By Ahmed Rufa’i, Dutse

On the occasion of World Children’s Day (WCD) 2024, children from Jigawa State have called on the state’s House of Assembly to enact laws that will enhance education and protect their rights. This appeal was made during a special session held in the state’s legislative chamber, which was presided over by Jamila Aliyu Abdulkadir, the Speaker of the Jigawa State Children’s Parliament.

Abdulkadir emphasized that access to basic education, healthcare, and other essential rights are the foundation for a child’s future. She urged the state’s lawmakers to pay attention to the needs of children and address the key issues that affect their growth and well-being, as these are crucial for building a better future for the next generation.

“Access to education, health, and protection of rights is key to a brighter future for any child,” Abdulkadir stated, appealing to both the legislative and executive arms of government to prioritize these fundamental areas.

In conjunction with the celebrations, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Nigeria congratulated Nigerian children on their special day, encouraging them to stay committed to their studies and avoid negative behaviors, as they represent the future leaders of the nation.

World Children’s Day is observed annually on November 20th to mark the United Nations’ adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) in 1989. The 2024 theme, “Listening to the Future,” highlights the importance of listening to children’s voices and ensuring they have a role in shaping decisions that impact their lives.

Since 2017, World Children’s Day has served as a key platform for raising awareness on global issues affecting children, including education, health, and protection from abuse. This year, children’s participation remained central to the celebrations, underscoring their importance in advocating for the change they wish to see.

In Jigawa, the children took the opportunity to engage directly with the state lawmakers, advocating for stronger laws that support education and safeguard their rights. Their active involvement in the state’s legislative process reflects a growing movement to ensure that children’s voices are heard and their needs addressed at the highest levels of government.

By Ahmed Rufa’i, Dutse

An Upper Sharia Court in Kano has acquitted Hon. Auwalu Dalladi Sankara, the Jigawa State Commissioner for Special Duties, of charges of adultery brought against him.

The presiding judge, Khadi Ibrahim Sarki Yola, dismissed the case, citing a lack of substantial evidence from the complainant, Nasiru Buba Jalam, who had accused the commissioner of having an illicit affair with his wife, Taslim Baba Nabegu.

“This case lacks merit and any credible evidence to proceed. Therefore, the case is hereby struck out, and both defendants are discharged,” the judge ruled.
The case had stemmed from a complaint filed by Nasiru Buba Jalam in October, in which he accused his wife and Hon. Sankara of engaging in an affair. Following the accusation, the Kano Hisbah apprehended the commissioner at his home.
The court had earlier instructed the Inspector General of Police to investigate the matter and submit a report for review.
After the judgment, Barrister Rabiu Shuaibu Abdullahi, representing the first defendant, Taslim Baba Nabegu, expressed satisfaction with the court’s ruling, stating that the judgment reflected justice.
Barrister Saddam Suleiman Shehu, representing Hon. Sankara, also welcomed the outcome, affirming that the court’s decision vindicated his client. He added, “We are reviewing the judgment, along with the possible political factors involved, for further steps.”

Hon. Sankara, who was suspended from his position as Commissioner to allow the court process to unfold without interference, was cleared of all allegations by the court.

The case, which attracted significant attention in the state, now appears to be over, though its political undertones remain a point of discussion.

By Ahmed Rufa’i, Dutse

The Women and Youth Farmers Agripreneur Regional Conference (WAYFARC) has conducted a two-day sensitization workshop for 450 women and youth in the Northwest to promote agribusiness and reduce poverty.

Speaking during the opening ceremony, the President of the Nigeria Agribusiness Group (NABG), Arc Kabir Ibrahim, represented by the Coordinator of WAYFARC and NABG Secretary General, Mrs. Olubukola Nwaneri, stated that the workshop aimed to empower participants by showcasing the vast opportunities in agriculture as a business.

Mrs. Nwaneri emphasized that agriculture should not be seen as mere farming but as a lucrative enterprise. “Agriculture should evolve beyond subsistence farming. When you recognize agriculture as a business, it inspires greater seriousness and commitment. We want to help women and youth see the future and potential in agribusiness,” she explained.
Mrs. Nwaneri highlighted that participants do not necessarily have to be farmers to succeed in agribusiness.
“Opportunities abound in areas such as processing, marketing, offtaking, essential services, and other value chains within the agricultural sector.

“Our goal is to support and educate women and youth on accessing government and non-governmental loans, grants, and other interventions. We also focus on creating awareness, coordination, and linking farmers with value chains including producers, markets, processors, and offtakers,” she noted.

The program, she added, also facilitates partnerships, follows up on government policies, and bridges gaps when policies are made without input from agricultural stakeholders.
According to her, Jigawa State was chosen to host the Northwest regional workshop due to its significant agricultural potential and the state government’s demonstrated commitment to developing the sector.
Mrs. Nwaneri said this made Jigawa an ideal location to encourage and support women and youth to explore agribusiness opportunities.
Participants were advised to open their minds and absorb the knowledge and skills provided during the program.
“The purpose of WAYFARC is to enrich your understanding and prepare you to thrive in agribusiness,” Mrs. Nwaneri said.

The workshop also highlighted the importance of collaboration and capacity-building in driving economic growth through agriculture, particularly for women and youth who remain critical to Nigeria’s agricultural transformation.

END