The Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has distributed employment letters to 1,038 newly recruited agricultural extension workers, warning them against corrupt practices and urging them to serve the state with diligence and honesty.

The Governor who disclosed this at the ceremony in Kano, described the recruitment as a fulfilment of his campaign promises and a strategic step toward enhancing food security and boosting family incomes across the state.

“Today is a day of renewed opportunity and fulfilment of our campaign promise. These jobs will not only support food security but also provide income for thousands of Kano families,” he said.

The Governor explained that although Kano already leads the country in the number of extension agents, the state still requires more to meet the rising demands of modern agriculture.

“We need more trained extension workers who will serve their communities, support our farmers, and help transform our agricultural sector,” he added.

Governor Yusuf warned the new employees to avoid corruption, absenteeism, and indolence, stressing that the recruitment was not an avenue for looting public funds.

“This appointment is not merely a job, but a call to service. You must stand out by rejecting temptation and social vices. The employment is meant to serve, not to siphon the little treasury of the state,” he cautioned.

He acknowledged that insecurity has hindered agricultural activity in many parts of the country, but noted that farmers in Kano are still active, thanks to ongoing government support.

“While insecurity has disrupted farming in many states, Kano remains stable. Our farmers are doing their best, and we are giving them all the necessary support,” he said.

Governor Yusuf also highlighted major agricultural investments, including the construction of a two-kilometre earth dam aimed at cultivating three million hectares of farmland, with 500,000 hectares earmarked for irrigation.

“The new dam project will support 2,800 additional hectares of irrigation land. This is part of our effort to double existing farmland and empower a new generation of agricultural field workers,” he explained.

He reminded the recruits that many senior officials in the state civil service today began as beneficiaries of similar initiatives under the Kwankwaso administration in 2001.

“Many permanent secretaries today are products of such initiatives. In 15 years, you too can rise to those positions if you remain committed and disciplined,” he said.

Governor Yusuf further disclosed that in the coming months, his administration plans to employ 5,000 youths and 3,900 teachers, while 1,500 lecturers will be recruited into tertiary institutions.

“A few months ago, we awarded 600 foreign scholarships to Kano indigenes. We are taking care of them, and we will continue to invest in human capital development,” he said.

PIAK

The Anambra State Government has approved infrastructure contracts worth ₦3.6 billion for critical projects across roads, power, education, water, and sanitation in various parts of the state.

The announcement was made in a statement by the Commissioner for Information, Law Mefor, following the 17th meeting of the Anambra State Executive Council (ANSEC), held at the Government House, Awka.

Mefor also disclosed that the Council restored the original name of Abakaliki Street in Awka, reversing its 2018 renaming to Club Road by a previous administration.

“At the 17th Executive Council Meeting held on July 30, 2025, the Council took several far-reaching decisions, including the restoration of Abakaliki Street to preserve its historical significance

“This decision underscores the government’s commitment to cultural preservation and the oneness of the Igbo ethnic identity, which transcends state boundaries.” he said

Approved infrastructure projects include:

Road Construction: 3.2 km Nri–Agbanagbo–Nimo Road to be executed by Lebtech Construction Ltd at ₦1.65 billion.

Education Infrastructure: One-storey student centre at Nwafor Orizu College of Education, Nsugbe, awarded to Ozoh United Ventures Nigeria Ltd for ₦596.76 million.

Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH):

• Facilities at Nkwo Umunze and environs (Lots 1 & 2) at ₦177.67 million.

• WASH upgrades at Chief Jerome Udoji State Secretariat, Awka, awarded to Kennolly Enterprises for ₦172.66 million.

Power and Renewable Energy:

• Solar home systems, solar streetlights, and earthing systems at ABS facilities (Lots 1 & 2) at ₦420.63 million.

• Two 500 KVA transformers at ₦92.15 million.

• Solar-powered boreholes and rehabilitation of five existing boreholes at COOU, Uli Campus, by Annexe Associates Ltd for ₦177.28 million.

• Hybrid-powered water system for Nwafor Orizu College of Education awarded to Kolc Ventures at ₦209.27 million.

Healthcare Support: Electrical and mechanical system installation at General Hospital, Anaku, by Rolgard Integrated Projects for ₦56.27 million.

Mefor noted that power infrastructure for the Anambra Mixed-Use Industrial City is nearing completion, marking a major step toward launching the long-anticipated Anambra Industrial Park.

“These investments reflect the government’s commitment to inclusive infrastructure development that will improve the quality of life for residents and boost economic activities across the state,” he added.

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The Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB) has extended the deadline for its ongoing paramilitary recruitment exercise by one week.

The application portal, originally scheduled to close on Monday, August 4, 2025, will now remain open until Monday, August 11, 2025.

According to a statement signed by the Board Secretary, Retired Major General Abdulmalik Jibril, the extension is intended to give more applicants a chance to participate in the exercise.

“Applicants are hereby reminded that the authentic portal address remains https://recruitment.cdcfib.gov.ng,” he stated.

Jibril also emphasised that the entire recruitment process is free and warned against any attempt to extort money from applicants.

“The Board wishes to reiterate that its recruitment process is free of charge and remains committed to ensuring a fair and transparent process,” he added.

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The Anambra State Government has issued a strong warning against the spread of fake and unverified reports, particularly claims suggesting that state officials demand bribes for contract allocations.

Commissioner for Information, Law Mefor, in a statement released Monday, described the allegations as “malicious propaganda” and reaffirmed that all contracts awarded by the state follow due process.

Addressing a specific claim involving Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) in Nnewi North, Mefor clarified that Mr. Austine Jideofor, the Supervisor on Special Duties and Head of IGR for the local government, is “diligently carrying out his responsibilities” in line with the law.

He explained that ₦100 million was released to a contractor as proof of capability, while the ₦40 million cited in media reports was a refund to a previous contractor who failed to meet project standards.

Also reacting, the Mayor of Nnewi North, Echezona Anazodo, dismissed the bribery rumours and insisted that only qualified companies with proven capacity are considered for contracts.

“The Solution Government is committed to delivering the dividends of democracy to the people of Anambra. Every contractor must adhere to timelines established for their projects; Nnewi North will not be an exception,” Anazodo stated.

Commissioner Mefor warned that the state would no longer tolerate attempts to incite fear and insecurity among citizens, especially market traders, through the use of fake news.

“This is nothing short of propaganda, likely orchestrated by individuals intent on promoting insecurity in Anambra for reasons only they understand,” he said, adding that culprits will face legal action to the full extent of the law.

PIAK