Arresting the Shortage of Medical Doctors in Zone B: Sen 313 Taking the Bull by the Horns

By Usman Baba, Shuaibu Awaisu and Sani Yusuf Kokki

Distinguished Senator Mohammed Sani Musa, popularly known as Sani 313, is by all standards a courageous man.

In 2019, Sen. 313 relaunched his political ambition under the platform of the All Progressives Congress, challenging the very popular Bar. David Umaru, who was the Chairman of the Senate Standing Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters. It was a daunting task that seemed impossible. After a fierce battle, right from the party primaries to the general election, the winner was finally decided by the Supreme Court.

Confirming the maxim that impossibility doesn’t exist, a five-man panel of the Supreme Court, led by Justice Ibrahim Muhammad, upheld arguments by Musa’s legal team, led by Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), on Friday, June 14th, 2019. They concluded that Musa won the primary of the APC for the election and was the actual candidate for the election.

Since his inauguration as a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria representing the Niger East Senatorial District, the business mogul turned politician has not left any stone unturned in attracting constituency development projects all over his 9-LGA Senatorial Constituency. He is presently building a 50-bed capacity hospital in Sarkin Pawa, Munya LGA, and Kuta in Shiroro LGA. In addition, the Senator has numerous projects to his credit spread across the 9 LGAs that make up his constituency, such as the construction of classrooms, youth centers, motorized boreholes, distribution of transformers, solar street lights, market stalls, road construction, ICT centres, as well as a state-of-the-art mini stadium in Minna town. Work has reached an advanced stage in the construction of a similar stadium in Kuta of Shiroro Local Government Area.

In the area of human capital development, Senator Sani 313 has empowered about 500 women and youths with various items, which include 21 tricycles, 130 motorcycles, 80 grinding machines, 80 deep freezers, 30 generators, 95 sewing machines, 45 clippers, and 24 sewing machines. Furthermore, the Senator empowered 2,868 constituents with ₦50,000 each, amounting to ₦143 million. Additionally, 218 starter packs were distributed by the Senator to 218 youths across the constituency. The agricultural sector has been supported by farmers empowered with farming inputs such as fertilizers, chemicals, irrigation machines, and sprayers, among others. He is also proving to be a legend in attracting permanent Federal Government appointments to numerous constituents of his in various agencies.

It was Nelson Mandela of blessed memory who said “Education is the weapon we can use to develop our society.” Having the above in mind, the Senator has made several interventions in education, from settling the registration fees of undergraduate students, payment of NECO and JAMB fees, and educational assistance to 1,000 higher institution students in his constituency.

The Distinguished Senator is presently redefining and revolutionizing constituency projects in virtually all aspects of human endeavor. The latest is taking a significant step toward advancing educational excellence in Niger East by launching a fully paid international undergraduate scholarship scheme for 100 academically sound students sent to India to pursue various medical courses to bridge the wide gap of lack of medical personnel in the constituency. The selection is done in a competitive process by a high-powered committee. This committee is tasked with administering his merit-based foreign scholarship programme.

Another selection is already ongoing for another 100 poor children to be sent to China to study various marketable courses such as engineering, artificial intelligence, robotics, etc. This rare privileged opportunity will invariably expose the students to different cultures that will broaden their perspectives, foster global understanding, and international collaboration. It is also an opportunity for them to develop critical leadership skills in line with international best practices, and when they return to Nigeria, they will drive positive change by thinking globally and acting locally.

The country, Niger State, and indeed the Niger East Senatorial District are in dire need of specialised skills that are crucial for national development. Skills like engineering, artificial intelligence, medicine, etc., are in short supply. What makes this foreign scholarship interesting is that most of the beneficiaries are not from well-to-do homes. It’s hoped that this priceless education will prepare them to break the poverty cycle in their families by empowering them to improve their socio-economic status and contribute to Niger State and the country as a whole.

~Usman Baba, Shuaibu Awaisu and Sani Yusuf Kokki write in from Minna.
26th August, 2025

*Zamfara Bye-Elections: Blame Gov Lawal’s Poor Performance for Your Loss– APC Youth Congress to PDP

The APC Youth Congress has issued a scathing rebuke of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Governor Dauda Lawal, attributing the party’s crushing defeat in the recent Kaura-Namoda South State Constituency bye-election to Lawal’s abysmal performance in office.

The group dismissed the PDP’s claims of electoral irregularities and misuse of armed forces as baseless excuses meant to deflect from the governor’s failure to deliver on his campaign promises.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Kamilu Sa’idu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) the winner of the bye-election, securing 8,182 votes against PDP candidate Muhammad Lawal Kurya’s 5,544.

The election, conducted in Sakajiki and Kyambarawa polling units, followed an inconclusive by-election due to a narrow vote margin.

In a statement, Comrade Gambo Danladi, spokesperson for the APC Youth Congress, described the PDP’s loss as a “referendum on Lawal’s incompetence.”

He accused the governor of failing to deliver on promises of development, security, and progress nearly three years into his tenure.

Danladi lambasted Lawal’s administration for plunging Zamfara into deeper insecurity and economic stagnation.

“The PDP’s loss is not the fault of the APC or the electoral system—it is the direct consequence of Lawal’s incompetence, broken promises, and betrayal of public trust,” Danladi said.

“Governor Dauda Lawal’s leadership has been nothing short of a disaster. His promises of rapid development, improved security, and economic revival have evaporated into thin air, leaving Zamfara grappling with rampant banditry, crumbling infrastructure, and widespread disillusionment.

“The electorate’s rejection of the PDP in this bye-election is a referendum on Lawal’s failure to address the state’s pressing challenges.

“His administration’s inability to deliver basic services or inspire confidence has eroded any goodwill he once enjoyed, exposing him as a leader utterly out of touch with the needs of his people. Zamfara deserves better than a governor who thrives on empty rhetoric and failed policies.

“The PDP’s claim of dominance in Zamfara is a myth. Their 2023 governorship win was built on falsehoods peddled by Dauda Lawal, who has failed to deliver even a fraction of what he promised.

“The people of Zamfara have seen through his lies and rejected him at the polls.”

The APC Youth Congress highlighted the bye-election results as evidence of the electorate’s frustration, noting that the PDP secured only six wards, marking a historic low for Lawal as the first Zamfara governor to lose a bye-election.

The statement also condemned Lawal’s alleged use of state-backed Zamfara Vigilante operatives to intimidate voters, defying federal warnings.

“These desperate tactics to manipulate the process were resoundingly rejected by the people, who delivered a decisive mandate to the APC,” Danladi said.

The APC Youth Congress called on Lawal to take responsibility for his administration’s failures and urged the PDP to stop making excuses.

“The people of Zamfara demand progress, not propaganda,” Danladi declared. “This victory belongs to the electorate, who have shown they will no longer tolerate Lawal’s ineptitude or the PDP’s politics of deception.”

The APC group congratulated Kamilu Sa’idu on his victory and reaffirmed its commitment to restoring hope and progress to Zamfara.

OJ International Edifice Hotel and Restaurants Opens in Grand Style

…affordable suites with sophisticated facilities

~By Oluwaseun Fabiyi

OJ International Edifice Hotel and Restaurants has officially opened its doors in a glamorous ceremony at Molasin Road, Onse, Atan-Ota, Ogun State, heralding a new era of excellence in hospitality and hotel management within Sango-Ota and beyond.

The Visionary Behind the Brand

The project is the brainchild of Alhaji Goriola Jaji, popularly known as Gory J, founder and CEO of Al Gory J Entertainment. A dynamic entrepreneur and trailblazer, Gory J brings his resourcefulness and forward-thinking approach into redefining hospitality standards in Nigeria.

Redefining Hospitality in Ogun State

OJ International Hotel and Restaurants promises more than just lodging—it offers a premium experience where affordability meets sophistication. With an edifice that reflects trust, refinement, and world-class service, the hotel is strategically positioned to set new benchmarks in hospitality not only in Ogun State but across Nigeria.

Guests can expect:

Affordable yet luxurious suites tailored for business travelers, tourists, and corporate executives.

Maximum security and comfort.

Excellent customer service driven by professionalism and integrity.

From business-class suites to premium lodging for foreigners and corporate clients, the hotel ensures every guest finds their ideal stay.

World-Class Facilities & Entertainment

All rooms are fully air-conditioned and equipped with modern amenities including plasma TVs, intercoms, and high-speed internet. Beyond lodging, OJ International Edifice enhances guests’ experiences with:

A fully equipped conference hall.

24-hour uninterrupted power supply.

Live performances from top Nigerian musicians to keep guests entertained.

Spacious, secure parking and high-standard interior décor.

Whether for short-term or long-term stays, the hotel guarantees luxury, comfort, and security.

Core Vision & Mission

Vision: To emerge as the leading hotel in Atan Ado-Odo Ota and set new standards for hospitality and hotel management.

Mission: To deliver innovative, customer-focused services that enhance excellence in hotel management while creating lasting value.

A Solemn Promise

At OJ International Edifice Hotel and Restaurants, excellence is a standard. Guests are assured of expert guidance, consistent service quality, and a legacy of hospitality that blends professionalism with a personal touch.

Special Launch Promotion

To celebrate its grand opening, the hotel is offering a special promotion: book a five-day stay and enjoy two complimentary days free.

For reservations, visit OJ International Hotel and Restaurants, Molasin Road, Onse, Atan-Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria.

Oluwaseun Fabiyi serves as the official media consultant and publicist for OJ International Edifice Hotel and Restaurants.