News
Local contractors to fix Kwara schools, hospitals’ projects: AbdulRazaq
• Orders Kaiama water project fixed in one month
• State may drag contractors to anti-graft agency over abandoned roads
By Steve Oni, Ilorin
Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has said local communities would have the option of nominating trusted indigenous contractors to fix their schools and hospitals while government funds the projects.
The contractors so nominated would be picked only after going through the government’s procurement processes as spelt out under the law.
AbdulRazaq said government has recently retooled the 2019 budget to focus on rebuilding basic infrastructure such as township roads, schools, hospitals and toilets to tackle the menace of open defecation.
“For each community where we want to rebuild the schools or hospitals, we want to use the local contractors from those communities, so that we have trickle down effects and regenerate the economy by investing in the economy,” AbdulRazaq said in Kaiama town late Tuesday on a tour of public facilities in the northern senatorial district.
He visited communities like Gwaria, a major hub for yam flour production in Nigeria; Junga Aboki; and Kaiama town — all in Kaiama local government area of the state.
“When we got in we realised that there are big issues with our roads, hospitals and schools, they are practically down, and I am here to make sure I understand in full the problems with all the hospitals and schools,” he said.
“They all have peculiar problems….We have seen the different challenges in different hospitals and schools and we are going to make sure that the right people are used in order to reposition the hospitals and the schools.”
The governor said while his campaign thrust of development and change remain valid, he is constantly rejigging the campaign promises to reflect the realities of Kwara he now sees, especially because basic infrastructures for education and health are almost non-existent and must first be put in place before other things.
AbdulRazaq suggested that government would provide the prototypes and the standard of the schools or hospitals to be built while local communities would engage contractors to fix them under strict monitoring — a strategy expected to engender community participation in project execution, empower local contractors, ensure community ownership of public infrastructure, and increase the purchasing power of the people.
He said Kwarans would start seeing more infrastructural development and better government’s presence across the board once the reviewed budget is passed in the coming months.
The governor, meanwhile, has ordered the site engineer handling the Kaiama Water project to fix the facilities within one month or be sacked.
AbdulRazaq handed down the directive when he visited the facilities in Kaiama town, warning that he would always personally keep a tab on projects funded with taxpayers’ money through unscheduled visits.
He said his visit to the town has revealed that claims about Kaiama water projects progressing as scheduled were not true, warning that his personal tour of facilities was meant to know the truth about their exact situation.
The Emir of Kaiama, Alhaji Umar Shehu Mu’azu, had earlier told the governor that the engineer had been sabotaging the project despite getting money from the government and the community.
Mu’azu also urged AbdulRazaq to prioritise roads in the agrarian axis, especially Kishi Kaiama Road, commending him for approving the construction of the Kaiama township road.
The Governor said he has taken up the matter with the Federal Government, adding however that his administration might report the contractor employed by the previous administration to the anti-graft agency for collecting at least N1.1bn to fix a segment of the road without any result.
AbdulRazaq said the action of the contractor was a setback for the road as the Federal Government would not release further funds for the road unless it is satisfied that the one released had been properly utilised.
The Governor said the same scenario had occurred in the Gwanara road in Baruten which led to the eight Assembly dragging the contractor to the EFCC and forcing the contractor back to site.
He also said the administration is discussing the Kosubosu-Kaiama-Bode Sadu road with the Federal government but added that the state might seek alternative funding for the huge project to hasten its construction in the next four years and then apply for refunds.
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Dr. Nafiu Sankara Emerges as Kano Central Senatorial Candidate Ahead of the Next Elections
Dr. Nafiu Danladi Sankara has emerged as a leading political figure and consensus candidate for the Kano Central Senatorial District under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) ahead of the 2027 elections. His emergence reflects a growing call for purposeful leadership, youth inclusion, and a renewed political vision for Kano and Nigeria at large.
Dr. Sankara is widely known for his contributions to community development, youth empowerment, and public engagement. A politician, philanthropist, and public affairs advocate, he has consistently supported initiatives aimed at improving opportunities for young people and strengthening grassroots participation in governance.
His political journey is not new. In the 2019 general elections, Dr. Sankara contested as an aspirant for the House of Representatives under the PDP to represent the Tarauni Federal Constituency in Kano State. His participation in the democratic process demonstrated his long-standing commitment to public service and political representation.
With a vision centered on Youth Empowerment, Innovation, Good Governance, and National Unity, Dr. Sankara is seen by supporters as part of a new generation of leaders focused on inclusive development and responsive representation. His message emphasizes the importance of accountability, opportunity creation, and citizen-centered leadership.
Supporters and party stakeholders believe his experience in community engagement and grassroots mobilization will contribute positively to legislative representation, ensuring that the concerns of ordinary citizens receive adequate attention. His growing acceptance across different groups is seen as a sign of confidence in his leadership and political aspirations.
As preparations for the 2027 elections continue, many observers view Dr. Nafiu Sankara’s political journey as part of a broader conversation about leadership renewal, youth participation, and the future direction of governance in Kano State and Nigeria.
“The Youth. The Vision. The Change. The Future is Ours.”
News
Hon. Jaafaru Yakubu Declared Winner of Bali/Gassol Federal Constituency in Taraba
Hon. Jaafaru Yakubu, Chairman of the House Committee on Nigeria-China Friendship Group, has been declared the winner of the APC primary elections for the Bali/Gassol Federal Constituency in Taraba State. His victory reflects the overwhelming support of voters across the constituency, who have entrusted him once again with the responsibility of representing their interests at the National Assembly.
Since his election into the House of Representatives, Hon. Jaafaru Yakubu has distinguished himself as a legislator of vision and purpose. His leadership of the Nigeria-China Friendship Group has been instrumental in strengthening bilateral ties, particularly in areas of trade, infrastructure, and technology. He has consistently demonstrated the ability to balance international diplomacy with grassroots development, ensuring that his constituency benefits from both global partnerships and local initiatives.
Hon. Yakubu is widely respected for his integrity, accessibility, and people-centered approach to governance. Voters describe him as approachable and transparent, qualities that have earned him trust and loyalty. His interventions in education, road construction, and youth empowerment have provided vital opportunities for rural communities in Taraba, connecting them to broader national development. His consistency in legislative duties and his reliability as a representative have further cemented his standing as a dependable voice in the House of Representatives.
His victory at the primaries is not just a political achievement but a reaffirmation of his commitment to service. Hon. Jaafaru Yakubu’s re-election bid promises continuity in championing international cooperation, local development, and legislative accountability. As Taraba looks forward to stronger representation in the National Assembly, Hon. Jaafaru Yakubu stands out as a leader who combines vision, diplomacy, and grassroots connection to deliver meaningful progress for Bali/Gassol and Nigeria at large.
News
Tinubu Mega Group Mobilises 1,500, Endorses Tinubu’s Second Term Bid
The nation’s capital, Abuja, witnessed a massive political gathering on Tuesday as thousands of supporters under the umbrella of the Tinubu Mega Group (TMG) staged what organisers described as a “National Unity Rally” in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his re election bid ahead of the 2027 presidential election.The rally, which attracted participants from across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, brought together over 1,500 groups comprising professionals, civil society organisations, youth associations, religious leaders, artisans, traders, women groups, and grassroots mobilisers.At the rally, the coalition formally presented what it described as the endorsement of “20 million Nigerians” for another four years of President Tinubu’s administration, insisting that ongoing economic and structural reforms must be sustained beyond 2027.Addressing the gathering, the National Spokesperson of the Tinubu Mega Group, Tijani Ali Danjuma, said the rally represented the collective voice of Nigerians who believe in continuity, stability, and national progress.According to him, despite prevailing economic difficulties and global challenges, the Tinubu administration has demonstrated courage and direction in tackling inherited national problems.He highlighted ongoing infrastructure projects, renewed investments in local refining, economic stabilisation efforts, improved support for state governments, social intervention programmes, and reforms targeted at strengthening local governance and attracting investments.“The student loan programme has opened new opportunities for young Nigerians. Efforts are ongoing to strengthen the naira, improve food production, and reposition the economy for long term growth,” he stated.Danjuma added that the massive turnout at the rally was proof that support for the President cuts across regions, sectors, and religious affiliations.“To those spreading false narratives and attempting to create division, our answer is simple, the people have spoken. Nigerians are choosing continuity over confusion and progress over propaganda,” he declared.Also speaking at the rally on behalf of Nigerian professionals, Dr. Tabuko Kennedy said professionals across critical sectors of the economy were backing the administration because reforms require consistency and continuity to succeed.Representing doctors, lawyers, engineers, academics, entrepreneurs, creatives, artisans, and technocrats, Kennedy argued that abandoning ongoing reforms midway could negatively affect national development.He maintained that President Tinubu had shown commitment toward rebuilding the economy, strengthening infrastructure, improving revenue generation, supporting local industries, and creating opportunities for Nigerian youths.“As professionals, we understand that difficult reforms are never easy at the beginning, but we also know that abandoning reforms halfway can damage national progress,” he said.Kennedy further declared that “there is NO VACANCY in Aso Rock in 2027,” a statement that drew loud cheers from supporters at the venue.The Christian community was represented by Bishop Kola Oyedepo, who described the current phase of Nigeria’s development as a period requiring patience, sacrifice, wisdom, and collective responsibility.The cleric noted that leadership often demands difficult decisions and urged Nigerians not to allow bitterness, division, or destructive politics to derail ongoing efforts aimed at repositioning the country.According to him, reforms initiated under President Tinubu, including economic restructuring, infrastructure development, educational support through student loans, and efforts to improve local refining capacity, were necessary foundations for a stronger Nigeria.“Every wise builder must first lay a solid foundation. Nigeria today is in the process of rebuilding and restructuring its foundation for a stronger future,” the bishop stated.He urged Nigerians to continue praying for the country and its leaders while reiterating support for continuity in governance.“There is NO VACANCY in Aso Rock in 2027,” he added.Similarly, Islamic cleric Sheik Abubakar Mustapha called for patience, peace, unity, and support for national development efforts.The Imam acknowledged the economic and social challenges facing the country, but stressed that meaningful reforms require time, perseverance, and courageous leadership.He commended the administration’s focus on infrastructure, education support initiatives, governance reforms, and local refining projects aimed at strengthening national productivity.“We must not allow division, hatred, or politics of bitterness to weaken our country. Instead, we must support unity, peaceful coexistence, and responsible leadership,” he said.Mustapha also aligned with the position of the organisers, insisting that Nigerians who desire stability and sustained development understand that “there is NO VACANCY in Aso Rock in 2027.”Observers described the rally as one of the largest political mobilisation efforts witnessed in Abuja in recent months, with participants carrying banners, placards, and campaign materials bearing inscriptions such as “20 Million Nigerians Support Tinubu,” “Continuity for National Development,” and “One Voice, One Vision, One Nigeria.”The rally ended peacefully with prayers for national unity, economic recovery, and sustained democratic governance in Nigeria.
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