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Open Letter To The Executive Vice Chairman, Nigerian Communications Commission Over Digital Blackout

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The Executive Vice Chairman,
Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC)
Plot 423 Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja, FCT 900271,
Federal Republic of Nigeria

Sir,

DIGITAL BLACKOUT IN ZAMFARA NORTH: AN APPEAL FOR URGENT INTERVENTION

On behalf of the people of Zamfara North Senatorial District, I write to passionately appeal for your urgent intervention regarding the complete cut-off of internet services in our zone by major service providers MTN, Airtel, and Glo for over three months without any official explanation to subscribers.

This disturbing situation has plunged the zone which made up of Birnin Magaji, Kaura Namoda, Shinkafi, and Zurmi local government areas with a combined population of over 1.78 million, into digital darkness.

Zamfara North is blessed with talented and innovative youths who thrive on digital businesses and modern entrepreneurship. It also hosts the Federal Polytechnic Kaura Namoda, several educational institutions, and strategic commercial hubs like Shinkafi and Kasuwar Daji international markets, attracting investors and traders from within and outside Nigeria. Cutting off internet services in such environment has paralyzed businesses, disrupted education, and forced many young people into joblessness and migration, thereby creating fertile ground for insecurity and social unrest.

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Sir, history has shown that idle youths easily become vulnerable to criminal recruitment, radicalization, and other social vices when left without hope or meaningful engagement. By denying over 1.7 million people access to internet services, we risk compounding our already fragile socio-economic and security challenges in Zamfara State.

The Nigerian Communications Act (NCA) 2003, from which your functions are derived, is clear in Chapter 2, Section 4 about the Commission’s role in ensuring:

1 “The development and monitoring of performance standards and indices relating to the quality of telephone and other communications services and facilities supplied to consumers in Nigeria, having regard to the best international performance indicators.”

2 “The making and enforcement of regulations necessary to give full force and effect to the Act.”

3 “The resolution of disputes between operators, subscribers, or any other person involved in the communications industry through mediation or arbitration.”

Unfortunately, the prolonged silence and inaction by telecom operators in Zamfara North constitute a breach of trust, a disregard for subscribers’ rights, and a violation of NCC’s service quality obligations. Subscribers deserve not only reliable services but also timely information on any deliberate service disruption as a mark of respect for their rights and dignity.

As a patriot and Publicity Secretary of the Kaura Namoda Focus Forum (KNFF), as well as in my capacity as a journalist and community leader, I humbly urge the NCC to:

1. Direct all telecom service providers to immediately restore internet services in Zamfara North.
2. Compel operators to compensate subscribers for the months of blackout.
3. Enforce strict compliance with the requirement to notify customers ahead of any service disruptions in the future.
4. Protect our teeming youths by ensuring uninterrupted access to digital opportunities that drive employment, education, and entrepreneurship.

Sir, Zamfara North is one of the fastest-growing regions in Nigeria, with a population projected at over 1.78 million (2025). Our communities cannot afford to be left behind in the digital economy while the rest of the country advance.

We count on your timely and decisive action to safeguard our future, restore trust, and uphold the NCC’s mandate as a true regulator for the people.

With highest regards,

Abdulrazak Bello Kaura
Development Journalist | Zonal Secretary, NUJ Zone A (Northwest)
National President, Federal Polytechnic Kaura Namoda Alumni Association
Email: [abdulkaura21@gmail.com](mailto:abdulkaura21@gmail.com)

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Gombe flags off the disbursement of the second batch of the AGILE Conditional Cash Transfer

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Gombe State Government has flagged-off the distribution of ATM cards to Adolescent Girls in public schools under the Conditional Cash Transfer,CCT of the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment, AGILE Project.

Speaking at the flagging off of the disbursement at Government Junior Secondary School Malamsidi central in Kwami Local Government area, the Honourable Commissioner of Education, Associate Prof Aishatu Umar Maigari said the disbursement of the CCT is part of the Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya’s zeal and passion for the girl child education in the state.

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She said the concept is also geared towards supporting parents to cater for their children to remain in schools up to completion of their secondary education.

Associate Prof Aishatu Umar Maigari then assured the students that the government will continue to bring more educational policies that will further support students to pursue education with ease.

Earlier, the project coordinator of the AGILE, Dr. Amina Abdul noted that with the disbursement of the second cohort of the conditional cash transfer, the project was able to record significant improvement in enrollment and retention of students in schools across the state.

The project coordinator therefore urged parents to utilize the funds judiciously through supporting the education of their children.

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‎China, Nigeria Mark Friendship with Joint Cultural Mural

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‎A colourful mural celebrating both China’s National Day and Nigeria’s Independence Day has been unveiled at an overseas project site, serving as a vivid symbol of the enduring friendship between the two nations.
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‎The artwork, jointly produced by Chinese and Nigerian staff, features builders dressed in traditional Chinese costumes and Nigerian ethnic attire holding hands and dancing together.
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Above them, fireworks and white doves of peace illuminate the sky, while the inscription “10.1” highlights the dual significance of October 1, the China’s National Day and Nigeria’s Independence Day.
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‎On the left side of the mural, ancient Chinese architecture, red lanterns and auspicious cloud motifs showcase Chinese heritage.
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On the right, red earth, coconut palms and African drums reflect Nigeria’s cultural identity. Flowing ribbons weave across the painting, symbolising unity and shared destiny.
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‎Project officials described the mural as a “living testament” to cooperation at the frontline of development. They said it embodies mutual trust and support as workers from both countries overcome challenges together.
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‎The initiative underscores cultural integration and partnership, with both sides pledging to continue working hand in hand to strengthen ties.
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“Celebrating two festivals as one, we march forward with one heart,” a statement read, emphasising the commitment to write new chapters of friendship along the path of cooperation.
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‎The mural, rooted in the overseas project site, stands as a reminder of the brotherly bond between China and Nigeria, and the shared vision of building together for a brighter future.

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Musa Illiyasu Kwankwaso Celebrates Senator Lado @60, Says Is A Political Dogma

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From Muhammad Kabir Kano

The spokesperson of Political Appointees Forum from Kano State, Dr. Musa Illiyasu Kwankwaso, has described Senator Basheer Lado, the Special Adviser to President Tinubu on National Assembly Matters (Senate), who also doubles as the Chairman of the Appointees, on his 60th birthday, as a Political Blog who plays the game with maturity and respect.

Kwankwaso who also describes Senator as Political Dogma, praised his contributions to democratic governance, humanitarian services and national development.

“Senator Lado is a dependable public servant and accomplished legislator whose experience had helped strengthen relations between the Executive and the Senate and also steer ship the activities of the Political Appointees with huge respect and understanding”,

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He said it is on notice that Lado served in the Senate for four years before his by late President Buhari on Relief agency and subsequent appointment as Tinubu’s liaison officer in the upper chamber of the National Assembly.

Lado represented Kano Central Senatorial District in the Seventh National Assembly from 2011 to 2015, where he served as Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works.

Lado facilitated several constituency projects, including the Kundila Bridge, popularly known as Gadar Lado, in Kano State. His contributions to humanitarian services through his previous roles as Federal Commissioner of the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, and Director-General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP).

He said Lado contributed to protecting vulnerable Nigerians, combating human trafficking and improving the welfare and rehabilitation of displaced persons.

Kwankwaso further commended the senator’s humanitarian initiatives through the Ladon Alheri Foundation, particularly in education, healthcare, women’s economic empowerment, rural water supply and support for disadvantaged communities.

” Lado’s contributions across public service reflected his commitment to national development and the welfare of Nigerians”, he added.

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