HAMMAJO WORLD

By Kamal Hammajo  In Taraba State, political parties often function less as ideological platforms and more as temporary lodgings for politicians, like hotel rooms for tourists, entered and exited depending on where interests are best served. This reality played out yet again with the recent defection of three members of the Taraba State House of Assembly, including the representative of Jalingo One Constituency. For many, such moves may appear surprising. But for anyone who follows the political trajectory of Jalingo One, this development is hardly unexpected. Contrary to popular belief, it is not party affiliation that divides Nigerian politicians. Rather, it is personal ambition and the influence of political godfathers. Jalingo One provides a clear example. The constituency is one of the strongest voting blocs in Taraba State. Its people are politically conscious and protective of their votes. Yet, they have also cultivated a tradition of allowing only one tenure per representat...

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...