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Speaker Abbas Facilitates N80bn Educational Projects in Zaria
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By Gloria Ikibah
Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, has applauded Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, for facilitating the establishment of four tertiary institutions in Zaria worth N80 billion.
Governor Sani, speaking during the groundbreaking ceremony on Sunday, highlighted the significance of the projects, which include a campus for the National Open University, the Federal College of Education, the Federal College of Nursing, and the College of Legal Studies. He described Speaker Abbas as a visionary leader committed to the development of Kaduna State and Nigeria.
Sani said: “Only the Rt. Hon. Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas, can facilitate projects worth N80 billion to Zaria.”
“These interventions are unprecedented and will complement the efforts of the Kaduna State Government in providing opportunities for our citizens.”
In his address, Speaker Abbas emphasized that the project, dubbed the “Zaria Education City,” aligns with Zaria’s historic reputation as a center of learning.
“This is the first time four tertiary institutions will commence simultaneously in one city,” Abbas stated. “Zaria has always been known for education, not commerce or industry, and this initiative will further strengthen its legacy.”
Abbas explained that the institutions were carefully chosen based on a needs assessment in Kaduna State, focusing on critical sectors such as health, education, and law:
- Federal College of Nursing: To address shortages of qualified nurses and midwives in Kaduna State.
- Federal College of Education: To ensure the training of teachers for primary and junior secondary schools.
- National Open University Campus: To provide flexible learning opportunities for working professionals and elders.
- College of Legal Studies: To tackle the shortage of legal professionals, including lawyers, Kadis, and magistrates.
Speaker Abbas further assured of the timely completion of the projects, setting a target of 18 months, even as he estimated that the institutions would collectively cost over N80 billion and pledged to source the necessary funding.
Abbas commended Governor Sani for his swift allocation of land for the projects.
“This land was approved by His Excellency within 48 hours of our request. His commitment to these initiatives reflects his dedication to the development of Kaduna State.”
The Speaker concluded by expressing optimism about the transformative impact of these institutions on Zaria and the entire state.
News
SAD! Abductors k!ll soldier over delayed ransom payment
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By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
Kidnappers have killed a Nigerian Army non-commissioned officer, Abdulfatai Odutola, over a delay in ransom payment.
Recall that Odutola, a Senior Non-Commissioned Officer (SNCO), was abducted on February 15, 2025, along the Abuja-Jos highway.
He was reportedly travelling to Yola, the Adamawa State capital, at the time of the incident.
His kidnappers had demanded a ransom of N20 million for his release.
A military internal memo earlier obtained by SaharaReporters had read, “Pls information reaching me now from this sldr whisky that MWO Abdulfatai Odutola (CC 23 BDE Yola) was kidnapped yesterday along Abuja-Jos Road, while returning to Yola. He left Ilorin on Friday 14th of Feb 2025 and slept at Abuja. He continued his movement from Abuja yesterday b4 the incident happened to him.
“Currently they are demanding N20,000,0000 for his release. Pse appropriate authority should help the sldr.”
However, another internal memo revealed that the body of the senior personnel has been recovered.
“Information reaching us now from Yola is that the above MWO Abdulfatai Odutola’s body was discovered by police from Jos forest killed by his kidnappers after passing deadline for payment of 20 million naira ransom payment demanded by his kidnappers. Also his car was discovered. Kindly take action.”
SaharaReporters recently reported that Boko Haram/Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists killed three army personnel during an attack on a military base in Borno State.
The terrorists reportedly attacked the military facility in Isige town, Gwoza Local Government Area, for several hours.
According to a source, the terrorists destroyed several buildings and stole two gun trucks during the assault.
“There was an attack recently in Borno, one Staff Sergeant with two private soldiers were killed. However, the army authorities are silent over the attack which happened at a base in Isige Town, Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.
“They burnt one military vehicle while they went away with two gun trucks, later reinforcement came from nearby unit but then the Boko Haram fighters have left,” the source said. (SaharaReporters: Text, Excluding Headline)
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Canada gives new guidelines For Asylum Seekers Insists Evidence Of insecurity must be proven
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By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
Canada’s immigration authorities have clarified that seeking asylum does not provide an automatic exemption from immigration laws.
The Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) emphasised that individuals seeking asylum must demonstrate that returning to their home country would subject them to serious harm in order to avoid deportation.
The asylum system is designed to offer protection to those fleeing threats such as torture, persecution, and inhumane treatment.
IRCC has reiterated that the asylum process is not a shortcut to entering the country.
Applicants must provide verifiable evidence of persecution and undergo multiple checks, including medical examinations, biometric data collection, and security screenings.
The statement reads, “It is a rigorous process to determine whether you have a legitimate need for refugee protection according to Canadian and international laws. Our rules-based system will determine the validity of your claim. It’s important to understand that not all claims will be accepted. If you make an asylum claim in Canada, you will need to:
Have health, criminal, security and other background checks
Get a medical exam
Provide personal and biometric (photo and fingerprints) information
Provide concrete evidence of persecution and the risks of being in your home country
Declare on your application if you are working with a representative, even if you’re not paying them
“Providing false information on your refugee claim application is considered lying, and your application may be refused.
“You’ll be removed from Canada if you don’t have a legitimate claim or are not eligible to make a claim in Canada. It can take a long time to get a final decision on your asylum claim. There’s no guarantee that you will be allowed to stay in Canada.”
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OSUN LG POLLS: Gov Adeleke Orders Restriction Of Vehicular Movement
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By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
Governor Ademola Adeleke has ordered restriction of vehicular movement from 5am to 5pm on Saturday 22nd February 2022 across Osun state.
The directive of the State Governor was sequel to the statewide local government elections that are scheduled to be held tomorrow across the state.
Governor Adeleke who reiterated his commitment to peace and security said the movement restriction is necessary to prevent importation of hoodlums into the state amidst local elections.
He therefore directed security agencies to enforce the restriction and only allow voters and accredited media and civil society organizations for the continued peace and security of Osun state.
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