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Mahmoud Empowers 4,064 Kano Indigene
… as Prof. Ganduje weighs in on political rift
By Wumi Tewogbade, Abuja
Over 4,064 indigenes of Kano State on Saturday, benefited from an empowerment drive led by the FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, in a major push to strengthen livelihoods across the state’s 44 local government areas.
The initiative targeted APC women leaders, vulnerable citizens and low-income earners, with beneficiaries receiving cash support, food items, working tools, motorcycles, tricycle wheelchairs, fertilisers, grinding machines, and six vehicles, among other materials.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mahmoud said the programme was designed to boost self-reliance and restore dignity rather than simply distribute items.
She noted that the loyalty, sacrifice and grassroots mobilisation of the women leaders and other beneficiaries had continued to reinforce APC structures in Kano.
“Women formed the backbone of families, communities, and political structures,” she said, adding that empowering a woman meant empowering an entire household and society.
According to her, “Rooted in the APC’s progressive ideals of social justice, inclusive growth, and shared prosperity, the initiative addressed economic challenges by promoting self-reliance over dependency, stimulating local productivity, bolstering household incomes, and enabling beneficiaries to contribute to economic and community development.”
Mahmoud urged recipients to see the items as tools for expanded opportunity and broader family support, saying the gesture aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda on women inclusion, youth empowerment and social welfare.
Mahmoud urged stakeholders across the state to promote peaceful coexistence and work collectively for a more prosperous Kano and a stronger Nigeria.
Minister of State for Education, Prof. Dr. Suwaiba Halilu, who attended the event in solidarity, said Mahmoud had shown clear commitment to the welfare of her people, aligning with the Renewed Hope Initiative of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
In her words, “One of the key area of priority of President Bola Tinubu is human capital development, and today’s empowerment programme by Dr Mariya Mahmoud, has shown that human capital development is also a priority to the FCT Minister of State.”
The minister urged beneficiaries to make proper use of the items “not only for their own self-reliance but that of their families.”
Former Majority Leader of the House of Representatives, Hon. Ado Doguwa, also commended the Minister, saying her gesture was a personal sacrifice, not a government-funded intervention.
“As a lawmaker, I am aware of fund approved by the Federal Government for intervention, but I can tell you that no money was allocated for this particular empowerment. We must appreciate the Honourable Minister for dipping into her personal funds to bring succour to the people. She’s evident of how APC is always having the people’s interests at heart,” he said.
Doguwa congratulated Mahmoud for “going beyond her official mandate to empower Kano indigenes,” describing the initiative as a reflection of APC’s people-centred principles.
Chairman of the occasion, Prof. Hafsat Abdullahi Ganduje, commended the Minister for the kind gesture saying it is a demonstration of the true spirit of the All Progressives Congress.
Prof. Ganduje who also used the occasion to sue for peace among political heavy weights in Kano State, urged former governor, Abdullahi Ganduje and his predecessor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, to sheath their sword in the interest of the State.
“I must use this opportunity to remind the former governors that they are not just friends but brothers. They should please come together and support the current governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, to finish his tenure just as Rabiu Kwankwaso supported Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje to become governor and today both of them are former governors.”
Speaking on behalf of other beneficiaries, the APC women leader in the State, Hajiya Fatima Dala thanked the minister for the gesture, particularly ensuring that a transparent process of reaching actual beneficiaries.
“We have had ministers from Kano State but we have never seen such empowerment programme in the history of Kano State. The Honourable Minister has demonstrated concern for women and vulnerable by ensuring that only those who deserve these items actually benefit from it.
“I urge other beneficiaries to please make good use if these items to be self-reliant. Let me also use this opportunity to call on other politicians to emulate the minister by empowering more women because we have the bulk vote.”
By Felix Umande, Makurdi
Benue State Governor Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia has approved the appointment of Dr. Ihu Eunice Ogbenyi as Acting Head of Service of the state civil service.
The appointment follows the death of the late Dr. Moses Agbogbo Ode, who served as Head of Service from 2023 until 2026.
Dr. Ogbenyi, an indigene of Oju LGA born on 12th June 1973, was Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Lands and Survey before her elevation. She brings nearly three decades of public service experience to the role.
She obtained her Nigeria Certificate in Education in Maths/Physics in 1996 from the College of Education, Oju. She later earned a B.Sc in 2005, Masters in 2010, and Ph.D in 2021, all in Mathematics Education from Fr. Adasu University, Makurdi.
Dr. Ogbenyi joined the Benue State Teaching Service Board in 1998 as Principal Assistant Education Officer II. Her service was transferred to the Ministry of Education in February 2012, where she rose to Deputy Director, Education in the Department of Planning, Research and Statistics. She also headed the Joint Consultative Committee on Education/National Council on Education unit and served as Assistant Head of the Education Management Information System unit.
While congratulating the new Acting HoS, Governor Alia charged her to uphold continuity, professionalism, and public service in her stewardship.
“As you assume this critical role, I charge you with the responsibilities, principles, and priorities that will guide your stewardship and ensure continuity, professionalism, and service to the public,” the governor said.
“You must ensure your official actions conform with the vision and principles of this administration to continue with the reforms in the civil service and uphold at all times the sanctity and dignity of your office. You must ensure in all your official dealings that the interest of the state comes first.”
By Son Tertsea, Abuja
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, Monday took responsibility for the continued roaming of cattle on major roads and streets across Abuja, admitting that the situation remains a concern despite efforts to improve the capital city.
While addressing journalists during his monthly media briefing in Abuja on Monday, he regretted the development giving assurance to address it:
“I apologise that up till now there are cows still roaming the streets of Abuja, I take responsibility.”
Wike also highlighted ongoing infrastructure projects beyond the city centre to the communities in satellite towns.
“Our attention is not only on developing the city centres of Abuja. We are also working in all the Area Councils.
“We are providing infrastructure everywhere across the FCT.”
Wike further promised that project inaugurations would commence in June with President Bola Tinubu as part of activities marking the administration’s third year in office.
“To celebrate Mr President’s three years in office, the FCTA will commission projects for the next 31 days commencing June 8, 2026.”
The road projects executed across the FCT, according to him, have continued to improve access amid strengthening security in several communities.
The President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, GCON, has lauded the Governor of Akwa Ibom state, Pastor Umo Eno, on his 62nd birthday, describing him as a man who embodies the grace of God and the silent strength of purposeful leadership.
In a congratulatory message personally signed by him, Akpabio praised the governor’s ARISE Agenda, which he said has transitioned from vision to visible impact.
“Your Excellency and my brother, Pastor Umo Eno, on behalf of my family, and the good people of Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial District, the 10th Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and indeed the National Assembly, I extend my warmest felicitations to you on the joyous occasion of your 62nd birthday.
“At 62, you embody the grace of God and the quiet strength of purposeful leadership. Your ARISE Agenda has moved from vision to visible impact — in agriculture, rural development, infrastructure, security, and social empowerment — giving our people renewed hope and tangible dividends of democracy.
“I particularly commend your politics of inclusivity. By running an open, broad-based administration that embraces all Akwa Ibomites regardless of party or creed, you have lowered the political temperature in our state and fostered unity. That is statesmanship, and it is yielding peace as a foundation for progress, growth and opportunities.
“Under your watch, Akwa Ibom continues on the path of steady development — from roads and healthcare upgrades to support for SMEs and human capital growth. You are building on our shared heritage while charting a compassionate, people-first course for the future.
“As you mark this new age, my prayer is that Almighty God will grant you greater wisdom, sound health, and enduring strength to keep serving our dear state and nation. May your years be long, and may Akwa Ibom continue to ARISE under your leadership”.
Happy 62nd birthday, Your Excellency.
Rt Hon Eseme Eyiboh mnipr
Special Adviser on Media/Publicity
Office of the President of the Senate
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