to court for prosecution after the completion of the investigation,” he added.

Francis Sardauna in Katsina 

The Katsina State Police Command has announced the rescue of 30 kidnapped victims and recovery of one Ak-47 rifle after raiding terrorists’ enclaves and foiling various kidnap attempts in Dutsinma, Safana, Jibia and Malumfashi Local Government Areas of the state.

The command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Abubakar Aliyu, in a statement Thursday, said seven of the victims were rescued after raiding the terrorists’ hideouts between Dutsinma and Safana on August 17, while three others were freed after foiling kidnap attempt on Jibian-Maje in Jibia Local Government.

He explained that 20 persons who were kidnapped at Yaba village in Malumfashi Local Government on August 20, 2024, were also rescued after a fierce gun duel between the police operatives and the marauding hoodlums.

The statement read in part: “In a swift and decisive rescue operation, the Katsina State Police Command raided a bandits’ hideout situated between Dutsinma and Safana LGAs today, August 21st, 2024, rescuing seven hostages kidnapped from two villages in Dutsinma LGA on August 17th, 2024, and recovering one AK47 rifle.

“The intelligence-led operation, conducted by a combined team of police operatives attached to Dutsinma Police Divisional Headquarters and members of the Vigilante, led by the DPO, CSP Bello Abdullahi Gusau, was carried out at about 1330 hrs.

“The rescued hostages, who were kidnapped from Farar Kasa and Shanga villages in Dutsinma LGA, were successfully rescued unharmed by the team and rushed to the nearest hospital for medical attention. Also, one AK47 rifle was recovered during the course of the operation. The investigation is still ongoing with a view to arresting the fleeing suspects.”

It added: “Similarly, date at about 0005 hours, a distress call was received at the Jibia Divisional Police Headquarters that armed bandits in their numbers, armed with dangerous weapons such as the Ak 47 rifle, shooting sporadically, concurrently attacked Jibian Maje, Nasarawa, and Lankwasau villages of Jibia LGA.

“Upon receipt of the report, the DPO Jibia mobilised teams of operatives and responded to the scene where the teams gallantly engaged the hoodlums in a fierce gun duel. The teams successfully foiled all three attacks and rescued three kidnapped victims. However, the victims were rushed to the hospital for medical attention as they sustained minor injuries due to the attack.

“Additionally, on August 20th, 2024, at about 1958 hrs, a distress call was received at the Malumfashi Divisional Headquarters that armed bandits in their numbers, wielding dangerous weapons, attacked Yaba village, Malumfashi LGA, kidnapped 20 persons, and rustled five cows. Upon receipt of the report, promptly, DPO Malumfashi marshalled a team of operatives and responded to the scene, where they intercepted the hoodlums at the outskirts of the village while trying to escape with their victims.

“The team valorously engaged the hoodlums in a gun and succeeded in foiling the attack, rescuing all the kidnapped victims and recovering the rustled animals as the hoodlums escaped the scene with various degrees of bullet wounds.”

He, however, said efforts were being intensified by operatives of the command to ensure the arrest of the fleeing terrorists.

Francis Sardauna in Katsina 

A civil society organisation (CSO), Katsina Concerned Citizens for Good Governance (KCCGG), has called on the Federal Government to investigate and prosecute foreign nationals arrested in connection with the recent #EndBadGovernance protest.

In a statement issued to journalists Saturday by its Chairman, Yakubu Muhammed, the CSO said foreign interference in the Nigerian political landscape undermines the nation’s sovereignty and poses threats to development.

The CSO said the arrested nationals and others involved in the protest should be prosecuted in courts of competent jurisdictions to demonstrate Nigeria’s zero-tolerance policy for any form of threat to its national sovereignty.

It explained that persistent foreign interference is undermining Nigeria’s sovereignty and represents a grave challenge that threatens the nation’s security and economic development. 

The group added that the Federal Government should monitor the activities of foreign nationals and their government, as well as improve security around sensitive national symbols and infrastructure in the country. 

The CSO admonished the Federal Government to also engage diplomatic missions in the country and ensure they understand the seriousness of the actions to prevent future occurrences.

The statement added: “The coalition of civil society groups in Katsina, under the auspices of Katsina Concerned Citizen for Good Governance (KCCGG) expressed deep concern over recent incidents involving foreign nationals that threaten the sovereignty and integrity of our dear nation.

“In particular, the incidents involve individuals who have been arrested for actions potentially harmful to Nigeria and those who have displayed disrespect by raising foreign flags, notably the Russian flag, while desecrating the Nigerian flag.

“These actions are a direct affront to the peace, security, and values of Nigeria, highlighting the need for a decisive response to uphold national dignity and sovereignty. Consequently, KCCGG calls on the Federal Governance to investigate all foreign nationals arrested in connection with these activities.”

They, however, urged the federal and state governments to revisit economic policies and provide relief to the teeming masses.

Francis Sardauna in Katsina 

The Katsina State Government has commended Mercy Corps for empowering communities to prevent and respond to violence and violence extremism in the state.

The state Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Aliyu Lawal Zakari, gave the commendation at an event to mark the 2024 International Youth Day in Katsina.

With the theme: ‘The Role of Youths in Promoting Safer and Peaceful Communities’, this year’s International Youth Day was organised by Mercy Corps in collaboration with the state government with support from the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD).

Under its Conflict Mitigation and Community Reconciliation in North-west Nigeria (CMCR-NW), the project funded by the European Union (EU), Mercy Corps and partners have been promoting peace in Kankara, Danmusa, Batsari and Jibia Local Governments of the state.

Zakari said the non-governmental organisation has empowered vulnerable communities in the state to prevent violence and violence extremism for peace and development to thrive in the state.

Represented by the Director, Youth Development, Sani Yahaya, Zakari said Mercy Corps and the state government were long time partners in promoting peace and tranquillity in the state.

He said: “We thanked Mercy Corps for their kind gesture and usual commitments in empowering our communities to prevent and respond to the violence and violence extremism in Katsina State.”

He charged the Nigerian youths to strive to contribute their quota to the national development and shun acts inimical to the development of the country.

In his remarks, the Senior Programme Manager of Mercy Corps, Philip Ikita, advocated peacebuilding and conflict resolution amongst youths in the state.

He said youths should engage in meaningful contributions towards peace and harmony in their respective communities across the state, as they are future leaders.

The programme manager further said that peaceful living among the youths can lead to various developments across the state and also in their communities.

According to him, “The role of the youth is to promote a safer and peaceful community as the society is full of criminal activities of which most of them are also youths.”

Francis Sardauna in Katsina

A non-governmental organisation, Grassroots Researchers Association (GRA), has trained civil society organisations and journalists in Katsina State on digital security and resilience as part of its efforts to promote online safety in the country.

With the theme ‘Enhancing Skills and Knowledge in Digital Security Practice for Civil Society Organisations’, the two-day capacity building workshop was held in Katsina, the state capital.

Speaking during the training, the Executive Director of the association, Timothy Ali Yohanna, said it was designed to equip the CSOs and journalists with the needed knowledge and tools to safeguard their digital data and physical assets.

He explained that the capacity building workshop would also enhance CSOs and journalists’ digital defence, tackle cyber threats and sustain their digital resilience while discharging their respective assignments.

He said with the upsurge of social media threats, there is an urgent need for the participants to familiarise themselves with principles such as confidentiality, integrity and availability to ensure privacy and security in digital space.

He said it has become imperative for civil society organisations, journalists and other Nigerians to use strong passwords to protect their devices, applications, social media accounts and physical assets for effective and efficient service delivery.

Yohanna said: “Digital space threats exploits unknown vulnerabilities in devices or platforms and it is crucial for civil society organisations and journalists to protect themselves and organisations.”

One of the participants, Aminatu Yahaya of Murna Foundation, said she learned how to develop digital security policies for her organisation, adding that: “I will step down the training to my organisation because of its importance.”

Another participant, Shamsu Salisu, stated that the digital security and resilience training has helped him to respond effectively to the ever-evolving digital security challenges CSOs face in the country.

On her part, Mrs Rachael Friday said a significant percentage of CSOs in Nigeria faces numerous digital security threats and attacks, but the training will go a long way in mitigating the challenges and restoring sanity in the digital space.

The two-day workshop was supported by the West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) and Charles Stewart Mott Foundation in partnership with the Grassroots Researchers Association.

Francis Sardauna in Katsina 

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has tasked civil society organisations and government agencies to identify and report cases of sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment (SEAH) so as to save children and vulnerable adults.

The UNICEF Child Protection Specialist, Fatima Adamu, gave the task at a two-day training for UNICEF implementing partners on Strengthening Accountability to Affected Populations in Kano.

The capacity building training organised by UNICEF had civil society organisations, government officials and journalists from Katsina, Kano and Jigawa States.

She explained that the CSOs and government agencies as UNICEF implementing partners, must imbibe the culture of zero-tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse on the children and vulnerable adults.

In her presentation titled ‘Background to SEAH in the International Development and Humanitarian Sector’, Adamu said the UNICEF partners are obliged to report cases of sexual exploitation and abuse through designated channels for responses.

The UNICEF child protection specialist added that sexual exploitation and abuse by humanitarian workers constitute acts of gross misconduct and are grounds for termination of employment, hence the need for the partners to shun and report such unwholesome practices.

She stressed that UNICEF was committed to strengthening the capacity of its implementing partners in identifying, preventing, reporting and responding to sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment in the country.

She urged CSOs, government agencies and other UNICEF partners to establish a robust, secure referral system for complaints related to sexual exploitation and maintain an up-to-date list of local service providers, including services for both child and adult survivors of the SEA.

The UNICEF official reiterated that the feedback and accountability systems should not only seek to mitigate the risk of sexual exploitation and abuse, “but to provide the necessary response when abuse occurs”.

He said: “Any sexual relationship between those providing humanitarian assistance and protection and a person benefiting from such humanitarian assistance and protection that involves improper use of rank is prohibited.

“Such relationships undermine the credibility and integrity of the humanitarian aid worker. So, staff and partners are obliged to report any concern regarding sexual exploitation and abuse by a fellow worker.”

Speaking on ‘Understanding Accountability to Affected Populations’, Amina Bala of the UNICEF Country Office Abuja, charged participants to be accountable to affected populations by listening to and acting on feedback and complaints to ensure that programmes and responses are effective. 

She noted that CSOs and the government agencies need dedicated systems that allow communities to share their views and feedback safely and ensure that the information is collected, analysed and used appropriately.

By acting on the information provided by the feedback mechanisms, she said: “UNICEF implementing partners can become more accountable to affected populations in their respective states.”

Francis Sardauna in Katsina 

Controversy has trailed the conduct of the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) ward, local and state congresses in Katsina State over the persistent leadership tussles that split the party into two factions in the state.

A faction led by the former Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Mustapha Inuwa has filed a suit before the state High Court, asking the court to restrain the party from conducting the congresses over their inability to access forms for the exercise. 

The Inuwa’s faction, through its counsel, M.S. Mahuta, filed the suit on behalf of 7,905 aspirants and nine others before Justice Abbas Bawale of the state High Court on July 8, 2024.

But another faction of the party in the state led by Senator Yakubu Lado, the 2023 governorship candidate of the party, defiled the suit and conducted the ward congresses across the 361 political wards of the state.

The Lado faction also conducted a local government congress on Saturday in the 34 local government areas of the state, while the Inuwa’s faction shunned the exercise, awaiting the court verdict on their suit.

ĚÇĐÄĘÓĆľ, which monitored Saturday’s exercise in Rimi, Charanchi, and Kurfi Local Government Areas, reports that the congress was conducted peacefully with supervision by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security personnel.

Conducting the local government congress in Rimi, the PDP caretaker Chairman for Katsina Zone, Tijjani Umar, feigned ignorance of any court order restricting the party from conducting congresses in the state.

He said: “We conducted ward congress two weeks ago, and today being the 10th of August, 2024, we conducted the local government congress in Rimi where we elected 18 local government excos and national delegates.

“We are aware of a court case, but we have not received any court order restricting us from conducting the congresses. It is an in-house issue that will be resolved amicably by God’s grace.”

However, Mahuta, the counsel to the plaintiffs, addressing some journalists said they had filed a suit restraining the PDP from conducting both the ward, local, and state congresses in the state.

He said the refusal of the defendant (PDP) to sell Expression of Interest and Nomination forms to his clients to contest vacant elective positions in the congresses contravened Article 49(1) and (2) of the party’s constitution.

According to him, “The court has fixed Monday, August 12, for us to come and hear the motion for interlocutory injunction.”

• Faction asks court to stop exercise 

Francis Sardauna in Katsina 

Controversy has trailed the conduct of the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) ward, local and state congresses in Katsina State over prevailing leadership tussle that has resulted in two factions of the party in the state.

A faction, led by the former Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Mustapha Mohammed Inuwa, has filed a suit before the state High Court, asking the court to restrain the party from conducting the congresses over their inability to access forms for the exercise. 

Despite the court injunction, another faction, led by Senator Yakubu Lado, the 2023 governorship candidate of the party, conducted the ward congress across the 361 political wards of the state on July 27, 2024.

The Lado faction also conducted local government congress on Saturday in 34 local government areas of the state, while the Inuwa faction shunned the exercise, awaiting the court verdict on their suit.

ĚÇĐÄĘÓĆľ, which monitored the Saturday exercise in Rimi, Charanchi, Kurfi, Katsina and Batagarawa Local Government Areas, reports that the congress was conducted peacefully with supervision by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security personnel.

Conducting the local government congress in Rimi, the PDP caretaker Chairman for Katsina Zone, Tijjani Umar, feigned ignorance of any court order restricting the party from conducting congresses in the state.

He said: “We conducted ward congress two weeks ago, and today being the 10th of August, 2024, we conducted the local government congress in Rimi where we elected 18 local government excos and national delegates.

“We are aware of a court case, but we have not received any court order restricting us from conducting the congresses. It is an in-house issue that will be resolved amicably by God’s grace.”