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The Kano State Internal Revenue Service (KIRS) has unveiled plans to realise an ambitious N15 billion monthly revenue by 2026, giving a cumulative N180 billion in a move towards modernizing public finance and deepening civic trust.

Executive Director, Compliance and Enforcement at KIRS, Alhaji Muhammed Abba Aliyu revealed this at a multi-sector stakeholders’ engagement in collaboration with Partnership for Agile Governance and Climate Engagement PACE held in Kano.

He said the projection is anchored on a new tax framework that prioritises fairness and efficiency noting that under the revised system only individuals earning above N800,000 annually would be taxed thereby shielding lower income earners from undue financial pressure.

According to him, the tax structure now rests squarely on income tax from employment or business activities, service charges for accessing public amenities and penalties for legal infractions.

He said, ‘This approach aims to streamline revenue collection while reinforcing the social contract between citizens and the state.’

PACE Representative Alhassan Usman emphasized the transformative power of digital tax systems.

He urged residents to move away from cash-based interactions with revenue officers, advocating for secure, traceable digital payments.

Beyond Revenue generation, the campaign seeks to educate citizens on the long-term benefits of tax compliance. Accurate tax records, Usman noted, help entrepreneurs monitor their financial health and position themselves for growth opportunities.

This is coming as Kano doubled IGR and emerged among Nigeria’s fastest-growing revenue States in 2024 with N74.77 billion from N37.38 billion in 2023 according to data released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

The milestone was achieved through blocking leakages and overhauling the Kano State Internal Revenue Service (KIRS) upon assumption of office by the governor in 2023, according to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s Special Adviser on Information, Ibrahim Adam.

The Governor’s Information Manager also stated that Governor Yusuf employed one of the best hands to handle the state’s revenue generation, hence the result of Kano topping the chart in 2024.

Ibrahim Adam added that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf is assuring the people of the state that he is very grateful for the cooperation the administration is receiving from the populace, with the promise of doing more.

Ibrahim added that the state government will continue to implement more infrastructural projects using the internally generated revenue.

The Yobe State Police Command has arrested nine suspects in its efforts to curb the rising trend of phone theft and ATM card fraud in the state.

The suspects were apprehended by operatives of the State Intelligence Department (SID) for allegedly using stolen mobile phones to gain unauthorized access to victims’ bank accounts and perpetrate various internet and ATM fraud schemes.

The Public Relations Officer of the State Police Command, SP Dungus Abdulkarim, said the suspects were traced and apprehended at Lale Guest Hotel following a well-coordinated, intelligence-led operation.

He explained that the arrests followed several complaints from victims of phone snatching, internet fraud, and unauthorized bank transactions.

He added that during interrogation, the suspects confessed to their crimes and demonstrated some of the methods they use to steal and manipulate victims’ phones to retrieve PIN codes and passwords for fraudulent transactions.

According to the police, among the exhibits recovered from the suspects were twelve Android phones and other valuable items used in their criminal activities.

The state PPRO said investigation is ongoing, and the suspects will be charged to court upon completion.

The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has issued a strong warning against the growing proliferation of parallel groups and associations in Northern Nigeria, describing them as a direct threat to the unity and purpose for which the ACF was founded 25 years ago.

Speaking at the Forum’s Board of Trustees (BOT) meeting in Kaduna, Chairman of the BOT, Alhaji Bashir M. Dalhatu, Wazirin Dutse, reaffirmed the ACF’s role as the legitimate and central voice of Northern Nigeria, while cautioning against what he termed ‘unhealthy proliferation’ of organizations with overlapping aims.

‘In deference to the memory of our elder statesmen who laboured to unify the North under one umbrella, Northerners who have or are thinking of creating parallel or splinter groups should rethink their actions and come back within the ACF,’ he said. ‘There is enough room in the ACF to accommodate all Northerners.’

The remarks come amid increasing signs of factionalism within Northern sociopolitical spaces, with some groups attempting to position themselves as alternatives to the ACF.

Dalhatu reminded members of the Forum’s historical roots, noting that it was formed in 2000 through the consolidation of several respected northern groups, including the Turaki Committee led by former President Shehu Shagari, the Unity and Development Foundation under Alhaji Sule Katagum, and the Northern Elders Forum.

‘Our strength lies in our unity, in pooling resources together and in speaking with one voice on all matters affecting our people and our Region,’ Dalhatu emphasized.

The ACF BOT meeting, which included state chapter chairmen, their secretaries, and members of Arewa100% Focus, also addressed the issue of inconsistent messaging from ACF officials at national and state levels.

Dalhatu noted that contradictory public statements were damaging to the Forum’s credibility and cohesion.

He announced that a draft communication policy had been prepared to streamline how ACF speaks to the press and the public.

‘No doubt, the ACF today stands in great need of a firm protocol that should guide and regulate the manner in which officials speak about our affairs,’ he stated.

Another major focus of the meeting was preparations for the ACF’s upcoming Silver Jubilee, scheduled for November 20-22, 2025.

The forum will celebrate 25 years of existence and will include fundraising for a permanent national headquarters and the launch of an Endowment Fund to support youth and women empowerment across the region.

Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, Dalhatu reiterated the Forum’s apolitical stance, stressing that while individual members may have party affiliations, the ACF remains politically neutral and committed to Nigeria’s unity, democracy, and good governance.

In his closing remarks, the Wazirin Dutse issued a passionate appeal: ‘Let us not betray the vision of our founding fathers. Let us preserve the unity of purpose that brought us together as one Arewa under the ACF’

The stage is now set for the president to announce a new chairman for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as Professor Mahmood Yakubu, on Tuesday, ended his 10-year tenure as head of the electoral body.

Shortly before Yakubu bowed out, indications emerged that the presidency had zeroed in on three persons, Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan; Justice Abdullahi Mohammed Liman, and Professor Lai Olorede, as possible replacement.

A presidential source told Daily Trust last night that conclusions had been made and that Amupitan is leading the list of the likely people to replace the former INEC chairman.

Professor Yakubu had after a meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners at the commission’s head office in Abuja, stepped down and handed over to Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu, a national commissioner at the commission who has taken over in acting capacity.

The immediate past INEC chairman explained that he was stepping down to enable his successor settle down to the task of conducting elections and electoral activities.

‘I have taken a decision and conveyed the same as provided by Section 36, Subsections 1 and 2 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, as amended, ‘ he stated.

Another source told this newspaper that Professor Yakubu initially wanted to leave around June ahead of the expiration of his tenure but was advised to remain in office until now.

Daily Trust gathered that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would table the name of his new nominee for the position before members of the National Council of State at a meeting slated for Thursday.

The name of the new INEC chairman is expected to be announced after the meeting.

Barring last minute alterations, Professor Amupitan, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), is reportedly favoured for the position.

Amupitan

He is currently the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) at the University of Jos.

Born on April 25, 1967 in Aiyetoro-Gbede, Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State, Amupitan is a Professor of Law with specialisation and experience in Law of Evidence, Corporate Governance, Corporate Law and Privatisation Law and has taught in the university for years.

When contacted, the Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communication, Kinsley Fanwo, declined to comment on the news making the rounds that a professor from the state is being considered to succeed the former INEC chairman, Prof Mahmood Yakubu.

He said: ‘A government doesn’t comment on rumours’.

Former member of the House of Representatives, Timothy Golu, who said he has known Amupitan for over ten years, described him as a well-respected lecturer and astute administrator.

He said while he was a student at the University of Jos, Amupitan was one of the lecturers students could approach easily at any time.

‘So, I have no doubt that he would discharge the duties credibly if it is true that he is being considered,’ he said.

Professor Amupitan has held several academic and administrative positions including representative of the Faculty of Law in several boards in the University of Jos; Head of Department, Public Law; Dean, Faculty of Law; Chairman, Committee of Deans and Directors, Member, Governing Council, University of Jos and Member, Governing Council, Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies as well as Council of Legal Education among many others.

He is member of several professional bodies and associations including the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Nigeria Institute of Management (NIM) and National Association of Law Teachers.

Professor Amupitan’s research interests are diverse and wide ranging from providing the Legal Framework for the Privatization of Public Enterprises in Nigeria, Reform of Electoral Laws in Nigeria to the Reform of Privatization Law in Nigeria and Petroleum Industries Law Reform in Nigeria among others.

He has over 50 journal, book chapter, conference, monograph, case review and research report publications and has contributed to the successful execution of a number of national and internationally funded projects.

Liman

Justice Abdullahi Mohammed Liman is a retired Justice of the Court of Appeal.

Liman, according to reports was born on in 1959 and became a lawyer in 1984. He hails from Nasarawa State. He has been a judge for over 25 years.

He has been associated with a number of high-profile cases including his ruling that temporarily restrained the reinstatement of Sanusi Lamido Sanusi as Emir of Kano, and his orders halting the suspension and arrest moves against former Kano governor Abdullahi Ganduje.

Lai Olurode

Professor Lai Olurode is a sociologist, academic and first-class graduate of Sociology from the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Akoka, Lagos State.

He also studied Law at the UNILAG where he obtained LL.B in 1990. He was called to the Bar in 1991.

He joined the UNILAG in 1980, and became a professor of Sociology in 2000. He served as Head of Department and Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences.

He taught for over 40 years of teaching, before retirement and was appointed as National Commissioner of the INEC on June 30, 2010, overseeing Oyo, Ogun and Ekiti States.

Daily Trust further learnt that Yakubu had long cleared his desk and had prepared his hand over note and was only waiting for the appropriate signal to leave.

A reliable source in the commission told our correspondent that Yakubu had concluded all arrangements for the Anambra elections and that his exit would not have any negative impact on the exercise.

He said: ‘There were 13 items in the process and Yakubu had done all except two which are; to end campaigns and the election itself.’

Former INEC director, Mr Nick Dazang, when contacted said with the convening of the Council of State by the President on Thursday, ‘it means we are likely to know his probable successor before next week. I don’t think his departure will affect the work of the commission.’

He added: ‘The commission is a continuum. It is also an Executive Body as established by Section 153 of the Constitution. There will be thus no challenge for the Commission to form a quorum and to carry out its mandate. Besides, the Commission is ably complemented by Resident he Electoral Commissioners (RECs), Secretary to the Commission and Directors/Administrative Secretaries who are the engine room and institutional memory. In time past, similar transitions have taken place seamlessly even when off-cycle governorship elections were afoot.’in

Longest serving chairman

Prof Yakubu is the only chairman of the electoral body to do a two-term tenure of ten years.

He is also the third chairman to complete his tenure in office as most of his predecessors were either swept away by controversies or made to go with the ouster of the administration’s that appointed them.

Nigeria has had six different electoral bodies and a total of 14 chairpersons and one in acting capacity.

Six of them, Michael Ani, Eme Awa; Humphrey Nwosu; Okon Edet Uya; Sumner Dagogo Jack and Ephraim Akpata served under military regimes.

Ani and Akpata had tenures that overlapped as among those that served under military governments, only the two of them were able to conclude elections and ensure transition to civil rule.

Eyo Ita Isua; Victor Ovie Whiskey; Abel Guobadia; Maurice Iwu; Attahiru Jega and Mahmood Yakubu all served under civilian administrations.

Guobadia is remembered as the first chairman to serve out his full tenure.

Professor Yakubu, who succeeded Attahiru Jega as INEC chairman in 2015, is the first to be reappointed for a second term, making his tenure the longest in the commission’s history.

The appointment of Mbu, makes it the second time a woman is acting chairman of the commission. When Jega retired in 2015, then President Muhammadu Buhari named Amina Bala Zakari as acting chairman, making her the first woman to lead INEC.

The acting chair

Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu, is a National Commissioner at INEC. She’s a lawyer by training with over three decades of professional experience,

From Delta State, Agbamuche-Mbu’s attended St. Louis Secondary School, Kano, before proceeding to the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), where she earned her Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree in 1984. She was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1985 and later qualified as a Solicitor of the Supreme Court of England and Wales after completing studies at the College of Law, London.

Agbamuche-Mbu also holds a Master’s degree in Commercial and Corporate Law from Queen Mary and Westfield College, University of London, as well as postgraduate qualifications in International Dispute Resolution and International Business Law

Agbamuche-Mbu was confirmed as a National Commissioner of INEC in 2016.

She is a certified arbitrator and former Secretary of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (Nigeria). As editor of THISDAY LAWYER, she wrote over 120 editions of her widely read ‘Legal Eagle’ column from 2014 to 2016, influencing public discourse on law, governance, and policy.

Meanwhile, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has accepted Professor Mahmood Yakubu’s exit from INEC.

A statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, stated that Prof Yakubu had in a letter dated October 3, 2025, thanked the president for the opportunity to serve the nation as chairman of the commission since 2015.

‘President Tinubu thanked Professor Yakubu for his services to the nation and his efforts to sustain Nigeria’s democracy, particularly through the organisation of free and fair elections throughout his two-term tenure.

‘In recognition of Yakubu’s dedicated service to the nation, President Tinubu has bestowed on him the honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger(CON)’, the statement added.

President Tinubu also directed that Professor Yakubu should hand over to the most senior national commissioner, May Agbamuche-Mbu, who will direct the affairs of the commission until the completion of the process to appoint a successor.

The presidency recalled that the tenure of Yakubu, who was first appointed in November 2015 as the 14th chairman of the commission for an initial term of five years and was renewed in 2020, has now expired due to the passage of time.

Process of appointing INEC chairman

Under the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the appointment of an INEC chairman is the exclusive responsibility of the President, subject to confirmation by the Senate. Section 154(1) provides that ‘the appointment of the Chairman and members of the Independent National Electoral Commission shall be made by the President and shall be subject to confirmation by the Senate.’

Paragraph 14 of Part I of the Third Schedule further stipulates that the appointee must be a person ‘of unquestionable integrity’ and not less than 50 years of age.

And after the selection by the president, the Senate must screen and confirm the nominee before appointment, and in doing this, the Senate conducts a confirmation hearing to assess the nominee’s qualifications, integrity, and suitability.

If the Senate approves by a simple majority, the nominee is confirmed. After confirmation, the President formally appoints and swears in the new INEC Chairman.

The INEC Chairman serves a five-year term, renewable once (maximum of 10 years). This is provided under Section 3(1) of the INEC (Establishment, etc.) Act, 2010.

Also, the President cannot remove the INEC Chairman unilaterally. Removal can only occur based on an address supported by a two-thirds majority of the Senate, and only for reasons such as misconduct, inability to perform functions, or conviction for an offence (see Section 157 of the Constitution).

Speaker calls for speedy conclusion of electoral reforms

Meanwhile, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, has charged lawmakers to prioritise the conclusion of ongoing electoral reforms well before the 2027 general elections to ensure a credible, transparent, and less contentious process.

Speaking on Tuesday as the House resumed plenary after its 2025 annual recess, Abbas emphasised that finalising the amendments to the Electoral Act early would strengthen Nigeria’s democracy and guarantee smoother electoral administration.

He said the Electoral Act Amendment Bill currently before the National Assembly seeks to address key flaws observed in previous elections, including violence, litigation, and ambiguities in timelines.

‘We must finalise electoral reforms well ahead of the 2027 general elections. The Electoral Act Amendment Bill seeks not only to strengthen measures against violence, improve access for persons with disabilities, and establish clearer timelines for resolving disputes, but also to reduce the ambiguities that trailed the last elections,’ he said.

According to Abbas, the proposed reforms will make elections ‘less contentious and litigious,’ while lowering costs through the introduction of single-day voting and more transparent party primaries.

The Nigeria Police Force says enforcement of the vehicle tinted glass permit has been ‘put on hold’ following a court order halting the exercise.

Spokesperson for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command, SP Josephine Adeh, disclosed this during an interview on AIT, on Wednesday.

She confirmed that the decision came after the police officially received the court order.

‘Information reaching me from the office of the PRO is that the order has been received and the enforcement of the tinted permit is now on hold pending the court’s verdict,’ Adeh said.

She explained that the directive to suspend enforcement would remain in place pending the outcome of the ongoing legal process.

‘We are waiting for the verdict. We are not against the courts, and we will continue to wait until we get a verdict,’ she added.

Addressing public concerns about the purpose of the tinted glass regulation, Adeh clarified that it was introduced for security reasons, noting that some criminal activities had been carried out using vehicles with darkened windows.

‘The law was not made by us. We are enforcers. The policy was purely security-driven. Some criminals were using tinted vehicles to commit offences, making it difficult for law enforcement to identify suspects,’ she said.

Adeh also dismissed claims that the policy was designed for financial gain, explaining that all payments related to tinted permits are made directly into the Federal Government’s Treasury Single Account (TSA), not to the police.

The FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, alongside the Minister of State for the FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, on Tuesday flagged off the rehabilitation of the Old Keffi Road, also known as Karmo road, stretching from Kado village to Dei-dei.

At the brief ceremony, Wike reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to fulfilling its promises to the people, emphasizing that the project is a continuation of the infrastructural drive that began under the present administration.

‘We promised that this Old Keffi Road would be rehabilitated. Today, we are here to fulfill that promise-one that is not mere words but an action backed by commitment and results,’ he said.

He explained that the Old Keffi Road project is designed to ease traffic congestion and support local commerce, particularly for traders and residents in the area.

He urged residents to continue to support the administration, which, according to him, has been delivering on its promises.

‘This government is not one of empty words. Out of 105 schools planned for construction, 77 are already underway, and 33 more will soon commence. What we are seeing is proof that leadership can indeed bring transformation,’ he added.

The Minister of State for the FCT, Dr. Mariya, expressed gratitude to all the stakeholders, community leaders, and representatives for their continued support towards the development of the nation’s capital.

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has revealed that Nigeria’s non-interest capital market has grown significantly, reaching a valuation of over N1.6tn, noting that the figure signals growing investor confidence and deepening participation in ethical finance.

The Director-General of the SEC, Dr. Emomotimi Agama, announced this on Monday during a joint press briefing in Abuja ahead of the 7th African International Conference on Islamic Finance (AICIF), scheduled to hold in Lagos on November 4 and 5, 2025.

The conference, jointly organized by the SEC, the Metropolitan Law Firm, and Metropolitan Skills Ltd., is themed ‘Africa Emerging: A Prosperous and Inclusive Outlook.’

Agama described the upcoming conference as ‘strategically positioned’ to coincide with the conclusion of the Revised Nigerian Capital Market Masterplan (2021-2025), adding that it would serve as a platform for charting the next phase of sustainable financial development across the continent.

‘This year’s theme is a call to action, it’s about harnessing ethical finance as a tool to build a more prosperous and equitable Africa,’ he said.

According to him, the Nigerian non-interest market has shown remarkable momentum, with Sukuk dominating the sector.

He revealed that the last Sukuk issuance was oversubscribed by 700 per cent, underscoring the growing investor appetite for non-interest products and confidence in the regulatory framework.

‘The non-interest capital market has attained a valuation of N1.6tn. The overwhelming subscription to our Sukuk issuances demonstrates strong investor confidence and an expanding demand for ethical financial instruments,’ Agama said.

He explained that the enactment of the Investments and Securities Act (ISA) 2025 provides a strengthened legal foundation for non-interest financial products, empowering the SEC to register non-interest collective investment schemes and broaden the range of instruments available to investors.

Also speaking, Ummahani Amin, Managing Partner, Metropolitan Law Firm and Chairman, AICIF 2025 Planning Committee said that AICIF has grown into one of the most important gatherings for policymakers, regulators, investors, scholars, and innovators who share a common goal to advance ethical, inclusive, and sustainable finance in Africa.

She said, ‘This year, we are especially proud of our strategic partnership with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Nigeria’s highest regulator in the capital market. This collaboration underscores our shared vision to strengthen the Islamic finance ecosystem, deepen investor confidence, and support innovation that aligns with integrity and shared prosperity.

‘This year’s conference comes at a critical time – as Africa continues to explore innovative, ethical, and sustainable pathways to finance development.’

She said Islamic finance has proven to be one of the fastest-growing segments of the global financial system, and AICIF provides a unique platform to bring together policymakers, regulators, scholars, investors, and practitioners to shape that future here on the continent.

A large stash of narcotics worth N40 million was abandoned in the Ijegun area of Lagos after suspects fled the scene to evade arrest.

The suspects were seen hastily jumping out of their operational vehicle when they sighted a Navy patrol team, leaving behind the large consignment of illicit drugs.

The incident has raised concerns about the prevalence of illicit drugs in the community and the need for increased vigilance and cooperation between residents and law enforcement agencies.

The Commander of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) BEECROFT, Navy Commodore Paul Pnfa Nimmyel, confirmed the recovery, saying that it is part of the Navy’s efforts to curb the spread of illicit drugs and enhance maritime security within the state and its coastal communities.

Commodore Nimmyel, who spoke through Captain Idongesit Udoesien, the Executive Officer (XO) NNS BEECROFT, disclosed that the recovery was made in the early hours of Thursday, October 2, 2025, by officers from the Base Quick Response Team (QRT), supported by internal security personnel of Operation MESA.

He stated that the officers, acting on credible intelligence, intercepted a van with a foreign registration number around Ijegun.

‘The vehicle was discovered to be laden with 20 bags of suspected cannabis, weighing about 840kg.

‘Pertinently, the suspects abandoned the vehicle and fled upon sighting our patrol team. Accordingly, the vehicle and the cannabis sativa have been handed over to the Marine Commander, Morrison Emmanuel Udo, of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Lagos, for further necessary action.

‘This successful interception is part of the broader series of sustained efforts by the Nigerian Navy under the leadership of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, to clamp down on illegal maritime activities, particularly the trafficking of narcotics and other contrabands through Nigeria’s coastal waters.

Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has been described as the champion of women empowerment and gender-friendly policies as well as the leading light of inclusion in Nigeria.

The Director General of Kaduna State Public Procurement Authority(KADPPA), Engr Sanusi Yero, who made this assertion on Wednesday at a press briefing, further said the Governor has bagged numerous awards and several accolades for these policies.

Engr Yero recalled that last week, ”the 9th Voice of Women Conference and Awards (VOW2025) held in Abuja, where the Kaduna State Public Procurement Authority (KADPPA) won the award for ‘The Government Agency Supporting Women and Their Families.’ ”

”Indeed, the Governor has demonstrated political will, institutional support and policy direction that made the award possible and for these reasons, the credit should rightly go to His Excellency,” he added.

The Director General of KADPPA disclosed that ”Governor Uba Sani has put in place a robust Gender-Responsive Procurement Policy in Kaduna State, which is the first of its kind by any subnational in Nigeria.”

”Specifically, the Gender-Responsive Procurement Policy has both Financial and Reservation Benefits for women-owned businesses, in line with global best practices,” he added.

According to Yero, ”KADPPA has waived the entire registration fees for all women-owned businesses. In addition, the Non Refundable Tender Fees which KADPPA was charging, has now been slashed by 50%.

”Similarly, Governor Uba Sani has reduced the registration fees with other Government agencies by 50%, for women-owned businesses. These are the Financial Benefits of the Gender-Responsive Procurement Policy,” he pointed out.

The DG further disclosed that ”there are also Reservation Benefits in the policy, which will have immensely empowered women.”

” Under this set of benefits, 20% all Goods Contracts is reserved for women, while 10% of Consulting Contracts goes to them. Likewise, 5% of Works Contracts is reserved for women.

”Above all, in the event that a bid is not responded to, women-owned businesses will be considered during relaunch,” the Director General further disclosed.

Engr Yero added that ”KADPPA has an entire Gender Responsive Department and all MDAs have Gender Responsive Desk Officers to guide the procurement process, following the policy enactment.”

The DG also argued that ”Governor Uba Sani’s administration is a Government whose Affirmative Action is addressing systemic discrimination against Women.

”Kaduna State Government, through KADPPA, is humbled by the award and we promise to do more in the pursuit of women empowerment, in line with the Governor Uba Sani administration,” he added.

As preparations get underway for the upcoming 2025 Kaduna international polo tournament gathers momentum, a new sheriff is expected in town as Clearwater polo organization has concluded plans to make a debut during the prestigious fiesta.

Clearwater Polo Chairman, Brigadier General Kapeh Alwali Kazir (rtd), who dropped this hint recently, said is set to make its main Kaduna debut at the 2025 International Polo Tournament, underscoring its ambition to expand Nigeria’s equestrian landscape.

‘This opportunity allows us to showcase not only our horses but our team’s skill and the dedication and excellence that define Clearwater Farms,’ said Brigadier General Kazir.

‘Our goal here is principally to inspire greater appreciation for Polo and to offer unparalleled equestrian services that meet the needs of players, horse owners and families across the country,’ he added.

With a five-decade heritage, Clearwater Farms offers a comprehensive suite of equestrian services. Its Kaduna facilities house over 60 horses and provide stabling, horse rentals, transportation and training programmes for children and adults, including a beginner’s riding school.

The company is expanding its operations to Abuja and Lagos, targeting new markets for equestrian sports. A key element of this expansion is the development of advanced veterinary services, including specialized diagnostic equipment and a mobile farrier unit.

Only a few months ago, Clearwater polo, who are the proud winners of the Late Dapo Ojora Cup at the 2025 Lagos polo tournament and Access Bank Cup champions at the Access Bank UNICEF Charity Shield polo, was the brighter star as one of the major sponsors at the Late Dawule Baba Tournament.

General Kapah explained that in identifying with the event, Clearwater polo was keying into the highly treasured legacies of the late ‘Teacher’ whose passion for the game transcends a mere love for the noble game of polo.

‘Teacher who was part of our team often gave us technical advice and encouragement and by sponsoring the Clearwater Beginners Cup, Babies and Toddlers Cup and the Clearwater Youth Challenge Cup, we are preserving his legacies of training, mentoring, and encouragement of upcoming players, among others.’