HAMMAJO WORLD

By: Kamal Hammajo | August 31, 2025 The North-East region of Nigeria has for decades carried the heavy burden of insecurity, economic decline, poor infrastructure, and humanitarian crises. Once the backbone of agriculture and commerce, it has gradually become synonymous with displacement, unemployment, and underdevelopment. Against this backdrop, every effort to seek collective solutions stands out as both urgent and necessary. The decision by the North-East Governors to come together and form the North-East Governors’ Forum (NEGF) in Gombe on March 5, 2020 remains a commendable and visionary move. At a time when the region was torn apart by insurgency, poverty, and underdevelopment, the Governors rightly recognized that no single State could face these challenges alone. The Forum was thus created to provide a common voice, pool resources, and chart a shared roadmap for security, infrastructure, and economic revival across the subregion. Agendas and Promises Through the Years From Gomb...

By: Kamal Hammajo | August 30th, 2025 The North-East Governors’ Forum (NEGF) has pledged renewed commitment to tackling security, humanitarian challenges, agriculture, and energy poverty across the subregion. The resolution came at the end of its 12th meeting held in Jalingo, Taraba State, on August 29-30, 2025. The Forum, which comprises the Governors of Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba, and Yobe States, said it remained focused on strengthening cooperation in matters relating to security, social development, and economic integration of the subregion. In a communiqué signed by its Chairman, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State, the Governors acknowledged progress in the fight against insurgency but noted that the region “is still confronted by daunting humanitarian and infrastructural challenges.” On climate risks, the governors raised concern over predictions of severe flooding and urged proactive measures, including sensitization of residents in flood-prone areas. They ...

By: Kamal Hammajo | August 30th, 2025 In Nigeria today, the rising cost of goods and services has become one of the most pressing challenges facing households and businesses. While factors such as inflation, foreign exchange instability, and insecurity play their part, one of the least discussed yet most significant drivers is the high cost of transportation. The road-dominated system of moving people and goods across Nigeria is both inefficient and expensive. With dilapidated highways, overburdened trucks, and security threats along major routes, transporting food from the North to the South or industrial goods between States adds enormous costs that consumers ultimately bear. The Lost Promise of Rail in Nigeria Rail transportation, if well developed, offers a cost-effective, safe, and reliable alternative. Trains can move bulk goods and large numbers of people over long distances at lower costs compared to road transport. Unfortunately, Nigeria’s railway story is one of missed opport...

By Kamal Hammajo Adam Journalist and Taraba Citizen, Advocate for Northeast Progress | +2347069274878 | August 29th, 2025  Taraba State, fondly called “Nature’s Gift to the Nation,” warmly welcomes the Governors of the Northeast to Jalingo for the Northeast Governors’ Forum Meeting holding today and tomorrow. Created in 1991, Taraba is a land of scenic beauty, cultural richness, and vast resources. The State shares boundaries with six States; Bauchi, Gombe, Adamawa, Benue, Nasarawa, and Plateau States, as well as the Republic of Cameroon, making it a strategic hub for trade, tourism, and investment. A HAVEN OF NATURAL WONDERS As our distinguished guests gather in Jalingo, Taraba proudly invites them to explore some of its unique treasures: • Gashaka-Gumti National Park: Nigeria’s largest national park, home to diverse wildlife and breathtaking landscapes. • Mambilla Plateau: The highest plateau in Nigeria, blessed with cool weather, rolling hills, tea plantations, and dairy farms. ...

By Kamal Hammajo, Gombe | August 29, 2025 The newly confirmed Vice Chancellor of Gombe State University (GSU), Professor Sani Ahmed Yauta, has announced ambitious plans to transform the institution, including the creation of a Faculty of Engineering to provide manpower for the Kolmani Oil and Gas Project, the expansion of agricultural education, and the construction of new lecture halls to accommodate thousands of students. Professor Yauta, whose appointment was recently confirmed by Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, said the University is committed to expanding opportunities for young people. “ We are making every effort to expand access for our teeming youth to gain admission and pursue their studies, ” he told journalists. Speaking in his office, the Vice Chancellor disclosed that the University had secured ₦4 billion for infrastructure projects. “ Out of 18 universities selected, we were fortunate to secure this ₦4 billion, and we will use it to build more large lecture halls ,” he ...

By Kamal Hammajo | August 28th, 2025 Nigeria’s political scene over the past day has been dominated by three big stories: the ruling APC’s consolidation of power, renewed calls for electoral reform, and fresh tensions with organised labour. Together, they highlight a country already gearing up for the 2027 elections. APC Balances Unity and Democracy The All Progressives Congress (APC) continues to project strength around President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Yet, in a careful balancing act, party leaders have insisted the 2027 presidential ticket is still “open” to other aspirants. The message is clear: while Tinubu is the favourite, the party wants to maintain an image of internal democracy. New APC Chairman Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda has also made it clear he will build on the structures left by Abdullahi Ganduje, signalling continuity rather than upheaval. For now, the ruling party’s priority is stability as it looks to entrench itself further before the next general elections. Jonathan’s Reform...

By Kamal Hammajo - August 27th, 2025 Today, August 27, 2025, marks the 34th anniversary of the creation of Taraba State from the defunct Gongola State in 1991. It is a day of both celebration and reflection, celebration of the resilience of the founding fathers who made statehood a reality, and reflection on the developmental challenges that continue to confront the State more than three decades on. Rt. Captain Abdullahi Jalingo   FOUNDATIONAL PILLARS Among the notable figures in the struggle for the creation of Taraba was Captain Abdullahi Jalingo, whose loyalty, commitment, and selflessness were instrumental in securing Taraba State and designating Jalingo as the capital during the administration of General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB). Equally important were the senior civil servants inherited from the defunct Gongola State, who became the administrative backbone of the young State. They included Obadia Ando, the pioneer Secretary to the State Government; Gidaɗo Abubakar, Dr...

By: Kamal Hammajo, Tuesday 26th August, 2025 As the 2027 general elections draw nearer, Nigeria’s political landscape is becoming more defined, yet increasingly complex. The zoning of the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) presidential ticket to the South has set the tone for heated debates across the country. While the decision is seen by some as a bold move to reposition the party, it also risks alienating its traditional strongholds in the North. With the All Progressives Congress (APC) holding power under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) emerging as a new force attracting heavyweight politicians, the political contest promises to be one of the most competitive in Nigeria’s democratic history. For the PDP, fielding a Southern candidate may appeal to southern sentiments, but it comes at a cost. The North, which holds the largest voting bloc, may view this as another eight years of exclusion from power. This dynamic is particularly sensitive given t...

By: Kamal Hammajo For decades, the Almajiri system has remained one of the most debated issues in Northern Nigeria. What began centuries ago as a noble Islamic learning structure under the Sokoto Caliphate, supported by State funding, has over time deteriorated into what many now call the “Almajiri menace.” Today, the sight of children roaming the streets in torn clothes, bowls in hand, begging for survival, raises deep social, economic, and religious concerns. HISTORICAL BACKGROUND The Almajiri system is not inherently a problem. In the pre-colonial era, Sangaya Schools, the original Islamic learning Centers, were well funded by the Sokoto Caliphate founded by Usman Danfodiyo. Students, known as Almajirai, received free education, food, and shelter through State support and community contributions. They were also trained in farming and basic skills to sustain themselves. During the rainy season, students farmed collectively to secure food for the year. However, colonial rule disrupted...

By: Kamal Hammajo Cultural festivals and sporting events have long been powerful platforms for fostering peace, unity, and tolerance among citizens. In diverse states like Taraba, where multiple ethnic groups coexist, these activities provide opportunities for people to come together, share traditions, and celebrate common values. They bridge cultural divides, encourage dialogue, and promote mutual respect, essential elements for a stable and harmonious society. ENGAGING YOUTH AND PROMOTING TOURISM Sports, in particular, offer a constructive outlet for youth energy, reducing the risks of crime, drug abuse, and social unrest. By engaging young people in structured sporting activities, the State can nurture talent, instill discipline, and build teamwork skills. When properly organized, sporting festivals attract visitors from other states and beyond Nigeria’s borders. This influx boosts local hospitality, transportation, trade, and entertainment industries. Vendors, artisans, and service...

By: Kamal Hammajo In the heart of Taraba State’s capital, Jalingo, Ustaz Muhiddeen Muhammad Dinga stands as more than a spiritual leader, he is a teacher, mentor, and advocate for the less privileged. As the respected Chief Imam of the Central Mosque, Jalingo, his sermons blend classical Islamic scholarship with contemporary realities, urging Muslims to embrace peace, unity, accountability, and moral discipline. A graduate of Bayero University, Kano, Ustaz Dinga has combined his religious authority with a deep commitment to education. He is the overseer of the Center for Excellent Nursery, Primary, and Secondary School, a palace school established by the Emir of Muri, Alhaji Abbas Njidda Tafida. The school has transformed lives, particularly those of orphans and children from less privileged backgrounds, offering them hope, skills, and moral grounding freely. In his role as Chairman of the Taraba State Branch of Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), he coordinates Islamic outreach, Qur’anic edu...

By: Kamal Hammajo I never imagined I would have a kind word for Sani Abubakar Danladi. In 2014, while working with the Taraba Publishing Company, publishers of the Nigeria Sunrise Newspaper, our agency got caught in the middle of a political tussle between Engr. Ahmed Yusuf and Hon. Aminu Jika. One of our Government House reports described Ahmed Yusuf, then Chief of Staff appointed by the Acting Governor as a former Commissioner, while Aminu Jika, from the opposing group, was referred to as Chief of Staff. That single report blocked our funding for months. At the time, Acting Governor Alh. Garba Umar UTC, had approved our memo and even directed Zenith Bank to release our funds. Unfortunately, that same evening turned out to be his last day in office. The very next day, Sani returned as an Acting Governor, and his first order was to halt all financial approvals made by Garba, including ours. For his six months in office, Sani refused to release our funds, leaving us with a backlog of ne...

By: Kamal Hammajo The outcome of the August 16, 2025 bye-elections across Nigeria has set the tone for what may shape the political atmosphere ahead of the 2027 general elections. The results, which cut across several states and positions, revealed shifting loyalties, emerging voter frustrations, and the resurgence of opposition parties in states long dominated by incumbents. From Adamawa to Jigawa, Ogun to Edo, the All Progressives Congress (APC) made impressive gains, winning seats in both State Assemblies and the National Assembly. Notably, the party broke into traditional opposition strongholds, reaffirming its status as the dominant political force nationwide. Meanwhile, the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) maintained its relevance in Kano, while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) managed to hold onto scattered victories. TARABA STATE: A Political Turning Point? Perhaps the most striking upset of the bye-elections came from Taraba St...

Kamal Hammajo, Gombe, August 25, 2025 Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya  Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, has signed into law the bill establishing 13 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in Gombe State, a move he described as “a historic moment in the democratic evolution of our State.” The signing ceremony, held at the Government House Banquet Hall in Gombe, followed the unanimous passage of the bill by the Gombe State House of Assembly. The new LCDAs will complement the state’s existing 11 Local Government Areas (LGAs), making governance closer and more accessible to the people. Rt. Hon. Abubakar Muhammad Luggerewo & Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya  Before presenting the bill to the governor for assent, the Speaker of the Gombe State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abubakar Muhammad Luggerewo, expressed appreciation to the people of the State for their support during the public hearing. He also commended Governor Yahaya for his vision and leadership in initiating the bill....

By Kamal Hammajo Adam Education is universally regarded as the key to societal development and an essential pathway to opportunities in life. For most parents, one of their greatest responsibilities is to provide their children with quality education that can guarantee them a brighter future. However, with Nigeria’s fast-growing population and the persistent challenges of mismanagement, underfunding, and overcrowding in public schools, many parents are left with no choice but to turn to private schools as the most reliable option. This growing preference for private education has not only transformed learning outcomes but also created a wide range of job opportunities across the country. PRIVATE SCHOOLS AS EMPLOYMENT GENERATORS Private schools in Nigeria employ a vast number of people. From school managers and administrators to teachers, cleaners, drivers, security personnel, and technical staff, the education sector provides thousands of jobs that sustain households. For many Nigerian...

 By: Kamal Hammajo Adam The Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) project is one of the most ambitious Agricultural Reforms Nigeria has ever witnessed. Launched in 2022 with World Bank support, the six-year, $500 million initiative was designed to modernize livestock production, improve animal health, and reduce farmer, herder conflicts in 20 participating States. Three years on, the program is beginning to show results. Yet, a closer look, particularly at Gombe State, reveals a picture of progress tempered by persistent challenges. THE PROMISES DELIVERED In Gombe, L-PRES has rolled out several practical interventions that speak directly to the needs of ordinary farmers. • TRAINING AND TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER: More than 140 extension workers and dozens of farmers have been trained in artificial insemination, feed formulation, and pasture development. These sessions are slowly bridging the gap between traditional methods and modern livestock management. • INFRASTRUCTURE...

 By: Kamal Hammajo Adam The outcome of the August 16, 2025 bye-elections across Nigeria has set the tone for what may shape the political atmosphere ahead of the 2027 general elections. The results, which cut across several states and positions, revealed shifting loyalties, emerging voter frustrations, and the resurgence of opposition parties in states long dominated by incumbents. From Adamawa to Jigawa, Ogun to Edo, the All Progressives Congress (APC) made impressive gains, winning seats in both State Assemblies and the National Assembly. Notably, the party broke into traditional opposition strongholds, reaffirming its status as the dominant political force nationwide. Meanwhile, the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) maintained its relevance in Kano, while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) managed to hold onto scattered victories. TARABA STATE: A Political Turning Point? Perhaps the most striking upset of the bye-elections came from...