Flowerbud News

Author: Habibu Dan-Garba

  • NYSC @53: Post-war plan bridges Nigeria’s unity — Scholar 

    NYSC @53: Post-war plan bridges Nigeria’s unity — Scholar 

    NYSC @53: Post-war plan bridges Nigeria’s unity — Scholar
    A Scholar, Dr Roberson Okoro, says the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme is a formidable post-war plan that bridged Nigeria’s unity.
    Okoro described NYSC scheme as a gift of unity and national development in his presentation at a public lecture in commemoration of 53 years of NYSC establishment in Sokoto.
    He said the NYSC was born out of necessity to heal the deep wounds left by the Nigerian civil war adding that the scheme grown beyond its founding mandate, becoming a major driver of national integration and social cohesion.
    According to him, the NYSC has directly fostered inter-tribal marriages and relationships, breaking down ethnic barriers by bringing young Nigerians from different backgrounds together.
    Okoro noted that the impact of corps members is felt in “many communities” nationwide, especially in critical sectors like health and education.
    He praised the contributions of corps doctors serving in rural clinics and corps teachers deployed to schools to bridge educational gaps in underserved areas.
    Earlier, the NYSC State Coordinator, Tyoyer Gabriel-Ter, described the 53rd anniversary as a moment of joy and sober appreciation for the scheme’s resilience.
    Gabriel-Ter emphasized that the NYSC remains one of Nigeria’s most enduring national institutions since it was established in 1973 under General Yakubu Gowon.
    He stressed that the relevance of the NYSC to nation-building and integration “cannot be underestimated” and called on corps members and staff to sustain its founding ideals.
    The State Coordinator also commended the Federal Government for keeping the scheme alive despite economic and security challenges over the decades.
    He appealed to the Federal Government to fully implement the proposed NYSC Trust Fund, saying it would better support serving corps members.
    Also speaking, the Acting Director of Northwest Area Office 2, Mr Usman Yakubu-Yaro, urged corps members to remain hardworking and uphold the tenets of the scheme, which he described as “a scheme of reward.”
    The event featured a sensitisation session where corps members were reminded of the NYSC’s core objectives: national unity, reconstruction, reconciliation, and rehabilitation.
    The anniversary celebration in Sokoto climaxed with the cutting of the 53rd anniversary cake, as officials and corps members reaffirmed their commitment to the scheme’s vision.
  • Consensus best option for APC unity in Zamfara – Elders Group

    Consensus best option for APC unity in Zamfara – Elders Group

    Consensus best option for APC unity in Zamfara – Elders Group

    The Zamfara State chapter of the All Progressives Congress Elders Group has described the adoption of consensus during the party’s National Assembly primaries as the best option for promoting unity, peace, and cohesion within the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    The group commended the efforts of key stakeholders, including Gov. Dauda Lawal, Minister of State for Defence, Mr Bello Matawalle, and other party leaders, for ensuring the peaceful conduct of the primaries across the 14 local government areas of the state.

    This was contained in a joint statement issued to the newsmen and signed by Alhaji Adamu Magaji and Alhaji Haruna Musa Mafara on behalf of the APC Elders Group and the Youths Initiatives Forum.

    The forum also praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his intervention and support towards the successful conduct of the National Assembly primaries in the state.

    According to the statement, the President’s “fatherly intervention, dialogue and guidance” played a major role in uniting political stakeholders in Zamfara and ensuring the adoption of consensus arrangements that led to peaceful primaries.

    “The last-minute intervention of Mr President through dialogue and reconciliation made it possible for the peaceful conduct of the primaries across the 14 local government areas of the state,” the statement said.

    The group noted that Tinubu’s commitment to peace and stability in Zamfara demonstrated his concern for the state despite his numerous national responsibilities.

    “His love for Zamfara made it possible for him to intervene despite his tight schedule and other commitments to the nation.

    ” This intervention helped to save resources, reduce political tension, and prevent possible crises,” the forum added.

    The elders while assuring their total support for President Tinubu and Gov Dauda reelection in 2027 urged all political stakeholders in the state to abide by the agreements reached and continue to promote peace, understanding, and unity within the party.

    According to them, the interest of peace and political cohesion in Zamfara should remain paramount above personal ambitions in order to strengthen the APC ahead of future elections.

    The group further commended Governor Dauda Lawal and Minister of State for Defence, Mohammed Bello Matawalle, for their commitment to ensuring peaceful primaries despite attempts by some political actors to create tension within the party.

    They also applauded other stakeholders and the national leadership of the APC in Abuja for supporting reconciliation efforts and fostering political unity in the state.

  • EU invest €4.5m to reach 537,000 people on conflict resilient project in Sokoto

    EU invest €4.5m to reach 537,000 people on conflict resilient project in Sokoto

    EU invest €4.5m to reach 537,000 people on conflict resilient project in Sokoto

    The European Union (EU) supported project, Resilience, Engagement, and Conflict-Prevention for At-Risk Populations’ Protection (RECAP), has earmarked 4.5 million euros for 537,000 people in 10 local government areas in Sokoto State.

    Ms Xenia Stoll, the Political Officer at the EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, disclosed this at the external stakeholders’ grant opening and RECAP project launch in Sokoto.

    Stoll said the project was designed to strengthen local capacity on conflict prevention and resolution mechanism by improving partners understanding of conflict dynamics.

    She said it would ensure reinforcement of community mediation structures, creating inclusive dialogue platforms and empowering youth to act as peacebuilders.

    ” It will also supports conflict-sensitive media engagement to reduce harmful narratives and increase the dessemination of verified peace messages including through local languages.

    ” Strengthen peaceful coexistence in Sokoto State by reducing conflict drivers and improving resilience, social cohesion and equitable access to services.

    ” Services included; enhance community dialogue, mediation and conflict resolution, improve inclusive, climate-resilient and conflict-sensitive livelihood,” she said.

    According to her, the project would also strengthen access to gender sensitive health, Sexual Reproductive Health Right (SRHR), Gender Based Violence (GBV) and MHPSS services.

    Stoll stressed the importance of the EU– Sokoto partnership and underscored the strategic importance of prevention, resilience and inclusive governance highlighting the possible upscale of the project based on successes recorded.

    ” The EU values the relation with the authorities in their efforts to provide stability and prosperity for their population. Through the RECAP project we jointly commit to conflict prevention, social cohesion, and human security in Northwest Nigeria.

    ” By addressing the root causes of violence, such as exclusion, resource competition, and economic marginalization, this action strengthens local capacities for peace and contributes to long term stability in Sokoto State,” Stoll added.

    In his remarks, the Country Director, Action Against Hunger Nigeria, Mr Thierno Diallo, emphasized the importance of stakeholders collaboration stressing that the project reflects a collective responsibility to move beyond crisis response and invest in sustainable peace.

    Diallo said RECAP project is funded by the EU and implemented by Action Against Hunger Nigeria (ACF Nigeria), International Alert (IA) and Save The Child Initiative (STCI) with the federal, Sokoto state government, local authorities, traditional institutions, civil society actors and community leaders.

    He said conflict, effects of climate changes, poverty, and displacement intersect demanded inclusive, locally owned solutions.

    ” RECAP will strengthen community resilience, restoring trust, and empowering women and youth as central actors in peacebuilding and recovery.” Diallo said.

    The Sokoto state Dep. Gov. Alhaji Idris Gobir, reaffirmed reaffirmed the state’s commitment to partnership, project stability and sustenance in view of its importance to peoples lives.

    Represented by Commissioner for Health, Dr Faruk Abubakar described the intervention as important life changer and appreciated the European Union and Action Against Hunger Nigeria for their continued solidarity with people.

    ” The focus on dialogue, livelihoods, water governance, and protection directly aligns with our development and peacebuilding priorities.

    ” We remain committed to providing the necessary institutional support to ensure that this project delivers lasting benefits for our communities, ” Abubakar said.

    Sultan of Sokoto represented by the District Head of Kilgori, Dr Jabbi Kilgori, urged partners to always involved traditional rulers on all their activities as they closer to people and understand community structures.

    Newsmen eports that the event featured contributions from representatives of federal and state ministries, departments as well as civil society organisations and community groups with reassurances of commitment in order to achieve the desired objectives.

  • Child Mortality: Sokoto Govt, Sightsavers target 1.7m children for azithromycin administration

    Child Mortality: Sokoto Govt, Sightsavers target 1.7m children for azithromycin administration

    Child Mortality: Sokoto Govt, Sightsavers target 1.7m children for azithromycin administration

    The Sokoto State Government and the NGO Sightsavers plan to administer azithromycin to 1.7 million children as part of efforts to improve healthcare and reduce child mortality.

    The Commissioner for Health, Alhaji Faruku Abubakar-Wurno, reiterated government commitment on Tuesday at the launching of the fifth round administration of antibiotics drug ‘Azithromycin” to children in the local government areas.

    Abubakar-Wurno said in the last round four exercise, the state had recorded more than 85 per cent coverage, raising hopes for sustaining the progress.

    The programme operates under the Safety and Antimicrobial Resistance of Mass Administration of Azithromycin on Children in Nigeria (SARMAAN) designed to improve child survival outcomes through preventive treatment.

    Azithromycin is a broad-spectrum macrolide antibiotic that inhibits bacterial protein synthesis, thereby stopping bacterial growth, making it effective for tackling infections contributing to high childhood morbidity and mortality in vulnerable communities.

    The antibiotic is commonly used to treat respiratory infections, diarrhoea, and various childhood illnesses. Its administration aligns with the World Health Organisation’s 2022 guidelines for targeted preventive treatment among at-risk populations.

    The commissioner said the project had successfully treated children with azithromycin, a milestone aimed at improving life expectancy.

    Dr Salman Tijjani, the SARMAN Programme Officer in Sokoto State, said the present round fifth exercise targeted 1.7m children.

    He said it would be conducted between May 19 to 23 this year and solicited to more stakeholders commitment to ensuring more success.

    Tijjani stated that azithromycin was a vital antibiotic used to treat various childhood ailments and played a key role in reducing infant and child deaths.

    He emphasised that the SARMAAN Project aligned with global efforts to improve child survival in low- and middle-income countries, demonstrating the potential of bi-annual azithromycin administration in lowering early childhood mortality.

    He added that stakeholders have monitored azithromycin’s safety and effectiveness in reducing antimicrobial resistance among treated children.

    The Sightsavers Country Director, Joy Shu’aibu, explained that the programme targeted children aged zero to 59 months using azithromycin, particularly in communities battling Neglected Tropical Diseases like onchocerciasis and schistosomiasis causing significant mortality.

    Shu’aubu highlighted Sightsavers’ presence in Sokoto since 1996, beginning with eye-care services that eventually led to establishing and equipping 19 healthcare centres providing consistent, community-based eye-care support.

    She said through the interventions, more doctors, nurses, community health workers and auxiliary staff received specialised eye-care training, significantly strengthening the state’s capacity to deliver essential services to underserved populations.

    Sultan of Sokoto, represented by Wurno District Head, Alhaji Kabiru Cigari, assured continued support for programme implementation and immunisation coverage, reaffirming traditional institutions’ commitment to improving citizens’ health.

    It was reported that Sightsavers in collaboration with the Sokoto State Primary Health Care Development Agency, have mobilised 87 District Heads, 23 local government areas chairmen to support administering azithromycin to children and strengthening community participation in statewide child-health intervention efforts.

  • Court adjourns Sokoto ADC leadership tussle

    Court adjourns Sokoto ADC leadership tussle

    A Federal High Court sitting in Sokoto on Tuesday adjourned a case involving the factions of African Democratic Congress (ADC) leaderships in Sokoto State to June 4, for continues hearing.

    The case was instituted by Alhaji Faruk Umar against ADC and others arguing that he is the lawful state chapter Chairman recognized by Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    The trial judge, Justice Ahmad Mahmud, ordered parties to duly response to the correspondences served in the interest of justice and fair hearings.

    The Lead Defense Counsel, Prof. Abdullahi Ibrahim, SAN, sought for the adjournment on the ground of defendants not served with the processes.

    He said the Defense equally have processes being filed in the Court including a motion challenging the Ex-parte order granted by the Court on 8th May, 2026.

    The Lead Counsel to the Plaintiffs, Mr Matthew Burkaa, SAN, also concurred that the defendants on the need to respond to the processes filed.

    Justice Mahmud adjourned the case to June 4 for continues hearing and ordered proper serves with court processes as well as parties to response within the legitimate time limits.

  • Sokoto: Wamakko, Ajiya, Dambuwa secure APC senatorial tickets 

    Sokoto: Wamakko, Ajiya, Dambuwa secure APC senatorial tickets 

    Sen. Aliyu Wamakko, former NNPC Chief Financial Officer, Alhaji Umar Ajiya and Sen. Danbaba Dambuwa have secured the All Progressives Congress senatorial tickets.

    This paved the way for Wamwkko to seek a fourth term in the Senate during the 2027 general election.

    Wamakko, a former governor of Sokoto State, emerged unopposed through an affirmation process conducted by APC members from the eight local government areas of the senatorial district.

    Speaking after his affirmation, he expressed appreciation to party members for the confidence reposed in him.

    He described the exercise as a major milestone in the political history of Sokoto State and Nigeria at large.

    He expressed satisfaction with the growing support enjoyed by the APC across the country, stressing that he remained committed to serving the people.

    Wamakko commended the peaceful conduct of the primary elections across the state.

    He said the exercise demonstrated the party’s commitment to unity and internal democracy, urging other states to emulate Sokoto State.

    “For all of us aspiring to lead under the APC platform, we must remember that leadership is about service to humanity and the electorate, not the acquisition of wealth,” he cautioned.

    Wamakko also commended the administration of President Bola Tinubu and Gov. Ahmed Aliyu for their continued commitment to improving the welfare of Nigerians.

    Earlier, APC national delegation leader, Hadi Ukhashatu, said the affirmation process was conducted in line with the party’s constitutional provisions, which allow for elections, consensus, or affirmation of candidates.

    Ukhashatu praised APC members in Sokoto State for the peaceful conduct displayed throughout the exercise.

    In a related development, the APC senatorial tickets for Sokoto South and Sokoto East were secured by Danbaba Dambuwa and Umar Ajiya, respectively.

    Dambuwa, who lost to Sen. Aminu Tambuwal of the ADC in the 2023 election, is seeking a return to the Senate for a third term if elected in 2027.

    Meanwhile, Ajiya will be contesting for the senate seat for the first time in the 2027 general election.

  • Senator Lamido Explains Decision Not to Seek Re-election

    Senator Lamido Explains Decision Not to Seek Re-election

    Senator Lamido Explains Decision Not to Seek Re-election

    The Senator representing Sokoto East Senatorial District, Ibrahim Lamido, has explained why he will not seek re-election to the National Assembly, stating that the office of a senator lacks the executive authority needed to tackle the growing insecurity affecting his constituency.

    Speaking during an interview with the newsmen in Sokoto, Lamido said his ambition to contest the governorship election was driven by the desire to directly address the worsening security situation in parts of Sokoto East.

    According to him, the people of his constituency had consistently urged him to seek executive office, believing that only a governor possesses the powers and resources required to confront the security challenges facing the area.

    “I wanted to contest for governor because of the insecurity affecting my people. As a senator, I do not have the executive powers needed to address the situation effectively,” he said.

    Lamido, however, lost the governorship ticket of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to former Deputy Governor of Sokoto State, Mannir Dan’iya, following the party’s consensus arrangement.

    Despite the setback, the lawmaker pledged his loyalty to the party and promised to work for its victory in the 2027 general elections.

    “I will remain in the ADC and support the candidate who emerged. Politics, for me, is not about personal gain but about serving my people,” he stated.

    The senator also disclosed that all the aspirants who contested for the party’s governorship ticket had accepted the outcome of the consensus process in the interest of party unity.

    “We were ten aspirants, and the remaining nine have all accepted the decision reached by the party,” he added.

  • 7 Soldiers, one civilian Killed in Lakurawa Ambush in Sokoto

    7 Soldiers, one civilian Killed in Lakurawa Ambush in Sokoto

    Suspected Lakurawa terrorists have killed seven soldiers in an ambush at Runji village, about 10 kilometres from Illela town in Illela Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

    The incident, according to local sources, occurred on Saturday evening last week as the troops were returning from a military operation against a Lakurawa hideout.

    Residents said the soldiers had launched an assault on the terrorists’ camp using three military vehicles, an operation believed to have inflicted heavy casualties on the armed group.

    A source familiar with the development said one of the military vehicles developed a mechanical fault while the troops were heading back to their base in Illela, forcing some of the soldiers to stop by the roadside to repair it.

    “The terrorists had apparently mobilised and trailed the soldiers to retaliate for the earlier attack on their camp,” the source said.

    He added that the assailants stormed the area on about 30 motorcycles, with each motorcycle carrying three heavily armed fighters.

    “They met the soldiers where the faulty vehicle was being repaired and a fierce gun battle ensued for some time,” the source added.

    Another account, however, said seven soldiers and one civilian were killed during the ambush.

    “The soldiers had abandoned the faulty vehicle and were walking back to their base with the aid of an unnamed civilian who mastered the terrain very well when the Lakurawa ambushed them, killing seven soldiers and their civilian guide,” the source said.

    Another resident of Illela, who requested anonymity for security reasons, said at least six soldiers were initially confirmed dead at the scene, while the body of another soldier was later discovered in a nearby bush, bringing the death toll to seven.

    “We saw seven corpses at the scene, and another body was found the following day,” he said.

    Security sources also confirmed the attack, stating that the bodies of the slain soldiers had been evacuated to Sokoto.

    A government official in the area further disclosed that a senior military officer, said to be a lieutenant in the Nigerian Army, was among those killed in the ambush.

    The spokesperson for the Sokoto State Police Command, DSP Ahmad Rufa’i, and the Special Adviser on Security Matters, Col. Ahmed Usman, declined to comment on the incident.

    However, a senior military officer confirmed that six soldiers were killed in the incident.

    “Yes, we recorded a regrettable casualty over the weekend around Ilela. However, immediate tactical reinforcements have been deployed to the area, while aggressive intelligence-led operations are ongoing to track and neutralise the terrorists responsible.

    “In line with military tradition, we cannot disclose the identities of our fallen heroes until their next of kin have been duly notified.

    ” We therefore urge the media to respect the privacy of the affected families and refrain from publishing unverified casualty figures. Instead, attention should be focused on the sacrifices and commitment of our troops,” the officer said.

  • UNICEF urges CSOs, youth groups to champion climate awareness in Sokoto

    UNICEF urges CSOs, youth groups to champion climate awareness in Sokoto

    UNICEF urges CSOs, youth groups to champion climate awareness in Sokoto

    The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has urge Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and youth groups to actively promote climate change awareness and mitigation strategies in Sokoto State.

    UNICEF’s Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Specialist, Dr Ebri Eteng, made the call during an interactive session with CSO members, media professionals, religious leaders, students and youth groups in Sokoto.

    Eteng stressed the need for collective action, noting that climate change affects the environment, people and animals, leading to a decline in economic and social activities.

    He called for increased advocacy and sensitisation to encourage individuals to contribute to reducing the impact of climate change in their communities.

    According to him, climate change results in rising emissions that require adaptation strategies, water security, WASH resilience, as well as climate governance and financing policies.

    He reaffirmed UNICEF’s commitment to supporting climate programmes across government institutions and other stakeholders to drive sustainable environmental solutions.

    Mr Chika Sani-Toronkawa of the Sokoto State Ministry of Environment said the government had established eco-friendly clubs in 224 schools, engaging 4,480 students in climate change activities.

    He emphasised the importance of collective action to mitigate climate change and protect the environment from further degradation.

    Mr Edayi Edison of the Young and Useful Generation Initiative (YUGI), the event’s anchor and facilitator, said the platform was aimef to establish 1,000 secondary school climate change associations that would plant and nurture at least 5,000 trees.

    Edison highlighted the dangers of climate change driven by human activity and shifting weather patterns, including reduced agricultural output, drying water sources and deforestation.

    The facilitator said the platform was designed to advance climate action through evidence-based advocacy, capacity building and innovative solutions.

    He called for stronger collaboration among individuals and groups to raise climate awareness and build resilience across Sokoto communities.

    The CSO and group leaders shared their current activities and future plans to support climate resilience and mitigation efforts in the state.