By Our Correspondent

In a vibrant celebration of cultural heritage and an inspiring show of commitment to educational advancement, the Kalki Lapan Unity Foundation for Peace and Development on Friday held its maiden Cultural Day and Education Endowment Fundraising event at the Lapan Pilot Science Primary School, located in Shongom Local Government Area of Gombe State.

The groundbreaking event aimed to raise N100 million for an education endowment fund and drew a large turnout of traditional rulers, political leaders, and members of the Lapan community. Attendees were treated to captivating cultural performances, traditional cuisine, and an exhibition of indigenous artifacts, underscoring the region’s rich heritage.

A Strong Voice for Education

Speaking on behalf of the Chairman of the occasion, Hon. Usman Bello Kumo, Member representing Akko Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, former lawmaker Hon. Simon Elisha Karu commended the Foundation for prioritizing education and grassroots development. He described education as the bedrock of a prosperous society and pledged continued support for educational initiatives in the community.

Chief Fundraiser, Dr. Jerry Dammara, represented by Hon. Zubairu Ayala, emphasized the critical role of youth education in national development. He praised the Foundation’s vision and made a generous donation to the endowment fund while calling on well-to-do individuals and political stakeholders to invest in education and cultural promotion for lasting peace and growth.

Highlighting Achievements and Vision

In his opening remarks, the President of the Foundation, Yone Nehemiah—represented by Dr. Joash Samaje—outlined the Foundation’s achievements since its inception in January 2024. These include campaigns against drug abuse, education and entrepreneurship development, legal and financial empowerment, media and cultural promotion, and environmental sustainability.

Delivering the keynote address, Professor Salisu Ture Rakum provided a rich historical context of the Lapan people. He applauded the Foundation for its unwavering focus on youth development and educational empowerment.

Commitments from Political Leaders

The Member representing Kaltungo/Shongom Federal Constituency, Dr. Obed Paul Shehu, praised the Lapan community for placing education at the forefront of its development agenda. He revealed that earlier in the day, he had disbursed scholarship funds to students from both Kaltungo and Shongom Local Government Areas and assured the audience of ongoing legislative efforts to improve access to education for underprivileged communities.

Shongom LGA Chairperson, Hon. Dr. Fatima Binta Bello, and her Kaltungo counterpart, Mr. Iliya Sulaiman, jointly stressed the importance of preserving culture while investing in education. Dr. Bello announced a collective donation on behalf of herself and the four LGA Chairmen from Gombe South and urged other communities to emulate Lapan’s development strides.

Traditional Endorsements and Government Support

Representing the Father of the Day, HRH Engr. Saleh Muhammad (the Mai Kaltungo and Deputy Chairman, Gombe State Council of Emirs and Chiefs), Alhaji Abubakar Danzaria, alongside the District Head of Shongom, Mr. Dahiru Alfayo Yusuf, described the event as historic. They lauded the unity and commitment of the Lapan people and encouraged them to sustain the momentum.

Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, represented by the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Asma’u Muhammad Iganus, reiterated the state government’s dedication to improving education and preserving cultural identity. He urged the Lapan people to continue fostering peace and unity within their community and neighboring chiefdoms.

A Festival of Unity and Progress

Chairman of the Planning Committee, Captain Maku F.G. Yurkusi, in his closing remarks, expressed heartfelt appreciation to all participants and contributors, declaring the event a resounding success.

Other notable figures, including Talatu Shuaibu Kabul, Engineer Anda Ayuba Kalas (Madallan Kaltungo), and Abubakar Ahmad (Wakilin Wajen Filiya), delivered goodwill messages and pledged continued support for education in the community.

The Kolki cultural troupe, Laku, a celebrated Tangle music and dance group, provided thrilling entertainment that brought the event to a memorable close.

A Tradition with a Purpose

Beyond the performances and fundraising, the Lapan Cultural Day served as a traditional forum for community dialogue. Locals described the gathering as an age-old platform to deliberate on developmental challenges, particularly in education. Past deliberations, they said, had led to the establishment of schools that produced influential figures across Nigeria.

The Lapan community remains open, hospitable, and inclusive—welcoming all residents regardless of tribe or religion. Their unity and drive continue to attract admiration and support from other ethnic and political stakeholders in the region.

As the sun set on a day of colorful festivities and impactful pledges, the message was clear: the future of Lapan rests in education, culture, and collective action.

By Muhammad Yakubu Lele, Dramaturu

In a surprising political development, Hon. Saidu Hassan Jakusko, a prominent member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Yobe State, has tendered his resignation from the party, citing dissatisfaction with the lack of recognition and support for his contributions.

Jakusko, who served as the Director-General of the APC Youth Awareness Council for Mai Mala Buni during the 2019 gubernatorial campaign, announced his decision in a detailed resignation letter made available to journalists. He expressed disappointment over what he described as years of unreciprocated loyalty and sacrifice for the party.

A Legacy of Dedication

Jakusko recounted his active role in securing the victory of Governor Mai Mala Buni in 2019, emphasizing the sacrifices he and his team made during the rigorous campaign. “We worked tirelessly, investing our time, resources, and energy to secure the victory of Hon. Mai Mala Buni,” he wrote. However, he lamented that his efforts were not acknowledged by the government over the past four years.

Despite this, Jakusko remained loyal to the APC, doubling down on his commitment during the 2023 general elections. He claimed to have facilitated the defection of approximately 600 individuals from opposition parties, including the PDP, APGA, AC, and Labour Party, into the APC.

Alleged Neglect and Unfulfilled Expectations

Jakusko alleged that despite his significant contributions to the party, no tangible support or recognition was extended to him or his constituency. “These decampees were presented to the party leadership, including the APC chairman and other top officials,” he noted, yet his efforts failed to yield the expected acknowledgment or assistance.

The perceived neglect appears to have been the final straw, compelling Jakusko to step away from the party he once served with unwavering dedication.

Appreciation and Forward-Looking Vision

In his resignation letter, Jakusko expressed gratitude to the APC leadership and members in Yobe State for their collaboration over the years. He reaffirmed his commitment to the principles of democracy and the development of his community, even as he embarks on a new political path.

Jakusko’s resignation marks a significant moment for the APC in Yobe State, given his influential role and the political capital he has built over the years. His departure raises questions about internal dynamics within the party and could signal potential challenges in retaining grassroots loyalty.

Implications for Yobe APC

Political analysts suggest that Jakusko’s exit could weaken the APC’s grassroots mobilization efforts in Yobe State, particularly given his history of rallying support across political divides. The move also underscores broader issues of internal dissatisfaction that the APC may need to address to maintain cohesion ahead of future elections.

As Hon. Saidu Hassan Jakusko moves on, the political landscape in Yobe State is set for a potential shift, with both his supporters and critics closely watching his next moves. For now, the APC leadership in the state has yet to issue a formal response to his resignation.

The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) has voiced strong opposition to the controversial tax reform bill recently presented by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the National Assembly. The organization raised concerns over several provisions in the bill, calling for a thorough review before it is passed into law.

At a town hall meeting held on January 6, 2025, at Gombe State University, Comrade Jamilu Charanchi, the National Coordinator of CNG, outlined the contentious aspects of the bill and urged the Federal Government to provide Nigerians with a clear report on the outcomes of the fuel subsidy removal, as well as a transparent account of how the savings have been utilized.

Speaking at the event, Professor Abubakar Sadiq from the Federal University of Kashere echoed similar concerns, criticizing the government for pushing forward with the bill despite significant opposition from across the country. He stressed that the proposed tax reforms could place undue pressure on Nigerians already facing economic challenges.

The meeting, themed “Tax Reform: A Catalyst for Economic Growth or a Burden on Nigerians,” drew significant participation from civil society organizations and regional representatives. An overwhelming 99% of attendees expressed their opposition to the bill, highlighting widespread dissatisfaction among the public.

Comrade Muhammad Usman Deba, the CNG’s Coordinator for Gombe State, further emphasized the potential negative impact of the tax reform on Northern states. Deba noted that while the bill aims to boost national revenue, it risks disproportionately benefiting Southern states, particularly those with higher economic activities, such as Lagos. This imbalance could reduce the revenue shares allocated to Northern states, exacerbating existing economic disparities and potentially leading to migration and social unrest.

Deba also criticized the lack of data-driven policymaking and transparency, urging the government to provide solid evidence supporting the proposed changes. He called for a more inclusive approach, with a transparent and equitable revenue-sharing formula that involves consultations with stakeholders from all regions.

The CNG concluded by urging the Nigerian Senate to halt deliberations on the bill and engage in more consultations to ensure the reform promotes national unity and balanced development. They emphasized the need for a fair tax system that ensures no region is marginalized in the pursuit of economic growth.