Marketers and participants at the just-concluded Kano International Trade Fair have endorsed the newly unveiled Dangote Sugar packs, describing them as convenient, consumer-friendly, and well-suited for both household use and retailing.

Dangote Sugar recently unveiled new pack sizes, including 100g sachets and 25kg bags aimed at increasing affordability and market penetration.

“The Dangote new sugar packs will greatly make more affordable to the average northern population,” a monarch who participated in the Fair, Alhaji Isyaku Umar Tofa, Makaman Bichi, told newsmen on the sideline of the company’s Special Day.

According to him, the redesigned and reasonably priced packs will enable more households, small retailers, and food vendors to access quality sugar without financial strain, thereby supporting both daily consumption needs and small-scale commercial activities.

Reacting, prominent businessman and Chief Executive of Sambajo General Enterprises Limited, Alhaji Salisu Sambajo said the 25kg pack is ideal for SMEs, bakeries, restaurants and distributors who require bulk but affordable quantities, making it easier for them to access quality sugar without high upfront costs.

On the other hand, he said, the 100g pack targets low-income households, retail kiosks, and on-the-go consumers.

“Together, these new pack sizes broaden our reach across all consumer segments, improve product visibility in open markets and retail outlets, and ultimately enhance our market share in the North.”

Dangote is one of the major sponsors of the Kano Trade Fair, with the theme: Empowering SMEs for Sustainable Growth.

He said the Dangote Group’s continuous investment in critical sectors such as sugar, petroleum, cement, fertilizers and more which has tremendously supported national development and improved livelihoods.

Alhaji Sambajo urged Dangote to maintain this commitment to quality, innovation, and local empowerment, especially across northern communities.

“Alhaji Aliko’s contributions remain invaluable, and we look forward to more breakthroughs that will support Nigeria’s growth and self-reliance,” he said.

He added that government should continue to create an enabling environment for large-scale industrialists like the Dangote Group.

“We need a supportive policy on transportation, taxation, energy supply, and ease of doing business to allow these industries to operate optimally and remain competitive,” he said.

A female trader from Maiduguri, Hajiya Y’agana Babagana, who participated in the Kano International Trade Fair, described the company’s initiative to introduce affordable 100g and 25kg sugar packs as a welcome development for consumers.

“I sell locally made incense, known as turaren wuta, and sugar is an essential ingredient in producing it, you simply cannot make turaren wuta without sugar,” Y’agana explained. She spoke enthusiastically about the new range of Dangote Sugar, adding, “You can see why we flocked to the Dangote pavilion to buy, especially the 25kg pack.”

The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) joins the global community in commemorating the 2025 International Anti-Corruption Day (IACD) with the theme “United Against Corruption for Development, Peace and Security.” According to CITAD, as an organization committed to promoting accountability, transparency, and good governance, corruption remains one of the most significant threats to Nigeria’s development and democratic stability.

This was contained in a statement signed by YZ Yau, Executive Director of CITAD, and made available to newsmen, stressing the organization’s position on the urgent need for reforms.

CITAD observed that across the country, corruption continues to weaken public institutions, undermine service delivery, fuel insecurity, and erode citizens’ trust in governance. The organization noted that despite efforts by anti-corruption agencies and civil society, the persistence of corruption, especially in procurement, public finances, election processes, and digital governance, demands renewed commitment and stronger systemic reforms.

CITAD further expressed concern that corruption increasingly manifests within digital systems, including opaque data governance practices, misuse of digital surveillance tools, political manipulation of cybercrime laws, and weak oversight of public digital infrastructure. The organization emphasized that as Nigeria deepens its digital transformation, embedding accountability in the digital ecosystem is no longer optional but essential.

According to CITAD, the fight against corruption must now extend to both offline and online governance spaces, where misuse of power, absence of transparency, and weak regulatory enforcement create new avenues for abuse.

CITAD stressed that digital channels remain the most affordable and accessible means through which citizens can express themselves. The organization condemned the growing culture of weaponizing such expressions of opinion, describing it as inconsistent with democratic aspirations. CITAD insisted that government must demonstrate full tolerance for digital expression and take decisive measures to prevent misuse of security agencies by public officials to harass or intimidate citizens for expressing dissent. Without safe, open, and free online spaces for civic participation, CITAD warned, Nigeria’s commitment to fighting corruption will remain rhetorical.

CITAD therefore called on government and stakeholders to:
1. Strengthen transparency and accountability mechanisms across federal, state, and local government institutions.
2. Promote digital accountability, especially in procurement, data governance, and deployment of public digital infrastructure.
3. Ensure full implementation of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act to enable citizens and journalists access to public records without intimidation.
4. Protect activists, journalists, whistleblowers, and online critics who expose corruption and hold power to account.
5. Invest in civic and digital literacy to empower citizens, especially youth and women, to identify, report, and resist corruption.
6. Reinforce collaboration between government, civil society, media, and development partners to sustain anti-corruption reforms.

CITAD also urged anti-corruption agencies to prioritize investigation of digitally enabled corruption, strengthen whistleblower protection, and address political interference that weakens enforcement.

The organization emphasized that as Nigeria continues to confront economic challenges, insecurity, and pressures on democratic institutions, the cost of corruption has never been more severe. CITAD maintained that only through collective action, transparency, and accountability, powered by both civic engagement and digital governance reforms, can Nigeria achieve meaningful progress.

Finally, CITAD reaffirmed its commitment to building a society where integrity is valued, institutions are transparent, and citizens can participate freely without fear of reprisal.

By Asile Abel, Jos

The background of man is very key, hence one cannot ignore his past. People are increasingly becoming conscious and concerned about their roots or beginning because one’s feeling of sense of belonging in most cases depends on his history or background.

Chairman, Tangale Community Development Association (TCDA) Jos branch, Mr. Atiku Useni, has charged all Tangale-speaking natives to ensure that they teach their children culture and dialect as a means of preserving their traditional heritage.

Mr. Atiku gave the advice in Jos, Plateau State at the occasion of the maiden edition of an end-of-year event, organized by TCDA Jos branch to appreciate God for His faithfulness throughout the outgoing year 2025 and seek blessings in the coming year 2026. Atiku added that Tangale are peace-loving and hardworking.

Mr. Atiku said next year, 2026, TCDA shall focus its activities on youth development, training of youths, and will begin intensive teaching of Tangale language and culture. He stressed that during monthly meetings, there would be hours dedicated to teaching Tangale dialect and culture.

He stressed further that the need to teach the mother tongue has become necessary because some tribes are going extinct, and he would not want Tangale to fall prey to it. Speaking on insecurity in Nigeria, the TCDA chairman noted sadly that Nigeria’s insecurity challenges have escalated; however, he commended the Gombe State government for nipping the situation in the bud. Atiku thanked Tangale elders and the entire people for the unity and peace they have enjoyed in the Jos branch.

On his part, the traditional leader of the Tangale, John Sheget, while speaking to his subjects, sued for enduring peaceful coexistence.

Reading the history of Tangale people, elder statesman Abel Mairuwa revealed that Tangale natives’ kingdom had its roots right in the pre-jihad (pre-colonial era). Tangale state system was uprooted by the British spoils. Hence, it was one of the British-recognized traditional institutions in Nigeria.

He further said that the land is the mainstay of the people and so the people are mainly farmers. Tangale are good pottery makers, blacksmiths, wood carvers, and weavers. Trading is fast being adopted, he added.

It was learnt that currently, Tangale people are not at peace with their traditional ruler at home in Gombe, because it was alleged that the present Paramount ruler was imposed on them by some government authorities. It was gathered also that Tangale people practice Christianity and Islam, while some still practice forefathers’ religion.

Earlier, chairman of the planning committee of the end-of-year celebration, Tamsaga Yaro, in a welcome address emphasized the need for peace and unity; however, he noted that Jos branch has indeed been peaceful. “Our community in Jos is a testament to the ingenuity and determination of the Tangale people. We have built a vibrant community, with rich achievements.” He revealed the reason for the gathering: “We gather to rejoice for the outgoing year, and pray for better days in the coming year.”

There was a fundraising through the display of Tangale traditional cuisines prepared for the maiden end-of-year 2025 celebrations. The occasion was packed full, graced by Tangale people across Nigeria, including non-Tangale-speaking people.