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OCCEN Empowers Youths with Pro-Democracy and Human Rights Training in Northwest Nigeria

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In an effort to boost and encourage democratic practices and rights activism in Nigeria, Organization for community civic engagement (OCCEN) has trained human rights activists and pro-democracy campaigners in Northwest Nigeria.

The training which involves participants from Kano, Katsina, Kaduna Zamfara and Jigawa states is aimed at building their capacity and equip them with modern ways of practice.

OCCEN Executive Director, Abdulrazaq Alkali said, the aim of the one day sensitization seminar for democracy and human rights activists in northwest Nigeria is to sensitize the participants on how best to go about their activities in the region.

He said, the purpose is to strengthen the capacity of young activists on how to demand good governance and political accountability in society.

“The main objective of the seminar was to equipped the participants with knowledge and skills that will help them do their work safely amidst increasing harassment and intimidation from power holders”

The project which is supported by National endowment for democracy (NDA) will continue to coach the youth in how to claim and demand their rights on political Arena and political accountability in Kano, Kaduna, Katsina , Zamfara and Jigawa states.

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Josephine Omajari, OCCEN Project senior officer lamented over failure of authorities prioritize and meet the needs of citizens in these states.
She said, youth continue to suffer from democratic deficits despite concerted efforts by civil society and donor communitie to enhance youth political participation during recent elections.

“”Youth continue to suffer disproportionately from these democratic deficits. Despite concerted efforts by civil society and the donor community to enhance youth’s political participation during the recent elections, they remain largely absent from leadership ranks of the government, parties, and traditional structures that wield authority”

“OCCEN will design and broadcast civic engagement radio programs to educate local youth and citizens on political processes, government policies and legislation, accountability and transparency to enable them to participate in political discourse as informed members of society.

“”Approximately ten episodes of the radio program will be aired. Panels of experts will be drawn from civil society, academia, and political parties for each episode to provide citizens with a varied perspective on political processes and government performance. OCCEN will also design and produce information, education, and communication (IEC) materials that will stimulate discussion with clear messages aimed at empowering citizens to build movements in their struggle for good governance in Nigeria.

These materials will be distributed during major public events as part of the sensitization effort.

On his part, a humar right lawyer Barrister Abba Hikima said, the rights to freedom of speech and freedom of Assembly are fundamental human rights that play a central role in the functioning of democratic societies.

He said, these rights enable individuals to express their thoughts, ideas, and opinions without interference or punishment from the government and to gather in groups for a common cause or purpose.

“While these rights are enshrined in international human rights frameworks and national constitutions, their precise definitions can vary across legal systems and scholars.

He said, the right to freedom of speech refers to the right of individuals to express their thoughts, ideas, opinions, and beliefs without undue government interference.

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The Kano Online Media Chapel congratulates the NUJ awardees

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The Kano Online Media Chapel, under the leadership of Abubakar Abdulkadir Dangambo, has congratulated the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, the Director-General, Media and Communications to the Kano State Governor, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, and a former Commissioner for Information, Baba Halilu Dan Tiye, on their conferment with Awards of Honour by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kano State Council.

The awards were presented by the NUJ Kano State Council under the chairmanship of Comrade Sulaiman Abdullahi Dederi, in recognition of the recipients’ outstanding contributions to information management, media development, public communication, and sustained support for journalism practice in Kano State.

In a statement issued on behalf of members of the Chapel, Chairman Abubakar Abdulkadir Dangambo described the honour as well-deserved, noting that the awardees have, at different times, demonstrated commitment to transparency, media freedom, and effective government–media relations.

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Dangambo particularly commended Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya for his open-door policy and constructive engagement with journalists, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa for strengthening strategic communication and media coordination within the present administration, and Baba Halilu Dan Tiye for his enduring legacy in advancing information dissemination and professionalism in the state.

He added that the recognition by NUJ serves as encouragement to public office holders to continue supporting ethical journalism and creating an enabling environment for media practitioners to discharge their responsibilities to society.

The Kano Online Media Chapel wished the award recipients continued success in their respective roles and reaffirmed its commitment to professionalism, responsible reporting, and partnership with relevant stakeholders in promoting good governance and public enlightenment in Kano State.

It also Congratulated the leadership of NUJ Kano council for hosting a successful 2025 Press week.

Dangambo also thanked the NUJ national president, comrade Alhassan Yahaya for being present at the opening of Kano online media Chapel office and the NUJ press Week dinner and awards night.

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Arewa Rents Charts a Digital Future for Northern Nigeria’s Property Market”

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Arewarents.com, a property marketplace startup focused on Northern Nigeria, is positioning itself to transform how people rent, buy, and access short-let properties across the region through technology and innovation.

The startup pitched its idea today at the first Kano Startup Weekend, an event organized by the Kano State Information and Communication Technology Development Agency (KASITDA). The event brought together startups, investors, mentors, and ecosystem leaders to showcase emerging solutions addressing real market challenges.

At the pitch, Arewa Rents presented its vision of building a centralized digital platform for property rentals, sales, and short-lets, designed specifically for the Northern Nigerian market. According to the Founder of Arewa Rents, Anas Y. Yusuf, the goal is to “create a single trusted platform where people can easily find verified properties without relying on scattered and unreliable sources.”

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Northern Nigeria’s real estate market remains largely informal, with property listings scattered across social media, local agents, and offline networks. This fragmentation creates inefficiencies, limits visibility for property owners and agents, and makes it difficult for renters and buyers to access verified properties in one trusted place.

Addressing this gap, Anas Y. Yusuf noted that Arewa Rents is “leveraging technology to bring structure, transparency, and trust into the property market, while making it easier for agents and landlords to reach serious clients.”

Arewa Rents is developing a technology-driven property marketplace that aggregates verified listings for homes, apartments, shops, and short-stay properties. The platform is designed to connect renters, buyers, agents, developers, and landlords more efficiently, while improving transparency in property transactions.

As the startup continues to build and scale its platform, Anas Y. Yusuf emphasized that the long-term mission is “to make property renting, buying, and short-let access in Northern Nigeria more efficient and accessible through a trusted digital marketplace.”

With its regional focus and marketplace-driven approach, Arewa Rents is emerging as a startup positioned to play a key role in the digital transformation of Northern Nigeria’s real estate sector.

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News Analysis: Wike in the Wilderness as Fubara Dines with the APC

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

On Friday, December 12, 2025, the Rivers State governor, Siminalayi Fubara, was issued the membership card of the ruling All Progressives Congress(APC).

The party’s membership card issuance took place at the Rivers State government house, and it marks the official transitioning of governor Fubara to the fold of the ruling party, APC.

Speaking during the officiating, governor Fubara expressed joy, stating that President Tinubu’s vision will now be shared with the state.

“To everything under the sun, there is a time and season and I am happy today that I formally obtained the membership card of the APC.

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This primarily, is to align our dear state with the ruling party at the centre, with a firm belief in Mr President and the Renewed Hope Agenda to rapidly contribute to the growth, stability and development of Rivers State,” Fubara said.

The sudden and shocking defection of governor Fubara from the PDP to APC has been one of the top trending national discourse recently.

Netizens have proclaimed the “use and dump” tactics on Wike, saying that the presidency no longer see value in him.

Unverified reports have it that the FCT Minister might not make it to the next administration of President Tinubu if he gets re-elected since they’re now with governor Fubara, who commands the leadership of APC in the State now.

Also, rumors have it that Wike tried all he could to sabotage the defection of governor Fubara into the All Progressives Congress, but all to no avail.

Consequently, people have been inquisitive:

1. Will Wike now Join APC in order to wield state supremacy?
2. Will he work for or against the very APC he worked for during 2023 presidential election?
3. If he doesn’t join the APC, will 2027 be the end of his political relevance?

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