Breaking: NPA Boss, Dantsoho Named Man of the Year

The Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, has been named Man of the Year by The Reporters Nigeria Magazine, in recognition of his transformative leadership in the maritime sector.

Dr. Dantsoho, according to the management of the magazine, was honored for his outstanding contributions to port efficiency, trade facilitation, and Nigeria’s global maritime standing. “Under his leadership, the NPA sustained port efficiencies that helped drive Nigeria’s international trade volume to 5.81 trillion naira ($3.7 billion) in the third quarter of 2024,” the magazine’s management explained.

A key highlight of his tenure has been the successful implementation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s strategy for reducing petroleum imports in naira, which significantly cut foreign exchange demand. He also spearheaded Nigeria’s full membership in the International Port Community System Association (IPCSA), enhancing trade transparency through the National Single Window (NSW) project.

“Dantsoho’s leadership was instrumental in increasing transshipment cargo processed from Lekki Deep Seaport, catering to landlocked areas in Nigeria,” they added.

The magazine’s management further noted that his diplomatic efforts secured Nigeria’s re-admission into the prestigious Category C of the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

Recognized as the first Nigerian to be elected President of the Port Management Association of West & Central Africa (PMAWCA), Dr. Dantsoho’s influence extends beyond Nigeria, positioning the country as a key player in regional maritime affairs.

“In awarding him Man of the Year, The Reporters Nigeria Magazine commended his role in transforming the NPA into a strategic hub for sustainable maritime logistics, fostering economic growth, and creating employment opportunities,” they explained.

In his response to the award, Dr. Dantsoho acknowledged the continuous support and guidance of the Honourable Minister of Marine & Blue Economy, His Excellency Adegboyega Oyetola, in achieving the successes the NPA has attained so far.

He assured all stakeholders of NPA’s dedication to continue deploying the efficiencies necessary to grow the national economy, emphasizing that the award would only spur the organization to do more in advancing the frontiers of trade facilitation to support the national economy.

Award: The Reporter’s Magazine Names Shehu Sani “Activist of the Year” 

The Former Senator representing Kaduna Central District and President of Civil Rights Congress of Nigeria (CRCN), Senator Shehu Sani has been honoured with an award of excellence as the “Activist of the Year” alongside notable Nigerians during seventh anniversary of The Reporter’s Magazine in Abuja .

According to the organizers of the event, part of reasons for recognition is to celebrate Outstanding Nigerians ,who have distinguished themselves in their fields of endeavour and are changing the narratives in their own way.

Information gathered revealed that the awards presented to 18 distinguished Nigerians was centered on reward for exemplary performance;hard work and  integrity .

Notable amongst the awardees are the Group Chief Executive Officer NNPC Limited, Mallam Mele Kyari, who bagged the Award as Trailblazer in Energy Leadership; Dr. Dikko Umar Radda,the Governor of

Katsina State was honoured as  (Governor of the Year – Security), Malam Umar Namadi Danmodi, Governor of Jigawa State  as  (Governor of the Year (EDUCATION) and  Gen. Christopher Gwabin Musa ,Chief of Defence Staff Defence as the (Outstanding General of the Year).

Others are Major Hamza Al-Mustapha Rtd.

Intelligence and Security Expert as (Advocate for Stability).Mr. Olanipekun Olukayode,the Executive Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission,as Best (Impactful ANTI-CORRUPTION CRUSADER),Senator Abubakar Kyari, Honorable Minister of Agriculture and Food Security as  (Agricultural Sector Reformer of the Year). 

The Magazine also honoured some businessmen such as:DR. ABUBAKAR DANTSOHO MD/CEO, (Man of the Year Award),Muazzam Mairawani, Chairman, MSM Group of Companies Abuja, Nigeria(YOUNG INVESTOR OF THE YEAR),Mr. Sadiq Mele Kyari,Chief Executive Officer Syari Bespoke Apparels Abuja (FASHIONPRENEUR OF THE YEAR).

 Other awardees are: Mrs. Murjanatu Ringim,Founder Voice of Bazawara Initiative Kaduna State (PHILANTHROPIST OF THE YEAR), Barrister Sa’adat Yunusa Muhammad; Special Adviser on Poverty Reduction Office of the Governor,Sokoto State,as  (Empowerment Trailblazer), Mr. James Umeh, Chairman,The Whistler Newspaper, Abuja, as (PHILANTHROPIST OF THE YEAR).

While Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited bagged the award as the AFRICAN ENERGY COMPANY OF THE YEAR and the spoke of NNPCL, Olufemi Soneye

Chief Corporate Communications Officer NNPC Limited (CORPORATE COMMUNICATION ICON).

Pa Ayo Adebanjo: Apostle of Equity and Justice

The National Rescue Movement (NRM) pays growing tribute to late Pa Ayo Adebanjo, the Afenifere leader, who passed on recently. Pa Adebanjo was an apostle of equity and justice. We therefore commiserate with the family members and residents of Ilarowo Ogbo of Odogbolu Local Government Area of Ogun State; the country home of the late sage, as well as the Afenifere, the Yoruba socio-cultural organization that he was the leader.

The National Rescue Movement believes that this is a period of mourning not only for the Afenifere, but the entire country as the foremost nationalist, elder statesman, distinguished lawyer, very distinct politician, apostle of true federalism; equity and justice, as a former Organizing Secretary of Action Group, the national leader of Afenifere lived his life for the entire country in commitment to fighting for truth, equity and justice. 

Pa Adebanjo’s belief and struggle for a truly independent and progressive Nigeria was total and this he fought for until he breathed his last breath at 96. His memory will forever remain fresh in the mind of real democrats. His death is indeed a great loss to the nation, especially as we continue to seek men and women of conviction and integrity, and who can speak truth to power without fear or favour.

The entire members of our great party, under the visionary leadership of Prince (Dr) Chinedu Obi (Ohamadike), also sympathize with his 94-year-old widow, Chief Christy Ayo-Adebanjo, his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren and pray that God grants them the fortitude to bear his irreparable loss.

The National Rescue Movement cannot forget Baba in a hurry as our great party is built on truth, equity and justice amongst others, the ideal he lived and died for. May his soul rest in peace.

SIGNED:

Peter Letsuwa

Acting National Publicity

A Decade After, Farming Activities Return to Batsari and Safana

@Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed

Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda’s campaign train hit Batsari Local Governments for the grand finale of the All Progressivs Congress (APC) chairmanship campaign. At the local government, the Governor was welcomed by an enthusiastic gathering of party faithfuls and electorates in the region.

Shortly after concluding his rally in Batsari, the Governor dared to see for himself the security situation in Safana. He boldly traversed through Bakon Zabo and Wagini before proceeding to Safana local government area, where he passed through Gimi, Mararrabar Gimi, and Runka. It was an inspiring sight for commuters and residents of the areas seeing the Governor personally venturing into territories that were previously considered no-go areas for a decade.

As an eyewitness, what struck me most was the peace, return of commuters and business activities in these routes.

Sources close to the community revealed that before Governor Radda came on board, these roads were virtually impassable due to bandit attacks. The residents and business operators of the area live in fear while some even abandon their homes and source of livelihoods for the heartless bandits. Sad!

Today, I watched as the Governor toured round the areas. Engaged community dwellers and business tycoons who go about their daily businesses.

A powerful symbol of returning peace in these frontline communities. Gracias!

To the lovers and admirers of Katsina and peace, one of the ways to take you to the scene of this historic event is this handwriting before you.

First, the economic revival in these areas was impossible to ignore.

In Bakon Zabo, known for its cassava production, the Governor stopped to interact with farmers. Ask how the trading is going. Ask any of the farmers opportune to be at the market square today. You’ll be informed of how the governor was impressed by the abundance of cassava produce on display without fear.

In Wagini, the sight of thriving potato and cassava farms drew the Governor’s attention. Another stop was made where the governor engaged with local farmers about their agricultural activities.

Perhaps the most telling sign of progress was the visible presence of the Katsina State Community Watch Corps and civilian JTF personnel stationed at strategic points in every town. To state the obvious fact, KSCWC proper monitoring of every point has justified Governor Radda’s vision for establishing this security outfit.

What message are we taking away from Batsari and Safana today?

The once-deserted towns are springing back to life. People are now returning to their ancestral homes to own their farms and getting produce. There’s a new shift from the past decade when activities along these routes had ground to near a halt.

Community stakeholders including Sarkin Ruman Katsina doubled as the District Head of Batsari, Alhaji Tukur Muazu, appreciated the Governor for his proactive measures in the right against banditry in the state. That’s the closest authority to the people and it’s giving a verdict on the peace in this community.

Should you find this handwriting on your screen, tell a fellow Katsinawa to tell a Katsinawa that Batsari, Safana and other parts of the state are peaceful. Tell them to return home and own their land for rich agricultural produce. Governor Radda is grounded to do everything possible to restore lasting tranquility in the state and he won’t back down for whatever reason. This is your Dan Amana, living by his words. Putting people first.

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

Improved Security: Kaduna Group Applauds Ribadu, Condemns Elrufai’s Unprovoked Attacks

Kaduna based Human Rights group, K-23 Movement has applauded the National Security Adviser,Mal Nuhu Ribadu for concerted efforts and proactive steps taken to rid the north and indeed the entire country of banditry, terrorism and other security challenges.

According to the group, kidnapping and banditry had become economic crimes, which many criminals engaged in to make cool money in the country, before Ribadu alongside security agencies deployed proactive strategies that are already yielding fruits to tame insecurity in the country

The Chairman of K-23 movement Comrade Bashir Bello, who made the commendation during a press conference held at Arewa House Kaduna, expressed angered overs what he described as “unprovoked vituperations” from the former Governor Nasir Elrufai against the NSA and other political leaders.

He words: ” We are angry at Elrufai’s vituperations against the respected National Security Adviser , Mal Nuhu Ribadu and Kaduna State Governor .

El-Rufai had backed Haj. Naja’atu Muhammad when he released a newspaper article as evidence of where Ribadu vowed to expose leaders of the All Progressives Congress, including President Tinubu. According to him, Ribadu has serious amnesia.

According to him , the K-23 is unhappy that a man facing alleged corruption, should be very careful not stirr up controversy that overheats the polity. We want him to know that this campaign of calumny against he highly revered National Security adviser would be resisted

While noting that those who come to equity must come with clean hands, the Chairman described, Mal Nuhu Ribadu as a man of proven integrity ,who served his country meritoriously as the pioneer chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC and left with an unblemished record with unrivaled achievements .

Bello who reiterated readiness ready to give all necessary support that will help the NSA rid the north of insecurity challenges, said he is elated that the National Security Adviser is working tirelessly to rid the north and indeed the entire country of banditry, terrorism and other security challenges.

Speaking about El-Rufai, he said ,he It is on record that his administration in Kaduna State built a reputation for political repression by muzzling dissenting voices, sending numerous citizens to jail including journalists, traditional, politicians and academics without recourse to fairness.

He further said, “Among the numerous casualties of his repressive rule are a journalist Luka Biniyat who spent 185 days in jail. Steven Kefason also journalists spent 162 days in Jail. Dr. John Danfulani a university lecturer with the Kaduna State University was detained for 22 days and subsequently sacked from the university. We will not forget the nine Adara elders detained for 183 days. Abubakar Idris alias Dadiyata, a lecturer and public commentator was also abducted in his home.

“Five years down the line, his whereabouts is still unknown. Bashir Hamdada, a political associate of Senator Shehu Sani, was abducted and tortured for days in a detention facility for voicing his concerns. Galadiman Ruwan Zazzau A traditional title holder was detained for several days for defending the labour movement. His predecessor, Mukhtar Ramalan Yero was not spared either as he was humiliated and forced to display the EFCC charges board to the world after being detained for several days. likewise the former Secretary to the State Government Hamza Ishaq Danmahawayi and former PDP State Chairman A.G. Haruna. The list is endless.

“The ex-governor has flooded the media with wild claims that the current administration of Gov. Uba Sani has failed to disclose to the people of Kaduna State the fabled N150billion Financial intervention to the state while forgetting to remove the speck on his own eyes.

“Lest I forget, it is on record that erstwhile governor has, for the eight years he held sway as, refused to disclose the trillions that accrued to the state coffers from various grants and loans, which to date no member of the Kaduna state can testify how they were spent. The followings may suffice
He received millions of dollars Paris refund from the Federal Government without disclosing the sum to the people of the state.

Bello however revealed, “He received billions of naira in Ecological funds and failed to disclose the sum to the people of the state .He collected billions of Naira from the Excess Crude Account without disclosing the sum to the state
He also received billions of naira from Special Grants by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) without disclosing the sum to the state.

“He received payment for Stamp Duties in billions without disclosing the sum to the state. He also mortgaged the state Internally Generated Revenue IGR to a commercial bank and received billions of naira in return without disclosing the sum to the state until the startling revelations made by the report of Kaduna State House of Assembly emerged, no one could defend how the USD350million loan the ex-governor received from the World Bank was spent
Mal Nasir El-Rufai should therefore spare Governor Uba Sani his tantrums which are capable of distracting the current administration from the steady progress being made in the state in all areas of governance.

“Besides, we are calling on all relevant agencies to investigate his record of abuse of office and human rights violation including arbitrary detention and the illegal demolition of homes and business property in Kaduna, Zaria and Kafanchan, which rendered the state’s economy comatose. We should not forget that the ex-governor was disqualified by the National Assembly when his name was forwarded for ministerial screening on the grounds of security and poor human rights records”.

He emphasized the need for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to prosecute El-Rufai for the alleged charges of monumental corruption levelled against him by the State House of Assembly and other crimes committed against the State.

Government House Katsina. 

PRESS RELEASE

Re-Abduction of General Tsiga: Fear-stricken locals flee Katsina community

A report by Vanguard Newspaper alleging that over 400 natives fled Tsiga community after the unfortunate abduction of Brigadier-General Maharazu Tsiga (rtd), a former DG of the NYSC, was erroneous, misleading and quite below professional standards deserving such a sensitive matter. 

It’s quite intriguing that no relevant Katsina State Government official was contacted by Vanguard to verify the unfounded and rather curious claim by Vanguard’s “anonymous source” that over 400 locals fled the Tsiga community after the unfortunate incident. This is even more curious given the verifiable fact at the disposal of the Commissioner of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Hon. Nasiru Mu’azu Danmusa, that not a single person fled the community as a result of the incident — a fact which could be buttressed by the absence of any report of inflow of IDPs by communities neighboring Tsiga community or any community elsewhere within a reasonable radius. 

More so, in a conference-call conversation with the Hon. Commissioner, myself and the author of the report, I interrogated the logic of refusing to hear government’s side of the story by Vanguard Newspaper to which the reporter claimed to have attempted speaking with the Village Head of Tsiga but who refused to delve into the matter for lack of authority to speak on behalf of the government. It’s unfortunate that, rather than seek for clarification from relevant government officials with the authority to speak on behalf of the government, the reporter not only went searching for answers in the wrong place, from a Village Head, but went ahead to publish a story without any effort to balance the story by hearing from the other side as is the norm in fair journalism. 

Interestingly, while the reporter was trying to clarify information fabricated by an “anonymous source,” Hon. Commissioner Danmusa was constantly in touch with local community leaders and security officials in the area; monitoring events and having quality feedback which he shared with the reporter during our phone conversation. 

It’s a bit of a consolation that the reporter agreed he erred by not balancing his story and even promised to adopt corrective advises we jointly offered in his future reports. This is quite significant even if belated. As well, it’s quite below the standards required in reporting as sensitive situations as the insecurity violently disrupting normalcy in especially the northwest. This is a problem the government is investing billions of Naira to curtail — money that otherwise could have been put to good use in solve or improve other socio-economic aspects like healthcare, education, agriculture etc. we should be mindful of the need to support the government achieve the credible objective of restoring peace and normalcy in the state. 

At this point, let me also debunk the aspect of the report alleging that 2 community members were killed during attack in Tsiga. This is false in it’s entirety. Not a single soul of a community member was lost in the attack. Reports at the disposal of the Commissioner of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Hon. Danmusa, could only verify the death of one bandit whose remains were carted away by the bandits as they commonly do whenever they suffered casualties. 

The only casualty beside Brigadier-General Tsiga (rtd) who was kidnapped, is a community member who was shot in the thigh during the chaos and is responding very well to treatment. These are all facts that could have been verified by the reporter by contacting relevant officials who are tirelessly handling the matter. As well, these facts could also be verified by local, national and international media organizations. 

It’s imperative to understand (or appreciate) that problems like banditry rely on fear-inducing propaganda to thrive. Fear subdues public minds and make governance rather cumbersome by introducing chaos into the system to create a fertile ground for criminality to thrive. We should note that reports like this paints the government in colors that gives it the image of a foe rather than the friend it is. It’s very provable that with a more sensitive genre of journalism half the battle against banditry could have been won long before it grew into monster it is today. Unfortunately it’s a trending attitude by many people to lend journalism, especially the informal and dangerously unrefined social media version of it, giving criminals the latitude to unleash psychological warfare with a clear intent to overthrow civilized governance and in its place, institutionalize anarchy for selfish gains.

It’s therefore very important not to lend journalism to criminality by offering free press to bandits without which their nefarious activities will suffocate. It’s also important to agree that matters of security are bigger than to be flippant with. Security or its associated problems requires the finest information at one’s disposal to debate or report. Reports on security matters should be sensitive to the enormous investments being made in the sector by the government and the lives being put on the line of our gallant security operatives to deserve more circumspection. While informing the public is a legitimate objective of journalism, this legitimacy shouldn’t be executed at the risk of dampening the government’s morale and zeal to contain problems in its hands. 

Lastly, we should keep in mind that the purpose of journalism is to enlighten not to frighten the citizenry. Enveloping the state in a cloud of fear by sensationalizing reports to attract wider coverage could be as devastatingly damaging as the actual criminality being perpetrated against innocent citizens which the government is working tirelessly while sparing nothing to curtail. Nobody will like to visit a state where every inch of the state is being reported as being under the control of bandits. While this is not an attempt to deny the seriousness of the problem, it’s no doubt factual that such narratives far from the reality and quite misleading.

Agreed there are volatile areas but we should be fair to educate especially visitors to the state which areas are volatile and should be considered dangerous. Locals and visitors alike should be enlightened on the efforts government is putting to arrest the situation to generate more support for the government to eradicate the menace. Insecurity is monster that we are all exposed to. The fight to eliminate this danger is not for the government alone. We all have to lend a hand even if it’s just by keeping to ourselves unverified and unverifiable beliefs and reports. 

Maiwada Dammallam

DG Media to the Governor of Katsina State.

K-23 Movement Demands El-Rufai’s Prosecution Over “Monumental Corruption” and Human Rights Abuses

By Mike Odeh James

The K-23 Movement, a group of outraged citizens from Kaduna State, has launched a scathing attack on former Governor Nasir El-Rufai, accusing him of “monumental corruption” and “executive impunity” during his eight-year tenure. The group demands that El-Rufai be prosecuted for his alleged crimes, which they claim have left Kaduna State in ruins.

“El-Rufai’s stewardship of Kaduna State was a catastrophic failure, marked by rampant corruption, reckless abandon, and a callous disregard for human life,” the group alleges. “He has brought shame and infamy to our state, and it is imperative that he be held accountable for his actions.”

The K-23 Movement cites a damning report by the Kaduna State House of Assembly, which details El-Rufai’s alleged corruption and abuse of office. The report accuses El-Rufai of embezzling trillions of naira in state funds, including millions of dollars in Paris Club refunds, billions of naira in ecological funds, and billions of naira from the Excess Crude Account.

Specifically, the group alleges that El-Rufai mismanaged a $350 million loan from the World Bank, which was intended for development projects in Kaduna State. Instead, the group claims that El-Rufai diverted the funds for personal gain, leaving the state with a massive debt burden.

“El-Rufai’s corruption is staggering, and his attempts to deflect attention from his own crimes by launching vicious attacks on the current administration are pathetic,” the group says. “He must be held accountable for his actions, and we demand that the EFCC take immediate action to prosecute him.”

The K-23 Movement also accuses El-Rufai of perpetrating human rights abuses, including arbitrary detention, torture, and the illegal demolition of homes and business properties. They cite the cases of several individuals who were incarcerated by El-Rufai’s administration, including:

• Luka Biniyat, a journalist who was detained for 185 days without trial
• Steven Kefason, a journalist who was detained for 162 days without trial
• Dr. John Danfulani, a university lecturer who was detained for 22 days and subsequently sacked from his job
• Abubakar Idris, a lecturer and public commentator who was abducted and tortured for days in a detention facility
• Bashir Hamdada, a political associate of Senator Shehu Sani, who was abducted and tortured for days in a detention facility
• Nine Adara elders who were detained for 183 days without trial

The group demands that El-Rufai be investigated for these human rights abuses, which they claim have caused immense suffering and hardship for the people of Kaduna State.

“El-Rufai’s reign of terror must end,” the group declares. “We will not rest until he is brought to justice for his crimes, and we demand that the authorities take immediate action to prosecute him.”

LEGACY: WHY HISTORY WILL NOT BE KIND TO ELRUFAI

By Comrade Musa Garba

Nasir El-Rufai’s reign as governor of Kaduna State will go down in history as one of the most heartless and dictatorial administrations ever witnessed in Northern Nigeria. His tenure was defined by ruthless demolitions, mass sackings, total disregard for human suffering, and a debt legacy that has shackled Kaduna’s future. His government had no human face, no compassion—just raw, cold-blooded policies that plunged thousands into hunger, poverty, and hopelessness.

Under El-Rufai, thousands of homes, businesses, mosques, and churches were bulldozed without a shred of concern for the lives and livelihoods destroyed. Traders watched helplessly as bulldozers crushed their shops; families were thrown onto the streets as their homes were turned to rubble.

In 2018, he ordered the demolition of a factional APC secretariat, a move widely seen as an act of political vengeance. By 2021, over 450 buildings, including religious sites and schools, were demolished in Zaria. Even in his final days in office, he still found time to order the destruction of schools and hospitals belonging to the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), proving that he thrived on inflicting pain.

El-Rufai’s questionable governance style reached its peak when he sacked over 22,000 teachers in one fell swoop. Breadwinners lost their jobs overnight. Families that once had stability were plunged into hunger and despair. And just when people thought the worst was over, he struck again—firing another 2,357 teachers in 2022.

Many of these teachers had worked for decades, raising generations of Kaduna’s children. Yet, under El-Rufai, they were discarded like trash, denied their entitlements, and abandoned to suffer. To this day, thousands are still struggling to feed their families because of one man’s reckless obsession with control.

Crippling Debt: Shackling Kaduna’s Future

Not only did El-Rufai ruin lives, but he also drowned Kaduna in the heaviest debt burden in its history. When he assumed office, the state’s domestic debt was N49.8 billion. By the time he left, it had skyrocketed to N87.3 billion. External debt more than doubled from $234 million to $569 million. Where did all the money go? Certainly not to the people, who suffered under crumbling infrastructure, unpaid salaries, and a harsh economy.

This is not counting the removal of innocent traditional rulers from office with little or no justification. At his whims and caprice, traditional rulers have lost their stools and when court orders were given for their reinstatement, such orders were flagrantly ignored by the all-powerful Elrufai regime.

El-Rufai’s rule will not be remembered for development or progress. It will be remembered for the thousands of families he drove into poverty, the businesses he wiped out with the stroke of a pen, the teachers he sent to the streets to beg, and the staggering debt he left behind. His government would be remembered for its brutality, recklessness, and a complete lack of empathy.

History will not be kind to El-Rufai. His name will forever be tied to the suffering, hunger, and joblessness that defined his era. Those who survived his tenure will never forget the nightmare he inflicted upon Kaduna.

Musa wrote from Birnin Gwari, Kaduna State