GOVERNMENT HOUSE, KATSINA

PRESS RELEASE

KTSG Will Ensure Vulnerable Groups Have Access to Quality Education, Governor Radda Tells EU-UNESCO Reps in Katsina

Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umar Radda, has assured the European Union and United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) that his administration will ensure vulnerable groups in the State have access to quality education.

The Governor revealed today during the launching of EU-UNESCO project titled, “Expanding, Integrating, and Strengthening Systems (EISS) to Build Teachers Capacity and Resilience,” at the State Banquet Hall.

The Governor, in his keynote address, described education as the foundation of progress. Adding that “No society can thrive without an educated and empowered population.”

Governor Radda reiterated that the project aligns perfectly with the administration’s vision of inclusive and quality education, particularly for vulnerable groups including girls, persons with disabilities, and out-of-school children.

The Governor further stated that the initiative will expand access to quality education, especially in rural and underserved areas and improve teacher training and curriculum development to meet global standards.

“This program will strengthen technical and vocational education for student self-reliance and leverage technology in education to bridge learning gaps,” the Governor added.

Demonstrating the state government’s commitment, Governor Radda directed the Honourable Commissioner of Education to “provide office accommodation for the project team as soon as possible to facilitate smooth operations.”

The Governor expressed profound appreciation to the European Union, UNESCO, and all partners for their dedication to advancing education and human capital development in Katsina State.

The Governor, subsequently, launched the State Project Steering Committee, emphasizing the importance of stakeholder collaboration in driving the initiative forward.

“We are working to strengthen collaboration with stakeholders, communities, and the private sector to further expand the reach and impact of this initiative,” he explained.

Earlier, State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Hajia Zainab Musa Musawa, emphasized that the project is particularly timely, addressing global challenges in education, including teacher capacity building and systemic improvements.

“It represents a collaborative effort between the Katsina State Government, UNESCO, and the European Union to transform educational opportunities for young people,” Hajiya Zainab noted.

The Commissioner called for broad collaboration, noting that the project’s success depends on the collective commitment of government agencies, international partners, school administrators, teachers, parents, and students.

In his remarks, the UNESCO Abuja Office Head, Mr. Albert Mendy, explained that the project is a joint initiative between UNESCO and the European Union to address critical challenges in the education sector, particularly the global shortage of teachers.

“According to recent UNESCO data approximately 44 million teachers are needed to achieve universal primary and secondary education by 2030,” Albert stated.

The UNESCO Head who also revealed that needs assessment was earlier conducted in Katsina State, emphasized, “As we approach the 2030 Agenda deadline, the pivotal role of teachers in achieving Sustainable Development Goal 4 has become increasingly apparent.”

He further noted that the project will deploy a resident Programme Assistant in Katsina to ensure active engagement and project implementation.

Albert particularly commended the collaborative approach from the State Government, with Governor Radda providing critical support and an enabling environment for implementation.

The program was attended by the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Alhaji AbdulKadir Mamman Nasir; Principal Private Secretary to the Governor (PPS), Hon. Abdullahi Aliyu Turaji; the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Education, Heads of Education Agencies and other education stakeholders in the State.

Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Katsina State

5th March, 2025

Sexual Harassment:Women Coalition To Hold One million Man March for Senator Natasha on Monday

Women Rights and Justice Forum (WRJF),a coalition of women’s associations working to protect the interest of women has concluded arrangements to storm the Federal Capital Territory on Monday , March 10 to hold one million people march in protest against Senate President, Godswill Akpabio over alleged harassment of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan .

According to women Rights group, part of reasons, it resolved to embark on the protest is call for resignation of the Senator President .

The group with members across the 36 states of Nigeria said it has already commenced mobilisation of women to come out and remain on the roads until President Bola Ahmed and the National Assembly remove Senator Akpabio from the highly exalted position of Senate President .

The Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uguaghan had accused the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, of sexual harassment.She also alleged that Akpabio blocked her motions from being heard on the floor of the Senate because she rejected his advances.

In a Statement issued today and made available to Journalists in Kaduna, the Women Rights and Justice Forum,which condemned in strong terms any attempt by men in high positions to harass women for personal gains, hinted that,”The Million People March will be the first of a series of protests to call for the resignation of the Senator Akpabio, who allegedly harassed a woman”.

The statement signed the Coordinator of the Forum, Hajiya Hauwa Suleiman Usman explained: ” The decision to embark on the one million man March is equally to make strong statement that women will not tolerate such oppression and harassment against women in politics.

“We have waited and watched with keen interest to see if the Senate President will tow the honourable lane and apologize to Natasha after she was compelled to speak out on Arise Television, but we later discovered that some of the lawmakers and members of the public have taken side against her .

“As women, have decided to unite to stop these overt attempts to shut women down and make them second class citizens in their own country.

“To serve as deterrent to other men, we resolved to not only talk, but take decisive action to ensure that Senator Akpabio suffer for his actions to harass and undermine a woman for rejecting sexual advances.

“It unfortunate that without investigating the allegation, Akpabio’s wife, who should know her husband better concluded prematurely and dragged senator Natasha to court . But note this she will shocked after she sees evidence.

“Senator Akpabio must resign or we remain on the roads till he does so. “

Group Condemns Natasha’s Sexual Harassment Allegations Against Akpabio

…Vows to Join Akpabio’s wife in Legal battle 

Group under aegis of Northern Democratic Alliance (NDA) has condemned what it termed , Unfounded sexual harassment allegation against the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio by Senator Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan. 

The Senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, Senator Natasha Akpoti who protested the relocation of her seat accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of persistent harassment, victimization, and blocking her legislative efforts because she rejected his alleged inappropriate advances.

Natasha, who made the claim while speaking on Arise Television’s Morning Show on Friday, detailed what she described as a troubling pattern of professional sabotage and personal intimidation — a fallout, she claimed, of her refusal to engage in an improper relationship with Akpabio.

However,in a reaction to Senator Natasha Apoti”s claim of sexual harassment, the Northern Democratic Alliance condemned the attacks on the Senate President.Saying her  face-off with Senator Akpabio is unwarranted, unprovoked and shouldn’t have come from a family friend of the Senate President.

The statement reads: “We have known the Senate President since he was Governor of Akwa Ibom to his days as minister and now Senate  President, and can authoritatively tell you that he’s a man who lots of respect for women .

“So , when we heard about Senator Natasha accusations, especially that of sexual harassment,it didn’t add up for us .

“The good people of Akwa Ibom,the wife of the Senate President and members of the National Assembly can also attest to fact that he’s only a cheerful personality,but a seasoned administrator who understands the implications of such act of irresponsibility while holding public office.

“It against this background that we have come to condemn Senator Natasha unsubstantiated claim of sexual harassment and victimization.”

” After careful study of the whole saga ,we have decided to join Senator Akpabio’s wife in court in legal battle against Senator , Natasha who has no evidence to prove  her claim.”

Group Blasts Ex President Buhari over   Relocation to Kaduna from Daura 
… Demands Unreserve Apology for Abandoning Them 

Kaduna based political group has expressed anger over the relocation of former President Muhammadu Buhari to his Kaduna residence after several years of abandoning the State . 
The group, which asked Buhari to return to back to his Katsina hometown, said they never  expected that he could stay away from Kaduna for 24 hours after he left office as Nigeria’s President .
According to the forum, all the privileges the former President has enjoyed and success achieved over years apparently were  due to his link to Kaduna, the historical headquarters of the northern region.It was widely reported that the former President Buhari relocated from his hometown, Daura in Katsina State, to his residence in Kaduna, marking the end of a 21-month stay since leaving office in May 2023.
In a Statement issued today and made to journalists in Kaduna the forum explained: “Buhari  abandoned us after he became the President and worst still,  Daura home town became his favorite place of abode .In the statement signed Dr. Musa Ibrahim Gusau the angry members posited, ” We have always supported Buhari  in all aspects of his life from the days of military rule to when he decided to join politics and ran for the highly coveted seat of President.“He later became President in 2015 and suddenly abandoned Kaduna people  from 2015 to 2023 .Today he has returned to Kaduna and expect us to give same unalloyed and organic support.“We used to love Buhari for his regards and respect for the masses .We also strongly believe in his unquenching passion to fight corruption and work for emancipation of the talakawas ,but out mindset had changed now .“The decision to condemn his renewed decision to relocate to Kaduna was out of anger; pains and feelings of abandonment .“We are sad  that after he became the president, he simply changed and started going to his Daura  home town .Kaduna people voted for him;stood for him, but when he became President ,he abandoned Kaduna now he has returned to stay in Kaduna.“We are therefore call on the former President to apologize to all his supporters or return  to Katsina.”

Murder Case Of Kaduna Government Technical College Student: Family demands over ₦560m compensation, Accuses Government of Negligence

Six suspects have appeared at the Kaduna Chief Magistrate Court, Kabala Doki in Kaduna State, after being charged with the murder of Ahmed Musa, an SS2 student, who was brutally killed.

The incident took place on 16th February 2025, at the Government Technical College Malali Kaduna North.

Justice Naheed Ibrahim Abdulhamid ordered that the principal defendants, Wisdom Markus Kefas, 18 years old, SS2 student and Innocent Yakubu, 17 years old SS2 student both from Government Technical College Malali, Markus be remanded in a correctional facility, while Innocent would be remanded in the police custody.

The case has been adjourned until the 8th of April 2025.

Wisdom Markus Kefas and Innocent Yakubu are the prime suspects accused of conspiring and causing the death of Ahmed on the 16th of February, 2025.

Also, Timothy Abba 56 years old, Joseph Ogoni 41 years old, Bulus Adamu 42 years old and Francis Adamu 48 years old all personnel of Kaduna State vigilance service (KADVIS), posted to the said school to provide security were arrested in connection the case.

They were charged too before the Kabala Doki Magistrate court, and accused of criminal conspiring and negligence which cause the death of Ahmed Musa at Government technical college malali kaduna.

The KADVIS personnel were granted bail, while the court adjourned their case until 17th March 2025.

After the court session, the father of the deceased, Comrade Musa Mohammed (Moonlight), in an interview with newsmen demanded from the Kaduna State government adequate compensation for negligence, being the custodian of his deceased son, Ahmed Musa.

He said, “We the family of Late Ahmed Musa demanding for the Kaduna State government to pay Five Hundred and Sixty Million, Three Hundred Thousand Naira (N560,300,000), as compensation”.

Recall that on 16th February 2025, the deceased, Ahmed Musa, was found lying down at the school premises with his two hands and legs tied with a rope to his neck through the back with trace of blood on his mouth and nose.

He was thereafter rushed to the Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital, Kaduna, where he was confirmed dead by a medical doctor.

Nigerian Army’s Civil-Military Cooperation Projects Strengthen Community Ties, Says COAS

Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, Chief of Army Staff (COAS), has emphasized the significance of the COAS special intervention civil-military cooperation projects as a fundamental element in the Nigerian Army’s strategy to build public support and foster collaboration with civilian communities.

Represented by Major General Abdul Ibrahim, Commander of the Infantry Corps, General Oluyede made this statement during the commissioning ceremony of community-based intervention projects at Nuhu Bamali Primary School in Fadi Sonka Kwabai, Zaria. The event took place on Monday, February 24, 2024.

The completed projects include the renovation and furnishing of selected classrooms, the refurbishment of a block of six toilets, and the installation of a solar-powered borehole to provide water for the toilets and the surrounding community.

General Oluyede highlighted that these initiatives aim to complement government efforts in infrastructure development, particularly in communities associated with senior officers of the Nigerian Army, who have demonstrated exemplary service, such as Major General S. Nuhu, who oversaw the projects.

“This gesture is a token of appreciation to the people of Zaria for their contributions to the nation through their son,” General Oluyede stated. He reiterated the Army’s commitment to utilizing non-kinetic operations to enhance public support in line with its mandate.

The COAS expressed gratitude to Major General S. Nuhu, local leaders, and the school management for their collaborative efforts in bringing these projects to fruition. He urged the community to take ownership of the facilities and ensure their maintenance for sustainable use.

The commissioning ceremony was attended by notable dignitaries, including His Royal Highness, the Emir of Zazzau, Ambassador Ahmed Nuhu Bamali, Chief of Civil Military Affairs (Army), Major General MLD Saraso, as well as commandants from the Nigerian Army Depot and School of Infantry, Major General Ahmadu Mohammed and Major General Frank Etim, respectively.

This event marks a significant step in strengthening the relationship between the Nigerian Army and the communities it serves, reinforcing the commitment to mutual support and cooperation.

NIGERIANS IN DIASPORA CRY OUT AS DAVE UMAHI DESTROYED THEIR OVER N375 BILLION REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT 

Some Nigerians investors from diaspora under the aegis of Association of Nigerians in Diaspora have cried out to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over their multi billion investment in Nigeria, allegedly destroyed by the Minister of Works of Nigeria, Engr. David Nweze Umahi CON.

The Managing Director, Winhomes Global Services Limited, Engr. Stella Ifeoma Okengwu, reads an open letter to President Tinubu during their World Press Conference held in Houston Texas on Sunday February 23, 2025 at about 11:00 pm Nigeria time at Westheimer Road, Houston Texas and monitored online. 

The open letter titled, “Address to the President: An Indictment of Minister Engr. David Umahi” calls for quick intervention of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to rescue their over $250 million in foreign direct investment in Nigeria, which in naira is about N375 billion invested in acquiring and developing 17.03 hectares of land in Okun Ajah, Etiosa LGA, Lagos State. But Engr Umahi was said to have initiated the demolition of properties, claiming that the investments of $250 million are merely a ‘bare land’.

The open letter reads,

“I Engr. Stella Ifeoma Okengwu, Managing Director of Winhomes Global Services Limited, hereby present a grave indictment against Engr. David Umahi, the Minister of Works, and the Federal Ministry of Works of Nigeria. The actions of this minister reveal a disturbing pattern of illegal demolition, abuse of power, bribery, corruption, manipulation, and witch-hunting.

“Winhomes, a leading real estate company, has made significant contributions to Nigeria’s economy, repatriating $250 million in foreign direct investment. Our efforts align with your renewed hope agenda, encouraging Nigerians in the diaspora to invest at home. Despite our compliance with all legal requirements, including obtaining the necessary certifications and approvals, we have faced unjust treatment at the hands of the Ministry of Works.

“In the first quarter of 2024, we were shocked to learn that Minister Umahi had ordered an illegal diversion of the coastal road into our investment property—an action that defies the original alignment earmarked by your administration. This blatant disregard for the law, coupled with the minister’s selective demolition practices, raises serious concerns about integrity within the ministry,”

Suspecting that these actions of the Umahi “appear to be driven by personal agendas and corrupt dealings, as evidenced by credible reports of bribery linked to the Ocean Bay Estate. It is alarming that those who have illegally encroached upon the coastal road are spared, while law-abiding citizens like us face unwarranted punishment.

“Furthermore, the minister has publicly attacked me, labeling me a land grabber and issuing threats against my person, while denying the legitimacy of our investments. His insistence that our estate is merely “bare land” after demolishing our structures is a blatant falsehood.

“Recent developments, including his instructions to alter another alignment for personal gain, exemplify the selective manipulation of law and resources under his watch. The minister’s assertion that the Oba of Lagos, has no power to do anything because his land has been possessed alongside his blatant lies regarding utility placements, further underscores his contempt for authority and due process.

“The minister of works claiming that there is cable in Okun-Ajah is a ballant lie because we did our thorough investigation with Al dha Hassan, the people in charge of the design; and it was shown that there is no cables embedded on that area.

“The minister disregarded the rule of law by not following the directive of the federal high court of Lagos state by JUSTICE ALUKO which says: I will enjoin all parties to respect court processes and do not engage in any act capable of foisting a fait accomplishing on the court or render the out come of the case nugatory shows his track record of abusing power

“This pattern of impunity cannot be ignored. Engr. Umahi is undermining your administration’s efforts to foster investment and development in Nigeria. His disregard for the law and the rights of citizens is a threat to the very principles of governance that you advocate.

“We call for his immediate removal or honorable resignation. The people of Nigeria deserve a minister who embodies the renewed hope vision, not one who perpetuates corruption and abuse. We implore you, Mr. President, to take swift action to uphold the rule of law and restore faith in our nation’s governance.

Concluding the letter by stressing that they have made several appeals to “various government bodies, including the House Committee on Works and the ICPC, yet no action has been taken. We trust that your leadership will not allow this injustice to continue”

Also a former presidential aspirant under Labour Parry, His Excellency Faduri Oluwadare Joseph popularly called Fadojoe, lending his voice to call on the president to act fast on the lingering issue, stressed that if investors investment can no longer be protected under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, then it’s obvious that this administration will scare off foreign investors from Nigeria.

Therefore, on behalf of the Association of Nigerians Diasporan Investors, “we are gathered today to expose this unfortunate issue to the whole world. And our demands are simple:

“1. To appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to look into Minister David Umahi’s handlings and activities in the Ministry of Works as regards the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Roads Projects.

“2. That the ongoing land grabbing and illegal demolition by David Umahi be stopped and then well probed so that cases of using excuses to destroy legal projects be properly looked into to ensure that the government begging investors to come to the country wouldn’t be destroying investors, investment and thereby scaring away other investors from our dear country.

“3. The Federal Government of Nigeria, through the National Assembly look into making laws that will protect foreign investors and their investment so that many other Nigerians and foreigners can stop being afraid of coming to Nigeria to invest.

“4. That no one in Nigeria should be above the law of the land where applicable.

“5. That government should fully return back to investors, all that have been taken from them and Nigerian government should respect law and order and fully repay back all demolished and grabbed lands from diaspora investors, whose investment were illegally grabbed or demolished by the Ministry of Works under Hon. David Umahi

“6. That we Nigerians in diaspora want to rebuild and make our dear nation, Nigeria great again; but we need the enabling environment and assurance from our government that our investments would be secured and safe”. His speech notes.

Other Nigerians in Diaspora also addressed the press on the pertinent issue.

While a Nigerian who simply identified himself as Malik calls for full transparency of project plans, which according to him, “any project that seeks to disrupt the lives and properties of citizens must be shared openly and discussed inclusively. We must ensure that the voices of the affected are heard. 

He also stressed the need for full investigation and accountability, asserting that “we demand an investigation into the motives behind these evil demolitions, to expose” any ulterior motives behind the destruction of such huge diaspora investment. 

Clarifying the air on the development of the issue, Engr. Stella Ifeoma, who serves as the 

CEO of Winhomes Global Services LTD, the legal owner of the 17.03 hectares of land in Okun Ajah, Etiosa LGA, Lagos State.

Notes as follows:

“It is imperative to clarify that while I hold the title of CEO, my primary role is acting as the Coordinator of 

Properties for numerous Nigerians and foreign nationals in the diaspora who have united in our 

initiative to promote investment not only in Nigeria but throughout Africa. These individuals have 

labored diligently in countries such as the United States, Canada, Germany, Belgium, and the United 

Kingdom, and they seek a secure place to call home—a vision that inspired the establishment of 

Winhomes.

“We undertook comprehensive due diligence in acquiring this property, securing the Governor’s Consent and purchasing land that is accompanied by a Certificate of Occupancy. Furthermore, we possess a Right of Way clearance from the Lagos State government, confirming that the land is free from all encumbrances and is not situated within the designated alignment of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road.

“To elaborate, the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road project was conceptualized during the administration of Alhaji Lateef Jakande and was adopted by then Governor Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2006, subsequently enacted into law by the Lagos State House of Assembly. The alignment for this road has been clearly designated.

“In 2022, I began to hear unsettling rumors regarding the imminent construction of the Lagos-Calabar 

Coastal Road. Initially, we felt no concern, as our property does not fall along the established route. However, following the appointment of Engineer David Umahi as Minister for Works, significant deviations from the designated alignment were proposed, despite his assurances—both private and 

public—during stakeholder meetings at Eko Hotel, that he would adhere to the original plan; instead, he chose to seize properties from those who have not built along the alignment, leaving those who have constructed on the alignment in a precarious position.

“Recently, Engineer David Umahi publicly insulted and threatened me, subsequently initiating the 

demolition of properties within the Winhomes Estate at Okun Ajah. This action is in direct violation of the directives issued by the Federal High Court of Lagos State, which mandated that he, along with High-

Tech, the Attorney General of the Federation, and the Lagos State government, refrain from any 

construction activities while the case remains unresolved.

“Despite this ruling, Engineer David Umahi has stationed military personnel and commenced construction following the destruction of numerous properties”.

She asserts that

the Right of Occupancy for Winhomes Estates is still so much valid as there is no order of revocation by any authority including Lagos State government, “and our Certificate of Occupancy remains valid. We are not infringing upon the right of way alignment. Therefore, the current situation demands urgent scrutiny.

“The Minister’s only justification for his actions has been to claim that the investments of $250 million 

are merely a “bare land’ after demolishing properties within the estate. Furthermore, he has falsely asserted that the presence of an MTN cable necessitated his deviation from the original 

alignment. This assertion is unequivocally false, as the MTN cable originates from the Atlantic Ocean near Okun Mopol Ijebu, approximately 25 kilometers from Okun Ajah.

“Such manipulation, deceit, and outright falsehoods presented to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu must be addressed. The integrity of Nigeria is at stake due to the impunity exhibited by David Umahi. 

“Higher authorities must intervene to rectify this situation, as upholding the rule of law is essential for national credibility and investment confidence”, she concludes.

Kaduna Disengaged Teachers Rain Curses on Elrufai, Begs Uba Sani to Pay their Entitlements

… Expresses joy over release of withheld N548m NUT Endwell Funds

Tired of endless hope and waiting for their Entitlement to be paid after they were sacked in 2017, the teachers under aegis of Kaduna State Illegally Disengaged Teachers Forum came out strongly to rain curses on former Governor Nasir Elrufai for failing to pay their Entitlement after they were fired.

According to the teachers, God will not only punish for Governor Nasir Elrufai for making them pass through untold hardship over the seven years out of job without any entitlement paid ,but will also make him suffer same fate .

“We are happy that he is already seeing the hand of God all over the place . It is unfair to treat teachers, who contributed their quota to educational development in the State in such heartless manner.

The Elrufai led Government had sacked 21,000 out of 30,000 primary school teachers who failed competency test.

But at a press conference held at Arewa House Conference on Tuesday, the State Coordinator of KSIDF said the competency test was not done in good faith as presented to public,but to reduce number of teachers in employment of State government.

While Stating that he personally scored 70 percent in the result he saw ,the Coordinator wondered why he was sacked after such above average score.

He said ,”I think what Elrufai did was to sack the teachers to reduce cost of salary payments without recourse to the standard of teaching and education in the State.

However,the called on Governor Uba Sani to consider their plights and revisit the issue of the 21,000 sacked teachers.

We strongly that the Governor from all indication would sympathise with and and do the needful immediately.

The sacked teachers who commended the Governor for ordering the immediate release of the sum of N548 million to the Nigerian Union of Teachers Endwell scheme which was withheld by the past administration, also appealed to him to conduct another competency for them to ascertain their eligibility.