Jigawa State Governor, Malam Umar A. Namadi, has approved the dismissal of his Special Assistant on Gender, Miss Khadija Sidi Suleiman, from office.

This was confirmed in a statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Malam Bala Ibrahim, and made available to reporters by Malam Ismaila Ibrahim, the Public Relations Officer of the office.

The statement reads: “Governor Malam Umar A. Namadi has relieved Khadija Sidi Suleiman of her appointment as Special Assistant to the Governor on Gender, with immediate effect.”

The statement further clarified that all rights and privileges associated with her office have been revoked.

Suleiman is also directed to immediately hand over all government property in her possession to the office of the Secretary to the Government of Jigawa State.

While the statement did not provide any specific reasons for her dismissal, it expressed appreciation for her services to the state and wished her well in her future endeavors.

Miss Khadija Sidi Suleiman, a former staff member of the State Radio and a civil society activist, had been appointed as the governor’s Special Assistant on Gender. She hailed from the same town, Kafin Hausa, as Governor Namadi.

Suleiman’s removal marks the second instance of a governor’s aide being dismissed in the past three months.

On Tuesday, the First Lady of Nigeria, Her Excellency Senator Oluremi Tinubu, through the Social Investment Programme of the Renewed Hope Initiative, distributed Fifty Million Naira (₦50,000,000) to 250 elderly men and women from all 25 Local Government Areas in Delta State.

The distribution, which took place simultaneously across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, was conducted at the Banquet Hall of the Government House in Asaba, where beneficiaries from various political affiliations were present.

Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori, the wife of Delta State Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, represented Senator Tinubu at the event.

She announced that the Governor supported the First Lady’s initiative by providing 250 bags of rice, while she herself offered free medical check-ups and medications for the elderly participants.

In her speech, Senator Tinubu expressed her enthusiasm for the Renewed Hope Initiative Elderly Support Scheme (RHIESS), which is centered around the theme “Total Wellness: Happy, Healthy, and Prosperous Lifestyle.” She emphasized that this program is aimed at enhancing the well-being of senior citizens annually.

Senator Tinubu highlighted that the initiative seeks to assist 250 vulnerable seniors aged 65 and over from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, including veterans associated with the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association.

Furthermore, she mentioned that the Governing Board of the Renewed Hope Initiative decided to increase the financial support for the second edition of the program from ₦100,000 to ₦200,000, to provide additional aid to elderly citizens during this festive season.

The First Lady noted that the total amount disbursed nationwide is One Billion, Nine Hundred Million Naira (₦1,900,000,000), with each beneficiary receiving ₦200,000.

She wished the senior citizens a joyful holiday and a prosperous 2025 while encouraging them to prioritize their health through regular exercise and a balanced diet.

In her welcome address, conveyed by the Deputy Governor’s wife, Lady Catherine Onyeme, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori expressed gratitude to Senator Tinubu and the Renewed Hope Initiative team for their generous scheme. She remarked, “This thoughtful gesture will significantly contribute to nation-building.”

Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mr. Sunny Onyejose, a stalwart of the APC, extended his appreciation to the First Lady for her kindness and commended Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and his wife for their additional humanitarian contributions to the initiative.

The 16th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has lamented that the northern part of the country is grossly lagging behind in terms of development particularly in education and agriculture, causing the region to suffer significantly.

Sanusi said this on Saturday at the 50th anniversary of the visit of the founder of Faidha Tijjaniyya in West Africa, Sheikh Ibrahim Nyass, in Jos, Plateau State.

The Emir, who was the guest speaker at the event, said the North had failed to capitalise on its huge population, noting that significant percentage of people from the region are mostly agrarian farmers who lack the requisite knowledge on modern agricultural technology.

He urged stakeholders in the North to invest in education and agriculture for the betterment of the region and its people, adding that the north must wake up.

Delivering a lecture on the imperative of harmonious coexistence in a multi-ethnic/religious setting, the Emir recalled that 50 years ago, late Sheikh Ibrahim Nyass, visited Nigeria from Senegal on the invitation of the then former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, to foster peaceful coexistence among the Muslims and non-Muslims in the then Benue-Plateau State.

He added that his grandfather, Muhammadu Sanusi I, received Sheikh Nyass under the permission of the then Governor of Benue-Plateau State, J. D Gomwalk.

While commending the present administration in the state for its support and commitment towards activities of Muslim community, Sanusi urged Muslims in the state to complement the efforts of the state governor to achieve sustainable peace and development.