National
Shame on Gov Dauda, PDP for Politicizing Zamfara Insecurity —Group
The Zamfara Concerned Citizens group has condemned the act of Gov Dauda Lawal of Zamfara, and the state’s Peoples Democratic Party PDP for politicizing the insecurity in the state.
According to the group, “The government can no longer hide its shame for its lack of contribution.”
The group contrasted this with the Sokoto State government, which has provided substantial support to the military in terms of vehicles, motorcycles, and other resources to address the security crisis.
Muhammad Salisu Anka, the group’s convener, responded to a recent statement from the PDP, accusing the Zamfara government of benefiting from illegal mining, which they claim is the reason for its reluctance to fully cooperate with security agencies.
“The reason they don’t want maximum cooperation with security agencies is that they don’t want peace to return to Zamfara,” Anka said.
The group also criticized the PDP for attacking former Governor Bello Matawalle over his trips to Sokoto State. They noted that Sokoto’s government has done far more to support the military than Zamfara’s administration.
Matawalle’s leadership has led to the successful targeting and elimination of high-profile bandits like Baleri Fakai, Halilu Sububu, and Kachallah Sani Black. Over 5,000 of their associates have also been neutralized, demonstrating the effectiveness of his administration’s strategy to combat banditry.
Despite these successes, the PDP has accused Matawalle of engaging in “eye service,” while many citizens view his actions as essential for achieving lasting peace in the region.
Critics, including Gov Dauda Lawal, have downplayed Matawalle’s achievements, often politicizing security issues. Gov Dauda’s criticisms appear to be an attempt to distract from the progress being made, especially after the killing of Halilu Sububu, a key figure in regional banditry.
The group alleged that Gov Dauda of Zamfara state has ties to illegal mining operations in the region, and that Sububu’s death may have unsettled him. The group claimed, “It is widely believed that Sububu had ties to Dauda, overseeing illegal operations in the region. His death has prompted Gov Dauda to undermine Matawalle’s credibility.”
The group called on the public to remain vigilant and not be swayed by political figures who prioritize personal gain over the security and well-being of Zamfara’s citizens.
The group also affirmed that no amount of slander from Gov Dauda or the PDP can distract Matawalle, now serving as Minister of State for Defence, from his commitment to fighting insecurity.
They praised Matawalle for his decisive actions, which have contributed to restoring peace and security in the Northwest, and urged the PDP to set aside political ambitions and fairly evaluate Matawalle’s contributions to peace in Zamfara.
Niger’s military government has officially made Hausa the country’s new national language, moving away from its colonial past where French played a central role.
The change was announced in a new charter released on March 31, published in a special edition of the government’s official journal.
According to the document, “The national language is Hausa,” and “the working languages are English and French.”
Hausa is already the most commonly spoken language across Niger, especially in the Zinder, Maradi, and Tahoua regions.
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Most of the country’s about 26 million people understand and speak Hausa. In comparison, only around three million people, just 13 per cent, can speak French.
The new charter also officially lists nine other local languages, including Zarma-Songhay, Fula, Kanuri, Gourmanche, and Arabic, as “the spoken languages of Niger.”
This language switch follows a national meeting held in February.
During that event, the military government received more support and General Abdourahamane Tiani, the junta leader, was approved to stay in power for five more years.
Since taking over in a coup in July 2023, which removed the country’s civilian president, Mohamed Bazoum, the junta has been cutting off ties with France.
These actions include removing French troops from the country, ending diplomatic relations, and changing the names of roads and buildings that used to carry French names.
Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso, which also have military governments and used to be French colonies, are taking similar steps.
They’ve also withdrawn from the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie, a group similar to the Commonwealth that supports French-speaking nations.
The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, and the Chairman of the Miners Association of Nigeria, Engr Dele Ayanleke, are expected to headline a national workshop aimed at addressing the growing challenges of illegal mining and mineral smuggling.
Scheduled to take place from 29 to 30 April 2025 at the Nicon Luxury Hotel in Abuja, the event is being organised by Allied Bond Consulting.
It is expected to bring together policymakers, security chiefs, and industry stakeholders to discuss strategies for securing mining sites and fostering sustainable development within mining communities.
In a statement jointly signed by the Chairman of the Organising Committee, Ahmed Yahya, and the Workshop Coordinator, Willie Tawo, the organisers said the two-day event would focus on “articulating pragmatic strategies and proactive measures to combat the menace of illegal mining and smuggling.”
The workshop also aims to promote international best practices in mining operations, enhance security at mining sites, and explore how the sector can attract further investment and serve as a catalyst for Nigeria’s economic diversification.
Participants will deliberate on creating a stable, secure environment for mining, promoting peaceful coexistence in host communities, and using the solid minerals sector as a platform for building the country’s industrial base.
National
Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire Congratulates Otunba Olufemi Pedro on LASU Honorary Doctorate
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (SSAP-SDGs), Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, has congratulated former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, His Excellency, Otunba Olufemi Pedro, on the conferment of an Honorary Doctorate Degree by the Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo.
The honorary degree is being awarded as part of the institution’s 28th Convocation Ceremony, scheduled to hold on Thursday, 10th April 2025, at the Buba Marwa Auditorium, Main Campus, Lagos.
In a statement released on Wednesday by her Special Assistant on Media, Publicity and Strategic Communications, Desmond Utomwen, Princess Orelope-Adefulire described the honour as “well-deserved and long overdue,” noting that Otunba Pedro’s life and career reflect a legacy of excellence, innovation, and integrity in both the public and private sectors.
“Otunba Pedro’s remarkable journey—spanning the financial sector and public service—is a shining example of visionary leadership and selfless dedication to national development,” the statement read.
“As former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, he played a pivotal role in laying the foundations for the fiscal reforms that have contributed immensely to the state’s economic growth and transformation.”
Princess Orelope-Adefulire further stated that the conferment by LASU is not just a recognition of Pedro’s achievements, but an affirmation of the enduring values he represents: humility, integrity, and service to humanity.
She commended the Lagos State University for recognising one of its most distinguished alumni, adding that the honour would serve as motivation for emerging leaders and professionals across Nigeria and beyond.
“This award is a timely reminder that true greatness is measured not only by accomplishments, but by the positive impact one has on people, institutions, and society at large,” she added.
She prayed for God’s continued guidance, strength, and good health for Otunba Pedro as he continues to contribute meaningfully to the development of Lagos State, Nigeria, and the global community.