By Ahmed Rufa’i, Dutse

The Speaker of the Jigawa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Haruna Aliyu Dangyatin, has congratulated Governor Malam Umar Namadi on receiving the prestigious Diamond Prize Award from the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR).

In his speech during the investiture and award ceremony at the Ahmadu Bello Hall, New State Secretariat, Dangyatin commended the NIPR for recognizing leaders, particularly Governor Namadi, for their exceptional performance in governance. He described the award as a timely acknowledgment of the governor’s contributions to the evolving landscape of public relations and his efforts to promote image-building in Nigeria.

“This is indeed a great honor and recognition of the efforts and development unfolding in our dear state, which is commendable given the challenges of this trying moment in our nation’s economic history,” he stated.

The Speaker praised Governor Namadi’s leadership and his commitment to transforming Jigawa State into a model of agricultural success.
According to him, the governor’s strategic vision and dedication to agricultural development have significantly contributed to enhancing the state’s image and fostering national growth.
“This recognition reflects not only His Excellency’s outstanding leadership qualities but also his unwavering dedication to transforming Jigawa State into a beacon of agricultural success,” Dangyatin remarked.
He further highlighted the critical role public relations play in shaping perceptions, influencing narratives, and fostering nation-building. He urged the audience to acknowledge the importance of effective communication in crafting stories and representations that build public trust and strengthen institutions.
“As we convene here in Jigawa State, let us appreciate the pivotal role of the public relations profession in image-making and reputation management. The stories we tell and the information we share significantly shape public perception and trust in our institutions,” he added.
The Speaker concluded by offering prayers and goodwill to the NIPR organizers and congratulating Governor Namadi on his recognition as a National Patron of the institute and his Diamond Prize Award for his contributions to agriculture and governance.
“This event underscores the transformative power of transparency, innovation, and a people-centered approach to governance. It is a celebration of what can be achieved through effective communication and public engagement,” Dangyatin noted.

By Ahmed Rufa’i, Dutse

In a decisive operation, the Jigawa State Command of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) rescued 10 Nigerians from a suspected human trafficking network during a midnight patrol in Babura Local Government Area, a border region with the Niger Republic.

The victims, intercepted by the Operation Salama team at Tsamiyar Kwance on Sunday, were en route to Europe via illegal migration routes, according to the State Comptroller of Immigration, Mr. T. Musa.

The victims, comprising eight women and two men aged between 21 and 30, hailed from Ogun, Oyo, Ondo, and Imo states. They had been trafficked from their home states to Kano and then to Babura, with plans to cross into Niger Republic, travel through Libya, and reach Europe via the perilous Mediterranean route.

Among those rescued were,
Alatise Damilola, 29 (Oyo State),
Ayomide Adeyemi, 24 (Ondo State), Wisdom Chikwu Emeka, 29 (Imo State), Lateef Jumoke, 30 (Ondo State), Emyola Adeoye, 24 (Ogun State), Soneye Abigeal, 22 (Ogun State), Ogunleye Temitope, 29 (Ogun State), Osirowo Rebecca, 21 (Ogun State), Oniyide Kabirat, 27 (Ogun State) and Azizat Adaranijo, 26 (Ogun State)
Preliminary investigations revealed that the victims were lured with promises of a better life in Europe, unaware of the dangers of the route and the exploitative nature of human trafficking networks.
The Comptroller noted that these young Nigerians were vulnerable targets of traffickers exploiting economic hardships and the desire for greener pastures abroad.
The rescued victims have been handed over to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) for rehabilitation and further investigation.
Efforts are underway to trace and dismantle the trafficking network responsible for their ordeal.
During a press briefing, Mr. Musa expressed alarm at the increasing cases of human trafficking and illegal migration in the state, calling for greater vigilance from families and communities.
“Parents and guardians must remain vigilant and monitor their children’s activities to prevent them from falling into the hands of traffickers,” he said.
The NIS reiterated its commitment to combating irregular migration and human trafficking through intelligence-driven operations and collaboration with other agencies.
The rescue operation highlights the urgent need for more robust policies to address the root causes of human trafficking and illegal migration, including poverty, unemployment, and lack of opportunities.
The Immigration Service has called on the public to report any suspicious activities linked to human trafficking as part of a collective effort to eradicate the menace.

END

By Ahmed Rufa’i, Dutse

The Jigawa State Government has unveiled plans to establish a state-of-the-art Teachers’ Resource Center at the College of Education, Gumel, aimed at addressing the persistent issue of unqualified teachers in the state.

This development was revealed by the Technical Adviser to the Governor on Basic Education, Dr. Hauwa Mustapha, during an inspection visit to the proposed site.
Dr. Mustapha noted that the center will serve as a hub for professional development, offering intensive training for aspiring and practicing teachers to elevate teaching standards across the state.

She stated, “I am here to assess the site and the progress of work for the immediate takeoff of the center. The instructional materials and books, sourced from the United States, have already been delivered.”

Dr. Mustapha highlighted that the initiative is a critical component of Governor Umar Namadi’s broader agenda to revamp the education sector in Jigawa State. She urged residents to lend their support to ensure the program’s success.

The Provost of the college, Dr. Nura Muhammad Ringim, hailed the project as a transformative step toward enhancing teaching capacity and professionalism. Similarly, the Registrar, Malam Bala Isyaku, expressed gratitude to Dr. Mustapha for her dedication to raising educational standards, describing the initiative as timely and impactful.

With this bold step, Jigawa State is poised to strengthen its education system by equipping teachers with the necessary skills and resources to deliver quality education, fostering a brighter future for students.