News
Global Drug Day: Eye Opener Launches Prevention Initiative At Orphanage
By Sunday Isuwa, Abuja
In a significant stride towards combating drug abuse among children, The Eye Opener Tobacco/Substance Abstinence Club’s Innovation’s Founder, Mrs Margaret Kwa’ada Julius, has led a pioneering drug prevention initiative at the Nana Berry Orphanage in Ado, Karu LGA of Nasarawa State.
The event, titled “The Eye Opener Tobacco/Substance Abstinence Club’s Innovation: 80 Poems for Prevention Professional for Child and Youth Awareness,” took place as part of activities marking Global Drug Day.
The aim, according to Mrs Margaret was to educate and engage less privileged children on the dangers of drug abuse and smoking.
The Abstinence Club, designed to enlighten children and foster a drug-free lifestyle, was inaugurated during the event.
Additionally, the “80 Poems for Prevention Professionals for Child and Youth Awareness” was launched.
During her briefing, Margaret Kwa’ada Julius emphasized the importance of early drug prevention education and the role of creative tools in making a lasting impact on young minds.
The highlight of the day was the recitation of poems by children from various educational levels, which reinforced the anti-drug message.
The poems, in line with the 2024 theme “The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention,” captivated the audience and underscored the importance of a healthy lifestyle.
The initiative received enthusiastic feedback from both the children and the orphanage management.
The orphanage management expressed their gratitude to Mrs. Margaret for her innovative approach, recognizing the potential of the poems to maintain children’s awareness about their health and mental well-being.
Mrs. Bilinda Joseph, the head teacher, praised Margaret Kwa’ada Julius, the “WHO No Tobacco 2021 to 2024 Award winner in Africa region,” for her outstanding efforts and pledged to include drug prevention programs in the school calendar.
Participant Annabel Akushi appreciated the uniqueness of the programme, highlighting its potential to enhance children’s mental health protection.
Mrs. Amina Zubairu, a teacher at the orphanage, expressed satisfaction with the initiative and promised to integrate the poems into their educational activities.
By Tambaya Julius, Abuja
As Nigeria moves closer to the 2027 general elections, momentum is building across the ZangoKataf/Jaba Federal Constituency. Brigadier General Simon Katunku Gora has emerged as a prominent figure poised to bring effective representation to the people. Gen. Gora played host to an enthusiastic campaign team from Jaba Local Government Area (LGA) of Kaduna State, which marks a significant milestone in his political journey, and growing support for his candidacy.
The gathering, which took place yesterday at Kafanchan, brought together respected political leaders and influential stakeholders from Jaba LGA. Which collective efforts and commitment to promoting a capable and visionary leader who they believe can transform the future of ZangoKataf/Jaba at the federal level.
During the gathering, Brigadier General Simon Katunku Gora expressed sincere gratitude to the Campaign team for their unwavering belief in his leadership. In his remarks, he said, “I am deeply honoured by your support and faith in my ability to lead ZangoKataf/Jaba at the federal level in 2027. My mission is to ensure that the people genuinely feel the impact of governance through meaningful development and active representation.”
Gen. Gora, also used the opportunity to advocate for unity and peaceful coexistence among constituents. According to him, a prosperous ZangoKataf/Jaba can only be achieved through collective harmony and shared values. “Let us come together as one people,” he urged. “Peace and unity are the foundations of any successful constituency, and only through them can we achieve lasting development.”
The campaign team from Jaba LGA did not hold back in their praise and support to Gen. Gora. Speaking on behalf of the team, the Campaign Coordinator Mr. Williams Garba described him as the most qualified, experienced, and dependable candidate to represent ZangoKataf/Jaba in the House of Representatives come 2027. With chants of “We believe in your leadership!”, the atmosphere was electric, reflecting genuine enthusiasm for a candidate who embodies credibility, competence, and compassion.
Mr. Williams Garba further emphasize that the increasing support for Gen. Gora from various communities and political blocs, is gaining traction and shaping up to be one of the most promising in the region. The campaign Coordinator stressed that Gen. Gora ability to connect with the people and address their concerns positions him as a front-runner in the 2027 race.
In a closing remarks, Gen. Gora made a passionate call to all residents of Zango-Kataf and Jaba to set aside political divisions and focus on collective advancement. He stressed that the 2027 election is more than a political contest it is a defining moment to steer the constituency toward a better future.
He urged every community, ward, and supporter to spread the message of hope and change. According to Gen. Gora, the transformation of ZangoKataf/Jaba lies in harnessing the strength of its people, their voices, and their votes.
By Israel Bulus, Kaduna
Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has cleared the backlog of outstanding tuition fees owed to beneficiaries of the state’s foreign scholarship scheme, offering major relief to affected students studying abroad.
The intervention, carried out in partnership with the Kaduna State Scholarship and Loans Board under the leadership of Executive Secretary Prof. Yahya Saleh Ibrahim, spans multiple countries and institutions.
Several students who were previously stranded due to unpaid fees have now resumed or completed their academic programs.
Among the beneficiaries is Hauwa Bashir Liman, an MBBS student at the University of Debrecen in Hungary, who received $51,400. Also, Bashir Al Bashir and Ahmad Abubakar at the University of Wollongong in Dubai received $13,827.08 to cover tuition, visa, and other academic costs up to graduation.
Additionally, nine students—including Salisu Shehu Ramin Kura and King Henry Ishaya—who had earlier returned to Nigeria due to financial challenges had their tuition arrears totaling $81,135.76 fully cleared. The government also provided full-year stipends to both Salisu and Ishaya.
Furthermore, all pending tuition fees for medical and nursing graduates of the Islamic University of Uganda and Kampala International University have been settled, enabling them to commence their housemanship in hospitals across Kaduna, Kano, Plateau, Jigawa, and Borno states.
Despite inheriting a lean treasury, the Uba Sani administration has disbursed N402,799,973 in scholarships to more than 3,930 students enrolled in local institutions such as Kaduna State University (KASU), Ahmadu Bello University, Bayero University Kano, Nuhu Bamalli Polytechnic, and the College of Education, Gidan Waya.
Over 500 new scholarship awards are expected to be issued in the coming days to students at KASU, while continuing students across various institutions in the state are also receiving renewed support.
According to the Board, the intervention reflects Governor Uba Sani’s strong commitment to inclusive education and support for underprivileged students across Kaduna State.
Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, chairman of Dangote Group and Chancellor of Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology (ADUSTECH) Wudil, has pledged N15 billion for various capital projects in the university.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Dangote announced the largesse at the university’s 5th combined convocation ceremony held on Saturday in Kano.
Dangote hinted that the funds would support a five-year development plan to upgrade the university to global standards.
He said the planned projects included design and construction of additional student hostels, design and construction of engineering labs.
Other projects were the design and construction of a world-class multipurpose computer laboratory with 24-hour internet access.
He said others were the design and construction of a befitting Senate building and post-NYSC career opportunities for high-performing students.
Dangote also commended Gov. Abba Yusuf for his efforts to address the issue of out-of-school children.
He encouraged wealthy individuals to support the government’s initiatives in enrolling children and emphasised that public contributions were essential for the country’s overall development.
Justice Abdu Aboki, Pro-Chancellor of the university, appreciated Dangote’s generosity, stating that it would bring modern development to the university.
He stated that the institution was working hard to produce graduates with expertise in both character and learning.
Also, its Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Musa-Tukur Yakasai, said the convocation ceremony celebrated hard work and resilience, disclosing that over 18,000 students graduated in the seven combined convocations.
He commended the Kano State Government for settling the university’s backlog of over N100 million and completing abandoned projects on campus.
The vice-chancellor explained that the recipients of honorary Doctorate Degrees were chosen based on merit and their contributions to the state and Nigeria.
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He also said that all the 45 courses offered by the university were fully accredited by the National University Commission (NUC).
Yakasai, however, commended the state government’s commitment to supporting the university’s development, while adding that the university’s researchers had gained international recognition.
Those confered with Honourary Doctorate Degrees were
Alhaji Dahiru Mangal, Author Eze, Dr Adeniyi Raji (SAN) ,Alhaji Ado Mohammad-Mustapha (Amasco),and Sen. Rabiu Musa kwankwaso.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the ceremony drew personalities from across the country.
Yusuf, also the Visitor, congratulated the institution and the students on successfully completing their studies.
He pledged continued support for the institution’s optimal performance and announced two exciting opportunities for the top nine students.
They were granted automatic employment and foreign scholarships to study at universities of their choice, recognising their outstanding achievements.
The governor also congratulated Kwankwaso, the founder of the institution, and reaffirmed his commitment to upholding the institution’s values.
Kwankwaso, who spoke on behalf of the awardees, expressed gratitude for Dangote’s commitment to investing N15 billion in the institution, which would facilitate its development.
Alhaji Dahiru Mangal also received commendation for his pledge to construct a 500-capacity female hostel.
The awardees vowed to continue supporting the institution’s growth and expressed their commitment to supporting the institution’s optimal performance.
(NAN)