Tinubu govt executing 40 major projects in North - Presidency – Newstrends
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Tinubu govt executing 40 major projects in North – Presidency

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Sunday Dare Special Adviser to the President Media and Public Communication

Tinubu govt executing 40 major projects in North – Presidency

The Presidency yesterday dismissed claims that Northern Nigeria was being neglected under President Bola Tinubu, insisting that the region was benefiting massively from his administration’s policies and investments.

Special adviser to the president on media and public communications, Sunday Dare, on his X handle, said more than 40 major infrastructure and development projects were currently underway across the North, cutting across transport, agriculture, health and energy sectors.

He was refuting allegations by the 2023 presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, that the North had been neglected under Tinubu’s administration.

Among the highlighted projects are key highways such as the Abuja–Kaduna–Kano Expressway, Sokoto–Badagry Super Highway, Kano–Maiduguri Dual Carriageway, and the reconstruction of the Dikwa–Gamboru–Ngala Road in Borno State.

In the rail sector, the Presidency cited ongoing work on the Kaduna–Kano Rail Line, the Kano–Maradi Rail Line linking Niger Republic, and the ₦100 billion allocation for the Kaduna Light Rail System.

The agriculture sector has also seen heavy federal investment, with programmes like the $158.15 million Agriculture Value Chain initiative for nine Northern states, the Kolmani Integrated Development Project in Bauchi and Gombe, and the World Bank–funded ACReSAL programme targeting one million hectares of degraded land for restoration.

On healthcare, Dare listed expansions and upgrades at major facilities, including Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria, Federal Medical Centre, Nguru, and over 1,000 Primary Health Centres across the North.

Energy projects are equally on the radar, including the Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline, the Gwagwalada Power Plant, and the proposed ABIBA Solar Power Station in Kaduna.

Pan-Yoruba socio-cultural organisation, Afenifere, also faulted Kwankwaso’s remark that national resources were increasingly tilted towards the southern region.

Afenifere said Kwankwaso’s statement was not only unfair but also deeply dangerous.

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Recall that Kwankwaso, during a stakeholders’ dialogue on the 2025 constitutional amendment in Kano on Thursday, warned that national resources were increasingly being tilted towards the southern region, resulting in deepening poverty and insecurity across the North.

He lamented the deplorable condition of federal roads in the northern states, recounting how a cancelled flight forced him to travel by road from Abuja to Kano via Kaduna—a journey he described as “hell” due to the poor road conditions.

However, Afenifere, in a statement issued by the National Organising Secretary of the organisation, Otunba Kole Omololu, said Kwankwaso’s statement “stokes regional tension and paints a false picture of deliberate southern favouritism.”

According to the organisation, “Kwankwaso’s alarmist rhetoric is not only unfair but also deeply dangerous.”

Afenifere noted that development is a gradual process, and President Tinubu had not yet reached the halfway mark of his term.

The organisation also described Kwankwaso’s statement as “not only grossly misleading but also deliberately incendiary.”

The statement reads: “As a former governor and minister, one would expect Senator Kwankwaso to speak with facts, not emotions laced with sectional bias.

“It must be stated unequivocally that no region in Nigeria has benefited more from concentrated federal presence in the past decade than the North. During the Buhari administration—a northern presidency which Senator Kwankwaso conveniently omits—critical national resources were disproportionately channeled to the North.

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“The World Bank Managing Director publicly disclosed that President Buhari specifically directed the institution to focus its interventions in northern Nigeria. Where was Kwankwaso’s voice for equity and fairness then?

“Road and rail infrastructure were overwhelmingly skewed. The Kano-Maradi railway, constructed deep into the Niger Republic with no economic significance to Nigeria, was completed under Buhari.

“Was this done for national integration or to aid cross-border movement of Fulani kinsmen? Meanwhile, under the same regime, the hell in which the senator travelled was not turned into heaven; the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, started by President Jonathan and designed to reach Iwo Junction, remained uncompleted.

“The Second Niger Bridge was still pending upon Buhari’s exit after eight years in office.

“Less than two years into President Tinubu’s administration, Kwankwaso is crying foul. Perhaps he is unaware that critical road projects have been initiated and awarded across the North, including the dualisation of the Kano-Maiduguri Road, Sokoto-Tambuwal-Jega Road, and the Abuja-Keffi-Lafia corridor.

“The Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) gas pipeline, neglected by past regimes, is being fast-tracked. Just weeks ago, President Tinubu approved billions for critical infrastructure in Katsina, Borno, and Niger States. By 2027, and indeed by 2031, every region, including the North, will feel the impact of this administration.”

Afenifere, however, urged the former governor to rise above ethnic saboteurs and sectional agitators masquerading as patriots.

The organisation said, “Let statesmen, not ethnic lords, shape the conversation.”

Tinubu govt executing 40 major projects in North – Presidency

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Army confirms death of 2 soldiers, 2 CJTF operatives in Borno ambush

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Army confirms death of 2 soldiers, 2 CJTF operatives in Borno ambush

The Nigerian Army has confirmed that two soldiers and two members of the Civilian Joint Task Force were killed when Boko Haram insurgents ambushed troops of the 25 Task Force Brigade on Friday night in Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State.

The attack occurred around Wajiroko in Azir Multe as the troops were returning from what the Army described as a successful patrol around the fringes of the Sambisa Forest.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Major Appolonia Anele, said the troops—led by the Commander of the 25 Brigade, Brigadier General M. Uba—came under “sudden and heavy insurgent fire” during the routine patrol.

“Despite the surprise attack, the troops, supported by CJTF members, fought bravely with superior firepower, forcing the insurgents to flee in disarray,” the statement said.

Anele confirmed that two soldiers and two CJTF operatives “paid the supreme price in active service to the nation.”

She added that the Army high command deeply commiserates with the families of the fallen personnel and praised the troops for their gallantry in one of the country’s most volatile theatres of conflict.

The Army also dismissed reports circulating online alleging that the Brigade Commander had been abducted in the ambush, describing the claim as “fake” and urging the public to disregard it.

Quoting the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, Anele said the military remained proud of the troops’ “uncommon bravery, resilience and sacrifice” despite the grave dangers they face daily.

Friday’s ambush came barely a month after Boko Haram fighters killed the Commanding Officer of the 202 Tank Battalion, Lt. Col. Aliyu Paiko, and several soldiers during an attack in the Kashimri area of Bama LGA, also in Borno State.


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GWNF launches zero-cost pathway for Nigerian nurses to work in Germany

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GWNF launches zero-cost pathway for Nigerian nurses to work in Germany

 

The Global Women Network Foundation (GWNF) has unveiled a groundbreaking opportunity that will enable qualified Nigerian nurses to secure employment in Germany and other EU countries at zero cost.

This can be achieved under a new partnership with Manjoorans Global Recruitment and Training Pvt.

The international recruitment initiative was formalised on Friday, November 14, 2025 with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between both organisations.

GWNF, a women-led nonprofit founded by business and professional women across diverse sectors, is committed to empowering African women through access to opportunities that enhance financial independence and professional growth.

According to its Chief Executive Officer, Roni Akins, the organisation leverages its personal and professional networks to identify life-changing opportunities for women.

“We equip women with training, capacity-building, business setup support, and relief materials where needed. This partnership allows us to connect eligible Nigerian nurses to credible recruitment channels in Germany,” Akins said.

Under the new collaboration, GWNF and Manjoorans Global Recruitment and Training Pvt. will jointly source and refer qualified nursing candidates for placement in the German healthcare system.

Akins revealed that a virtual awareness seminar has been scheduled to help interested candidates understand the requirements, meet programme facilitators, and make informed decisions about relocating for work.

“We are hosting a Zoom seminar to provide clarity on the process and offer nurses a chance to engage directly with experts who will guide them toward possible recruitment,” she added.

Qualified applicants are encouraged to take advantage of the opportunity.

Virtual Awareness Seminar Details

Date: December 5, 2025

Platform: Zoom

How to Join: Send the word “INTERESTED” to [email protected]

Eligibility Criteria

Must be a registered nurse with GNM or BSc Nursing qualification

Minimum of two years of experience

Programme Benefits

Free German language training

Free air ticket

Zero placement cost

Monthly salary between €2,500 and €3,000

Eligibility for Permanent Residency (PR) after three years

The initiative is expected to open new global career pathways for Nigerian nurses while strengthening GWNF’s mission of empowering African women through sustainable professional opportunities.

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Political leaders, labour, civil society launch movement for credible elections ahead of 2027 polls

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Political leaders, labour, civil society launch movement for credible elections ahead of 2027 polls

A coalition of prominent political figures, labour leaders, and pro-democracy activists has launched a new nationwide campaign to reform Nigeria’s electoral system ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The initiative, known as the Movement for Credible Elections (MCE), was formally unveiled at the 2025 National Political Summit on Credible Elections and Political Stability, held Tuesday in Abuja.

Organised by the National Consultative Front (NCFront) in partnership with the Labour & Civil Society Front (LCSF), the summit brought together more than 600 participants, including former heads of state, serving governors, party leaders, academics and diaspora representatives. The theme was “Critical & Mandatory Constitutional Amendments for Credible Elections in 2027.”

Notable contributors included former President Goodluck Jonathan, former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf, former Rivers Governor Rotimi Amaechi, 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, NLC President Joe Ajaero, Prof. Pat Utomi, Oby Ezekwesili, Shehu Sani, IPAC Chairman Mamman Dantalle and legal expert Adewole Adebayo.

Speakers warned that worsening insecurity poses a direct threat to the 2027 polls, saying that banditry, terrorism and political violence could prevent millions from voting. Some participants also referenced international warnings about Nigeria’s stability, arguing that foreign interference may become easier if elections hold under chaotic conditions.

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Delegates condemned the entrenched culture of vote buying, ballot snatching, rigging, voter suppression and judicially decided election results, insisting that credible polls cannot occur unless systemic abuses are eliminated.

A key demand was the urgent restructuring of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Stakeholders proposed:

  • Direct funding for INEC from the Federation Account
  • Full public scrutiny of INEC’s budget
  • Legal powers for INEC to prosecute electoral offenders
  • Constitutional approval for electronic voting, diaspora voting, early voting and real-time electronic transmission of results

They further called for a new appointment process for INEC commissioners that excludes the Executive, warning that judicial resolution of election disputes has eroded public trust.

The summit also recommended constitutional provisions for special seats for women and marginalised groups, and a reversal of the electoral burden of proof — forcing INEC, not candidates, to defend declared results.

A major highlight was the inauguration of a 23-member Interim Steering Council to lead the MCE. Prof. Pat Utomi will serve as Chairman, with former NLC President Ayuba Wabba as Co-Chair. Other key members include Femi Falana, Shehu Sani, Usman Bugaje, Nkoyo Toyo, Ankio Briggs, Bilikisu Magoro and Ene Obi.

A signed communiqué named James Ezema as Media Coordinator and Olawale Okunniyi as Secretary, alongside directors for finance, mobilisation, youth outreach and communication.

The Movement for Credible Elections will operate as a nationwide citizen-driven platform to confront electoral manipulation and mobilise Nigerians to protect the integrity of the 2027 polls.

Political leaders, labour, civil society launch movement for credible elections ahead of 2027 polls

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