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Gov Radda Moves to Address Delay on ₦18.9bn 27km Sabuwa–Tashar Bawa Road Project Amid Security Challenges

Published

1 year ago

September 12, 2025

By Hassan Taiye

Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has identified persistent security challenges in Sabuwa Local Government Area as the major factor delaying the execution of the ₦18.9 billion, 27-kilometre road project linking 13 communities in the area.

The road project, awarded at a cost of ₦18.9 billion, is designed to connect Sabuwa to Tashar Bawa Station. Governor Radda explained that the project is a direct fulfilment of campaign promises he made to the people of Sabuwa.

He made this disclosure while receiving a high-powered delegation comprising elders, district heads, business leaders, political figures, clerics, youth representatives, and other stakeholders from Sabuwa Local Government, who paid him a courtesy visit at Government House, Katsina, yesterday.

The governor revealed that the state government is ready to release the sum of ₦7.5 billion, representing 40 percent mobilisation to the indigenous contractor handling the project. However, he noted that insecurity in the area had slowed down the commencement of work.

Governor Radda expressed optimism that with the ongoing peace accord initiative in the area, the long-awaited road project would soon take off without further delay. He noted that dialogue between communities and repentant bandits had already started yielding positive results, creating an atmosphere of hope and cooperation.

According to him, once stability is fully restored, the contractor will have the confidence to mobilize to site, ensuring that the 27-kilometre road is executed smoothly and delivered within the agreed timeline. The governor assured residents that his administration remains determined to see the project completed as promised.

Reiterating the guiding principles of his “Building Your Future” policy document, the governor explained that his administration’s developmental strides across multiple sectors stem from disciplined adherence to structured policy directions.

He proudly stated that his government had already achieved about 90 percent of his campaign promises, describing this as a deliberate effort to correct the negative perception that politicians often fail to deliver on their commitments.

Governor Radda further noted that poor planning had, over the years, hindered meaningful development, attributing the failures of past leaders to the absence of clear policy frameworks. He assured the Sabuwa delegation that his government remains committed to improving the living conditions of citizens across the state.

While urging the people of Sabuwa to remain united, the governor called on them to support his administration’s drive to bring rapid development to their communities.

Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Engineer Tasiu Abubakar, an elder statesman and APC stalwart in the area, said the delegation included all relevant stakeholders — business leaders, party officials, traditional rulers, Islamic scholars, and youth representatives.

He thanked Governor Radda for awarding key projects to Sabuwa and for appointing indigenes of the area into his administration. He particularly commended the governor for approving the 27-kilometre road project linking Sabuwa to Tashar Bawa Station.

Engineer Abubakar also appealed to the state government to intervene in the abandoned Federal Government Agricultural Park Project in Sabuwa, initiated during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan. He emphasized the importance of reviving the project, pointing out that it was one of only two approved nationwide — one in Katsina and the other in Ondo State.

He stressed that resuscitating the project would not only restore confidence in the community but also transform Sabuwa into an agricultural hub, create massive employment opportunities, and enhance food security in the region.

In his contribution, Hon. Danjuma Ibrahim, member representing Sabuwa Constituency in the Katsina State House of Assembly, disclosed that repentant bandits in the area had expressed readiness to enter into a peace accord with residents.

He explained that this development marked a major step toward restoring peace and security in Sabuwa, as it showed that many of those who once contributed to instability were now willing to lay down their arms and reintegrate into society.

According to him, the Ministry for Internal Security had already been briefed and was working out modalities to ensure the process is well-guided, transparent, and sustainable, with the ultimate aim of guaranteeing the safety of lives and property while creating a stable environment for development projects such as the road to thrive.

Earlier, the Chairman of Sabuwa Local Government, Engineer Sagir Tanimu, expressed appreciation to Governor Radda for approving substantial funds that have enabled the council to implement people-oriented projects across all electoral wards.

He added that the governor’s decision to award contracts to local contractors had begun to revive the socio-economic well-being of the people, creating jobs and improving livelihoods in the area.

The visit ended with renewed assurances of cooperation and support between the people of Sabuwa and the Katsina State Government in the collective pursuit of lasting peace and sustainable development.

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2027: VP Shettima Urges Politicians To Play Politics without Bitterness

Published

34 minutes ago

September 17, 2026

Our Reporter

As Gov AbdulRazaq Is Turbaned As Sadauna Of Ilorin Emirate

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

Vice President Kashim Shettima has stressed the need for politicians to embrace one another, play politics without bitterness and according to the rules in order to ensure an astronomical growth and development for the country.

Shettima made the appeal on Wednesday in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, at the turbaning of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq as the Sardauna of Ilorin Emirate by the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, while admonishing
Nigerians to serve with humility, do good to one another and have forgiving spirit, as they, according to him, would spend more time after office.

He added: “Power is given by God to the people He so wishes and not because we are better than others. I, therefore, call on all politicians to unite themselves as one family despite their political differences.

“Take a cue from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu that I serve as his assistant. He is a good and decent man who has the love and interest of Nigerians at heart.”

Shettima explained that when they assumed office in 2023, the economy of the country was at the brink of collapse, but President Tinubu refused to pass blame; with courage he accepted both the assets and liabilities and moved on.

He further disclosed that during the 2023 electioneering campaign, only six out of the 19 northern governors supported Tinubu’s presidential aspiration, based on the erroneous belief that Baba (Buhari) didn’t like him, adding: “But today the President has embraced everybody as his own and things are going on well”.

He added: “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a good man by all standard; he believes in the people that work with him.”

Shettima also thanked the Emir of Ilorin for the honour done to Governor AbdulRazaq, which , he noted, was based on his contributions to the development of the Ilorin Emirate and the State at large, adding that “the father of the Governor had planted a solid footprint in the Ilorin Emirate and by extension Nigeria as a whole”.

Shettima, who expressed optimism that this new chapter would create a stronger bond between the Emirate and the family of Governor AbdulRazaq, urged the people to continue to pray for the progress and development of the Emirate and the State as a whole.

He commended Governor AbdulRazaq for his efforts in the massive improvement on infrastructure to assist the people of the State, as well as for his
contributions to the actualisation of policies and programmes of government at the federal level towards providing succour to average Nigerians.

In his remarks, the Matawaliof Ilorin Emirate, Dr.Alimi AbdulRazaq, said the title of Sardauna bestowed on the Governor was well deserved, thanking the Emir of Ilorin for finding the Governor worthy of the noble recognition by the Emirate.

Dr,Alimi urged the Governor to see the tittle as a clarion call to provide more dividends of democracy to the nooks and crannies of the State.

The turbaning ceremony witnessed large turnout of dignitaries, including the Governor of Niger state, Umar Bago, Governor of Kaduna state, Senator Uba Sani, Governor of Imo State ,Hope Uzodinma, and Governors of Kebbi ,Katsina States.

Others are the Emir of Zazzau Emirate, Ambassador Ahmed Nuhu Bamali, the Deputy Governors of Sokoto, Anambra, Nasarawa, Delta, Ondo, and Oyo States.

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Gov AbdulRazaq Lauded Over Conferment Of Sadauna Of Ilorin Title

Published

23 hours ago

September 16, 2026

Our Reporter

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has been hailed for the conferment of the prestigious Sadauna of Ilorin Emirate title on him by His Royal Highness, the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji (Dr.) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, CFR.

Giving the commendation on Tuesday in a statement in Ilorin, the state capital, Alhaji Yakubu Garba Gobir, who is the Sarkin Gobir and Madawaki of the Ilorin Emirate, described the recognition and honour on Governor AbdulRazaq as well deserved, timely and apt, giving his huge contributions to the growth and development of Ilorin Emirate and Kwara State as a whole.

Gobir specifically commended the Emir of Ilorin for conferring this distinguished title in recognition of the qualities and contributions of the new Sardauna, noting that it is a solemn call for greater responsibility, leadership, loyalty and devoted service to the Emirate and its people.

He added: “The title of Sardauna occupies a position of profound significance in the history, heritage and traditions of the Ilorin Emirate. I commend His Royal Highness, Alhaji (Dr.) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, CFR, the Emir of Ilorin, for conferring this distinguished title in recognition of the qualities and contributions of the new Sardauna.

“The title embodies courage, leadership, loyalty and devoted service to the Emirate and its people. Your elevation is therefore not merely a mark of honour; it is also a solemn call to greater responsibility and continued service.

“As a fellow title-holder in the Ilorin Emirate, I am particularly delighted to welcome you into this distinguished circle of traditional leadership. I am confident that you will bring to the office the same qualities of leadership, dignity and unwavering commitment to public service that have distinguished your tenure and career.

“At a time when our Emirate and our State require men and women of character, wisdom and courage to advance the interests of our people, I am certain that you will make a meaningful contribution to the enduring unity, progress and development of the Ilorin Emirate.”

Gobir offered prayers for a successful, impactful and enduring tenure for the new Sadauna, adding:
“May Almighty Allah grant you wisdom, sound health and strength, and may He make your tenure as Sardauna of Ilorin a source of lasting honour to you, your family and the entire Ilorin Emirate.”

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FG Commissions KWASU ICT Centre To Enhance Graduates Employability

Published

23 hours ago

September 16, 2026

Our Reporter

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin.

The wife of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has commissioned a TETFund/Renewed Hope Initiative-backed ICT Experience Centre at the Kwara State University (KWASU), Malete.

It would be recalled that KWASU is one of the six tertiary institutions selected for the pilot phase of this intervention, with one institution representing each of the Nigerian six geopolitical zones.

Represented at the commissioning on Tuesday by the wife of the Vice-President, Nana Shettima, Tinubu said the project is a testament to the federal government’s commitment to advancing education, digital inclusion and enhancing graduate employability.

“The TETFund/Renewed Hope Initiative ICT Experience Centre we are commissioning today represents opportunity, innovation, knowledge, and the future of young people in Kwara State and beyond.

She said: “This initiative aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the administration of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, which places emphasis on youth empowerment, education, innovation, and economic transformation. Mr President is committed to creating opportunities that will equip Nigerian youths with knowledge and skills required to thrive in a modern and competitive world.”

Senator Tinubu said the facility was designed as a modern technology centre equipped with ICT laboratory, interactive digital display, conference facility, and exhibition spaces, adding that it would be an environment for learning, creativity, research, and technology advancement.

According to her, the ICT centres had been commissioned at the Ekiti State University on May 28, University of Cross Rivers State on September 4, Anambra State Polytechnic on September 10, adding that the Centres at Kaduna State University and Taraba State Universities would be commissioned soon.

“The next phase of this intervention will cover 15 institutions in Adamawa, Bayelsa, Borno, Delta, Edo, Enugu, Imo, Katsina, Nasarawa, Niger, Ondo, Osun, Rivers, Yobe, and Zamfara states which construction is currently ongoing. This expansion demonstrates the administration’s commitment to ensuring that more Nigerian youths, irrespective of their locations, have access to digital learning opportunities,” she said.

She encouraged the students to take ownership of the facility, maximise the opportunity it provides, and use technology positively to enhance their lives, community, and the nation.

In his speech, the Executive Secretary of Tetfund, Architect Sonny Echono, said the centres are being established across selected Universities, Polytechnics and Colleges of Education, with the Kwara State University, Malete proudly hosting the facility in the North-Central Zone.

“Through practical training and digital skills acquisition, TETFund seeks to enhance graduate employability, foster innovation and position Nigeria to participate more effectively in the global
technology-driven economy,” he added.

Echono also said that the ICT Experience Centre is designed to equip students and lecturers with critical digital skills in Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Robotics and Software Development.

He added: “The Centre being commissioned today is one of the foremost ICT Experience Centres being delivered across the country, and the third to be commissioned this year. The Centre is equipped with modern digital devices, Computer systems and relevant software to facilitate training, practical learning and skills development. The facility is appropriately furnished and
fully air-conditioned, with supporting power and municipal infrastructure.”

Also speaking, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Shaykh- Luqman Jimoh, said the new facility represents vision, belief, and an investment in the Nigerian youth to better shape the future of our
nation.

The Vice Chancellor described the ICT Experience Centre as an investment in human capital, in innovation, in entrepreneurship, and, most importantly, it is an investment in the future of Nigeria.

“This Centre will provide opportunities for our students to develop practical digital skills and engage with contemporary technologies. Importantly, it is our hub for interdisciplinary engagement.

“This ICT Experience Centre is therefore a timely, critical, and strategic infrastructure that will definitely enhance research, teaching, learning, entrepreneurship, and community service. This intervention is at the core of what this university seeks from partners and donors: synergies that add value and impact on today and the future,” he started.

KWASU Vice Chancellor also assured that the ICT Experience Centre would be put to maximum use for the benefit of students, researchers, and the University
community, adding that the “KWASU community would engage with the facilities in this Centre, we will use it. We will explore, experiment, learn, and innovate in i