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Youths Commend Kaduna’s Smart City Project

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Youths Commend Kaduna’s Smart City Project

By: Michael Mike

The Northern Christian Youth Professionals has commended the Kaduna State Governor for successfully signing a Memorandum of Understanding with Chinese tech giant Huawei to advance the Smart City Project in Kaduna State.

This, according to the group, is a significant milestone that promises to enhance the ICT sector and create opportunities for the youth in the North West state.

The statement signed by the Chairman, Northern Christian Youth Professionals,
Isaac Abrak read: “While we celebrate this major achievement, we wish to call on the state government to ensure that this project is fully and effectively executed to benefit all the people of Kaduna State.

“We urge the government to avoid a repeat of past experiences, such as those under the previous administration led by Governor Nasir El-Rufai, which took a World Bank loan of $350 million for the development of basic education. Unfortunately, the purpose of this loan was not fulfilled as intended, and today, the people of Kaduna State are burdened with repaying a loan that did not yield the expected benefits.

“We are confident in the leadership of the current governor, whose policies and programmes have demonstrated a genuine commitment to improving the living conditions of all residents of Kaduna State.

“However, we appeal to the governor’s team, especially those involved in the Huawei deal, to ensure that the project meets its objectives: enhancing the security of life and property, improving efficiency and transparency in public services, and attracting talent and investment to the state.

“We must also learn from similar past experiences involving international business dealings. A cautionary example is the ongoing seizure of Nigerian assets abroad by Zhongshan Fucheng Industrial Investment Limited, a Chinese firm, due to a business agreement with the Ogun State government signed in 2007. The contract, which involved the construction of a park and factory in the Ogun State Free Trade Zone, ended in a dispute that has now cost Nigeria $70 million in compensation. Despite the Ogun State government’s claims of foul play, the Chinese firm has already seized three jets and two residential properties belonging to Nigeria.”

The statement added that: “These are important lessons for both federal and state governments. We must be vigilant to prevent similar situations that could damage Nigeria’s reputation and place undue financial burdens on our people.

“We believe that with careful planning, transparency, and accountability, the Smart City Project in Kaduna State can be a model for success and a source of pride for all Nigerians.”

Youths Commend Kaduna’s Smart City Project

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UPDATE: Five dead, 35 injured in suicide IED attack on Gamborun mosque

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UPDATE: Five dead, 35 injured in suicide IED attack on Gamborun mosque

By: Zagazola Makama

No fewer than five worshippers were killed, while 35 others sustained injuries on Wednesday following an improvised explosive device (IED) attack by a suicide bomber at a mosque in Gamborun area of Maiduguri, Borno State.

The incident occurred at about 6:15 p.m. during Magrib prayers when the attacker detonated the IED inside the mosque, which was filled with worshippers.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, DSP Nahum Daso, confirmed the incident, saying the explosion killed five persons on the spot and left 35 others with varying degrees of injuries.

Daso said the injured victims were immediately evacuated to hospitals in Maiduguri for medical treatment.

He added that men of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit, alongside other security agencies, were deployed to the scene to secure the area, cordon off the vicinity and conduct thorough checks to rule out the presence of secondary explosive devices.

UPDATE: Five dead, 35 injured in suicide IED attack on Gamborun mosque

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Bomb explodes inside mosque in Maiduguri market, worshippers killed

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Bomb explodes inside mosque in Maiduguri market, worshippers killed

By: Zagazola Makama

Several worshippers were killed on Tuesday after an explosive device detonated inside a mosque at Gamborun Market in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.

The explosion occurred while worshippers were gathered for prayers, causing panic and chaos within the busy market area.

Eyewitnesses said the blast ripped through part of the mosque, killing some worshippers instantly and leaving others with varying degrees of injuries.

Traders and residents in the area were seen fleeing the scene as thick smoke billowed from the mosque, while others attempted to assist victims before emergency responders arrived.

Security operatives cordoned off the area shortly after the incident to prevent further casualties and to allow for preliminary assessment of the situation.

As of the time of filing this report, the exact number of casualties had not been officially confirmed.

Bomb explodes inside mosque in Maiduguri market, worshippers killed

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Igbo Association Raises Alarm Over Abuja–South East Highways, Seeks Urgent Federal Action

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Igbo Association Raises Alarm Over Abuja–South East Highways, Seeks Urgent Federal Action

By: Michael Mike

Igbo residents in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja have expressed worries about the worsening condition of major highways linking Abuja to the South East, warning that continued neglect has turned the roads into serious safety hazards for commuters and businesses.

In a statement released on Tuesday, the Igbo Community Association in the Federal Capital Territory (ICA FCT) said the poor state of the road network had persisted for decades, despite repeated appeals for rehabilitation.

The group in a statement signed by the association’s President General, Engr. Ikenna Ellis-Ezenekwe, and Secretary General, Mazi Emmanuel Chinwoke Onah,

noted that large sections of the highways are riddled with potholes, failed portions and weak security presence, making travel dangerous and discouraging economic activities between the North Central and South East regions.

The group argued that the situation reflects long-standing infrastructure neglect and an uneven distribution of national resources, adding that the dilapidated roads have become attractive routes for criminal operations, including armed robbery and kidnappings.

According to ICA FCT, the impact of the bad roads goes beyond transportation challenges, contributing to youth frustration, reduced commercial exchanges and a growing sense of exclusion among people of the South East. The association urged the Federal Government to declare an emergency on the affected corridors and begin immediate reconstruction to ensure the safety of travelers, particularly during the festive season.

The association also called on lawmakers from the South East and the Minister of Works to take responsibility for restoring the roads to acceptable standards, stressing that infrastructure development is critical to national cohesion and economic growth.

Warning of political consequences, the group said communities in the South East would hold their representatives accountable if tangible progress is not recorded before the 2027 general elections. It added that voters would be mobilized to oppose the re-election of lawmakers perceived to have failed in addressing the issue.

Reaffirming its commitment to the welfare of Igbo people, the ICA FCT said it would continue to advocate for improved infrastructure, enhanced security and equitable development across all regions of the country.
End

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