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9th Kaduna Golf Tour Group Explores DICON, Kaduna Museum, JMA Orphanage
By Amina Aneibi, Kaduna
The 9th edition of the highly anticipated golf tournament has commenced with a series of visits to prominent locations in Kaduna. The group, comprising retired military and security officers, lawyers, civil servants, and business professionals, had the privilege of exploring the renowned Kaduna Museum, the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), and the Jamiya Matan Arewa (JMA) orphanage.
Air Vice Marshal Clement A. Aroriode (Rtd), leading the group, emphasized the significance of these visits as part of the tournament’s activities. “We wanted to create a holistic experience for our participants, allowing them to engage with the rich history and culture of Kaduna,” he stated.
Wing Commander Ibrahim Sarki (Rtd), Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee (LOC), expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming tournament. “This edition promises to be the best one yet,” he declared confidently.
During the tournament, the golfers will not only compete on the prestigious Kaduna Golf Club and Wuyep Lakeside Golf Club but also extend their support to the JMA orphanage and engage with DICON and the museum. The grand finale and trophy presentation will take place at the Kaduna Golf Club.
The ceremonial tee off, scheduled for Saturday, June 22nd, 2024, will be graced by esteemed personalities, including Kaduna State Governor Senator Uba Sani, the Chief of Defence Staff, the GOC 1 Division Nigerian Army Headquarters, and the Commandant of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA).
“We are thrilled to have guest players from NDA, Zaria, Wuyep, and the Kaduna Golf Club participating in the tournament and competing for prizes,” Sarki added.
The group members had the opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich cultural heritage of Kaduna during their visit to the Museum. Guided by the knowledgeable Ishaku Muhammad Bello, a Museum educator, they were shown various cultural artifacts.
Rear Admiral Dogara Gora (Retired), a member of the group, expressed their appreciation for the museum experience. “We learned a great deal and were truly fascinated by the artifacts on display,” he remarked.
At the JMA orphanage, the President Hajiya Rabi Saulawa welcomed the golf and tour members and commended them for their visit. She provided them with historical insights into the orphanage and the activities of the women’s northern group.
While no physical presentation took place during the visit, the group expressed their commitment to providing necessary assistance to the orphanage in due course.
At DICON, the group was received by Major General Aniedi Edet, the Director-General. Edet expressed his delight at the visit and assured the group of continued support and assistance.
With these exciting activities and notable dignitaries in attendance, the 9th Kaduna Golf Tour is set to captivate both participants and spectators alike.
Senator David Jimkuta (APC), representing Taraba South Senatorial District at the National Assembly says 19 senators have been denied landing permit at the Kashimbilla airport in Taraba.
Jimkuta made the complain at his Senatorial Empowerment Programme in Wukari, Taraba, where he donated assorted items to the constituents.
He explained that the 19 senators were selected by the Senate to accompany him and to witness his empowerment programme.
The senator lamented that he got the report that the Kashimbila air port was temporary shut down, after he had completed every procedure required to fly into the airport.
Jimkuta, who is the Chairman, Senate Committee on Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Councils, said that the visit would have allowed the know the needs of the state to be of support.
He said that the situation had prevented the senators from gracing the occasion.
He advised the beneficiaries of the empowerment programme not to sell their equipment.
Jimkuta also promised to support security with logistics to enhance security of lives and properties in the district.
He advised the beneficiaries of the empowerment programme not to sell their items but use them to better their lots.
Earlier, Chief David Kente, Chairman of the event, thanked the senator for the massive distribution of items to his constituents.
Kente, a philanthropist and a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), described the empowerment as unpresidented in the history of the district.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that items distributed include cars, motorcycles, tricycles, sewing machines, deep freezers, vulcanizing machines among others.
By Nathaniel Irobi
David Shikfu Parradang, former Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), has been killed by kidnappers in Abuja.
Citing sources, counter-insurgency expert, Zagazola Makama, Parradang, said Parradang was abducted in the Area 1 axis of Abuja in the early hours of Tuesday.
Makama said after being trailed from a bank where he had withdrawn money, the assailants took the cash from him before eventually killing him.
The tragic incident has raised fresh concerns over security in the Federal Capital Territory, particularly regarding the increasing cases of kidnappings and targeted attacks,” Makama said in a post.
Parradang, who served in the NIS for over 30 years, held various positions across the country, including Comptroller General.
He served in Kano, Lagos, Kwara, Enugu, and the Federal Capital Territory. He also attended several professional courses both within Nigeria and internationally.
In recognition of his service, he was awarded the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR) and was a distinguished graduate of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS).
Security agencies have reportedly launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his abduction and killing, with efforts ongoing to apprehend the perpetrators.
The Executive members of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) across the 19 Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) of Abuja have unanimously passed a vote of confidence in their newly appointed Chairman, Rev. John Joseph Hayab.
In a press briefing held in Maiduguri on Tuesday, Bishop Mohammed Naga, the General Secretary of the association and Chairman of North-east CAN, affirmed that the election, which took place on 25th February 2025 in Abuja, was conducted in a peaceful and transparent manner, leading to the selection of Rev. Hayab and other Executive members.
Bishop Naga, who serves as the General Overseer of the Biblical Christian Church (BCC), urged Christians, particularly those from the North, to continue praying for the peace, unity, and progress of a region beset by terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and other criminal activities.
He further encouraged all Christians to extend their prayers and support to the Muslim community during the Holy Month of Ramadan, in accordance with the teachings of the late Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto, who was the founding Patron of CAN in Northern Nigeria.
Bishop Naga stated, “I wish to express our unwavering support for our substantive Chairman, Rev. Joseph Hayab. He was duly elected alongside other executive members, and all churches and Christian leaders in Northern Nigeria remain loyal to him.”
He continued, “Any group that believes they must hold power indefinitely should recognise that the stakeholders in Northern Nigeria, including the General Secretary of national CAN, Northern CAN, and representatives from various states, have honoured the election. This election stands firm, and we remain loyal.”
“We want to convey to the world, particularly those of us in Northern Nigeria, that we have a leader to whom we can turn regarding Christian matters. We advocate for peace and acknowledge the historical context of Northern Nigeria. CAN was established here, and we honour our father, the Premier of Northern Nigeria, Sir Ahmadu Bello, Sardauna of Sokoto, who was the first patron of CAN. This illustrates our kinship and commitment to peaceful coexistence.”
“Anyone seeking to disrupt this long-standing harmony is, in essence, an enemy of progress. In conclusion, I call upon all Nigerians to embrace one another, especially our Muslim brothers and sisters, who are fasting. Let us pray for peace in Nigeria and for the advancement of our beloved country, particularly in the North,” Bishop Naga concluded.