Ganduje’s Independent Hisbah Initiative, a recipe for dangerous politicization of religion

By Aminu Hussaini

“Nigeria’s history is replete with examples of how religious tensions can escalate into violence and instability. In this opinion, the writer examine the proposed Independent Hisbah initiative by Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, former Governor of Kano State, and warned that at moments of national anxiety, leadership is revealed not by noise but by restraint.”

In an era when insecurity stalks daily life and the national mood is brittle with fear, any political actor who toys with public order, pursues disaster. This is why the recent push to create an “independent Hisbah Fisabilillah” by former Kano State Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje deserves no applause, but serious public scrutiny.

Let us be clear: this is not a debate about faith, morality or the place of religion in society. Kano has long negotiated the coexistence of culture, belief and governance. The issue at hand is far more troubling—an apparent insensitivity to the risks of insecurity and social fracture, wrapped in a desperate bid to salvage fading political relevance.

At a time when Nigerians are weary—of violence, of economic hardship, of the weaponization of identity—the introduction of a parallel moral enforcement structure outside established legal frameworks is not courage. It is recklessness!

A Dangerous Nostalgia for Control: The attempt for an “independent” Hisbah is a loaded action. Independence from what, exactly? From the law? From due process? From democratic accountability?

In a country grappling with armed non-state actors, vigilantism and the erosion of trust in institutions, proposing another body with coercive overtones is a provocative gamble with public safety. It is difficult to escape the conclusion that this move is less about public morality and more about political resurrection. When relevance wanes, spectacle often follows. Creating a moral panic, positioning oneself as the guardian of values and daring the state to react—these are old tricks in the populist handbook. But old tricks can still cause new damage.

Kano Government’s Quiet Strength- Against this backdrop, the response of the Kano State Government under the leadership of AKY has been instructive. Rather than descend into political mudslinging or ideological confrontation, the government has chosen the unglamorous but essential path: law, due process and public-order mechanisms. This is leadership that understands the moment- Instead of escalating tension, the state has emphasized that security and social regulation must remain within constitutionally recognized institutions. Instead of politicizing faith, it has grounded its response in legality. Instead of street-level theatrics, it has opted for calm institutional clarity. In a fragile national environment, this restraint matters. Public order is not maintained by competing power centers but by coherence. Justice is not served by parallel authorities but by transparent and accountable systems.

Faith Is Not a Political Lifeline- There is something particularly tragic about invoking religion as a political lifeline. Faith, for millions, is sacred, personal and unifying rather than devising. To deploy it as a tool for political comeback cheapens its moral authority and risks inflaming divisions that the country can ill afford.
The danger is not hypothetical. History—both local and global—is littered with examples where unofficial moral enforcers became instruments of intimidation, selective justice and social fear. In today’s Nigeria, with its volatile mix of economic stress and security threats, such experiments are not just ill-advised; they are irresponsible!

The Choice Before Us- Kano stands at a crossroads that mirrors Nigeria’s broader dilemma: do we address our challenges through institutions or impulses? Through law or loudness? Through governance or grandstanding? The Kano State Government has, so far, chosen the harder but wiser road. It has refused to be baited into confrontation. It has prioritized public order over political drama. That choice deserves recognition, not because it is perfect, but because it is principled. In times like these, leadership is not about who shouts the loudest or claims the highest moral ground. It is about who understands that stability is fragile, that insecurity feeds on confusion and that politics should never be allowed to masquerade as piety.

Nigeria has enough fires burning. The country do not need desperate matches struck in the name of relevance.

Barrister Aminu Hussaini is Special Adviser to the Governor of Kano State – AKY on Justice/Constitutional Matters – could be reached on +234 8033742424 – aminuhussaini173@gmail.com

Group Dismisses Allegations Against CAC Registrar-General

The National Forum for Good Governance (NFGG) has dismissed allegations of misconduct leveled against the Registrar-General of the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Hussaini Ishaq Magaji, SAN, describing the claims as unfounded, malicious and politically motivated.

The allegations followed a petition formally received by the House of Representatives, calling for an investigation into the alleged unlawful tampering with the corporate records of Jonah Capital Nigeria Ltd and Houses for Africa Nigeria Ltd by the CAC Registrar-General.

The petition, written on behalf of the two companies, alleged that some corporate records were altered to favour a contending party in an internal dispute.

However, in a statement issued on Sunday, the National Chairman of the forum, Chairman is Dr Mukhtar Mustapha Bebeji, expressed strong confidence in the integrity, professionalism and leadership of Magaji, insisting that the accusations lacked credible evidence.

According to the forum, a careful review of the allegations revealed no verifiable facts to support the claims, adding that the accusations appeared aimed at discrediting the CAC and undermining public confidence in a key regulatory institution.

“The National Forum for Good Governance wishes to categorically state that after a thorough review of the claims being circulated, we find the allegations against the CAC Registrar-General to be baseless and unsupported by any credible or verifiable facts,” the statement read.

The forum urged members of the public and stakeholders to exercise restraint and avoid spreading unverified information capable of damaging the reputation of public institutions.

It advised aggrieved parties to seek redress through lawful and established channels, stressing that genuine concerns should be directed to appropriate regulatory and oversight bodies to allow for due process and fair investigation.

Alhaji Bebeji also commended the Corporate Affairs Commission for its ongoing reforms aimed at simplifying business registration processes, strengthening regulatory compliance and improving Nigeria’s ease of doing business.

The forum further appealed to the media to uphold ethical journalism standards by ensuring accuracy, balance and fairness in reporting, and cautioned against amplifying allegations that have not been substantiated.

Turji Admits Peace Talks, Rejects Claims of ₦30m Payout

By Onovi Eli

Notorious bandits’ leader, Bello Turji, has confirmed that he held a series of peace meetings with the Zamfara State Government during the administration of former governor Bello Muhammad Matawalle, now Minister of State for Defence, but firmly denied claims that he collected ₦30 million or received vehicles as part of the process.

In a viral video circulating online, Turji acknowledged that discussions took place as part of efforts to achieve a peaceful resolution between Fulani groups and the state government. However, he dismissed allegations that he personally benefited financially from the engagement.

Turji’s response followed accusations by Musa Kamarawa, a former peace mediator appointed by the Sokoto and Zamfara State governments to facilitate dialogue with armed groups through non-kinetic means. Kamarawa had alleged in a separate video that the former Zamfara governor held meetings with bandits, including Turji, at the Government House in Gusau and distributed money and vehicles to them.

Specifically, Kamarawa claimed that Turji received ₦30 million during the peace process.

Reacting to the allegation, Turji described the claim as false, insisting that although peace talks were held, neither he nor any Fulani leader received such payments on his behalf.

“By Allah, since I was born, I have never possessed even five million naira,” Turji said. “What I am doing is not for personal gain. We were never given that ₦30 million you are talking about.”

According to him, the meetings with government officials were part of an initiative aimed at reducing violence in Zamfara State, stressing that he did not personally benefit financially from the process.

Turji accused Kamarawa of betraying the trust built during the negotiations and giving what he described as false testimony.

“We agreed on peace when the Zamfara State government appointed you,” Turji said, addressing Kamarawa. “But what you are saying now is full of lies and deceit. I did not even receive three million naira.”

The bandit leader also accused former political leaders in Zamfara and Sokoto states of contributing to long-standing insecurity in the region, alleging that they armed groups known as ‘Yan Banga’ and encouraged vigilante formations that, according to him, targeted mostly Fulani communities.

He specifically mentioned former Sokoto State governor Attahiru Bafarawa and former Zamfara State governor, Senator Ahmed Sani Yerima, calling for their arrest and investigation.

“We say openly that former governors of Zamfara and Sokoto, Bafarawa alongside Ahmed Sani Yerima, are responsible for the calamities that befell these states,” Turji claimed.

Turji sought to distance himself from political influence, insisting that he was not acting on behalf of any politician or interest group.

“We are not politicians, and we are not tools of politicians,” he said. “There is no human being backing us.”

Although he did not address any recent negotiations with the Federal Government, Turji framed his comments as a personal defence, stating that he was speaking “before Allah alone.”

Nigerian security agencies have repeatedly identified Bello Turji as one of the most dangerous armed group leaders operating in the North-West, with the military previously declaring him wanted over terror-related activities.

Tension in Kaduna community as KASUPDA, KADGIS accused of alleged land grabing

..DPO accused of covering-up for developers, KADGIS

By our Correspondent

Over 10 people who acquired vast plots of land teemed up Friday and vehemently resisted alleged land graping reportedly orchestrated by Kaduna State Urban Planning and Development Agency (KASUPDA) in Ungwan Waziri in Kariji community, Yakowa new road, in kaduna State.

Our Correspondent who was a star witness reported that, it was a face-to-face show between the owners of land, including retired senior military officers and civilians, when the labourers mobilized to the site to fence the land were confronted in the morning of Friday and Saturday respectively.

The plots owners, all christians, who vowed to stop further works on the land, regroup Saturday with police security operatives and a Divisional Police Officer (DPO), millennium city intervention disclaiming Sariki Ungwan Waziri, raising tensions within the community.

Identities and names of notable staffs of KASUPDA and that of Kaduna Geographic Information Service (KADGIS), linked to the alleged sordid deals featured prominently in an interview with newsmen.

The state government was also mentioned, to stamp authority of state actors, to legitimize the alleged land encroachment by KASUPDA, and KADGIS – an agency charged with providing quality and sustainable land use planning and administration in the State, in accordance with the provisions of the Land Use Act Laws of the Federation (CAP 202 of 2004) and other relevant laws.

Briefing journalists, leader and spokesman of the affected plots and land owners, Mr. Kolawale Kayode said some of them acquired the land over three years ago under El-rufai administration, adding all efforts to start developing their land were frustrated by the agencies, telling them to wait until regularization form issued to them.

Mr. Kayode also told newsmen in an interview that a meeting was convened by Sariki of Ungwan Waziri, Jonathan Waziri, and affected land owners and uncovered that one Sani Idris of KASUPDA is in picture of the deals, according Sariki who claimed to have met with Idris in his office on the matter.

“When we want to build, they keep telling us that we should hold on, they are going to bring regularization form, right from El-rufai time. I think that’s the best way to explain it.

“They keep telling us they are going to bring us regularization form, that we can’t build, If we build, they will break our walls”, he said, pointing at direction of some samples of broken walls of some erected buildings.

He also lamented that” When we just put even two or three blocks to secure the property, they will say they will break it down until we get permits”.

He said aside charging him for another N75,000 for penalty for the dwarf wall, the totality of everything paid altogether was about N400, 000 for building permits from KASUPDA and also Kaduna State Environmental protection Agency (KEPA), processing, and I’m position of processing fee receipts or papers.

According to Kayode, all his members and owner of the plots of land have processed the papers and in possession their Deed of Assignment and formal letters from the KASUPDA Authority.

He said he was in Lagos State on appointment, on his health issue and other important engagement when called to inform the development, and had to run down and discovered labourer working on his land and other land owners in the area.

According to him, when the labourers working on the land could not provide adequate information about their sponsors, they decided to call the owners of the land together and met the Sariki of Ungwan Waziri.

Mr. Kayode also told journalist Saturday at the site that, aside declaiming Sariki Waziri, the DPO also revealed that KADGIS official called him, querying the rational behind calling police without calling the Sariki of the area on landed issue known to Sariki.

The spokesman of the owners of the land also said Sariki Waziri called a meeting in the morning. “He said they have been to KASUPDA yesterday
because we went and met Sariki”.

“He said there was no any communication to him. He was not inform of anything. He was not told anything by anybody. He went to KASUPDA, and when he got there, he saw the man called Sani Idris and he said to him that the file was open and it was sent to him from government, called from Governor”,

“Sani said they sent the file
and that the file has been sent, and there’s nothing they can do, they have to work with it”, Kayode explained, insisting in members knowing the names of the developers and key officials of KASUPDA and KADGIS behind the ugly land grabing deals.

Born in kaduna, Mr. Kayode said he promised using his land to built sporting events center for young jobless youth of the areas to utilitize and showcase talents and not building beer parlour as maybe insulated by some people.

Also interviewed, a retired Warrant Officer, and owner of land in the affected area, Levinus Christopher, said he used his retirement benefits to acquired the Land.

“I joined the army in 1989, January, and retired January 2024, that was last year. So they paid me my retirement benefit February 2024. So I used my retirement benefit to purchase two plots of land here in Ungwan waziri, under Kariji, to develop it and build accomodation.

But to my greatest surprise, yesterday, somebody just told me,
one Okada rider, because he knows my land, he told me that there are two people building fences. So I have to rush down. Reaching here, I saw it, that they were building fences.

“We asked the workers, nobody is ready to tell anybody what is happening, who is doing it.
But from all information that we are getting, is that the government, they collected the land and gave to a developer. Which we don’t know who is that developer”, he lamented.

Also speaking, a female civil servant and land owner in confidence confirmed to journalists that she had been a victim of pulling down her buildings structures by KASUPDA twice for reasons unclear to her and decided to hold on, against friend advise before building on the plots bought in the area with their father retirement benefits.

She called on Governor Uba Sani’s intervention to rescue them, emphasizing that the Governor is ignorant of the alleged of shady land deals as being insinuated by some officials of KASUPDA and or KADGIS.

Contacted, both the officials of KASUPDA and KADGIS denied knowledge of the developers working fencing plots of land in Ungwan waziri, demanding for the company name and developers or those behind the deals.

The Sariki Waziri and DPO millennium city later met and agreed that further work be suspended on the land by unknown developer pending the conclusion on investigation and other necessity put in place till Monday, but victims still raged in dealing with any further encroachment.

END

Nigeria Takes Center Stage as ECN DG Engages Africa’s Power Brokers at Ethiopia Energy Efficiency Conference

As part of Nigeria’s strategic positioning and commitment to driving sustainable energy solutions for Africa’s future, the Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN), Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi, has participated in the opening ceremony of the African Energy Efficiency Conference held in Ethiopia.

Dr. Abdullahi, who was a special guest at the event, participated in critical conversations with senior officials, leading African figures, and the Energy Minister of Kenya, where discussions focused on the central role of energy efficiency in stimulating economic growth and strengthening climate resilience across Africa.

The Director-General of ECN also engaged with representatives from the EU, the European Investment Bank, GIZ, the IEA, AFD, and SEforALL.

The engagements explored partnerships, financing pathways, and supportive policy frameworks aimed at expanding Nigeria’s contributions and ensuring outcomes throughout the conference.

Co-Defendant in Sylvanus Enonche Oko Case, Timothy Ejiofor Benedict Arrested, Arraignment Stalled Again at Federal High Court

The long-delayed prosecution of the co-defendant in the case involving Sylvanus Enonche Oko, Mr. Timothy Ejiofor Benedict, took a new turn on Monday following his arrest by law enforcement agents after weeks of evading police administrative bail. His absence had stalled the previous court sitting and raised concerns about deliberate attempts to obstruct the judicial process.

Court officials confirmed that the defendant was apprehended over the weekend and brought to the Federal High Court for arraignment. His arrest followed what investigators described as “sustained tracking” after he failed to honour the bail terms earlier granted by the police.

“He had been on the run for some time, and his failure to appear in court at the last adjourned date made today’s arrest necessary,” a court source said. “The court could not continue to wait indefinitely.”

However, proceedings did not advance as expected. The defendant was served an amended charge only moments before the case was called, prompting his counsel to request more time to review the document. The presiding judge agreed and adjourned the matter to 17 December to allow the defendant to take his plea under fair hearing provisions.

“The amended charge was only brought to his attention this morning. The court must give him the opportunity to understand it fully before entering a plea,” a judicial officer explained.

Complainants in the case welcomed the arrest, praising law enforcement agencies for acting decisively.

One complainant said the arrest signaled that due process was finally taking shape. “We are relieved that he has been found and brought before the court. All we want is justice, and justice cannot move forward when defendants keep disappearing.”

Another complainant commended the officers who executed the arrest, saying their action restored confidence that the matter would no longer be stalled. “The police have done well, and we appreciate their commitment. This gives us hope that the truth will come out.”

A security source familiar with the investigation also noted that the defendant’s disappearance had complicated the prosecution. “Every time a suspect jumps bail, it stretches resources and slows justice for everyone,” he said.

Authorities confirmed that the principal suspect in the case remains at large, with efforts ongoing to locate him. Officials declined to give operational details.

Following his arrest, the court ordered that Timothy Ejiofor Benedict be remanded in Kuje Prison until the next adjourned date.

The case, which has already suffered several delays linked to the co-defendant’s disappearance, will now resume on 17 December, when the defendant is expected to take his plea after reviewing the amended charge.

As one complainant summed up: “We are watching closely. This time, the process must not be derailed again.”

Youth Leaders Demand Stronger Electoral Reforms at Kaduna Townhall

Young political actors and civil society representatives have called for urgent reforms to strengthen Nigeria’s electoral process and expand youth participation.

The demand was made during a Youth Constituency Townhall Meeting on Electoral Reform Priority Recommendations held in Kaduna on Thursday, December 9, 2025, where speakers highlighted gaps in voter registration, result transmission, and political inclusion.

The event was organised by JESZ Development Foundation (JDEV), supported by the Canadian Funds for Local Initiative, in partnership with Kimpact Development Initiative (KDI).

Speaking at the event, Chairman, National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Kaduna State Chapter, Abubakar Umar, emphasised that Nigeria’s electoral success depends heavily on young people, who make up more than 70 per cent of the population.

Abubakar said the youth must not only participate in voting but also play central roles in the management of the electoral and electioneering processes.

“The electoral process should be managed by the youth. The voting population is largely youth, and when elections succeed, the benefit goes to the youth, and when it fails, the consequences also fall on them,” he said.

He added that the Not-Too-Young-To-Run Act continues to shape Nigeria’s political landscape, noting that more young people between ages 18 and 29 are contesting and winning elections.

“It is still making a strong impact. Young people are entering leadership positions, and this is healthy for our democracy,” he said.

Abubakar explained that while youth inclusion is critical, some aspects of electoral management remain constitutionally within the powers of the executive, including the appointment of the INEC Chairman.

“Certain powers are vested in the executive and may remain so until our democracy evolves further,” he said.

Executive Director, JDEV, Ms. Zigwai Ayuba, stressed that ongoing electoral reforms must reflect the voices and priorities of young Nigerians.

She said youth organisations had developed five key recommendations for lawmakers, including the need to properly define and implement continuous voter registration (CVR).

“Every day a young Nigerian turns 18. They should be able to register immediately. If voter registration is not continuous, we need a clear interpretation that makes it truly continuous,” she said.

Ayuba also called for immediate implementation of electronic transmission of results and insisted that all electoral litigations must be concluded before the swearing-in of elected officials to prevent prolonged political crises.

She stated that the coalition hoped the National Assembly and State Assemblies would adopt youth-driven priorities that show young Nigerians’ commitment to improving the country’s democracy.

On his part, Development Consultant, Auwal Muhktar Suraj Esq, argued that electoral reform is essential because each election cycle exposes technical and operational weaknesses.

“Our elections have suffered from inconsistencies like technical, technological, and operational. Reforms are a necessary tool to correct these lapses,” he said.

He urged the government to address major issues such as vote buying, insecurity at polling units, and technological failures, especially the controversies surrounding the electronic transmission of results during the 2023 elections.

Auwal added that youth inclusion is non-negotiable.

“Youths are the backbone of society. They vote, they campaign, and they make up the majority. So, if we want real progress, young people must be brought into governance,” he added.

Youth Creativity on Display as Shehu Sani Funds Painting Contest in Kaduna

Former Kaduna Central Senator, Comrade Shehu Sani, has reiterated the power of art as a unifying force and a catalyst for national development, as he sponsored and graced a Painting Competition held on Wednesday at the Kaduna Museum.

The event, which attracted dozens of young artists, students, cultural enthusiasts and community leaders, showcased a variety of paintings reflecting themes of peace, unity, diversity and social harmony.

Speaking during the ceremony, Sani said the competition was conceived to encourage creativity among young Nigerians and to provide them with a platform to express themselves freely through visual arts. According to him, painting and other creative expressions have the capacity to bridge divides, foster tolerance and strengthen national cohesion.

He noted that art remains a universal language that communicates across ethnic, religious and political barriers, making it a strategic tool for promoting peaceful coexistence in a multicultural society like Nigeria.

“Art has the power to heal, to unify and to inspire,” Sani said. “What these young artists have demonstrated today is that creativity can serve as a panacea for our national challenges, including unemployment, social tension and the lack of opportunities for the youth.”

The former senator emphasised that investment in art and creative industries can contribute significantly to job creation, tourism growth and youth empowerment. He urged government agencies, cultural institutions, NGOs and private-sector actors to support similar initiatives that highlight the talents of young Nigerians.

Sani also commended the participants for their outstanding works, promising to continue supporting programmes that promote creativity, skill development and peaceful engagement among young people.

Curators at the Kaduna Museum and coordinators of the competition praised Sani for his consistent commitment to cultural development and youth empowerment, stressing that the event would inspire many young artists to pursue careers in the creative sector.

Winners of the competition received certificates, cash prizes and art materials, while their works are expected at the museum and other public exhibitions aimed at promoting peace and unity.

Journalists Trained in Kaduna on Human Rights, ACJL Implementation and Women, Peace & Security


The CLEEN Foundation on Tuesday opened a three-day media workshop in Kaduna aimed at strengthening journalists’ capacity to report on human rights protection, the implementation of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL), and advancing issues of Women, Peace and Security (WPS) across implementing states.

The Executive Director of CLEEN Foundation, Peter Maduoma, represented by Christiana Lawrence, welcomed participants and described the workshop as a crucial step toward improving justice sector accountability and promoting gender-responsive governance. The event, holding from December 9–11 at City Den Hotel, brings together journalists, researchers, policymakers and members of state working groups.

Maduoma said the training is part of the organisation’s project, “Strengthening Rights-Based Approach to ACJA Frameworks and Advancing Women, Peace and Security in Nigeria,” which seeks to address persistent gaps in justice delivery and the inclusion of women in governance and security processes.

He noted that despite the passage of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) in 2015 and its adoption by many states as the ACJL, implementation remains uneven. According to him, journalists play a decisive role in bridging this gap through accurate reporting, public enlightenment, and holding institutions accountable.

“Our goal is to build your capacity on human rights protection through adequate ACJL and WPS reporting, share insights from our state engagements, and gather your perspectives on how justice actors can be held more accountable,” he said.

He added that the project has already carried out baseline assessments, strengthened the capacity of justice stakeholders, set up state working groups, and inaugurated multi-stakeholder committees to monitor WPS implementation. He expressed optimism that the workshop and policy brief dissemination would support policymakers to improve justice delivery and advance the WPS agenda.

Maduoma thanked the Royal Norwegian Embassy for funding the project and commended researchers and partners for their continued support.

Kaduna ACJL Working Group Calls for Stronger Media Partnership

Delivering a goodwill message, Chairman of the Kaduna State ACJL Working Group, Dr. Terngu Gwar, praised CLEEN Foundation for convening what he described as a “multi-dimensional engagement” on human rights, gender inclusion, peace and security.

Gwar stressed that the ACJL is one of the most transformative reforms in Kaduna’s justice system as it eliminates delays, protects suspects, victims and witnesses, and strengthens transparency. But he warned that the success of the legislation ultimately depends on public awareness—an area where the media remains indispensable.

“Journalists are the bridge between policy and the people. Through ethical and human rights-centred reporting, the media strengthens accountability and ensures that state and non-state actors uphold their obligations,” he said.

He also highlighted the importance of women’s leadership in peace and governance processes, noting that global evidence shows societies become safer and more inclusive when women actively participate in decision-making. The media, he said, has the power to “challenge stereotypes and promote narratives that advance gender equality.”

Gwar pledged the commitment of the ACJL Working Group to collaborate with journalists by providing access to information and technical clarifications to enhance accurate reporting on justice system reforms.

Media Needs Deeper Knowledge of Justice Reform — NUJ Chairman

The Chairman of the Kaduna State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Abdulgafar Alabelewe, also delivered remarks, describing the training as “timely and important.”

He noted that journalists in Nigeria are overstretched due to competing demands from the security, political, economic and social sectors, making it difficult for many to specialise or develop deep expertise in justice administration.

“Before journalists can effectively report on any sector, we must first deepen our knowledge of the subject matter,” Alabelewe said. He added that gaps in understanding often limit the depth and quality of justice-sector reporting.

He stressed that the media has a social responsibility to empower citizens and ensure the vulnerable receive justice. Many detainees in Nigeria, he said, remain behind bars not because they are guilty but because their rights were not protected.

Alabelewe assured that the NUJ Kaduna Council is committed to partnering with the ACJL Working Group and CLEEN Foundation, emphasising that journalists are ready to investigate and highlight issues—but stakeholders must bring these matters to their attention.

As the workshop continues, participants are expected to engage in technical sessions on human rights principles, ACJL reporting, gender-responsive governance, and the WPS agenda.


Nigeria, Saudi Arabia Seal Five-Year Defence Cooperation Pact

Nigeria and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen defence and military cooperation between both nations.

According to a statement by Ahmed Dan Wudil, Special Assistant on Media to the Minister of State for Defence, the five-year agreement will cover strategic collaboration across security, military training, intelligence sharing, defence production, and joint operations aimed at sustainable security development.

The pact was signed on behalf of Nigeria by the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Mohammed Bello Matawalle, while Dr. Khaleed H. Al-Biyari signed for the Government of Saudi Arabia.

The statement noted that the agreement marks a significant step in boosting bilateral relations and enhancing joint efforts to tackle emerging security threats confronting Nigeria. The Defence Ministry welcomed the development, expressing optimism that current security challenges in parts of the country will soon be overcome.