December 6,2025

From Mode Lawal

The Sokoto State Government has taken a significant step in the fight against HIV/AIDS by approving ₦100.6 million for the procurement of testing kits, treatment materials, and essential drugs. This move responds to the withdrawal of international development partners who previously funded HIV/AIDS interventions in Nigeria.

The State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Faruk Wurno, disclosed this development, while briefing journalists on the outcome of the State Executive Council meeting held at the council chamber, Government House,Sokoto.

According to Dr. Wurno, the council approved several projects aimed at improving the healthcare sector, education, and infrastructure in the state.

In addition to the HIV/AIDS project, the council approved contracts for the renovation and remodeling of six general hospitals across the state. These hospitals include:

– Yabo General Hospital: ₦290,138,765.60
– Shagari General Hospital: ₦382,402,397.00
– Sabon-Birni General Hospital: ₦237,189,241.19
– Tangaza General Hospital: ₦272,291,859.26
– General Hospital Goronyo: ₦291,307,701.20
– Women and Children Hospital, Sokoto: ₦187,998,719.56

The state government also approved ₦72,604,300 for the procurement of laptops, desktops, and digital tablets for the Universal Basic Education (UBE) program and ₦113,148 for textbooks and notebooks.

Furthermore, the council approved ₦339,374,772.19 for the construction of drainage systems in Gawon Nama and along the Wamakko-Orthopedic Hospital road. This includes ₦122,755,230.94 for the construction of drainage from Zagga to Jaredi road and ₦216,619,541.25 for concrete drainage along Orthopaedic Hospital Wamakko.

The council also approved ₦287,569,168.75 for the general upgrade and repairs of the Waziri Junaidu History and Culture Bureau, aiming to preserve the state’s rich cultural heritage and historical significance.

These approvals are part of the state government’s efforts to improve the healthcare sector, enhance education, and provide infrastructure for its citizens.

The Sokoto State Executive Council had earlier approved the state medium-term expenditure framework for 2026,valued at ₦702,555,758,424, which outlines the state’s revenue expectations, macroeconomic assumptions, and spending priorities.

The approvals demonstrate the state government’s commitment to improving the lives of Sokoto State citizens and promoting development in the state.

December,5,2025

The attention of the Sokoto State Government has been drawn to a misleading report in some national newspapers alleging that the Governor of Sokoto State, Ahmed Aliyu, accompanied his Abia State counterpart, Dr. Alex Otti, to visit Nnamdi Kanu at the Sokoto Custodial Centre.

In a statement issued by the spokesman to the Governor, Abubakar Bawa, the government categorically refuted the report, clarifying that Governor Aliyu was not part of the Abia Governor’s entourage during the said visit.

For the avoidance of doubt, Governor Ahmed Aliyu was in the Holy Land performing Lesser Hajj as of 30th November 2025, at the time Dr. Otti privately visited Sokoto State.

Upon Dr. Otti’s arrival at the Sultan Abubakar III International Airport, Sokoto, he was received by selected Commissioners and Special Advisers, who subsequently led him to the Sokoto Government House, where he was accorded the customary courtesies extended to visiting State Governors.

“As you all know, the people of Sokoto are hospitable. We treat our visitors with utmost respect, irrespective of tribe or religion,” the statement added.

The Sokoto State Government reiterates that Governor Ahmed Aliyu holds deep respect for constituted authority, remains committed to the Nigerian project, and continues to be a peace loving and law-abiding citizen.

5, December 2025

From Umar Danladi Ado

The Chairman of the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission (KANSIEC), Professor Sani Lawal Malumfashi, has issued appointment letters to adhoc staff for the upcoming ward bye-elections in three local government areas of the state.

Statement issued by Bashir Habib Yahya
Media Aid to Executive Chairman, KANSIEC to Solidnews further stated that during the presentation of the appointment letters, Professor Malumfashi urged the adhoc staff to justify the trust and confidence the commission has reposed in them.

He expressed his confidence in their ability to discharge their duties based on their level of education, experience, and track record of honesty and dedication.

The adhoc positions include 3 Returning Officers, 3 Electoral Officers, and 3 Assistant Electoral Officers for Dala (Kofar Mazugal), Dogowa (Maraku), and Ghari (Matan Fata) wards.

The Chairman appreciated security agencies, politicians, and the general public for their support and cooperation. The bye-elections are scheduled to hold on December 13, 2025.

From Umar Danladi Ado

5, December 2925

Minister of State for Works, Bello Goronyo, has praised President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to national development, describing him as a detribalized Nigerian and a true nationalist.

During an inspection of the Kebbi section of the Lagos-Badagry Superhighway project, Goronyo expressed satisfaction with the progress, noting that it will open up a major trade hub along the corridor.

The Minister highlighted the project’s benefits, including job creation, reduced insecurity, and economic opportunities.

He stated, “This road will create great economic opportunities, and Mr. President is not just constructing roads, but building highways that will last 50 years or more.”
Minister Goronyo Inspects Ongoing Sokoto-Badagry Highway Project, Commends Tinubu’s Vision for a United Nigeria

From Umar Danladi Ado
Goronyo also commended President Tinubu’s vision for a united and prosperous Nigeria, citing the project’s scope, which spans from Illela near the Niger Republic border to Lagos, linking the sub-Saharan region.

The Minister urged Northerners not to be deceived ahead of the 2027 elections, emphasizing that the project demonstrates President Tinubu’s love, concern, and commitment to national development.

He concluded that President Tinubu has started strongly and, with another opportunity, will take the country to the promised land.

By Umar Danladi Ado

5, December 2025

The Sokoto State Police Command has arrested three suspected bandit financiers in Tangaza Local Government Area of the state and recovered rustled cattle.

The operatives demonstrated its proactive and far-reaching operational capacity with two successful operations on Wednesday, December 3, 2025.

In a coordinated effort, separate tactical units targeted criminal elements within Sokoto and extended their reach into a neighboring state, resulting in significant arrests and recoveries.

In an intelligence-driven operation within Sokoto State, the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit, attached to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), struck at the logistical heart of banditry.

Acting on credible intelligence, operatives conducted a targeted operation in the Tangaza Local Government Area of Sokoto State on December 3, 2025, at about 1400 hours.

The operation led to the arrest of one Ruwa Ginyo, identified as the Fulani Head of Gidan-Madi, and two other accomplices.

Investigations reveal that the three suspects allegedly function as brokers and financiers for a notorious bandit group.

Their primary role was to receive rustled cattle, facilitate their sale in markets, and remit the proceeds to the armed elements.

At the point of arrest, 4 rustled cows were recovered from the suspects as they attempted to sell them.

The suspects have confessed to the crime, and investigation is ongoing.

Demonstrating inter-command collaboration, a Strike Force team from the Sokoto State Police Command conducted a targeted investigation in the Talata Mafara Local Government Area of Zamfara State on the same date at about 1700 hours.

The operation targeted a criminal network involved in theft and receipt of stolen property, leading to the arrest of several individuals suspected of Criminal Conspiracy, Theft of Motorcycles, and Receiving Stolen Property.

During this cross-border operation,2 suspected stolen motorcycles were recovered according to statement issued by Dsp Ahmad Rufai,
PPRO.

Preliminary investigations confirm the items are linked to an ongoing case. All suspects are in custody, with investigations aimed at dismantling the wider syndicate.

The Commissioner of Police, Sokoto State Command, CP Ahmed Musa, commended the operatives for their exceptional work and vigilance in both internal and external operations.

“These parallel successes underscore our command’s resolve and operational reach.The first operation hits the financiers of banditry within our borders.

“The second shows our proactive stance in pursuing criminal networks beyond them, in collaboration with our neighboring command.

“This two-pronged approach—crushing both the funding and logistical chains of crime—will be intensified,” stated CP Ahmed Musa.

The Sokoto State Command urges citizens to continue their vital partnership by providing timely and credible information.

The public, especially dealers in livestock, motorcycles, and other valuables, are advised to always exercise due diligence and demand verifiable proof of ownership.

Such collaboration is essential for a safer society. All information provided will be treated with utmost confidentiality.

By Our Senior Correspondent

Thu, 4 Dec 2025

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has sworn in the former Chief of Defence Staff, Christopher Musa (rtd.) as the new Minister of Defence.

Musa took the oath of office on Thursday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga in a post on X said Musa has taken his oath of office.

On Wednesday after a rigorous question and answer session, the Senate confirmed Musa as Minister of Defence.

On Tuesday, President Tinubu nominated

General Musa as the new Minister of Defence.

In a letter to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, President Tinubu conveyed General Musa’s nomination as the successor to Alhaji Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, who resigned on Monday due to ill health.

General Musa, 58, on December 25, is a distinguished soldier who served as Chief of Defence Staff from 2023 until October 2025. He won the Colin Powell Award for Soldiering in 2012.

By MG Gazali

The Sokoto State Executive Council has approved the state medium-term expenditure framework for 2026,pegged at ₦702,555,758,424.

This was disclosed by the State Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Dr. Abubakar Muhammad Zayyana, while briefing journalists on the outcome of the council meeting held at the Council Chamber, Government House, Sokoto.

Dr. Zayyana said the framework outlines the state’s revenue expectations, macroeconomic assumptions, and spending priorities, ensuring transparency, accountability, and participatory governance in the budget-making process.

The council also approved contracts for the second phase of renovation and remodeling of hospitals across the state. According to the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Faruk Wurno, contracts for renovation of six additional hospitals were awarded with contract sums as follows:

– Yabo General Hospital: ₦290,138,765.60
– Shagari General Hospital: ₦382,402,397.00
– S/Birni General Hospital: ₦237,189,241.19
– Tangaza General Hospital: ₦272,291,859.26
– General Hospital Goronyo: ₦291,307,701.20
– WCWC Hospital Sokoto: ₦187,998,719.56

These projects aim to improve healthcare services in the state, providing better facilities and equipment for patients.

Alhaji Sambo Bello Danchadi, Commissioner of Information and Orientation, announced that the council approved the procurement of laptops and computers under the State Universal Basic Education program, as well as textbooks and exercise books for distribution to schools across the state, at a cost of ₦72,604,300 and ₦113,148, respectively.

Furthermore, Hon. Danchadi disclosed that the council approved the construction of drainage from Zagga to Jaredi road in Gwawon Nama Area and a concrete drainage along Orthopaedic Hospital Wamakko, with a total sum broken down as follows:

– Construction of drainage from Zagga-Jaredi road: ₦122,755,230.94
– Concrete drainage along Orthopaedic Hospital Wamakko: ₦216,619,541.25

Additionally, the council approved the general upgrade and repairs of Waziri Junaidu History and Culture Bureau at a cost of ₦287,569,168.75, aiming to preserve the state’s rich cultural heritage and historical significance.

These approvals demonstrate the state government’s commitment to improving healthcare, education, infrastructure, and cultural preservation.

CCC

By MG Gazali

4 December 2025

As the world marked this year’s World Disability Day, Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Bola Tinubu, disbursed N50 million to persons living with disabilities in Sokoto State. Represented by the wife of the Sokoto State Governor, Hajiya Fatima Ahmed Aliyu, the First Lady said the gesture, implemented across the 36 states of the federation and the FCT, aimed to support persons with disabilities in becoming self-reliant.

She explained that the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) is empowering 250 persons with disabilities in each state, with each beneficiary receiving N200,000 as a grant. According to her, a total of 9,500 persons with disabilities nationwide will benefit from the N1.9 billion intervention.

Over the past two years, the Renewed Hope Initiative has supported over 100,000 women, petty traders, and small business owners, including persons living with disabilities, with direct financial grants to grow their businesses. The First Lady stated, “Our commitment to improving lives has also been demonstrated through various interventions in agriculture, economic empowerment, education, health, and social welfare.”

The First Lady further highlighted that RHI’s social investment programs have provided financial and material support to victims of communal clashes, disaster survivors, widows, and orphans of Nigeria’s fallen heroes. She noted that RHI has provided food assistance to 22 states and the FCT, including internally displaced persons (IDPs) and other vulnerable groups.

She commended Governor Ahmed Aliyu for his continuous support to persons living with disabilities in the state. In her remarks, Hajiya Fatima Ahmed Aliyu announced a donation of N2 million each to seven associations of persons with disabilities in the state as part of ongoing efforts to empower their members.

Earlier, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Disability Matters, Umar Muhammad Sabon Birni, revealed that the present administration has restored and reviewed upward the monthly stipends for persons with disabilities from N6,500 to N10,000. He noted that 6,679 registered beneficiaries are currently receiving the allowances, with plans underway to register more.

“The Ahmed Aliyu-led administration has also provided Ramadan feeding centers for persons with disabilities to break their fast during the holy month,” he said. He added that the Governor has fulfilled his pledge of providing 1,000 hand-cycles to persons with disabilities in the state.

The Special Adviser commended Governor Ahmed Aliyu for his love, support, and care for persons living with disabilities, urging beneficiaries to reciprocate the gesture by supporting government policies and programs.

In a goodwill message, Sultan Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar commended Governor Ahmed Aliyu for the numerous people-oriented projects being executed across the state and urged him to maintain the momentum. Represented by Ubandoman Arkilla, Alhaji Aliyu Hassan, the Sultan assured the Sultanate Council’s continued support for the administration.

The event’s highlights included a para-soccer competition between Governor Aliyu’s team and that of his wife, during which the First Lady’s team defeated the Governor’s team 2-1. The Sokoto Para-Soccer Team also presented a trophy to the Governor’s wife, which they won in a competition involving teams from Sokoto, Kebbi, and Zamfara States.

03-12-2025

The Senate has confirmed the nomination of a former Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, as Minister of Defence after hours of grilling by the lawmakers on Wednesday.

General Musa was confirmed by the lawmakers following the screening at the Senate chambers, a day after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu nominated him for the position.

During the screening, the ex-military officer said one of the first things he would do is to probe the alleged withdrawal of the troops at GGCSS Maga, Kebbi state, insisting that the military is not known for cowardice.

“We are going to go after them fully, working together with all the security agencies and Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (of government),” he said.

“We are going to investigate fully. The Armed Forces have a way, and then from the defence, we are going to make sure that we continue with the oversight over their activities.

Musa, nominated on Tuesday by President Bola Tinubu following the resignation of Defence Minister, Badaru Mohammed, on health grounds, pledged to prioritise the protection of lives and national territory.

“I pledge to do my best to ensure that Nigeria is secure and safe.

“We need the support of everyone, every Nigerian, working together as a team, because it’s going to be a team effort.

“The enemies we are dealing with are evil forces that don’t mean well for this country and have no respect for human live. If we don’t work together, we will allow them to perpetrate the evil acts they have been doing,” he said.

His confirmation comes amid heightened concerns over nationwide kidnappings, insurgency, and mass abductions.

December 3, 2025

By Our Senior Correspondent

Following the reported cases of fake news fabrication, cybercrime, cultism and other unwholesome activities in some secondary schools n Akwa Ibom State, the State Police Command has summoned principals and other heads of schools for a meeting on how to tackle the menace.

This is coming after a secondary school student in Oron was said to have made a viral video raising false alarm of kidnapping in her school which had brought tension in the state.

Addressing education stakeholders during a joint strategic meeting with the Commissioner for Education at the Command’s headquarters, Ikot Akpanabia Uyo on Tuesday, CP Azare told the principals to warn their students that the fabrication or spread of false information is punishable under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act.

He noted that a situation whereby a student deliberately generates and circulates fake security alerts, edited videos, false allegations, and misleading social media posts to cause panic and disrupt academic activities is criminal and punishable under the law.

The commissioner further noted that the Command has observed increasing involvement of students in cyber-related offenses such as impersonation, internet fraud, online bullying, and scam activities.

He therefore, assured the ministry and all principals that the Command will intensify patrols around schools, deploy more school safety officers, strengthen intelligence gathering, and ensure prompt intervention in all reported cases.

He equally warned that any student caught fabricating or spreading harmful falsehoods, engaging in cultism, bullying, drug abuse, or any form of cybercrime will face appropriate legal action.

The commissioner also charged the school heads to conduct mandatory sensitization on fake news, cyber responsibility, and digital safety as well as reporting all security-related incidents to both the Police Command and the Ministry of Education.

Other tips handed down to principals for security strengthening include “strengthening internal monitoring teams, including counseling units and School Safety Committees, reinforcing supervision of students’ access to mobile phones and online platforms, Identify at-risk students early and engaging their parents, counselors, and security agencies”.

The police commissioner however stated that Akwa Ibom remains one of the safest states in Nigeria pledging his commitment to partner with relevant stakeholders to sustain a secure and digitally responsible school environment.

Speaking at the meeting, the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ubong Umoh, reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to ensuring safe and conducive learning environments across Akwa Ibom State.

He stated that the ministry will continue to enforce compliance with school policies, strengthen administrative oversight, and partner with the police in rolling out statewide awareness programmes

Also speaking, the Principal of Mary Hanney Secondary School, Oron, Mrs Emma Ubongabasi James, confirmed that there was no kidnap incident in the school last week, regretting that the viral hoax was a social media clout chasing adventure by a 15-year-old student.