Gold was discovered along Ghari’s dry riverbeds around 2024, igniting a rush that has changed everything. But what prompted this shift? The allure of gold has drawn many to the area, leading to unregulated mining practices that strip away topsoil and render farmlands unusable. Ibrahim Musa, a local farmer, laments his situation: “Where there was peace, there is now fear.” This statement encapsulates the growing anxiety among residents as mining activities escalate.

Take Haruna Sule, for instance. His annual yield plummeted from ₦3,000,000 to a mere ₦60,000 due to the encroaching mines. Last season he harvested only 40 bags of millet and 28 bags of sorghum — a stark contrast to previous years when he gathered 600 bags of maize. This drastic decline illustrates how artisanal gold mining disrupts traditional farming practices.

Rakiya Musa’s story mirrors this tragedy. Once able to harvest over 150 bags of cowpea in a good season, she now struggles with just four bags. The environmental degradation caused by these mining operations is acknowledged by local authorities; even the Kano State Commissioner for Solid Minerals has recognized its impact. Yet many farmers feel abandoned amid rising insecurity and violence associated with the gold rush.

The situation isn’t isolated to Nigeria. Just across the border in Cameroon, stricter regulations are being introduced for foreign firms involved in gold mining. These new laws require an environmental bond of 63 million CFA francs — a significant move aimed at addressing similar issues of unregulated mining that undermine both tax collection and environmental protection.

Suleiman Abubakar, village head of Nawala, has taken action by writing to local government officials multiple times about the ongoing mining issues. His sentiment resonates with many: “These people did not come to develop us; they came to take what is under our ground and leave us with nothing above it.” This reflects a broader concern among communities that feel exploited rather than supported.

But what does this mean for the future? As artisanal miners continue their operations unchecked, uncertainty looms over both agricultural productivity and community safety. Farmers like Musa Dan-Kwaro express frustration: “This thing no be work, but hunger no dey hear grammar.” Their plight underscores a critical question — can sustainable practices be implemented before it’s too late?

The future remains uncertain as local communities grapple with these changes. Details remain unconfirmed regarding potential regulatory measures that could balance gold extraction with environmental stewardship and agricultural viability. For now, residents watch as their land transforms from fertile fields into barren landscapes — all in pursuit of gold.

Сообщение Gold mining: What is the Impact of in Ghari, Kano State? появились сначала на naijanewsreporters.

In recent years, scholarship opportunities in Nigeria have been evolving, particularly with initiatives aimed at empowering youth through education. Historically, scholarships were often limited and competitive, leaving many talented individuals without the necessary financial support to pursue higher education. However, the landscape is changing, as new programs are being introduced to address these gaps.

The NDDC Foreign Postgraduate Scholarship Programme 2026 is a significant development in this regard. This initiative is specifically designed to enhance Human Resource Development in the Niger Delta region. Eligible applicants must possess a First Class Degree or a Second Class Upper Division, and they must be residents of the Niger Delta region, not exceeding 40 years of age. This scholarship covers various professional disciplines, including Engineering, Medical Sciences, and Law, thus broadening the scope of opportunities available to young professionals.

In contrast, the Kano state government has also stepped up by offering scholarships to members of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN). This program provides tuition fees for ten SWAN members to study sports journalism, highlighting a targeted approach to enhancing sports media in the region. Sani Musa Danja, a representative from SWAN, expressed gratitude for the initiative, stating, “We give thanks to almighty Allah for his mercies. I want to thank our mentor and leader, his excellency governor, Abba Kabiru Yusuf, who made this possible.” This reflects a growing recognition of the importance of sports journalism in promoting sports development.

The decisive moment for the NDDC scholarship came with the announcement that it is fully funded, allowing successful candidates to study at international universities. This is a major shift from previous scholarship offerings that may not have provided such comprehensive support. The NDDC scholarship not only covers tuition but also includes visa and travel expenses, accommodation support, and living stipends. This holistic approach ensures that financial barriers are minimized, enabling students to focus on their studies.

Moreover, the application process for the NDDC scholarship includes a computer-based test for shortlisted candidates, which will take place in Rivers State. To qualify for the scholarship, candidates must achieve a minimum score of 70. This structured selection process aims to ensure that only the most qualified individuals are awarded the scholarship, thereby maintaining a high standard of education within the program.

Experts in the field have noted that these scholarship programs represent a major opportunity for young Niger Deltans to gain world-class postgraduate education with full financial support. This is crucial for equipping them with the skills and training necessary for effective participation in local content programs. The NDDC scholarship, in particular, is seen as a vital step towards addressing educational disparities in the region.

As both the NDDC and Kano state scholarship initiatives unfold, they signify a broader commitment to investing in the future of Nigeria’s youth. The deadline for applications for both scholarships is set for April 19, 2026, marking a critical date for aspiring candidates. With these new opportunities, the hope is that more young individuals will be able to pursue their academic and professional dreams, ultimately contributing to the development of their communities.

In summary, while the past may have presented challenges for students seeking financial support for higher education, the current scholarship landscape in Nigeria is evolving. With targeted programs like the NDDC Foreign Postgraduate Scholarship and the Kano state initiative for sports journalism, there is a renewed sense of optimism for the future of education in the region.

Сообщение Scholarship: What Changes Are Coming to Opportunities in Nigeria? появились сначала на naijanewsreporters.

In a decisive move to enhance the efficiency and service delivery of the Kano State civil service, Abba Kabir Yusuf has appointed Bilkisu Shehu as the Acting Head of Service, effective immediately. This appointment follows the dismissal of Abdullahi Musa from the same position.

The announcement, made by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature, marks a significant shift in the state’s administrative framework. The decision to appoint Shehu, who previously served as the Permanent Secretary for Administration and General Services at the Cabinet Office, aims to instill greater discipline and improve overall performance within the civil service.

Governor Yusuf expressed his gratitude for the contributions made by Abdullahi Musa during his tenure, stating, “We wish him the best in his future endeavours and pray for his continued success in all aspects of life.” This sentiment underscores the governor’s commitment to maintaining a respectful transition within the state’s leadership.

As part of the transition, Abdullahi Musa has been directed to hand over responsibilities to Bilkisu Shehu by March 11, 2026. This timeline emphasizes the urgency of the reforms being implemented in the civil service.

The appointment of Bilkisu Shehu is seen as a strategic move within the broader context of ongoing reforms aimed at revitalizing the Kano State civil service. These changes are expected to address long-standing issues related to efficiency and accountability.

Details regarding the specific measures that will accompany Shehu’s appointment remain unconfirmed, but the governor’s office has indicated that further announcements may follow as the new Acting Head of Service settles into her role.

With this new appointment, the Kano State government is poised to navigate the challenges of public administration more effectively, ensuring that the needs of the citizens are met with improved service delivery.

The implications of this leadership change will likely unfold in the coming weeks, as stakeholders monitor the impact of Shehu’s leadership on the civil service’s performance.

Сообщение Abba Kabir Yusuf Appoints Bilkisu Shehu as Acting Head of Service in Kano State появились сначала на naijanewsreporters.

The Youth Economic Intervention and De-Radicalisation Programme (YEIDEP) is set to empower up to 20 million youths in Nigeria, with Batch B registration commencing on March 9, 2026. This initiative aims to address critical issues such as youth unemployment, poverty, and radicalisation in the country.

Eligible participants for the programme are Nigerians aged between 18 and 50. Registration will be conducted nationwide, with the exception of Kano State, where the process will be supervised by Governor Abba Yusuf.

To participate in Batch B, applicants must open a YEIDEP bank account at designated partner banks, including Fidelity Bank and Keystone Bank. The account opening is free of charge and mandatory for participation.

According to Kennedy Iyere, a representative of the programme, “YEIDEP aims to empower 20 million youths with start-up capital as a way of promoting entrepreneurship and self-employment among young people.” He further emphasized the importance of adhering to registration guidelines, stating, “We also strictly want to warn against double or multiple registration, as anyone found guilty of such shall be disqualified automatically.”

Individuals who registered under Batch A and have confirmed YEIDEP bank accounts are not eligible for Batch B. Moreover, duplicate applications will lead to automatic disqualification, ensuring a streamlined process for new applicants.

YEIDEP is designed to tackle Nigeria’s chronic youth unemployment, youth poverty, and youth hopelessness, which have been significant contributors to national insecurity and radicalisation. The programme seeks to provide young people with the necessary resources to foster entrepreneurship and self-employment.

As the registration date approaches, observers are keen to see how the programme will unfold and its impact on the youth demographic in Nigeria. Details remain unconfirmed regarding the specific number of applicants expected or the resources allocated for the initiative.

Сообщение Yeidep: Youth Economic Intervention and De-Radicalisation Programme () Launches Batch B Registration появились сначала на naijanewsreporters.