News
Sanwo-Olu And His Grand Succour to Lagosians
By ABUBAKAR YUSUF.
It is rare and out of political disposition but passion for the downtrodden, average Lagosians and residents of Lagos state, as Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu rolled out palliative measures to caution the hardship occasioned by naira redesign or swap and the unabated fuel crises bedeviling the country build up to 2023 general elections.
Lagos Governor, not perturbed by the terse and tense political atmosphere across the country with Lagos state not left out, believed strongly that governance is a continuous process and the welfare of the people remained paramount towards building a continuous egalitarian society.
The recent introduction of 50% slash in the cost of transportation and patronage of Lagos state transport company was a pointer to his selfless services to the people of Lagos state, amidst scarcity of petroleum products and cash crunch occasioned by the ongoing naira redesign.
This has gone a long way with the establishment of ‘Food Bank’ to reach out to the vulnerables in Lagos state and by extension the middle class, so as to reduce to the barest minimum of the crises of money and possession of essential items to various homes in Lagos state.
The genuine singular gesture of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu pioneering a succour program in Lagos that is the hub of businesses in Nigeria had already stands him out as a leader that deserved continuity, so as to ensure a seamless programs for the people of Lagos state.
With the dreaded activities of shylock Point of Sales POS operators across the country through exorbitant charges, resulting in Banks epileptic performance, the Lagos Governor did not relent in procurement of official POS machines across the state to drive Lagos economy through continuous assessment of funds by patronizers at a normal charges, against the exorbitant charges embarked upon by commercial POS operators in Lagos state.
The ridiculous amount been charged in Lagos state by POS operators equavelent to foreign exchange operators had been reduced to the barest minimum, reduced hardship and lack of money been witnessed across the country, with Lagos state not in exception.
The multiple approach embarked upon by Lagos state government not to ground the economy of the state through shylock and emergency/ artificial situations created by the current order was a wise decision by government who concentiously represented the people and it’s intentions to continue from the outcome of March 11 , 2023 governorship election.
The aborted crises of naked poverty, hunger and starvation nipped in the bud through the establishment of ‘Food Bank’ by Lagos state government charged with distribution of foods and other essential items in a designated areas of Lagos state, will be a selfless services rendered in the current context of Nigeria in recent times.
This is a way from many of the present administration’s success story which ranges from empowerment, charity, skill development and enterpreneurial training and advancement among many other programs in the last three and half years, inspite of the natural and artificial occurrences was the right step at the right direction.
These among many other empowerment and encouragement to artisans through donations of funds, equipment, machines and lands to encourage, stabilize various artistic establishment in Lagos state in the current dispensation.
The introduction of ‘Humane Handshake’ by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu in Lagos state had had a quantum impact on the lives of ordinary Lagosians and Nigerians resident in Lagos state without discrimination and stigmatisation of any sorts.
The yearly program organised by the state government was consistent with the administration’s desire to eradicate poverty, create an enabling environment towards ressolving social problems and guaranteeing social security.
The post COVID environment that retarded many businesses and activities and Sanwo-Olu’s government intervention was still fresh in the memories of average Lagosians both in Health, Education, infrastructure among many others.
This is away from the ENDSARS distractions that left quantum of damages to Lagos activities with government taking the chunk , but unperturbed with both personal and official loss, as it quickly settled down to the business of governance across the state.
With the current initiatives and leadership acumen, there is no doubt that when reelected as Lagos Governor in March 11, 2023 , more people oriented programs introduced by the present administration will be rejigged along with many more innovations and initiatives to the betterment of the cosmopolitan Lagos state.
Written by ABUBAKAR YUSUF and can be reached on yus.abubakar3@gmail.com.
The Death Toll of New Nigerian Newspaper Retirees waiting for payment of their benefits from Northern States Governors Forum (NSGF) has reached 110 on Sunday with the death of Alhaji Aliyu Modibbo Yola, who was the first son of late Alhaji Mai Borno ex Central Bank Governor of Nigeria.
A statement on NSGF Beneficiaries Whatsapp platform by his bossom friend Magaji lsa Hunkuyi said he died in the early hours of today Sunday 6th April, 2025 at Federal Medical Centre Yola, after a brief illness.
“Inna lillahi wainna alaihun rajihun Aliyu Modibbo Yola died at early hours of today Sunday at Federal Medical Centre Yola. May the Almighty Allah forgive his sins and grant him Jannatul Firdausi Amin” Hunkuyi prayed.
“He was in the NNN desk and was later transferred to Yola, Adamawa state his home town as state Editor NNN after the death of his Father Alhaji Aliyu Mai Borno a former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria CBN who’s his photo is in N1000 note.
The last time we spoken on telephone, about four days ago, he prayed that “may Allah help us to collect our benefits from Northern Governors with our hands” He added.
Recounting his relationship with late Aliyu Modibbo, in the early 1980s when he was working at the Newsroom of the NNN in Kaduna, while he Magaji Isa Hunkuyi was reporting for National Concord and later transferred to Yola in 1992 as chief correspondent of the National Concord where they met and maintained a more close relationship the relationship continued even after l was posted to Taraba State as a principal reporter by the New Nigerian Newspaper.
He said he and late Aliyu had spoken for the last time few days ago before his phone was switched off.
According to him, he tried Aliyu’s line luckily the line was on but a strange voice answered the call.
“Where is the owner of the phone? but the person who answered the call calmly said the owner of the is my father and he died at about 4am today Sunday.
May the Almighty Allah forgive his sins and grant him Jannatul Firdausi Amin.” Hunkuyi said
Last week Saturday, the death of Ado Umar at Yusuf Dantsoho Memorial Hospital Tudun Wada Kaduna brought the total number of beneficiaries awaiting payment from Northern Governors to 109.
Reports say that the number of beneficiaries in dear need of medical attention is 35.
Northern States Governors Forum under Governor Mohammed Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State raked in 7 billion naira after selling New Nigerian Newspaper properties in the name of paying NNN beneficiaries but until now no penny has been paid out of the 2.5 Billion naira owed the retirees.
Meanwhile recent interactions of New Nigerian Newspaper Elders Forum with the Northern States’ Governors Secretariat suggests that efforts may have been underway to pay the retirees however no specific time frame was stipulated
By Israel Bulus, Kaduna
The Northern Christian Association of Nigeria (Northern CAN) has strongly condemned the brutal killings of innocent residents in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Chairman of Northern CAN, Rev. Dr. Joseph Hayab, described the attack that claimed at least 52 lives as barbaric, tragic, and utterly unacceptable.
He also extended heartfelt condolences to the Governor of Plateau State, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang, and the people of the state over what he termed “yet another senseless bloodshed.”
Hayab expressed deep concern over the recurring violence plaguing communities across Northern Nigeria, noting that the persistent culture of bloodshed continues to claim innocent lives.
“We totally condemn this strange and evil culture of taking human lives. Hiding under religion, ethnicity, or any guise to unleash terror on communities is unacceptable. Our societal value for human life has dangerously eroded, and this must not be allowed to continue,” the statement read.
” We’re heartbroken by the latest carnage, our prayers are with the victims’ families and the affected communities in Bokkos.
“This bloodletting must stop. We urge security agencies to intensify efforts to apprehend the perpetrators of this heinous crime and ensure they face the full weight of the law. Justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done. The pattern of mass killings and mass burials repeated in different communities year after year must be broken through firm and proactive measures,” the statement continued.
The Christian body also called on religious, traditional, and community leaders to preach peace, unity, and tolerance among their people.
“These wanton killings must not become the new normal. Nigeria must not degenerate into a nation where human lives are wasted without consequences. We must all rise and say, ‘Enough is enough,’” it stated.
While commending the Plateau State Government for its swift response and the reported arrests, the association urged the government to remain steadfast in its commitment to peace, justice, and security.
Northern CAN also appealed to citizens to remain calm, law-abiding, and cooperate with security agencies by reporting suspicious activities.
“May the souls of the departed rest in peace. We pray that God comforts the bereaved families and grants healing to the wounded and affected communities,” the statement concluded.
Lacopo Foti, the ambassador of Italy to Nigeria, says his country is ready to collaborate with Kaduna manufacturing and technology, pledging to support investments from Italian companies in the state.
Foti spoke during a courtesy visit to Hadiza Balarabe, Kaduna’s deputy governor, at the Sir Kashim Ibrahim House on Saturday.
The envoy also highlighted Italy’s willingness to collaborate with the state government.
“We have come to introduce ourselves, learn about the government’s plans, and see if there are investments which you want the Italian Embassy to facilitate,” Foti was quoted as saying in a statement.
“If there are private investments you desire in Kaduna, especially in machinery or manufacturing, or if you have plans for the next few years, let us know. If you’re interested in agricultural machinery companies like tractor plants, we can make contact with them.”
The ambassador also encouraged the state government to approach the Italian embassy for partnerships.
“We are ready to collaborate in manufacturing, technology and other areas,” he added.
Foti expressed optimism that in the coming months, Italy and Kaduna would collaborate on agriculture, education, and training — pending proposals from the state regarding their interests to present to the Italian government.
He said Italian investors would find Kaduna’s climate more favourable than Abuja’s, noting that the state is also people-friendly.
“We have Italians living here; this visit is an opportunity to meet them and see how we can help them and the State Government,” the envoy noted.
In response, Balarabe acknowledged the long-standing relationship between Italy and Nigeria, expressing interest in strengthening economic ties.
She highlighted Kaduna’s advantages in agriculture, solid minerals, tourism, energy, technology, and human capital development, noting that the state is the largest producer of maize, tomatoes, and ginger in Nigeria.
“Italy excels in manufacturing, technology, education, and renewable energy. I hope we can establish collaboration in these areas,” the deputy governor said.
Balarabe, who directed the Kaduna Investment Promotion Agency (KADIPA) to prepare a proposal for the Italian embassy, also expressed hope that the ambassador’s visit would initiate substantial discussions between the state and Italy.
She said Kaduna looks forward to further engagement with the ambassador, expressing hope that it would not be his last visit to the state.