From Yagana Ali, Yola

Governorship aspirant under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Salihu Mustapha, has stressed the importance of empowering traditional institutions to strengthen security, promote economic growth, and accelerate grassroots development across Adamawa State.

Mustapha made this statement during a visit to Borong community, where he received a warm welcome from community leaders, youths, and residents.

Speaking during the visit, the APC aspirant said traditional rulers occupy strategic positions in society and should be fully integrated into governance and community development efforts.

According to him, traditional institutions remain critical in maintaining peace, resolving conflict, preserving cultural values, and supporting government efforts in addressing insecurity at the grassroots.

He noted that empowering local communities through their traditional leadership structures would create a more inclusive system capable of driving sustainable development and economic progress.

“Traditional rulers are closer to the people and understand the challenges facing their communities. Strengthening these institutions will go a long way in improving security and fostering development at the grassroots,” Mustapha stated.

The governorship hopeful further assured the people of his commitment to improving infrastructure, supporting local economies, and implementing people-oriented policies aimed at uplifting rural communities.

Responding on behalf of the community, the Murum Bula praised Mustapha for identifying with the people of Borong and described him as a leader with passion for grassroots development.

The traditional ruler expressed confidence that with Mustapha’s personality, experience, and style of leadership, communities across Adamawa State would witness meaningful development if he is elected into office.

He also appealed to the APC governorship aspirant to give priority attention to the road linking Borong community, describing it as a major challenge affecting transportation, trade, and socio-economic activities in the area.

The monarch said rehabilitation of the road would greatly improve the living conditions of residents and open up the community for greater economic opportunities.

By Raphael Atuu, Abuja

Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Muttaqha Rabe Darma, has reaffirmed the commitment of the federal government to transforming Nigeria’s informal settlements into dignified, liveable communities, describing it as a priority of the present administration.

Darma made this commitment during a courtesy visit to his office by the Nigeria Institute of Town Planners (NITP), led by its National President, Dr.

The Minister identified specific areas in Nigeria, such as Makoko in Lagos state, Gishiri in Abuja, some settlements in Kano and Port Harcourt that requires upgrading from slum conditions, pledging that the ministry’s forthcoming urban development policy would prioritise upgrading these areas to make them habitable for the people living there.

Acknowledging that a regional and urban development law enacted in 1992 has yet to be implemented, Minister Darma committed to thoroughly reviewing the law, noting that collaboration with the RegionalDevelopment Ministry would be essential in determining how to achieve full implementation, He also invited the NITP to provide further guidance on the matter.

On encouraging the use of indigenous experts, the Minister reaffirmed the administration’s unwavering commitment to utilising indigenous consultants exclusively, describing this as a deliberate strategy to drive employment, transfer skills, and grow local capacity in the built environment sector.

“The Ministry already trained individually about 2000 of them to get skills in the built environment, and these young people are all over Nigeria applying what they learnt”, he informed.

Addressing the challenge of replacing retired staff earlier mentioned by the guests from NITP, Darma called on professionals and public servants to embrace innovation and Artificial Intelligence (AI), noting that technology would increasingly shape the future of work.

He stressed that AI would not replace people who understand and effectively use technology, encouraging continuous learning and upskilling among professionals.

Responding to the funding request the Minister told the NITP and professional bodies to think outside the box and find ways and means that will keep them on stream as they are considered professionals.

Accordingly, Darma invited the Institute to submit further recommendations and professional input for consideration in the Ministry’s forthcoming strategic development plan.

On the invitation to the upcoming NITP 60th anniversary in October, the Minister offered to attend the event personally, hoping that the already scheduled political activities do not conflict with it.

The National President of the NITP, Dr. Ogbonna Chime, told the minister that their visit was to formally welcome him to the Ministry and reaffirm the Institute’s readiness to work and support the Ministry in achieving its mandate.

He appealed to the Minister to sustain efforts towards the full implementation of the 1992 Urban and Regional Planning Law, describing it as critical to effective physical planning and urban development in the country.

Dr. Ogbonna also called for increased attention to urban development initiatives, engagement of indigenous town planning consultants for government projects, replacement of retired town planners and other built environment professionals in the Ministry, as well as improved funding for regulatory bodies in the sector to strengthen professional standards and reduce unemployment.

He further invited the Minister to the 60th anniversary celebration and 57th International Conference of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners scheduled to hold in Lagos State, in October this year.

Kano Censorship Board Suspends Two Kannywood Actors over Indecent Video

From Aliyu Askira, Kano

The Kano State Censorship Board has slammed a one-year suspension on two Kannywood actors, Amina Uba Hassan and Adam Garba, over a viral video which violates the state’s moral and cultural standards.

A statement issued by Abdullahi Sulaiman for the Executive Secretary of the board, Abba El-Mustapha, said the controversial video triggered widespread criticism from residents who described the content as indecent and unacceptable.

According to the statement, the actors were suspended following their appearance in a video that sparked controversy among residents of Kano State over allegations of indecent content.

The board said the disciplinary action was aimed at protecting societal values and enforcing regulations guiding the Kannywood industry.

“The two actors were suspended after appearing in a video that generated controversy among residents of Kano State over alleged indecent content,” the statement said.

“The suspension bars the actors from participating in any film-related activities in Kano State for one year,” it added.

According to the statement, the censorship agency has legal powers to punish actors and filmmakers found breaching its rules, warning that anyone who ignores the suspension order risks facing stiffer sanctions.

“The law establishing the board empowers it to suspend any Kannywood practitioner found violating its regulations, while defiance of the directive could attract stricter sanctions,” the statement noted.

The board also directed producers and directors in the Hausa film industry to stop engaging the suspended actors in any production during the ban period.

Executive Secretary Abba El-Mustapha warned Kannywood practitioners against acts capable of tarnishing the image of the industry, insisting that filmmakers must operate within the cultural and moral expectations of Kano State.

Amina Uba Hassan was a former wife of popular Kannywood producer Adam Zango, They Have one son named Haidar.