Alhaji Murtala Yakubu Ajaka, candidate of the Social Democratic Party in the concluded Kogi State Governorship election, has commended the successful rescue operation of school pupils abducted in Kuriga, Kaduna state. He urged Nigerians to prioritize unity and cooperation, setting aside sentiments and animosity towards one another.

In a statement released on Monday in Abuja, Ajaka, a former APC stalwart currently challenging the victory of Governor Usman Ododo of Kogi state in Court, lauded President Ahmed Bola Tinubu’s administration for its efforts in combating violent activities perpetrated by terrorists and non-state actors.

Describing the rescue operation as a significant milestone, Ajaka emphasized its profound impact in assuring the safety of both the abducted children’s families and all Nigerians wary of the nation’s security challenges. He stressed that meaningful development hinges on peace, stability, equity, and justice.

“I urge all Nigerians to set aside divisive sentiments, reject hatred, and rally behind President Ahmed Bola Tinubu’s administration in its resolute campaign against violent and non-state adversaries of the Nigerian State,” Ajaka stated, underscoring the urgency of national unity to achieve peace and progress.

Ajaka extended his congratulations to President Tinubu, the National Security Adviser (NSA), the Governor of Kaduna State, as well as the Service Chiefs, Inspector General of Police, Director General of the Department of State Services, media organizations, volunteers, informants, and traditional institutions for their collaborative efforts leading to the successful rescue operation.

He praised President Tinubu for his leadership and visionary strategies, emphasizing the crucial role played by the coordinated planning and operational synergy among Nigeria’s security agencies.

In conclusion, Ajaka reaffirmed his commitment to promoting unity and cooperation among Nigerians, urging collective efforts towards building a peaceful and prosperous nation under President Tinubu’s administration.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to apprehending Nadeem Anjarwalla, the Director of Binance, a cryptocurrency organization, who has reportedly fled the country.

Idris asserted that despite Anjarwalla’s escape, there is no sanctuary for him, as the International Police (Interpol) is actively pursuing him. Emphasizing that Binance operates internationally, Idris assured that Anjarwalla will be brought to justice and compelled to comply with Nigeria’s laws and financial regulations.

The Minister’s statement follows confirmation from the Office of the National Security Adviser that Anjarwalla managed to evade lawful custody on March 22nd, 2024. Zakari Mijinyawa, Head of Strategic Communication for the Office of the National Security Adviser, outlined collaborative efforts underway to swiftly locate and detain the fugitive.

Security agencies are cooperating with Interpol to secure an international arrest warrant for Anjarwalla, who fled Nigeria using a smuggled passport, according to preliminary investigations.

The statement revealed that personnel responsible for Anjarwalla’s custody have been apprehended, and a comprehensive investigation is ongoing to uncover the circumstances surrounding his escape from lawful detention.

The Federal Government’s investigation into money laundering and terrorism financing transactions on the Binance currency exchange platform mirrors similar efforts by governments worldwide.

Prior to his escape, Anjarwalla, a British and Kenyan national serving as Binance’s Africa regional manager, was undergoing trial in Nigerian courts. He absconded while under a 14-day remand order, with his scheduled court appearance set for April 4th, 2024.

The Federal Government has taken decisive action against the devastating fungal disease affecting ginger production in several states by inaugurating the National Ginger Blight Epidemic Control Taskforce.

Senator Sabi Abdullahi, Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, announced the formation of the task force during its inauguration in Abuja on Monday. He highlighted the significant losses suffered by ginger farmers in states including Nasarawa, Plateau, Kaduna, and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, due to the epidemic.

Abdullahi emphasized the economic importance of Nigerian ginger, citing projections indicating a surge in international market demand from $4.16 billion in 2013 to $6.29 billion by 2030. He stressed that Nigerian ginger presents a substantial opportunity for the country’s economic growth.

The minister lamented the adverse effects of the epidemic on Nigeria’s standing as the world’s second-largest producer of ginger. He revealed staggering losses, noting that ginger farmers in Southern Kaduna alone suffered over N12 billion in losses, representing 85 percent of the country’s ginger production.

To address the crisis, Abdullahi assured affected farmers of government support, including relief materials to mitigate the impact of the damage and prevent future occurrences. He announced the launch of a N1.6 billion Recovery Fund in Kaduna State later in the week to aid ginger farmers in affected states.

Comprising researchers, extension service agents, farmers, and other stakeholders, the National Taskforce aims to coordinate efforts in combating the epidemic and revitalizing the ginger sub-sector.

Abdullahi stressed the importance of robust research and support systems in Nigeria’s agricultural sector, emphasizing the need for preparedness to ensure a prosperous future.

He also urged Nigerian farmers to adhere to proper procedures, including obtaining seeds through the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS), to prevent the introduction of crop diseases through importation.

In response, Engr. Abubakar Garba Abdullahi, Director of the Federal Department of Agriculture and Chairman of the National Ginger Blight Epidemic Control Taskforce, pledged the task force’s commitment to reviving the ginger sub-sector and restoring the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) affected by the epidemic.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has urged parents and guardians to prioritize the cultivation of moral values in their children, emphasizing the pivotal role of the family in shaping character and guiding ethical conduct.

In a statement released by Rabiu Ibrahim, Special Assistant (Media) to the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Minister Idris made this appeal during the Annual Ramadan Lecture themed “Family Dynamics: Rights and Obligations from Islamic Perspectives,” held in Kaduna.

Highlighting the significance of moral values, Minister Idris remarked, “Moral values serve as the compass that steers our children through the complexities of the world, helping them distinguish right from wrong and navigate ethical dilemmas with clarity and conviction.”

He emphasized the family’s sacred duty in instilling integrity, empathy, and honesty, among other values, within children, asserting that such teachings equip them to become responsible and conscientious members of society.

Minister Idris underscored the family’s status as the cornerstone of society, embodying religious, cultural, and traditional values while nurturing the next generation and fostering bonds that transcend time and circumstance.

Furthermore, he disclosed plans by his ministry to introduce the Nigeria Values Charter, a blueprint for a national value system. This initiative, to be launched by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, comprises the Nigerian Promise and Citizen Codes, aimed at ingraining fundamental values within citizens through formal and informal educational policies.

Minister Idris reiterated the Tinubu administration’s commitment to bolstering policies and programs that support families and ensure opportunities for all Nigerians to thrive. He highlighted ongoing fiscal and monetary reforms, coupled with a comprehensive Social Intervention Programme, as efforts to alleviate poverty and promote sustainable development.

Additionally, Minister Idris highlighted recent strides in the agricultural sector, citing successes observed during a tour of farming communities in Kano and Jigawa States. He commended the achievements of resilient farmers, particularly in dry-season farming, and encouraged embracing agriculture for its vast value chain potentials.

The Minister concluded by stressing the importance of transparency and accountability in social interventions, highlighting measures to ensure the fair and equitable disbursement of funds to the vulnerable segments of society.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, asserted on Monday that Kaduna-based Islamic cleric, Ahmad Gumi, is subject to Nigerian laws and could be summoned for questioning by security agencies as needed.

Idris made this statement following the Federal Executive Council meeting chaired by President Bola Tinubu. He addressed inquiries about Gumi’s prominent role in advising the government on negotiations with bandits.

Ahmad Gumi has gained attention for his outspoken comments regarding bandit activities in Nigeria. Notably, he has previously engaged in negotiations between the government and bandits, with photographic evidence from these discussions.

Amid ongoing efforts to locate and rescue abducted students from Government Secondary and LEA Primary schools in Kuriga, Chikun LGA, Kaduna, Gumi reportedly expressed willingness to engage in dialogue with the bandits responsible for the attack on March 7, which resulted in the abduction of 137 students and a teacher.

Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna recently announced the release of the abducted school children on Sunday. Minister Idris confirmed that the federal government did not pay ransom for their release, reaffirming a zero-tolerance policy toward negotiating with bandits.

Gumi has also accused the federal government of unfairly implicating individuals as terrorism financiers in response to the release of identities by the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) for alleged terrorism ties.

In light of these developments, various groups have called for Gumi’s arrest over alleged connections with terrorist organizations. Responding to these concerns on Monday, Minister Idris emphasized the accountability of all individuals under the law.

He stated, “the security agencies will do their work if they feel that the statements made by Gumi are ‘reckless’. The government will stop at nothing to gather any information necessary to address our challenges. The security agencies are vigilant.”

Addressing Gumi directly, Idris asserted, “Sheik Gumi and any other individual are not above the law. If his suggestions are constructive, they will be considered. However, if his statements are deemed reckless, he will face consequences.”

He concluded, “When you make remarks, especially those concerning our national security, it is the responsibility of our security apparatus to investigate further. No one is above the law, and I am aware that Gumi has previously cooperated with security agencies for questioning.”