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Creating Additional Border Communities ‘ll Solve Insecurity – Senator Agadaga

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Senator Benson Sunday Agadaga has said that expanding the list of recognized border communities under the Border Communities Development Agency (BCDA) will help address insecurity by bringing development and federal presence to neglected settlements across the country.

The lawmaker, who represents Bayelsa East Senatorial District, made the assertion after the Senate passed for second reading a bill seeking to amend the Border Communities Development Agency Act, 2006.

Speaking on the rationale behind the proposed legislation, Agadaga explained that the bill seeks to expand the list of recognized border communities and correct administrative discrepancies affecting some settlements along the Bayelsa-Rivers State boundary.

According to him, the amendment is aimed at ensuring equitable development and inclusion for communities that have remained outside the scope of federal interventions despite their strategic importance.

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“This is a bill that is very dear to me because it concerns communities that have been overlooked for too long. I thank God that it has finally seen the light of day,” he said.

The senator noted that border communities serve as Nigeria’s first points of contact for visitors entering the country through land and waterways, making it imperative for government to provide them with adequate infrastructure and social services.

“When people come into Nigeria from neighboring countries or through our coastal routes, the first Nigerians they encounter are those living in border communities. These communities represent the image of our country and should not be left without basic infrastructure and social amenities,” he stated.

Agadaga observed that although more than 3,000 communities are currently recognized under the BCDA framework, many deserving coastal settlements in Bayelsa State and other parts of the country remain excluded from the programme.

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He identified communities in Brass, Nembe and Southern Ijaw Local Government Areas as strategic coastal settlements that play significant roles in Nigeria’s maritime and economic activities but have yet to benefit from federal interventions available to other border communities.

“Bayelsa State has one of the longest coastlines in Nigeria. We are at the heart of the country’s oil and gas production. The economy of the nation depends significantly on resources produced from our region. It is only fair that our communities benefit from the same federal interventions available to other border communities across the country,” he said.

The lawmaker also disclosed that some communities currently listed under Nembe Local Government Area of Bayelsa State are geographically located in Rivers State, creating administrative inconsistencies that require correction.

He said the proposed amendment would ensure that genuine border communities receive their rightful share of development projects and government support.

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While emphasizing that the bill is primarily focused on development, Agadaga argued that improved infrastructure and economic opportunities would inevitably contribute to enhanced security in affected communities.

“This bill is not fundamentally about insecurity. It is about attracting federal government attention to neglected communities. If people have access to potable water, electricity, schools, healthcare and economic opportunities, they become more productive and contribute meaningfully to national development,” he said.

According to him, poverty and unemployment are major drivers of criminal activities, and addressing developmental deficits would help reduce insecurity.

“When communities are developed and people can provide for their families, the temptation to engage in kidnapping or other criminal activities is greatly reduced. Development itself becomes a tool for promoting security,” he added.

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The senator expressed confidence that the bill would complete the legislative process and eventually receive presidential assent, paving the way for greater inclusion, federal presence and sustainable development in coastal and border communities nationwide.

He urged his colleagues in the National Assembly to support the amendment, describing it as a measure designed to promote fairness, inclusion and national development.

“This amendment is about fairness, inclusion and national development. It is about ensuring that no deserving border community is left behind,” he said.

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Gov Sani signs laws to transform energy, agric, climate governance

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Governor Uba Sani has signed three laws that will provide a comprehensive framework to transform the energy, agriculture and environmental sectors of Kaduna State.

A statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Culture, Malam Ahmed Maiyaki, listed the new laws as the Kaduna State Electricity Law, 2026, Kaduna State Agricultural Development Fund (KADFund) Law, 2025, and Kaduna State Climate Change Advisory Board Law, 2026.

The statement quoted the Deputy Chief of Staff, Legal and Legislative Matters to the Governor, Dr. Mustapha Musa, as describing the laws as the most transformative governance reform packages.

He further said that the laws aim at expanding energy access, accelerating agricultural growth, strengthening climate resilience, and driving sustainable economic development through strong institutions.

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The statement pointed out that the Kaduna State Electricity Law, 2026 establishes the Kaduna State Electricity Regulatory Commission to oversee electricity generation, transmission, distribution, and supply within the State.

The Commissioner added that the Electricity Law will create opportunities for private-sector investment, renewable energy development, and improved access to electricity.

Maiyaki also said that the KADFund Law, 2025 creates a dedicated financing mechanism to support farmers, cooperatives, agribusinesses, and agricultural value-chain actors through grants, soft loans, technical assistance, and investments in critical infrastructure aimed at boosting food security and agricultural productivity.

He further noted that the Kaduna State Climate Change Advisory Board Law, 2026 establishes a state-level framework for climate action, environmental sustainability, climate finance mobilization, and the integration of climate considerations into development planning, reinforcing Kaduna’s commitment to sustainable development.

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The Commissioner also said the three laws collectively underscore the administration’s vision of building resilient institutions capable of driving inclusive growth, attracting investment, expanding opportunities, and delivering lasting benefits to citizens.

He noted that the landmark legislations reflect Governor Uba Sani’s commitment to laying the foundations for a prosperous, sustainable, and competitive Kaduna State through electricity sector reform, agricultural transformation, and climate-responsive governance.

According to him, the reforms establish the institutional framework needed to strengthen food security, improve living standards, and position Kaduna as a model for innovation, sustainable development, and effective subnational governance.

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EFCC arraigns oil magnate, two others over alleged N691.6m fraud

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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned the Managing Director of Abu-Haneefa Oil and Gas Ltd, Musa Farouk Abubakar, alongside his company and Sandra Chizoba Attoh before Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court, Maitama, Abuja, over alleged fraud involving N691.6 million.

The defendants were arraigned on an amended 15-count charge bordering on conspiracy, corruption, and money laundering to the tune of N691,677,310, according to a statement by the anti-graft agency posted on X.

One of the counts alleged that Abubakar, in July 2025, transferred N297 million from the company’s Zenith Bank account to an account belonging to Attoh, knowing the funds were proceeds of unlawful activity.

Another count alleged that he procured Attoh to transfer N262.8 million to a company account for the purchase of property at Kapital Villa, Guzape, Abuja, also suspected to be proceeds of corruption.

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All the defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Following their pleas, prosecution counsel, Rita Ogar, urged the court to fix a trial date and remand the defendants in a correctional facility, stating that the EFCC had “overwhelming evidence” against them.

Counsel to the first and second defendants, Ishaka M. Dikko, informed the court that a bail application had already been filed and urged that his client be remanded in EFCC custody pending hearing.

Counsel to the third defendant, Y. G. Haruna (SAN), also confirmed filing a bail application and noted that responses had been exchanged between both parties.

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Ruling on the applications, Justice Egwuatu ordered that the first defendant be remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending the determination of his bail application, while the third defendant was granted bail in the sum of N200 million with two sureties in like sum.

The court held that the sureties must reside in Abuja, provide verifiable means of identification, deposit passport photographs, and own property within the jurisdiction. One of the sureties must be a civil servant not below Grade Level 15 and must present letters of appointment and promotion.

The case was adjourned to September 1 and 2, 2026 for trial.

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Aisha Yesufu faults NDC over FCT senatorial ticket exclusion

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Prominent activist and politician, Aisha Yesufu, has criticised the National Democratic Congress (NDC) over her exclusion from the contest for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Senatorial District ticket.

She described the party’s decision as unjust and disappointing while urging her supporters to remain committed to the pursuit of good governance and national development.

Yesufu made the remarks in a statement issued on Wednesday after concluding a tour of all the Area Councils in the FCT, where she met with party leaders, ward officials, stakeholders, members of the Supporters of Aisha Yesufu Group (SAY Nation), and other supporters.

According to her, the outreach was aimed at engaging directly with supporters following the disappointment that greeted the party’s decision to deny her the opportunity to participate in the race for the FCT senatorial ticket.

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“The purpose of the outreach was to engage directly with our supporters, particularly in light of the disappointment occasioned by the party’s decision, which unjustly denied us the opportunity to participate in the contest for the FCT Senatorial District ticket,” she said.

Despite her dissatisfaction with the outcome, Yesufu said the setback would not deter her from pursuing the ideals she has consistently advocated, including justice, good governance and national development.

“It was important to reassure them that, despite this setback, our commitment to the ideals of justice, good governance, and national development remains unwavering,” she stated.

The activist disclosed that her final stop was at Bwari Area Council, where she met with party officials and supporters who, she said, had remained steadfast in their commitment to the political movement and its objectives.

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She noted that discussions during the visits focused on keeping supporters motivated and ensuring that the disappointment surrounding the senatorial ticket did not weaken their resolve to work toward broader national goals.

“I also encouraged our supporters to remain resolute, re-energize their efforts, and channel their passion, dedication, and resources toward the larger national objective of building a better Nigeria,” she said.

Yesufu stressed that the current political climate requires unity, perseverance and renewed determination, adding that supporters should continue to work toward a future anchored on responsible leadership and national progress.

“More than ever, this is a time for unity, perseverance, and renewed determination as we work collectively to secure a brighter future for our nation under the leadership of Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso,” she added.

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Reflecting on the reception she received throughout the tour, Yesufu described the response from party members, stakeholders and supporters as overwhelming and encouraging.

She said the support demonstrated by those she met reinforced her belief that many Nigerians remain committed to the vision of a better country built on accountability, equity and good governance.

“The outpouring of love, support, and solidarity from party members, stakeholders, and supporters was a strong reminder that our shared vision for a better Nigeria continues to resonate with the people,” she said.

“Their confidence and determination reaffirm my belief that, through unity, hard work, and the grace of God, the Nigeria of our dreams is within reach.”

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Yesufu reiterated her commitment to the pursuit of justice, equity and good governance, expressing confidence that sustained collective action would help bring about the changes many Nigerians desire.

“Together, we will continue to stand for justice, equity, and good governance,” she said, adding that she remains optimistic about the country’s future.

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