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Zamfara Govt Weds 200 Widows, Orphans in Grand Social Intervention
The Zamfara State Government, through the Zakkat and Endowment Board, has sponsored the mass wedding of 200 female orphans, widows, and less-privileged women as part of its 2025 social intervention programmes.
The event, held on Monday, also marked the conclusion of the board’s annual activities, which included business grants, debt relief support, poultry production training, and computer literacy programmes.
Speaking at the occasion, the First Lady of Zamfara State, Huriyya Dauda Lawal, said the initiative reflects the government’s commitment to improving the welfare of widows, orphans, and other vulnerable citizens.
She disclosed that her office also provided essential household items to support the newly married couples.
“For the fourth quarter of 2025, the Zakkat Board has successfully delivered a series of life-changing interventions. These include supporting the marriage of 200 female orphans with essential household items such as furniture, bedding, and a ₦200,000 dowry to enable them start their marital lives with dignity,” she said.
She added that other interventions included the settlement of debt-related cases across Shari’ah courts and correctional centres, giving deserving individuals a second chance to rebuild their lives.
“Business grants of ₦50,000 each were given to 200 small-scale traders, many of whom are widows, orphans, and caregivers, boosting their capacity to earn a livelihood. Additionally, 100 individuals received poultry production training along with starter packs to establish their businesses, while 10 orphans were trained in computer literacy and provided with mini computers to enhance their future opportunities,” the First Lady said.
The Executive Secretary of the Zamfara State Zakkat and Endowment Board, Habib Balarabe, explained that the initiative aims to reduce poverty and curb street begging by equipping vulnerable families with resources to establish stable homes.
“We organise this event specifically for the less-privileged in Zamfara. We organised it to marry 200 orphans and also provide empowerment programmes such as business grants to help them become self-reliant,” Balarabe said.
Seventeen-year-old Zainab Mohammed, one of the newlywed brides, expressed her gratitude to the state government, saying she preferred marriage over returning to school.
“Honestly, I thank Almighty God and Prophet Mohammed, may the peace of God be upon him. I am very happy. I am not an orphan, and honestly, I prefer marriage to going back to school,” she said.
As part of the intervention, each couple received furniture and a cash gift of ₦30,000. The 100 beneficiaries who completed poultry production training also received starter packs to help them establish small-scale poultry businesses.
The Kano State House of Assembly has initiated impeachment proceedings against Deputy Governor Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo over allegations of gross misconduct, abuse of office, and breach of public trust.
The notice was presented yesterday during plenary by the Majority Leader, Lawan Hussaini Dala, who said the action follows Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Dala said the allegations stem from Abdussalam’s tenure as Commissioner for Local Government (2023–2024) and his current role as deputy governor. He accused the deputy governor of diverting funds meant for the 44 local government councils.
According to the majority leader, Abdussalam allegedly received N1.5 million monthly from each council between June 2023 and January 2024, totaling N462 million. Between February and July 2024, he allegedly collected N3.255 million monthly from each council under the guise of special assignments, amounting to N726 million.
Dala also accused the deputy governor of abuse of office, claiming he facilitated payments of N10 million from each council to NovoMed Pharmaceuticals Limited, totaling N440 million, in violation of state procurement laws.
“The misuse of official capacity to confer undue advantage constitutes abuse of power and undermines public trust,” Dala told lawmakers, adding that the allegations amount to gross misconduct under the Constitution.
The impeachment notice was reportedly endorsed by 38 lawmakers, meeting the constitutional threshold to proceed. The Speaker has acknowledged receipt, and the House is expected to serve the allegations on the deputy governor.
If approved, a panel may be constituted by the state Chief Judge to investigate the claims.
As of filing, Abdussalam had yet to respond publicly to the allegations.
The Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, on Wednesday inaugurated a seven-member committee on the establishment of state police, giving it four weeks to submit its report.
The inauguration was held during his maiden conference with senior police officers at the Peacekeeping Conference Centre, Force Headquarters, Abuja.
Charging members of the panel to discharge their duties with professionalism and objectivity, Disu described the assignment as “both significant and timely,” noting that it would shape the framework through which state policing may operate in Nigeria.
“In carrying out this assignment, your deliberations must be guided by professionalism, objectivity, and a clear appreciation of the unique complexities of policing a diverse nation such as our own,” the IGP said.
He stated that if properly designed and effectively implemented, state policing holds significant potential benefits for the country.
“By bringing law enforcement closer to communities, state police institutions can deepen local knowledge of security dynamics and enable quicker and more targeted responses to emerging threats,” he added.
The committee is expected to review existing policing models within and outside Nigeria, assess community security needs and emerging risks, and propose an operational framework for the establishment and coordination of state police structures.
It will also address issues relating to recruitment, training, standards and resource allocation, as well as develop accountability and oversight mechanisms to ensure professionalism and public trust.
The panel is chaired by Olu Ogunsakin, with Bode Ojajuni as secretary. Other members are Emmanuel Ojukwu, Okebechi Agora, Suleyman Gulma, Ikechukwu Okafor and Tolulope Ipinmisho.
Disu said the committee had about four weeks to conclude its assignment and submit a comprehensive report.
The move marks one of the first major steps taken by the new police chief since his appointment and confirmation a few days ago.
The development comes amid rising security concerns across the country, with several stakeholders advocating state policing as part of measures to tackle insecurity.
President Bola Tinubu had earlier asked the National Assembly to commence the process of amending relevant laws to pave the way for the creation of state police.
President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday swore in Olatunji Disu as the Inspector-General of Police (IGP).
Disu took the oath of office at the Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, shortly before the commencement of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting.
The President also administered the oath of office to six commissioners of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) and two commissioners of the Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC).
The ceremonies were witnessed by ministers, senior government officials and family members of the appointees.
The council meeting began shortly after the swearing-in.
In attendance were Vice President Kashim Shettima; the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu; and the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs EsthMrs.Walson-Jack.
Disu was appointed acting IGP on February 25, 2026, by President Tinubu, following the resignation of former IGP Kayode Egbetokun.
His appointment was subsequently endorsed by the Nigeria Police Council (NPC).
The former Assistant Inspector-General of Police assumed office last Wednesday.
He previously served as Assistant Inspector-General in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Alagbon, Lagos, after his promotion to the rank last year.
A former head of the Lagos Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Disu has pledged to deliver accountable, modern and professional policing.
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