By Ahmed Rufa’i, Dutse

Senator representing Jigawa Southwest Senatorial District, Mustapha Khabeeb has empowered 40 youths with a multi-million naira business package, including shoe-making tools and cash.
During a ceremony held in Dutse, the senator and the beneficiaries signed an agreement to utilize the tools for business growth and job creation, ensuring they do not sell or misuse the equipment.

The senator, represented by Jigawa State PDP Secretary, Isa Bello Gwadayi, distributed the shoe-making tools and provided each beneficiary with N100,000 to help them start their businesses.
This empowerment marks the sixth major initiative where both male and female youth have been trained in various skills and equipped with tools and capital to establish their businesses.

Senator Khabeeb emphasized that many youth in the region have now become self-reliant, contributing to the local economy by creating jobs for others.
He further stated that his office is committed to reaching every family in the district with similar empowerment programs.

The 40 beneficiaries had completed a 21-day training in shoe-making at the Federal University Dutse (FUD) Department of Entrepreneurship, organized by the Nigerian Institute of Leather and Science Technology, Zaria.
Each participant received a certificate, and the beneficiaries presented some of their own-made leather shoes to the PDP leaders in attendance.

In gratitude for the senator’s support, the graduands presented him with an award for his exemplary leadership and commitment to improving the livelihoods of youths in the state.
The senator assured his constituents of more empowerment initiatives in the future, urging the beneficiaries to share their knowledge with others in their communities.

By Ahmed Rufa’i, Dutse

Anxiety is rising among Jigawa State civil servants as uncertainty looms over the implementation date of the recently approved N70,000 minimum wage.
Governor Malam Umar Namadi had announced the wage increase in a brief media address just days before departing for a two-week overseas vacation, leaving questions unanswered about when the new wage will take effect.

Despite the governor’s announcement, the lack of a specified implementation timeline has left many workers wondering if they will receive arrears once the payment begins.
The National Update gathered that Governor Namadi’s brief address was silent on these details, sparking concerns across the workforce.

Some state employees have expressed both appreciation and apprehension regarding the governor’s move.
A civil servant in the Ministry of Agriculture, who requested anonymity, praised the governor’s decision, noting, “We are happy with the governor’s approval of the N70,000 minimum wage, especially during these times of economic hardship and inflation.”

A primary school teacher also voiced gratitude but questioned the delay, saying, “It’s great that the minimum wage has been approved, but when will it actually start? This feels like half-information.
“The president approved the federal minimum wage months ago, yet federal employees haven’t received it. Is this just another promise?”

Attempts to clarify the timeline from the Jigawa State Head of Civil Service, Alhaji Muhammed Dagiteri, were unsuccessful, as he was reportedly out of the state on official duty. However, a source within the office, who requested anonymity, mentioned that the Accountant General’s office is responsible for salary preparation and payments, as instructed by Governor Namadi.

When contacted, the state’s Accountant General, Alhaji Abdullahi SG Shehu, explained that his office awaits directives: “I am not in a position to say when the new salary will commence. My responsibility is to execute payments once I receive the order.”

Additionally, Comrade Sunusi Alhassan, the chairman of the Jigawa branch of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), confirmed that no formal agreement had been signed regarding the wage increase. He stated, “As of now, we have not signed any agreement.”

The absence of clear information has left Jigawa State workers in limbo, awaiting further guidance on when the promised minimum wage increase will reach their pockets.

By Ahmed Rufa’i, Dutse

The city of Hadejia in Jigawa State was at a standstill on Saturday as Defense Minister Alhaji Muhammed Badaru Abubakar visited to offer condolences, drawing a large crowd that caused traffic delays lasting several hours. The former governor of Jigawa was in Hadejia to console the Emir of Hadejia, Alhaji Adamu Abubakar Maje, following the death of the Emir’s son, Umar Farouk Abubakar Maje.

The minister, accompanied by aides and supporters, arrived in Hadejia around noon and was met by a massive turnout of well-wishers. Crowds thronged the city gate and filled the streets leading to the Emir’s palace, causing a gridlock that turned what is normally a short drive into a three-hour journey.

Eyewitness Muhammad Garba Fantai told National Update, “The support for the minister was so overwhelming that a three-kilometer journey took several hours because of the large crowd.”

Once at the palace, Alhaji Muhammed Badaru Abubakar expressed deep condolences to the Emir, calling the loss of young Umar Farouk a significant one for the emirate and the state. “The passing of a youth like Farouk is a tragic loss. May Allah grant him Aljannat-ul-Firdaus,” he said solemnly.

In response, the Emir of Hadejia expressed his appreciation for the minister’s visit, especially considering his busy schedule. “Your presence here with such a strong delegation is a great honor to us during this difficult time. We are truly grateful,” the Emir stated.

The Defense Minister’s visit drew a high-profile delegation that included Jigawa State Deputy Governor Eng. Aminu Usman Gumel, APC State Chairman Aminu Sani Gumel, APC National Financial Secretary Bashir Usman, former Speaker of the Jigawa State House of Assembly Rt. Hon. Idris Garba Jahun, and several members of the state House of Assembly and local government officials.

After visiting the Emir, the minister and his team also stopped to offer condolences to former Senator Ubali Shitu over the recent death of his mother, Hajiya A’i Idris Magama, further underscoring the minister’s commitment to the people of Jigawa in their times of grief.