THE Taraba State Government has clarified that the recent appointment of Dr. Emmanuel Hassan to oversee the Office of the Deputy Governor is a temporary administrative measure and not a replacement.
Speaking at a press briefing in Jalingo, the Special Adviser on Political Matters to Governor Agbu Kefas, Prof Josiah Kente, described media reports suggesting a power grab or permanent substitution as “misleading narratives.”
He explained that the move is solely intended to ensure seamless governance while the Deputy Governor, Aminu Alkali Abubakar undergoes medical treatment.
“This is neither a permanent substitution nor a question of diminishing the Deputy Governor’s authority. Dr. Hassan’s role is purely a stopgap arrangement to avoid any administrative vacuum and maintain continuity in governance.” Professor Kente stated.
The state government strongly dismissed speculations that political or religious motivations influenced the decision. Professor Kente warned that such insinuations are dangerous and unproductive, and urged political actors and interest groups to desist from exploiting the situation for divisive ends.
He also reassured the public of the Deputy Governor’s health status, noting that Governor Kefas has maintained regular contact with Abubakar and his family, offering moral support and wishing him a speedy recovery.
Kaduna Hosts 2025 Nigerian Army Day
KADUNA State played host to the 2025 Nigerian Army Day Celebration at Murtala Square, an event marked by tributes to the bravery and dedication of Nigeria’s armed forces.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, joined Governor Senator Uba Sani and other dignitaries including former Head of State General Yakubu Gowon and Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede to honour the service and sacrifices of the nation’s soldiers.
In his remarks, Governor Sani highlighted Kaduna’s deep ties to Nigeria’s military establishment. He noted that the state is home to two of the country’s foremost defense institutions, the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) and the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji, which play critical roles in training and professionalizing the armed forces.
Governor Sani reaffirmed Kaduna’s commitment to supporting military operations and infrastructure within the state. He thanked the Army for choosing Kaduna as this year’s host, describing the event as a strong step toward strengthening civil-military relations.
Lieutenant General Oluyede, who presided over the ceremony, emphasized the importance of unity, patriotism, and continued public support for the Nigerian Army as it works to secure the nation against various threats.
Kano Flags-Off 500 Power Transformers, Begin Tiga Hydropower Evacuation
KANO State, Governor Abba Yusuf has flagged off the distribution of 500 electricity transformers and the commencement of energy evacuation from the newly commissioned 10 MW Tiga Hydro Power Plant.
The transformers, sourced from top-tier international manufacturers, come in 500 KVA, 300 KVA, and 200 KVA capacities and will be allocated to all 44 local government areas based on specific community load requirements.
The initiative, described as the first phase of the state’s rural electrification drive, fulfills a major campaign promise, Governor Yusuf said. “Rural communities have long been deprived of electricity access. These transformers will reduce outages and support local enterprises, schools, and healthcare facilities,” he stated.
Alongside the transformer rollout, the Kano State Electricity Company has begun evacuating power from the Tiga Hydro Power Plant into the state grid. The 10 MW facility is expected to significantly improve energy supply and fuel economic activities, particularly in Kano’s critical agricultural and industrial sectors.
Governor Yusuf reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to continued investment in the power sector and called on communities to protect the infrastructure from vandalism and misuse.
Gov. Lawal Pledges Transparency in Education Funding
ZAMFARA State Governor Dauda Lawal has pledged full transparency and accountability in the management of education funds as part of his administration’s efforts to overhaul the state’s struggling education sector.
The governor made this commitment during a courtesy visit to the headquarters of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) in Abuja, where he congratulated the newly appointed Executive Secretary, Aisha Garba.
Governor Lawal highlighted the critical role UBEC has played in supporting Zamfara’s basic education reforms, especially since his declaration of a state of emergency on education on November 20, 2023.
“Before this administration, our state languished at the bottom in all aspects of education,” he said, underscoring the urgent need for continued intervention.
He assured UBEC that Zamfara is ready to fulfill its obligations, particularly in meeting counterpart funding requirements for federal education programs.
“We have already set aside the necessary resources,” he stated, adding that all funds received will be managed with “accountability and transparency.”
The governor also emphasized his administration’s commitment to keeping Zamfara’s financial records open to public scrutiny, signaling a new era of openness and reform in the state’s education sector.
Plateau, Italy Partner To Boost Youth Skills, Technical Training
PLATEAU State and the Italian government are set to deepen ties through a strategic partnership aimed at youth empowerment, skills development, and technical innovation. The stet governor, Caleb Mutfwang hosted the Acting Italian Ambassador to Nigeria, Iacopo Foti, at the Government House in Jos, where both parties discussed collaborative efforts to equip Plateau’s youth with practical, life-ready skills.
Governor Mutfwang emphasized Italy’s global reputation in vocational training and manufacturing as a strong complement to Plateau State’s ambitions for human capital development.
He added that Italy’s strength in vocational training aligns perfectly with the state’s goal of creating opportunities for young people.
At the heart of the discussion was the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), headquartered in Jos since its inception in 1971 under the administration of General Yakubu Gowon. Governor Mutfwang described the ITF as a vital institution whose legacy the government intend to preserve and maximize, expressing the state’s readiness to work with both national and international partners through the ITF.
The governor also proposed expanding cooperation into technical education, business exchange programs, and cultural diplomacy, drawing on Italy’s historical ties to Plateau, including its contributions to artisanal craftsmanship and cultural exchange.
Ambassador Foti reaffirmed Italy’s commitment to a “meaningful, sustained engagement” and lauded the ITF’s role in Nigeria’s human capital development. He welcomed the opportunity for deeper collaboration through structured dialogue and institutional support.
Both sides agreed to establish a formal framework for their partnership, including joint technical sessions between the Italian Embassy and ITF officials.
Governor Mutfwang concluded that such partnerships will “open doors, forge connections, and invest in our people,” forming a foundation for the “Plateau of our dreams.”
