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 Abubakar Rabilu

For many secondary school girls in Yobe State, menstruation is more than a natural biological process—it is a significant challenge that disrupts their education.

A lack of access to sanitary pads forces many girls to miss school during their periods, leading to reduced academic performance, lower self-esteem, and limited opportunities to succeed.

To address this issue, Amb. Fatima Mohd Paga, the Focal Person of UN Women to the Executive Governor of Yobe State, is advocating for the establishment of Sanitary Pad Banks in secondary schools.

These Pad Banks aim to provide free or subsidized menstrual hygiene products, ensuring that no girl’s education is interrupted by her period.

“This initiative is about more than just hygiene,” Amb. Fatima emphasized. “It’s about giving girls the tools they need to stay in school, build their confidence, and achieve their dreams without unnecessary obstacles.”

She explained that many girls resort to unsafe alternatives like cloth, tissue, or newspaper when sanitary pads are unavailable. These makeshift options often lead to infections and other health complications, further affecting their ability to focus on education. Providing safe, reliable menstrual products, she stressed, is vital for protecting their health and dignity.

In addition to addressing hygiene needs, Amb. Fatima highlighted the broader impact of Sanitary Pad Banks. Such initiatives normalize discussions about menstruation, breaking harmful taboos and fostering a supportive school environment. By openly addressing menstrual health, schools can create a culture of awareness and acceptance, ensuring that no girl feels ashamed or isolated during her period.

“A Sanitary Pad Bank is a simple yet transformative solution,” she noted. “It ensures that girls are not held back by something as natural as menstruation. It’s a declaration of care and equality, showing that society values their education and well-being.”

Amb. Fatima called on government officials, educators, and community leaders to prioritize menstrual hygiene as part of their educational policies and programs.

She emphasized that the benefits of such an initiative extend beyond academic performance to include improved health outcomes and stronger self-confidence for young girls.

By ensuring access to sanitary pads, Yobe State can take a critical step toward empowering its girls and removing barriers to their success. This call for action is a vital step toward a future where every girl has the opportunity to learn, thrive, and achieve her full potential.

By Our Correspondent

The Mai Kaltungo, Engineer Saleh Muhammad, who also serves as the Deputy Chairman of the Gombe State Council of Emirs and Chiefs, has called on the people of Kaltungo Chiefdom to prioritize both Islamic and Western education. He further urged sons and daughters of Kaltungo Local Government Area to invest in their hometowns to foster development and improve the lives of their communities.

The call was made during the 2025 Eid-el-Fitr celebration held at the Mai Kaltungo Palace, where Engineer Saleh Muhammad emphasized the importance of education in empowering the youth and promoting growth. He encouraged indigenes of Kaltungo to contribute to the development of the area by establishing businesses and supporting local initiatives.

Also speaking at the event, the Chairman of Kaltungo Local Government Council, Dr. Iliya Sulaiman, urged the people of Kaltungo Chiefdom to live in peace and harmony with one another. He called on the Muslim Ummah to continue praying for peace in the community and the nation at large. Dr. Sulaiman prayed that Allah (SWT) would accept their Ibadah during the holy month of Ramadan.

The two-rakat Eid prayers, marking the end of Ramadan, were led by the Chief Imam of Kaltungo, Sheikh Muhammad Hamman Joda, who prayed for peace, unity, and prosperity for Kaltungo Chiefdom and Nigeria as a whole.

The celebration attracted the District Head, village heads, and thousands of residents who gathered at the Mai Kaltungo Palace. The event featured colorful cultural displays, showcasing the rich heritage and traditions of the Kaltungo people.

The 2025 Eid-el-Fitr celebration in Kaltungo Chiefdom was a memorable occasion marked by unity, cultural pride, and renewed calls for progress and development.