By David Torough, Abuja

In a deliberate move to improve water accessibility, the Nasarawa State Government has approved an investment exceeding N1 billion aimed at enhancing water supply infrastructure in the Nasarawa West Senatorial District.The General Manager of the Nasarawa State Water Board, Dr.

Abubakar Kana, disclosed this development during an interview with journalists in Kaduna. Kana’s announcement followed his receipt of the “Most Outstanding Visionary Public Servant” award at a ceremony organized by Authentic News Daily, held at the historic Arewa House. The event attracted a diverse audience, including top government officials, members of the State and National Assemblies, religious leaders, business executives and representatives from civil society organizations.Kana emphasized that this substantial investment underscores the government’s commitment to addressing water scarcity issues and improving the quality of life for residents in the region.

By David Torough, Abuja

Former First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan has declared she has no intention of returning to Aso Rock, affirming instead her full support for First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu as the nation heads towards the 2027 general elections.Speaking on Saturday night in Abuja, where she received the Women Icon Leader of the Year 2025 award from Accolade Dynamics Limited, Jonathan reaffirmed her support for the principle of rotational leadership, describing the “turn-by-turn” system as vital to maintaining national unity.

rMrs Jonathan’s remarks in Abuja may put an end to speculations that her husband, the former President , Goodluck Jonathan may be eyeing the office he vacated in 2015.“I believe in one president. I believe in turn-by-turn. When it’s your turn, I will support you. When it’s not your turn, step back—so that the country can move forward,” she said.She addressed the crowd while acknowledging the presence of Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, daughter of President Bola Tinubu and the Iyaloja-General of Nigeria.“I was supposed to call her first, but I saved her for last: the daughter of our wonderful President, the President of Nigeria, the one and only we believe in — President Bola Tinubu. Iyaloja, thank you for standing with women because these are your women. Carry them along; they are with you.“All the way, we are with you. No shaking. We will follow. Direct us, and we will follow. Because there is only one president at a time. We don’t have two presidents. I am outspoken — if I don’t like something, I will say it. But if I like something, I die for it.”Reflecting on her longstanding bond with Senator Remi Tinubu, Jonathan revealed that their relationship dates back to their days as wives of state governors and deputies, long before either entered Aso Rock.“I didn’t just know her (Senator Oluremi Tinubu) just because she’s the First Lady, no. We worked together. We worked as a group.“We are groups. We worked when I was a deputy governor’s wife. We worked when I was a governor’s wife. I know her. I talked with Oluremi. Even when my husband was the vice president, Oluremi stood with her husband and supported us during our first election. They supported us. So, for me, I have a conscience. I cannot abandon my friend, whether you like it or not.”She reiterated her commitment to standing by the First Lady and dismissed any speculation about a political comeback.“I stand by my friend. My friend is great. I told her I would campaign with her. I’m not denying her. I’m not running. I’m not going back to the villa. If you call me, I will not go.“I say it every day. Don’t you like how young I look? People say, ‘Mama, you are young, you are young!’ it is because I have a rest of mind, yes. I don’t want to go there—let my friend be there. Let me also ‘wahala’ her the way she used to ‘wahala’ me when I was there! Let me also tease her. And until she comes out, she will be young. But for now, she won’t be young.”The former First Lady also used the occasion to advocate for the 35 percent affirmative action for women in governance, expressing disappointment over the National Assembly’s repeated rejection of gender equality bills.“During Obasanjo’s time, we worked for it, and the Executive approved 35 per cent. My husband also maintained it. But when it comes to elective positions, the men dominate and shut us out. May God touch their hearts to understand that we are their mothers, sisters, and friends. We are not trying to take power from them—we are trying to support them.”While accepting her award, Jonathan emphasised that the recognition symbolizes the collective effort of many who have championed the welfare of women.“I am deeply humbled to receive this prestigious Women Icon Leader of the Year 2025 award. I accept this honour not just as a personal recognition, but as a testament to the tireless efforts of countless women and men who have worked alongside me to promote good health and economic development for women in Nigeria and beyond.”

By David Torough, Abuja

The Peoples Democratic Party Young Leaders Alliance (PDP- YLA) has issued an apology and retracted its protest against Nigeria’s Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, over allegations of misappropriation of funds during his tenure as Zamfara State governor.

The group had staged a demonstration on Friday at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) headquarters in Abuja, urging the anti-graft agency to investigate the minister.

In a statement released on Saturday, PDP-YLA spokesperson Muhammed Usman admitted the protest was based on “misleading and politically motivated information.”

He described the allegations as a “deliberate smear campaign” orchestrated by political opponents to tarnish Matawalle’s reputation and distract him from his national duties.

“I was misled by exaggerated claims aimed at discrediting the minister,” Usman said, urging Nigerians to disregard the narrative.

The PDP-YLA called on Nigerians to focus on Matawalle’s contributions to national security under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

“The group also commended Tinubu’s nation-building efforts and urged citizens to support initiatives aimed at repositioning Nigeria for development”.

Speaking further, he noted that the Zamfara State Government is planning another protest and promised to give us 50 million naira just to tarnish Matawalle’s name, but we rejected it.

Their fear is nothing but the issue of a state of emergency, and they are doing everything possible to distract the people’s attention from it. That is why they’re busy mentioning Matawalle’s name everywhere.