News from Jigawa
Jigawa tanker explosion: Death toll rises to 180
***as Lamido Urges FG to explore Use of Rail for Flammable Materials
By Ahmed Rufa’i, Dutse
Death toll in the tragic tanker explosion in Jigawa State has risen to 180 with injuries to over 80.
The latest reports indicate that the death toll has doubled from the initial count of 90, with many victims receiving medical attention in hospitals across Jigawa, Kano, and Yobe states.
This is happening as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) gubernatorial candidate for 2023 election in the state, Alhaji Mustapha Sule Lamido has asked the federal government to adopt rail transport for the movement of petrol and other flammable materials.
He argued that it will help prevent such catastrophic incidents that continued to claim lives across the country.
Lamido made the appeal while on condolence visit to Majia village, where he met with families and relatives of the victims of last Tuesday’s explosion.
“The federal government should take a cue from developed countries that transport petrol and other hazardous materials by rail to avoid accidents and explosions caused by tankers,” he stated.
He emphasized that the recent tragedy, among others occurring nationwide, should serve as a critical lesson for the government to take immediate action to avert future disasters. “This incident should prompt the government to implement measures to protect citizens and raise public awareness about safety procedures during such emergencies,” he added.
Lamido urged the public to stay vigilant, advising that, in the event of an accident, people should evacuate the area immediately and report the incident to the police and fire services.
“This is a disturbing moment for us, having lost over 180 lives, many of whom are young men. Our prayers are with the deceased and for the swift recovery of the injured,” he remarked.
He reflected on the gravity of the situation, noting that the event would forever remain etched in the memories of Jigawa residents and Nigerians alike.
As the community grapples with the aftermath of this devastating incident, Lamido’s called for safer transportation methods highlighting the urgent need for the federal government to take decisive action to enhance public safety and prevent future tragedies.
News from Jigawa
Jigawa PDP Defends Lamido’s Legacy, criticizes Wike’s Alleged Disloyalty
Members of the Jigawa State chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) have publicly defended Dr. Sule Lamido against accusations of disloyalty, asserting that he is a true nationalist dedicated to the party’s values.
The statement comes as a response to a recent article alleging that Lamido took part in a “rebellion” against the PDP in 2024.
The statement, signed by Muhammad Mago on behalf of concerned PDP members in Jigawa, described the article as “mischievous” and “a deliberate attempt to misrepresent Dr. Lamido,” a senior PDP figure and former Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Mago’s statement contrasts Lamido’s record with that of Nyesom Wike, the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, accusing Wike of working to destabilize the PDP while serving in an APC-led administration.
According to the Jigawa PDP members, Lamido’s career reflects unwavering loyalty to the PDP, noting that he held prominent positions in the party as early as 1999 and was instrumental in key political moments, such as the transitions of Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan.
“Dr. Lamido has spent decades strengthening the PDP and has never wavered in his dedication,” Mago’s statement said.
The statement further criticized Wike’s conduct, accusing him of betraying the PDP during the last election cycle, including working against the party’s presidential candidate.
“Wike’s actions show a politician driven by self-interest, willing to side with opposing parties to fulfill his personal goals,” the statement alleged, highlighting the ongoing tensions between Wike and Rivers State Governor Similayi Fubara.
Responding to claims that Lamido influenced his son, Dr. Mustapha Lamido, to secure a PDP gubernatorial nomination, the Jigawa members clarified that Dr. Mustapha earned his candidacy through the standard PDP process. “Dr. Mustapha ran a strong campaign, connecting with PDP stakeholders across the state, proving his competency and earning the respect of party members,” the statement explained.
The statement concluded by emphasizing Lamido’s legacy as a political icon committed to the PDP and the national interest, with Mago asserting that “Dr. Lamido will not engage in petty feuds.” Instead, the statement commends Lamido’s dedication to the party’s mission, describing him as a consistent, respected leader within the PDP.
News from Jigawa
EU Allocates £35m to tackle the challege of Out-of-School Children in Northern Nigeria
By Ahmed Rufa’I, Dutse
The European Union (EU) has approved £35 million to address the issue of out-of-school children in nine local government areas across Jigawa, Kano, and Sokoto states.
The EU consortium lead and education adviser for PLAN Nigeria, Tobi Ransomed announced this at a project launch workshop held in Dutse.
Under the Accelerating Basic Education and Livelihood Opportunities for Children and Youth in North-Western Nigeria initiative, 417,661 out-of-school children are targeted to re-enroll in education.
The three-year project, implemented by Save the Children International, PLAN International, and DAG, will focus on ensuring literacy and educational access while indirectly benefiting over 12 million people.
Additionally, 60,000 of the enrolled children will receive livelihood support, and some will be awarded scholarships for further studies.
The program’s success relies on support from parents, community leaders, and government officials.
Also speaking the program manager/deputy consortium lead EU, Vandi Hyelladi called on the stakeholders including parents, traditional and religious leaders, government, Community organisations and media to cooperate and support the project to achieve the desired goals of reducing the number of out of schools children in the states.
While making his remarks, after the official commissioning of the program of activities, the Jigawa state governor Malam Umar Namadi, who was represented by his deputy, engineer Aminu Usman Gumel commended EU and other partners for choosing Jigawa state to implement the project.
He expressed gratitude to the EU, aligning the effort with his administration’s development agenda.
News from Jigawa
Senator Hussaini Partners with NEXIM Bank to Boost Jigawa’s Agricultural Exports
By Ahmed Rufai, Dutse
In a bid to harness Jigawa State’s agricultural potential and expand its footprint in global markets, Senator representing Jigawa Northwest,Babangida Hussaini has collaborated with the Nigerian Export and Import (NEXIM) Bank to organize an export-oriented enlightenment program in the region.
This initiative, held at the Gumel Foundation Conference Hall, aims to increase awareness and support for local producers in exporting premium agricultural products like hibiscus, sesame, and soybeans.
In his opening remarks, Senator Hussaini highlighted Jigawa’s reputation as a major producer of internationally sought-after crops but lamented the state’s underrepresentation in Nigeria’s export sector. “Despite being one of the top producers, Jigawa benefits little from the export advantages of these products,” he noted.
The senator explained that after discussions with NEXIM Bank, they identified a need to educate local farmers and producers on critical aspects of the export process, such as production, processing, packaging, and international trade regulations.
“This program represents a framework to engage our people and guide them through the export journey,” he said.
As a member of the Senate Committee on Banking and Finance, Senator Hussaini assured that he would work to create an enabling environment for NEXIM Bank to realize its goals, promoting non-oil exports and helping to drive the Nigerian economy.
NEXIM Bank Managing Director Abba Bello, represented by Alhaji Ibrahim Khalil Gaga, echoed the senator’s sentiments, emphasizing Jigawa’s comparative advantage in non-oil exports. Bello pointed out that despite the state’s vast agricultural resources, Jigawa remains one of Nigeria’s most impoverished states. “This engagement aims to help Jigawa’s producers tap into export opportunities, with NEXIM providing essential support and resources,” Bello remarked.
The program provided local entrepreneurs with insights into the bank’s facilities that could help them enter the international market. Additionally, NEXIM Bank shared guidance on regulatory requirements and practical steps for exporting. Bello added that promoting exports from Jigawa could boost local skills, create jobs, and foster economic growth.
This collaboration underscores a growing focus on empowering Nigeria’s agricultural communities to participate in global trade, with the ultimate goal of poverty reduction and sustainable development in Jigawa State.
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