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RE: Emi Lokan or Lagos Lakon? By Sadiq Ali Sango

Published

9 months ago

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Setting the Records Straight: President Tinubu Is Committed to All Nigerians, Not Just Lagos

My attention has been drawn to an opinion piece written by Mr. Salihu Tanko Yakasai, titled “Emi Lokan or Lagos Lakon?”, in which he accuses President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of favoring Lagos State to the detriment of other parts of the country, especially Kano. While I respect his right to express his views, I feel compelled to address the clear misrepresentations, political undertones, and misleading sentiments contained in his piece.

First, let me begin by stating emphatically: President Tinubu is not the President of Lagos; he is the democratically elected President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. His policies, projects, and appointments reflect the interests of the nation as a whole, not a region, not a tribe, and certainly not one city.

National Spread of Projects

The narrative that Lagos is the only beneficiary of President Tinubu’s administration is not only false but also misleading. Across the northern states—including Kano, Katsina, Borno, Sokoto, and Niger, massive federal projects are ongoing:

The Kano-Kaduna Standard Gauge Railway is receiving fresh attention and funding.

The Sokoto-Tambuwal-Jega-Kontagora-Makera Road has resumed construction.

Borno State is witnessing renewed investments in power, housing, and rehabilitation projects for communities affected by insurgency.

The Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline, a transformative economic project, is ongoing and holds immense promise for northern Nigeria’s industrial future.

The Renewed Hope Cities project in Kano is one of the largest in the country, targeting thousands of housing units.

Rehabilitation of dams, irrigation, and dry-season farming support in northern states is being implemented through the Ministry of Agriculture and Water Resources.

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These are not “audio” approvals; they are real, verifiable projects. And more are coming, because this government is not driven by tribal or regional sentiments but by a vision of shared prosperity.

On the Accusation of Favoritism

Yes, Lagos, like Kano, Abuja and Port Harcourt, commands significant infrastructure needs because of their national importance and economic impact. That said, other cities are not left out. We must stop promoting the idea that progress in Lagos automatically means regression for other regions. We are one country. Federal investment in any strategic economic hub benefits the country as a whole.

Moreover, Mr. Salihu Yakasai was conspicuously silent on such matters when his principal, former Kano Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, was a major political player under Tinubu’s administration as APC national chairman.
One wonders why he has suddenly found his voice now that Ganduje has lost position and is facing serious allegations of corruption. If equity and justice are the principles he stands for, why was he mute then?

Let us be honest with ourselves, the stagnation of Kano is not because of President Tinubu. Rather, it is the result of years of mismanagement, poor leadership, and political self-interest that have characterized the stewardship of some of those now crying wolf. How can anyone blame the President when Kano’s own leaders failed to prioritize infrastructure, education, and innovation when they had the chance?

If truly Mr. Yakasai and his political family are interested in Kano’s development, they would spend more time lobbying and proposing viable projects for federal support, rather than penning provocative and politically motivated articles aimed at sowing division.

Ironically, if President Tinubu were favoring Lagos excessively, who is better positioned than Ganduje, former governor, party chairman, and political godfather of the author, to advise or remind the President of Kano’s needs? Instead, what we saw from Ganduje was a relentless pursuit of personal gain, appointments, contracts, and privileges, not legacy projects. It is well known that appointments were being shared among Ganduje’s family members while Kano’s development was an afterthought.

We welcome healthy criticism of the federal government indeed, that is the hallmark of democracy. However, we must draw the lines using falsehoods, selective memory, and sentimentalism to score cheap political points.

President Tinubu’s administration is committed to inclusiveness, equity, and national development. Kano remains a vital part of Nigeria and will not be left behind.

To those who want to exploit regional sentiments for political rehabilitation, I say: focus your energy on being part of the solution, not the noise.

Let us put Kano first, Nigeria first, and stop the politics of bitterness.
History will be kinder to us when we speak truth with responsibility, not propaganda with desperation.

Hon. Sadiq Ali Sango
APC Kano Youth Activist
August 3rd, 2025

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EFCC Secures Arrest Warrant for Former Humanitarian Minister, Permanent Secretary

Published

11 hours ago

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April 16, 2026

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Abuja has ordered the arrest of a former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouq, following her failure to appear for arraignment.

Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie issued a bench warrant for the ex-minister on Thursday after the prosecution informed the court that she had repeatedly failed to attend proceedings. The judge also ordered the arrest of Bashir Alkali, a former Permanent Secretary in the ministry, who is facing trial alongside Farouq.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is prosecuting the two defendants on a 21-count charge that includes criminal breach of trust, abuse of office, and diversion of public funds. According to the anti-graft agency, the alleged sums involved are approximately $1.37 million and ₦748 million.

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At the resumed hearing, EFCC counsel Rotimi Jacobs (SAN) told the court that the defendants had been granted administrative bail and served with the charges. “However, they have failed to appear before this honourable court for their arraignment,” he said.

Jacobs added that efforts to secure their attendance had proved unsuccessful, with only one of the defendants present in court. He also drew the court’s attention to the former minister’s failure to return her international passport after being permitted to travel abroad for medical reasons. “The first defendant has failed to return her international passport after travelling abroad on medical grounds, and no medical report has been presented before this court to justify her absence,” Jacobs stated.

Defence counsel Abdul Ibrahim (SAN) attributed his client’s absence to ill health and urged the court to consider an affidavit to that effect. He further requested a six-week window to produce the former minister in court.

Justice Onwuegbuzie rejected the request and granted the prosecution’s application for a bench warrant.

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Dangote Spotlights Refinery, Vision 2030, Others, At Nasarawa Trade Fair

Published

12 hours ago

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April 16, 2026

By

Regional Director/Senior Adviser to Aliko Dangote, Fatima Wali-Abdurrahman.

 

Africa’s leading conglomerate will feature its flagship Dangote Refinery and Petrochemical Company at the 2026 Nasarawa Trade Fair, which will be officially declared open by the State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, on April 20.

Dangote Industries Limited will also showcase its Vision 2030, which focuses on driving innovation and Africa’s industrialization.

The Dangote Group is the major sponsor of the Nasarawa Trade Fair and Exhibition (NASTFE) with the theme: Unlocking Industrial Synergy: Deepening the Value Chain and Driving Inclusive Growth in Nasarawa State.

A statement from the company’s spokesman, Anthony Chiejina, said other Strategic Business Units of the company will be participating at the annual event in the state capital, Lafia.

Anthony Chiejina stated that products to be featured at the Fair will include those from the Group’s Strategic Business Units, such as Dangote Cement, Dangote Sugar, Dangote Salt and seasonings, Dangote SinoTruk, Dangote Packaging, and Dangote Fertiliser.

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The statement quoted the Regional Director/Senior Adviser to Dangote Group President, Fatima Wali Abdurrahman, as saying that Nasarawa State is key to the Group’s overall investment in Africa.

“It is home to Dangote’s Nasarawa Sugar Company Limited (NSCL). The sugar project, when completed, will be one of the biggest sugar investments in Africa,” she said.

Mrs. Wali-Abdurrahman noted that the Trade Fair provides a valuable platform for the company to engage with key stakeholders and Nigerians interested in exploring business opportunities with the organization.

She stated that a dedicated Help Desk will handle inquiries, enabling the company to effectively engage participants on the Dangote Group’s Strategic Business Units.

Speaking to newsmen in Lafia, Chairman and Council members of the Nigeria Association of Small-Scale Industrialists (NASSI), Nasarawa State Chapter, Nidan Sambo Manasseh, said the theme for this year’s Trade Fair aptly aligns with Dangote Group’s vision.

“We align strongly with the vision of Aliko Dangote, whose leadership continues to shape Nigeria’s economic future. His focus on industrialization, local production, and value creation inspires our efforts to connect MSMEs to structured value chains.

“Through this partnership, we are building a bridge between grassroots businesses and large industries, driving inclusive growth,” he said.

He said the third edition of NASTFE is designed as a practical business, industrial, and human capital development platform, adding that it is not just an exhibition.

According to him: “A major highlight of this year’s programme is the Empowerment Skill Acquisition Programme (ESAP), now structured as a package project for sponsorship support.

“ESAP is a yearly initiative from July-December targeting 2,000 beneficiaries across the 13 Local Government Areas of the State.

“The programme is strategically designed as a mobile training system, moving from one Local Government to another to ensure inclusive grassroots participation.”

Speaking on the Dangote Group’s Vision 2030, he said: “Our strategy is to align local enterprise development with large-scale industrial systems.”

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Al-Istiqama University Secures Full Accreditation for 11 Academic Programmes

Published

12 hours ago

on

April 16, 2026

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The Management of Al-Istiqama University, Sumaila, Kano State, is pleased to announce that the National Universities Commission (NUC) has granted Full Accreditation status to a total of eleven (11) academic programmes following the comprehensive accreditation exercise conducted in November and December 2025.

According to the official report released by the NUC, the programmes were assessed based on the Core Curriculum and Minimum Academic Standards (CCMAS), with emphasis on curriculum content, quality of academic staff, physical facilities, library resources, and employers’ rating.

The programmes granted Full Accreditation are:

Faculty of Health Sciences:
• Community Health Science
• Nursing Science
• Public Health

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Faculty of Arts, Social and Management Sciences:
• Shari’ah
• Criminology and Security Studies
• International Relations
• Sociology

Faculty of Science and Computing:
• Biology
• Biotechnology
• Computer Science
• Software Engineering

This achievement affirms the University’s unwavering commitment to delivering quality education and reflects the dedication and professionalism of its academic and administrative staff in building a centre of excellence. With this development, all accredited programmes have secured full recognition for a period of five (5) years.

The Management expresses its profound appreciation to the Founder, Senator Sulaiman Abdurrahman Kawu Sumaila, OFR, Ph.D., the Governing Council, Faculty Members, Heads of Departments, staff, and students for their collective efforts and commitment, which made this milestone possible.

Al-Istiqama University remains resolute in sustaining and further enhancing the high standards that have earned it this prestigious recognition.

Signed:
Professor Abdulhadi Sale Kumurya
Vice-Chancellor
Al-Istiqama University, Sumaila, Kano State

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