News
Kaduna Lawmaker Donates N50 Million To Muslim, Christian Faithful For Ramadan
By Israel Bulus, Kaduna
In a remarkable act of generosity and community solidarity, the Member Representing Kachia/Kagarko Federal Constituency, Hon. Gabriel Saleh Zock, has donated N50 million to both Muslim and Christian faithful in his constituency as part of Ramadan support efforts.
The donation was announced on Tuesday during an Iftar gathering at the official residence of the Kaduna State Commissioner for Agriculture, Hon. Murtala Dabo. The event brought together prominent figures from Kachia and its surrounding areas, highlighting the lawmaker’s commitment to religious harmony and communal welfare.
Hon. Zock emphasized that the donation was meant to benefit residents across the 22 wards of the Kachia/Kagarko Federal Constituency, ensuring that both Muslim and Christian faithful receive support. His approach reflects an effort to promote religious coexistence, particularly in a region where unity among diverse groups is essential for social and economic progress.
” The month of Ramadan is a period of fasting, prayer, and charity for Muslims worldwide. In Nigeria, leaders often extend goodwill gestures to support their constituents, especially those facing economic hardship. By including Christians in the donation, Hon. Zock reinforced the message of tolerance, unity, and shared community well-being, acknowledging the economic challenges faced by all groups regardless of religious affiliation.
The move has political significance, as it strengthens Hon. Zock’s connection with his constituents ahead of future political engagements. However, beyond politics, such an initiative builds goodwill and reinforces the role of elected officials in serving the people beyond legislative duties.
Community leaders and residents commended the lawmaker for his inclusive leadership and support during this crucial period. Many beneficiaries have expressed appreciation, noting that the financial assistance will help them meet their needs during the fasting period.
“Hon. Gabriel Saleh Zock’s intervention serves as a model for political leaders, demonstrating how charity, religious harmony, and effective representation can coexist in governance.” The beneficiaries stated.
By Israel Bulus, Kaduna
The Northern Christian Youth Professionals (NCYP) have stated that the establishment of the Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia, and the Federal Medical Centre, Kafanchan, in Kaduna State has given them hope in president Tinubu’s administration.
The group made this known in a statement on Tuesday, signed by its Chairman, Isaac Abrak, and issued to journalists in Kaduna.
According to the NCYP, the widespread jubilation in Southern Kaduna following the appointment of Bishop Matthew Kukah as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the university, Prof. Qurix Williams Barnabas as Vice-Chancellor, and Dr. Haruna Abubakar Shehu as Chief Medical Director of the FMC, Kafanchan, confirms their belief in Tinubu’s leadership.
“Today, we stand proud as Southern Kaduna, a predominantly Christian region, rejoices over these landmark achievements brought about by President Tinubu’s visionary leadership,” the statement read.
The group described these appointments and the establishment of the institutions as a demonstration of President Tinubu’s commitment to fairness, equity, and inclusive governance, despite the region not overwhelmingly supporting him in the last election.
“We express our profound gratitude to God for granting us the foresight to recognize that the Tinubu/Shettima ticket was the right leadership Nigeria needed at such a critical time. We also appreciate Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, for his role in ensuring the realization of these projects,” the statement added.
The NCYP further commended Senator Sunday Marshall Katung, Hon. Amos Gwamna, and other National Assembly members for their efforts in advocating for the institutions.
The group also called for continued peaceful coexistence between Christians and Muslims in Kaduna State, urging all citizens to embrace religious tolerance to ensure the full benefits of these institutions are realized.
PUNCH reports that the NCYP’s statement reflects a growing shift in political dynamics in Northern Nigeria, particularly among Christian communities that initially opposed Tinubu’s ticket. The recognition of his government’s inclusivity could potentially boost his support base in the region ahead of future elections.
By Israel Bulus, Kaduna
The President of the Southern Kaduna Peoples Union (SOKAPU), Mr. Samuel Tabara, on Monday, inaugurated the newly elected executives of the Union’s youth wing, urging them to foster teamwork for the advancement of the region.
The swearing-in ceremony, held at the SOKAPU head office in Kaduna, was administered by Barr. Desmond Tabakwot. Tabara expressed satisfaction that the prolonged crisis within the youth wing had been resolved after several months of uncertainty.
Newly Inaugurated Executives:
1. Solomon Simon – National Coordinator
2. Prince Agmada Tanko – Deputy Coordinator
3. Alhassan Aruwa – Secretary General
4. Nano Kurmi – Assistant Secretary
5. Elisha Samuel – Treasurer
6. Isah Anjadick Emmanuel – Public Relations Officer (PRO)
7. Dabo Gabriel – Financial Secretary
Addressing the new leadership, Tabara emphasized the importance of adhering to the Union’s constitution.
“The constitution is the foundation upon which we shall serve our people,” he stated. “Avoid direct dealings with the Board of Trustees (BoT) as it constitutes a serious breach and could lead to disorderliness. Your activities must always be approved by the President and the Central Executive Committee (CEC) of SOKAPU.”
In his remarks, the newly sworn-in National Coordinator, Comrade Solomon Simon, expressed gratitude to the National President for facilitating the inauguration.
“We appreciate your leadership and the efforts you have made to reposition SOKAPU. On behalf of my team, we pledge our loyalty and commitment to working towards a better Southern Kaduna,” Simon stated.
The youth wing had been embroiled in a leadership crisis since 2022, leading to the formation of a Caretaker Committee in 2024 to oversee fresh elections. Despite challenges, the committee, led by Comrade Joseph John Auta, successfully concluded its mandate, paving the way for the new leadership.
“All disputes among the youth have been amicably resolved, with a communique signed by all stakeholders in the interest of SOKAPU and the Southern Kaduna people,” Simon added.
By Tambaya Julius, Abuja
Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has publicly accused the current governor, Uba Sani, of deliberately working to undermine him. According to El-Rufai, this alleged campaign against him is part of a broader political strategy orchestrated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
These claims arose following recent statements by Governor Sani, where he described the financial debt inherited from El-Rufai’s administration as overwhelming and difficult to manage.
The former governor responded to these comments in an interview with Freedom Radio Kaduna, later uploaded on YouTube, criticising Sani’s leadership and accusing him of incompetence.
El-Rufai insists that Governor Sani is intentionally attempting to discredit him by focusing on Kaduna’s financial debt. He claims that Sani is being used as a political tool by the Tinubu-led government, which allegedly views El-Rufai as a potential future opponent.
“The reason Uba Sani is making these statements is that he was given a contract,” El-Rufai stated. “He was instructed to tarnish, destroy, and politically cripple me because they believe I may challenge Tinubu in the future.”
El-Rufai further alleged that Governor Sani had been promised continuous financial backing from the federal government in exchange for carrying out this agenda. He suggested that highlighting Kaduna’s debt burden was a deliberate move aimed at ensuring federal support while simultaneously diminishing his political relevance.
He implied that Sani was not only benefiting politically from this arrangement but also personally gaining financial advantages as long as he remained aligned with the federal government’s plans.