By Ahmed Rufa’i, Dutse

Governor Umar Namadi of Jigawa State has accused federal government-appointed agro-dealers of sabotaging the state’s 2025 wheat production target by delaying the supply of seedlings and inputs to farmers.

During an unscheduled visit to input redemption centers in Birninkudu and Kiyawa, the governor criticized the dealers for absenteeism, price inflation, and obstructing the smooth implementation of the wheat farming initiative aimed at cultivating 100,000 hectares.
“Agro-dealers are delaying the process, inflating prices, and creating barriers for farmers. This negligence threatens to derail our efforts to achieve food security,” Namadi said.
Governor Namadi ordered the arrest of Isyaku Katanga, the local AFAN chairman, for imposing an unauthorized ₦2,000 surcharge on farmers and directed the recovery of all illegally collected funds.
He also pledged to report the erring dealers to the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.
Farmers expressed frustration over the delays, with some describing the process as exploitative and poorly organized.
“We registered and fulfilled all requirements, but accessing inputs is still a problem. Time is running out for planting,” a farmer lamented.
Namadi assured farmers of his administration’s commitment to the success of the wheat production program, warning against any further sabotage.
“We will ensure that registered farmers receive their inputs on time. This program is critical for food security and economic growth,” he said.
The governor urged all stakeholders to expedite the distribution process to avoid jeopardizing the state’s ambitious wheat cultivation goal.

By Ahmed Rufa’i, Dutse

The Speaker of the Gombe State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Muhammad Abubakar Luggerewo, has assured that northern governors will soon present a unified position on the ongoing national tax reform discussions.
He made this known while addressing journalists after the opening of a four-day legislative retreat held at Mtown Motel in Dutse, Jigawa State.

“This is a contentious issue,” Luggerewo said. “While I cannot provide details at the moment, I am confident that our northern governors will present a position that protects and promotes the interests of the region.”
The retreat, themed “Technology Adoption for Democratic Development and Promoting e-Legislative Processes,” aims to equip lawmakers with the knowledge and skills necessary to enhance legislative efficiency through information technology (IT).
Luggerewo stressed the importance of adopting IT to improve legislative processes and governance in Gombe State.
“By leveraging IT, we will strengthen our legislative duties, enhance democracy, and ensure more efficient public service delivery,” he noted.
The Speaker extended his appreciation to Jigawa State Governor Malam Umar Namadi for attending the opening session of the retreat. He praised Namadi’s leadership and commitment to delivering the dividends of democracy to Jigawa’s citizens.
In his remarks, Governor Namadi lauded the Gombe Assembly’s focus on technological adoption, emphasizing its potential to enhance transparency and accountability in governance.
“The theme of this retreat underscores the Assembly’s commitment to promoting transparency,” Namadi said. “Embracing digital tools will streamline legislative processes, enabling the timely passage of laws that enhance security, social welfare, and economic development.”
He also highlighted the broader role of IT in governance, noting its significance in areas like e-voting, e-business, data transmission, and human capital development.
“Information technology is a vital tool for strengthening democracy. Its adoption will ensure more effective legislative functions and improved governance outcomes,” Namadi added.
The retreat is expected to foster innovation in legislative processes and promote the use of digital tools to enhance governance and public service delivery in Gombe State.

By Ahmed Rufa’i, Dutse

A 25-year-old woman, Fiddausi Muhammad, wife of a police constable, delivered triplets via cesarean section at Dutse General Hospital, Jigawa State.
It marked her first successful pregnancy after years of delay in conceiving.
She was blessed with a boy and two girls.
Fiddausi, who is recovering and has begun breastfeeding, expressed her gratitude: “I thank Allah for His mercy and blessings. I pray for His support and guidance in raising them.” She added, “I didn’t know I was carrying triplets. Scans during antenatal visits showed twins, but by the grace of God, I delivered triplets.”

Her husband, Police Constable Dayyabi Muhammad, described the birth as both a blessing and a challenge. “It is a moment of celebration, having three children at once, but it is also challenging due to the current economic difficulties,” he said.

He highlighted the financial strain, noting the costs of nutritional food for the mother, medical care, and day-to-day expenses for the triplets. “Providing adequate nutrition for exclusive breastfeeding, as recommended, and managing daily expenses, healthcare, and education for three newborns at once is overwhelming,” he added.

Constable Muhammad appealed to Governor Umar Namadi, the governor’s wife, and compassionate individuals for support.
“The economic reality of raising triplets is daunting. Rising inflation has made essentials like diapers, baby formula, and medical care a heavy burden, especially for low-income families,” he said.