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Nigeria Politics
Governor of Katsina State hails Abdulsalami’s statesmanship at 83
Dikko Umar Radda Governor of Katsina State

Dikko Umar Radda , Governor, of Katsina State, on Friday extended warm birthday greetings to the former Head of State, General Abdulsalam Abubakar (retd) as he marks his 83rd birthday today.

Radda’s message was contained in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Mohammed and made available to newsmen on Friday in Katsina.

He described Abubakar as a true statesman whose legacy continues to inspire generations of Nigerians, particularly his pivotal role in Nigeria’s transition to democratic rule.

“General Abdulsalam Abubakar is one of Nigeria’s most selfless leaders at a critical moment in our nation’s history, he chose the country over personal ambition, steering Nigeria back to civilian rule and earning global respect as a democracy champion”, Radda declared.

The governor praised the octogenarian’s continued dedication to peace-building across Africa, noting his influential work with various international organisations in conflict resolution and democratic governance.

“Even at 83, General Abubakar remains actively engaged in building a better Nigeria and a peaceful Africa. His wisdom, integrity, and commitment to justice make him a treasure to our entire nation”, the Governor observed.

“The Governor, on behalf of the government and the people of Katsina State, wished General Abubakar continued good health, happiness, and many more years of impactful service to humanity.”

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Kano targets 3 9 million children for polio vaccination in June
The Kano State Government has set a target to vaccinate 3.9 million children under the age of five during the June 2025 Outbreak Response campaign.The Director-General of the Kano State Primary Healthcare Management Board, Dr Nasir Mahmoud, announced this during a media dialogue on Thursday in Kano.Mahmoud explained that the campaign aligned with the national strategy to eradicate polio and maintain Nigeria’s polio-free certification.He said that the vaccination drive became necessary due to the recent resurgence of the type 2 poliovirus in parts of the state.According to him, factors such as community resistance, poor data reporting, and insecurity have contributed to the virus’s re-emergence by hindering previous immunisation efforts.“Ungogo Local Government Area recorded the highest level of non-compliance during the May 2025 campaign.“To improve vaccination coverage, local government areas are now ranked monthly based on performance,” he said.Mahmoud reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to eradicating polio by December 2025 and pledged to significantly reduce the maternal mortality rate within the same timeframe, describing both goals as top priorities.He stressed the importance of collaboration with traditional rulers and the 44 local government chairmen to overcome challenges.The UNICEF Chief of Field Office in Kano, Mr Rahma Mohammed, highlighted that surveillance conducted in 2025 detected the virus in Warawa, Bunkure, Kano Municipal, and Nasarawa Local Government Areas.“This is unacceptable and must be halted. Polio remains a highly infectious disease that spreads rapidly and knows no borders,” he warned.Mohammed emphasised that even a single case of polio anywhere posed a threat to children everywhere and called for coordinated efforts to contain the outbreak.He urged all levels of government, traditional rulers, and the media to intensify awareness campaigns and ensure full vaccination coverage, especially in high-risk areas.The UNICEF official reaffirmed UNICEF’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s polio eradication efforts and called for the timely release of counterpart funding and stronger supervision of immunisation campaigns.He also urged the government to declare a public health emergency and increase media engagement to counter misinformation about the vaccine.He also urged the government to declare a public health emergency and increase media engagement to counter misinformation about the vaccine.
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Nigeria Politics
Democracy Day Plateau gov unveils 15 new metro buses
As Nigeria celebrates Democracy Day, the Plateau Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, on Thursday unveiled 15 new metro buses as part of a broader effort to revive the state’s public transportation system.The governor also commissioned other projects executed by his administration, including the laboratory, paediatric ward, and Office complex at the Plateau State Specialist Hospital in Jos, Utonkon Bridge and adjoining roads along Utonkon–Abattoir road in Jos, and a storey administrative block. He refurbished Joshua Dariye Hall, Plateau State Polytechnic, Barkin Ladi, Jos Campus.The PUNCH recalls that the governor had, last year, commissioned the first set of 15 Metro Buses to mark his first year in office, bringing the total number to 30 buses.Speaking at the commissioning event to mark June 12, Governor Mutfwang expressed gratitude to God for reviving the Plateau Express Service, one of the state’s legacy institutions that had faced numerous challenges over the years.He noted that the last time the service operated effectively was under the previous People’s Democratic Party (PDP) administration and proudly stated that the current PDP-led government is realigning with national initiatives.Mutfwang highlighted President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s charge to governors to alleviate citizens’ suffering, especially following the removal of the fuel subsidy. He said that the transport sector was identified as a key area to directly pass benefits back to the people.The governor announced that Plateau Express Service was now a functional transport system within the Jos metropolis, already benefiting residents and boosting mobility across the state. The governor recalled the overwhelming joy and excitement that greeted the arrival of the new buses.“Plateau Express Service began many years ago and has gone through numerous challenges. But I am proud to say that the last time Plateau Express truly served the people of Plateau was under the last PDP administration. And today, again, under a PDP-led government, we are proud to align with the initiatives of Mr. President.“When Mr. President came into the office, he charged governors across the country to do everything possible to alleviate the suffering of the people. We believed one of the key sectors to address the challenges brought by the removal of fuel subsidies was transport. And so, we decided that the best way to bring subsidies directly back to the people was through the transport sector. I’m glad to say that today, we now have a functional transport service within the metropolis, benefiting our people immensely”, he said.Commending the leadership of Plateau Express, Governor Mutfwang said the success proves that institutions thrive under clear, patriotic leadership.Besides the transport service, he revealed ongoing efforts to revive other institutions, including ASTC (Plateau State Transport Corporation), Jos International Breweries, Payam Fish Farm, Hill Station Hotel, and Plateau Hotel.A historic moment at the event was the introduction of the first female driver for the Plateau Express buses. The governor shared his pride in supporting female empowerment, recalling how he sent nine boys and three girls for automotive training during his tenure as a local government chairman.He reiterated that the new buses were purchased brand new, not used “Tokunbo” vehicles, and were funded from the state’s constitutional allocations, not federal grants or donations. He noted it was made possible by reallocating resources and prioritising the transport sector over luxury purchases for other ministries.Looking ahead, he revealed plans for “Plateau Express 3.0,” signalling continued expansion and modernisation. He also highlighted partnerships to upgrade Jos Airport into an international cargo hub and ongoing talks with the federal government to improve railway infrastructure.He called on all residents to protect the investment for the benefit of current and future generations, stressing that development must take precedence over politics.These projects reflect the administration’s drive toward infrastructural renewal and enhanced public service delivery for the people of Plateau State,” Mutfwang added
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Nigeria Politics
Print Democracy Day Unite to build prosperous nation NGF urges Nigerians
The Nigeria Governors’ Forum has called on all Nigerians to unite in the collective pursuit of a more inclusive and prosperous nation, as the country marks Democracy Day.In a statement issued on Thursday and signed by the Forum’s Chairman, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State, the NGF commended the progress Nigeria has made over the past 26 years of unbroken democratic governance. It also reaffirmed the commitment of governors across the country to deepening democracy and ensuring sustainable national development.The statement read, “On behalf of my colleagues at the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), I congratulate all Nigerians on the commemoration of Democracy Day.“June 12 is a watershed in our national history. We therefore join President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and other stakeholders to honour our heroes and heroines who played significant roles in the struggle for democratic rule.”The NGF acknowledged that while democracy in Nigeria has recorded appreciable growth since 1999, the journey is still ongoing and demands continued engagement, cooperation, and accountability at all levels of government.“The last 26 years of unbroken democracy have seen appreciable progress in different areas of our national life. Notwithstanding the progress, our nation, like every other human community, has its challenges and aspirations. Together, we can leverage constructive dialogue and all other democratic mechanisms to engage one another for better outcomes,” the statement continued.AbdulRazaq further assured Nigerians that the Forum remains committed to collaborating with stakeholders, including the Federal Government, civil society groups, and development partners, to build a more inclusive democratic environment and ensure peace and prosperity for all.“As leaders of our people, we commit ourselves to working with all stakeholders, including the Federal Government, civic organisations, and other partners, to widen the democratic space and make our country more fertile for sustainable peace and inclusive prosperity,” he stated.The Forum wished Nigerians a peaceful and reflective Democracy Day and urged citizens to remain hopeful and active in contributing to the nation’s development.
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Nigeria Politics
Abiola s mandate alive in Tinubu says Shettima
Vice President Kashim Shettima on Thursday said decades after the June 12 debacle, providence returned the baton of MKO Abiola’s struggle for the soul of Nigeria’s democracy to one of his most trusted lieutenants, President Bola Tinubu.He said that while hope was one thing they could not take or extinguish from the final account of Abiola’s life, faith in the promise of Abiola’s vision has renewed the nation’s hope.Shettima made the observation during the Public Lecture Commemorating Nigeria’s 26th Democracy Anniversary held at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa, Abuja.The Vice President affirmed, “It is this faith in the promise of Abiola’s vision that has renewed the hope of this nation. And in the great theatre of providence, history has returned the baton to one of Abiola’s most trusted lieutenants in the struggle for the soul of democracy in Nigeria: His Excellency, President Bola Tinubu, GCFR“The ticket once denied Nigerians—the Abiola-Kingibe ticket—has found resonance and vindication in a second coming that mirrors it in composition and conviction, in President Bola Tinubu, a man who has kept the democratic flame alive through seasons of fire and storm. I am honoured to share in the weight of this history and the depth of this memory.”Shettima described the late MKO Abiola as a patriot who surrendered all he had for the soul of Nigeria, and whose sacrifice became the compass of the nation’s democracy.According to him, rather than dying in vain, the late Abiola’s dream became a collective covenant and unbroken resolve for Nigerians “to stand for what is right, to defend the sanctity of choice, and to honour the blood that watered the roots of” the nation’s democracy.VP Shettima further observed that while Nigeria currently stands on the shoulders of unsung heroes and unheard voices, who sacrificed their comfort, freedom, and even their lives for the nation’s democracy, Nigerians, including him, will ever remain grateful to be “stewards of a government that listens to all.”“And there is no doubt that President Tinubu has kept that covenant, extending a hand across political divides, ethnic frontiers, and generational gaps to build a Nigeria that works for everyone,” he added.He maintained that the life and times of the late MKO Abiola are “a reminder that the burden of democracy is not to be carried by one man alone.”Therefore, Shettima urged Nigerians to rise collectively and build a fortress around the nation’s democracy, describing it as “an impenetrable edifice that no force of anarchy can breach, not even in imagination.”Canvassing unflinching support for President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, he said, “Each of us here owes a sacred duty to support the President’s quest not just to renew hope, but to institutionalise governance, to deepen the roots of democracy, and to build a nation immune to the threats of regression.”Earlier, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, acknowledged the heroes of Nigeria’s struggle for democratic governance, applauding their legacies, continuous contributions to the sustenance of democratic structures and transformation of the nation’s economy.He urged stakeholders to rededicate themselves to the ideals of democratic rule by supporting the Tinubu administration in its task of guiding Nigeria on the path of prosperity, progress, peace and security.In his keynote address, Prof. Samuel Egwu pointed out that the hallmark of democratic governance anywhere in the world is commitment.However, he said that for the dividends of democracy to fully manifest across all levels of governance in Nigeria, all citizens and leaders must show commitment in words and deeds.Egwu added that building on the gains of 26 years of democracy in Nigeria is a herculean task that requires political office holders to put the interest of all citizens and society above personal goals and aspirations.On his part, the longest-serving diplomat and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps in Nigeria, the Cameroonian High Commissioner to Nigeria, HE Salaheddine Ibrahim, commended Nigeria’s unity regardless of the challenges.The Cameroonian envoy urged leaders and all citizens not to relent in preserving democracy in the country.In his remarks, Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum and Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, noted that the recognition and celebration of June 12 as Nigeria’s Democracy Day was not accidental, even as he said the collective will, effort and sacrifice of a people made the choice.He urged active participation of all stakeholders across the country, including citizens, young and old, stressing that democracy does not depend on ceremonies and niceties alone.Uzodimma drew attention to President Tinubu’s trajectory, legacies and current efforts, saying they are all examples of the courage and determination required to nurture a vibrant democracy.The event’s high point was unveiling three books: Tinubunomics, Leading With Courage, and Turning Challenges into Opportunities, all of which examine the gains of the Tinubu administration.
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Safety
Anambra celebrates Democracy Day without protests
Major streets across Anambra State have remained peaceful and calm and devoid of any June 12 protest currently going on in some states across the country.Our correspondent who visited major cities of the state such as Awka, Onitsha, Nnewi, observed that both economic and commercial activities were going on without any hitch.This is just as operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, were seen positioned at some strategic places providing security to prevent any form of lawlessness.Checks by our correspondent on Thursday also revealed that some of the residents did not have idea if protests were going on.Speaking on the development, the state NSCDC Commandant, Maku Olatunde, who disclosed that the command mobilised and deployed no fewer than 750 personnel to protect critical national assets across the state.According to Olatunde, the deployment which covers all the 21 local government areas of the state included specialised units such as tactical squads, anti-vandalism squad, female special forces and counter terrorism squad.He said they were strategically positioned in government buildings, public utilities, transportation hubs, telecommunication facilities, electricity infrastructures, high-risk areas, areas prone to violence, blackspots and other vulnerable points.“The Command is committed to providing a secure environment for Anambra citizens to celebrate without fear of any security threats.“We are fully prepared to neutralize any potential security breach and ensure the state maintains its relative peace.“We urged Anambra residents to remain alert and report any suspicious movements or activities to the nearest NSCDC formation or other sister security agencies,” he added.He extends his warm wishes to Nigerians for a joyous Democracy Day celebration, reaffirming the NSCDC’s dedication to maintaining peace and security in collaboration with other sister security agencies throughout the state.
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