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Mrs Rifkatu Yakubu, the Bauchi State Coordinator of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has called on the 2024 Batch ‘A’ stream II female corps members to go home to their parents and not to their boyfriends’ houses after passing out.

The state Coordinator made the call in Bauchi on Thursday, during the distribution of certificates of National Service to the corps members.

“Please, ladies, your boyfriends are not your parents and don’t say that after collecting your certificates, you are going to your boyfriends’ houses.

“Go back home to your parents and celebrate with them as you have just passed out from the National Service.

“I also want to advise you all that even if you have not learned anything from the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development programme, it is not too late to learn.

“Instead of you going home and sitting idle, get something to do in order to assist your parents and with this last allowance, please do well and start learning a trade,” she advised.  Yakubu further implored them not to indulge in yahoo yahoo, kidnapping or ritual killings because they wanted to make money.

These, she said, were not parts of what the NYSC had trained them on, saying “you have come and you have served for you to be responsible children in the society.

“Please, represent your family well, be a good ambassador of Nigeria, your institutions of graduation and the NYSC.

The state Coordinator also advised the corps members not to be in a rush to laminate their certificates of National Service after collection, but must ensure that all the names were spelt correctly and no mistakes whatsoever.

A total of 1,652 corps members comprising 1,118 males and 534 females passed out in the state.

A group known as The Eyes on Democracy has raised an alarm over what it calls an attempt by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to silence the opposition, following the arrest of the Accountant General of Bauchi State, Sirajo Jaja.

The group claimed that the move is politically motivated and part of a broader effort to undermine the administration of Governor Bala Mohammed.

In a press conference held on Monday, in Bauchi, the group strongly condemned the detention of Jaja, who was arrested while attending a Federal Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC) meeting in Abuja.

According to Eyes on Democracy, the arrest was orchestrated by political adversaries seeking to stifle the voice of one of the most vocal critics of the federal government.

“Eyes on Democracy believes that it is no coincidence that these arrests and intimidation of Bauchi State Government officials are happening at a time when Governor Bala Mohammed has remained vocal in challenging the excesses of the presidency and standing firm in defense of the interests of the Nigerian people. His bold stance has made him a target for persecution, and the EFCC is being weaponized as an instrument of political oppression rather than a true anti-corruption agency,” the group said.

The spokesperson of the group, Munir Aska, claimed that the arrest was not based on any substantial evidence but a politically motivated witch-hunt designed to intimidate Governor Mohammed and a desperate move to silence a courageous leader who has consistently spoken truth to power.

He raised questions about the legality of the EFCC’s actions, especially, as Jaja was not invited or engaged by the Commission in any official capacity, making his arrest appear suspicious and unjustified.

The group called on the EFCC to operate within the bounds of the law.

They made it clear that no amount of intimidation would deter their commitment to defending democratic values, transparency, and accountability in Nigeria.

All is set for the implementation of the new intervention tagged Maternal and Neonatal Mortality Reduction Innovation Initiative (MAMII) in the selected primary healthcare facilities in Bauchi State

To that end, the Executive Chairman of the Bauchi State Primary Health Care Board (BSPHCB), Dr. Rilwanu Mohammed, has chaired a meeting for the MAMII activation, held at the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Bauchi.

A post on the board’s Facebook page said that the MAMII intervention focuses on strengthening primary healthcare and community engagement, aiming to reduce maternal mortality by 30% and increase health facility utilization by 60% within three years.

In Bauchi State, 11 Local Government Areas (LGAs) have been selected for the first phase of the initiative.

The program is working to strengthen services through strategic management of available human resources for health.

The goal is to utilize community structures to create demand for health services and establish effective reporting systems.

Bauchi State House of Assembly (BAHA) has passed the first ever bill for the establishment of sanitary pad banks in schools, correctional facilities and community centres across Bauchi State.

Speaking after the passage of the bill, Speaker of the House Right Honourable Abubakar Y. Suleiman congratulated partners that include:Women for Women International (WfWI), ASHH Foundation, Child is Gold Foundation and other CSOs for their tenacity, commitment and dedication in advocacies leading to the passage of the bill.

The speaker expressed his optimism on the positive impact the bill will have in the lives of indigent adolescent girls and women that could not afford sanitary pads during their menstrual periods.

Speaking on the side with our correspondent, Chairman House Committee on Health Hon. Lawal Dauda said that Bauchi State is first State in the country to pass such bill.

Hon. Dauda said that the establishment of the free sanitary pad banks will no doubt address some of the challenges associated with menstrual hygiene management and checkmate absenteeism in schools by indigent adolescent girls, women and female inmates during their menstrual periods.

Hon. Dauda thanked his colleagues for their support in the passage of the bill.

“This bill, the first of its kind in Nigeria, enjoyed tremendous support by all honourable members of this house. As you can see, we are on recess, but were called back just to pass the bill. That is a clear demonstration of support and commitment by the leadership of the house and the honourable members”, said the house committee chairman on health.

Speaking on the sidelines with our correspondent, the visibily elated Executive Director (ED) of ASHH Foundation, Ambassador Comfort Attah, expressed her gratitude to Bauchi State Government, the State Legislature, Women for Women International, Child is Gold Foundation and all the CSOs that championed the passage of the bill.

Attah said that though the bill is passed, it not yet uhuru until His Excellency the Executive Governor has signed it into law.

She stressed that CSOs are ready to partner with Government in the effective and efficient implementation of the sanitary pad banks system in the state.

“I want to say this without any fear of contradiction that our Governor will assent this bill. The Government of His Excellency Senator Bala Mohammed has created enabling environment for partners and CSOs intervention in Bauchi State. This bill, being the first ever in the whole of the country, is a huge credit to the Bauchi State Government under the dynamic leadership of our Governor”, said Attah.

Also speaking, the Executive Director of Child is Gold Foundation Elizabeth George said that the passage of the bill is another milestone and landmark achievement for CSOs working on women related issues.

George, who could not hide her joy described the day as, “a day for the indigent adolescent girls in primary, secondary schools, women in their respective communities and incarcerated women in correctional facilities. Mentrual hygiene management will no longer impedes attendance in school. There will be proper mentrual hygiene management also in correctional facilities and even at community level”.

George thanked WfWI for the technical and financial support leading to the passage of the bill.

A gender focused Civil Society Organisation , Attah Sisters Helping Hand (ASHH) Foundation with support from Women for Women International (WfWI) has organised a Two Days Workshop in Bauchi to commemorate the 2025 International Women’s Day (IDW).

Executive Director (ED) of ASHH Foundation Ambassador Comfort Ene Attah while welcoming participants today said that the workshop will provide a platform for stakeholders to connect, exchange ideas, and explore opportunities for collaboration in promoting gender equality.

She said participants will be exposed to knowledge of international and national legal frameworks protecting women’s rights and also create avenue to discuss issues related to gender discrimination, violence, and access to justice.

While encouraging participants to participate actively during the sessions, Attah said that the sessions would focus on understanding the concept of gender responsiveness, the role of institutions in promoting gender-sensitive policies, and practical steps for mainstreaming gender considerations in governance, education, and healthcare.

Attah expressed her optimism that the interactive discussions and presentations would trigger knowledge sharing and problem-solving on gender-related issues.The ED thanked Women for Women International (WfWI) for supporting the workshop.

The first session, which was facilitated by Bar. Yachit Dala of the Human Rights Commission Bauchi office was focused on giving an overview of international and national legal frameworks protecting women’s rights.

Dala also facilitated discussions on gender discrimination, violence, and access to justice.

Another resource person during the workshop, Dr. Isaac Crown presented a paper on Gender-Responsive Policies and Practices.

Dr. Crown spoke extensively spoke on the role of institutions in promoting gender-sensitive policies, and practical for mainstreaming gender in governance, education, and healthcare.

Our correspondent observed that all the sessions were highly participatory with participants demonstrating enthusiasm and asking questions on the presented topics.

The First Lady of Bauchi State, Haj Aisha Bala Mohammed, has extended her heartfelt greetings to women across the state and the world, celebrating their achievements and contributions to society.

A press release issued by Murjanatu Musa Maidawa Chief Press Secretary to the First Lady, said that the First Lady Haj Aisha Bala Mohammed (Sarauniyar Bauchi ) emphasized the importance of recognizing the critical roles women are playing in shaping the future of families, communities, and nations.

Mohammed highlighted the strength, resilience, and determination of women, noting that, despite the challenges they face, women continue to rise and contribute meaningfully to society.

“This day serves as a reminder of the invaluable contributions that women make in every aspect of life. “From leaders to caregivers, educators to innovators, women are the cornerstone of progress and the driving force behind change in our society”, said Haj Aisha Bala Mohammed.

The First Lady also acknowledged the significance of this year’s International Women’s Day theme: “Accelerate Action: Reflecting our Commitment to Gender Equality,” which calls for greater inclusion and leadership of women in the fields of innovation and technology.

“As a government, we are committed to ensuring that women in Bauchi State are empowered with access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities.

“Our administration, under the leadership of His Excellency Governor Bala Mohammed, continues to implement programs that provide women with the tools they need to succeed and lead in all aspects of life”, quoted Hajiya Aisha.

Hajiya Mohammed then called on all women in Bauchi State, and around the world, to continue to inspire and uplift one another, while working together to build a future where gender equality is truly achieved.

“As we reflect on the strides we’ve made, let us also acknowledge the work that still lies ahead,” she concluded. “Let us commit to breaking down barriers and building a world where every woman has the opportunity to thrive”, the first lady concludes her message.

Bauchi State Primary Healthcare Board has flag off the activation of nutrition corners and creation of facility gardens at PHCs level as a strategy towards reducing the high burden of malnutrition in the state.

The project, supported by Catalysing Strengthened Policy Action for Healthy Diets and Resilience ( CASCADE ) and Development Exchange Centre(DEC) is going to be implemented in twenty five PHCs across five local government areas of Bauchi, Dass, Jama’are, Ningi and Toro.

Project manager CASCADE, Isaac Ishaya Audu said the activation of the nutrition corners is an outcome of a situational analysis the organization conducted on Frontline health workers where findings indicated low access to nutrition education among women in rural areas.

“The nutrition corners targets pregnant women and lactating mothers who frequently visit the health facilities and the project is using ANC sessions to educate the women on household recipes that they can replicate at home to boost their nutritional status and that of their families”.

Ishaya noted that the creation of facility garden is expected to compliment the nutrition corners and it’s an opportunity for women of reproductive age will get basic knowledge on good agronomy practices.

“We are exploring opportunities to leverage on the facility garden to introduce production related skills like the cultivation of orange flesh potatoes tropical vegetables”.

The project manager noted that these women are expected to get adequate information and training on key nutritional messages to replicate same in their homes.

Executive Chairman,Bauchi State Primary Health Care Board Dr Rilwanu Mohammed said the state has poor indices on malnutrition according to NDHS 2023/2024, noting that it require multi sectoral approach to address it.

“Inflation, ignorance and lack of exclusive breastfeeding are some of the factors contributing to the increase of malnutrition in Bauchi State “.

He appreciated CASCADE for reactivating nutrition corners and the creation of facility gardens in some selected PHCs noting that it will go along way is improving the nutritional status of the people.

State commissioner for Women Affairs and Child Development Zainab Baban Takko reiterates the commitment of the ministry on the healthy wellbeing of women and children. Represented by Habiba Adamu, the commissioner said the nutrition corners will help the women get more information on how to use local crops to prepare balance diets .

She encouraged them to also create small home gardens where they can grow vegetables.

Governor Bala Mohammed has partnered Resident Cement Company Limited to effectively utilize the rich solid minerals that abound in the State.

Flagging office the drilling campaign for the exploration of cement at Diji Village, Gwana District of Alkaleri Local Government Area, Governor Bala Mohammed reiterated his administration’s commitment to opening up the State for business.

He assured the company of adequate security of their lives and investments, stressing that the the multi million naira investment would benefit the state and the country. He commended the Federal Government and other relevant stakeholders for the partnership.

Group Chairman Resident cement company Limited Dr. Abbas Waziri Junaid assured the company’s readiness to ensure a successful exploration of cement in the solid mineral rich area of Gwana District.

The state commissioner of natural resources development Mohammed Maiwada Bello said the ground breaking ceremony marked a significant milestone in Governor Bala Mohammed quest to unbundle the huge mineral resources that abound in the state and commended Governor Bala Mohammed for his support to the ministry.

Other speakers at the ceremony included Emir of Bauchi Alhaji Rilwanu Sulaiman Adamu and some stakeholders who described the project as a productive venture that could improve the economic status of the community and State at large.

Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, has launched the 2025 Irrigation Agriculture Support Program, aimed at enhancing food security and promoting economic growth in the state.

The program, which was launched at Zungur village in Bauchi local government, is designed to support farmers during dry season by providing them with critical inputs and equipment.

The Governor, Represented by his Deputy, Auwal Muhammad Jatau emphasized the importance of maximizing the state’s fertile and abundant natural resources to promote year-round agriculture, production, and farming.

He noted that the program is not only focused on addressing immediate challenges but also on securing the state’s agricultural future.

The Governor announced that the state government will provide direct support to farmers by distributing critical inputs and equipment, including certified seeds, improved varieties of crops, fertilizers, and irrigation equipment.

He also emphasized the need for mechanization of agriculture, stating that the government will provide tractors and other modern equipment to enhance productivity.

Mohammed called on traditional rulers, community leaders, and stakeholders to encourage farmers to participate actively in the program, also invited private investors and financial institutions to collaborate with the state government in expanding agricultural mechanization, improving credit access, and enhancing market opportunities.

The Governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting farmers and ensuring a prosperous and food-secure Bauchi State.

He urged all stakeholders to work together to make the program a success, saying “Let us all work together to make this program a success, go out and farm, and grow a brighter future.”

The Wife of the Bauchi State Governor, H/E Aisha Bala has distributed starter packs to over 700 small scale business owners across the twenty local government areas of Bauchi state through her Non governmental organisation Which according to her is in a bid to strengthen financial independence of the most vulnerable citizens of the state.

According to H/E Aisha Bala, Small Businesses are the backbone of Economy in any developing world.

The Governor’s wife said, the initiative is not only to provide an avenue for financial independence but also a sense of hope and purpose in a most challenging moment like this where hardship is on the increase almost on a daily basis.

She said, while empowering the youths and women, there’s a need to acknowledge the challenges that can hinder progress particularly drug abuse.

The distribution exercise of the starter packs to small scale businesses had in attendance, local government chairman, representative of benefiting groups of youths and women.

Speaking on behalf of the 20 local government chairmen, the Giade local government chairman usman Sale stressed that the initiative will go a long way in providing financial independence to youths, reiterating the commitment of his colleagues to partner with the Governor’s wife NGO to address the looming rate of poverty in their respective Local governments.

H/E Aisha Bala while stressing the importance of small scale business in the growth of Economy and financial independence, advised Youths to do away with drug abuse and venture into business that will make them self reliant.