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Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria Bans Cash Payments at Airports from Feb 28

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The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has announced a nationwide ban on cash transactions at all airport payment points, effective February 28.

The directive was disclosed in a statement issued in Lagos by FAAN’s Director of Public Relations and Consumer Protection, Mr. Henry Agbebire.

The move was reaffirmed after executives of key aviation unions the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN), and the Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP) met with FAAN management to seek clarification on the policy.

According to FAAN, the engagement underscored its commitment to inclusive stakeholder consultation and open dialogue.

FAAN Managing Director, Olubunmi Kuku, said the transition to a cashless system aligns with global aviation best practices and Federal Government directives aimed at strengthening transparency and accountability.

She referenced a Treasury Circular dated November 24, 2025, issued by the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation and signed by Accountant-General Shamseldeen Ogunjimi, mandating the cessation of cash transactions in government dealings.

Kuku also noted that the decision followed approval by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) directing Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to discontinue physical cash collections as part of broader public finance reforms.

“There is no going back on this decision. The cashless initiative aligns FAAN with national financial management reforms, while positioning Nigeria’s airports for improved operational integrity and stronger revenue assurance,” she stated.

The FAAN boss highlighted benefits of the reform, including reduced revenue leakages, improved transaction traceability, faster service delivery, and enhanced public confidence in airport operations.

Addressing concerns about the use of Paystack as a payment platform, she clarified that it functions solely as a payment gateway. All funds collected through Point of Sale (POS) terminals are remitted directly into designated Federal Government accounts, not into any Paystack account.

Following the meeting, union leaders reportedly expressed satisfaction with FAAN’s explanations, describing the implementation framework as practical and workable.

With the new policy set to take effect nationwide, FAAN says the reform marks a significant step toward modernising financial operations across Nigeria’s aviation sector.

Wema Bank Set to Host International Women’s Day Grand Event on March 4

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Wema Bank is set to host Nigeria’s biggest International Women’s Day celebration on March 4, 2026, under the global theme “Give To Gain”

Wema Bank To Host 2026 International Women’s Day Event on March 4th

As International Women’s Day [IWD] draws near, Wema Bank, Nigeria’s oldest indigenous bank, most innovative and pioneer of Africa’s first fully digital bank, ALAT, has announced its 2026 IWD Grand Event, scheduled to hold on March 4th, 2026.

Inspired by the global IWD 2026 theme “Give To Gain”, Wema Bank’s 2026 IWD event is centred on the topic “When Women Gain, We Grow”, spotlighting not only the importance of giving to women but also the impact of each effort towards this cause, with the ultimate goal of promoting a culture of supporting and celebrating women.

Announcing the event, Wema Bank’s MD/CEO, Moruf Oseni, reiterated the Bank’s commitment to continue pulling its weight in the promotion of women inclusion. According to him, “Wema Bank has never been one to pay lip service and when it comes to gender inclusion; we walk the talk with pride. A society where women are left out is one that is crippled, and as a Bank, we have made it a priority to never relent in providing tailored opportunities for women, celebrating their growth and supporting their journey, towards building a society where every woman can thrive. This was the idea behind the launch of our women-focused proposition, SARA by Wema, in 2019 and this is the inspiration behind all we do as a Bank towards promoting the 5th Sustainable Development Goal [SDG], gender equality”.

“This year’s IWD theme is quite personal to us because as a Bank that continues to give to women, we have seen firsthand the unique potential that lies within women both personally and professionally. As such, we have decided to dedicate this year’s celebration towards reminding the world of the countless ways we can give to women, and why it is not merely an option but a necessity. This year for us, is about impact—spotlighting, celebrating and encouraging it. Our goal is for every person that joins us for this grand event to be positively transformed in mindset and in action, in the hope that more priority will be given to supporting and giving to women both in the little things we do on a daily basis and in the large-scale efforts; as we collectively bridge the gap in gender equality”, Oseni concluded.

Wema Bank’s 2026 IWD event will convene top women across diverse industries and sectors, as well as “everyday” women still trying to navigate life in the face of prevailing realities, providing a platform for women from all walks of life to network, share valuable insights, access viable opportunities and assess shared versus contrasting realities, all towards showcasing how much impact is generated when individuals, institutions and societies give to women.

Among the highlights of Wema Bank’s upcoming IWD event are the SARA Gives to Empower Her Award  which promises grants in support of women who have given and made impact on other women; the employee-focused He For She Award which recognises male employees of the Bank who have given to women beyond financial support; the Wema Knight Gives initiative through which the Bank’s staff will give back to women across Nigeria; and the launch of the Wema Bank Girl Child Journal, a reflective journal that collates real-life insights and words of advice for the girl-child from the perspectives of 80 key contributors across different spheres of life.

Anyone interested in attending the event physically or virtually is encouraged to register at wemabank.com/iwd. Read More

Relief for Parents as ADF Supports 3,704 Students with Uniforms, Learning Materials

Aliko Dangote Foundation, in partnership with Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Dangote Fertiliser Limited, has supported primary school pupils in their host communities in Ibeju-Lekki with uniforms and various learning materials

ADF Supports 3,704 Students in Dangote Refinery, Fertiliser Host Communities

Aliko Dangote Foundation, in collaboration with Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Dangote Fertiliser Limited, has distributed school uniforms, bags, sandals, and writing materials to primary school pupils in their host communities in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos State, as part of its education support programme.

A total of 1,323 pupils, including children with special needs, benefited from the five-day distribution exercise under the first phase of the intervention. Beneficiary schools include Local Government Primary School, Ilege; Okunraye Community Primary School, Idotun Community Primary School, Olomowewe Community Primary School and Lekki Community Primary School.

The programme will also extend to secondary schools, bringing the total number of beneficiaries to 3,704. In addition, scholarships will be awarded to 443 students, including 33 in tertiary institutions, alongside vocational training programmes for youths in the host communities.

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Aliko Dangote Foundation, Zouera Youssoufou, stated that the initiative reflects the vision of its founder, Aliko Dangote to invest in education and nurture future leaders.

“We believe education remains the most powerful tool for transforming lives and communities. This intervention is not just about uniforms, bags or writing materials. It is about giving every pupil in our host communities a fair opportunity to learn and succeed by reducing the burden on parents. Our commitment is long term. By investing in these children today, we are investing in future leaders who will shape Nigeria’s tomorrow,” she said.

Speaking on the broader scope of the intervention, the Head, Social Performance of Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals, Mojisola Ogunleye, said education remains a key pillar of the company’s community development strategy.

She disclosed that 3,704 students across four secondary schools and five primary schools are benefiting from the first phase of the programme. The second phase will include scholarships and the distribution of textbooks and additional learning materials.

Ogunleye added that 443 students have been selected for scholarships, comprising 33 university students and 410 secondary school students.

“In addition, 22 community youths with SSCE have been upskilled and trained in the City & Guilds Certification Programme in Electrical Engineering, Levels 1, 2 and 3 and will be officially presented their certificates issued by the institution from London,” she said

The Head Teacher of Local Government Primary School, Ilege, Mrs Adenigba Margaret Aderemi, commended the Foundation for the intervention, noting that many pupils previously struggled with inadequate learning materials and worn-out uniforms.

She said the gesture would improve enrolment and classroom participation, explaining that some children had dropped out due to the embarrassment of wearing torn uniforms, while others engaged in menial jobs to afford basic school supplies.

“This is a big burden that has been taken off the shoulders of many parents. There will be improved enrolment. Many pupils will return to school because of this gesture,” she added.

She described the intervention as a major boost to education in the community and urged other organisations to emulate the initiative.

The programme has also provided economic opportunities for residents. Ms Aminat Aderonke Salabu, one of the local tailors engaged to produce the uniforms, praised the Foundation for awarding the contracts within the host communities.

According to her, the engagement has significantly improved her income and enabled her to advance her personal building project.

“I have started developing a self-contained apartment and a shop on a quarter of plot that I have from the profit I made from the first phase. I am grateful to the Foundation for empowering and supporting us to grow,” Salabu added. Read More

Jim Ovia Never Endorsed ‘Wealth Bridge’ – Zenith Bank Disowns False Claims By Investment Scheme

Jim Ovia Never Endorsed ‘Wealth Bridge’ – Zenith Bank Disowns False Claims By Investment Scheme

Zenith Bank Plc has warned customers and the investing public to disregard fraudulent videos and images falsely linking its Group Chairman, Jim Ovia, to a high-return investment scheme being circulated online.

In a disclaimer issued by the bank, it said its attention had been drawn to “a doctored video and still pictures currently circulating… purporting to depict the Group Chairman… as endorsing an investment scheme called ‘Wealth Bridge’… and soliciting members of the public to engage in a business relationship with the so-called entity.”

The lender described the claim as baseless, stating unequivocally that it is “entirely false and has no connection whatsoever to the Group Chairman, the Bank or any of its affiliate companies.”

According to the bank, the promotional materials promise unrealistic financial returns and falsely claim regulatory backing. It said the video “makes a fake promise of up to ₦2 million in weekly returns on a contribution of ₦380,000 investment,” while also alleging endorsement by the Central Bank of Nigeria.

Zenith Bank dismissed these claims in their entirety, stating that “this claim also is entirely false and has no connection whatsoever to the Bank or its Group Chairman.”

The bank further warned that unsuspecting members of the public are being redirected to an alleged webpage styled to resemble Arise News content, complete with registration links for the scheme. It stressed that the webpage and related materials are fraudulent.

“For the avoidance of doubt, all the videos and promotional materials referenced above are FAKE and have nothing to do with Zenith Bank Plc or Dr. Jim Ovia,” the statement said.

The bank added that neither its leadership nor the institution has any involvement with the scheme, noting that “the Group Chairman of Zenith Bank and the Bank have no knowledge of the said investment scheme and have not entered into any partnership with the companies, individuals, or platforms behind these schemes.”

It urged the public to ignore the fraudulent communications and exercise caution, warning that “anyone who engages… on the basis of these fake videos and images… does so strictly at his or her own risk.”

The development underscores growing concerns within the financial services industry over the misuse of corporate identity and the manipulation of digital media to lend credibility to fraudulent investment offers, with institutions increasingly compelled to issue public disclaimers to protect customers and preserve trust. Read More

Hope Uzodinma Rallies APC Stakeholders Ahead of Ward, LGA Congresses

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Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State has convened a crucial meeting with key stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, urging unity and discipline ahead of the party’s scheduled ward and Local Government Area (LGA) congresses nationwide.

The meeting, held at the Sam Mbakwe Executive Chambers, Government House, Owerri, brought together party leaders and grassroots mobilisers to chart a path forward as the internal party exercise approaches.

Addressing stakeholders, Uzodinma stressed that the outcome of the congresses would shape the future of the APC in Imo State and beyond.

“The party’s success hinges on the cooperation and sincerity of its members,” he said, calling for peaceful harmonisation among aspirants and adherence to dialogue in resolving disagreements.

He advocated inclusive leadership, insisting that all voices within the party must be considered in decision-making processes.
“APC is a family bound by a common vision for development,” the governor stated, adding that unity remains the party’s greatest strength.

Uzodinma urged members to prioritise the collective interest of both the party and the wider community, noting that harmony within the APC is essential to sustaining electoral victories in future contests.

He commended party leaders and grassroots mobilisers for expanding the party’s reach across the state, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to development and improved security.

In his remarks, Imo APC Chairman MacDonald Ebere lauded members for their participation in the ongoing e-registration exercise and thanked the governor for providing what he described as an enabling environment for party activities.

He urged members to maintain their commitment to a peaceful congress process.
Similarly, Chairman of the Ward and LGA Congress Committee, Godwin Anawore, emphasised the importance of the exercise, describing it as critical to the party’s continued dominance.

He commended Uzodinma’s leadership in keeping the party united and expressed optimism that the congresses would strengthen the APC’s structure ahead of future elections.

With political activities intensifying nationwide, the Imo APC appears poised for a strategic internal consolidation as it prepares for the next phase of party organisation.

Unity-Providus Bank Merger Powers Ahead as Final Court Nod Awaits, Crosses ₦200bn Capital Mark

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Unity Bank and Providus Bank confirm merger remains on track after court-ordered meeting, with combined capital exceeding ₦200bn

Unity-Providus Merger Hits ₦200bn Milestone, Eyes Final Approval

The proposed merger between Unity Bank Plc and Providus Bank Limited is charging toward completion, with the combined entity now boasting a capital base exceeding ₦200 billion—the critical threshold for securing a national banking licence under the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) recapitalisation framework.

In a joint update released February 18, 2026, following a successful court-ordered meeting and strong shareholder endorsement, the banks confirmed the deal remains firmly on course. Key regulatory green lights—including CBN backing with financial accommodation and a “no objection” clearance from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)—have paved the way, positioning the enlarged institution among Nigeria’s resilient national players.

Shareholders of both banks had overwhelmingly approved the scheme at Extraordinary General Meetings in September 2025, adopting the merger plan. With major approvals secured and integration activities now actively underway, the transaction awaits only final court sanction to seal the deal.

Analysts view these milestones as pivotal in helping banks meet the CBN’s recapitalisation deadlines, bolstering sector-wide capital adequacy and reducing systemic risks.

Unity Bank Managing Director and CEO Ebenezer Kolawole hailed the progress as transformative: “This milestone underscores our commitment to building a stronger, more resilient bank that can deliver greater value to our customers and stakeholders. The merger with Providus Bank significantly enhances our capital base, operational capacity, and strategic positioning. We are confident that the combined institution will be better equipped to support economic growth and deliver innovative financial solutions across Nigeria.”

The banks moved swiftly to dispel any misinformation: contrary to some media reports suggesting delays, all essential regulatory steps are complete, with remaining formalities on track.

Once finalised, the Unity-Providus combination promises a more competitive, innovative, and customer-focused bank—poised to reshape retail and SME banking in Nigeria with greater scale, reach, and stability. Read More

38 Feared Dead as Toxic Gas Chokes Miners in Wase Tunnel Tragedy

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38 Feared Dead as Toxic Gas Chokes Miners in Wase Tunnel Tragedy

The Plateau State Government has confirmed a devastating mining incident in Kampani Zurak community, Wase Local Government Area, where dozens of miners reportedly died following a suspected carbon monoxide leak inside a tunnel.

Survivors and local sources said no fewer than 38 miners were killed in the early hours of Wednesday, while more than 20 others sustained injuries and were rushed to hospitals in Wase town.

However, government officials cited about 33 persons trapped in the tunnel, underscoring discrepancies in casualty figures emerging from the remote site.

A local miner, Safiyanu Haruna, recounted that the tragedy struck shortly after dawn when the miners returned to work following their morning prayers.

They were all alive around 5:30am when they left for prayers. It was when they returned to the site that the gas trapped them,” he said.

According to him, the victims were overwhelmed by carbon monoxide believed to have accumulated overnight in the tunnel. Rescue efforts were delayed as other workers scheduled to arrive later in the morning were not yet at the site.

Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, ordered the immediate closure of areas covered by Mining Licence 11810, operated by Solid Unit Nigeria Limited and owned by Abdullahi Dan-China in Zuraq.

In a condolence call to Governor Caleb Mutfwang, Alake expressed sorrow over the loss of lives and dispatched a high-level investigative team led by Permanent Secretary Yusuf Yabo.

The team comprises experts in mining, environmental compliance and artisanal cooperatives to determine the remote and immediate causes of the incident and recommend sanctions where necessary.

According to a statement by the minister’s media aide, Segun Tomori, preliminary findings suggest the company had ceded the abandoned lead mining pit to the community following local agitation for empowerment.

The site, reportedly prone to emissions of sulphuric oxide, was allegedly mined by villagers unaware of the toxic dangers posed by the accumulated gases.

Alake pledged to make further disclosures as investigations progress.

Environment Ministry Deploys Experts
Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, also directed the immediate and total shutdown of all mining activities in the affected area pending investigation.

He approved the deployment of a team of environmental experts from Abuja to assess the situation and prevent further health and ecological risks.

In a statement, the Plateau State Government described the incident as shocking and tragic.
Commissioner for Information and Communication, Joyce Lohya Ramnap, extended condolences to bereaved families, assuring residents that injured victims were receiving medical care.

The government said it is working closely with security agencies, emergency responders and health authorities to secure the site and prevent further casualties.

Residents of Kampani Zurak and neighbouring communities were urged to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information capable of escalating panic.

Authorities at both state and federal levels have vowed that no stone will be left unturned in uncovering the cause of the disaster and strengthening safety measures across mining communities in Plateau State. Read More

Independent National Electoral Commission Orders EFCC, ICPC to Arrest Vote Buyers at FCT Polls

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The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has issued a stern warning against vote trading ahead of Saturday’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections, directing the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to arrest offenders at polling units.

Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja, INEC Chairman Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, said the anti-graft agencies have been given an “express mandate” to deploy personnel across polling units and apprehend anyone caught buying or selling votes.

“Vote trading undermines the sanctity of the ballot and erodes public confidence in democratic institutions. It must not be tolerated,” he declared.

The February 21, 2026 elections will see 1,680,315 registered voters cast ballots in 2,822 polling units across the FCT. A total of 570 candidates are contesting 68 constituencies for chairmanship, vice-chairmanship and councillorship seats.

Amupitan reiterated the Commission’s neutrality amid political tensions.

“INEC does not have a political party and does not have a preferred candidate. Our mandate is clear: to provide the enabling environment for residents of the FCT to freely choose their representatives,” he said.

He confirmed that 13 activities on the Commission’s timetable have been completed, leaving only the close of campaigns and Election Day.

INEC disclosed that the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) has been upgraded and will be deployed across all 2,822 polling units.

To support the exercise, the Commission has mobilised 11,873 polling officials, alongside a logistics fleet comprising 1,132 vehicles, 620 motorcycles and 14 boats.

“Our collective duty is to ensure that votes are cast freely, counted accurately and reflected transparently. Let us consolidate the FCT’s standing as a model for local government elections in Nigeria,” Amupitan urged stakeholders.

Meanwhile, INEC debunked reports suggesting that election results would be transmitted in “real time.”

Chief Press Secretary Adedayo Oketola described the term as a technical misrepresentation, clarifying that while electronic transmission has been in place since 2022, uploads occur only after voting concludes, ballots are counted and result sheets are signed by party agents.

“Since 2022, INEC has been transmitting results. BVAS accredits voters and uploads results. But ‘real-time’ streaming, as suggested in some reports, is neither provided for in law nor in our operational guidelines,” the Chairman explained.

With anti-corruption agencies now on alert and upgraded technology in place, INEC says the stage is set for what it hopes will be a credible and transparent FCT poll.

Tinubu Signs Electoral Act 2026 Amid Outrage, Opposition Cries ‘Legalised Rigging’ Ahead of 2027

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President Bola Tinubu has signed the Electoral Act 2026 (Amendment) into law, igniting a political firestorm as opposition parties and civil society groups accuse the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of undermining electoral integrity ahead of the 2027 general elections.


The President assented to the bill at about 5pm on Wednesday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, less than 24 hours after its passage by the National Assembly of Nigeria.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) described the development as “a dark day for democracy,” alleging that fear of defeat in 2027 drove what it called a rushed and premeditated approval of the contentious amendment.

In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, the party said the swift assent confirmed a “well-choreographed drama” by the APC, insisting the amendment weakens demands for mandatory real-time electronic transmission of results.

The controversy centres on provisions allowing both electronic and manual transmission of election results — a hybrid model critics argue creates room for manipulation.

Civil society organisations were equally scathing.
Samson Itodo, Executive Director of YIAGA Africa, described the amendment as “a reform in name and a regression in substance,” faulting lawmakers for failing to strengthen safeguards around electronic transmission and the independence of the electoral umpire.

Similarly, Friday Odeh of Accountability Lab Nigeria warned that the law poses a “huge danger of rigging,” calling it a reversal of progress made in recent electoral reforms.

However, Auwal Musa of the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre adopted a measured tone, urging Nigerians to work within the new framework while continuing advocacy for improvements.

The Labour Party caucus in the House of Representatives staged a walkout during plenary, protesting the inclusion of manual transmission clauses. Caucus leader Afam Ogene questioned the speed of presidential assent, suggesting the executive had little time for thorough review.

The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) also accused the President and National Assembly of disregarding public demands for mandatory electronic transmission, describing the amendment as a betrayal of citizens’ aspirations.

Defending the amendment, Tinubu raised concerns about Nigeria’s broadband capacity and technical readiness for full real-time electronic transmission nationwide.

He argued that elections are ultimately managed by people, not machines, stressing that credibility depends on proper oversight at polling units where votes are manually cast and counted.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio said the amended law eliminates manipulation between polling units and collation centres by mandating electronic transmission to INEC’s Result Viewing Portal, while retaining manual backup in areas with poor network coverage.

He also highlighted new provisions introducing direct primaries for political parties and mandating fresh elections where winners are disqualified by courts, rather than declaring runners-up as victors.

Speaker Abbas Tajudeen added that reducing the election notice period from 360 to 300 days could see presidential and National Assembly polls held in January 2027, potentially avoiding voter apathy during Ramadan.

The amendment comes days after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) released the timetable for the 2027 general elections, heightening suspicion among opposition figures that the law is strategically timed.

Meanwhile, Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike commended the President for signing the bill within 24 hours, describing it as a demonstration of commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s democracy.

As political tensions mount, the Electoral Act 2026 (Amendment) has set the stage for what promises to be an intense battle over transparency, credibility and trust in Nigeria’s 2027 polls.

Gov Aliyu Reaffirms Support for Religious Education as 259 Qur’an Students Graduate in Sokoto

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Governor Ahmed Aliyu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening religious affairs as a core pillar of Sokoto State’s nine-point Smart Agenda.

The governor made the pledge during the second graduation ceremony of 259 students of Ma’ahadut Tahfeez Wad-Dirasatul Qur’aniyya, Hubbard, Sokoto, who successfully memorised all 60 chapters of the Holy Qur’an.

He described the milestone as proof that Sokoto remains true to its long-standing reputation as a centre of Islamic scholarship.

Aliyu, who attended the ceremony as Special Guest of Honour, commended the founder of the institution and leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, for his foresight and continued investment in religious education.

In a significant announcement, the governor disclosed that 53 teachers of the school would be enrolled on the state government payroll to ensure regular salary payments a move aimed at strengthening the institution’s sustainability.

He noted that Senator Wamakko’s contributions have enhanced educational development, societal growth, and the promotion of moral values across Sokoto State.

“This will go a long way in boosting sustained stability, education, respect and entrenchment of religious and moral values upon which Islam is built,” Aliyu said, urging wealthy individuals to emulate what he described as Wamakko’s commitment to Islam and humanity.

Speaking at the event, Senator Wamakko expressed delight at the rapid progress recorded by the school, stating that investing in Islamic education remains one of the most fulfilling commitments for a Muslim.

He acknowledged the efforts of the school’s management, students and supporters, particularly under the proprietorship of Sheikh Malam Bello Na Mallam Boyi, whose dedication has elevated the institution’s standing.

The ceremony concluded with the presentation of Kasea motorcycles to each of the 259 graduands, alongside the distribution of over N163 million raised and shared among students, teachers and management in various categories. An additional N10 million was allocated to support the continued running of the school.

The event underscored the state government’s renewed emphasis on religious education as a driver of moral development, social stability and long-term progress in Sokoto.