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WOFAN’s crowdfunding model targets improved agricultural extension delivery

The Women Farmers Advancement Network (WOFAN) has demonstrated how crowdfunding and community-based savings can improve agricultural extension delivery with the provision of 15 Volkswagen Golf vehicles to super trainers implementing its ICON2 project in Kano and Jigawa states.

Under the financing arrangement, beneficiaries contributed 50 per cent of the cost of the vehicles, while WOFAN provided the remaining half through its revolving support model, giving extension workers improved mobility to reach farming communities, access markets and generate additional income.

The initiative seeks to address transportation challenges that often limit the reach of agricultural extension services, particularly in rural communities where farmers depend on extension workers for technical guidance, training and information on improved farming practices.

WOFAN Founder and Global Advocate, Dr Salamatu Garba, said the intervention was designed to equip super trainers, extension workers and community leaders with the means to reach more farmers and improve agricultural service delivery.

‘We are commissioning batch one of logistic vehicles for our super trainers, extension workers and community leaders.

Through their own savings and our complementary support, they now have the mobility needed to reduce the gap farmers face at harvest, move produce to markets, and carry out their extension work more effectively,’ Garba said.

She explained that the vehicles would serve both operational and commercial purposes, enabling beneficiaries to discharge their extension responsibilities while generating additional income through the transportation of goods and passengers.

According to her, improved mobility would ease the difficulties associated with reaching remote farming settlements and reduce beneficiaries’ dependence on commercial transportation when moving between farms, communities and markets.

The crowdfunding model requires super trainers to organise themselves into groups, typically comprising seven or eight members, and save half the cost of the vehicles over an agreed period. WOFAN then provides the balance through its revolving support arrangement.

The scheme builds on the organisation’s experience in providing productive assets, including tractors, threshers and other equipment, to women farmers, youths and agricultural marketers under the WOFAN ICON2 project.

By combining beneficiaries’ contributions with institutional support, the model promotes financial discipline, collective responsibility and ownership while expanding access to productive assets that individual rural workers might otherwise struggle to afford.

The initiative also reinforces the role of super trainers in agricultural extension delivery. Having progressed from the ranks of extension workers through commitment and performance, they train other extension personnel, community leaders and cluster leaders, who subsequently replicate the training in their communities.

Their responsibilities include promoting financial inclusion and encouraging savings among rural households, making the vehicle scheme an opportunity to demonstrate the benefits of the financial practices they teach.

The additional mobility is expected to strengthen this training network, improve the frequency of community engagements and facilitate the transfer of agricultural knowledge between extension personnel and farmers.

Chairman of WOFAN’s Technical Board, Professor Sani Miko, described the initiative as a demonstration of how collective savings and shared responsibility could expand economic opportunities for vulnerable groups.

He urged the beneficiaries to use the vehicles responsibly and serve as good ambassadors of the organisation, while commending WOFAN’s crowdfunding approach to productive asset ownership.

The vehicles will complement existing transportation options used by beneficiaries, including two-wheel and three-wheel tricycles, tauraruwa pickups and other vehicles supporting agricultural and value-chain activities.

Beneficiaries, including Sadiya Ibrahim, Hajiya Bilkisu from Jigawa State and Isyaku Yahaya from Garun Mallam in Kano State, expressed appreciation for the intervention, describing it as a boost to their work and the services they provide to farming communities.

They said the vehicles would improve their ability to reach farmers, conduct training activities and explore additional income-generating opportunities.

WOFAN said it planned further distributions of vehicles and pickups to extend the scheme to more participating clusters.

The commissioning of the first 15 vehicles in Kano and Jigawa states highlights the potential of crowdfunding and community savings as alternative mechanisms for financing agricultural development, particularly when beneficiaries’ contributions are matched with institutional support.

Beyond addressing transportation constraints, the initiative places agricultural extension workers at the centre of efforts to improve farmers’ access to knowledge, technical assistance and improved farming practices.

WOFAN is a Nigerian non-governmental organisation working in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation to empower women farmers, youths and persons with disabilities through agricultural training, capacity building, financial inclusion and community-based livelihood initiatives.

Ebola: NCDC dismisses rumour of election postponement

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has dismissed reports that the Ebola outbreak could lead to the postponement of an election, describing the claims as false.

The agency also disclosed that 54 contacts linked to Nigeria’s imported Ebola case remained under surveillance, while three contacts who developed symptoms last week had tested negative for the virus.

It cautioned against reports claiming that Nigeria had been declared Ebola-free, explaining that although there was no confirmed case in the country following the evacuation of the infected patient to Switzerland, monitoring of exposed persons was ongoing.

The clarification came a day after the patient and her husband were evacuated to Switzerland on October 26, following an improvement in her clinical condition.

According to the NCDC, the 54 primary contacts linked to the imported case were being monitored daily, with most in quarantine in Abuja and a few observing self-quarantine at home.

The agency said three contacts developed symptoms last week and were tested for Ebola, but all returned negative results.

It added that contact tracing and surveillance would continue to identify and monitor secondary contacts who might have interacted with the primary contacts at home or elsewhere.

The exercise, it said, was necessary to determine the extent of possible exposure and establish whether the virus had spread beyond the original case.

The NCDC urged Nigerians not to interpret the absence of additional confirmed cases as the end of the response, stressing that continued vigilance was necessary to prevent further transmission.

NCDC approves weekly support for quarantined contacts

In a related development, the authorities approved ?100,000 in weekly support for people placed in quarantine to ease the financial and social difficulties associated with movement restrictions.

The NCDC said the intervention followed concerns raised by quarantined contacts about disruptions to their daily activities and difficulties meeting their welfare needs.

It explained that the support was not included in the original response plan, noting that state governments, including the Federal Capital Territory Administration, had responsibilities in providing such assistance.

The agency said it had contacted the FCT Minister to seek the administration’s involvement in addressing the needs of affected individuals.

However, it maintained that the immediate welfare needs of those in quarantine had to be addressed while discussions on appropriate funding arrangements continued.

Agency warns against false Ebola-free claims

The NCDC expressed concern over media reports suggesting that Nigeria had been declared Ebola-free following the World Health Organisation’s clarification that the country currently had no confirmed case.

It described the reports as inaccurate and misleading, warning that they could create a false sense of security and discourage the public from observing necessary precautions.

The agency urged journalists to verify information through official channels before publication and correct false reports on the same platforms and with the same prominence as the original claims.

It acknowledged that questions about preparedness, funding and the pace of contact tracing were legitimate aspects of public accountability.

However, it distinguished between legitimate scrutiny and misinformation, warning that presenting unverified claims as established facts could cause unnecessary fear and undermine the response.

The NCDC pledged to provide timely, on-record responses to media enquiries.

NCDC defends evacuation of Ebola patient

The agency also rejected suggestions that the evacuation of the infected woman to Switzerland amounted to a vote of no confidence in Nigeria’s healthcare system.

It explained that the patient was in poor condition when she initially presented at a hospital but had shown clinical improvement before her departure.

The NCDC said the evacuation should not be politicised, stressing that decisions concerning patients’ lives and medical care should take precedence over political considerations.

The patient’s Ebola infection was confirmed on October 20 after she returned to Abuja from Uganda. She was evacuated alongside her husband at the request and expense of the Swiss government.

Public urged to avoid stigmatising patients

The NCDC urged journalists to protect the privacy and dignity of patients, quarantined individuals and their families.

It warned against publishing names, photographs or addresses that could identify patients and contacts, noting that such disclosures could expose them and their relatives to discrimination.

The agency also cautioned against stigmatising healthcare facilities associated with the treatment of affected individuals.

It reiterated that Ebola spreads through direct contact with the body fluids of an infected person who is symptomatic, not through the air.

The NCDC added that people who had not developed symptoms were not infectious, urging the public not to treat every traveller returning from an affected area as a threat.

Anyone experiencing fever alongside a relevant travel or contact history was advised to call the designated Ebola response hotline, 6232, before visiting a healthcare facility and to alert public health officials upon arrival.

The agency maintained that continued surveillance, accurate information and public cooperation were essential to preventing further transmission.

Obaship tussle: Olufon urges Ifon Omima residents to shun division, embrace dialogue

The Olufon of Ifon-Osun, Oba Peter Oluwole Ipadeola Akinyooye III, has pledged continued engagement with stakeholders in Ondo State to resolve the lingering obaship crisis in Ifon Omima, appealing to the people to shun division and embrace peaceful dialogue. The monarch gave the assurance during a two-day solidarity visit to Ifon Omima, where he met with traditional and community leaders as part of efforts to understand the issues delaying the installation of a successor to the late Olufon of Ifon Omima, Oba Israel Adewusi, who died in 2020.

The six-year vacancy in the traditional institution has remained a source of concern among descendants of Ifon, prompting renewed calls for reconciliation and a peaceful resolution of the succession question.

According to a statement by the monarch’s Chief Press Secretary, Akeeb Adekunle Yusuff, the visit was designed to establish a clearer understanding of the challenges surrounding the vacant stool while encouraging cooperation among the various interests involved.

The statement said Oba Akinyooye consulted the Regent, Adéùlé, kingmakers, ruling houses and representatives of the Ifon Development Union (IDU), Ifon Improvement Forum (IIF) and Ifon Youth Association (IYA), among other stakeholders.

Addressing the concerns surrounding the crisis, the monarch acknowledged the frustration arising from the prolonged absence of a substantive traditional ruler but urged the people not to allow the situation to undermine the community’s unity.

‘I understand the pain and anxiety caused by the absence of a king for six years, but I assure you that efforts are ongoing to find a lasting solution,’ he said, appealing to residents to remain calm while the necessary consultations continued.

He warned that violence and bitterness could further complicate the situation, insisting that all outstanding grievances should be addressed through dialogue and lawful processes.

Beyond the immediate succession challenge, the visit also sought to reinforce the ancestral relationship between Ifon Omima and Ifon Ile, now Ifon-Osun, in Osun State. Historical accounts cited in the statement trace the founding lineage of Ifon Omima to Ifon Ile, from where its ancestors reportedly migrated following a contest over kingship.

Oba Akinyooye said the historical connection imposed a shared responsibility on both communities to promote peace and preserve their common heritage, regardless of geographical separation or generational differences.

He further assured the people that he would continue to engage relevant authorities and stakeholders in Ondo State to facilitate a transparent and inclusive process for selecting a new Olufon of Ifon Omima.

The monarch maintained that the community, which serves as the headquarters of Ose Local Government Area, needed a stable traditional institution to support its growth and development.

‘We are one family. Geographical distance and passage of generations should not sever our ancestral bond. I will not abandon you in this trying period. Let us keep praying and working together for peace,’ he said.

On the campaign trail: A critical memo to Nigerian politicians

Nigerian politicians have commenced their political campaigns across the 36 states, travelling with their supporters to solicit votes from the electorate.

The recent ambush and killing of political supporters by hoodlums in Oyo and Enugu states is deeply tragic and unacceptable.

This violence demands the Presidency’s urgent intervention. The Federal Government of Nigeria under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu must issue a stern warming to political leaders to prioritize peace and guarantee a violence – free campaign season.

Nigerian politicians should share their agenda with the public instead of blaming previous administration.

We need peace in Nigeria. We don’t want to lose any single soul of Nigerian citizen during this ongoing political campaigns.

FG rules out return of subsidy, vows to sustain economic reforms

The Federal Government will sustain its economic reforms and will not return to subsidy, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, said on Monday in Abuja.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Bagudu spoke at the 32nd Nigerian Economic Summit, themed ‘Growth That Works: Delivering Jobs, Productivity and Shared Prosperity.’

He said the reforms were aimed at stabilising the economy, improving productivity, creating jobs and expanding prosperity for Nigerians.

‘There will be no return to subsidy. We recognise the need to calibrate and do better,’ Bagudu said.

He said the administration remained committed to reforms while strengthening domestic production, expanding infrastructure and addressing poverty.

According to him, Nigeria’s economy has recorded positive growth for two consecutive quarters, while inflation and interest rates were declining.

Bagudu said revenue allocations to federal, state and local governments had increased, with some states and local governments recording more than fivefold increases in monthly revenue.

He attributed the increase to the distribution of revenue among the three tiers of government to support their constitutional responsibilities.

The minister said the government was targeting a one-trillion-dollar economy, adding that achieving the goal required sustained growth and broader participation in economic activities.

He said President Bola Tinubu had challenged the administration to pursue an economy that included everyone and generated greater prosperity.

Bagudu said cooperation among federal, state and local governments was critical to coordinating fiscal and monetary policies and improving spending on security and infrastructure.

He said the government was also prioritising grassroots development, skills acquisition, early childhood development and support for small and medium-sized enterprises.

The minister disclosed that more than six billion dollars had been mobilised from the World Bank and other development partners to strengthen household resilience and economic opportunities.

He said improved agricultural productivity and support for domestic production would be essential to creating jobs, raising incomes and improving livelihoods.

Bagudu stressed the importance of an effective private sector, saying investors needed confidence in the economy to expand businesses, increase productivity and generate employment.

He said the government would continue implementing reforms while adjusting policies to address poverty and improve economic outcomes.

‘We are staying the course,’ Bagudu said, reaffirming the administration’s commitment to its reform agenda.

He urged Nigerians to recognise the achievements recorded so far and support efforts to sustain the reforms.

Why housing policies failed to deliver desired results – Oyedele

Nigeria’s housing policies have failed to deliver the desired results over several decades because of weak political will, inadequate funding, corruption and poor continuity between successive administrations, a built environment expert, Mr. Olufemi Oyedele, has said.

Oyedele, who said he reviewed the country’s housing policies from 1928 to 2024, argued that many government interventions were introduced as political promises or responses to international expectations, rather than products of rigorous research, strategic planning and sustainable implementation frameworks.

He identified the absence of effective monitoring and evaluation mechanisms as another major factor responsible for the persistent failure of housing programmes, warning that the country would continue to struggle with its housing deficit unless governments addressed the structural weaknesses undermining policy delivery.

He said, housing policies often suffer from poor implementation because governments lack the commitment required to translate policy objectives into tangible results for Nigerians.

He said inadequate financing also undermined housing delivery, noting that policies were frequently announced without proper funding arrangements or a comprehensive framework for execution.

Oyedele further blamed corruption for the poor outcomes of some housing programmes, alleging that houses developed with public resources were sometimes allocated to politically connected individuals or people who already had accommodation, instead of being made accessible to those who needed them most.

He cited the mass housing programme associated with a former Lagos State governor, Lateef Jakande, as a contrast to situations in which political connections allegedly influenced the allocation of publicly funded housing.

Oyedele, who doubles as the Managing Director/CEO, Fame Oyster and Co., also identified discontinuity in government policies as a major obstacle to sustainable housing development, noting that successive administrations often abandoned programmes initiated by their predecessors.

He expressed concern over the apparent loss of momentum surrounding plans to establish building materials manufacturing hubs across the six geopolitical zones, saying land had reportedly been secured in Lagos for one of the proposed facilities.

According to him, abandoning such initiatives undermines long-term planning, wastes resources and prevents the country from building on lessons learned from previous housing interventions.

To address the challenges, Oyedele called for the establishment of independent monitoring and evaluation teams to assess the implementation of housing policies, identify obstacles and document lessons for future programmes.

He proposed that such teams should comprise housing advocates from civil society organisations, academic housing experts, real estate developers, representatives of built environment professional bodies and officials of the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development.

He argued that independent oversight would strengthen accountability, improve implementation and ensure that housing policies were evaluated against measurable outcomes rather than political announcements.

Beyond policy implementation, Oyedele called for strategic urban planning and the systematic review of land use to address the pressures created by rapid population growth and unplanned urban expansion.

He observed that new communities were emerging across Lagos State without adequate government provision of essential infrastructure, including public schools, waste management facilities, tarred roads and public health centres.

The situation, he said, highlighted the need for governments to coordinate housing development with transportation, infrastructure and social services to create functional and liveable communities.

Oyedele also drew attention to the paradox of vacant plots in prime locations, completed but unoccupied properties and abandoned construction projects existing alongside a substantial housing deficit.

He put Lagos State’s housing deficit at 3.4 million units, compared with an estimated 1.8 million units for Ghana, arguing that the scale of the challenge required more deliberate planning and effective land management.

The expert further warned that excessive commuting times could have adverse implications for public health and the environment, stressing the need to organise cities in ways that bring homes, workplaces and essential services closer together.

He suggested that Nigerian cities could draw lessons from established urban planning models, including the Burgess Concentric Zone Theory and the Hoyt Sector Model, while adapting them to local conditions.

According to him, regular planning and replanning of urban land use would help governments manage population growth, reduce commuting pressures and improve residents’ quality of life.

Oyedele maintained that tackling Nigeria’s housing crisis required more than the introduction of new policies, insisting that the priority should be to ensure that existing and future programmes are properly funded, transparently implemented, monitored and sustained across successive administrations.

He said that a combination of political commitment, accountability, strategic urban planning and continuity in government programmes was essential to translating housing policies into affordable homes and better living conditions for Nigerians.

Sell empowerment items, lose your job, Gov Yusuf warns appointees

Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir, Yusuf has warned political appointees and All Progressives Congress (APC) officials against selling empowerment items distributed to constituents, threatening to sack anyone found diverting the items from their intended beneficiaries.

The programme featured the distribution of 16 vehicles, 400 motorcycles and 200 sewing machines to beneficiaries to promote economic empowerment and improve livelihoods across the district.

The governor, represented by the APC State Chairman, Umar Haruna Doguwa, issued the warning on Monday night during the 12th empowerment programme organised by Senator Abdurrahman Kawu Sumaila, representing Kano South Senatorial District.

‘Whoever sold this intervention will go with his position; I will personally sack him. It is meant for your welfare, not selling, especially party leaders,’ Yusuf warned.

He urged beneficiaries to make proper use of the items for the purposes for which they were provided, stressing that the initiative was designed to improve their welfare, strengthen small businesses and create economic opportunities.

The governor also expressed confidence in the APC’s prospects in the 2027 general elections, urging party members to intensify their mobilisation and work towards securing victory.

‘We are hopeful that victory is ours come 2027 general elections, God willing. Let’s continue to work assiduously,’ he said.

At the event, 16 vehicles were presented to APC local government chairmen, while 400 motorcycles were distributed to party executives across Kano South Senatorial District.

In the tailoring sector, 200 beneficiaries received empowerment packages comprising two standard sewing machines and one industrial sewing machine each, aimed at expanding their businesses, creating employment opportunities and enabling them to train others.

Speaking at the occasion, Senator Sumaila said the programme reflected his commitment to translating the confidence reposed in him by his constituents into tangible development, economic independence and sustainable livelihoods.

He acknowledged the economic and developmental challenges confronting the people over the past three years but maintained that his commitment to delivering democratic dividends to the people of Kano South remained unwavering.

The senator highlighted interventions in security, road infrastructure, agriculture, education, healthcare and water supply as some of the achievements recorded during his tenure.

On security, Sumaila reaffirmed his commitment to supporting efforts to protect lives and property across the district. He also commended local vigilante members, popularly known as Yan Sa-kai, for their efforts in securing Falgore Forest in Doguwa Local Government Area.

On infrastructure, he said several roads had been constructed, bridges built, drainage systems installed and damaged roads rehabilitated to improve transportation and facilitate commercial activities.

In agriculture, the lawmaker said farmers had benefited from the distribution of machinery, farming implements, improved seeds and thousands of bags of fertiliser to support both wet-season and dry-season farming.

He added that motorised, solar-powered and hand-pump boreholes had been provided in various communities to improve access to clean water.

On education, Sumaila said schools had been constructed and rehabilitated and learning materials supplied, while more than 1,000 students in secondary and tertiary institutions had received educational support.

He further disclosed that healthcare facilities across the district had been renovated and equipped with modern medical tools to improve access to quality medical services.

The senator thanked Almighty Allah for the opportunity to serve, noting that the achievements recorded during his first term demonstrated what dedicated leadership could accomplish despite prevailing challenges.

He appealed to his constituents to remain understanding and supportive, acknowledging that it was impossible for one individual to meet every personal request.

Sumaila assured the people that he would continue working to ensure that the benefits of his mandate reached all parts of Kano South, with particular emphasis on human capital development, economic empowerment and improved living standards.

Aramoko indigenes, kingmakers seek Ooni’s intervention over Alara stool

INDIGENES of Aramoko-Ekiti in Ekiti State have appealed to the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, to intervene in the suspension of the selection process for a new Alara, urging Governor Biodun Oyebanji to allow the kingmakers to conclude the exercise.

The appeal followed a six-month delay in the process, which the Alara-in-Council said had left the traditional stool vacant and disrupted cultural activities in the community.

In a statement by the Asao of Aramoko-Ekiti, High Chief Julius Oladiran Adebayo (head of kingmakers) and the Sajowa of Aramoko-Ekiti, High Chief Kolade Oyebade (secretary), the kingmakers said the community had written to the state government over the matter, but had yet to receive a response.

They urged the Ooni, whom they described as the custodian of Yoruba culture and tradition, to appeal to the governor to grant the kingmakers’ permission to reconvene and complete the selection process.

According to the kingmakers, the process began in April 2026, in accordance with the Alara of Aramoko Chieftaincy Declaration and the Ekiti State Chieftaincy Law.

They explained that three princes were shortlisted, following an Ifa consultation conducted through Baba Araba Elebuibon, while voting by the 12 kingmakers ended in a tie, with six votes each.

They added that a second round of voting was expected to resolve the deadlock, but was postponed by the Commissioner for Chieftaincy Affairs, leaving the process suspended.

The kingmakers said the prolonged vacancy had affected the community’s traditional institutions, adding that youths were becoming restive and some festivals and traditional rites could not be held.

They stressed that Aramoko-Ekiti shared historical and cultural ties with Ile-Ife as a town founded by descendants of Oduduwa, as the selection of a new Alara was significant to the preservation of its customs and tradition.

The kingmakers expressed confidence that the Ooni’s intervention would help resolve the matter peacefully and strengthen the cultural relationship between Aramoko-Ekiti and Ile-Ife.

They also expressed confidence in Governor Oyebanji’s respect for the law and traditional institutions, urging the state government to permit the completion of the selection process.

Why mobile data finishes quickly – MTN explains

The Chief Executive Officer of MTN Nigeria, Karl Toriola, has explained why subscribers often experience rapid data depletion, attributing the situation partly to how mobile applications consume data and the settings on users’ devices.

Toriola spoke at the Data on Trial experience held in Abuja on Monday, where MTN officials demonstrated how applications such as TikTok, Instagram and Facebook use mobile data and offered subscribers tips on managing their consumption.

The event, hosted by popular Big Brother Naija presenter Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, provided subscribers with an opportunity to question the telecommunications company about their complaints over data depletion, pricing and the management of their subscriptions.

Responding to concerns raised by subscribers, MTN’s General Manager of Network Performance and Quality Assurance, Michael Ndukwe, alongside members of the company’s information technology support team, demonstrated how mobile applications consume data and how users could monitor and manage their usage.

The company urged subscribers to adjust their mobile device settings appropriately and pay attention to their application usage to reduce unnecessary data consumption.

The initiative was designed to address persistent concerns among Nigerian subscribers about how quickly their data subscriptions are exhausted, with MTN seeking to explain the factors that influence consumption and how users can exercise greater control over their usage.

Beyond data consumption, MTN Nigeria’s CEO, Toriola, also addressed complaints about the perceived high cost of data subscriptions in the country, attributing the company’s operating expenses partly to the cost of electricity and transportation to its network sites.

He disclosed that MTN spent about N4.05 trillion on power and transportation last year, explaining that telecommunications operators in Nigeria face higher operating costs than their counterparts in some foreign markets.

‘Please understand that in this country, as well as a few other African countries, we are providing power and transportation to all our sites. That is all happening at a cost of electricity that is much higher than in the UK,’ Toriola said.

He added that MTN uses the same equipment and products as telecommunications operators in countries such as the United Kingdom, despite differences in operating environments.

Meanwhile, the Cable Fact Checker team at the event presented findings indicating that MTN’s data services in Nigeria were cheaper than those in several other African countries, citing data from 2023 and 2026.

The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Communications, Peter Akpatason, commended MTN for organising the initiative, saying it would help subscribers understand data management and address misconceptions about the company’s services.

He described the event as an opportunity for consumers to learn how their data was used and identify practices that could lead to unnecessary depletion.

‘It’s an event organised by MTN to show how transparently they manage the data that Nigerian consumers subscribe to. It’s such a wonderful one,’ Akpatason told Nigerian Newssphere after the event.

The event brought together subscribers who questioned MTN about its data services and how their subscriptions are managed. The Data on Trial initiative was previously held in Lagos on 6 June 2026.

Kaduna and the meaning of Tinubu’s second march

HISTORY has a way of choosing its own geography. When President Bola Tinubu chose Kaduna to flag off his 2027 re-election campaign on Saturday, October 24, 2026, he chose more than a location. He was sending a historic message.

Kaduna is Nigeria’s political ground zero. From here, the old Northern Region administered the entire North. It was here that alliances were forged. By starting his campaign where the North still feels its pulse, Tinubu told northern Nigeria, ‘I have not forgotten you.’

Ranchers Bees Stadium, Kaduna, the rally venue, was packed with party supporters and sympathisers who had thronged the stadium from as early as 7 am. Some supporters slept overnight at the stadium.

President Tinubu’s speech was deliberate, confident, and unusually personal.

‘My good people of Kaduna, it’s good to be back here again. You have listened to many speeches. I’m not going to bore you down. I’m happy to be here with you.’ The President thanked Kaduna people for their support in the 2023 election, but stated that he had come to seek their support again for a second mandate to keep a promise of prosperity, continuity, progress and development.

For three years, Tinubu’s biggest vulnerability has been the economy. On Saturday, he did not dodge it.

He said: ‘I hear my opponents talking about hunger and poverty. Who created it? They did. They created the hunger. We are trying to eradicate it.’

He declared that his administration had demonstrated its commitment to improving Nigerians’ welfare through economic reforms, regular salary payments, and development initiatives implemented by APC Governors across the federation.

President Tinubu could not have chosen Kaduna without addressing insecurity.

Three years ago, Birnin-Gwari was synonymous with fear. Today, the Kaduna-Abuja road is safer, and farming is returning to Giwa and Soba. Tinubu credited the military push and Governor Uba Sani’s non-kinetic approach.

Governor Uba Sani himself highlighted these achievements in security, infrastructure, and more, commending the President for his support and interventions in the state. For Kaduna, that resonance matters more than any statistic from Abuja.

Unlike in 2023, President Tinubu came to Kaduna this time with receipts showing his performance. These include GDP steady growth, falling inflation, naira stability, doubled FAAC allocations to states, rising foreign reserves, infrastructure renewal, NELFUND loans for indigent students, and consumer credit for young people, among others. The message was clear: The first term was surgery; the second term will be recovery, progress and prosperity.

It is a powerful argument, because even his critics admit state governors now have more money than ever. President Tinubu doubled down on the governors’ performance: ‘We pay salaries regularly. Our governors are working. I’m proud of them. They are developing. I salute all our governors today. I can see the development strides they are making in their various states.’

For the North, it’s a debt repaid. President Tinubu got about 62% of his votes from the North in 2023. He made promises to the region. He has kept his promises in terms of road and rail infrastructure, interventions in healthcare, improving security, and governmental appointments.

The Kaduna rally also included key strategic moments worth mentioning.

Both Vice President Kashim Shettima and the Tinubu/Shettima Presidential Campaign Director-General, Senator Abdulaziz Yari, harped on Tinubu’s strategic support for key Northerners in the previous bid for the presidency.

In 2007, President Tinubu offered former Vice President Atiku Abubakar his ACN platform to run when former President Obasanjo hounded him out of the PDP.

The President also backed Nuhu Ribadu in 2011 and late Muhammadu Buhari to be president in 2015 and 2019.

According to them, Tinubu supported our sons for 20 years. Now, we should support him again for a second term. VP Shettima maintained that supporting Tinubu’s reelection is a matter of honour, integrity, political loyalty, and appreciation for the President’s contributions to advancing Northern political leaders over the years.

With VP Shettima beside him, APC National Chairman Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, Campaign DG Yari, and even former opponents like FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and Governors Chukwuma Soludo and Ademola Adeleke now on his expanded Campaign Council, President Tinubu projected something the opposition lacks-a broad national coalition.

Why Kaduna matters for 2027

The APC says it wants two million votes from Kaduna State. That is ambitious, but the symbolism is more important than the number. If President Tinubu can hold the North-West, with a Sokoto rally billed for December 5 and Kano for December 17, win the South-West, and split North-Central, the math becomes very difficult for Atiku’s ADC, Makinde’s APM, and Obi/Kwankwaso’s camp to solve.

The opposition is still running from one small party to another. Tinubu is running on a solid pan-Nigerian structure. Last Saturday in Kaduna, President Tinubu did not just flag off a campaign. He framed the 2027 election as a choice between continuity and chaos, between finishing the reforms and abandoning them midway. He is clear about what he thinks should be done: finish the job.