The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • GYB Essay: The SUN reporter wins N2m

    GYB Essay: The SUN reporter wins N2m

    • NUJ commends Bello’s ‘commitment to journalism’

    The Correspondent of The Sun in Kogi State, Emmanuel Adeyemi, has emerged the grand prize winner of the GYB Essay Competition for journalists with a total score of 75.8 per cent. He was followed by Richard Elesho of The News, who scored 72.6 per cent.

    The Correspondent of Daily Independent in the state, Julius Atabor, was the second runner-up, with a total of 70.6 per cent, while Adeiza Momohjimoh of Nigerian Link and Bashir Muhammad of New Telegraph were tied for the fourth place, each scoring 70.4 per cent.

    The first runner-up got N1 million, second runner-up, N500,000, while the two journalists who tied for the fourth place prize went home with N250,000 each.

    There were consolation prizes, ranging from N20,000 to N100,000 for many journalists that participated in the competition.

    In his message at the prize presentation in Lokoja, the Kogi Stae capital, the President, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Chris Iziguzo, commended the governor for his support to journalism.

    “By establishing this essay competition, you have indeed demonstrated your unwavering commitment to nurturing and empowering journalists to excel in their craft,” he said.

     Bello expressed confidence in the capacity of journalists in Kogi, saying: “They are my own special people. If I don’t embark in capacity building and empowerment for them, no outsider will.”

    He assured media practitioners that the essay competition would be institutionalised and would outlive his administration.

    Adeyemi expressed gratitude to God and Bello, saying: the N2 million prize was “a big shock”.

    “Such gesture is an encouragement to media professionals in the state and also an eye opener for better performance,” he said.

    Dr. Tunde Akanni, Associate Professor of Journalism at the Lagos State University, led the panel of five judges.

    General Manager and Deputy Director, Radio Nigeria, Bimbo Oyetunde, who presented the scores on behalf of the panel, listed the criteria for the award of marks to include grammar, content and flow, among others.

    Other members of the panel were Eddy Odivwri, member, Editorial Board of This Day; Ayo Olesin, Editor-in-Chief, The News Matrix and member, Nigerian Guild of Editors; and Gabriel Akinadewo, Managing Director, Freedom Online and Asst. Gen. Secretary, NGE, among others.

  • Bauchi Assembly re-elects Speaker Abubakar

    Bauchi Assembly re-elects Speaker Abubakar

    The immediate past Speaker of the Bauchi State House of Assembly,  Suleiman Abubakar, has been re-elected.

    Abubakar, who represents Ningi Central constituency, was elected unopposed yesterday at the inauguration of the 10th assembly.

    The Clerk to the House, Barrister Umar Yusuf Gital presided over the inauguration.

    He read  the proclamation from  Governor Bala Mohammed before  members of the 10th Assembly went into the voting of principal officers of the Assembly.

    Abukakar’s re-election made him the first lawmaker to be elected Bauchi Assembly Speaker twice.

    The member representing Jama’are Constituency, Hon Mubarak Haruna (NNPP) presented a motion nominating him as Speaker. He was seconded by Hon. Auwal Hassan representing Shira Constituency.

    Similarly, the member representing Bauchi Central Constituency Hon. Jamilu Umaru Dahiru was elected as Deputy Speaker.

    Hon. Habibu Umar (PDP, Kirfi Constituency) nominated the Deputy while  Hon. Bello Sarkin Jadori (PDP, Gamawa Constituency) seconded him.

    Umaru, popularly known as Jamilu Barade, is the first lawmaker to win re-election in Bauchi Central Constituency and the first Deputy Speaker from the constituency.

    Shortly after taking the Oath of Office, Abubakar called for support from the House, adding that his leadership would continue to remain transparent and accessible.

    “I am ready to collaborate, work, share ideas, and interact with every one of you and accept any constructive criticism, advice, opinion, or suggestion toward achieving our collective goal of moving the Bauchi State forward.”

    “I am happy that the 10th Assembly is lucky to have a combination of great and resourceful personalities, who have excelled in their various fields of endeavours,” he said.

    “We must, therefore, put our experience, background, and knowledge to use by working tirelessly to deliver the dividend of democracy to our constituencies. We must imbibe the spirit of togetherness and brotherhood in our work as representatives of the people of Bauchi.”

  • Yusuf submits 19 commissioner-nominees to Kano Assembly

    Yusuf submits 19 commissioner-nominees to Kano Assembly

    Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf has submitted a list of 19 commissioner-nominees to the Kano State House of Assembly for approval.

    The Speaker of the House, Alhaji Jibrin Falgore, said this at yesterday’s plenary, when he read a letter from the governor.

    Falgore said the nominees included the state Deputy Governor, Alhaji Aminu Abdulsalam and the state New Nigerian People’s Party (NNPP), Chairman, Malam Umar Doguwa.

    Others were Abubakar Yusuf, Musa Shanono, Aisha Saji, Ladidi Garko, Yusuf Kofar Mata, Nasiru Sule Garo and Halilu Dan Tiye.

    The rest included Ali Makoda, Danjuma Mahmud, Abbas Abbas, Adamu Kibiya, Safiyanu Hamza, Tijjani Auwal, Haruna Dederi, Adamu Kibiya,Marwan Ahmed, Digwal Muhammad and Taju Zaura.

    In his contribution, the deputy speaker, Muhammad Butu, said the confirmation of the nominees, would pave way for the development.

    He said the nominees would help the governor to implement his policies and programmes, as provided by the constitution.

    The speaker urged the nominees to appear before the house today for screening while exempting the deputy governor from the screening.

  • Lawal hails Tinubu for appointing Ribadu as NSA

    Lawal hails Tinubu for appointing Ribadu as NSA

    Founder and Chief Executive Connected Development (CODE) Hamzat Lawal, has hailed President Bola Tinubu for appointing Mallam Nuhu Ribadu as the National Security Adviser (NSA).

     Lawal in a statement said the appointment demonstrated Tinubu’s commitment to strengthening the nation’s security apparatus.

     He added that Ribadu is bringing a wealth of experience, expertise, and a proven track record in the field of intelligence as an outstanding retired police officer.

    He added: “This unprecedented decision demonstrates President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to strengthening the nation’s security apparatus and ensuring the well-being of its citizens.

    ”Mallam Ribadu brings a wealth of experience, expertise, and a proven track record in the field of intelligence as an outstanding and highly respected retired police officer.

    ”With an extensive background in intelligence, Mallam Ribadu possesses the necessary skills to effectively navigate complex global challenges and safeguard our nation’s interests.

    ”I commend President Tinubu’s discerning judgment in selecting Mallam Ribadu for this position.

    ”Throughout his distinguished career, Ribadu has consistently demonstrated unwavering dedication, analytical insight, and a deep understanding of the evolving security landscape in Nigeria and beyond.

    ”Under his leadership, I am confident that a comprehensive and thoughtful approach will shape our national security policies.

    ”Thankfully, he has a reputation for fostering collaboration among various agencies and building strong partnerships with international allies.

    ”This collaborative approach will, undoubtedly, enhance our nation’s ability to address emerging threats, promote diplomacy, and ensure the safety of our citizens both at home and abroad.”

      Lawal further stated that Tinubu’s choice in appointing Ribadu reflects a commitment to excellence and a desire to assemble a team of the brightest minds in national security.

  • Kano demolition: Group gives Yusuf 72 hours to stop action

    Kano demolition: Group gives Yusuf 72 hours to stop action

    A pro-democracy and good governance group – Coalition for Good Governance and Change Initiative (CGGCI) – yesterday gave the Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, a 72- hour ultimatum to stop the ongoing demolition in the Kano metropolis or face legal action.

    The group also asked President Bola Tinubu to call the governor to order before he sets the state in a theatre of war.

    National Coordinator of the group, Comrade Okpokwu Ogenyi, at a press conference in Abuja yesterday, challenged the Presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Alhaji Musa Rabiu Kwankwaso to condemn the governor’s action.

    The Kano State government  had embarked on the demolition of some structures in Kano City, including a cultural monument at a popular roundabout in the city inaugurated by the immediate past government of Abdullahi Ganduje.

    Other structures destroyed include a three-storey plaza consisting of 90 shops and a five-star Daula Hotel almost completed with 90 rooms worth over N10 billion.

    Condemning the development, the group said instead of the governor of studying the handing over notes from his predecessor and attending to the immediate needs of the common man, he embarked on demolishing structures  built by citizens and investors, thereby inflicting pains on the people.

    “We have watched with keen interest, the level of destruction done in Kano metropolis, including the loss of over 20 innocent Nigerians during the the unlawful demolition of property in the state.

    “The government claimed that two persons died but our members who were in Kano said over 20 persons have died, which is a serious concern for the human rights community.

    “The last three weeks have become a hell in Kano State with a cry in almost every home within the metropolis.  Yusuf has become a shadow of good governance, even his supporters are no longer proud of him because of his inhuman action against the people of Kano State.”

    “How can a Governor of less than a week old demolished property worth over two hundred and six billion Naira without studying the process talk more of compensation of the property owners? The Government claimed that the previous administration allocated government lands to individuals and corporate bodies, is it not the responsibility of the government to allocate lands? The land use act says individuals own no land, all land belongs to the government. What is the offence of the citizens who genuinely acquired land from the government?

    “If it is true that the previous administration of Kano State illegally allocated these plots, why not call the immediate past Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje to answer questions and if possible charge him to Court instead of destroying property built by innocent Nigerians who applied for land and were allocated same by the state government. Is government no longer a continuous process?  Most of these individuals got loans and invested them in Kano only to face this kind of devastating situation. How do you expect them to survive?

    “We believed that the situation in Kano if not called to order is capable of causing unrest which may affect the whole country. Something must be done urgently to stop this madness.

    “We call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to quickly intervene and call Governor Abba Yusuf to order to stop further illegal demolition of the property leading to loss of lives in the State.

    “We also call on the International Community to come to the aid of the people and investors in Kano State by prevailing on Governor Abba Yusuf to stop the demolition forthwith.

    “Mr Kwankwaso who is the leader of the Governor is silent over the inhuman activities currently ongoing in Kano State, a bad signal that he is also part of the demolition plot, if he is not, we call on him to exonerate himself by joining religious leaders and other prominent Nigerians in condemning the evil act.”

    Stressing that this act of misgovernance of the Governor can lead to a crisis in the state that is capable of negatively affecting the country.

    “That’s why we are calling on the voices of reasoning now, not only to call Governor Abba Yusuf to order but to prevail on him to quickly reverse his actions by calling all the affected persons to a roundtable for amicable resolutions.

    “We hereby give Governor Yusuf seventy-two hours ultimatum to retract himself and stop the ongoing demolition, call the affected persons and group for proper compensation or face legal action,” Ogenyi threatened.

  • Bridge International roots for educational reforms on African Child Day

    Bridge International roots for educational reforms on African Child Day

    Bridge International Academies has called for implementation of policy reforms in education, adequate funding and infrastructure as key for improvement of access to education for African children.

    Besides, it said to ensure successful education, a collective effort is required from governments, civil society organisations, communities, and individuals.

    More so, Bridge noted investing in teacher training and support systems can enhance quality and ensure children receive the knowledge and skills they need.

    Speaking against the backdrop of International Day of African Child, Bridge Nigeria’s Communication Manager, Olamide Oni, said education could create a generation of African children contributing to peaceful co-existence, and resolution of conflicts.

    Riding on its capacity building, she said Bridge International has trained over 1,500 teachers since 2019, amplifying their skill to deliver high-quality lessons  across 46 schools with innovative systems supporting pupils, teachers, and parents.

    She said: “Africa’s greatest asset is its young people. Their potential is exciting and unprecedented, and this International Day of the African Child we must empower potential by providing an education that achieves learning. Then, the children of Africa will be able to deliver success for themselves, Africa, and the world.

    “On this day, let us reiterate our commitment to providing quality education to every child in Africa. Education is not only a right but also a key driver of progress, empowerment, and prosperity. By investing in the education of African children, we invest in the future, unlocking vast potential and ensuring a brighter tomorrow for generations.

  • MultiChoice talent factory opens

    MultiChoice talent factory opens

    MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF) has announced applications for its film and television training, for class of 2024.

    MTF Academy is open to emerging filmmakers with some industry experience or relevant post-school qualification in film. Application s open till July 14.

    Announcing the call to entry, MTF West-Africa Director, Atinuke Babatunde, said the MTF curriculum has been designed to equip students with skills to tell unique African stories.

    “There are many stories that need to be told and documented with a sense of skill and passion, and that is the curriculum has been designed for working with our facilitating partner; Pan Atlantic University’s School of Media and Communications.

    “The students will be given hands-on training in film directing, sound design, and business of film, with workplace experience on Africa Magic and SuperSport top productions,” Babatunde said.

    Students will also get enhanced training from the Academy’s partnerships, including New York Film Academy (NYFA), Henley Business School, Dolby, and Canon.

    Previous cohorts have also worked with the United Nations’ Verified campaign, and pitched projects to Partners Against Piracy (PAP).

  • Foundation ‘to address’ facial deformities

    Foundation ‘to address’ facial deformities

    As part of efforts to ensure that Nigerians, especially the poor and vulnerable have access to free corrective surgeries for facial deformities, including facial clefts, facial tumor, locked Jaw, and noma, the Cleft & Facial Deformity Foundation (CFDF) has carried out free surgeries in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

    The Foundation noted that apart from the expensive cost of surgeries, the country currently lacks enough specialists and schools of dentistry to address the rising menace of the disease.

    Facial deformities, which can be genetic or as a result of environmental factors, have one thing in common: Stigmatization, decimation of children’s potential, societal dislocation and ‘children out of school syndrome’.

    Speaking during the opening ceremony of the surgery programme which held at the UniAbuja Teaching Hospital (UATH), with support from TY Danjuma Foundation, the Executive Director of CFDF, Dr Seidu Bello, said, “Cleft & Facial Deformity Foundation was conceived about 11 years ago to serve as a platform to proffer a Nigerian solution to Nigerian problem of facial deformity scourge by creating awareness and assisting the less privileged with free surgery. 

    “We have traversed various hospitals in FCT, Niger, Kogi, Taraba, Edo, Katsina, Oyo, Nasarawa and Delta States. We have succeeded in creating awareness about the scourge of facial deformities in various communities. 

    “We have operated over 5,000 patients out of about 7,000 patients in attendance. One significant experience is the drastic reduction of adult cleft in Nigeria. In the first 4 programs, adult cleft was predominant with an average of 14.2 years.

    “Effective management of facial diseases requires continuous production of Maxillofacial surgeons which is a specialty of dentistry, and which are in short supply nationwide, with a little less than 200 specialists in Nigeria.”

  • Residents seek government’s intervention on road

    Residents seek government’s intervention on road

    Residents of Ajebo Ifakale at Sagamu in Ogun State have called on the government to build a road and bridge across Erinyo River, which connects Ifakale to other areas.

    Chairman of Ifakale Ajebo Community Development Association (CDA), Sunday Adebayo, lamented whenever it rains, the erosion seems like a death sentence to residents.

    He said: “The erosion has been a death sentence for people living in this community and its environs. Many people lost their valuables. People often drown in the river because it is impassable once the rains come. One of the victims was my younger brother. He drowned  in July 2022.

    “We have thousands living in this community and this is the only road. But once it rains, we are in trouble. Our children can’t go to school, traders can’t go to the market, even office workers stay back home because the road becomes impassable. We appeal to the government to come to our aid.”

    A resident, Mrs. Mariam Adebiyi, corroborated Adebayo, saying: “During raining season, we always have a lot of flood. We can’t go anywhere even if its an emergency.”

    Mrs. Adebiyi said contestants always come during electioneering to seek votes and make promises, ‘but they forget about the community and our plight afterwards,’ she said.

    An Itapara Ifakale resident, Mr. Sulaimon Kehinde, said: “Ifakale has always been challeneged. A police station was built about one year ago, and a court has just been built. But the court can’t hold proceedings because of this Erinyo River since you can’t bring criminals to court and be delayed by the river.

    “The river is channelled from Ogijo axis thorugh Erinyo, Ifakale, Ajebo and Imede. It is the only route that comes from Odonguyan-Odokekere to Ajebo, Ifakale, Imede, and its the only road that connects us to the world. But it’s a mess. We want the government to come to our aid. We need a high culvert so the river can flow freely and we will have our life back.”

  • Appointment of Ribadu, Service chiefs excites ex-militant leader

    Appointment of Ribadu, Service chiefs excites ex-militant leader

    Ex-militant leader, Eshanakpe Israel a.k.a Akpodoro, has hailed the Service chiefs and National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, on their appointment by President Bola Tinubu.

    The mayor of Urhoboland’s message was contained in a statement he signed in Abuja.

    Akpodoro said Ribadu’s appointment didn’t come as a surprise, having built a record of integrity as a police officer and an anti-graft czar.

    He also hailed the Presdient for heeding stakehoders’ call to rejig the security architecture, saying the President’s choices cut across the broad spectrum of the nation.

    With this development, he noted, President Tinubu demonstrated statesmanship as against past nepotism in governance.

    The ex-militant leader called on them to be diligent in discharging their duties and stem violent crimes in the country.

    The mayor said Nigerians expect nothing less than optimal performance in their duties as he called on the people to support the heads of security agencies to succeed.

    “I  congratulate the Service chiefs on their appointments which they should see as a call to service as we implore them to file the rough edges inherent in their agencies for a better stronger and more secure nation.

    ‘’Security has been a major issue in the past decades and these crop of security echelon should  hit the ground running as we know they are square pegs in square holes. With their appointments, the President has reposed confidence in them and they should prove their worth to the nation because the task of keeping Nigeria united and peaceful rests upon them. We wish them success as they toil to protect our fatherland,” he said.