General News
FG tasks Regional Dev.Commissions to transform communities into a model regions for resilience,prosperity
By Our Correspondent
The Minister of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh, has called on the regional development commissions to be fair in discharging their duties by carrying all communities along in order to transform the regions into models of resilience and prosperity.
He also urged them to partner with state governments, the private sector, development partners, and communities.
The Minister stated this at the North Central Development Commission (NCDC) two-day workshop on the review of policy roadmap, held on Wednesday in Lafia, Nasarawa State.
He said, “Mr President has always emphasized that development must not be concentrated only in urban areas; it must spread to every region, every state, and every community. The development commissions were set up to serve as vehicles to drive these developments.”
According to him, the Federal Government is determined to harness the strength of the regions — their unique resources, people, and opportunities — to drive and balance national growth.
“For the North Central region, this is a moment of renewal. This region is blessed with vast agricultural potential, solid minerals, and resilient people, which hold the key to food security for the entire country, not just Nasarawa State,” the Minister said.
The Minister commended the Commission for its foresight in developing a roadmap on how the Commission’s resources will be utilized in the region. He equally urged them to follow it up doggedly to achieve the desired results.
He assured them of the Ministry’s support, saying, “Once you are doing the right thing, you have our support; it’s only when you deviate that we will draw back, because it is the Ministry that will be held accountable if things go wrong with the development commissions.”
Speaking also, Minister of State, Uba Maigari Ahmadu, advised the participants to work together with state governments, communities, businesses, and donor partners, and to think of long-term solutions that last — not just quick fixes. He urged them to be accountable with clear timelines and regular public updates.
He further stated that the Ministry, alongside the National Assembly, will follow up on all funds appropriated to the Commission to ensure it stays on track — not to micromanage the Commission, but to help it remain focused.
“Together, we will deliver on the responsibilities assigned to us by Mr President, and in the end, the North Central region and Nigeria will be a better nation we can all be proud of,” he added.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Mary Ogbe, highlighted five key anchors and urged the Commission to focus on: Policy coherence and prioritization; Evidence and performance management with integrated data; Local content and community ownership; Partnership and financing; and Sustainability, resilience, and maintenance of culture.
She called on the Commission to come up with a 100-day implementation plan and identify the top five priorities to ensure fair and equitable development, so as to eliminate injustice that often leads to unrest.
In his remarks, the Managing Director of NCDC, Dr. Cyril Tsenyil, said that since their inauguration in August, the management had embarked on a series of activities aimed at laying a strong foundation for the take-off of the Commission.
These include establishing an operational structure, reaching out to key stakeholders, and forming strategic partnerships. “We have received very encouraging goodwill and responses from both local and international organizations willing to work with us in achieving our goals,” he said.
“Our partner, Spring, has provided us with seasoned experts to guide our discussions in key thematic areas, including the socio-economic and cultural profiles of the North Central region, challenges and opportunities, institutional governance and accountability, and peace and security as a panacea for sustainable development in the North Central,” he added.
Declaring the workshop open, the Deputy Governor, who represented the Governor, Engr. Abdullahi A. Sule, commended Mr President for establishing the Commission, describing it as timely.
He urged the Commission to pay attention to agriculture, solid minerals, youth development, unemployment, and security, among others, with a view to providing sustainable solutions.
General News
Dukku, Dukkawa Farmers’ Cooperative in Niger state seeks govt intervention over a land dispute
BY UTHMAN BABA-NASEER,MINNA
A group of farmers under the Dukku, Dukkawa Farmers’ Cooperative in Rijau Local Government Area of Niger State has called for urgent intervention over a land dispute that is causing growing tension in the area.
In a petition signed by the spokesman of the group Farmers and made available to journalists in Minna, Mr James Sambo Duku,alleged that the District Head of Duku Alhaji Attahiru Garba Duku threatened to eliminate him if he continued to farm on the farmland.
The cooperative, which has over 150 members from Nafsi, Tungan Rimi, Danzugu, Anguwan Kuku, and Anguwan Dawudu Fara villages, said the land in question belongs to its members and is located in Nafsi village under Dukku District.
According to the farmers, the land was many years ago given temporarily to Fulani settlers by the late district head, Abdullahi Danbauchi, with the agreement of the landowners. The aim was to accommodate visitors and non-indigenes in the community.
However, due to rising cases of kidnapping in the area, the Fulani settlers were later asked to leave, and they reportedly did so peacefully.
The farmers explained that after the settlers left, they informed the current district head, Alhaji Attah Garba, of their plan to return to their land. They said they were surprised when the district head allegedly gave the same land to another group from the Gungawa community in Yauri, Kebbi State, for three years starting from 2021.
The matter was later reported to the Emir of Kontagora, who advised the farmers to remain patient until the three-year agreement expired.
In 2024, after the agreement ended, the cooperative wrote to the Niger State Government, which set up a committee to investigate the issue. The committee visited the land and gathered information.
In 2025, the farmers said they were told by the ward councillor, Haruna Addo, that they could return to their land. However, they were also informed that part of the land had been allocated to the district head without their consent.
The situation became worse in August 2025 when some farmers claimed they found individuals from the Gungawa community spraying chemicals on their crops. This led to a confrontation, which was later controlled before it turned violent.
The cooperative reported the matter to authorities in Yauri, where the Gungawa farmers allegedly presented a document claiming they were given the land for another year after making payment.
The Dukku farmers say this development has increased anger and tension among their members. They warned that if urgent action is not taken, the situation could lead to serious conflict between the communities.
The cooperative is now calling on the National Human Rights Commission to step in and help resolve the matter peacefully.
Chairman of the cooperative, James Sambo, urged authorities to act quickly to prevent loss of lives and restore peace in the area.
By George Mgbeleke
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has extended interim relief measures to the people of Bille Kingdom as efforts intensify to address the ongoing environmental degradation affecting the area.
In a statement by Head Information and Public Relations Unit
Office of Secretary to the State Government,Juliana Masia, during the working visit to Bille Kingdom in Degema Local Government Area on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, Governor Fubara reassured residents of his deep concern for their health and well-being. He reiterated his administration’s commitment to finding a lasting solution to the persistent gas emissions observed in the community’s land and water sources since November 2025.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dagogo Wokoma, the Governor announced immediate interventions to address urgent needs. These include the provision of potable water and essential medical services through the release of ₦100 million as palliative support for the affected community.
According to the SSG, “Governor Fubara remains deeply committed to the welfare of the people of Bille Kingdom. Although unable to attend in person due to pressing state engagements, he is fully aware of the situation and determined to tackle the root cause of the environmental challenge”.
The Governor assured residents that the state government will not relent in its efforts to provide a permanent solution to the gas emissions, emphasizing that the current intervention is only a temporary measure to ease the suffering of the people.
He further urged members of the community to remain law-abiding and continue supporting his administration, noting that he has consistently demonstrated a track record of fulfilling his promises.
Earlier, the Chairman, Council of Chief for Bille Kingdom, Chief Bennet Dokubo expressed joy over the State visit as he described Governor Fubara as a leader who listens to te plight of the people.
He urged the Governor to critically look into the gass emission he described as dangerous to human health.
“If we take you into the river, we notice that the entire environment is bubbling and smelling.
“We most humbly urge you to critically look into this situation. This is something strange we have never experienced before. It is not good for human health’, he stressed.
The Governor also inspected some affected areas.
Business & Economy
*HallowMace Africa and Partners Announce First Stage Results For July 2026 National Legislative Awards*
*Abuja, Nigeria, April 1st, 2026.* HallowMace Africa, a leading media and advocacy organisation dedicated to promoting legislative accountability and excellence, has officially released the results of the first stage of voting for its highly anticipated July 2026 National Legislative Awards.
Following an intensive initial voting phase, Nigerians, in collaboration with the National Assembly Press Corps, have successfully nominated a distinguished list of Senators and Members of the House of Representatives. These nominees represent the pinnacle of legislative performance across the nation’s six geo-political zones and the Federal Capital Territory.
The first stage of voting saw robust participation from citizens and accredited press corps members, who evaluated lawmakers based on legislative impact, constituency representation, and public service delivery.
*List Of Outstanding Nominees By Geo-Political Zone:*
*SOUTH EAST*
*Abia:* Sen. Enyinnaya Abariba (Senate); Hon. Benjamin Kalu (Reps)
*Anambra:* Sen. Victor Umeh (Senate); Hon. Dominic Okafor (Reps)
*Ebonyi:* Sen. Peter Nwaebonyi (Senate); Hon. Nkemkanma Kama (Reps)
*Enugu:* Sen. Osita Ngwu (Senate); Hon. John Nnolim (Reps)
*Imo:* Sen. Osita Izunaso (Senate); Hon. Chike Okafor (Reps)
*SOUTH SOUTH*
*Akwa Ibom:* Sen. Godswill Akpabio (Senate); Hon. Patrick Umoh-Ikor (Reps)
*Bayelsa:* Sen. Seriake Dickson (Senate); Hon. Frederick Agbedi (Reps)
*Delta:* Sen. Ned Nwoko (Senate); Hon. Francis Waive (Reps)
*Edo:* Sen. Adams Oshiomole (Senate); Hon. Julius Ihonvbere (Reps)
*Cross River:* Sen. Asuquo Elpenyong (Senate); Hon. Michael Etaba (Reps)
*Rivers:* Sen. Harry Banigo (Senate); Hon. Inombek Awaji-Abiante (Reps)
*SOUTH WEST*
*Ekiti:* Sen. Opeyemi Bamidele (Senate); Hon. Akor Rotimi (Reps)
*Lagos:* Sen. Adetokunbo Abiru (Senate); Hon. Babajimi Benson (Reps)
*Ogun:* Sen. Solomon Olamilekan (Senate); Hon. Isiaka Ibrahim (Reps)
*Ondo:* Sen. Emmanuel Ipimsagba Olajide (Senate); Hon. Donald Ojogo (Reps)
*Osun:* Sen. Francis Adenigba Fadaunsi (Senate); Hon. Oluwole Oke (Reps)
*Oyo:* Sen. Abdulfattah Buhari (Senate); Hon. Tolulope Akande-Sadipe (Reps)
*NORTH CENTRAL*
*Kwara:* Sen. Saliu Mustapha (Senate); Hon. Muktar Shagaya (Reps)
*Benue:* Sen. Abba Moro (Senate); Hon. Terseer Ugbor (Reps)
*Niger:* Sen. Sani Musa (Senate); Hon. Saidu Musa Abdullahi (Reps)
*Kogi:* Sen. Natasha Akpoti-Uduanghan (Senate); Hon. Leke Abejide (Reps)
*Nasarawa:* Sen. Aliyu Wadada (Senate); Hon. Jonathan G. Gaza (Reps)
*Plateau:* Sen. Diket Plang (Senate); Hon. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi (Reps)
*NORTH EAST*
*Adamawa:* Sen. Abass Aminu Iya (Senate); Hon. Laori K. Bitrus (Reps)
*Bauchi:* Sen. Abdul Ninji (Senate); Hon. Manu Soro Mansur (Reps)
*Borno:* Sen. Muhammed Monguno (Senate); Hon. Ahmadu Usman Jaha (Reps)
*Gombe:* Sen. Muhammed Danjuma Goje (Senate); Hon. Bello Usman Kumo (Reps)
*Taraba:* Sen. David Jumkuta (Senate); Hon. Jaafara Yakubu (Reps)
*Yobe:* Sen. Ahmad Lawan (Senate); Hon. Khadija Bukar Abba-Ibrahim (Reps)
*NORTH WEST*
*Jigawa:* Sen. Hussaini Babangida Uba (Senate); Hon. Hassan Fulata (Reps)
*Kaduna:* Sen. Sunday Katung (Senate); Hon. Shehu Agilo (Reps)
*Kano:* Sen. Jubil Barau (Senate); Hon. Aliyu Madaki (Reps)
*Katsina:* Sen. Abdulazeez Musa Yar’Adua (Senate); Hon. Sada Soli (Reps)
*Kebbi:* Sen. Yahaya Abdullahi (Senate); Hon. Bello Kaoje (Reps)
*Sokoto:* Sen. Amimu Waziri Tambuwal (Senate); Hon. Abdussamad Dasuki (Reps)
*Zamfara:* Sen. Bilbis Aliyu Ikra (Senate); Hon. Aminu Sani Jaji (Reps)
*FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY*
*FCT:* Sen. Ireti Kingibe (Senate); Hon. Ajiya Abdulrahman (Reps)
*Next Stage of Voting*
With the first stage concluded, the competition now enters a critical phase. The goal is to identify one Most Outstanding Senator and one Most Outstanding House of Representatives member per geo-political zone.
In the upcoming second stage, the current list of nominees will be narrowed down to a final three (3) nominees per zone. These top three finalists will then advance to the final voting stage, where the ultimate winner for each geo-political zone will be determined.
*“The massive participation we witnessed in the first stage is a testament to the growing interest of Nigerians in legislative accountability,” said Amb. Anderson Osiebe, Executive Director, HallowMace Africa. “As we proceed to the next stage, we urge the public to remain engaged. We are committed to a transparent process that celebrates the lawmakers who truly exemplify service to the people.”*
*Voting links and timelines for the next stage is as follows:*
thenationallegislativeawards@gmail.com
The voting commences immediately using the above email, *also this voting timeline shall expire on the 14th day of April 2026 by 11:59pm.*
The National Legislative Awards 2026 is Powered by HallowMace Africa in partnership with International Goodwill Ambassador Club, ERGAF Africa, Isabella Ayuk Foundation and many others.
*About HallowMace Africa*
HallowMace Africa is a non-governmental organization focused on promoting democratic values, legislative excellence, and civic engagement across the African continent.
*Media Contact:*
Amb. Oguh Hyginus John
*Head of Public Communications Desk*
HallowMace Africa
Renaissance MD, Attah at Nigerian Content Lecture, Predicts Merger of Operators, Outlines Funding Instruments for Projects By David Owei,Bayelsa Managing...
*HURIWA Condemns Prolonged Injustice in WINHOMES Case …..Demands Urgent Presidential Intervention
By George Mgbeleke The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has raised grave concerns over what it describes as...
Ex-militants, BoT forum oppose call to decentralise Tantita’s pipeline security contract
By David Owei,Bayelsa Niger Delta ex-militants, Board of Trustees (BoT), Critical Stakeholders Forum (CSF) and the Foundation for Heritage Advancement...
Ex-Senate President Lawan bemoans loss of lives by Airstrikes at Jilli Futchimiram LGA in Yobe State
By George Mgbeleke Saddened by the loss of lives of inhabitants Jilli Futchimiram in Geidam Local Government Area of Yobe...
Late Senator Mpigi Served With Dignity and Devotion – Akpabio
By George Mgbeleke The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio has said the late Senator who represented Rivers South East...
2027: No Vacancy – Nnamani, Nwobodo, Awkunanaw Clan Endorse Mbah* _… We don’t engage in unjust fights – Nnamani_ _… Mbah the undisputed best hands for Enugu – Jim Nwobodo_
By Our Correspondent As politicians warm up 2027 elections,the people of Awkunanaw clan, cutting across several communities in Enugu South...
ADC Congratulates New State Executives, Fixes May 12 for Inauguration,….releases an update of Convention C’ttee list
By George Mgbeleke The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has congratulated its newly elected State Executives and Chairmen on the peaceful...
Killing of General Braimoh, many soldiers by Boko Haram terrorists should be investigated: HURIWA
By George Mgbeleke Even as the Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum, has revealed that security forces had prior intelligence...
Gov. Diri Pays Tribute To Mpigi, Says Late Senator Impacted Lives
By David Owei,Bayelsa Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has said the late Senator Barinada Barry Mpigi was a...
ADC Congratulates New State Executives, Fixes May 12 for Inauguration
By George Mgbeleke The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has congratulated its newly elected State Executives and Chairmen on the peaceful...
-
Politics11 months agoGov Okpebholo moves to end Cultism *Threatens action against leading cult groups *Vows to demolish more cult houses in Edo State
-
Politics8 months agoASUU-NDU protest against FG loans, unpaid salaries,Non-Implementation of agreements …..says loans is generational slavery
-
Business & Economy8 months agoPC-NCG Issues Disclaimer on Purported Nigerian Coast Guard National Orientation Exercise In Anambra State
-
Entertainment2 years agoJubilation galore as Parishioners of CKC Kurudu celebrate their cultural heritage ….FG should exploit our Cultural heritage to unite Nigerians-Rev Fr Dim
-
General News2 years agoReps hold public hearing on FMC Ugwuaji Awkunanaw
-
Sports2 months agoBayelsa-born ex-football star’s son, Opuama donates spike shoes to Athletics Association
-
General News2 years agoCelebration galore as UDA Successfully Elected New Exco ……I will digitalize processes that will raise UDA to greater height -Comr. Okejiri
-
Law & Crime9 months agoLegal practitioner raises alarm over threat to his life by CSP Muhammed Abdulkareem