Author Archives: News All Around

Usman Audu

The Northern Emancipation Network (NAN) staunchly denounces the recent inflammatory remarks made by former Minister Solomon Dalung against the current administration of President Bola Tinubu. Dalung’s comments, which seem to advocate for violent protests and civil disobedience, are not only irresponsible but also pose a serious threat to national stability and unity.

As a former government official, Solomon Dalung carries a significant responsibility to uphold integrity and respect for the rule of law. However, recent statements attributed to him suggest a failure in meeting this obligation. By encouraging the youth to engage in acts of violence, Dalung is not only betraying the trust placed in him by the public, but also jeopardizing the lives and futures of impressionable individuals.

The group in a statement issued by it’s Chairman, Salifu Suleiman also averred that, Dalung as a public figure has a platform that can influence and shape the mindset of young people. His words carry weight and can incite actions that have far-reaching consequences. It is therefore crucial that he exercises caution and responsibility in his speech, particularly when it comes to matters of violence and conflict.

Encouraging the youth to engage in acts of violence goes against the principles of integrity and respect for the rule of law. It undermines the very foundations of a just and orderly society, and can lead to chaos, destruction, and unnecessary loss of life. The consequences of such actions are catastrophic, and can have long-lasting repercussions for both individuals and communities.

By promoting violence, Dalung is not only failing in his duty as a former government official, but also betraying the trust that has been placed in him. His actions are irresponsible and dangerous, and have the potential to sow division and conflict among young people. It is essential that he recognizes the impact of his words and takes steps to rectify his behavior.

Furthermore, the allegations of incompetence and ineptitude leveled against President Tinubu by Dalung are baseless and unsubstantiated. While constructive criticism is a vital part of a democratic society, it must be grounded in facts and evidence. Making sweeping accusations without due diligence only serves to sow discord and hinder the progress of our nation.

NAN firmly believes in the power of peaceful dialogue and cooperation to address grievances and effect positive change. We call on all Nigerians to reject the temptation of violence and instead engage in constructive conversations to find solutions to our challenges.

The Northern Awareness Network condemns Solomon Dalung’s incendiary comments and urges all Nigerians to reject calls for violence and embrace peaceful means of expressing dissent.

ENDS

…

The Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF) has faulted comments made by the former Minister of Youth and Sports, Solomon Dalung, in which he accused the current administration of President Bola Tinubu of incompetence and ineptitude in an apparent attempt to incite the youth into violent protests and civil disobedience.

The forum in a statement issued by its President General Yerima Shettima said, “We find it to be the height of shameless recklessness and insanity for Dalung to make such baseless accusations considering his own track record of mismanagement and corruption while he held office as Minister of Sports.

“During his tenure, Nigerian athletes faced numerous challenges due to his incompetence. One glaring example is when Nigerian athletes were sent to the Rio Olympics in 2016 without proper sports kits and uniforms, which brought embarrassment to our country on the global stage.

Moreover, Dalung unlawfully withdrew $130,000 from the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF), which had been mistakenly credited to the Ministry of Sports and refused to pay it back despite the serious consequences that Nigeria faced as a result. That money was eventually repaid only after his dismissal by the Buhari administration and the efforts of his successor, Mr. Sunday Dare.

It is indeed ironic that Dalung, who has a long record of misgovernance, incompetence, and corruption, would dare to pass judgment on any administration or official. His attempts to return as a minister after being sacked, and his failed bid for a House of Representatives seat in 2023 under the SDP ticket after being rejected by both the PDP and LP, further highlight his lack of integrity and popular support’ the forum stressed.

It is also worth mentioning that Dalung was appointed as a minister by President Buhari, in part, due to his controversial record in constantly attacking his Christian indigene in Plateau State—a clear testament to his lack of dedication to true public service.
Solomon Dalung is a failed minister, a Judas who sold his people for personal gain, and a man without a political home.

The AYCF condemns his actions and calls for accountability for his numerous acts of misgovernance and corruption. We urge all Nigerians to reject individuals like Dalung who put their own interests above those of the country.

The AYCF condemned Solomon Dalung’s baseless accusations and calls for him to be held accountable for his actions while in office. We urge the Nigerian public to reject his attempts to regain political relevance and to support leaders who are committed to promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance.

ENDS

Michelle Audu

The Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF) has faulted comments made by the former Minister of Youth and Sports, Solomon Dalung, in which he accused the current administration of President Bola Tinubu of incompetence and ineptitude in an apparent attempt to incite the youth into violent protests and civil disobedience.

The forum in a statement issued by its President General Yerima Shettima said, “We find it to be the height of shameless recklessness and insanity for Dalung to make such baseless accusations considering his own track record of mismanagement and corruption while he held office as Minister of Sports.

“During his tenure, Nigerian athletes faced numerous challenges due to his incompetence. One glaring example is when Nigerian athletes were sent to the Rio Olympics in 2016 without proper sports kits and uniforms, which brought embarrassment to our country on the global stage.

Moreover, Dalung unlawfully withdrew $130,000 from the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF), which had been mistakenly credited to the Ministry of Sports and refused to pay it back despite the serious consequences that Nigeria faced as a result. That money was eventually repaid only after his dismissal by the Buhari administration and the efforts of his successor, Mr. Sunday Dare.

It is indeed ironic that Dalung, who has a long record of misgovernance, incompetence, and corruption, would dare to pass judgment on any administration or official. His attempts to return as a minister after being sacked, and his failed bid for a House of Representatives seat in 2023 under the SDP ticket after being rejected by both the PDP and LP, further highlight his lack of integrity and popular support’ the forum stressed.

It is also worth mentioning that Dalung was appointed as a minister by President Buhari, in part, due to his controversial record in constantly attacking his Christian indigene in Plateau State—a clear testament to his lack of dedication to true public service.
Solomon Dalung is a failed minister, a Judas who sold his people for personal gain, and a man without a political home.

The AYCF condemns his actions and calls for accountability for his numerous acts of misgovernance and corruption. We urge all Nigerians to reject individuals like Dalung who put their own interests above those of the country.

The AYCF condemned Solomon Dalung’s baseless accusations and calls for him to be held accountable for his actions while in office. We urge the Nigerian public to reject his attempts to regain political relevance and to support leaders who are committed to promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance.

ENDS

By IBRAHIM HUSSAINI TINJA

Arewa Ears Community Development Forum in an effort to lend support to other Northerns who are in dire need of upliftment of their lives decided to express interest in establishing partnership with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), a government establishment to assist Nigerians.
We are greatly impressed by the work SMEDAN have been doing under the leadership since your appointment as Director General in October 2023.
Arewa Ears is currently recognized as one of the most outstanding organizations in Nigeria, particularly in the Northern region, for its unwavering commitment to providing hope and a sense of belonging to the common citizens across the 19 Northern states. Some of what we have achieved is offering entrepreneurship skills training and providing support to individuals to kickstart small businesses, enabling them to meet their basic needs and enhance their livelihood.
We firmly believed that addressing the root causes of issues such as hunger, poverty, and unemployment is crucial in promoting peace and stability in any society. Arewa Ears understands that hunger can lead to anger, and unchecked anger can escalate to violence. We recognized that beneath the surface of anger lie deep-seated emotions such as hurt, fear, frustration, sadness, and vulnerability. By addressing these underlying emotions and providing sustainable solutions, we aim to foster a peaceful and prosperous environment in the Northern region of Nigeria.
It is disheartening to witness the transformation of the once peaceful and welcoming Northern region into an area plagued by ignorance, banditry, poverty, child trafficking, unemployment, and various forms of criminal activities.
However, we are optimistic that through collaborative efforts and strategic partnerships, we can effect positive change and uplift the lives of the people in the region.
We equally believed that collaborating forces with SMEDAN, we can leverage our respective strengths and resources to create greater impact and reach more needy individuals. Together, we can work towards building a more resilient and thriving community in the Northern states of Nigeria.
We would be grateful for the opportunity to discuss potential areas of collaboration and explore how our organizations can complement each other’s efforts towards achieving our shared goals. Your support and partnership would be invaluable in advancing our collective mission of promoting entrepreneurship, reducing poverty, and fostering sustainable development in the Northern region.
We identify SMEDAN as a crucial entity in addressing pressing issues, particularly concerning poverty and unemployment, within the 19 Northern states.
During the meeting the Chief Executive Officer of Arewa Ears Community Development Forum, Ambassador Mohammed Muazu who in company by his fellow members Ambassador Sadiq Ibrahim Adamu , Ambassador Nura Garba Ahmad, Ambassador Sudais Suleiman Sokoto, Ambassador Lawan Munkailla, Ambassador Hadiza Mohammed Borno and Ambassador Ibrahim Hussain Tinja. Recently as part of efforts to secure succour for our esteem youths had a meeting with the Director General of SMEDAN, Dr. Charles Odii, along with Ms Bridget Ohikhokai -Deputy Director F&A and Alh Moshood Lawal-Head Corporate Affairs (SMEDAN)
During the meeting, Ambassodor Mohammed Muazu briefed the Director General, Dr Odii on what Arewa Ears Community Development forum is all about and its mission and vision to promote and develop the good people of Northern Nigeria irrespective of religion, tribe and ethnicity. Ambassodor Muazu highlighted the urgency of intervention in certain states that are mostly affected by unemployment. He informed plans to launch sensitization programs targeting youth in these states and invited SMEDAN to actively participate in these initiatives.
He disclosed that Arewa Ears Community Development Forum is an organization dedicated to addressing the pressing issues that are affecting the people of Northern Nigeria, particularly high levels of poverty and unemployment. Ambassador Muazu expressed his concerns about these issues and emphasized the need for collaboration with SMEDAN to support their cause. He also highlighted the fact that poverty and unemployment are major root causes of insurgency in the region, which has destabilized the entire Northern region.
Responding, Dr. Charles Odii promised to collaborate with Arewa Ears Community Development Forum and support their efforts to address these issues. He pledged to travel to all 19 Northern states of Nigeria together with Arewa Ears to raise awareness and find solutions to the challenges facing the region. He also committed to supporting 3000 active members of Arewa Ears with sensitization Program and professional entrepreneurship skills training through the application of INITIAL CREATE START SKILLS (ICSS) and Empowerment programs.
The meeting between Arewa Ears community development forum and SMEDAN marks a significant step towards addressing the socio-economic challenges facing Northern Nigeria. By working together, these organizations can make a real difference in the lives of the people in the region and help to create a more prosperous and stable future for all.
Arewa Ears Community Development Forum sees Dr. Charles Odii as a beacon of hope for the youth, given his remarkable vision, capacity, and track record as a problem solver. His commitment to empowering entrepreneurs and startups in Africa to drive economic growth and create jobs is truly inspiring. With over a decade of experience in senior management roles in technology and business development, Dr. Odii has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills and a talent for building successful partnerships.
In his first 100 days in office, Dr. Charles Odii have already made a tangible impact through various initiatives. His efforts have led to the creation of 15,000 jobs and the facilitation of over 7 billion Naira in funding for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). Such achievements underscore his dedication to driving positive change and fostering growth within the SME sector.
As stakeholders, it is essential for us to acknowledge and support the transformative work being carried out under Dr. Odii’s leadership at SMEDAN. The experience garnered as a season administrator has injected into SMEDAN which have brot progress to the the organisation and Nigerians. The initiatives spearheaded by him not only have immediate benefits but also hold the promise of a brighter future for entrepreneurs and small businesses in Nigeria.
We look forward to witnessing the continued success and progress under Dr. Odii’s stewardship at SMEDAN.

By Ibrahim H. Tinja

Arewa Ears Community Development Forum, in an effort to lend support to other Northerners who are in dire need of upliftment of their lives, has expressed interest in establishing a partnership with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), a government establishment to assist Nigerians.

We are greatly impressed by the work SMEDAN has been doing under the leadership of Dr. Charles Odii since his appointment as Director General in October 2023. Arewa Ears is currently recognized as one of the most outstanding organizations in Nigeria, particularly in the Northern region, for its unwavering commitment to providing hope and a sense of belonging to the common citizens across the 19 Northern states.

Some of what we have achieved include offering entrepreneurship skills training and providing support to individuals to kickstart small businesses, enabling them to meet their basic needs and enhance their livelihood. We firmly believe that addressing the root causes of issues such as hunger, poverty, and unemployment is crucial in promoting peace and stability in any society.

Arewa Ears understands that hunger can lead to anger, and unchecked anger can escalate to violence. We recognize that beneath the surface of anger lie deep-seated emotions such as hurt, fear, frustration, sadness, and vulnerability. By addressing these underlying emotions and providing sustainable solutions, we aim to foster a peaceful and prosperous environment in the Northern region of Nigeria.

It is disheartening to witness the transformation of the once peaceful and welcoming Northern region into an area plagued by ignorance, banditry, poverty, child trafficking, unemployment, and various forms of criminal activities. However, we are optimistic that through collaborative efforts and strategic partnerships, we can effect positive change and uplift the lives of the people in the region.

We equally believe that collaborating with SMEDAN, we can leverage our respective strengths and resources to create greater impact and reach more needy individuals. Together, we can work towards building a more resilient and thriving community in the Northern states of Nigeria.

We would be grateful for the opportunity to discuss potential areas of collaboration and explore how our organizations can complement each other’s efforts towards achieving our shared goals. Your support and partnership would be invaluable in advancing our collective mission of promoting entrepreneurship, reducing poverty, and fostering sustainable development in the Northern region.

We identify SMEDAN as a crucial entity in addressing pressing issues, particularly concerning poverty and unemployment, within the 19 Northern states. During the meeting, the Chief Executive Officer of Arewa Ears Community Development Forum, Ambassador Mohammed Muazu, who was accompanied by his fellow members, Ambassador Sadiq Ibrahim Adamu, Ambassador Nura Garba Ahmad, Ambassador Sudais Suleiman Sokoto, Ambassador Lawan Munkailla, Ambassador Hadiza Mohammed Borno, and Ambassador Ibrahim Hussain Tinja, recently had a meeting with the Director General of SMEDAN, Dr. Charles Odii, along with Ms. Bridget Ohikhokai – Deputy Director F&A, and Alh. Moshood Lawal – Head Corporate Affairs (SMEDAN).

During the meeting, Ambassador Mohammed Muazu briefed the Director General, Dr. Odii, on what Arewa Ears Community Development Forum is all about and its mission and vision to promote and develop the good people of Northern Nigeria, irrespective of religion, tribe, and ethnicity. Ambassador Muazu highlighted the urgency of intervention in certain states that are mostly affected by unemployment. He informed plans to launch sensitization programs targeting youth in these states and invited SMEDAN to actively participate in these initiatives.

He disclosed that Arewa Ears Community Development Forum is an organization dedicated to addressing the pressing issues that are affecting the people of Northern Nigeria, particularly high levels of poverty and unemployment. Ambassador Muazu expressed his concerns about these issues and emphasized the need for collaboration with SMEDAN to support their cause. He also highlighted the fact that poverty and unemployment are major root causes of insurgency in the region, which has destabilized the entire Northern region.

Responding, Dr. Charles Odii promised to collaborate with Arewa Ears Community Development Forum and support their efforts to address these issues. He pledged to travel to all 19 Northern states of Nigeria together with Arewa Ears to raise awareness and find solutions to the challenges facing the region. He also committed to supporting 3000 active members of Arewa Ears with sensitization programs and professional entrepreneurship skills training through the application of INITIAL CREATE START SKILLS (ICSS) and Empowerment programs.

The meeting between Arewa Ears Community Development Forum and SMEDAN marks a significant step towards addressing the socio-economic challenges facing Northern Nigeria. By working together, these organizations can make a real difference in the lives of the people in the region and help create a more prosperous and stable future for all.

Arewa Ears Community Development

Agaba Adam

The Northern Awareness Network (NAN) is deeply concerned about the escalating public anger and growing calls for protest across Nigeria. As an organization dedicated to promoting dialogue, understanding, and unity, we recognize the legitimate grievances of the Nigerian people, especially the youth, who are bearing the brunt of the current hardships and insecurity.

The situation in Nigeria is indeed dire, with a combination of economic challenges, insecurity, and social injustices fueling widespread frustration and anger among the populace. The recent spate of protests and calls for mass demonstrations are a clear indication of the urgent need for change and accountability at all levels of governance.

While we support the right of citizens to peacefully assemble and express their grievances, we must also recognize the potential for violence and escalation in such situations. The history of protests in Nigeria, and indeed around the world, has shown that peaceful demonstrations can quickly turn violent if not managed carefully. This is why NAN is calling for restraint and caution in the face of mounting public anger.

According to a statement issued by the Chairman Salifu Suleiman “We believe that dialogue and engagement are the most effective ways to address the root causes of the current crisis. It is crucial for all stakeholders – government officials, civil society organizations, community leaders, and citizens – to come together in a spirit of openness and cooperation to find lasting solutions to the challenges facing the nation”

NAN also called on the government to take urgent and meaningful steps to address the grievances of the people and restore confidence in the leadership. It is essential for the authorities to demonstrate that they are listening to the concerns of the populace and taking concrete action to improve the situation for all Nigerians.

“At the same time, we must also recognize the need to uphold the rule of law and protect the rights of all citizens. While peaceful protests are a fundamental right in a democracy, violence and destruction are never acceptable or justifiable. It is crucial for all protesters to exercise their rights responsibly and lawfully, without resorting to violence or acts of aggression.

“NAN stands ready to support and facilitate constructive dialogue and engagement between all parties involved in the current crisis. We urge all Nigerians to come together with a spirit of unity, understanding, and empathy to overcome the challenges facing our nation. By working together towards a common goal of peace, stability, and prosperity, we can build a brighter future for all citizens of Nigeria”.

ENDS

Zakari Mohammed

The Northern Stakeholders Consultative Forum (NSCF) is deeply concerned about the intolerable level of hardship and the general and pervasive insecurity being experienced across Nigeria. The rising cost of living, the lack of basic amenities, and the increasing spate of insecurity have made life unbearable for many Nigerians.

According to a statement issued by the spokesperson Comrade Paul Danjuma, the acknowledge the right of citizens to legitimate protests as a means of calling the attention of the government to the situation and the urgent need for taking visible steps towards pacifying the mounting public anger in order to avert a looming mass protest that is pregnant with unforeseen consequences.

“We plead with the public, particularly the youth everywhere and in the North in particular, to exercise restraint and stay action on the planned protests to allow room for honest, open-ended dialogue. While we understand the frustrations and grievances of the people, we believe that violence and chaos will only exacerbate the current situation.

“We call for the urgent intervention of critical stakeholders for a peaceful, transparent, and practically acceptable resolution of the situation. It is imperative that the government listens to the cries of its citizens and takes concrete steps towards addressing the root causes of the current crisis.

“We urge the government to prioritize the welfare and security of all Nigerians and to work towards creating a conducive environment for economic growth and development. The people deserve to live in peace and dignity, and it is the responsibility of the government to ensure that this is possible”.

The forum reiterates their commitment to the peace and unity of Nigeria and call on all stakeholders to come together in a spirit of cooperation and understanding to find lasting solutions to the challenges facing our beloved country. Together, we can build a better future for all Nigerians.

ENDS

By Suleiman Abbah

The state of education in Zamfara under the current administration of Governor Dauda Lawal has witnessed a downward spiral in just the past one year.

The administration’s lack of focus on education has led to a deteriorating educational system in the state, with schools in disrepair, teachers underpaid and neglected, and students lacking the necessary resources to thrive academically.

This stands in stark contrast to the transformative changes brought about by Lawal’s predecessor Bello Mohammed Matawalle during his tenure.

Matawalle took office in 2019 when Zamfara was facing multiple challenges, including widespread poverty, insecurity, and a failing education system.

However, through strategic planning and dedicated leadership, he was able to turn the tide and prioritize education in the state.

One of his major achievements was the allocation of 19% of the state’s budget to education, the highest provision in Zamfara’s history.

This enabled the government to embark on various initiatives aimed at improving the quality of education in the state.

Another key focus of Matawalle’s administration was the renovation of science schools and the training of science teachers.

This investment in science education not only equipped students with the necessary skills for the future but also helped to bridge the gap in the STEM fields.

Additionally, over 6,000 primary school teachers who had been neglected for years were promoted, and their salary arrears cleared, demonstrating the government’s commitment to valuing and supporting educators.

Furthermore, Matawalle approved the reinstatement of over 500 teachers who had been dismissed by the previous administration, reaffirming his dedication to ensuring a robust and well-equipped teaching workforce.

He also awarded contracts for the construction of over 600 primary school classrooms and provided modern ICT centers to enhance the learning experience for students.

These investments in infrastructure and resources were crucial for creating a conducive learning environment that fosters academic excellence.

Matawalle’s efforts extended beyond just funding, as he also secured a significant intervention fund for Abdu Gusau Polytechnic and facilitated the enlistment of Zamfara State University by the National Universities Commission.

These actions demonstrated Matawalle’s determination to improve the quality of education in the state and provide opportunities for its students to excel.

The impact of Matawalle’s initiatives had not gone unnoticed, as the Federal Government of then President Muhammadu Buhari recognized and commended him for his efforts in moving Zamfara’s education sector to the top position in the North Western Zone.

The then Minister of State for Education, Hon. Chukwu Emeka Nwajuba, praised Matawalle for his achievements and highlighted the state’s success in the National Common Entrance Examinations.

This acknowledgment from the Federal Government underscores the significant progress made by Matawalle in the education sector.

Adakole Adaji

As part of the ongoing grassroots engagement to foster peaceful coexistence in the Jaba Local Government area of Kaduna State, the Chairperson in charge of the Council, Hon. Mrs. Nita Byack George, has reiterated her commitment to ensuring a harmonious relationship between farmers and herders in the area.

In 2022, Hon. Nita set up an inclusive Farmers and Herders Committee, comprising security agencies, traditional leaders, Fulani Ardos, religious leaders, and other prime movers in the local council. The committee developed a guideline that punishes offenders and rewards victims of deliberate farm destruction and animal poisoning.

The guideline stipulates that there will be no more child herding, and adults will lead their animals to avoid cows straying onto farms. Additionally, there will be no grazing after 7 pm. Farmers and herders have made commitments to protect each other’s interests, and offenders will face fines.

Hon. Nita emphasized the importance of peace in achieving Governor Uba Sani’s vision for a developed Kaduna State. She reiterated that peace is not negotiable in Jaba, especially now, and that the committee’s efforts are focused on ensuring real-time peace between farmers and herders.

The committee’s agreements have been well-received by stakeholders, and a communique will be shared with district heads and Fulani Ardos to ensure everyone is on the same page. Jaba Local Government is working hard to maintain its status as the most peaceful local government in the state.