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Buhari Hails CACOVID for Raising his Profile among Comity of Nations

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3 years ago

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Leaders of CACOVID, Governor of Central Bank (CBN), Godwin Emefiele; Group Managing Director of Access Holding, Herbert Wigwe; and the Chairman of Aliko Dangote Foundation, (ADF), Alhaji Aliko Dangote making a symbolic presentation of the 130 security vehicles to President Muhammadu Buhari by CACOVID.

 

As the private sector-led Coalition Against Covid-19 (CACOVID) winds down, President Muhammadu Buhari has commended the initiative of private sector operators, saying the contributions he has received from the Coalition so far has elevated his status among other Presidents of the world.

 

The President, who spoke in Abuja yesterday while receiving a parting donation of N12 billion security equipment for the Military and the Nigeria Police from the leadership of CACOVID said his government had received so much support from the private sector in addressing social ills in the country.

 

Items handed over to the President by the Coalition members included 100 Tata 14 ton Troop carriers, 100 Tata 12 ton Troop carriers, 86 Toyota pick-up trucks, 64 Nissan Navara pick-up trucks with their spare parts, 13,000 helmets as well as 13,000 bullet proof vests.

 

It would be recalled that the World Health Organisation (WHO) had also rated CACOVID as the third largest contributor in the world to the fight against Covid-19 virus, the outbreak of which in 2020 brought the world to its knees.

 

An excited President Buhari while thanking the CACOVID on behalf of the Military and the Police said: “Today is indeed a very happy day for all Nigerians, and I can happily say that I am the envy of many Presidents in the world. I am exceedingly honoured to be the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, at this time.

 

“I am gratified to have the honour of leading a country whose private sector willingly galvanises itself to raise funds to enthusiastically support government in resolving social ills. I am proud to say that there is nowhere in the entire world, except in Nigeria, where the private sector has voluntarily come together to assist government efforts.

 

“Thank you for supporting our Administration’s efforts to strengthen the Police and Military as we face the security challenges that all modern nations face”, Buhari added, noting that such a patriotic gesture was proof that nationalistic determination is still alive in Nigeria, in the face of enormous challenges pervading the world and the country.

 

Speaking while handing over the items, Chairman of the Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF), Aliko Dangote, a foremost industrialist who initiated the Coalition with the Group Managing Director of Access Bank Plc, Herbert Wigwe, explained that the Coalition was winding down with the latest donation.

 

He listed other business leaders brought together under CACOVID to include Mrs. Folorunsho Alakija, Tony Elumelu, Jim Ovia, Segun Agbaje, Abdulsamad Rabiu, Femi Otedola, Adesola Adedotun, Karl Toriola, Haresh Aswani, Raj Gupta, and John Coumantaros, all of who contributed several billions of Naira each and supported the CACOVID effort with advocacy. In all, according to him, over 100 organisations and private individuals contributed to CACOVID.

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Mr. Dangote gave reason for the donation saying that as the worst of the Covid crisis waned in Nigeria, the security situation deteriorated, partly due to economic disruptions caused by the shutdown of the global and national economy.

 

Therefore, to provide additional response support to the Government, the ADF Chairman said CACOVID embarked on another fundraising effort, which enabled it to purchase the items for the Police and the Military.

 

Recalling the birth of CACOVID, Dangote explained that the Coalition as a timely response to the outbreak of the deadly covid-19 virus was borne out of the previous experience with Ebola elsewhere in West Africa, which made him to recognise the fact that the potential crisis looming was very serious

 

“And so together with Herbert Wigwe, we set up CACOVID and drafted our peers in the private sector to join our efforts. The CBN Governor joined our efforts very early and chaired the group. We knew straight away that we had a responsibility to act and support the efforts of Government as quickly as possible to avert disaster”, Dangote noted.

 

Dangote continued; “In addition to the leadership team, we set up a technical committee to guide our purchasing decisions, which was critical, given the prevailing confusion around testing and treatment options, and the lack of successful models anywhere in the world. Members of that committee included leading Nigerian scientists and public health professionals, the DG of NCDC, DG of the Presidential Task force on Covid-19, representatives of WHO, BMGF and the UN.

 

“In addition, a core team of select staff members from our organisations manned the initiative’s operations Centre 7 days a week for several months planning, coordinating, and delivering on the various activities of the coalition.”

 

While enumerating all the supports the Coalition has offered the nation in the last two years, Dangote disclosed that the group mobilised its members and raised N62 billion to provide 39 fully kitted isolation centers in all 36 States and FCT; Testing Supplies for almost 1 million tests; Food for 10 million vulnerable individuals across the country; Oxygen and tanks to the most affected states; Support for vaccines delivery and distribution across the Nation; Support to re-open the economy (Travel Portal, IT, airport scanners/PPE and other support) with communications and advocacy campaigns around prevention and against disinformation.

 

According to Dangote, the donationthe donation marks the end of the CACOVID initiative “as we wind down what has been deemed an example of patriotism, solidarity and efficiency in terms of partnership between the public and private sectors. This is a lesson in the power of collaboration for a worthy cause.

 

“Thank you to my partners on this CACOVID journey. I would like to especially thank the Presidential Covid-19 team led by SGF Mr. Boss Mustapha for their excellent collaboration.  My gratitude goes to Mr. President for your unwavering support and that of your entire Government.”

 

Also speaking on the activities of CACOVID, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, Central Bank Governor, who led the CACOVID Committee told the President he was proud to be part of the Coalition that supported government in its fight against insecurity.

 

“I am immensely gratified by what CACOVID has achieved in its few years of existence. The nationalist and patriotic drive of my colleagues therein is unmatched anywhere in the world and must be applauded. The Coalition is a good example of what Nigeria must become:  a nation of patriotic solidarity of individuals and corporations, and effective collaboration of the public and private sectors,” he said.

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Kano Pilgrims Offer Special Prayers for Governor Abba’s Re-election, Peace and Development in Nigeria

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2 hours ago

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May 26, 2026

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By: Lamara Garba

Thousands of pilgrims from Kano State performing the 2026 Hajj in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on Monday held special prayer sessions for the re-election of the Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, as well as for lasting peace, unity and development in Kano State and Nigeria at large.

The prayers took place at the Munna Hajj Camp shortly after the commencement of the Hajj rituals, as over 1.5 million pilgrims from different parts of the world gathered in the holy land to begin the spiritual journey.

Across the various tents occupied by Kano pilgrims, emotional scenes of worship, Qur’anic recitation and supplications filled the atmosphere, with many pilgrims passionately praying for peace, stability and prosperity in Nigeria.

The pilgrims also offered fervent prayers for a peaceful and transparent election that would usher Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf into a second term in office, describing him as a leader committed to the welfare and progress of the people.

In one of the major prayer sessions attended by hundreds of pilgrims, prominent Islamic scholar, Ustaz Ya’u Dodo, who led the supplications, said the people of Kano should continue to thank Almighty Allah for blessing the state with the leadership of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.

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According to him, the governor’s humility, patriotism and determination to transform Kano State have endeared him to the masses, hence the need for continued prayers for his success.

“Kano people should continue to appreciate Allah for giving them a leader like Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf. His humility, love for the people and commitment to the development of the state are qualities worthy of support and prayers,” the cleric said.

He urged pilgrims to intensify prayers for Allah’s guidance, protection and support for the governor ahead of the forthcoming elections.

Ustaz Ya’u Dodo also prayed for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, asking Allah to guide him in leading the country towards peace, economic stability and national progress.

Another respected Islamic cleric, Malam Ali Dan Abba, also led a special prayer session for Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, the people of Kano State and Nigeria as a whole.

During the prayer session, Malam Ali Dan Abba prayed fervently for Allah to continue granting the governor wisdom, strength and good health in the discharge of his responsibilities, noting that leadership is a trust that requires divine guidance and protection.

He further prayed for peace and unity among the people of Kano State, urging citizens to continue supporting one another irrespective of political, ethnic or social differences. According to him, sustainable development can only be achieved in an atmosphere of harmony, mutual understanding and fear of Allah.

The cleric also offered prayers for Nigeria, asking Almighty Allah to rescue the country from economic hardship, insecurity and political tension. He appealed to leaders at all levels to govern with justice, sincerity and compassion for the masses.

Many of the pilgrims who spoke after the prayer session expressed optimism that Allah would answer their prayers and grant Kano State and Nigeria leaders who would continue to work for the wellbeing of the people.

The atmosphere at the Munna camp remained spiritually uplifting throughout the day as pilgrims continued engaging in acts of worship, recitation of the Holy Qur’an and prayers for their families, leaders and the nation.

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Kano Committee Inspects Facilities Ahead of Safe Corridor Project Take-Off

Published

14 hours ago

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May 25, 2026

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The Coordinator of the Safe Corridor Programme and Kano State Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, on Sunday led members of the programme committee Team on an inspection tour of facilities at the Corporate Security Institute, Gabasawa, ahead of the commencement of the project

The Safe Corridor Programe is a non-kinetic initiative designed to support rehabilitation, empowerment, reintegration, through reorientation, and peace building, to achieve security and stability in Kano community, as part of a broader efforts to address security challenges especially daba fight and other related activities through non- kinetic approaches.

During the visit, the committee inspected key places including accommodation facility, training hall, sports areas, classes ad other essential structures expected to support the successful implementation of the programme.

Speaking during the inspection, Comrade Waiya said the initiative reflects the commitment of the Kano State Government towards strengthening peace, social stability, and community development through dialogue, Sensitization, and empowerment.

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He noted that, adequate preparations are being made to ensure a smooth and successful take-off of the project, while assuring that the committee remains focused on delivering on its mandate.

Members of the committee during the tour expressed satisfaction with the level of preparedness at the facility, stating that arrangements are being concluded ahead of the official launch of the programme.
Some of the personalities who were part of the tour team included: Alh. Shehu Mohammed, Sarkin Shanu, Alh. Alh. Aliyu Umar Harazimi, Dan Amar, Hakimin Gobirawa, State Commander, of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Alh. Lawan Dahiru, Alh. Sabiu Bako, a businessman, Representatives of the civil society organizations, as well as other critical stakeholders

During, the visit, the Commissioner, for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, assured the people of Kano that, His Excellency, Alh. Abba Kabir Yusuf, is. committed to addressing the challenges of daba and political thuggery in the State.

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Kano ADC Chairmen Endorse Atiku Abubakar as Party’s Presidential Candidate

Published

1 day ago

on

May 25, 2026

By

Abbas Yushau Yusuf

The African Democratic Congress Chairmen of the 44 Local Governments in Kano have endorsed former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as the presidential candidate of the party in the 2027 general elections.

Tijjani Rabiu Bashir, the ADC Chairman of Dambatta Local Government, stated this while addressing newsmen in Kano on behalf of the remaining chairmen of the local governments.

According to Tijjani Rabiu Bashir, the 44 Local Government Chairmen of the ADC have unanimously agreed that Alhaji Atiku Abubakar is their candidate for the 2027 presidential election under the platform of the ADC.

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The chairman said that after due consultation and considering the situation in which Nigeria finds itself, they have unanimously agreed and adopted Alhaji Atiku Abubakar as their presidential candidate.

“We have agreed to endorse Alhaji Atiku’s candidacy due to his competence and pedigree, ensuring peace, uniting the nation, and his efforts toward enduring peace throughout the federation,” said Rabiu Bashir.

They further called on all stakeholders to support the candidature of Alhaji Atiku Abubakar to ensure a prosperous Nigeria.

 

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