By Philip Yatai

Mr Mukhtar Galadima has officially begun his campaign for the Wukari/Ibi Federal Constituency in Taraba, under the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), promising a legislative revolution for the constituents if elected.

Galadima’s vision centres on an ambitious legislative agenda to sponsor a landmark bill to designate the Wukari/Ibi axis as a Special Economic Development Zone to harness the region’s vast natural resources.

Addressing journalists in Abuja on Thursday, the town planner and Member of the National Institute, Jos, said that the Bill would materialise through partnership with the Ministry of regional development.

“There is a regional development ministry, and I want to see that axis captured as a special regional development corridor, looking at the availability of resources that we have there.

“By the time we come up with a bill that will demarcate and delineate my constituency as a special development zone, it will go a long way in taking care of all the needs of our people,” he said.

Galadima, who retired as the Director of Development Control in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Administration, described his entry into elective politics as a direct response to a “clarion call” from constituents seeking a credible alternative.

He stressed that the voices of Wukari and Ibi have gone unheard for too long, positioning his professional experience, competency, and extensive network as the tools needed to reverse regional neglect.

He identified the severe infrastructural deficits plaguing Southern Taraba as a serious concern, adding that roads connecting the constituency to Plateau, Nasarawa, and Benue states remain in poor condition, stalling regional trade and mobility.

He outlined a clear hierarchy of immediate deliverables, placing public health and key infrastructure at the top of his agenda.

Galadima revealed that he has personally funded a 50-bed healthcare facility, slated to open before the end of the year and integrated with the National Health Insurance Scheme to ensure affordable, accessible care for all constituents.

Emphasising its role as a regional economic artery, Galadima pledged to lobby for the completion of the long-abandoned Ibi Bridge project to connect Taraba to Plateau, Bauchi, Nasarawa, and the FCT.

Addressing the longstanding Tiv-Jukun conflicts, Galadima offered himself as a unifying mediator.

“I want to be that bridge that will bring the two sides together. It has been my dream since childhood,” he noted, proposing regular, inclusive town hall meetings to foster dialogue.

To maintain continuous grassroots connection, Galadima announced plans to establish a Constituency Consultative Assembly with physical offices established across ward, local government, and constituency levels.

Acknowledging the limits of the legislative office, Galadima emphasised that attracting development requires proactive diplomacy.

“We are legislators, not executives, but through dialogue, collaboration, consultation, and cooperation, we will attract development to our area, by the special grace of God.”(NAN)

Edited by Yakubu Uba

Nigeria’s national netball team is stepping up preparations for the Netball World Cup Sydney 2027 African Qualifier, with head coach Alison Akinrinsola urging her players to believe in themselves and embrace the opportunity to make history for the country.

The team is currently training in London as preparations intensify for the African qualifier scheduled for September 19–26, 2026, in Nairobi, Kenya.

Read Also: Aluko: Nigeria Ready for World Cup Battle as Netball Team Steps Up London Preparations

Akinrinsola has been encouraged by the team’s recent international exposure, having faced Jamaica, Pakistan and Scotland in friendly matches before the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow last month.

The coach believes those encounters have given the players valuable experience and a better understanding of what will be required when they face some of Africa’s best teams in Nairobi.

“We have seen where we are, we know the areas we need to improve, and we are working hard to get better,” Akinrinsola said.

She added that the team is using every training session to improve its tactical understanding, build stronger combinations and develop the confidence required to compete against quality opposition.

Her message to the players has been one of confidence, discipline and unity as Nigeria prepares for a competition where two World Cup places are at stake.

“We are not going there just to participate. We are going there to compete and fight for Nigeria,” she said.

Nigeria will line up alongside South Africa, Uganda, Kenya, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Zambia, Botswana and Tanzania in the African qualifier.

South Africa and Uganda have already secured World Cup places through the ranking route, making the Nairobi tournament particularly important for Nigeria and the other teams chasing the remaining African opportunities.

With the players training in London, Akinrinsola and her technical team are focused on building a cohesive squad capable of handling the pressure and intensity of the competition.

The coach believes the team’s recent international experience, combined with the current preparations, can give Nigeria the confidence needed to challenge strongly in Nairobi.

For Nigeria, the mission is simple: prepare well, believe strongly and fight for a historic ticket to Sydney.