National
Rescue Primary, Secondary Schools In Kagu, Victor Kwara Writes Gov Uba Sani
By Abubakar Yunusa
A current affairs analyst, Victor Kwara Nicholas, has written to Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State, urging him to rescue primary and secondary schools in Kagu from total collapse.
Victor commends the governor on his victory in the last elections and his commitment to good governance, stating that Primary and Secondary schools in Kahugu were abandoned in the past and are now facing total collapse.
In an open letter titled “Re: An Open Letter on the State of Primary and Secondary Schools in Kaguu (Kahugu) Nation, Lere Local Government Area,” Victor highlights the governor’s humane and workaholic approach to leadership, emphasizing the need to address the challenges facing the educational system.
Victor draws attention to the governor’s prompt intervention in the collapsed Tsoriyang bridge and the provision of new vehicles for security agents, indicating his commitment to the well-being of the people.
Elanza News reports that Victor references Ambrogio Lorenzetti’s painting, “The Allegory of Good and Bad Government,” to underscore the importance of good leadership qualities.
Victor then delves into the background of the Kahugu nation and its historical significance, outlining the concerns regarding the state of primary and secondary schools in the area, particularly GSS Kahugu.
Elanza News reports that the school, established in 1985, has not undergone any renovations since then.
According to Victor, the number of teachers employed by the government is extremely low, and replacements are not made when teachers are transferred.
Victor appeals to Governor Uba Sani to intervene and address these issues, emphasizing the importance of education for the future generations.
He assures the governor that his prompt action will be greatly appreciated and expresses his prayers for the success of his administration.
The leadership of the 10th Senate has announced a shift in the date of its resumption. The earlier date for resumption was fixed for April 29, 2025.
However, the new date has been adjusted to May 6.
The announcement was contained in an internal memo dated April 20, 2025, addressed to all senators and signed by the Senate Clerk, Andrew Ogbonna Nwoba.
The postponement was hinged on the International Workers’ Day public holiday, which is celebrated on May 1 and for the lawmakers to take their time to attend to key constituency engagements.
The circular reads, “Distinguished Senators, I am directed to inform you that the resumption of plenary sittings of the Senate, earlier scheduled for Monday, 29th April 2025, has been rescheduled to Tuesday, 6th May 2025.
“This postponement is made to allow Distinguished Senators to stay with their constituents during the International Workers’ Day public holiday in the first week of May and to further enhance constituency engagements.
“Distinguished Senators are kindly requested to take note of this postponement while regretting any inconvenience the change might have caused.”
PUNCH Online reports that the Senate had on March 27 adjourned the plenary to allow lawmakers to observe the Easter and Eid-El-Fitr holidays.
National
Nigeria Enrolls 1 Million New Registrants in NIN Database as Digital ID Initiative Faces 2026 Deadline
Nigeria’s national digital identity campaign gained significant traction in March 2025, with the National Identification Number (NIN) enrolments reaching 118.4 million.
Recent data from the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) indicates that one million Nigerians were added to the database last month, reflecting a renewed urgency in light of international funding and approaching targets.
This initiative is part of the World Bank-supported Digital Identity for National Development (ID4D) project, which aims to provide legal identities for all Nigerians. However, the country is still striving to meet its initial target of registering at least 148 million citizens by June 30, 2024, a deadline that has now been extended to June 30, 2026, due to a shortfall.
The total funding allocated for the ID4D initiative amounts to $430 million, provided by the World Bank, French Development Agency (AFD), and the European Investment Bank (EIB). The extension aims to facilitate the establishment of an inclusive and reliable digital ID system that enhances governance and access to public services.
Regionally, Lagos State leads in NIN registrations with 12.7 million enrolments, followed by Kano State with 10.4 million. Kaduna State ranks third with 6.9 million registrations.
Gender data from NIMC reveals that men dominate the enrolment figures, with 66.9 million (56.5%) registered, compared to 51.5 million women (43.5%).
Other states with notable NIN figures include Ogun (4.9 million), Oyo (4.5 million), Katsina (4 million), FCT (3.8 million), Rivers (3.5 million), Delta (3.2 million), and Jigawa (3.1 million).
Conversely, Bayelsa State has the lowest enrolment number at just 767,620, followed by other underperforming states such as Ebonyi (999,991), Ekiti (1.1 million), Cross River (1.4 million), and Taraba (1.7 million).
As the deadline approaches, authorities are under increasing pressure to enhance efforts, particularly in low-performing regions, to achieve universal digital identity coverage.
Christian leaders and Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi have extended Easter felicitations to Nigerians, urging reflection, compassion, and collective action to address the nation’s pressing challenges, including insecurity, hunger, and political tensions.
In separate statements issued on Sunday in Abuja, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Most Rev. Ignatius Kaigama, Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, and Obi emphasised the significance of Easter as a time for spiritual renewal and national introspection.
CAN: Easter Reflects Nigeria’s Faith and Resilience
Archbishop Daniel Okoh, CAN President, described Easter as the “cornerstone of Christian faith,” symbolising Jesus Christ’s sacrifice for humanity’s redemption.
He noted that in Nigeria, Easter transcends religious observance, embodying a vibrant cultural celebration marked by colourful parades in Lagos and solemn processions in northern villages.
“Easter is a time when families gather, communities unite, and our rich cultural heritage is showcased through music, dance, and festive gatherings,” Okoh said.
He acknowledged the persecution faced by Christians in some regions, yet stressed the enduring spirit of Easter, which inspires resilience and unity.
Okoh urged Christians to engage in acts of kindness, promote interfaith dialogue, and work towards a just society.
“Let us reach out to neighbours of other faiths, fostering mutual respect and peaceful coexistence,” he added.
Kaigama: A Call to Address Insecurity, Hunger
Archbishop Kaigama struck a sombre tone, highlighting Nigeria’s escalating crises.
He mourned the recent killing of travellers in Uromi, Edo State, and ongoing violence in Plateau State’s Bokkos and Bassa areas, where communities have been devastated.
“These attacks underscore the urgent need for a sincere and coordinated response to insecurity,” he said.
Kaigama also decried the widespread hunger and economic hardship gripping the nation.
“Families struggle daily to put food on the table in a nation so richly blessed,” he lamented, calling for collaborative efforts to ensure no Nigerian goes hungry.
Expressing alarm over the rising kidnappings of clergy, Kaigama described such acts as a “blow to the conscience of the nation.”
He further addressed the political crisis in Rivers State, where a state of emergency was declared, cautioning against actions that could deepen divisions.
“No democracy can thrive without a culture of give and take,” he said, urging leaders to prioritise dialogue and the welfare of citizens.
Kaigama also condemned the “acrimonious political rhetoric” fuelling tensions, urging politicians to focus on governance rather than power struggles.
“Nigeria needs healing, not hostility,” he asserted, calling for accountability and protection for all Nigerians, regardless of tribe or faith.
Obi: Pray for Compassionate Leaders
Peter Obi, in a message signed by his spokesperson Ibrahim Umar, called on Nigerians to use Easter to pray for compassionate leaders who prioritise the people’s welfare. He described Easter as a celebration of Jesus Christ’s sacrifice, offering a timely opportunity to seek leaders who emulate such selflessness.
“What is apparent in Nigeria today as insecurity and myriads of problems engulf the land is a visible abdication of responsibility by insensitive and indifferent leaders,” Obi said.
He stressed that Nigeria’s abundant natural and human capital should be harnessed to benefit the populace, lamenting the current leadership’s failure to do so.
**A Unified Call for Renewal**
The messages from CAN, Kaigama, and Obi converge on a shared theme: the need for reflection, compassion, and action to address Nigeria’s multifaceted challenges.
As Christians celebrate Easter, the leaders’ calls for unity, justice, and better governance resonate amid ongoing struggles with insecurity, economic hardship, and political division.