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Governor Uba Sani has brought succour to the 50 year quest of Danbushiya village in the Millennium City in Chikun local government, by commencing the construction a 15 kilometer road when he assumed office.

Sarkin Danbushiya, Alhaji Muktar Haruna, disclosed this on Wednesday when the governor went on an inspection tour of the Keke-Danbushiya road project which will link over 15 communities.

The Village Head said that the people of the community have been promised that the road will be constructed since the military era, adding that the dream only came true when Governor Uba Sani came on board.

Alhaji Muktar thanked the Governor for bringing dividends of democracy to the area, which include a Primary Healthcare Centre, schools and enhanced security.

He further said that lessons have commenced in the Science Secondary School that Governor Uba Sani built in the area as students are presently receiving instructions in the school.

According to him, the Governor has so demonstrated love for the people of the area, so much that ”We want the name to change from ”Millennium City” to ”Governor Uba Sani Millennium City”

Speaking at the event, Governor Uba Sani recalled that when he came on board, ”we made it clear to everyone that we will try as much as possible to take development to every part of Kaduna State.”

The Governor said that he met with the people of Danbushiya, ”sat down with them, discussed with them and realised that this is a very important road that links about 15 communities.”

”As a Government, we found it extremely important and necessary, to put in a lot of money, to ensure that we construct an asphaltic road that will connect these communities,” he added.

The Governor who promised that the road will be commissioned in nine month’s time, commended the community for giving the contractor all necessary support.

Governor Uba Sani also inspected the ongoing reconstruction of Ahmadu Bello Stadium which will to become a safer and more modern sports arena that meets international standards when completed.

He also inspected the ongoing renovation of a Primary Healthcare Centre at Mando community in Igabi local government area

Policy makers, reserchers and development partrners are set for the 11th Africa Think-Tank Summit on taxation and domestic resource mobilisation across the continent.

The summit, which is being organised by The African Capacity Building Foundation (ACBF) in collaboration with the African Union Commission and the Ethiopia’s Ministry of Finance, will be held in Addis Ababa, with the theme, ‘From Taxation to Action: Bridging Policy and Implementation in Public Financial Management in Africa.’

The ACBF Head of Communications, Fatou Diouf, disclosed at a recent virtual media briefing that the gathering would focus on one of Africa’s most urgent priorities: strengthening public financial management as a vehicle to drive fiscal sovereignty and sustainable development.

In his remarks, the Foundation’s Executive Secretary, Mamadou Biteye, described the think-tank summit as the continent’s leading platform for dialogue between think tanks, policymakers, civil society organisations and development partners.

He said this year’s edition would go beyond abstract discussions, insisting that ‘knowledge without implementation has no impact.’

Biteye explained that the programme would feature high-level ministerial dialogues, stakeholder sessions, networking forums, and practical workshops designed to inspire actionable solutions to Africa’s fiscal challenges.

The 2025 think-tank summit will run alongside the 34th Annual Meeting of the ACBF Board of Governors, scheduled for October 7, bringing together finance ministers and senior policymakers to review progress and chart new strategic directions.

The highlights of the summit include ministerial roundtables on domestic resource mobilisation, training workshops on strengthening fiscal systems, a PFM Hackathon aimed at generating innovative digital solutions, and the launch of a landmark book documenting the role of African think tanks in shaping evidence-based policymaking.

Biteye stressed that the summit represents a call to action for Africa and the wider world, noting that the lessons and best practices drawn from the sessions would be disseminated to inform future reforms in public financial management.

He added that the objective is to provide Africa with stronger fiscal management tools, reduce overreliance on external aid, and reinforce transparent and accountable governance.

‘Together, through collaboration, innovation, and strategic action, the 2025 Summit in Addis Ababa will chart a path toward stronger public financial management systems and more resilient economies,’ he said.

A 27-year-old man, Kingsley Ighodalo, was on Tuesday arraigned before an Ogudu Magistrates’ Court for allegedly defrauding a company of a Mercedes-Benz, valued at N40 million.

He is facing a three-count charge bordering on conspiracy, obtaining by false pretense, and stealing.

The prosecutor, Insp Donjour Perezi, told the court that the defendant committed the offences on May 22, 2024, at about 11.30 am within the Ikeja Magisterial District.

Perezi alleged that the defendant fraudulently obtained a 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE 400 with registration number BDG 390 HA, valued at N40 million.

He said the defendant acquired the vehicle on loan from Auto Check Company under the false pretext of repayment.

He said that instead of making repayments, Ighodalo allegedly removed the vehicle’s tracker and sold the car for N38 million without the company’s consent, though the original documents were with auto check.

Magistrate Mrs S.K. Matepo granted the defendant bail in the sum of N10 million with two sureties in like sum and adjourned the case until Oct. 13 for mention. (NAN)

The Kano State Shura Committee has suspended Sheikh Lawal Shuaib Abubakar, popularly known as Triumph, from all teaching and preaching activities pending the outcome of investigations into allegations of blasphemy leveled against him.

Briefing journalists after a review meeting on the matter, Secretary of the committee, Shehu Wada Sagagi, said the committee had listened to and viewed audio and video clips of the cleric before reaching its decision.

‘Today, we reconvened to receive and review the allegations against Sheikh Lawal Shuaib Abubakar, popularly known as Triumph. We listened to and viewed both audio and video clips from him.

‘In our deliberations, we carefully examined the issues, separating those supported by evidence from those without. We resolved that allegations lacking evidence should be set aside, while those with verifiable evidence have been duly recorded. Even instances where he stammered or hesitated in the videos were noted in the report,’ the committee said. It added that Sheikh Triumph will be summoned in writing to defend himself, after which recommendations will be submitted to the government for further action.

‘A formal summon will be issued, and pending his defense, he is suspended from all teaching and preaching activities. After he presents his defense, the committee will submit its report and recommendations for the government’s decision on the matter. He will be invited shortly and given adequate time to appear,’ Sagagi added.

Daily Trust reports that the allegations against Malam Abubakar include claims that he made derogatory remarks about Prophet Muhammad (SAW), questioned aspects of his birth, and suggested his parents were in hellfire.

The African Tax Administration Forum (ATAF) has backed Nigeria’s tax reforms which culminated in the new tax laws, describing them as necessary for economic growth and development.

The recently-inaugurated Executive Secretary of the continental body, Ms Mary Baine, made the support known during a visit to the chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Zacch Adedeji, in Abuja, on Tuesday.

A statement by Dare Adekanmbi, Special Adviser on Media to the FIRS chairman said ATAF stands by Nigeria in reforming its fiscal landscape and pledged the readiness of the body to give technical support in areas that would help in realising the gains of the reforms.

She referenced how the organization had helped Zambia to build capacity in the area of raising revenue from mining, promising to offer support to Nigeria in the same area.

According to her, ATAF is willing to leverage Nigeria’s continental and global influence to mobilise member-countries to strengthen the organisation.

The FIRS chairman, while welcoming the visitors, expressed confidence in the capacity of the Executive Secretary to lead ATAF to glory.

He charged Africans to look inwards for homegrown solutions to challenges, stressing that salvation cannot come from the Western world.

‘My belief has always been that solutions to Africa’s challenges can only come from Africa. There is no free lunch anywhere. I have said that I don’t believe in aids; I believe in cooperation.

‘So, the expectation from us as a continent is also to bring what we can contribute to the work, most especially in tax matters. For us, we have to evolve our own fiscal policy which is what Nigeria has done with the new tax laws.

‘Before now, we had tax laws that were colonial relics. We had the Stamp Duties Act of 1939 which was enacted when there was no internet,’ he said.

Julius Berger, subsidiaries showcase products at Big 5, ECOBANK Expos

By Faruk Shuaibu

Nigeria’s leading engineering construction company Julius Berger Nigeria PLC, last week in Lagos, led its various subsidiaries to make a commanding impression at the recently concluded BIG 5 and ECOBANK Expositions, showcasing the unique innovation, craftsmanship, and expansive portfolio alongside its subsidiaries.

While the Big 5 event took place at the historic Landmark Events Centre, the other held inside the expansive ECOBANK Pan African Centre, Lagos.

Conscious of the opportunity the development presented to stakeholders in the sector, Nigeria’s best in the provision of aluminium and glass solutions, ABUMET, the pioneer in design and engineering in the country, PrimeTech Nigeria Ltd as well as the company’s Excellence Centre and Julius Berger Precast Services stormed the landmark event with new innovations and revised editions of their products and services at the Landmark Event Centre.

Each Julius Berger subsidiary brought their unique flair to the events. From cutting-edge architectural designs to advanced solutions and premium aluminium systems. The stands reflected the group’s commitment to quality, sustainability, and technological advancement.

A Facility Manager and officer in charge of the company’s Excellence Centre, Aleksandar Serafimoski said the Centre has a little bit more diverse portfolio.

The Commercial Manager for the Julius Berger Precast Services, Christian Bauer, said, ‘We are representing Julius Berger, and what we are basically trying to do is to showcase that we are branching out into smaller scales.’

Nigeria’s top golfer, Sunday Olapade, lit up the greens over the weekend, as he claimed the professional round title at the 2025 Lakowe Lakes Golf Classic. Olapade carded a superb ten-under par over 54 holes, sealing victory in style.

Golf Manager of Lakowe Lakes Golf and Country Estate, Femi Olagbenro, hailed the champion’s brilliance, noting how close he came to breaking the course record set by Ghana’s Vincent Torgah.

‘I believe every player showing up at Lakowe Lakes Golf Club puts in an extra effort to match the pedigree of the course and the tough field that is always on parade at each Lakowe Lakes Golf Classic event,’ Olagbenro said.

The 2025 edition drew West Africa’s golfing elite, including Ghanaian stars Emos Korblah and Barry Yaw, alongside Nigeria’s Oche Odoh, Kamalu Bako, Gift Willy, Godwin Okoko, Michael Ubi, and Francis Epe.

Backed by major sponsors including Oando Nigeria, GAC Motors, Providus Bank, ARM Holding Company, Mixtafrica, Newmark, and International Breweries, the competition lived up to its reputation for intensity.

Olapade posted rounds of 69, 65, and 72, finishing five strokes clear of runner-up Emos Korblah. His victory earned him a ?5 million purse plus an additional ?2.5 million ARM Champion bonus, bringing his total prize to ?7.5 million.

Reflecting on the triumph, Olapade said he was glad to see his efforts crowned with success.

‘This is a very satisfying win, given the effort I have put into my game in the past few months. I have just come back from a training round in Kenya. It’s been a very challenging routine, which is why this is satisfying. I want to thank everyone who has supported me this while, and believe in me.’

In the same vein, young talent Godwin Okoko also made headlines with a third-place finish in the professional round. He then inspired his amateur teammates – Ikechukwu Boniface, David Maji, and Frances Omaruaye – to victory in the Team Event.

The runner-up team, led by Kingsley Oparaku, featured Roland Alexander, Terry Paul, and Abe Ayodeji.

At the closing ceremony, Deji Alli, Chairman of Lakowe Lakes Golf Estate, reflected on the wider significance of the tournament.

‘The game of golf has impacted on my person, and outlook of business for Lakowe Lakes project, despite the challenges of running a world-class facility like Lakowe Lakes Golf Club,’ Alli said.

For over a decade, Nigeria has waged a costly war against insurgency, stretching its military might across the Northeast and beyond. In that time, the country has scoured the globe for weapons. When the West hesitated, we turned East. Yet, despite hundreds of millions of dollars spent on Chinese drones, Russian helicopters, and Eastern European tanks, the insurgency persists, more adaptive and dangerous than ever. Why?

The allure of Eastern arms is understandable as they are cheaper, faster, and come with no strings attached. No lectures on human rights, no delays over congressional hearings. But that convenience has come at a steep price. Many of the weapons procured from China and Russia have proven ill-suited for Nigeria’s operational terrain or suffer from reliability issues. Reports abound of drones failing mid-flight, armoured vehicles breaking down, and helicopters lying idle for lack of spare parts. Worse still, the absence of after-sales support means Nigeria is left stranded, unable to maintain or even properly operate its arsenal.

This dependence on the East has also deepened our logistical chaos. Our military now runs a patchwork quilt of incompatible systems – Russian Mi-35 helicopters, Chinese Wing Loong II drones, Pakistani jets – all requiring different training, maintenance, and ammunition. In the name of expedience, we have sacrificed coherence.

It is time to ask: have Eastern procurements truly strengthened Nigeria’s security, or simply filled gaps created by a dysfunctional procurement process?

Nigeria must pivot. The future lies in strategic self-reliance. By reviving indigenous defence production, investing in maintenance capacity, and forging partnerships that offer technology transfer, not just transactions. Buying from the East may have plugged immediate holes, but it has not equipped us for lasting peace.

We need more than weapons. We need a defence strategy that truly defends.

In the heart of Maiduguri, where conflict and displacement have reshaped daily life, one woman decided that healing must go beyond medicine. Dr Amina Kyari Dikwa, a medical doctor and humanitarian from Borno State, founded the Amina Dikwa Foundation (ADF) in 2018, not just to treat illness, but to restore dignity.

In the heart of Maiduguri, where conflict and displacement have reshaped daily life, one woman decided that healing must go beyond medicine. Dr Amina Kyari Dikwa, a medical doctor and humanitarian from Borno State, founded the Amina Dikwa Foundation (ADF) in 2018, not just to treat illness, but to restore dignity.

‘I’ve always believed that healthcare should go beyond hospitals, it should reach the heart of communities. I wanted to use my training not just to treat illness, but to heal lives,’ she said.

Her journey began not in a boardroom or clinic, but in the field, witnessing the silent sufferings of women and children displaced by violence. ‘I saw firsthand the struggles of women and children affected by conflict,’ she recalled.

She added that, ‘It wasn’t just about providing relief, it was about creating pathways for long-term empowerment.’

That realisation led to the birth of ADF, a non-profit organisation committed to improving the lives of vulnerable women, children, and youth in North East Nigeria. ‘The humanitarian crisis was worsening. We needed more than band-aid solutions. We needed to build resilience,’ she said.

ADF’s work spans six key areas: livelihood and skills empowerment, education and literacy, gender equality and women’s rights, child protection, mental health and psychosocial support, and emergency response.

‘Our mission is to unleash the potential of disadvantaged people by improving their living conditions and equipping them with tools for self-reliance,’ Dr Dikwa explained.

According to her, the foundation’s approach is deeply rooted in community engagement. ‘We use a participatory, rights-based model. We consult with communities to identify their needs and involve them in planning and implementation. That way, our interventions are relevant and sustainable,’ she said.

Dr Kyari with some beneficiaries

Since its inception, ADF has reached thousands across Borno State and neighboring communities. Relief materials have been distributed in IDP camps, mobile medical clinics launched for flood victims, and educational initiatives supported in underserved areas. ‘Each project is a step toward restoring hope,’ she said.

Some of the works include distributions of food and relief material to Bakassi IDP camp, Teachers village IDP camp, Yerwa temporary IDP camp, Maiduguri and Government College Temporary IDP camp, all in Maiduguri.

The foundation had also constructed boreholes in Songhai, Bolori 3 ward in MMC, Goni Damgari Ward,Railway quarters in MMC and Abba Gana Terab School, 505 Housing Estate, Maiduguri as well as Danji Village, Kuje Area Council, Abuja.

It also distributed food, clothing and shoes to over 50 Tsangaya school and hospitals across Borno, FCT, Kano and Yobe states.

But ADF’s work goes beyond emergency response. It’s about building capacity and reducing long-term vulnerability. ‘We’ve delivered empowerment programmes for women, supported youth leadership, and campaigned against harmful practices that impede women’s and children’s rights. We want to equip people with the skills and tools they need to thrive,’ she said.

On how the foundation selects its beneficiaries, she said they’re based on vulnerability and need. ‘We prioritise women-headed households, children at risk of neglect or abuse, youth lacking opportunities, and individuals affected by emergencies.

‘We conduct needs assessments and community consultations to ensure fairness and transparency,’ she said.

Funding for ADF comes from a mix of donations, grants, and partnerships. ‘We’re supported by philanthropists who share our vision. We also collaborate with local communities and humanitarian actors to maximise impact,’ she said.

Dr Dikwa believes in leveraging indigenous resources and working closely with stakeholders. ‘We believe in building from within. When communities are involved, the impact lasts longer,’ she added.

Managing the foundation’s day-to-day operations requires structure and teamwork. ‘We have a dedicated team that oversees program design, implementation, and evaluation. Our staff and volunteers work closely with community representatives to ensure smooth delivery,’ she added.

Transparency and communication are central to her leadership style. ‘We operate through clear policies and continuous engagement with stakeholders. It’s not just about running projects, it’s about building trust.’

Coordination, she added, goes beyond the office. ‘It’s about making sure our team is in sync with community leaders, schools, government agencies, and most importantly, the beneficiaries themselves.’

Sustainability is not just a goal, it’s a principle embedded in every project. ‘We prioritise capacity building and skills training so beneficiaries can become self-reliant. By involving communities in project design and execution, we foster ownership and continuity.’

ADF also works with government agencies, NGOs, and development partners to strengthen sustainability. ‘We’re constantly seeking diversified funding sources to maintain financial stability and program continuity,’ she added.

Looking ahead, Dr Dikwa envisions ADF as a national force for development and empowerment. ‘We want to expand our reach, deepen our impact, and amplify our advocacy for women’s and children’s rights. Our goal is to build resilient communities that can thrive independently,’ she said.

Her vision is bold but grounded. ‘We see a future where every woman, child, and youth affected by conflict or poverty has access to healthcare, education, and economic opportunities. We’re building a Nigeria where vulnerable populations are empowered to reach their full potential.’

Despite the challenges, Dr Dikwa remains undeterred. ‘This work is not easy,’ she admitted. ‘But every life we touch reminds me why we started. It’s about giving people the tools to rebuild their lives, and that’s worth everything.’

Key Muslim nations have thrown their weight behind a plan by US President Donald Trump to end the war in Gaza, even as some Palestinians decried the proposal as a ‘farce’.

Washington’s European allies have urged Hamas to accept the plan, which Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he supported as he warned the Palestinian armed group of more devastation if it did not comply.

Eight Arab or Muslim-majority nations said they ‘welcome the role of the American president and his sincere efforts aimed at ending the war in Gaza’.

In a joint statement, they said they ‘affirm their readiness to engage positively and constructively with the United States and the parties toward finalising the agreement and ensuring its implementation’. The countries include Egypt, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates and Turkey – which all recognise Israel, although some have turbulent relationships.

Another signatory was Qatar, which has played a key mediatory role, and Saudi Arabia, whose future normalisation with Israel is a key goal for Trump and Netanyahu.

Indonesia and Pakistan, the world’s two most populous Muslim-majority countries, also signed.

Indonesia has offered troops as part of a future Gaza force, while Pakistan has been eager to woo Trump and improve its relationship with Washington.

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said he believed Trump was ‘fully prepared to assist in whatever way necessary’ to secure an end to the war.

The Palestinian Authority, which Netanyahu has sought to sideline, was also quick to offer support, calling Trump’s efforts ‘sincere and determined’.

Hamas has yet to comment in depth, while Qatar said it would hold talks with negotiators and Turkey to discuss the plan.

‘The (Hamas) negotiating delegation promised to study it responsibly,’ Majed al-Ansari, Qatar’s foreign ministry spokesman, told a press conference.

However, Islamic Jihad, a Palestinian armed group fighting alongside Hamas in Gaza, called the plan ‘a recipe for continued aggression against the Palestinian people’.

‘Through this, Israel is attempting – via the United States – to impose what it could not achieve through war,’ it said.

Residents in Gaza expressed scepticism, dismissing the plan as a trick to release hostages that would not end the war.

‘We as a people will not accept this farce,’ said Abu Mazen Nassar, 52.

Foreign backing

Several European leaders voiced support Tuesday for Trump’s Gaza plan, with Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz calling it the ‘best chance’ to end the war as he met relatives of German-Israeli hostages held by Hamas.

In Russia, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov called the situation in Gaza an ‘ongoing tragedy’.

‘We want this plan to be implemented and for it to help bring events in the Middle East to a peaceful conclusion,’ he told reporters.

Meanwhile, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said Beijing ‘supports all efforts conducive to easing tensions between Palestine and Israel’.

Trump also won UK and French backing from Prime Minister Keir Starmer and President Emmanuel Macron for his plan, which includes a call for a transitional body in Gaza involving former British Prime Minister Tony Blair.

Blair, a former envoy for the diplomatic Middle East Quartet of the UN, United States, EU and Russia, called it a ‘bold and intelligent plan’ that could bring ‘immediate relief’ to Gaza and a ‘brighter and better future’ if agreed.

European Council chief Antonio Costa urged all parties to ‘seize this moment to give peace a genuine chance’, adding that the situation in Gaza was ‘intolerable’.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez – who has accused Israel of committing ‘genocide’ in Gaza – said Madrid ‘welcomes the peace proposal’, adding that a two-state solution was ‘the only one possible’.

Trump’s plan

Donald Trump’s 2025 Gaza peace plan is a 20-point proposal aimed at ending the war between Israel and Hamas and rebuilding Gaza under international oversight.

The plan calls for an immediate ceasefire and the release of all Israeli hostages within 72 hours of Israel’s acceptance.

In exchange, Israel would release 250 prisoners serving life sentences and 1,700 Gazans detained since October 7, 2023, including women and children.

Hamas must disarm and dismantle its military infrastructure, with amnesty offered to those who surrender weapons or choose exile.

Governance of Gaza would shift to a technocratic, apolitical Palestinian committee, excluding Hamas.

A ‘Board of Peace,’ chaired by Trump and including global leaders like Tony Blair, would oversee implementation.

Humanitarian aid would resume immediately, focusing on rebuilding hospitals, bakeries, and infrastructure, with distribution managed by neutral agencies like the UN and Red Crescent.

Security would be handled by a temporary International Stabilisation Force, coordinating with Egypt and Jordan, while Israeli forces gradually withdraw.

The plan also outlines steps toward Palestinian statehood, contingent on reforms and sustained peace.

Trump gave Hamas a short deadline to accept, warning that rejection would result in full US support for Israel to ‘finish the job.’

The leadership of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has suspended its 3-day strike over a rift between the union and the Dangote Refinery.

The union, at an ongoing press briefing, also warned the management of Dangote Refinery not to renege on the agreement they both signed during a marathon meeting that was held at the Office of the National Security Adviser.

President of PENGASSAN, Festus Osifo, who announced the suspension, said if the company reneged on its agreement, the union would not take it lightly.