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What has Buhari done for the North?

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4 years ago

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Crude Oil Sample from Kolmani ,Alkaleri Bauchi and Gombe

 

By Abubakar Sadiq Dauda

Today, history has happened in the Northern district of our dear country; the discovery and exploration of crude oil in commercial quantity in Bauchi and Gombe states. That didn’t come as a surprise to many of us who are always updated with the project activities taking place in the country, especially here in the North.

In governance, there is a limit to everything, you can’t satisfy all the yearnings and calls of everybody. This is why against all odds, I had to embrace myself and see reasons why i should keep aligning myself with the administration of President Muhammad Buhari. Even with His shortcomings (which is akin to all living being), I had to open up my brain and compare Nigeria, between where it was before 2015 and where it is now.

Instead of dwelling solely on the living cost and economic hardships in Nigeria (which most countries in the world are battling with), I try to focus on the foundations which are being laid, year-in, year-out by Buhari’s regime, which by God’s grace will take Nigeria to the promise-land in the nearest future.

2022: Dangote Industries Wins FMDQ Largest Corporate Lodgment Award  

The massive inflow of investments that has happened to Nigeria from 2015 till now is second to none, since the inception of fourth-republic. There is still shortage of Jobs, no doubt, but that will surely be a thing of the past, as there are too many numerous companies due for commissioning in the years to come (between 2023 to 2025).

I am tempted to outline what Buhari’s administration has done in the entire country, how he succeeded in showcasing our great potentials to the global world, as well as a whole lot of great developments which he brought to our dear nation. Also important to mention is the monopoly jinx that was broken. Equal competitiveness in our market today has produced young, brilliant millionaires, if not billionaires.

I will prefer not to deviate on the subject matter and instead mention the numerous projects completed/ongoing in the Northern part of our country. I will also take time to clarify on the ones that needs to be clarified.

– Discovery, Exploration of Crude oil in large quantity in Bauchi, Gombe state.

– Ajaokuta, Abuja, Kaduna, Kano, gas pipeline. The project is currently ongoing, laying of pipe has entered Kano state, precisely Kwanar Dangora in Bebeji Local Govt. This project will bring massive development to the North, as gas power stations will be constructed in Kano and Kaduna, which will revive the industries in the states and by extension other states in the North, which will in turn create a thousand of job opportunities.

– Completion of 700MW Zungeru Hydropower Project in Niger state.

– Kogi was declared an oil producing state last year.

– 100% Completion of Baro port in Niger state. It is not functional due to lack of access road. The road is now under construction and it is funded by NNPC under the tax credit initiated by PMB’s administration.

– Completion of 40MW of Kashimbilla Hydropower Project in Taraba state, to be commissioned very soon.

– Dadinkowa Power Project with Irrigation facility in Gombe, at the stage of final installation of power equipments.

– Completed Mother and Child Hospital in Gashua, Yobe state

– Completed Mother and Child Hospital in Makurdi, Benue state.

– Construction of Kano – Kaduna double standard gauge rail line. The project is now at Makarfi, just 100km away to reach its last stop in Kaduna. Also note that this project started just a year ago, precisely September last year.

– Airforce Institute of Technology, Kaduna

– Airforce Reference Hospital, Bauchi

– Naval Base, Kano. The first naval base in the North.

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– Acquiring of modern fighter jets that has given devastating blow to terrorists in the North-east and North-west consequently.

– Rigorous farming activities taking place in the North as a result of banning of rice importation into the country.

– Dala Inland Dry-port in Kano, completed and commisioned.

– Kaduna Inland Dry-port, completed and commisioned.

– Numerous Universities, Polytechnics and Colleges being sighted in the North in places like Daura, Kano, Bauchi, Jigawa, Kebbi, Benue and a host of other states. That is done to ensure that students have many available choice when enrolling for JAMB exams.

– Creation/Upgrading of all the Transmission stations in the North to boost power supply. The projects are ongoing in due course with majority completed.

– Completion of Loko/Owetto bridge in Nassarawa state, a strategic bridge linking North and South. A major alternative whenever Abuja to Lokoja road is blocked as a result of any natural or artificial cause.

– Ongoing construction of Ibi Bridge in Taraba to link the North-east and the North-central states. A major route for those travelling from Abuja to Taraba and Adamawa states.

– Road projects currently under construction and those completed in the North which i can mention are:

> Abuja, Kaduna, Kano. A much appreciable work has been done on the Kano to Kaduna section. Also note that construction began in mid 2018.

> Dualization of Kano to Katsina. Currently ongoing. Appreciable work has been done midway to the project , with the dualization of Kano to Katsina Boundary almost completed.

> Kano to Maiduguri. Sections 2 and 3 have been completed and commisioned. Section 4 is completed and awaiting commissioning. Sections 1 and 5 is yet to be completed. In all we can say the project is about 80 percent completed.

> Kano western bypass, which has opened up various locations and houses across the corridor. From Naibawa to Dorayi Chiranchi to Gwazaye to Rijiyar zaki down to Unguwar Dabai. Still under construction to link Dawanau, which will be a major detour for those travelling to Katsina from Kaduna, Maiduguri and other North-east and North-west states.

> Kaduna to Jos road being handled by the construction giants, Setraco. Work commenced in 2021

> Kaduna eastern bypass being constructed as shortcut for travellers travelling to Kano and other core Northern states from Abuja.

> Dualization of Suleja to Minna. Appreciable job has been done.

> Reconstruction of Lambata to Lapai to Bida, which will open up the Baro port, being constructed and commisioned by this administration.

> Hadejia to Gashua road in Jigawa and Yobe, completed and commissioned.
> Sokoto via Tambuwal to Birnin Kebbi road, completed and commisioned.
> Construction of Birnin Kebbi to Yauri via Kontagora to Makera in Niger state is ongoing.

> Dualization of Kano to Daura in Katsina awarded recently.
> Dualization of Kano to Garki in Jigawa state awarded recently.

> Gombe to Numan road in Adamawa state. Gombe to Kaltungo section completed and commisioned. Kaltungo to Numan section is having a major facelift.

> Gombe to Biu is an ongoing project.
> Numan to Jalingo is also ongoing.
> Yola to Mubi is ongoing too.

> Funtua to Gusau is completed and commisioned.

Zaria via Samaru, Giwa to Funtua is ongoing with appreciable job done from Kwangila flyover upto ABU campus.

> Kwanar Dangora to Saminaka is currently ongoing.
> Abuja via Keffi via Lafia to Makurdi in Benue state is ongoing with appreciable job done.

> Dualization of Mokwa to Ilorin in Kwara state is ongoing.
> Dualization of Lokoja to Benin expressway is undergoing a massive facelift
> Lokoja to Kabba road in Kogi state is completed and commissioned.

> Dualization of Gombe via Bauchi via Jos to Akwanga was approved in 2018. Job yet to commence because the project was billed to be funded by a bilateral foreign loan. However, no country is yet to come in terms with Nigeria for the loan.

These projects outlined above are real and not a mirage, the status of those projects are factual. I took pleasure embarking on trips just to make sure that i am not being misled either by those supporting the Government of the day or those against the Government.

For those who don’t want anything good to be written or said about this current administration, i am sorry i broke your heart. The truth must be told at all cost.

For the doubting Thomases, you can go and verify the aforementioned projects, if that is what it will take to believe in the cause i stood by since i started delving into politics.

For the media houses in the North, here is a factual report on the projects which has took place (both completed and ongoing) in the Northern zone.

May Nigeria succeed against all odds.

Sadiq is a pro-democrat, an advocate of good governance, an admirer of Muhammadu Buhari ; writes from Kano Nigeria. Can be reached via sadiqdauda55@gmail.com

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EkitiDecides: Gov. Oyebanji Re-elected for Second Tenure

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2 hours ago

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June 21, 2026

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Saturday’s governorship election in Ekiti, Gov. Biodun Oyebanji, has emerged winner with 319,224 votes.

Oyebanji defeated his closest rival and candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Wole Oluyede, who scored 40,543 vote

Adenike Oladiji, INEC’s Chief Returning Officer and Vice Chancellor, Federal University of Technology, Akure, announced the result on Sunday in Ado-Ekiti.

She said Oyebanji satisfied all the requirements in the election and was declared elected.

Giving a breakdown, Oladiji said the election had 988, 251 as total number of registered voters and 384, 949 as the total number of accredited voters across the 16 Local Government Areas of the state.

She gave the total number of votes cast as 382,109 while the total number of rejected votes was 6,332.

Speaking with journalists after the announcement, Sen. Cyril Fasuyi, the APC Collation Agent, urged other contenders to join the governor in building a prosperous state.

“In every contest there will only be one winner.

” I think there should be that sportsmanship spirit with all of them.

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“I think nobody is a loser; we understand it’s just for everybody to come on board to support the governor in his developmental drive,” he said.

The breakdown of the parties that participated in the election and the votes scored are listed below:

COLLATED RESULTS FOR EKITI 2026 GOVERNORSHIP ELECTION

1. EMURE LG
COLLATION OFFICER – PROF EMMANUEL OLUWAFEMI
RESULTS
ADC – 732
APC 14325
PDP – 851

2. EFON LG
COLLATION OFFICER – PRO. SUNDAY OJO
RESULTS
ADC -201
APC 8742
PDP 2051

3. IJERO LG
COLLATION OFFICER – PROF OLANIRAN AKANNI
RESULTS
ADC 2026
APC 25506
PDP 2479

4. IKERE LG
COLLATION OFFICER – PROF KEHINDE JAIYEOLA
RESULTS
ADC 245
APC 11116

5. EKITI SOUTH LG
COLLATION OFFICER – PROF KOLA OLADUNMOYE
RESULTS
ADC 1076
APC 14705
PDP 1800

6. IDO-OSI
COLLATION OFFICER – PROF AKINTUDE. MUTAKUBI
RESULTS
ADC 561
APC 17901
PDP 1449

7. EKITI WEST LG
COLLATION OFFICER – PROF BOLAJI STEPHEN
RESULTS
ADC 674
APC 28258
PDP 3644

8. ADO LG
COLLATION OFFICER – PROF TOYE FASIMINRIN
RESULTS
ADC 1054
APC 38026
PDP 3817

9. ILEJEME LG
COLLATION OFFICER – MOGAJI ANTHONY
RESULTS
ADC 578
APC 8984
PDP 1243

10. ISE-ORUN LG
COLLATION OFFICER – DR JOHN ISSA
RESULTS
ADC 365
APC 12908
PDP 1627

11. OYE LG
COLLATION OFFICER – PROF JIDE POPOOLA
RESULTS
ADC 998
APC 18975
PDP 2891

12. MOBA LG
COLLATION OFFICER – PROF ADEGBOYEGA SULAIMAN
RESULTS
ADC 994
APC 20500
PDP 1572

13. AYEKIRE GBONYIN LG
COLLATION OFFICER – PROF OSHO BAMIDELE
RESULTS
ADC 314
APC 17133
PDP 1503

14. IKOLE LG
COLLATION OFFICER – PROF SADIA FUNMILAYO ADIFALA
RESULTS
ADC 812
APC 26508
PDP 750

15. IREPODUN/IFELODUN LG
COLLATION OFFICER – PROF MICHAEL ADEYEMI
RESULTS
ADC 511
APC 29278
PDP 2119

16. EKITI WEST LG
COLLATION OFFICER – PROF OLABODE OLATUBOSUN
RESULTS
ADC 1730
APC 26359
PDP 2795

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President Tinubu Extends Customs Boss Tenure By Six Months

Published

2 days ago

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June 19, 2026

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

President Bola Tinubu has approved a final six-month tenure extension for the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Adewale Adeniyi, allowing him to remain in office until February 2027.

The Presidency announced the extension in a statement issued on Friday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

According to the statement, Adeniyi’s previous tenure extension was due to expire on August 1, 2026, but President Tinubu approved an additional six months to enable him consolidate key reforms within the Customs Service and ensure a smooth leadership transition.

The Presidency said the extension would allow the Customs boss to complete the implementation of the National Single Window initiative, a major trade facilitation programme designed to streamline import and export processes, reduce bureaucratic bottlenecks and enhance revenue generation.

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“The six-month extension, which will expire in February 2027, is to enable him to consolidate the implementation of the National Single Window and ensure an orderly succession in the service,” the statement said.

During the transition period, Adeniyi is expected to work closely with the Nigeria Customs Service Board to oversee the promotion of qualified officers to the rank of Comptroller of Customs and facilitate the mandatory retirement of officers who have attained the age of 60 years or completed 35 years in service.

The move is also aimed at ensuring stability within the service while maintaining operational efficiency and continuity in ongoing reforms.

Adeniyi, a seasoned customs officer and public relations expert, joined the Nigeria Customs Service after graduating from Obafemi Awolowo University in the late 1980s.

Over the years, he rose steadily through the ranks of the service. He was promoted to Deputy Comptroller in 2012, Comptroller in 2017, and Assistant Comptroller-General in 2020.

In January 2023, he was appointed Acting Deputy Comptroller-General before President Tinubu named him Comptroller-General of Customs in June 2023.

Since assuming office, Adeniyi has spearheaded a number of reforms aimed at modernising customs operations, enhancing revenue collection, strengthening border management and improving trade facilitation across the country.

The latest extension underscores the administration’s confidence in his leadership and its commitment to sustaining ongoing reforms within the Nigeria Customs Service.

The extension is expected to provide the Customs Service with sufficient time to complete critical institutional processes and prepare for a seamless transition to a new leadership at the expiration of Adeniyi’s tenure in February 2027.

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Oshiomhole Calls for Change of NSCDC’s Name

Published

2 days ago

on

June 19, 2026

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

Senator Adams Oshiomhole (APC-Edo), representing Edo North Senatorial District, has called for the review of the name of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

Mr Oshiomhole made the call on Friday in Abuja, at the unveiling of the NSCDC FCT Commandant Olusola Odumosu’s book, titled “Nigeria’s Security Dilemma: Rivalries and Implications”.

He said that the call for the change of name of the paramilitary agency was imperative in view of the word “Civil” in it, adding that it implied that personnel of the corps were not meant to bear arms.

He said that the NSCDC, saddled with the responsibility to be civil while protecting the nation’s critical national assets and infrastructure, interfaced with hardened criminals in line of duty.

The lawmaker, therefore, questioned how the operatives were expected to be civil when combating vandals, illegal miners and criminals who bear weapons.

“To be civil means you should not bear firearms, so if you do not bear arms to deal with people involved in illegal oil bunkering or destruction of public properties which you have been asked to protect, will you then preach while they carry guns?

“If you want to be civil, how do you deal with hardened criminals? If these criminals carry sophisticated weapons, you fighting them should not carry a less sophisticated weapon.

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“When I see service chiefs holding meetings and I don’t see the commandant general (CG) of civil defence, I am like, There is something missing,” he said.

He noted that no single security agency could deal with insecurity both at the sub-national and national levels alone.

Mr Oshiomhole said that in tackling insecurity, it was imperative for Nigerians, including politicians and security agencies, to put aside their differences and understand Nigeria is only one.

According to him, President Bola Tinubu will continue to apply all measures necessary to ensure Nigeria is safe and insecurity reduced to the barest minimum.

The senator commended the author for speaking out through his book on how to tackle insecurity through effective synergy and communication sharing among security agencies.

“It is commendable that you put out your thoughts while in the system and not outside the system, as it is much more dangerous to speak truth to power,” he said.

Also speaking was a security expert, Tyor Terhemba, the reviewer of the book, who said that Nigeria’s security challenges called for collective efforts towards combating banditry, terrorism, and kidnapping, among other criminalities.

“This is a time to have all hands on deck to collectively fight the enemies of the state; hence, it is not a time of rivalry but to be united,” he said.

Mr Terhemba said that the book re-echoed the need for unity, synergy between security agencies, regional and international partnerships, areas of potential conflict, and the role of intelligence sharing.

According to him, it also talks about political interference, ambiguous laws, accountability, security sector reforms, communication systems, and other topics.

Meanwhile, the author, Mr Odumosu, said that the book looked at security from a holistic perspective, as there was a need for a united front.

“No one has a monopoly of wisdom or strategy, so there is a need to tackle insecurity from a common front.

“Obviously there have been issues of unhealthy inter-security agency rivalries, which have been a pain to coordinate national responses to our security challenges.

“I looked at it from the perspective where all security agencies can understand that we must have the same goal whether our mandates are interwoven or not.

“We have a collective responsibility to ensure peace and order in Nigeria,” Mr Odumosu said.

The commandant reiterated that when security agencies continue to fight each other or see one another as competitors rather than a united front, a lot of work will still need to be done.

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