By Ahmed Ilallah

The recent announcement by the Revenue Office of Jigawa State regarding a revenue achievement of N23.8 billion over six months should not be viewed as commendable when considering the state budget of N698.3 billion.

It has been noted that revenue generation has risen by over 100% when compared to the previous year.

In the first half of 2025, from January to June, N23.8 billion was generated, whereas during the same timeframe in 2024, the revenue was only N9.175 billion.

However, all of these performances are underwhelming when compared to the state budget for 2025.

The overall budget for Jigawa State in 2025 amounts to N698.3 billion, marking the largest budget in the state’s history.

The IGR target is to generate N130.6 billion through internal revenue sources. 

Though, besides that, the budget will be funded by statutory allocations from the Federation Account, the state share of VAT, other federal transfers, and other capital receipts. 

But the IGR contribution is insufficient for a realistic budget.

In a realistic budget and in a good benchmark, the IGR should realistically cover a substantial portion of the state’s budget, ideally above 40-50%, while also accounting for revenue from the other sources.

But the half-year revenue performance in the state indicates the inability of the state to generate even 30% of the projected budget.

Studying the Jigawa State budget implementation, the shortcoming of the projected IGR will affect the budget performance.

alhajilallah@gmail.com

By Ibrahim Ammani

The Fertilizer Producers and Supplies Association Of Nigeria (FEPSAN) has expressed sorrow over the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari, describing his death as a great loss to the nation.

In a statement signed by the president of FEPSAN Alhaji Sadiq Kassim, extended heartfelt condolences to the late president’s family, friends and associates, while acknowledging his service to Nigeria.

“On behalf of the FEPSAN I extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and associates of His Excellency, Muhammadu Buhari, former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, on his passing,”

“President Buhari will be remembered as a principled and resolute leader who served Nigeria with honour and conviction. Throughout his tenure, he remained committed to the agricultural sector as a driver for economic development ” he said.

The association recognised Buhari’s dedication to Nigeria, noting that while his tenure faced challenges, his contributions to national development remained significant.

“We join all Nigerians in mourning his loss, and we pray that the Almighty God grants his family and loved ones the strength to bear this sorrow. May his soul rest in eternal peace,” he added.

The FEPSAN President , pays tribute to the life and enduring legacy of this distinguished statesman and salutes his contribution to the advancement of Africa’s development, unity, and voice on the global stage.

Buhari, who served as Nigeria’s president from 2015 to 2023, passed away on Sunday, July 13, 2025, leaving behind a legacy marked by his anti-corruption stance, Agricultural reform and infrastructure projects.

By Ibrahim Ammani

The Kaduna State Government has launched a bold N440 billion Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) roadmap aimed at transforming skills acquisition and tackling youth unemployment.

The plan, unveiled at the just-concluded EduPACT 2025 summit in Kaduna which was held on Wednesday 9, July 2025, includes partnerships with the private sector, the creation of centres of excellence in critical trades, and the rollout of structured apprenticeship programmes for thousands of young people across the state.

Key resolutions from the three-day summit also included a strong push to integrate the Almajiri education system into mainstream learning.

Stakeholders—ranging from policymakers to traditional leaders and civil society actors—emphasised that inclusive reforms were necessary to provide marginalised children with equal opportunities and life-relevant skills. The communique, read by the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Abubakar Sambo, stressed the urgency of educational reform as a tool for social equity and economic resilience.

Participants at EduPACT 2025 also recommended that at least 15 per cent of Kaduna State’s annual education budget be allocated to TVET. This, they argued, would promote entrepreneurship, reduce dependence on white-collar jobs, and boost the state’s competitiveness in the national economy.

The summit’s outcomes are expected to shape long-term policies that will make Kaduna a model for educational innovation and inclusive development in Nigeria.

By Ibrahim Ammani

Kogi State Pension Commission (PENCOM) says it is concluding plans to migrate from the Defined Benefits Scheme to the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) with full implementation expected to begin next year.

The Director General of the Commission, Hajia Mariam Abedo disclosed this during an official engagement with the Special Adviser on Media to Kogi State Governor, Ismail Isah, in her office in Lokoja.

She explained that the Commission had already commenced the preliminary phase, including data collection and registration with Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs), in preparation for the transition.

According to her, the Contributory Pension Scheme which mandates an 8% contribution from employees and 10% from the state government, will ensure prompt and hassle-free access to retirement benefits for retirees in the state.

The DG emphasized that the reform is aimed at preventing delays and challenges experienced by pensioners in some instances under the current system.

She maintained that since assuming office in August 2020, the Commission has cleared a substantial portion of the gratuity backlog dating back to 2002 and maintained a record of prompt monthly pension payments.

“We are determined to build a pension system that is transparent, responsive, and fully digitized. With the Contributory Pension Scheme, the future of our workers is secure,” she said.

The DG further stated the success of ‘I Am Alive’ biometric verification initiative allows pensioners to confirm their status at any commercial bank nearest to every pensioner without the need to travel to the capital, describing it as “the easiest and most effective exercise ever introduced” in the history of pension fund administration in the state.

Abedo commended Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for his continued support and passion for the welfare of pensioners.

She noted that the Governor has not only maintained the regular release of monthly funds for the payment of gratuity for retirees but has also approved the construction of a new Pension Commission office complex, to be known as the Pencom House in Lokoja, adding that the aim is to create a more conducive working environment and to strengthen institutional operations.

“His Excellency is passionate about pensioners and their wellbeing. Even before he became Governor, he played a key role in addressing challenges in the pension sector, and his support continues to drive the reforms we are implementing”, She said.

By Ibrahim Ammani

Northern APC Advocacy Mobilization Forum Endorses Professor Kailani Muhammad as Next National Chairman of APC

The Northern APC Advocacy Mobilization Forum has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to appoint Professor Kailani Muhammad as the party’s next National Chairman.

According to the group Muhammad’s leadership would inspire new confidence within the party structure and bridge trust gaps between the national leadership and grassroots members.

Addressing a press conference in Kaduna, the National Coordinator, Northern APC Advocacy Mobilization Forum Dr. Awwal Abdullahi Aliyu (Sarkin Yakin Kanya Babba) urged President Tinubu and the APC leadership to make “the right choice”

According to him Professor Kailani Muhammad possesses exceptional leadership qualities that make him an ideal candidate for this position. His vast experience, leadership skills, and dedication to the party’s ideals are unparalleled.

Dr. Awwal Aliyu Abdullahi noted that, Prof. Kailani is a visionary leader who has consistently demonstrated his ability to unite and empower grassroots activists across the country.

He said Professor. Muhammad has a proven track record of developing and implementing effective strategies that drive party growth and success.
Inclusive Leader: He has a strong ability to bring people together, fostering a sense of unity and cohesion among party members.

The group urge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the leadership of the APC to consider Professor. Kailani Muhammad for the position of National Chairman.

“We expect the APC leadership to recognize Prof. Muhammad’s qualifications and appoint him as the next National Chairman. This will not only be a testament to his abilities but also a demonstration of the party’s commitment to meritocracy and inclusivity”

“Grassroots Mobilizer: Professor. Muhammad has a deep understanding of the needs and concerns of grassroots activists, and has consistently demonstrated his ability to mobilize and empower them”

“We are confident that his appointment will reinvigorate the party’s base, reestablish lost trust, and reinforce vertical and horizontal party cohesion” he added.

By Ahmed Ilallah

The Jigawa Northeast Coalition of Community Based Organizations has expressed gratitude to Senator Ahmed Abdulhamid Malam Madori, who represents Jigawa Northeast, for his efforts on regional development, particularly in the area of health.

They expressed their satisfactions and eulogize the Senator for construction and commissioning of Dala Primary Health Centre at Yayari Ward, Hadejia Local Government.

Given that the area was underserved, Comrade Ahmed Ilallah underlined the importance of the Dala Primary Health Center in the healthcare system.

In accordance with Jigawa State Governor Malam Umar Namadi’s twelve-point agenda, the center will act as the initial point of contact between the community and the healthcare system, offering easily accessible and reasonably priced healthcare services.

They urged the state health care agency that occupied the facility to provide the local population with basic health services like immunizations, maternity and child care, common illness treatment, and chronic disease management.

On June 22, 2025, His Excellency Malam Umar Namadi, the governor of Jigawa State, officially opened the center.

By Ibrahim Ammani

The Kogi State Government has begun discussions with the Nigerian Incentive-Based Risk Sharing System for Agricultural Lending (NIRSAL) to foster a strategic partnership aimed at enhancing agribusiness and attracting global investment in agriculture and food security sector in the state.

This was disclosed by the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Timothy Ojoma who led a delegation to NIRSAL’s headquarters in Abuja on Monday.

Speaking during the visit, Hon. Ojoma said the visit was to explore areas of collaboration in line with the development agenda of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo to reposition Kogi as Nigeria’s leading agricultural hub through policies that prioritize food sufficiency, commercial farming and agro-processing.

He noted that the administration has taken bold steps in recent months, including investment focused delegations to Abidjan and China, aimed at building partnerships to scale agricultural production and value addition.

“The Governor is determined to position Kogi as a key player in Nigeria’s agricultural revolution. We are focusing on turning agriculture into a business and creating the enabling environment for investment,” he said.

Mr. Suleiman Ibrahim, Assistant General Manager for Business Development (Northern Region) at NIRSAL, described the meeting as productive and timely.

He commended the Kogi State Government for its investment in agriculture, described the Special Processing Zone in the state as a critical entry point for targeted agricultural interventions.

“Kogi is rich in resources and already showing commitment through its Special Agro-Processing Zone. Once we optimize production and processing, we unlock real value,” he stated.

Ibrahim also disclosed that NIRSAL is awaiting a formal proposal from the state government to kickstart capacity building, data collation, and other steps necessary for unlocking funding and investment into the sector.

He expressed confidence in the vision and structure of the Ododo administration, assuring the Commissioner of NIRSAL’s readiness to collaborate for the benefit of the people of Kogi State.

“We see a serious team, and we are committed to working together to deliver real, measurable impact in the agricultural sector,” he added.

By Abdullahi Garba

Some members of the Igbo Community Welfare Association of Kaduna States comprising of Igbo Community residents of Kaduna State from five state of South-East Geo-political states have called on present leadership of the association to comply with recent court order restraining it from conducting scheduled election of the association slated for Saturday untill final determination of appeal filed in court on the said case.

The situation has sharply caused misunderstanding within some member of the association involved in the leadership crisis as some of them even staged a protest with placards to register their grievances over the issue at the venue scheduled election at command Guest-in Kaduna which the alleged was changed overnight from normal place of election as usual Chim Cherry Hotel Barnawa Kaduna.

In an interview with news men in Kaduna president of the Imo State Indigenes Welfare Association Kaduna State Ogbuefi Basil and the Assistant Secretary General of Igbo Community Welfare Association Kaduna State Mazi Chiobi, said as tenure of current leadership of the association being led by Mr. FranciesAni who hails from Ebonyi State elapses there was a resolution reached by the overall delegates to shift bation of the association presidency to an Imo State indigene rather than what was earlier provided in the associations constitution for Abia State to take mantle of leadership of the association.

According to them they want all preparations to hold election the said election to be halted untill after the hearing, and determination of their appeal filed in court over issues contest in Kaduna State.

They further explained that suit earlier filed at the High Court Ten (10) in Kaduna State led by Justice AndrewAndo seeking for the court to intervene for the recognition of the mutual understanding reached amongst delegates to allow Imo state assume leadership of association was struck out not in their favor which led them to filed an appeal over the caselast Wednesday.

They also pointed out to an earlier different Court injunction of the planned election for stay off execution of the appeal over the case in court.

They however accused Senior Special Assistant on Legal Matters Barrister Vitus Azuka Awuzie to Governor UBA Sani of Kaduna State to have master minded twist of event of the issue, and taking side for proceeding with the elections planned, while also rejecting the agreed resolution earlier reached for Imo State to be given leadership of the association, and the court order and appeal processes for stepping down election as scheduled until the final court verdict is pronounced over Issue.

By Ibrahim Ammani

The Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation is pleased to announce a significant two-day interactive session scheduled for 24th and 25th June 2025 in Kaduna, Nigeria. This landmark event builds on the Foundation’s successful engagement on 17th October 2022, where frontline presidential candidates, including then-candidate Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, presented their manifestos and made commitments towards the development of Northern Nigeria. With President Tinubu now two years into his administration, this follow-up session aims to evaluate the progress made on those electoral promises, deepen government-citizen engagement, and promote a clearer understanding of the administration’s policies and programmes.

In a statement signed by the DG of the Foundation Abubakar Gambo issued to journalists in Kaduna added “The event will provide a robust platform for constructive dialogue between representatives of the Federal Government and citizens. It is designed to bridge the gap between policy implementation and public perception, dispel misinformation, and address misconceptions about the administration’s initiatives. By facilitating open and honest discourse, the Foundation seeks to strengthen Nigeria’s democratic process, ensuring that governance remains responsive, inclusive, and accountable to the people.

The two-day programme will feature high-level presentations and interactive sessions with key Federal Government representatives, who will provide detailed briefings on progress in critical sectors, including:

• National Security to assess efforts to enhance safety and stability across the nation.
• Agriculture and Food Security, to evaluate initiatives to boost agricultural productivity and ensure food sufficiency.
• Infrastructure and Social Services, to review advancements in physical infrastructure, healthcare, education, and other essential services.
• Governance and Economy, to examine policies aimed at fostering economic growth, transparency, and effective governance.

This engagement will not only highlight achievements but also provide an opportunity for stakeholders to discuss challenges, propose solutions, and align expectations for the continued development of Northern Nigeria and the nation at large. The Foundation believes that such interactions are vital for sustaining trust between the government and its citizens, fostering unity, and promoting informed public discourse.

The Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation remains steadfast in its commitment to advancing the legacy of the late Sir Ahmadu Bello, Sardauna of Sokoto, by promoting good governance, socio-economic development, and unity in Northern Nigeria and beyond. This event underscores our dedication to creating platforms that empower citizens to actively participate in the democratic process and hold leaders accountable.

We invite key stakeholders to join us in Kaduna on 24th and 25th June 2025 for this pivotal engagement. Together, we can build a more transparent, accountable, and prosperous Nigeria.