Usaku FM 90.5

Blog

  • ADAMAWA FACES HUGE HEALTH INSURANCE GAP-ASCHMA

    WE NEED TO BRIDGE ADAMAWA HEALTH INSURANCE GAP-ASCHMA CAUTIONS, AS MEAGRE 4 PERCENT OF STATE POPULATION IS ENROLED

     

     

    Only 200, 000 people representing a meagre 4 percent, out of an estimated 4.9 million people in Adamawa State have health insurance.

    Officials of the Adamawa state Contributory Health Management Agency ASCHMA, who  raised the concern, while speaking on USAKU FM’s Good Morning Show,  harped on the need to bridge the gap in health insurance in the State.

    Demajah Gabriel, picks it up.

     

    AUDIO REPORT

    The popular maxim, has it, that health is wealth, this is what Adamawa State Contributory Health Management Agency ASCHMA team is shedding light on. This concerns persons who are able to get proper health care in the State and under what insurance terms?

    AUDIO REPORT

    ASCHMA Head of formal sector Dr. Yakubu Kennedy, says  since the Health insurance bill was passed into law by Governor Ahmadu Umaru in 2020, the agency has been mandated to regulate insurance for residents in the formal space and in the informal space

    “It has mandated the agency for contriibutory Health Insurance, both at the formal sector and also the informal space,                                                                                                the target is that  everybody in Adamawa  State, gets to have access to Healthcare at a minial cost” 

     

    ASCHMA Enforcement officer, Pharmarcist Abdul-Aziz Tahir, explained the subscription model under the agency

    “In Adamawa State Health Insurance Agency, we normally subcribe at N15,000 per person,

                          per anum and then for family, we subsidize it at N60,000 “

    On his part, ASCHMA Desk Officer Informal sector Mohammed Sajo, while acknowledging that some controversy may arise, in the course of obtaining insurance,  disclosed that the standard and quality assurance units, ensures grievances and questions  are addressed.

     

                    “There is a department at the agency,  we call the standard and quality assurance Department, as part of addressing issues,

                       there is an enforcement unit and then there is a call centre for complaints, inquiries and all other suggestions” 

    Insurance is one of the financing models in health care that is aimed at pulling risk of people, ranging from the sick and healthy, the poor and the rich, and also the young and old. and putting their contribution together so that it can be used to procure their services for any that is sick. The target in Adamawa State is for everyone to have access to healthcare at a minimal cost, without suffering any financial hardship.

  • THINKING CRISIS PLAGUE’S NORTHERN NIGERIA-THEMAN

    NORTHERN NIGERIA HAMSTRUNG BY THINKING CRISIS-WAFARNINYI THEMAN

     

     

    The real problem bedeviling Northern Nigeria is the existence of a huge thinking gap.

    Policy analyst, Mentor and Former State Lawmaker in Adamawa, Wafarninyi Theman who fired this Salvo, when he appeared as guest, on USAKU FM, good Morning Adamawa show, put it succinctly that great thoughts produce ideas that trigger solutions.

    Demajah Gabriel picks it up.

    AUDIO REPORT

    For over 17 years, Northern Nigeria, beginning with the North-East region, has contended with insurgency.

    More recently, banditry, cattle rustling, kidnapping, displacements, violent attacks, mass abductions have dominated the scene in Northern Nigeria, and increasingly appearing intractable.

    Wafarninyi Theman, a former State legislator in Adamawa, bluntly states that this myriad of challenges have persisted, due to gaps he calls thinking crisis,  on how to holistically deal with them. These he says is not only a problem of leadership but also of the led.

    “From insecurity to poverty to illiteracy, I would say all those are as a result of what I call thinking crisis. We don’t need long grammar to solve big problems.”

    Theman, maintained that addressing insecurity, poverty and other developmental challenges requires leaders who can transform people through knowledge, vision and institution-building, rather than leaders driven by personal interests.

    He cited the examples with some of Nigeria’s founding leaders, Sir Ahmadu Bello and Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, who were great leaders and teachers, noting that their backgrounds in education, exposure to global ideas, and commitment to institution-building contributed significantly to national development.

     

    “What we have been faced with, is leaders that don’t think aright, and the solution is, great leaders equal great teachers, we need leaders that are able to teach others how to solve problems”.

     The analyst, stressed that  both leaders and the electorate must change their mindset, insisting that active civic engagement and responsible leadership are essential to addressing the nation’s developmental challenges.

                  

    “So we have kept producing leaders in that system, so what we have now is a systemic problem,

     So both the leaders and the led have this thinking crisis, what are you thinking, that you wouldn’t even exercise your civic responsibility to vote? its very dangerous”

    Theman, describes the media as a powerful force for societal transformation, urging journalists to use their platforms responsibly by promoting investigative reporting, encouraging issue-based political debates and holding leaders accountable. He points that such efforts would help voters make informed decisions and strengthen the nation’s democratic process.

  • INFORMATION MISMANAGEMENT HAS TO STOP: LENEKE

    Mismanagement of Information is a real threat, that we must now deal with or face dire consequences.

    Adamawa Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Barrister Leader Leneke, fired this warning, at a one day workshop for Information Officers and Media Practitioners, in the State.

    Chief Correspondent Ephraim Okpanachi was among the participants at the Livak Signature Hotel, Jimeta-Yola

    AUDIO REPORT

    The social media continues to take up large followership and by extension news reports both by trained and untrained personnel.

    Adamawa Commisioner for Information and strategy Barrister leader Leneke, stresses that in an era where information flows at rapid speed, the need for truth in story telling is imperative, as the proliferation of social media platforms, now posed real challenge to peaceful coexistence.

    “Peace journalism is not soft journalism, it is courageous journalism, it is journalism that asks how do I report this crisis, without causing another one?

    I charge the NUJ to continue to self-regulate. I charge bloggers, to remember that influence comes with responsibility”

    In his presentation Adamwa Police image maker SP Suleiman Nguroje, called for strict adherence to Journalism principles, with a focus of achieving peace and not stocking tension with stories.

    “All the time try as much as you can, to satisfy public interest,  but in the course of you doing that, take cognizance of the threat that is attached to it, the security or the insecurity to that aspect, then apply principles of peace oriented journalism”

    Humwashi Wonosikou, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, charged journalists to train on the job first by themselves and seek knowledge on how to maintain standards

    “Let’s deemphasize reports on terrorism and other things that puts Nigeria on the scale like a terrorist nation, because that is how they see us outside”

    There were presentations by Barrister Japhet Kanadi Gajere on media law, freedom of expression, hate speech, libel and sedition, while Media Consultant Charles Doke, spoke on the burden and conflict between speed, truth and Trust in media convergence.

    The training facilitated by the Special Adviser to the Adamawa Governor on Communication and Strategy Professor John Ngamsa, featured 70 participants drawn from the media and information officers in the State.

    Curiously, it emerged from an on the spot training survey,  that more participants use the Facebook platform the most, while journalists were spending between 3 and 5 hours on social media every day, as such, this time needs to be judiciously utilized.

  • FINTIRI BANS ILLEGAL MINING IN LAMURDE

     

    Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, has banned all illegal mining activities in Lamurde Local Government Area with immediate effect.

    The ban, also comes with a stern warning, that anyone who disobeys the order, or supports violence in the area, will face government action.

    Governor Fintiri, made the announcement, while receiving the preliminary report of the mediation committee, set up to resolve the long-running conflict between the Bachama and Chobo communities at the Government House Yola.

    Usakutiya Dzarma reports.

    AUDIO REPORT

     

    What began as a dispute between two families in Lamurde, over land for farming purposes in July 2025, snowballed into a full blown communal and tribal conflict, which has claimed scores of lives and forced many to flee their homes.

    Adamawa State Governor, Ahamdu Umaru Fintiri, who has in the course of the dispute, demonstrated great commitment to the protection and security of lives and property, used the occasion to reiterate his government’s resolve to protect its people.

    He emphatically declares, that anyone involved in causing or supporting the Bachama-Chobo crises, would be identified and brought to justice.

    The Governor said the ban on illegal mining, is part of efforts, to address the main causes of the conflict and stop criminals,  from taking advantage of the situation, while restoring order in the area.

    “The illegal miners are also part of those, who are supporting this crisis, so that they can have their business to go easily and for them to go about it unchallenged.

     So as I am speaking here, am banning all the illegal mining in Lamurde local government and we would scrutinize all the actions and the recommendation that you have submitted.

    In the next three days, we will take action on each of them and I would work with the service commanders, to see that we put a stop to this crisis”.

    Earlier, the Chair of the Mediation Committee and Paramount Ruler of Jonjo Chiefdom, Dr. Robert David Tankawa, said the committee found that disputes over land ownership, competition for natural resources, and the lack of fair  traditional recognition were the major causes of the conflict. He added that illegal firearms and inciting social media posts also made the situation worse.

       “The Team carried out extensive consultations with both communities and their neighbours between June 17 and June 27, 2026

    We identified land ownership, resource control and the absence of inclusive traditional recognition, as the core drivers of the crisis”

    Dr. Tankawa, said both communities have signed a Memorandum of Understanding, showing their commitment to living together in peace. He said the committee recommended the gradual easing of the curfew, the disarmament of armed groups, reconciliation among the communities, and the rebuilding of destroyed communities.

  • WE WANT FULFULDE PROGRAMMES ON USAKU

    Adamawa Chapter of the Fulfulde Media Presenters, has made a passionate plea to Usaku FM, to introduce News and Programs in Fulfulde, for the purpose of her teeming Fulfulde audience in the State.

    The group led by its Chair, Yusuf Ishaq Buba, made the appeal during a courtesy call to Usaku FM Yola.

    Usaku FM Yola, a brand name in the broadcast industry in North-East Nigeria, has settled well into business, with distinct programming and reportage, conducted primarily in two languages English and Hausa.

    The Fulfulde Media presenters,  Chairman,  Yusuf Ishaq Buba, acknowledge the distinct and innovative nature of programming that usaku FM has brought to the table in North-East Nigeria. He however, notes that this programming is not yet done in Fulfulde at USAKU FM. He appeals to usaku, to use its vintage position in the industry and factor in the need , and commence programming in Fulfulde.

    USAKU FM Head of Markerting, Jane Eli Adams, reiterated to the delegation that the marketing and Sales of Usaku FM, is business friendly and open to commercials and partnerships.

    Responding to the request, General Manager USAKU FM  Markus Timawus- Mathias, told the team, the station is pleased with the visit and issues raised, pointing that Usaku FM is open to collaboration and would look into the request.

    For the stakeholders it was an opportunity to express heartfelt commendation to USAKU for its unique programming style.

     

  • Ex-SGF MUSTAPHA APPOINTED TO N/NIGERIA SECURITY BOARD

    Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, has approved the appointment of former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Barr Boss Mustapha, as the state’s representative on the Board of Trustees of the Northern Nigeria Security Trust Fund.

    According to a statement by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Humwashi Wonosikou, the appointment underscores the administration’s commitment to strengthening regional security efforts and ensuring Adamawa State is effectively represented in key security discussions.

    The Governor expressed deep concern over the prevailing security challenges confronting the country, particularly in the North. He noted that the disturbing rise in banditry, terrorism, kidnapping, and communal clashes necessitated the proactive intervention of the Northern Governors’ Forum through the creation of the Trust Fund to curb the menace and restore peace to the region.

     

    The Northern Nigeria Security Trust Fund was established by the Northern Governors’ Forum to support security agencies through improved intelligence coordination, operational support, and collaboration among the 19 northern states.

    Governor Fintiri congratulated Mustapha on the appointment, expressing confidence in his ability to contribute meaningfully to the objectives of the Trust Fund and advance collective efforts toward a safer Northern Nigeria.

    The Governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to working with relevant stakeholders to enhance the security and wellbeing of citizens.

  • NO TO POLITICAL BANDITRY, BEBETU FIRES SALVO AT BINANI

     

    We will not allow your coup and political banditry to succeed in Adamawa State.

    This is the volley spike, fired by the Pro-tem Chair of the Nigeria Democratic Congress NDC, Adamawa State Chapter Ibrahim Bebetu, to new entrants into the party in the State, led by Aishatu Binani.

    Chief Correspondent Ephraim Okpanachi, attended the briefing at the NDC Secretariat in Jimeta Yola.

     

    AUDIO REPORT

     

    Nigeria Democratic Congress NDC, was officially registered on 5th of February, 2026, by the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC, after a lengthy legal battle almost 9 years after it first applied for registration in 2017.

    Across Nigeria, pro-tem Chairmen held sway, as key party stakeholders, however, the Adamawa Protem Chair, Ibrahim Bebetu, says the party in the State is being hijacked by Senator Aishatu Binani, in total disregard for party stipulations for new influential entrants.

    Binani went to the National headquarters, bought all the forms meant  for Adamawa State and came in here to tell us, that they have already bought the forms and they have given it to their people, and it is their people that they are going to announce as the new excos all over.

    How on earth can you meet people in their party and chase them all, bring your people and close the door? This is a Political banditry.

     

    He says the maneuverers are not new from Aishatu Binani, and explains her frequent change of political party, but warns that such coup and banditry will not succeed, as he Bebetu is the official recognized by INEC and wonders how the Binani camp hopes to navigate that tricky part, with so many electoral deadlines to be met by political Parties in May.

     

    I don’t know exactly where the arrangements were made, and we here say no, they cannot execute it.

    The INEC man who was supposed to supervise asked where am I , I said I am suspecting a foul play, so I am no longer participating in this congress. He now said, you know that you are the only one INEC knows as the preterm chairman and we cannot take anything from anybody except you.

    Bebetu camp, says do not deal with anyone who claims to be NDC in Adamwa and is not led by Ibrahim Bebetu, who had all the 21 Local Government Chairmen of the NDC present to support the cause of alerting the public of the planned hijack and stopping it right in the tracks. In the meantime, observers and analysts remain unsure of the next moves in the unending chess game being played by actors in the 2027 polls.

  • YOUTH COUNCIL HONOURS FCE PROVOST DEGEREJI

    We are honoring you for your exceptional leadership and being an advocate and  pillar of educational development.

    With such endearing words, the Nigerian Youth Council, heaped praises on the Provost of the Federal College of Education FCE Yola. Dr. Muhammed Degereji, when presenting an award to him, for strengthening the education system in Adamawa and beyond.

    Fatiha Sirajo witnessed the ceremony at the College, here is her report.

    AUDIO REPORT

    Leadership, a social process of influence, is deemed good or bad, based on its impact on the people or society.

    In Yola, the stories of excellence in repositioning the Federal  college of education, by Mohammed Degereji, have not gone unnoticed.

    The Nigerian youth council, awarded Dr. Degereji, for his excellent leadership and dedication to education.

    The vice president of the Nigerian youth council, comrade Adamu Muhammad commended the provost for his excellent leadership.

     

    We are here on behalf to the Nigerian Youth Council to celebrate excellence, recognize service and hounour a man whose contribution to education and national development continue to inspire generations.

    The Nigeria youth council, celebrates the Federal College of Education, we celebrate your leadership towards the development of our societies and towards the development of the immediate society.

    In his response, Dr. degereji urged youths to do good wherever  they find themselves, because, people look up to them for positive changes, while for leaders, the provost encourages them to focus on empowering the youths.

    Whenever people come together to recognize that you have done something, it is another challenge, it means you need to do more.

    It is an honour and privilege to receive this award, from a council of youths representing the entire country and it makes my eyes brighter and wide, that whatever we are doing, people somewhere are watching us.

    The award is another recognition for the provosts sterling leadership.

  • SPORTS DEVELOPMENT. NIS SEEKS MEDIA SUPPORT

     

    We need your collaboration to effectively promote and develop sports.

    This is the call from the National Institute for Sports NIS, North-East Zonal Office, to the media.

    Barrister  Istifanus Ganda, Zonal Coordinator NIS North-East, made this plea, when he paid a courtesy call on Usaku FM Yola.

    Murga Lot picks it up from here.

     

    AUDIO REPORT

    Established over 50 years ago in 1974 to improve Nigeria’s  performance in international sporting competitions, the National Institute for Sports NIS, over the years served as the  premier research and training institution dedicated to producing top-rated coaches, sports managers, sport scientists, and athletes.

    The Tinubu led Presidency, in 2023 reintroduced the National Sports Commission NSC which had been dissolved since 2015, while on October 23 2024, scrapped the Ministry of sports placing Sports matters firmly under the purview of the NSC.

    This move has seen massive improvements in sports administration and management, as the National Institute for Sports NIS, was decentralized into zonal offices for easy outreach, by the NIS DG Comrade Philip Shuaibu.

    The North-East Office of the NIS is located in Yola and the Zonal Officer, Barrister Istifanus Ganda, while visiting UsAKU FM, called for collaboration from the Media to reposition sports.

    Responding, the General Manager Usaku FM Markus Timawus Mathias, commended the NIS for the visit, he said at Usaku FM, NIS had a partner and promised to sustain this.

     

    The NIS hopes, the visit would beam the searchlight on sports in the zone and accelerate development. :

  • POISONED COWS- ONLY BUY MEAT FROM ABBATTIOR

    Do not buy meat for consumption from unapproved sources, but only buy from approved abattoirs.

    This is the directive from Adamawa State Government to residents of the State and it follows the destruction of over seventy contaminated cow carcasses at the Jimeta Modern Abattoir.

    The cow carcasses were destroyed after they were found to contain poisonous substance after consuming poisonous grass, making the meat unsafe for human consumption.

    Usakutiya Dzarma monitored it.

     

    AUDIO REPORT

    A disturbing scenario unfolds, as preliminary reports indicate the affected cows were traced to parts of Fufore Local Government Area and neighbouring Cameroon republic.

    Adamawa State Commissioner for Livestock and Aquaculture Development, Alhaji Salihu Idris, while speaking to Government House reporters during an inspection visit to the Jimeta Modern Abattoir.

    He said the government is committed to protecting public health and will not allow unsafe meat to be sold to residents.

    We are always active in the ministry of livestock and aquaculture, to see that we always guarantee the public of food security,

    And on that mater, we have responded very early and actively and all necessary measures have been taken care and we are calling on general public to always buy their meat at approved abattoirs by the government, like this one. And also to be extra vigilant for those who are coming through the bye pass with the meat from unknown places to sell to the public

    The Commissioner, added that the action followed a directive from Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, to ensure that only safe and healthy meat gets to the public.

    But what caused the mysterious deaths of the cows? And how did they end up at the Jimeta modern abbattoir

    Well…. earlier, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Dr. Mohammed Aminu Suleiman, confirmed that the cows had eaten poisonous grass.

    He explained that samples of the grass would be sent to the Modibbo Adama University Teaching Hospital for laboratory analysis and expert advice.

    There were well over 70 cattle that died as a result of this.

    we are able to collect this poisonous grass, we were able to collect the soil sample and we were able to look at the animals that died there and ordered  for how to handle them appropriately.

    Also speaking, the Director of Veterinary Services, Dr. Bartholomew Nyalas, said the discovery highlights the ministry’s commitment to safeguarding public health.

    In the meantime, residents are expected to adhere to the directive not to consume meat not purchased from approved abattoirs, while government further investigates.

    Also speaking, the Director of Veterinary Services, Dr. Bartholomew Nyalas, said the discovery highlights the ministry’s commitment to safeguarding public health.

    In the meantime, residents are expected to adhere to the directive not to consume meat not purchased from approved abattoirs, while government further investigates.