Lere Natives Lampoon Hausa/Fulani Group For Disassociating Them from Southern Kaduna.

By: Isa Malami

The ethnic nationalities of Lere Local Government Area (LGA) of Kaduna State have come down strongly on a Hausa/Fulani group resident in the LGA after the group convened a press conference recently protesting the inclusion of Lere LGA as being part of Southern Kaduna, Kaduna State, Northwest Nigeria.
The natives of Lere who made their misgivings known throughout “Coalition of Concern Natives of Lere LGA” in a Press Statement made available to newsmen in Kaduna on Tuesday alleged that the Hausa/Fulani group was politically motivated with the sole aim of dividing the unity of Southern Kaduna.
Signed by Comrade Stephen Sale, Secretary of the Coalition and Comrade Engr. S.I Mori, acting Coordinator, Southern Kaduna Peoples Union (SOKAPU) Lere LGA Branch and others the statement reads:

“Our attention has been drawn to a Press Conference addressed by a group said to be Lere Local Government Unity Association Forum. One Barrister Nasiru Bello Dembo and his secretary Mallam
Ahmed Idris were signatories to the text of the Press conference which centered on the organizers of Southern Kaduna Cultural Festival (SKFEST) which ended on 28/12/2024 with a grand finale at the New Kafanchan Township Stadium

The group was angry that some political office holders from Lere LGA were tagged as members of “Southern Kaduna” in the program of the event which was jointly organised by SOKAPU, saying that it contradicted section 8, 48 and 72 of Nigeria’s Constitution. According to them, and rightfully so, Lere LGA is in Kaduna North Senatorial District. They therefore rejected the inclusion of Lere LGA in the geographical classification of “Southern Kaduna” and warned the organizers of the event to refrain from such publications to avoid causing confusion.
“They were obviously saying that our elected members mentioned in the text, who, ironically are not of Lere ethnicity, do not want to be associated with Southern Kaduna, and invariably us.
“We, the natives and owners of the land, as a Coalition hereby state the facts as below.

The term “Southern Kaduna” is made up of 12 LGAs. And that includes Lere (in Kaduna North Senatorial Zone).
Others are: Kajuru, Chikun, Kaduna South LGAs (both in Kaduna Central Senatorial Zone). The remaining are Kaura, Jemaa, Sanga, Zangon Kataf, Kagarko, Kachia, Kauru, Kachia LGAs (in Kaduna South Senatorial Zone).
This is to stress that “Southern Kaduna” is bigger than “Kaduna South Senatorial Zone.”
“Southern Kaduna” is a Geo-Socio/cultural enclave that’s defined by ethnography and ethnicity and is as old as the Iron Civilization of the Nok Terracotta dating back B.C.
According to the coalition Southern Kaduna is is totally different from “Kaduna South Senatorial Zone,” which is a recent geo-political demarcation created for the convenience of administration and representative democracy.

They added that the present Lere and Kauru LGAs used to be part of Saminaka LGA up till 1989 and the old Saminaka LGA was part of the Senatorial District of old Kachia LGA, comprising the present Kachia, Chikun, Kajuru and Kagarko LGAs (the 2nd largest in Gen. Gowon’s Nigeria of 1967) ans old Jema’a LGA comprising present Jema’a, Kaura, Sanga and Jaba LGAs represented by Senator Jacob Madaki, a great Bajju man from Zonkwa (now, Late) 1st October 1979 – 30th September 1983 and 1st October 1983 – 31st December 1983 (when Gen. Muhammadu Buhari ousted the Democratically elected administration of NPN/President Shehu Shagari.

“Present Lere LGA was extracted from the old Saminaka LGA. The boundaries were so manipulated to constitute an electoral constituency, such that it favored the state’s northern power, which today constitutes the Northern Senatorial District,” alleged the natives of Lere.
“This was the same manipulation done to old Kachia LGA where Chikun and Kajuru LGAs were extracted and taken to Kaduna Central Senatorial District all with the aim of “dismembering” the Southern Kaduna peoples as a voting block and a voice. We remain resolved that :
“These have not, will not and cannot remove the Southern ‘Kadunaness’ from Southern Kaduna people whether in Lere, Kauru, Chikun, Kajuru, Kaduna South or ALL the other LGAs for that matter; it is a matter of the heart,” the coalition said.

“For the record, SOKAPU is a sociocultural association and the constitution of Nigeria guarantees freedom of association. We the ethnic nationalities of Lere LGAs have decided to join similar ethnicities of Southern Kaduna, what then is the headache of Lere Local Government Unity Association Forum, which does not have a single Lere native among it?” they observed.
“The leaderships of our various communities in Lere LGA that have over the decades registered with SOKAPU and have been participating in her activities include Amo, Piti, Kinugu, Anir’Arahgu (Kahugu), Akurmi, Gure, Dingi, Janji, Lemoro and Jere.
“We wonder why our membership to SOKAPU has made Barr. Idris’ group jittery, indeed, Southern Kaduna is our ancestry.

“For the record, we were the ones that elected these political leaders and since identifying with our kinsmen in Southern Kaduna is now an offense to a group, we now know better. Rewriting our history and or changing our ancestry is too late!” the statement said in conclusion.
Community Development Association Presidents from ten ethnic groups of Lere LGA also signed the statement.

Eagle Brain Secures Justice for Accident Victims Caused by Julius Berger Truck

In a significant victory for human rights advocacy, the Eagle Brain Human Rights Organization has successfully secured justice and adequate compensation for victims of a tragic accident in Barnawa. The incident, involving a Julius Berger truck, resulted in the loss of two lives and left one individual seriously injured.

The organization’s Chairman, Mr. Daniel Ejembi, confirmed the development in a statement. According to the statement, the survivor’s hospital bills were fully covered, and financial compensation was provided to her. Additionally, the families of the two deceased victims, Anas Saidu and Alex Fagbemi Olawale, received financial compensation to help them cope with their loss.

The accident occurred at High Cost Junction along Bumedine Road when a speeding Julius Berger truck collided with a commercial motorcycle. The impact claimed the lives of the two men and left a third passenger, Comfort John, with severe injuries. Eyewitnesses reported that the truck was traveling at high speed at the time of the crash.

Following the incident, the truck driver was detained at the Barnawa Police Station but was later released due to health concerns. Despite this, Eagle Brain’s relentless efforts ensured that justice was served for the victims and their families.

The organization praised the dedication and perseverance of its members throughout the process, highlighting their unwavering commitment to promoting equity, justice, and a more humane society.

This case underscores the importance of accountability and the role of human rights organizations in advocating for victims of accidents and their families. Eagle Brain’s successful intervention serves as a reminder of the need for stricter enforcement of road safety regulations to prevent such tragedies in the future.

For more updates on human rights advocacy and similar stories, stay tuned to our news section.

House of Justice Sets Bold Vision for 2025, Emphasizes Purpose-Driven Legal Services

In a compelling address marking the 2025 Annual General Meeting, Gloria Mabeiam Ballason Esq., CEO of House of Justice, outlined an ambitious roadmap for the legal conglomerate, emphasizing purpose-driven justice delivery and staff development as key priorities for the year ahead.

Speaking at the House of Justice Complex in Kaduna on Friday, January 17, 2025, Ballason reflected on the organization’s journey from its humble beginnings as MIVE LEGALS in 2010 to its current status as a multi-door justice house, marking over a decade of transformation since its rebranding in November 2014.

“Our enduring vision is to be an excellent global law conglomerate,” Ballason stated, adding that the organization’s mission remains focused on providing legal services that conform with the highest standards of excellence and integrity while finding practical solutions in both law and life.

The CEO unveiled a five-point agenda for 2025, focusing on optimizing access to justice through their multi-door system, improving purpose in work, promoting deserving staff with increased emoluments, ensuring departmental delivery on schedules and projects, and expanding the organization’s global influence.

In a notable departure from conventional corporate addresses, Ballason emphasized the importance of staff welfare and personal growth. “House of Justice seeks to put all our colleagues and affiliates at the center of our justice work,” she declared, highlighting the organization’s commitment to ensuring justice for its staff members first.

The speech revealed plans for collaboration between the CEO’s office and Human Resources to recalibrate the work environment, enabling staff to find purpose whether within or outside the workplace. This initiative follows the recent celebration of outstanding colleagues inducted into the House of Justice Hall of Fame during their decade anniversary celebration in November 2024.

Speaking about client services, Ballason outlined ambitious goals: “We seek zero fatalities, zero life-threatening injuries, and total defeat of the corrupting influences on justice delivery.” While acknowledging progress in this direction, she noted that significant work remains to be done.

The organization, which has expanded from its Kaduna base to establish a presence in Abuja, continues to push boundaries in legal service delivery. Their approach combines excellence, innovation, courtesy, service, and integrity, values that Ballason describes as being “at the heart of what we do.”

During the address, Ballason shared a personal reflection from her conversation with Prof. Chidi Anselm Odinkalu, Chairman of the International Advisory Board of the Molluma Yakubu Centre for Medical Law and Mass Atrocities Accountability. “If I was not the Chief Executive of House of Justice, I would really have loved to work at House of Justice,” she revealed, describing the organization as more than a workplace but her “calling, purpose and rhythm.”

The speech also touched on the organization’s commitment to making justice an empowering process and outcome for clients and community members. This commitment involves continuous learning and improvement in service delivery methods while staying within the bounds of law and due process.

Looking ahead, Ballason encouraged staff members to pursue growth at their own pace, whether by “flying, jumping, running, walking or crawling,” emphasizing the importance of continuous movement toward self-improvement.

The meeting was attended by Team Leads from Human Resources and Administration from both Kaduna and Abuja offices, Heads of Departments, and Acting Heads of Departments, along with other staff members.

House of Justice’s vision for 2025 comes at a crucial time when access to justice remains a significant challenge in Nigeria. The organization’s emphasis on combining excellence in legal service with personal development and community impact presents a unique model in the legal service sector.

As the organization moves forward with its plans for 2025, Ballason concluded with an optimistic note: “We have what it takes; we can make it happen and yes, we can make a world of difference when we shine the light that overcomes the darkness of injustice.”

The ambitious agenda set forth by House of Justice for 2025 reflects a comprehensive approach to legal service delivery, combining professional excellence with personal development and social impact, potentially setting new standards for legal practice in Nigeria and beyond.

Celebrating Excellence: Congratulations to Mr. Luka Binniyat on His Appointment as National PRO of the Middle Belt Forum

The Middle Belt Times is thrilled to extend heartfelt congratulations to Mr. Luka Binniyat on his recent appointment as the National Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Middle Belt Forum (MBF). This well-deserved appointment is a testament to his unwavering dedication, exceptional leadership, and tireless advocacy for the Middle Belt region.

Mr. Binniyat, a seasoned journalist and former National Spokesman for the Southern Kaduna Peoples Union (SOKAPU), has consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to amplifying the voices of the marginalized and addressing the challenges faced by the Middle Belt. His elevation to this key role within the MBF is not only a personal achievement but also a significant milestone for the Forum and the region as a whole.

As the newly confirmed National PRO, Mr. Binniyat brings a wealth of experience, a strong communication acumen, and a passion for justice and development. His leadership is expected to strengthen the Forum’s public engagement efforts and further its mission to advocate for the rights and progress of the Middle Belt people.

The Middle Belt Times joins the entire Middle Belt family in celebrating this remarkable achievement. We are confident that Mr. Binniyat’s tenure will be marked by impactful initiatives, innovative strategies, and a renewed sense of unity for the region.

Once again, congratulations, Mr. Luka Binniyat! Your appointment is a beacon of hope and a call to action for all who believe in the potential of the Middle Belt. Here’s to a future filled with progress, collaboration, and success.

Long live the Middle Belt!

The Punch’s Editorial on Southern Kaduna’s University: A Case of Selective Outrage and Hypocrisy

By Samuel Ateh Stephen

To the Editorial Board of The Punch:

Your editorial of January 7, 2025, titled “New Federal Varsity a Misnomer,” https://punchng.com/new-federal-varsity-a-misnomer/ is not just a misinformed critique; it is a glaring example of selective outrage and institutional bias against Southern Kaduna (SK). While you pride yourselves on being a voice for the voiceless, your editorial has instead chosen to silence a region that has been marginalized for decades. This is not journalism; it is complicity in the systemic neglect of Southern Kaduna.

A History of Marginalization Ignored

Southern Kaduna, a geo-cultural zone comprising 12 Local Government Areas (LGAs) and over 60 ethnic groups, has been systematically excluded from Nigeria’s development agenda. Despite contributing 51.2% of Kaduna State’s population (2006 Census) and occupying 56% of its landmass (26,000 sq. km), SK has only one federal institution—the Federal School of Statistics, Manchok, which offers only Higher National Diplomas (HNDs).

Meanwhile, Zaria, a single town in northern Kaduna, hosts 11 federal institutions, including Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, and the National Research Institute for Chemical Technology. Recently, Zaria secured approval for four additional federal institutions, funded with N80 billion. Where was The Punch’s editorial outrage when this happened? Your silence was deafening.

The Hypocrisy of Selective Criticism

Your editorial dismisses the Federal University of Applied Sciences in Kachia as a “political move” and a “Greek gift.” Yet, you said nothing when Speaker Tajudeen Abbas secured N80 billion for four new federal institutions in Zaria, a town already saturated with federal institutions. Why the double standard? Why is it acceptable for Zaria to have 16 federal institutions but unacceptable for Southern Kaduna to have just one?

This selective criticism raises serious questions about your motives. Are you deliberately targeting Southern Kaduna, or are you simply unaware of the historical and geographical context? Either way, your editorial is a disservice to journalism and to the people of Southern Kaduna.

The Economic and Social Imperative

The establishment of the Federal University of Applied Sciences in Kachia is not just a development project; it is a lifeline for a region that has been systematically excluded from Nigeria’s progress. Universities are not just centers of learning; they are engines of economic growth. According to the World Bank, every dollar invested in higher education yields a return of $2.50 in economic growth. For Southern Kaduna, this university will:

Create Jobs: From academic staff to support services, the university will provide employment opportunities for thousands.

Boost Local Economies: The influx of students and staff will stimulate demand for housing, food, transportation, and other services.

Foster Innovation: As a university of applied sciences, it will focus on practical, technology-driven solutions to local challenges, such as agriculture, renewable energy, and healthcare.
Yet, instead of celebrating this milestone, you chose to attack it. Shame on you.

The Cost-Effective Advantage

Unlike many new federal universities, the Kachia institution will not require massive capital expenditure. It will utilize the existing infrastructure of Nok University, a privately built institution that was forfeited to the federal government. This means the cost to taxpayers will be minimal, making it a fiscally responsible decision. But instead of acknowledging this, you dismissed it as a “misnomer.” What exactly is misnomered about addressing decades of neglect in a cost-effective manner?

A Call for Accountability

Your editorial rightly criticized the underfunding and mismanagement of Nigerian universities, but you failed to address the root cause of these problems: systemic inequity. Southern Kaduna has been left behind for too long, and the approval of this university is a step toward correcting that injustice. Instead of opposing it, you should be advocating for more equitable distribution of federal institutions across Nigeria.

We call on The Punch to issue a public apology for this biased and dismissive editorial. You owe it to the people of Southern Kaduna, who have endured decades of neglect and marginalization. You also owe it to your readers, who expect fair and balanced reporting from a newspaper of your stature.

A Final Word

Southern Kaduna is not asking for special treatment; we are asking for fairness. The approval of the Federal University of Applied Sciences in Kachia is a step in the right direction, and we will not allow The Punch or anyone else to undermine it. This university is a symbol of hope for a region that has been left behind for too long, and we will defend it with everything we have.

We trust that The Punch will reflect on this editorial and recommit itself to the principles of fairness, equity, and justice. Until then, we will continue to hold you accountable for your words and actions.

THE MIDDLE BELT FORUM (MBF), KADUNA STATE CHAPTER. Press Statement For Immediate Release (9th January, 2025)

Punch Newspaper is one of the top most national dailies which has created enormous integrity for itself over the decades. It has attained this rare fit through its courageous, uncompromising and very professional reportage for which the Middle Belt and especially Southern Kaduna (SK) have greatly benefited from over the years.

The Middle Belt Forum, Kaduna State Branch, is therefore taken aback by Punch’s rather acerbic criticism of news of the approval of the establishment of a Federal University of Applied Sciences in Kachia, Kachia LGA, in Southern Kaduna, which falls under the Middle Belt.

In its Editorial of 7th January, 2025, the Editorial Board of Punch threw a heavy punch at the Government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for assenting to create the first university ever in Southern Kaduna, dismissing it as “political” and a “greek gift.”

Well we have no issues whatsoever with the observations and facts churned out by the Editorial Board of Punch regarding the

poor fundings Federal Universities and other associated matters raised in the Editorial, we feel that had the Editors of Punch been armed with the shocking marginalization that SK has suffered in allocation of federal institutions in Kaduna state, they would.have written its Editorial from a rather sympathetic perspective. They would not have set out in that Editorial to discourage the Federal Government from concluding a development that has stirred so much joy and emotions among the people of SK and indeed all residents members of the Middle Belt in Kaduna State.

We say this for the following reasons:

A Reps Speaker, Hon Tajudeen Abbas, who represents Zaria Federal Constituency of Kaduna state, secured the approval and funds for the establishment and immediate construction of FOUR! (4) new tertiary institutions in Zaria town, including a UNIVERSITY!

B . At the flag off of the construction of one of the schools in Zaria, on the 15th December, 2024, Abbas announced to the media that the sum of N80 billion had been approved for the construction of the schools.

The brand new Federal tertiary institutions for Zaria town alone are

a. Federal College of Nursing and Midwifery

b. Federal College of Education

c. Federal Open University

d. Federal College of Legal Studies.

C) The Editors of the Punch ought to be aware that Zaria town is unarguably the only town in the entire Nigeria that has the highest numbers of federal institutions as listed below:

1) Ahmadu Bello University (ABU)
2) Federal College of Education (FCoE)

3) Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology

4) Nigerian Leather Research Institute
5) Nigeria College of Aviation Technology
6) Division of Agricultural Colleges (DAC)

7)Institute of Agricultural Research (IAR).

8) National Research Institute for Chemical Technology

9)National Animal Production Research Institute

10) National Agricultural Extension and Research Liaison Services.

11) Nigerian Army School of Military Police

12) Nigeria Army School of Legal Services, Basawa Zaria.

That invariably means that there are now 16 Federal tertiary schools in just one town – Zaria which straddles two LGAs North of Kaduna state.

D) For the information of the Editorial Board of Punch, the term “Southern Kaduna (SK)” is a Geo-socio/cultural zone made up of no less than 60 ethnic nationalities. It is not a Geo-political zone like “Kaduna South Senatorial Zone” that is subsumed under SK.

SK is made up of 12 LGAs out of the 23 LGAs of Kaduna state. Kaduna South Senatorial Zone is made up of 8 LGAs.

E ) Kaduna state has an approximate land mass of 46,000 sq.km. Out of this, Southern Kaduna has an estimated 26,000 sq.km. In fact, SK is bigger than Kano State (20,000 sq.km) which has 44 LGAs. Yet SK has no single University.

F ) Going by the National Population Commission (NPC) 2006 Census figures, Kaduna state had a population of 6,113,503 of which 51.2% came from the 12 LGAs of Southern Kaduna. Today, SK is estimated to have a population of about 5.2 million people of the 10.2 million population of Kaduna state in 2024.

G ) It may also interest Punch to note that most of the indigenous skilled and educated workforce of Kaduna state comes from SK.

H ) Will it then not be shocking to the Editors of the Punch that the only Federal Institution of Higher Learning in Southern Kaduna is a decrepit Federal School of Statistics, Manchok, Kaura LGA in Southern Kaduna. The highest certificate issued there is a Higher National Diploma (HND).

Our Query to the Punch Editorial

1) Why didn’t the Editors of Punch write its Editorial condemning the creation of new Federal universities when Zaria town, which is already saturated with 11 Federal Tertiary Schools, got additional Four new ones at a go?

2) As aptly pointed out by the Editors of Punch: “During his tenure (2010-2015), Jonathan established 12 universities. His successor (Buhari) established about 10 tertiary schools. Each arm of the military and the police now have a university.”

Shouldn’t it have bothered the Editors of the Punch that Southern Kaduna, with its landmass and population didn’t get any of these universities at that time? Should we not therefore be happy with President Ahmed Bola Tinubu over this gesture?

3) Again, unlike Speaker Abbas who has secured N80 billion funding for Zaria’s new schools, the Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia already has a well-developed physical structure. It was a privately built institution called Nok University, complete faculties, departments, Admin blocks and every basic needed infrastructure in a university. It had in place a school administration and a Board.

Nok University, owned a son of the Middle Belt, was on the verge of taking off after admitting its first batch of students in 2022, when the EFCC closed it down. The EFCC later declared its forfeiture to the Federal Government, claiming it was built from proceeds of corruption. Whatever the reason, we are grateful that there was a structure on ground.

Therefore, the only University in Southern Kaduna, unlike the other new ones, is not costing the Federal Government any much to build. Why then should the Editorial Board of the Punch pick on it?

Our Fears

We are at pains to say that we suspect that the motive behind the Punch Editorial is to discourage the Federal Government from seeing the takeoff of the Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia.

The Middle Belt and indeed, SK has powerful foes that can go to any extent to ensure that we that we are tied to one place.

If not so, is the Editorial Board of the Punch not aware that a university is not merely a place of learning? That a university is an economy and a development hub of its own with accompanied value chains that could dramatically spark unprecedented prosperity to its area of location and environs?

This suspicion can only be lifted by another Editorial given the hindsight that we have provided. And if that is done, we shall be very appreciative.

Signed: Luka Binniyat

(Chairman, Middle Belt Forum, Kaduna State Chapter) 9th December, 2025.