Arewa Times

By Our Correspondent

The Middle Belt Forum (MBF) has expressed deep concern over what it describes as a glaring disparity in the national response to mass abductions across Nigeria, lamenting that while the country celebrated the rescue of schoolchildren in Oyo State, dozens of children kidnapped in Borno and Kaduna States have been abandoned to their fate in captivity.

In a press statement signed by its Spokesman, Luka Binniyat, on Wednesday, the MBF commended the Federal Government, security agencies, and all parties involved in the successful rescue of schoolchildren and teachers abducted in Oyo State on May 15, 2026, describing their safe return as a relief to their families and the nation at large.

However, the forum cautioned that protecting lives is not an act of charity but a constitutional obligation.

“Section 14(2)(b) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), clearly states that ‘the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government.’ Every Nigerian, regardless of ethnicity, religion or location, deserves equal protection under this constitutional obligation,” the statement read in part.

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The Mussa Tragedy: 42 Children, Including Toddlers, Still in Captivity

The MBF drew attention to the tragic fate of pupils from Government Day Secondary School, Mussa, in Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State, who were abducted on the same day terrorists struck in Oyo State.

According to the forum, the school complex—which housed a secondary school, a primary school, and a nursery school—was attacked by Boko Haram terrorists, with 42 innocent children abducted, including toddlers as young as two years old.

“What has followed since then is deeply disturbing. While the entire nation rightly mobilised in support of the Oyo victims, the children of Mussa have suffered in almost complete silence,” the MBF lamented.

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A Pattern of Neglect: Lassa, Shikarkir, Southern Kaduna Attacks

The forum further noted that the tragedy in Southern Borno did not end with the Mussa attack. On 29 June 2026, armed terrorists attacked Government Day Secondary School, Lassa, also in Askira/Uba LGA, while students were sitting for their examinations. Thirty-six students (twenty-five girls and eleven boys) and a staff member were abducted, with at least one teacher killed during the attack.

The MBF also recalled that in August 2025, terrorists invaded Shikarkir in Chibok LGA and abducted seven boys and girls who remain in captivity to date.

Highlighting attacks in Southern Kaduna, the forum noted that on 6th April 2026, armed Fulani bandits attacked three churches in Ariko Village, Kachia LGA, during Easter Sunday worship. Seven worshippers were murdered and thirty-seven people, mostly women and children, were abducted—among them an elderly blind man. One of the kidnapped women reportedly gave birth while in captivity, and some have since died from harsh conditions.

Barely two weeks later, on 20 April 2026, Awon Community in Kachia LGA was attacked, leaving two citizens dead and eleven others abducted.

“All these victims remain in captivity, while their families continue to endure unimaginable pain with little reassurance from those entrusted with protecting them,” the statement read.

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A Call for Equal Treatment and National Conscience

The MBF expressed dismay that enormous public resources are being devoted to programmes for “repentant” Boko Haram members and bandits, while innocent citizens remain abandoned in captivity.

“The Middle Belt Forum believes that no government should appear more concerned about rehabilitating criminals than rescuing innocent citizens still held by those same criminals,” the forum declared.

It warned that “the continued silence of both the Federal Government and the governments of Borno and Kaduna States sends a dangerous message that some Nigerian lives matter more than others.”

The forum demanded that the governments of Borno and Kaduna States demonstrate the same commitment shown by the Oyo State Government during its abduction crisis, including regular briefings for families of the abducted.

The MBF also urged the Federal Government to intensify rescue operations, and called on the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT), civil society organisations, human rights groups, religious leaders, and the media to extend the same solidarity and outrage to victims in Southern Borno and Southern Kaduna.

“Every Nigerian child held hostage by enemies of society deserves to be remembered. Every hostage deserves hope. Every family deserves justice,” the statement concluded.

By Mike Odeh James

The Middle Belt Forum (MBF) has expressed deep concern over what it describes as a glaring disparity in the national response to mass abductions across Nigeria, lamenting that while the country celebrated the rescue of schoolchildren in Oyo State, dozens of children kidnapped in Borno and Kaduna States have been abandoned to their fate in captivity.

In a press statement signed by its Spokesman, Luka Binniyat, on Wednesday, the MBF commended the Federal Government, security agencies, and all parties involved in the successful rescue of schoolchildren and teachers abducted in Oyo State on May 15, 2026, describing their safe return as a relief to their families and the nation at large.

However, the forum cautioned that protecting lives is not an act of charity but a constitutional obligation.

“Section 14(2)(b) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), clearly states that ‘the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government.’ Every Nigerian, regardless of ethnicity, religion or location, deserves equal protection under this constitutional obligation,” the statement read in part.

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The Mussa Tragedy: 42 Children, Including Toddlers, Still in Captivity

The MBF drew attention to the tragic fate of pupils from Government Day Secondary School, Mussa, in Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State, who were abducted on the same day terrorists struck in Oyo State.

According to the forum, the school complex—which housed a secondary school, a primary school, and a nursery school—was attacked by Boko Haram terrorists, with 42 innocent children abducted, including toddlers as young as two years old.

“What has followed since then is deeply disturbing. While the entire nation rightly mobilised in support of the Oyo victims, the children of Mussa have suffered in almost complete silence,” the MBF lamented.

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A Pattern of Neglect: Lassa, Shikarkir, Southern Kaduna Attacks

The forum further noted that the tragedy in Southern Borno did not end with the Mussa attack. On 29 June 2026, armed terrorists attacked Government Day Secondary School, Lassa, also in Askira/Uba LGA, while students were sitting for their examinations. Thirty-six students (twenty-five girls and eleven boys) and a staff member were abducted, with at least one teacher killed during the attack.

The MBF also recalled that in August 2025, terrorists invaded Shikarkir in Chibok LGA and abducted seven boys and girls who remain in captivity to date.

Highlighting attacks in Southern Kaduna, the forum noted that on 6th April 2026, armed Fulani bandits attacked three churches in Ariko Village, Kachia LGA, during Easter Sunday worship. Seven worshippers were murdered and thirty-seven people, mostly women and children, were abducted—among them an elderly blind man. One of the kidnapped women reportedly gave birth while in captivity, and some have since died from harsh conditions.

Barely two weeks later, on 20 April 2026, Awon Community in Kachia LGA was attacked, leaving two citizens dead and eleven others abducted.

“All these victims remain in captivity, while their families continue to endure unimaginable pain with little reassurance from those entrusted with protecting them,” the statement read.

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A Call for Equal Treatment and National Conscience

The MBF expressed dismay that enormous public resources are being devoted to programmes for “repentant” Boko Haram members and bandits, while innocent citizens remain abandoned in captivity.

“The Middle Belt Forum believes that no government should appear more concerned about rehabilitating criminals than rescuing innocent citizens still held by those same criminals,” the forum declared.

It warned that “the continued silence of both the Federal Government and the governments of Borno and Kaduna States sends a dangerous message that some Nigerian lives matter more than others.”

The forum demanded that the governments of Borno and Kaduna States demonstrate the same commitment shown by the Oyo State Government during its abduction crisis, including regular briefings for families of the abducted.

The MBF also urged the Federal Government to intensify rescue operations, and called on the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT), civil society organisations, human rights groups, religious leaders, and the media to extend the same solidarity and outrage to victims in Southern Borno and Southern Kaduna.

“Every Nigerian child held hostage by enemies of society deserves to be remembered. Every hostage deserves hope. Every family deserves justice,” the statement concluded.

​By Fr. Onuh Ladi, PhD

​Back in July 2025, a good friend of mine who works for an International NGO reached out with an exciting lead. Our organizations had partnered successfully for over three years, so he knew our strengths well.

​”There’s an Expression of Interest (EOI) out right now,” he told me. “I really think you and your team should go for it. You can leverage the strong media presence and visibility we’ve built together over the years.”

​It was incredibly encouraging news. My team and I didn’t waste a moment and swung into action. The deadline was tight—we only had a week—but that wasn’t what gave me pause. What truly caught my eye was the project’s name: Faith and Cultural Champions (FCC). It felt like it was tailor-made for our mission.

​But as I dove into the project objectives, I hit a speed bump. One specific component stood out: Child Spacing.
​While Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health (MNCH) was straightforward and posed no issues, “Child Spacing”—often called family planning in other circles—raised immediate, genuine concerns for me as a Catholic priest. I found myself wondering: How will our faithful receive this? Will it be embraced, or will it cause division?

​To clear my own doubts, I went back to the books, diving deeper into what the Church actually teaches about family planning. I realized that within the context of the FCC project, the focus was truly on Child Birth Spacing—a concept rooted in the health, dignity, and wellbeing of the family.

​The Turning Point: From Skepticism to Commitment

​Overcoming that internal hurdle was just step one. Soon after, we were shortlisted as one of the Implementing Faith and Cultural Champions (IFCCs). That was when the real work began.

​Later in 2025, I attended a co-creation meeting in Kano. It was a defining moment for me. Sitting with other religious leaders to help develop the Social and Behavior Change (SBC) materials for the field, I felt a profound personal transformation. I watched myself move from skepticism to trust, from fear to facts, and from concern to absolute commitment.

​These past months have been a masterclass in learning and unlearning. My team and I have gone out into the fields, talking to tens of thousands of people during Masses and at various parish gatherings.

Today, I stand completely confident in communicating the core messages of the FCC project to fellow priests, pastors, and the laity alike.

​One of the most fulfilling milestones of this journey was securing the support of His Grace, Most Rev. Matthew Man’Oso Ndagoso, the Metropolitan Archbishop of the Kaduna Ecclesiastical Province and President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria.

He graciously recorded a powerful video message endorsing spousal communication—which sits at the very heart of everything we do.

​It truly has been a journey from internal confidence to active, bold communication.

​What We Are Working to Change

​Our goals are clear, human, and deeply necessary. We want to see adolescent girls and young married women confidently:

​Speak up: Discuss openly the number of children they desire to raise and feel equipped to care for.
​Deliver safely: Give birth at proper health facilities.
​Break barriers: Move past harmful cultural norms and stigmas associated with Child Spacing and MNCH.

​We also want to ensure that our religious and traditional leaders—who hold immense Trust, Influence, and Power (TrIP)—actively use their platforms to champion these causes.

​As Project Coordinator and an active IFCC, I’m putting my own platform to use, hosting conversations on Health Matters via Radio Maria 90.1 FM Kaduna, and engaging directly with people on the ground.

​A Note of Gratitude

​I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations to the Executive Director of CCSI and her incredible, dedicated team for their remarkable work. My sincere appreciation also goes out to our donors for making this life-changing initiative possible.

​This is a collective mission. I invite you to join us. Let us spread the word, protect the lives of mothers and children, and eliminate preventable mortality so that every family can thrive.

​Fr. Onuh Ladi, PhD

Project Coordinator, FCC, JDPC

KAFANCHAN

Defending champions, Kada Queens of Kaduna State, on Saturday successfully retained their women’s title at the 2026 National Hockey Championship after defeating Plateau State 2-0 in the final played at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.

The victory reaffirmed Kaduna State’s dominance in Nigerian women’s hockey, as the Kada Queens produced a disciplined and commanding performance to overcome a determined Plateau side and lift the championship trophy for another year.

The Kaduna team controlled the pace of the match with impressive tactical organisation, converting two scoring opportunities while keeping their opponents at bay to seal a deserved victory before an enthusiastic crowd of hockey enthusiasts and officials.

Former Senator Shehu Sani, who represented Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani as the Guest of Honour, attended the final and congratulated both teams for their outstanding display of sportsmanship and competitiveness.

He commended the Kaduna State Government for its sustained commitment to sports development, describing the team’s success as a reflection of deliberate investment in youth and athletic excellence.

The triumph further strengthens Kaduna State’s reputation as one of Nigeria’s leading hockey centres. Prior to the championship, officials of the Kada Queens had expressed confidence in the team’s readiness to defend its title, citing months of intensive preparations, quality coaching and participation in international competitions.

Team officials also attributed the successful title defence to the support of Governor Uba Sani’s administration, noting that increased funding for sports, improved welfare for athletes and continuous investment in hockey development have played a significant role in the team’s consistent achievements at national competitions.

With the latest triumph, Kada Queens have added another remarkable chapter to their illustrious history, further cementing their status as one of Nigeria’s most successful and formidable women’s hockey teams while setting the benchmark for excellence in the sport.

Minister insists President’s democratic credentials remain intact despite opposition propaganda

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The Minister of State for Defence and former Governor of Zamfara State, Mohammed Bello Matawalle, has declared that the recent judgment of the Federal High Court in Abuja affirming the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) under former Senate President David Mark has vindicated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu against allegations of interfering in the judiciary or plotting to impose a one-party system on Nigeria.

Reacting to the court’s dismissal of a suit filed by House of Representatives member Leke Abejide challenging the ADC leadership, Matawalle said the ruling had once again demonstrated that President Tinubu remained committed to the independence of the judiciary, due process and the rule of law.

He maintained that despite sustained political attacks by opposition figures and some members of the political elite, the President had never interfered with judicial proceedings or attempted to influence the outcome of politically sensitive cases.

“President Tinubu’s democratic credentials were built long before he became President. So having participated in the struggle for the restoration of democracy, he fully understood the importance of preserving democratic institutions. The sanctity of the judiciary remained non-negotiable under the current administration because the President believed that a strong and independent judiciary was fundamental to Nigeria’s democratic survival, political stability and national cohesion,” he said.

Matawalle accused some opposition politicians of deliberately spreading falsehood and propaganda to discredit the President, alleging that they were quick to accuse him whenever court decisions did not favour their political interests but unwilling to acknowledge judgments that reflected the independence of the judiciary.

He argued that genuine patriots should be fair enough to commend the President when court decisions clearly showed that democratic institutions were functioning without executive interference.

On security, Matawalle said the Federal Government remained undeterred, noting that troops under Operation Fansan Yamma had recorded significant successes by dismantling several bandits’ enclaves, neutralising notorious bandit leaders and recovering communities previously under the control of criminal elements across the North-West.

“Similar operations by the military and other security agencies across different parts of the country had continued to weaken terrorists, bandits and other criminal groups, leading to improved security in many affected communities,” he maintained.

He, however, assured Nigerians that President Tinubu remained resolute in ending insecurity across the country and would continue to provide the Armed Forces and other security agencies with the necessary support, equipment and political backing to defeat all criminal elements.

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E-signed
Ahmed Dan Wudil,
Media Aide,
Hon Minister of State for Defence

By Mike Odeh James

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KADUNA — The Kaduna State Government is set to expand its campaign against the out-of-school children crisis by partnering with 50 traditional Qur’anic teachers under the Reaching Out-of-School Children (ROOSC) Project, in a move designed to strengthen learning opportunities in Tsangaya centres across the state.

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The partnerships, to be formalised through Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), will integrate foundational literacy, numeracy and life-skills education into traditional Qur’anic schools while preserving their religious instruction.

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Project Coordinator Ezra Angai disclosed the plan during a media briefing in Kaduna, describing the initiative as a practical strategy for ensuring vulnerable children acquire both Islamic education and essential academic skills needed for modern society.

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The expansion builds on the project’s earlier collaboration with 25 Alaramas, whose centres now deliver structured lessons supported by teaching materials, teacher stipends and improved learning facilities.

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As part of the intervention, six Tsangaya centres have already benefited from infrastructure upgrades, including new classrooms, toilets, boreholes and other improvements that provide a safer and healthier learning environment.

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According to Angai, the next phase will extend similar support to 50 additional centres, providing instructional materials, teacher development, sanitation facilities and hygiene programmes to improve both teaching and learning outcomes.

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The ROOSC Project is Kaduna State’s flagship education initiative aimed at reducing the number of out-of-school children. The programme targets 100,000 children across the state’s 23 local government areas.

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Angai said the intervention is driven by one of the country’s most comprehensive household mapping exercises, during which officials surveyed more than 360,000 households and identified 187,719 children who were not attending school.

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The project also promotes inclusive education by supporting children living with disabilities. More than 1,444 children across nine pilot local government areas have received assistive devices following medical assessments. The support includes prescription eyeglasses, hearing aids, Braille materials, walking canes, specialised laptops and standing devices to enable them to learn alongside their peers.

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In addition, more than 3,000 teachers have undergone professional training in classroom management, structured pedagogy and inclusive education to improve the quality of instruction across participating schools.

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The initiative has already exceeded its initial enrolment target. The project successfully returned 15,000 out-of-school children to classrooms during its first year, surpassing its target of 10,000. More than 11,000 children have also been mainstreamed toward achieving the Year Two target of 25,000.

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Angai said the progress demonstrates the impact of sustained collaboration between government, traditional Islamic educators and development partners, adding that every child enrolled represents another step toward ensuring access to quality, equitable and inclusive education throughout Kaduna State.

Aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and Nigeria’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2060, while creating a lasting pipeline of young professionals equipped to lead the nation’s energy future, the Dr. Abdullahi Mustapha (DAM Foundation), in collaboration with the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Youth Wing, is set to screen 124 outstanding applicants for the inaugural Mustapha Abdullahi Energy Leadership Fellowship (MAELF).

This is a flagship initiative aimed at grooming Nigeria’s next generation of energy leaders and innovators.

The prestigious seven-day residential fellowship attracted 1,212 applications from young Nigerians and Africans seeking to contribute to the transformation of the energy sector.

The programme is designed to equip participants with cutting-edge knowledge in renewable energy, energy transition policy, climate action, leadership, and governance.

Speaking on the fellowship, APC National Youth Leader, Dayo Israel, described MAELF as a strategic investment in Nigeria’s future.

According to him: “The future of Nigeria’s economic growth and industrial development depends largely on the quality of leadership within the energy sector.

“Through MAELF, we are building a new generation of energy experts, policy innovators, entrepreneurs, and executives who will drive Nigeria’s energy transition and position Africa as a global force in sustainable energy development,” He said.

Outstanding fellows will benefit from internship placements, mentorship opportunities, policy engagement platforms, field visits, and access to grants of up to ₦20 million to support innovative clean energy solutions.

The Dr. Abdullahi Mustapha (DAM Foundation) and the APC National Youth Wing said the fellowship aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and Nigeria’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2060, while creating a lasting pipeline of young professionals equipped to lead the nation’s energy future.

A civil society group ,under umbrella of Forum for Good Governance and Accountability (FGGA) has dismissed the bribery allegations levelled against the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, describing the claims as frivolous, baseless and unsupported by evidence.

The group’s reaction comes amid growing public debate over allegations recently made against the former Speaker of the House of Representatives by Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi, who claimed that Gbajabiamila demanded and received bribes in connection with the controversial Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC).

The allegations have also attracted calls from opposition figures for an independent investigation.

In a statement signed by Dr. Mohammed Musa Kaura , the group maintained that Gbajabiamila’s long record in public service speaks for itself, insisting that the allegations do not reflect his reputation or career in government.

According to the group, Gbajabiamila served as Leader of the House of Representatives for eight years before becoming Speaker for another four years, and currently serves as Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu.

“Throughout these years of public service, he has never been found guilty of wrongdoing or corruption. The allegations being circulated against him are not only frivolous but completely unfounded,” the group stated.

It argued that public office holders should not be subjected to trial by media, stressing that accusations must be supported by credible evidence and investigated through lawful institutions rather than the court of public opinion.

The group warned against what it described as politically motivated attempts to tarnish the image of senior government officials through unverified allegations, saying such actions could undermine public confidence in democratic institutions.

It further urged Nigerians to allow due process to take its course and refrain from reaching conclusions before competent authorities establish the facts.

The group noted that Gbajabiamila has built a reputation over more than two decades in public service and legislative leadership, adding that his record as a lawmaker, Speaker of the House of Representatives and now Chief of Staff should not be overshadowed by what it described as “unsubstantiated accusations.”

The group however insisted that claims remain unproven and should be subjected to due legal process before any conclusions are drawn.

Kaduna, Nigeria – In a significant move to promote digital literacy and prepare citizens for the future of work, Musawah for Youth and Development Initiative (Musawah 4 Y-D Initiative) successfully organized a One-Day Intensive Capacity Building Training on Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Teachers, Lecturers, Students, and Other Professionals in Kaduna Central Senatorial Zone.

The highly impactful training attracted over 200 participants drawn from secondary and tertiary educational institutions, government establishments, private organizations, civil society groups, and the wider professional community. Participants included teachers, lecturers, students, school administrators, civil servants, entrepreneurs, NGO personnel, and other professionals seeking to understand and harness the growing opportunities presented by Artificial Intelligence.

The training was organized in response to the increasing global adoption of Artificial Intelligence across education, business, healthcare, governance, communication, and virtually every sector of the economy. Recognizing that AI is rapidly reshaping how people learn, work, solve problems, and make decisions, Musawah for Youth and Development Initiative designed the programme to equip participants with practical knowledge and skills that can improve productivity, enhance research capabilities, and support professional development.

Speaking during the event, the National Coordinator of Musawah for Youth and Development Initiative emphasized that the organization remains committed to initiatives that promote education, innovation, youth empowerment, and human capital development.

According to the National Coordinator, Artificial Intelligence is no longer a technology of the future but a present-day reality that individuals and institutions must embrace to remain relevant and competitive.

“Our objective is to ensure that teachers, lecturers, students, and professionals are equipped with practical digital skills that will enable them to work smarter, improve learning outcomes, increase productivity, and take advantage of the opportunities created by emerging technologies. This initiative reflects our commitment to empowering people with knowledge that has lasting value.”

The technical sessions were facilitated by Samuel Ateh Stephen, Technology Strategist, Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transformation Consultant, and Founder/Chief Executive Officer of Realist Tech Solutions (RTS), alongside Salamatu Nuhuakubu, an Applied Technology Trainer and Chief Executive Officer of SK Tech.

Together, the facilitators delivered practical sessions on Artificial Intelligence for Workplace Productivity, Research, and Professional Development, guiding participants through real-world applications of AI in education, research, business, and the workplace. Through live demonstrations and interactive exercises, participants gained hands-on experience in using AI tools to improve productivity, enhance learning, streamline professional tasks, and support informed decision-making.

Drawing from his experience in Artificial Intelligence, digital transformation, and productivity systems, Samuel delivered practical sessions on Artificial Intelligence for Workplace Productivity and Artificial Intelligence for Research and Professional Development. Rather than focusing solely on theory, participants were taken through real-world demonstrations showing how AI can be applied to everyday tasks.

Participants learned practical applications of AI for report writing, professional communication, proposal development, meeting preparation, document summarization, lesson planning, academic research, presentation development, content creation, and workplace efficiency. Live demonstrations showcased how AI tools can significantly reduce the time required to complete routine tasks while improving the quality of work.

The training also highlighted the importance of responsible AI adoption, encouraging participants to use AI as a tool that complements human intelligence, creativity, and critical thinking rather than replacing them.

One of the highlights of the programme was the interactive practical sessions, where participants engaged directly with modern AI tools and learned how to write effective prompts capable of generating meaningful and high-quality outputs for education, research, business, and professional work.

To ensure that learning continued beyond the event, participants received a specially developed AI Prompt Toolbox containing practical prompts covering research, lesson planning, report writing, proposal development, document summarization, productivity, professional communication, critical thinking, and career development. The resource was designed to help participants immediately apply the knowledge gained during the training in their respective workplaces, schools, businesses, and organizations.

Many participants described the programme as eye-opening, practical, and transformational, noting that it changed their perception of Artificial Intelligence from being a complex technology to becoming an accessible tool capable of improving daily work and learning.

The successful training reinforces Musawah for Youth and Development Initiative’s commitment to promoting digital inclusion, educational advancement, and capacity building through practical learning initiatives that respond to the realities of today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape.

As Artificial Intelligence continues to redefine the global workforce, initiatives such as this provide an important platform for equipping Nigerians with the knowledge and practical skills needed to remain productive, innovative, and competitive in the digital economy.

The organizers expressed appreciation to all participants for their enthusiasm and active engagement throughout the programme and reaffirmed their commitment to supporting more initiatives that foster innovation, lifelong learning, and sustainable human capital development across Kaduna State and beyond.

About Musawah for Youth and Development Initiative

Musawah for Youth and Development Initiative is a youth-focused organization committed to promoting education, leadership development, community engagement, digital inclusion, and human capital development through impactful programmes and strategic interventions aimed at empowering individuals and strengthening communities.

Media Contact

For interviews, media enquiries, or partnership opportunities:

Musawah for Youth and Development Initiative

Email: musawah4ydinitiatve@gmail.com
Phone: 07010305257
Website/Social Media: http://www.musawah.org.ng

…Commend Uba Sani for Support, Adequate Funding

Defending champions Kaduna State hockey teams, Kada Stars and Kada Queens, have expressed confidence ahead of the 2026 National Hockey Championship, vowing to retain their titles when the competition begins in Abuja on Friday.

The championship, scheduled to run from June 26 to July 4, is expected to attract some of Nigeria’s finest hockey talents, with 12 teams competing in the men’s category and eight teams battling for honours in the women’s event.

Kada Stars and Kada Queens head into the tournament as reigning national champions and among the favourites to emerge victorious once again, having established themselves as dominant forces in Nigerian hockey over the years.

Team officials and players said preparations for the championship had been completed, adding that both teams were determined to defend the titles they won at the previous edition of the competition.

Several players who spoke ahead of the tournament commended Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, for his administration’s support for sports development, particularly hockey, noting that increased funding and encouragement from the government had contributed significantly to their achievements on the national stage.

According to the players, the Kaduna State Government was recently honoured with the title of Grand Patron in recognition of its commitment to the growth and development of hockey as well as its consistent support for the state’s teams.

Sports stakeholders said Governor Sani’s administration has prioritised sports development as part of its broader youth empowerment agenda, with investments in sporting infrastructure, talent development, grassroots sports programmes and athlete welfare.

The players also acknowledged the contributions of Kaduna State Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, Hon. Sadiq Mamman Lagos, describing him as a committed supporter whose interventions and encouragement have helped sustain the teams’ championship-winning culture.

“The teams are highly motivated and in excellent condition. We have prepared very well, and the support from the state government has boosted our morale. We are optimistic about retaining our titles,” one of the players said.

During a visit to the teams’ training camp, former federal lawmaker and social commentator, Shehu Sani, urged the players to bring home more trophies and assured them that outstanding performances would attract recognition and rewards from the state government.

He charged the athletes to remain disciplined, focused and determined throughout the competition, describing them as worthy ambassadors of Kaduna State.

Sports analysts have consistently ranked Kaduna among Nigeria’s leading hockey centres, citing its long history of producing talented players and maintaining a strong presence in national competitions.

With expectations high among supporters and sports enthusiasts, Kada Stars and Kada Queens will be aiming to reinforce Kaduna State’s reputation as a powerhouse of Nigerian hockey when hostilities commence in Abuja this week.

The championship is expected to provide a platform for emerging talents to showcase their abilities while further strengthening the development of hockey across the country.