Economy
Uba Sani: North Has Enough Human Resources To Solve Its Problems
Uba Sani: North Has Enough Human Resources To Solve Its Problems
Uba Sani, the governor of Kaduna, says the northern region has sufficient human capital to address its developmental challenges if its elites unite and provide coordinated leadership.
The governor spoke when the leadership of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), led by Bashir Dalhatu, Wazirin Dutse, paid him a courtesy visit.
He noted that the ACF’s current leadership has renewed its sense of direction.
“For years, we have repeatedly spoken about our challenges — poverty, education gaps, healthcare deficits, and other development issues,” he said.
“I believe we have reached a point where we must stop complaining and start acting.” The governor stressed that the north has accomplished professionals and entrepreneurs whose expertise can be mobilised for regional development.
“We have many successful northern professionals across different fields — business, academia, entrepreneurship, medicine, and others; the missing link is bringing everyone together,” he explained.
“The ACF can help bridge that gap, by enabling us to benefit from their collective experience, achievements and resources, to benefit our people.”
Sani praised ACF’s plan to create a central endowment fund and urged that skills acquisition be a core priority to “make our people self-reliant.”
He expressed concern that a large number of northerners remain financially excluded because they lack bank accounts, limiting their access to government support programmes.
Sani recalled that one of his first actions in office was signing the first executive order on financial inclusion, which he said helped onboard more than 2.1 million vulnerable residents into the financial system within a year.
He also encouraged northern investors to channel funds into the financial sector to support small and medium-sized enterprises across the region.
He revealed that over 60 percent of local governments in the north do not have a single bank branch.
“Today, as we are speaking, there are over 4,000 branches of national banks in Nigeria,” he noted.
“But only Kaduna and Kano states have about 100 branches.
“But if you go to some states in the south that are not even up to 20% of the population of Kano state, they have more bank branches than Kano state, which has 44 local governments.”
The governor said ACF remains a credible platform for addressing the region’s challenges because it is a neutral, non-partisan organisation.
He added that the absence of collaboration between ACF, northern state governments, and political leaders had weakened the forum’s efforts in the past, but noted that the new leadership is steering a fresh approach.
He commended ACF for reaching out to groups such as Afenifere and Ohaneze Ndigbo to strengthen inter-regional understanding.
Earlier, Dalhatu, chairman of the ACF board of trustees, said the delegation visited Sir Kashim Ibrahim House to formally inform the governor about the forum’s upcoming 25th anniversary celebration scheduled to be held in Kaduna from November 20 to 22. He thanked Sani for the support he has provided to the ACF since assuming office.
“Since its establishment, the ACF operated from offices belonging to the Kaduna state government,” the chairman stated. “When you assumed office, you graciously allocated the property to us permanently.
“We sincerely appreciate this generosity; for the first time, we are operating from premises we can call our own.”
Dalhatu announced that Vice-President Kashim Shettima will be the special guest at the event and added that ministers from the northern region are expected to attend.
“As chief host, your excellency, we also seek your support in inviting your colleagues to give the celebration greater weight, productivity, and opportunities for meaningful exchange of ideas,” he told the governor.
He said the ACF had “reached out to socio-cultural groups in both the north and the south” and invited respected independent figures to foster broader dialogue and cohesion.”
Uba Sani
“We want to begin sustained dialogue with our brothers and sisters in the South, to share experiences and learn from each other, all in the spirit of promoting a strong, united Nigeria,” he said.
Dalhatu said the forum had met with Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, the Sultan of Sokoto, who pledged to mobilise traditional rulers across northern states.
“We have engaged the leadership of Jumma’at mosques, the Deputy President of the Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives and other officials,” he added.
“We have circulated notices to state chapters across the region.”
Eid-el-Fitr: NRC Sets To Run Three Lagos–Ibadan Train Trips Monday
Eid-el-Fitr: NRC sets to run three Lagos–Ibadan train trips Monday. He assured passengers of NRC’s continued commitment to safe, reliable, and efficient rail services.
This was contained in a statement issued on Friday in Lagos by NRC chief public relations officer, Callistus Unyimadu.
He said the additional trip was in response to high passenger turnout during the Eid-el-Fitr travel period.
“The extra trip is aimed at easing passenger movement and providing more travel options for commuters returning after the Eid-el-Fitr celebrations.
“Under the schedule, departures from Lagos (Mobolaji Johnson Station, Ebute Metta) will be at 7.45 a.m., 1.40 p.m., and 4.00 p.m.
“From Ibadan (Obafemi Awolowo Station, Moniya), trains will depart at 8.00 a.m., 10.50 a.m., and 4.30 p.m.,” he said.
Mr Unyimadu assured passengers of NRC’s continued commitment to safe, reliable, and efficient rail services.
NRC Sets To Run Three Lagos–Ibadan Train Trips Monday
He advised travellers to arrive early, comply with ticketing and security procedures, and plan their journeys.
“The corporation appreciates the continued patronage of its services and wishes all passengers a safe and pleasant journey,” he added.
UBA, BII Sign Letter Of Intent To Explore Trade Finance Collaboration Across Africa
United Bank for Africa (UK) Limited (“UBA UK”) and British International Investment plc (“BII”), the UK’s development finance institution and impact investor, announced that they have signed a letter of intent to develop trade finance collaboration opportunities.
The proposed initiative aims to expand access to trade and working capital facilities for businesses operating across Africa.
Access to trade finance remains one of the most significant structural constraints on African trade. Businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises, are frequently unable to secure letters of credit, guarantees, and supply chain finance on commercially viable terms, limiting their capacity to export and import competitively. This trade finance gap is estimated by the African Development Bank to be over USD 80 billion annually.
To help close this gap, UBA UK, the London subsidiary of UBA Group, Africa’s Global Bank, will leverage its deep relationships across the Group’s 20-country African network to originate and structure trade finance transactions. While BII, with a mandate to support productive, sustainable, and inclusive growth across Africa, can support transactions that might otherwise fall outside conventional commercial appetite.
“The signing of this letter with BII represents a landmark moment for UBA UK and for the UBA Group’s global ambitions. As the Group’s hub for Trade Operations, UBA UK is uniquely positioned to connect African businesses with the international financial system. Working alongside BII, we can extend that capability further — mobilising capital where it matters most and helping to close the trade finance gap that holds back so much African potential,” said Lok Mishra, Chief Executive Officer, UBA UK
“British International Investment is committed to catalysing private sector growth across Africa, and trade finance is a critical enabler of that growth. We welcome the opportunity to collaborate with UBA Group, whose pan-African network and deep institutional relationships can help advance our ambition to expand access to trade and working capital finance, particularly in frontier markets,” Chris Chijiuitomi, Managing Director and Head of Africa
The announcement builds on growing momentum around intra-African trade facilitated by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which entered into force in 2021 and represents one of the world’s most significant trade integration initiatives. Both institutions have identified the operationalisation of AfCFTA as a priority catalyst for a trade finance facility, with UBA UK’s network across major AfCFTA economies offering a basis for supporting businesses navigating the emerging continental market.
This also complements the UK Government’s broader engagement with African economic development, including commitments made at the UK-Africa Investment Summit, and reinforces the City of London’s role as a leading international finance centre for Africa-focused capital mobilisation.
Future cooperation remains subject to further assessment, due diligence and the completion of internal approvals by both parties.
ABOUT UNITED BANK FOR AFRICA (UK) LIMITED
UBA UK is the London-based subsidiary of United Bank for Africa Plc, one of Africa’s leading financial institutions with operations across 20 African countries, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, France, and the United Arab Emirates. UBA UK serves as the Group’s hub for Trade Operations, providing a comprehensive suite of trade finance, treasury, and correspondent banking services to institutional and corporate clients worldwide.
UBA
ABOUT UNITED BANK FOR AFRICA GROUP
United Bank for Africa is one of the largest employers in the financial sector on the African continent, with 25,000 employees group-wide and serving over 45 million customers globally. Operating in twenty African countries, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, France and the United Arab Emirates, UBA provides retail, commercial and institutional banking services, leading financial inclusion and implementing cutting-edge technology.
ABOUT BRITISH INTERNATIONAL INVESTMENT
British International Investment is the UK’s development finance institution and impact investor. The organisation invests in businesses in developing countries to improve people’s lives and help protect the planet. BII’s work targets the underlying causes of poverty and the climate crisis, helping countries break free from aid dependency for good.
Between 2022-2026, at least 30 per cent of BII’s total new commitments by value will be in climate finance. BII is also a founding member of the 2X Challenge which has raised over $33.6 billion to empower women’s economic development.
The company has investments in over 1,600 businesses across 66 countries and total net assets of £9.87 billion. For more information, visit: www.bii.co.uk | watch here. Follow British International Investment on LinkedIn, Bluesky and X.
Eid-el-Fitr: President Tinubu Felicitates Muslims, Urges Renewed Unity, Patriotism
Eid-el-Fitr: President Tinubu felicitates Muslims, urges renewed unity, patriotism. Mr Tinubu called on Muslims to reflect on the spiritual lessons of Ramadan.
The president urged them to renew commitment to national unity, peaceful coexistence, and service to humanity as they celebrate the festival across the country on Friday.
This is contained in a statement issued by presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, on Thursday in Abuja.
Mr Tinubu called on Muslims to reflect on the spiritual lessons of Ramadan, noting that the holy month teaches discipline, sacrifice, compassion, and devotion to God and humanity.
He said: “We have a lot to draw from the noble lessons of Ramadan, especially at a time like this.
“We must continue to abide by the virtues of piety, selflessness, perseverance, kindness and compassion beyond this period.”
The president emphasised the need for Nigerians to remain united across religious and ethnic lines, stressing that national cohesion remains vital for sustainable peace and development.
He urged Muslims to extend acts of kindness and charity to the less privileged, irrespective of religious or ethnic background, in line with the enduring values of Islam.
Mr Tinubu noted that such gestures would strengthen social bonds, promote inclusiveness, and reinforce the spirit of brotherhood that defines the Nigerian society.
The president also called on religious leaders to use the occasion to offer prayers for peace, stability, and economic prosperity across the country.
Tinubu
He expressed optimism that with collective efforts, Nigeria would overcome its challenges and achieve lasting progress for the benefit of all citizens.
Mr Tinubu wished Muslims a joyous celebration, praying that the blessings of Ramadan would bring renewed hope, strength, and guidance to individuals, families, and the nation.
-
Crime11 months agoKogi Assembly Considers Law To Regulate Rent, Establish Control Board: Tenancy Law
-
News12 months agoAtiku Reveals Why He Failed To Pick Wike As Running Mate In 2023
-
Akwa Ibom1 year agoThe Apostolic Church Gets New Territorial Chairman, Exco
-
Crime1 year agoFederal High Court Jails 2 For Vandalizing Transformer, Telecom Mast In Kogi
-
News1 year agoThe Apostolic Church Gets New National President, Executive
-
Akwa Ibom1 year agoUmo Eno Commences Payment Of 80,000 Naira Minimum Wage With Arrears
-
News1 year agoSenator Natasha Returns To Senate With Husband Amid Seat Dispute
-
Economy10 months agoKiyosaki: Is Tinubu’s Government Afraid Of Ibrahim Traore?