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Governor Uba Sani has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to empowering smallholder farmers and strengthening agricultural productivity across Kaduna State.

Speaking through his Chief of Staff, Malam Sani Liman Kila, at the flag-off of the distribution of agricultural inputs to about 400 farmers in Kaduna on Monday, the Governor described agriculture as the backbone of the state’s economy and a key driver of inclusive growth.

The event, held at the Arewa House, was organised by the Kaduna State Government in collaboration with the African Union Development Agency-New Partnership for Africa’s Development (AUDA-NEPAD) Nigeria, marking another milestone in the state’s ongoing agricultural transformation efforts.

Governor Sani said the partnership demonstrates his administration’s commitment to people-centred development and aligns with Kaduna’s broader vision of building a food-secure, resilient, and inclusive economy.

He said: ‘Smallholder farmers form the backbone of our agricultural system. Supporting them means strengthening our economy, securing our food supply, and uplifting thousands of households.’

Sani noted that under his leadership, agriculture remains a top priority, with over ?10 billion earmarked for the sector in the 2025 budget. He added that Kaduna remains the only state in Nigeria that has met the targets of the Malabo Declaration on agricultural investment.

He urged the beneficiaries to use the inputs judiciously and avoid selling them, stressing that the programme was designed to lift farmers from poverty and improve their livelihoods.

Chief Executive Officer of AUDA-NEPAD Nigeria, Hon. Jabir Abdullahi Tsauni, hailed the Kaduna State Government for providing counterpart funding that enabled the programme’s expansion to all 23 local government areas.

According to him, 345 smallholder farmers have been trained in good agronomic and climate-smart agricultural practices, including backyard farming for tomatoes, sweet pepper, maize, cowpea, and soybeans. ‘These inputs are not just farming materials,’ he said, ‘they are instruments of hope and productivity.’

Tsauni added that the initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the African Union’s Agenda 2063, which prioritises inclusive and climate-resilient agriculture as a foundation for sustainable prosperity.

Commissioner for Agriculture, Hon. Murtala Dabo, in his welcome address, said the programme underscores Kaduna’s determination to make agriculture a viable enterprise, not just a way of life. He added that it reflects Governor Sani’s consistent support for partnerships that drive rural transformation, climate resilience, and food security.

Dabo commended AUDA-NEPAD for its collaboration and assured that Kaduna State will continue to serve as a dependable partner to development agencies in advancing agricultural innovation and farmer empowerment.

The Strategic Importance of QA

Quality assurance has become a board-level topic because the cost of failure is measured in reputation and revenue, not just bugs. Businesses are realizing that QA is a shield against competitive threats and a driver of customer loyalty.

Why QA is more than just bug fixing

QA isn’t simply about catching coding errors. It’s about validating business processes, customer journeys, and product reliability under real-world conditions. By embedding QA into every stage of development, companies transform software from a potential liability into a brand asset. Without it, innovation risks collapsing under its own weight.

The link between QA, customer trust, and revenue

Customers expect seamless digital experiences, and any disruption erodes trust. An android app testing company, for example, ensures mobile users never encounter glitches that could push them to competitors. Trust translates directly into repeat purchases, referrals, and higher lifetime value. QA doesn’t just protect revenue-it multiplies it.

How QA impacts time-to-market and competitiveness

Speed without quality is a false economy. Products rushed to market with critical bugs generate costly rework and negative publicity. By contrast, companies with robust QA pipelines release faster with fewer post-launch issues. That efficiency becomes a lasting competitive advantage.

QA as a risk management and compliance tool

Regulators now treat software reliability as part of corporate accountability. QA mitigates risks tied to data breaches, safety issues, and non-compliance fines. Strong testing practices also provide documentation for audits, making compliance smoother. This reduces exposure to lawsuits and brand damage.

Building an In-House QA Team

For some companies, building a QA team internally offers unmatched control. But it also brings high costs and long-term commitments that not every business can sustain.

Benefits of full control and direct communication

An in-house team works side by side with developers, ensuring direct alignment. Communication is faster, and feedback cycles are shorter. This reduces misunderstandings and accelerates problem resolution. For complex products, control is often worth the added expense.

Developing domain expertise within the organization

Internal QA teams accumulate deep knowledge of the company’s systems and industry. That expertise allows them to anticipate risks outsiders might miss. Over time, they develop intuition that speeds up defect detection. This intellectual capital becomes part of the organization’s competitive edge.

Long-term cost implications of maintaining an internal team

Hiring, training, and retaining QA engineers is expensive. Salaries, benefits, and infrastructure add significant overhead. While predictable for budgeting, these costs weigh heavily during downturns. For some firms, the ROI of a permanent team is difficult to justify.

Cultural integration of QA within product development cycles

When QA is part of the company culture, quality becomes everyone’s responsibility. Developers write cleaner code, managers set higher standards, and customers receive better products. This alignment fosters accountability across the organization. In-house QA makes quality a core cultural value, not just a process.

Outsourcing QA Services

Outsourcing offers businesses flexibility and scalability that internal teams cannot match. It transforms QA into a variable cost rather than a fixed one.

Access to specialized skills and advanced tools

External providers bring niche expertise in automation, performance, and security testing. They invest in cutting-edge tools that many companies can’t justify buying themselves. This levels the playing field for smaller firms. Access to advanced capabilities becomes a growth accelerator.

Scalability and flexibility in testing capacity

Outsourcing allows companies to scale QA efforts up or down based on project needs. Seasonal spikes, product launches, or unexpected delays can be managed without overstaffing. Providers deliver flexible capacity at speed. This adaptability is critical in fast-moving markets.

Cost savings and focus on core business activities

By outsourcing, companies free up internal resources to focus on innovation and strategy. Testing becomes a managed service, predictable and measurable. CFOs appreciate the ability to reduce fixed costs. CEOs value the sharper focus on core competencies.

Leveraging global talent pools for 24/7 testing coverage

Global QA providers can test products around the clock. Time zones become an advantage rather than an obstacle. This accelerates release cycles and shortens bug resolution times. Continuous testing creates continuous improvement.

Risks and Challenges of In-House vs. Outsourced QA

Both models carry risks, and the wrong choice can damage efficiency or brand reputation. Businesses must weigh these carefully before committing.

Security and confidentiality concerns in outsourcing

Handing over sensitive code or customer data to third parties introduces risk. Leaks or breaches can devastate trust and trigger regulatory penalties. Outsourcing contracts must include strong security clauses. Vendors should be vetted as carefully as financial partners.

Talent acquisition and retention issues in in-house teams

Recruiting skilled QA engineers is a constant struggle. Retention is even harder in competitive tech hubs. Staff turnover disrupts projects and drains institutional knowledge. These challenges make in-house QA a costly long-term gamble.

Balancing quality consistency across different models

Switching between internal and external QA can create inconsistencies. Standards, processes, and metrics may not align. This leads to uneven results and diluted accountability. Harmonizing approaches requires strong governance.

Communication and coordination challenges in distributed QA setups

Outsourcing often means working across time zones and cultures. Miscommunication can slow progress or lead to missed defects. Companies must invest in collaboration tools and clear processes. Without them, distributed QA becomes fragmented and inefficient.

Key Factors in Making the Right Choice

The right QA model depends on strategy, resources, and business priorities. Leaders must assess not just short-term costs but long-term value creation.

Company size, stage, and industry specifics

Startups may favor outsourcing to save costs and gain expertise. Large enterprises might prefer in-house teams for control and integration. Industry regulations can also dictate the model. There is no universal solution-context defines the answer.

Budget and time-to-market requirements

Tight budgets often push companies toward outsourcing. But when speed is paramount, in-house teams can deliver faster cycles. Balancing cost and agility is a delicate act. The best choice depends on the company’s immediate goals.

Strategic alignment with long-term business goals

Outsourcing works well for companies focused on agility and short-term flexibility. In-house QA aligns better with businesses seeking deep integration and intellectual capital. Leaders must ask: which model matches the company’s strategic horizon? The wrong choice can misalign priorities for years.

Weighing short-term savings against long-term value

Outsourcing may save money now but cost more in knowledge loss later. In-house teams may be expensive today but create lasting expertise. Companies must calculate ROI beyond quarterly results. Long-term value often outweighs immediate savings.

Conclusion

Outsourced QA and in-house QA each carry distinct advantages and risks. The wisest companies treat QA not as an expense line but as a strategic investment in reputation, efficiency, and customer trust.

Gombe State Police Command has commenced discreet investigations into the circumstances leading to a serious incident involving grievous bodily harm and mischief by fire that occurred in the Bojude community, Kwami Local Government Area of the State, on 18 October 2025.

According to a report made at Bojude Division by one Samuel Doka, on 18/10/2025 at about 1045hrs, his 16-year-old daughter informed him that one Lukman Musa, 28 years old, of Bura Kosuma Quarters, Bojude, allegedly lured her to his residence and engaged her in unlawful carnal knowledge.

In reaction to the allegation, Samuel Doka reportedly took the law into his own hands and attacked the suspect, inflicting a deep cut on his head.

Following this, an irate mob proceeded to Samuel Doka’s residence and set it ablaze. Fortunately, no lives were lost during the incident.

Upon receiving the report, a team of detectives led by the Divisional Police Officer, Bojude Division, swiftly responded, went to the scene, and calmed the tense situation.

The injured suspect was promptly evacuated to Cottage Hospital, Bojude, for medical attention, while Samuel Doka and his family were rescued and taken to the Police Station for safe custody.

A discreet investigation is currently ongoing at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) to uncover the remote and immediate causes of the incident.

The Gombe State Police Command appealed to members of the public to remain calm and avoid taking the law into their own hands.

The Command reiterated, ‘We reaffirm our commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that justice is served,’ as contained in a statement by DSP Buhari Abdullahi, Police Public Relations Officer.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has launched a digital platform that will make its drug integrity test and visa clearance processes seamless, more accessible and ultimately curb the scourge of substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking in the country.

The portal was unveiled at a press conference to flag off the digitisation of the Agency’s Drug Integrity Test and Visa E-Administration System (DITViCAS) on Tuesday in Abuja where the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Agency, Brig-Gen Mohamed Marwa (Rtd) declared that the symbolic launch signifies ‘a paradigm shift in our fight against the scourge of substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking, a moment where enforcement meets efficiency, and commitment merges with cutting-edge technology.’

Marwa, who was represented by the Agency’s Secretary, Shadrach Haruna said, in line with the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Tinubu, the Agency has maintained an aggressive, balanced, and uncompromising approach to tackling the scourge of illicit substances, with focus on two critical fronts: Drug Supply Reduction and Drug Demand Reduction.

‘For years, the process of obtaining an NDLEA Visa Clearance Certificate, required by certain source and transit countries, has been characterized by documentation, physical appearances, and lengthy verification cycles. This manual process was no doubt prone to human interference, delays, and a host of other issues.

‘With the flag-off of the Online Visa Clearance Portal today, we are bringing an end to those bottlenecks.

‘The system delivers automation across all processes and operations associated with the administration of the Drug Integrity Test and Visa Clearance with interfaces for effective collaboration with partner agencies.

‘It is also important to note that we have made provision on the system for private medical centres to partner with the agency as accredited centres for Drug Integrity Test. The system brings efficiency, flexibility and convenience to the process.

‘Following this ceremony, applicants for Drug Integrity Test and Visa Clearance can now apply from home and choose any preferred location and book a date convenient and available for both applicant and the desk officer of the NDLEA without having to go and wait the whole day at the NDLEA office.

‘With the E-Certification and Verification system, it also eliminates drug and visa clearance certificate falsifications and establishes the reliability and transparency of the process with supervisory dashboards across our commands, formations and at the headquarters.

‘The extension of the service to students of tertiary institutions, and others is to significantly foster drug demand reduction across the country without any attempt to stigmatise any student or anyone, while our rehabilitation and counselling centres are open for those who test positive to ensure that no one is left without care.’

Speaking further on the essence of the platform, the NDLEA boss explained that ‘the portal integrates sophisticated background check protocols, ensuring that the certificate remains a robust security instrument that safeguards Nigeria’s international reputation and prevents drug syndicates from exploiting legitimate travel channels.

‘This is a commitment to the Nigerian citizen: a commitment to stress-free, integrity-driven public service delivery.

‘All applicants need to do is log on to the portal (www.drugandvisa.ndlea.gov.ng), create an account and apply from anywhere and book appointment at any available centre for either Drug Integrity Test or Visa Clearance, while the system generates drug test certificates on the spot as the desk officer completes the testing process and reports the result, with the Visa Clearance process completed within three days or maximum a week in peculiar circumstances.’

He said, the Agency’s primary mission is to save lives, hence its advocacy for the Drug Integrity Test founded on a principle of prevention, rather than punishment, adding that it is an early-warning system designed to help individuals who may be experimenting with substances, giving them an opportunity for intervention and treatment before dependence sets in.

According to him, ‘This new digital portal allows institutions, organizations, and individuals, including parents and prospective couples to apply for drug integrity tests seamlessly.

‘It provides a verified, standardized, and secure process for testing and issuing certificates. It is a non-judgmental pathway designed to support our national drive for Demand Reduction, fostering healthier communities, safer workplaces, and a more secure national labour force.

‘This is the future of our War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign, proactive, compassionate, and data-driven.

‘This initiative is a proof that the NDLEA is committed to leveraging the power of technology to combat the evolving complexities of drug trafficking and abuse.

‘It is part of a broader strategy to digitize all our operations, ensuring our processes are modern, secure, and world-class. The war against drug abuse is one we must win for the sake of our youth, our families, and the future of our nation’, he said.

The Enugu State Government, on Tuesday, demolished yet another building used for kidnapping in the state, an action it said is in line with the laws of the state.

Security agencies had, during the week, rescued a kidnap victim at the demolished property, a bungalow at Umueze Awkunanaw in Nkanu West LGA of the state, used by the prime suspect, Igwenagu Ogbodo, and his gang for holding victims captive.

Ogbodo and some of his gang members, however, escaped with various degrees of gunshot wounds when security agencies stormed the property.

Speaking to newsmen during the demolition, the Council Chairman of Nkanu West LGA, Hon. John Ogbodo, commended Governor Mbah for consistently demonstrating political will in the war against insecurity.

‘The prime suspect and his gang kidnapped the person and brought him here. He was rescued and his vehicle recovered. Some arms and ammunition were equally recovered.

‘I thank His Excellency, Dr. Peter Mbah, for his political will and demonstration of capacity in line with what he told Ndi Enugu that any house that harbours criminals or is used to aid criminality will be demolished. That is exactly what is happening here today and it is in line with the laws of Enugu State.

‘This is not the first house to be demolished in Enugu by this administration, neither is it the second nor the third. But this is the first one to be demolished in Nkanu West, and I know this is going to be a deterrent to other criminal elements.

‘I urge every community and Presidents-General to be very mindful of people around them. They should keep an eye on the people and report any suspicious movement to security agencies.

‘Again, I want to use this opportunity to advise anyone who has a property in Enugu State to be mindful of his or her tenants and any activities ongoing in their property. This is because any house used to harbour criminality like kidnap victims stands demolished,’ he stated.

He said the demolition would serve as a deterrent to the remaining criminals in the state, as there was no hiding place for them given the level of technology and manpower deployed by the governor to stamp out insecurity and criminality from Enugu State.

‘The guy who did this is still on the run, but I know that Enugu State Government has the capacity and the equipment to capture him.

‘Others who are into criminality should know that there is no hiding place in Enugu State of today because the arm of the government will catch up with them,’ he concluded.

Some community members who witnessed the demolition testified to the suspect’s criminal ways and antecedents, noting that he was an ex-convict.

Ikechukwu Amos, who spoke to newsmen, said: ‘I can’t deny it, he is a criminal. I am their elder, and I know how all of them behave. We have been advising him, but he refused. You have seen the resultant effect of his unholy character.

‘This same boy returned from prison not too long ago. Since then, he has been maintaining bad company, using this place for all manner of illicit activities like smoking Indian hemp and other hard substances. I am not surprised that something of this nature will happen, and it has happened.’

Another indigene of Umueze Awkunanaw, Edeh Chidera Kingsley, also spoke about the prime suspect’s criminal records: ‘Any young man who doesn’t want to work to get money but chooses kidnapping should face the music.

‘Fela, as he is also known, is a lazy man. If you call him for work, he would say that he would not go. He finds pleasure in drinking.’

The Councillor of the ward, Uchenna Jideofor, thanked the governor for putting into effect the harsh measures prescribed by the laws of Enugu State against kidnapping, describing the demolition as a welcome development for the people and leaders of Umueze Awkunanaw.

‘The guy is notorious in criminal activities. In my first tenure, I made sure that some of them were remanded in prison, but after everything, he was later released by some people from the community. And any time they come back, people will be witnessing insecurity in the community. The guy is involved in so many things.

‘This morning, I had a confrontation with the neighbours, telling them that they are not doing us good by not giving us information on what is happening. But what is happening here now will serve as a lesson to others that have chosen the fast lane,’ he said.

The Federal Government has announced a record budgetary allocation for cancer infrastructure in 2025 as part of efforts to tackle the estimated 5,900 cancer-related deaths recorded annually in Nigeria, according to the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Adekunle Salako.

Speaking at the launch of the Innovative Cancer Medicines Demonstration Project on Tuesday at the National Hospital, Abuja, Dr Salako said the initiative marks a major leap in Nigeria’s pursuit of equitable access to modern cancer care and treatment.

‘It gives me great pleasure to be here today as part of this formal launch of the Innovative Cancer Medicines Demonstration Project – a pioneering effort that marks another major stride in Nigeria’s journey towards equitable access to cancer care,’ he said.

The Minister noted that the enrolment of the first Nigerian patient in the study ‘represents more than clinical progress. It represents hope; hope that patients in low- and middle-income countries will no longer have to wait decades, with many lives lost, to benefit from lifesaving innovations available elsewhere.’

He described the collaboration involving the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), the Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy (PICI), Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS), Roche, and the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare as a model of ‘how global solidarity, scientific excellence, and national leadership can converge to transform outcomes.’

Highlighting the burden of the disease, Salako said, ‘Cancer remains a leading cause of death in Nigeria, with colorectal cancer – the second most common in men and the fourth overall – almost tripling in incidence over the past four decades. Due to late presentation and limited treatment options, colorectal cancer alone is responsible for nearly 5,900 deaths every year in our country.’

He revealed that under the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration, the Federal Government is determined to reverse the trend through strategic investment in prevention, treatment, and research.

‘In the 2025 budget, the government has provided unarguably the highest budgetary allocation for cancer infrastructural development in furtherance of this commitment,’ he said. ‘We are not just focusing on treatment. Attention is also being paid to prevention by raising awareness on lifestyle modification, scaling up immunisation for vaccine-preventable cancers, and providing screening services.’

The new demonstration project introduces nivolumab, an immunotherapy drug that uses the body’s immune system to fight cancer.

‘For Nigeria, this is not merely a demonstration study; it is a proof of possibility that innovative cancer care can be delivered safely, sustainably, and locally,’ he said. ‘Through this project, we will gather critical data on patient experiences, health system readiness, and the infrastructure investments needed to scale such therapies nationwide.’

Salako said the initiative aligns with the National Cancer Control Plan and the Renewed Hope Health Agenda, both of which prioritise early detection, research, and affordable access to treatment.

He noted that oncology care remains one of the leading causes of outbound medical tourism, a situation the government aims to change. ‘Six regional cancer centres of excellence have been constructed, with three already commissioned and the remaining to be commissioned soon,’ he said.

The Minister also urged regulators to balance diligence with efficiency. ‘We must work out protocols and mechanisms that do not create stumbling blocks to innovation, even as we protect public health,’ he advised.

Commending the National Hospital Abuja and partner organisations, he added, ‘To our local oncologists, nurses, researchers, and patient advocates, your work forms the backbone of this progress. Without your commitment, today’s milestone would not have been possible.’

The Kogi State Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Command has disclosed that it has upgraded its printing facilities to produce 15,000 driver’s licences daily, with a target to clear all pending applications before mid-November.

The FRSC Corps Marshal, Mr Shehu Mohammed, made the disclosure during a news conference marking the flag-off of the 2025 Ember Months campaign in Lokoja.

He also announced plans to commence contactless biometric capture and on-the-spot licence printing, which would eliminate the issuance of temporary driver’s licences.

He said the Corps had intensified partnerships and capacity-building engagements with fleet operators and driving schools to enhance drivers’ training and promote safety.

Represented by the FRSC Sector Commander in Kogi, Mr Tenimu Etuku, the Corps Marshal spoke on the theme: Take Responsibility for Your Safety: Stop Distracted Driving.

Mohammed lamented the alarming rate of road crashes, which he attributed to drivers’ laxity and recklessness on the highways.

‘This is why the theme of this year’s Ember Months campaign has been carefully chosen to address road infringements by drivers, which were largely responsible for previous road crash records.

‘These violations include failure to adhere to road traffic rules and regulations, speed limit violations, driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs, seat belt violations, and road rage, among others,’ he said.

He, however, commended the Federal Government for its continued support to the Corps in its efforts to reduce road crashes and ensure safer road use during and beyond the Ember Months.

The bullish sentiment in the Nigerian equities market strengthened on Tuesday, as the NGX All-Share Index rose by 1.01 per cent to close at a new all-time high of 151,456.91 points.

This extended the positive momentum in the market, lifting the Month-to-Date and Year-to-Date returns to 6.1 per cent and 47.2 per cent, respectively.

Consequently, investors gained N962.31 billion as market capitalisation rose to N96.13 trillion, buoyed by sustained interest in heavyweight counters such as BUA Foods, which gained 6.54 per cent; Aradel Holdings, which rose by 4.90 per cent; FirstBank Holdings, which increased by 4.46 per cent; Transcorp, which added 1.46 per cent; and Lafarge Africa, which advanced by 1.10 per cent.

These gains offset mild profit-taking in GTCO, which dipped 0.32 per cent; Access Holdings, which declined 1.77 per cent; Sterling Financial Holdings, which fell 3.70 per cent; and Zenith Bank, which shed 0.15 per cent.

However, market sentiment closed negative, as 26 stocks advanced against 30 decliners, translating to a market breadth of 0.9 times. SCOA gained 7.74 per cent and Omatek rose 7.5 per cent to top the gainers’ chart, while LivingTrust lost 9.9 per cent and Conoil fell 5.83 per cent to lead the laggards.

Sectoral performance was broadly positive, driven by strong buying interest in the Consumer Goods, Oil and Gas, Insurance, Banking, and Industrial Goods indices, which rose by 3.5 per cent, 2.0 per cent, 0.4 per cent, 0.2 per cent, and 0.2 per cent, respectively.

Market activity showed a mixed trend, with total volume traded rising by 34.96 per cent to 551.92 million units, while trade value dipped by 23.04 per cent to N20.54 billion, exchanged in 27,518 deals. Fidelity Bank emerged as the most traded stock by volume with 59.12 million units, while GTCO led by value with transactions worth N2.92 billion.

The continued uptrend reflects renewed investor confidence amid improving macroeconomic indicators and sustained demand for bellwether stocks. However, analysts expect the market to maintain its positive tone in the near term, supported by portfolio rebalancing and corporate earnings expectations.

The Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has led the signing of a ?50 billion Tri-State Energy Investment Agreement with the Governments of Katsina and Jigawa States.

In a statement signed by the Governor’s Spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, the landmark deal marks a major step toward strengthening energy security and accelerating economic transformation in Northern Nigeria.

According to the statement, ‘The agreement, finalized during the High-Level Electrification Summit held in Marrakech, Morocco, from October 16 to 19, 2025, will see the three states jointly establish a regional electricity market and acquire equity stakes in Future Energies Africa (FEA), the core investor in the Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO).’

The statement further quoted Governor Yusuf, who initiated the collaborative framework, as saying that the partnership is a strategic effort to achieve energy sufficiency, promote economic inclusion, and create a business-friendly environment that supports sustainable industrial growth in Kano and across the region.

He noted, ‘Our goal is to make Kano the industrial heartbeat of Northern Nigeria once again. By investing in regional energy solutions, we are empowering businesses, creating jobs, and ensuring reliable electricity that drives prosperity across our communities.’

Under the partnership, the three states will establish a ?50 billion Electrification Fund to expand access to electricity through embedded generation, grid extension, mini-grids, and solar home systems.

Earlier, Dr. Gaddafi Sani Shehu, Kano State Commissioner for Power and Renewable Energy, explained that the initiative will enhance KEDCO’s efficiency and unlock the region’s economic potential through improved power supply and management.

The deal represents a bold vision by Governor Yusuf’s administration to create a stable and sustainable energy ecosystem, positioning Kano as a regional hub for power and investment, and reaffirming his government’s commitment to good governance, innovation, and people-centered development.

The Oyo State Anti-Corruption Agency (OYACA) has announced that the State has rid its civil service system of corruption through the agency’s activities.

Speaking on a radio programme in Ibadan, OYACA Chairman, Hon. Justice Eni Esan, Rtd. stated that the main goal of establishing the anti-graft office was to sanitise the public service and maintain zero tolerance for corruption in the State to all and sundry, a message which she claimed has permeated the society.

‘Governor Makinde’s main goal when the board of the Oyo State Anti-Corruption Agency was constituted was to sanitise the public and civil servants at all levels and ensure they carry out their responsibilities without institutionalised corruption. Through this, we have sent a clear message of zero tolerance for corruption in Oyo State.

‘To achieve this feat, OYACA has handled over six hundred petitions from the public, prosecuting many senior civil servants, securing convictions and operating five branches across the State to provide access for people to submit petitions.’

Esan further claimed that the agency has the power to investigate any individual in the state, no matter how highly placed, if there is a petition against him from the members of the public.

While speaking on the independence of the agency, she pointed out that the governor said it on the day of the OYACA board’s inauguration that if a petition is written against anyone, no matter how highly-placed in the state, the agency should investigate such a person.

‘We have no pressure at all on any case, none at all, I am telling you the facts, You see, we are independent when it comes to our investigations, we can investigate any Individual no matter how highly -placed, if a petition is written against him or her, he even said it on the day he inaugurated the board that if a petition is written against whoever in the State, we should investigate him,’ she asserted.

On the team that visited the radio station were Dr Prince Oyebade Oyedepo FCA, a board member, Ibrahim Tijani Esq, Executive Secretary (OYACA), Folasade Ajibade, Director ICT, Tajudeen Azeez, Director Finance and Administration, Wasiu Alimi, Director Administration and Supplies and Eto-Abasi Olayanju, the Chief Legal Officer.