The Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Kaduna State chapter, has commended Governor Uba Sani for approving enhanced remuneration for traditional rulers across the state.

The association said the approval covers paramount rulers, including Emirs and Chiefs, as well as district and village heads, describing the decision as a boost to the traditional institution and its role in promoting peace, security and grassroots development.

In a statement issued by its chairman, Sheikh Jamilu Abubakar Albani, said traditional rulers remained indispensable partners in governance and served as a vital link between government and the people.

The association said the improved remuneration would further motivate traditional leaders and strengthen their capacity to support intelligence gathering, conflict resolution, peaceful coexistence and community mobilisation.

ALGON said improved welfare for traditional rulers would also contribute to efforts to address security challenges and promote peace and harmony across the 23 local government areas of the state.

It commended Sani for his efforts to strengthen the relevance of traditional institutions as partners in the administration’s peace-building and development agenda.

The association, on behalf of the 23 local government councils, pledged continued collaboration with the state government and other stakeholders towards consolidating peace, security, good governance and sustainable grassroots development.

ALGON also urged traditional rulers to reciprocate the gesture by strengthening their collaboration with local government councils and other relevant agencies in promoting peaceful coexistence, security and the overall development of the state.

…Pays Condolence Visit to Family of Late Veteran Actor in Kaduna

The Minister of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, has paid tribute to the late veteran Hausa actor, Mohammed Sani, popularly known as Tumbuleke, describing him as one of the pioneers whose remarkable contributions helped shape Hausa comedy and television entertainment in Nigeria.

Musawa made the remarks in Kaduna on Thursday when she visited the family of the late actor at his residence on Adamawa Road to condole with them over his death.

Tumbuleke, aged 86, died on August 11, 2026, after an illness. He rose to prominence through Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) productions in the 1980s and became widely recognised for his distinctive contributions to Hausa comedy and indigenous television entertainment.

Speaking with journalists after the condolence visit, Musawa said the government was concerned about ensuring that the contributions of pioneers of Nigeria’s creative industry were not lost with their passing.

She said the Federal Government would engage with the late actor’s family on ways of documenting his life, works and contributions to the creative industry for the benefit of future generations.

“We are here to share in the grief of the family and condole with them, as well as see how we can preserve his legacies and document them for the future,” the minister said.

According to her, preserving the works and memories of cultural icons such as Tumbuleke was important to ensuring that future generations understood the contributions made by pioneers of the entertainment industry.

Musawa explained that she had intended to have a detailed discussion with members of the family during the visit on how the late actor’s legacy could be documented, but was unable to conclude the discussion.

“I had to sit with the family to discuss how we can document his legacies. Unfortunately, I couldn’t do that. However, I will meet with the family to ensure that his enduring legacies are preserved,” she said.

The minister also prayed for the repose of Tumbuleke’s soul and asked God to grant his family the strength and fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

The death of Tumbuleke has been widely regarded as a loss to Hausa entertainment, particularly given his contribution to the development of comedy and television productions in the 1980s.

He is survived by his wife and children.

By Yunusa Hamza (Tafidan Farin Dutse/Uban Dawakin Katukan Dutse)

Some government policies are announced; others are implemented, but only a few become deeply rooted in the consciousness of the people. The revival of the Polling Unit Development Fund, popularly known in Jigawa State as Kudin Akwati, under the administration of Governor Umar A. Namadi, FCA, belongs to this category.

On April 27, 2026, Governor Namadi signed the Polling Unit Development Fund Law into force, giving communities a legally backed mechanism to identify and implement small-scale projects based on their immediate, most felt and impactful needs. The initiative is designed to reduce bureaucratic delays and bring development decisions closer to the people.

Kudin Akwati transforms the polling unit from merely a place of voting into a platform for continuous grassroots development. Its legal foundation gives the initiative greater potential for continuity, accountability and community confidence beyond political cycles.

The policy aligns with Governor Namadi’s broader philosophy of bringing government closer to the people, particularly through rural transformation, education, healthcare, agriculture, social protection and other development priorities. It can therefore be viewed as a shift from political expression to a practical development instrument.

To bring the matter closer home, Gwaram Local Government Area, as a predominantly rural and agrarian entity, has many community challenges that may require relatively small financial interventions but have significant consequences.

A repaired borehole can restore access to water. Clearing a drainage channel can reduce flooding. Repairing a culvert can reconnect farmers to markets. A modest intervention in a school or healthcare facility can improve the lives of children, women, elderly people and other vulnerable citizens.

Kudin Akwati is therefore not intended to replace major government projects, but to complement them by addressing immediate and localised needs. This is where small funds can begin to make a big and impactful difference.

The greatest attraction of Kudin Akwati is not simply the money involved, but the recognition that citizens’ voices matter. Communities can collectively identify whether their greatest needs are water, drainage, education, healthcare, livelihood support or repairs to public facilities.

This changes citizens from passive beneficiaries into active partners. When communities participate in identifying, implementing and monitoring projects, they are more likely to protect and sustain them. Thus, the fund can become more than a financial allocation; it can nurture a culture of community responsibility and ownership.

The experience across the 298 polling units of Gwaram Local Government Area provides a useful case study of what can be achieved when polling unit representatives and community stakeholders demonstrate commitment to the process.

The full-time commitment demonstrated by polling agents and other stakeholders around the 298 polling units has created opportunities for neighbouring polling units to synergise, collaborate and partner on projects of common interest, as enshrined and permitted by the legal framework.

Pooled resources could support shared boreholes, drainage and erosion-control projects, schools, primary healthcare facilities, agricultural access routes and sanitation projects, thereby turning small allocations into interventions with greater impact.

Women, youths, traditional and religious leaders, persons with disabilities, civil society organisations and community-based organisations have also become more aware of their roles and are participating meaningfully in decision-making, monitoring and accountability.

The success of any decentralised fund depends on transparency. Every polling unit should clearly document funds received, projects identified and selected, expenditure incurred, contractors or artisans engaged, beneficiaries reached and evidence of completion.

The principle is simple: Every naira should have a story, every project should have evidence, and every community should know what happened to its allocation.

For every stakeholder that matters, Kudin Akwati offers an opportunity for a new relationship between government and citizens: government provides the framework and resources, while communities identify priorities, use resources responsibly and protect what they build.

In this sense, Jigawa State, under the leadership of Governor Umar Namadi, has the opportunity to give renewed meaning to democracy beyond mere voting. It becomes continuous citizen participation in decisions about public resources and community development.

This is also a testament to the offshoot of the popular Gwamnati Da Jama’a programme and a demonstration of a new social contract at the grassroots.

For Gwaram Local Government Area, Kudin Akwati is an opportunity to demonstrate what responsible grassroots governance can achieve. From Sara to Kila and Tsangarwa wards, we witness the enthusiasm and flow of demands, with full commitment to implementing the outcomes of resolutions reached by committee members.

The same spirit can be seen in Zandam Nagogo, Maruta and Gwaram wards, where competition, partnership and collaboration have taken the lead. In Farin Dutse and Fagam wards, the story is equally encouraging, as some critical infrastructure interventions have been achieved through mutual respect, cooperation and decorum.

The same opportunity exists in Dingaya, Kondiko and Basirka, where one polling unit may restore water, another may improve a school, another may clear drainage, while another may support vulnerable people or repair a public facility.

Individually, these interventions may appear small; collectively, they can transform an entire local government.

This is the moment of salient opportunity that Governor Umar Namadi, FCA, has provided. The true measure of success should therefore not be the size of the allocation, but the quality, relevance, transparency and sustainability of the projects delivered.

It is worthy of note that the revival and legal institutionalisation of Kudin Akwati represents an important opportunity for participatory grassroots governance in Jigawa State. Governor Umar Namadi has provided the political and legislative framework, while local structures and communities have the responsibility to make it work.

For Gwaram, this is more than another government programme. It is an opportunity to demonstrate that when citizens are trusted, included and held accountable, small resources can generate meaningful development.

The aroma of Kudin Akwati should not end with ceremonies and speeches. It should be seen in repaired boreholes, cleaner drainage channels, improved schools, stronger public facilities and empowered communities.

Kudin Akwati is more than money in an envelope; it is a statement of trust in the people. For Gwaram Local Government Area, the challenge is to turn that trust into development, accountability and a lasting legacy as institutionalised by Governor Umar Namadi, FCA. If properly sustained, transparently implemented and genuinely owned by the people, the initiative has the potential to leave a lasting imprint on grassroots development. It is therefore important that the best-performing polling units and teams, based on clearly defined and transparent criteria, be recognised and rewarded for exemplary performance. Such recognition will not only encourage healthy competition among polling units but also motivate communities to deliver projects that are relevant, transparent, impactful and sustainable. In that way, the aroma of Kudin Akwati will not only be felt in the projects delivered, but will also inspire a culture of excellence, accountability and responsible grassroots leadership.

Yunusa Hamza Farin Dutse is the newly turbaned Uban Dawakin Katukan Dutse, Protem Chairman, Gwaram Local Government Community Assembly, and Lead Facilitator, Birnin Kudu-Gwaram-Buji Progressive Platform.

The YARI 774 Initiative for Asiwaju 2027 has congratulated Senator Abdulaziz Yari, Marafan Sokoto, on his reported appointment as Director-General of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council for the 2027 general elections.

The grassroots mobilisation platform, in a statement signed by its National Chairman and Convener, Chief Dr. Ibrahim Emokpaire, described the appointment as “well deserved” and a case of “a round peg in a round hole.”
The group said the appointment was a recognition of Senator Yari’s years of political service, leadership experience and commitment to the APC and the Nigerian people.

According to the statement, Yari’s political experience, particularly his tenure as a two-term Governor of Zamfara State and as Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, has prepared him for the demands of coordinating a nationwide political campaign.
The group also credited the former governor with contributions to security, education, healthcare and infrastructure development during his administration in Zamfara State.

It further noted that Yari’s experience extends beyond elective politics, describing him as a businessman whose enterprises have created employment and economic opportunities for Nigerians.

The statement added that his traditional title in the Sokoto Emirate and his philanthropic activities had further demonstrated his commitment to service and community development.

As a serving senator, the group said Yari had continued to contribute to national development through legislation and representation in the National Assembly.

The YARI 774 Initiative expressed confidence that, under Yari’s leadership, the APC Presidential Campaign Council would conduct an inclusive and issue-based campaign capable of strengthening the party’s structures and mobilising Nigerians in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Renewed Hope Agenda.

“Under Senator Yari’s direction, we are confident that the Campaign Council will run a robust, inclusive and issue-based campaign that will further unite our party and consolidate the gains of the Renewed Hope Agenda,” the group said.
The organisation pledged the support of its national executive members, state and local government coordinators, women and youth leaders, as well as its members across the 774 local government areas, to the campaign council.

It said its members were ready to work with Senator Yari to mobilise grassroots support and contribute to what it described as a “resounding victory” for the APC in the 2027 elections.

Signed:

Chief Dr. Ibrahim Emokpaire
National Chairman/Convener
YARI 774 Initiative for Asiwaju 2027.

The Tinubu Again Movement, under the leadership of Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle, MON, Honourable Minister of State for Defence and Convener/Chairman of the Board of Trustees, has extended warm goodwill to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and the leadership and members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the 2027 electioneering season officially commenced on Wednesday, August 19, 2026.

In a statement, the Movement congratulated President Tinubu, the APC leadership and all Nigerians committed to the progress, unity and continued development of the country at the commencement of the new political cycle.

The National Coordinator of the Tinubu Again Movement, Dr. Auwal Abdullahi Aliyu, who represented the Minister, described the commencement of the electoral process as another opportunity for Nigerians to reaffirm their confidence in leadership that prioritises reforms, economic growth, national stability and a better future for all citizens.

Dr. Aliyu said the Renewed Hope Agenda had provided a clear roadmap for national recovery, adding that the Tinubu Again Movement would intensify efforts to deepen public understanding of the administration’s policies, programmes and achievements ahead of the 2027 elections.

He reaffirmed the Movement’s unwavering support for President Tinubu and the APC, while urging party faithful and supporters across the country to remain united, peaceful, disciplined and committed to the ideals of progressive politics.

According to him, cohesion, issue-based campaigns and sustained grassroots engagement would be critical to securing another mandate for President Tinubu and ensuring continuity of the administration’s development programmes.

Emphasising the strategic role of the Movement in the 2027 election, Dr. Aliyu announced that the organisation had set an ambitious target of mobilising 20 million votes for President Tinubu in the presidential election.

He disclosed that the Movement would deploy door-to-door mobilisation, youth and women engagement, voter education and community outreach across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
He added that the Movement would also strengthen its structures at the ward and polling-unit levels to encourage voter participation and support peaceful, credible and lawful elections.

As part of its mobilisation strategy, the Tinubu Again Movement will focus on communicating the achievements of the Tinubu administration in areas including infrastructure, security, agriculture, education and youth empowerment to Nigerians at the grassroots.

Dr. Aliyu urged members, volunteers and coordinators of the Movement to embrace peaceful, respectful and responsible political engagement, stressing that the organisation would collaborate with the APC and other pro-Tinubu groups towards a successful 2027 campaign.

He concluded by praying for God’s continued guidance and wisdom for President Tinubu, strength for the APC and peace and prosperity for the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The National Coordinator expressed confidence that, through collective effort, discipline and commitment to democratic values, the Tinubu Again Movement would play a significant role in mobilising support for President Tinubu and contributing to the APC’s success in the 2027 elections.

Former Kaduna Central Senator, Shehu Sani, has criticised leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) over what he described as attempts to seek foreign validation and intervention ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 presidential election.

Sani, in a post on his X account on Wednesday, urged the ADC and its presidential candidates to concentrate on winning the confidence of Nigerian voters rather than expending political energy on efforts directed at the United States and European institutions.

His comments came amid renewed political exchanges over efforts linked to Atiku’s camp to draw international attention to issues concerning President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his political administration.

“The ADC flag bearers should focus and spend their time in seeking for votes from the Nigerians they want to lead; and not seeking for validation from President Trump or the EU,” Sani wrote.

He further criticised what he regarded as an excessive reliance on foreign institutions, saying opposition politicians should convince Nigerians about their policies and demonstrate how they intend to govern differently.

“They should convince Nigerians on what they can do differently, instead of wasting their time, scanning graveyards and exhuming corpses in the US, in search of talisman and treasures for political advantage in Nigeria,” he added.

The former senator’s remarks come against the backdrop of a growing political confrontation between Atiku’s camp and the Tinubu administration over issues surrounding the President’s past legal history in the United States.

In April, Atiku engaged Washington-based lobbying firm Von Batten-Montague-York, L.C. under a reported $1.2 million, 12-month agreement. Documents filed with the U.S. Department of Justice indicated that the firm was engaged to strengthen Atiku’s standing in U.S. policy circles and counter narratives associated with the Nigerian government.

The development subsequently triggered a political backlash in Nigeria, with the Presidency accusing Atiku of attempting to internationalise domestic political disputes. The Presidency specifically criticised efforts by Atiku-linked lobbyists to draw the attention of President Donald Trump, the U.S. State Department and members of Congress to a long-standing U.S. civil forfeiture matter involving Tinubu.

Atiku’s camp, however, has argued that questions concerning Tinubu’s past should be subjected to public scrutiny.

An Atiku aide, Paul Ibe, previously defended the lobbying effort and argued that Nigerians had a right to know more about records relating to the U.S. case.
Sani’s intervention therefore adds another dimension to the increasingly heated political debate as Nigeria formally enters the 2027 electioneering season.

Nigeria’s presidential campaign season commenced on Wednesday, with Tinubu seeking a second term against a fragmented opposition that includes Atiku, now the presidential candidate of the ADC. International reports have described the opposition as divided despite earlier efforts to form a broad coalition against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The ADC has emerged as a major opposition platform following the movement of several prominent politicians into the party. Atiku adopted the ADC as his political platform after leaving the Peoples Democratic Party, while the party has faced internal leadership disputes and legal challenges over its structure and recognition.

The party’s political fortunes have also been affected by legal battles. In June, a Federal High Court ordered the deregistration of the ADC and several other parties, although the party rejected the decision and vowed to challenge it through the appellate courts.

Against this background, Sani’s message appears to be a call for the opposition to shift the centre of its campaign from international pressure to domestic political mobilisation.

His argument is that the 2027 election will ultimately be decided by Nigerian voters, making grassroots engagement, policy presentation and public persuasion more important than attempts to obtain endorsements or interventions from foreign governments and institutions.

For Sani, however, the message is clear: rather than looking to Washington, Brussels or other foreign capitals for political advantage, opposition parties should return to the Nigerian electorate and make their case directly to the people they seek to govern.

The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) has commenced the implementation of the Tertiary Institutions Social Health Insurance Programme (TISHIP) for its students across the country.

The development was announced during an emergency meeting of the NOUN Management Committee on TISHIP held on Tuesday at the university’s headquarters in Abuja, where four Health Maintenance Organisations (HMOs) were unveiled for the programme.

The four HMOs — Healthspring, Noor, Novo and Precious activates 2026_2 of the programme which brings the figure to eight appointed and assigned to cover the respective geo-political zones under the scheme, which took effect in the January 2026_1.

Chairman of the committee and Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration, Prof. Shehu Usman Adamu, said the welfare of NOUN students remained a priority of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Uduma Oji Uduma.

Explaining the operational framework of TISHIP, Adamu said each student would be enrolled through their respective study centre and issued a health insurance card to facilitate access to medical services.

He added that participating students would have access to designated healthcare facilities in the states where they reside.

To ensure a seamless enrolment process, the university’s Directorate of Management Information System (MIS) has been tasked with providing the list of students in each senatorial district across the country.

According to him, students’ names, registration numbers, email addresses and telephone numbers would be collated and forwarded for enrolment with designated healthcare providers in each senatorial district.

The DVC also outlined a range of medical services to be made available to students enrolled in the programme, stressing that the initiative was designed to provide students with affordable and accessible healthcare while pursuing their studies.

Adamu further disclosed that the university management had received the list of selected hospitals that would provide services under the scheme.

He explained that the list would form the basis for a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the university and the participating healthcare facilities, clearly defining the roles and responsibilities of the parties.

He called on the HMO to ensure efficient health service provision to aligned with the mandate of the Vice Chancellor of improving student’s welfare.

TISHIP is aimed at providing health insurance coverage for NOUN students, enhancing their access to healthcare and promoting their wellbeing as they pursue their academic programmes.

Former Senator representing Kaduna Central, Senator Shehu Sani, has defended the presentation made by the Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS), Zacch Adedeji, during a recent television interview, arguing that the media focus on a comment about President Bola Ahmed Tinubu eating once a day and walking to his office overshadowed critical issues concerning Nigeria’s tax reforms.

Sani, in a post on his official X account, said the NRS Chairman made important submissions on tax laws, reforms, implementation and processes during the interview, which, in his view, deserved serious public debate and scrutiny.

According to him, rather than interrogating the substantive issues raised by the revenue chief, sections of the media concentrated on the controversial comment about the President’s personal routine.

“During the Channels interview granted by the NRS Chairman Adedeji, he made important points and statements concerning the Tax laws, reforms, implementation and processes that should have been debated or probed,” Sani wrote.

He added that the media’s emphasis on the statement that the President eats once a day and walks to his office ultimately reduced a serious discussion on taxation and public finance to a subject of public amusement.

“The media chose to emphasise on ‘the President eating once in a day and walking to his office’. That was how a serious issue was rubbished,” the former senator said.

Sani’s intervention comes amid continuing public discussion over Nigeria’s tax reform agenda, including questions surrounding the implementation of new tax laws, revenue mobilisation, compliance, institutional responsibilities and the impact of taxation on individuals and businesses.

The former lawmaker’s position suggests that public discourse on the country’s tax system should move beyond sensational statements and focus more closely on the policies and mechanisms being introduced to improve revenue collection and strengthen Nigeria’s fiscal system.

Taxation has remained a major issue in Nigeria’s economic debate as governments at the federal and state levels seek to increase internally generated revenue, reduce dependence on borrowing and oil-related receipts, broaden the tax base and improve compliance.

For Sani, the interview by the NRS chairman presented an opportunity for journalists, policymakers and citizens to interrogate the details of the government’s tax reforms and their implications for the Nigerian economy.

His comments also highlight concerns about the role of the media in shaping public understanding of complex policy matters, particularly when substantive economic discussions compete with politically or personally sensitive statements that attract greater public attention.

Rather than allowing the President’s reported personal routine to dominate the conversation, Sani argued that the focus should have remained on the tax laws, reform measures and implementation processes outlined by the NRS chairman.

The former senator maintained that such issues require sustained public scrutiny because taxation directly affects citizens, businesses, investors and government finances.

He therefore appeared to call for a more substantive approach to reporting economic policies, urging the public and the media to interrogate the content and consequences of government reforms rather than allowing a single controversial remark to eclipse the broader policy discussion.

Residents of Birnin Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna State have condemned Senator Lawal Adamu for what they described as “derogatory remarks” mocking the recent flag-off of the reconstruction of the Kaduna-Birnin Gwari road, an event attended by the Emir of Birnin Gwari.

In a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by community leaders, the residents said the Senator’s comments were insensitive to the suffering of the people and an affront to the traditional institution.

“You are a disgrace,” the statement read in part. “At a time when our people are beginning to see hope with the flag-off of the Kaduna-Birnin Gwari road, attended by our revered Emir, Senator Lawal Adamu chose to mock the ceremony instead of supporting it.”

The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Works, last week flagged off the reconstruction of the 200km Kaduna-Birnin Gwari road, a project residents say has been neglected for over a decade despite incessant attacks and economic losses along the corridor.

The Emir of Birnin Gwari, HRH Alhaji Zubairu Jibril Maigwari II, was in attendance alongside government officials, contractors, and community members. Community leaders described the event as a major step toward restoring security, trade, and movement in the area.

The residents accused Senator Adamu of playing politics with a project that directly affects the lives of thousands of Birnin Gwari people who have endured banditry, kidnapping, and poor road infrastructure.

“For years we cried out. Now that the road is finally being worked on, a Senator from our state is busy mocking the effort. That is not representation,” said Malam Suleiman Idris, a community youth leader.

Another resident, Hajiya Aisha Musa, said: “The Emir was there to give royal blessings and to show that our people support development. To mock that gathering is to mock the entire Birnin Gwari people.”

The group called on the Senator to apologize publicly and to join hands with stakeholders to ensure the timely completion of the road project.

The residents further urged political leaders in Kaduna State to prioritize development over partisan attacks, noting that infrastructure, security, and the economy remain the key concerns for the people.

“We appreciate any effort aimed at developing our area. What we need now is unity and support, not ridicule,” the statement added.

As of press time, efforts to get Senator Lawal Adamu’s reaction were unsuccessful.

The Kaduna State Government has described the road reconstruction as part of the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Agenda aimed at opening up rural areas and improving security across the state.

A coalition of professionals from Southern Kaduna has declared support for the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, and announced plans to hold a World Press Conference on Saturday to address what they described as “deliberate misinformation” about ongoing federal infrastructure projects in the region and across Nigeria.

The group, under the aegis of Southern Kaduna Professionals Forum, SKPF, said the press conference will provide factual updates on road projects, funding, and timelines under the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Agenda.

In a statement signed by its Chairman, Dr. Audu Bako, the group said the decision to rally behind Senator Umahi was informed by the Minister’s “transparency, technical competence, and commitment to completing inherited and new road projects.”

“We have watched closely in the last one year how the Ministry of Works under Senator Umahi has moved from mere contract awards to actual site work and performance tracking.

“For Southern Kaduna, and indeed the entire North, this is the first time in a long while we are seeing contractors back on site with measurable milestones.” the group stated.

The professionals specifically referenced the rehabilitation of critical federal roads linking Southern Kaduna to other parts of the state and neighboring states, including sections of the Kaduna-Kachia-Kafanchan road corridor.

They argued that improved road connectivity will boost agriculture, reduce insecurity, and lower transportation costs for farmers and traders who have borne the brunt of poor infrastructure for years.

“Security and the economy are tied to roads. When you can move farm produce from Kagoro, Zangon Kataf and Jaba to major markets without fear or delay, you are directly addressing poverty and banditry,” said Engr. Laraba John, Secretary of the Forum.

According to the group, the Saturday briefing became necessary to correct what they termed “false narratives” circulating on social media about abandonment of projects in the South and non-inclusion of Southern Kaduna in the federal road budget.

“We are not politicians. We are engineers, lawyers, lecturers, medical doctors and business owners from Southern Kaduna. Our interest is development. The Minister has opened the books. He is publishing project status, and we will be presenting those same facts to the world on Saturday.” it hinted.

It added that the press conference will feature presentations on budget performance, project verification reports, and testimonies from community members along project corridors.

The Forum urged civil society, traditional institutions and the media to compare the current pace of infrastructure delivery with previous administrations.

“The role of professionals and community leaders in the past is appreciated, but we must now compare the situation of the country before the present administration with what is happening now,” Bako noted. “In infrastructure, security and the economy, there are clear steps being taken. Let us encourage the government to achieve more instead of politicizing everything.”

The group said invitations have been extended to the Ministry of Works, federal lawmakers from Kaduna State, traditional rulers, and the press for the event scheduled to hold at 10:00am on Saturday in Kaduna