Gombe, UNICEF move to combat nutrition commodity theft

The Gombe State government in collaboration with UNICEF, has inaugurated a taskforce to tackle misuse, abuse, and theft of nutrition commodities aimed at addressing malnutrition in the state.

Speaking at the inauguration on Tuesday, Deputy Governor Mr Manassah Jatau, urged taskforce members to adhere strictly to their terms of reference, stressing the importance of safeguarding the health of the population.

He explained that the taskforce’s mandate included identifying, monitoring, and sanctioning anyone diverting, hoarding, destroying, or misusing nutrition commodities intended for malnourished children and other vulnerable groups.

Jatau noted that malnutrition remained a major challenge in northern Nigeria, particularly the North West and North East zones, emphasising that protecting nutrition supplies ensured better returns on government and partner investments.

He outlined the taskforce’s responsibilities, including monthly monitoring of health facilities and storage sites, investigating diversion cases, recommending sanctions, and developing guidelines for transparency and accountability in handling nutrition commodities.

Dr Nuzhat Rafique, Chief of UNICEF Bauchi Field Office, expressed concern over the diversion of life-saving nutrition commodities to the market, depriving malnourished children of critical protection and care.

She highlighted that nutrition supplies were essential for children suffering from Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) and warned that the number of chronically malnourished children was increasing in the state.

Rafique urged the taskforce to diligently prevent diversion or abuse of all nutrition and medical supplies, ensuring aid reached the children who needed it most.

Chairman of the taskforce, Mr Salisu Baba-Alkali, Commissioner of Budget and Economic Planning, assured that the committee would deliver on its mandate, reflecting the government’s strong political will and commitment.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the taskforce underscores Gombe State’s institutional effort to protect life-saving nutrition commodities from misuse, diversion, and theft across health facilities and storage centres.

The initiative is aimed at ensuring that the supplies reach malnourished children and other vulnerable populations as intended by the government and its development partners.

Gombe, UNICEF move to combat nutrition commodity theft

Yobe: NBA condemns alleged assault on lawyer by police in Damaturu

By: Yahaya Wakili

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Damaturu branch, under the leadership of its chairman, Ahmad Khalil, Esq., has strongly condemned the alleged assault on one of its members, Muhammad Muhammad Saminu, Esq., by officers of the Damagum Police Division.

In a formal petition made available to newsmen in Damaturu and submitted to the Commissioner of Police, Yobe State Command, Emmanuel Ado, the branch described the incident, which reportedly occurred on February 23, 2026, as a serious violation of constitutional rights and an attack on the administration of justice.

According to the association, Mr. Saminu was at the Damagum Police Division in the lawful discharge of his professional duties as counsel to a detained client when he was allegedly assaulted.

The Nigerian Bar Association claims that the Divisional Police Officer, CSP Muhammad Abdullahi Baffah, and officers under his command subjected the lawyer to hostility, physical assault, and degrading treatment within the station premises; it is further alleged that he sustained injuries and damage to his personal property during the incident.

The NBA Damaturu branch further stated that, if the allegations are confirmed, the actions would amount to violations of the constitutional rights to dignity, personal liberty, and a fair hearing.

The association emphasized that interference with a lawyer performing professional duties undermines the rule of law and public confidence in the justice system.

The branch has demanded an immediate, independent, and transparent investigation into the matter. It is also calling for the suspension of officers found to be involved, appropriate disciplinary action in line with the Nigerian Police Act, and prosecution where criminal liability is established.

The Association further requested a written response from the police command within seven days.

The NBA reiterated its commitment to defending the rule of law and ensuring the protection of legal practitioners in the discharge of their duties. Adding to that, further developments are expected as the Yobe State Police Command responds to the petition.

While contacting the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Yobe state command SP Dungus Abdulkarim said the case is put to investigation as the commissioner of police meets with MBA today in his office.

Yobe: NBA condemns alleged assault on lawyer by police in Damaturu

Renowned Adire Artisan, Grandma Sikira Adunni Aladire, Dies at 90

By: Michael Mike

A prominent traditional tie-and-dye artist and respected community figure, Grandma Sikira Adunni Aladire, has died at the age of 90.

She passed away in the early hours of Monday, March 2, 2026, at her residence in Ile Toki, located at No. N1/506 Balogun Ibikunle Street, Ayeye, Ibadan. She was buried the same day in accordance with Islamic rites.

Widely known by her popular nickname, “Sikira Aladire,” the nonagenarian built a reputation for excellence in the traditional Yoruba art of Adire (tie and dye). She began her training in the craft in the mid-1950s, during Nigeria’s pre-independence era, and went on to become one of the most recognized artisans in her community.

Her intricate patterns and culturally inspired designs drew admirers from far and near. Historical accounts from family members indicate that colonial officials and foreign visitors frequently visited Ile Toki to purchase her fabrics, contributing to the area’s growing reputation as a hub for high-quality tie-and-dye production. Some of her products were reportedly exported abroad, showcasing the artistic heritage of Ibadan and the wider Yoruba culture.

Beyond her craftsmanship, Grandma Sikira was described as a devout Muslim and a custodian of Yoruba traditions. She was also known for her love of Apala and Dundun music, often entertaining neighbors with her graceful dance steps at social gatherings.

Family members said she remained committed to her faith, family, and community throughout her lifetime, leaving behind a legacy of creativity, resilience, and service.

She is survived by her children — Late Sarah Alimi, Abibat Alimi, Suleiman Azeez, and Latifat Balogun — as well as grandchildren, great-grandchildren, siblings, and other extended family members.

The 7-day Fidau prayer is scheduled to hold at 12 noon on Sunday, March 8, 2026, at her residence in Ile Toki, Ayeye, Ibadan.

Family members prayed for Allah’s forgiveness for her shortcomings and asked that she be granted Al-Jannah Firdaus.

Renowned Adire Artisan, Grandma Sikira Adunni Aladire, Dies at 90