The Nation Newspaper

Category: Northern Report

  • Plateau: Mutfwang condemns killing of APC spokesperson

    Plateau: Mutfwang condemns killing of APC spokesperson

    • Party seeks prob

    The Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang has expressed deep sorrow and outrage over the brutal killing of the State Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Sylvanus Namang by suspected kidnappers.

    In a condolence message, Governor Mutfwang described the incident as a heinous crime and a barbaric act that violates the sanctity of human life.

    He urged the security agencies to spare no effort in tracking down and bringing to justice the culprits of the dastardly act.

    He said the untimely death of the State Publicity Secretary was a colossal loss not only to his family and the APC, but also to the entire Plateau State and the nation at large.

    He sympathized with the Mwaghavul nation, the APC, Plateau State and all those who knew and worked with the late Sylvanus Namang.

    Mutfwang, in a statement by his spokesman, Gyang Bere, praised the late Sylvanus Namang for his unwavering faith, wisdom, diligence, commitment and resilience in the service of God and humanity.

    He said he was a loyal and dedicated party man who contributed immensely to the growth and development of the APC in the state.

    He said he was a compassionate and generous leader who touched many lives with his kindness and charity.

    The governor equally sympathized with the family of late Mr Sunny Okonkwo, who was also killed by the suspected kidnappers and prayed God to comfort the grieving family.

    Mutfwang, on behalf of his family, the government and the peace-loving people of Plateau State, extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, the Mwaghavul nation, the Igbo Community, the APC and prayed God Almighty to grant them comfort and the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

    The APC Chairman in the state, Rufus Bature, tasked the security agencies to go after the perpetrators of the heinous crime and bring them to justice adding that officials and members of the party at the moment are living in fear.

    He narrated that based on the information made available to the party Namang was  dastardly murdered at a provision store in Pankshin by some gunmen suspected to be assassins along with the owner of the store.

    “Though details of this unacceptable and unfortunate incident are yet to  be released by the security agencies, we as a Party feel constrained and also seriously agitated as well as concerned about the circumstances  leading to his death for some obvious reasons”.

    The State party Chairman described the deceased as a very vibrant, articulate and fearless spokesman of the party who not only promoted and defended the ideals of the APC, but ensured that it maintained its hold of the state at all cost.

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    According to him, Namang posture and the disposition towards APC, especially on the Plateau, endeared him to many, though not without some harassments and intimidation by opponents.

    He said: “Without sounding immodest as a Party, we refuse to subscribe to the narratives being peddled around on the gruesome murder even when investigations have not been concluded. The APC views this as a serious matter and wants to believe that some of its key members and some citizens are no longer safe in Plateau State.

    “Consequently, we demand a thorough investigation into the murder and the perpetrators of this dastardly act should be brought to justice to allay any fears that have at the moment engulfed the teeming supporters of the APC”.

    He also commiserated with the Namang family and indeed the APC not only in Plateau State but entire Country for this great loss and called on the party supporters to remain calm and law-abiding, while awaiting the outcome of investigation into the matter.

  • CSO seeks implementation of revised gender policy in MDAs

    CSO seeks implementation of revised gender policy in MDAs

    Accountability Lab Nigeria has called for the implementation of the revised gender National Gender Policy in Ministries, Department and Agencies (MDAs) of government.

    The organisation said the revised National Gender Policy affords MDAs the opportunity to implement gender actions, gender responsive budgeting and gender concerns tailored towards giving women more opportunities in leadership roles.

    Country Director of the organisation, Friday Odeh, said this in Abuja at a two-day capacity building workshop on National Gender Policy for representatives of MDAs.

    The workshop was put together by Accountability Lab Nigeria in collaboration with the Women’s Right Advancement Protection Alternative (WRAPA), and sponsored by Canadian Fund for Local Initiatives.

    Odeh noted that implementation of the policy would pave the way for women to make decisions and contribute to the decision making process in various MDAs.

    Odeh urged the National Assembly to reconsider the five gender equal opportunity bill it rejected last year, saying that the country was heading towards gender inclusive society that required the passage of the bills whether now or later.

    Read Also: EFCC quizzes ex-Gov Ahmed over alleged diversion of N10bn

    He said: “If the law is implemented it applies to the government, that is why we say since the gender policy has been revised why not implement as an active engagement with government, we can even for instance have 3 males to 2 females out of five directors, at least female can now have the voice to make decisions and contribute to decision making process in MDAs,

    “Women can contribute to budgeting process in a way that affects women in our society when it comes to health and education. The point is to have women in places of leadership that can help contribute in decision making as it affects women generally.

    “I will say strongly yes for them to reconsider the bills because, Nigeria in the near future will transit into an inclusive system, it is better we do it now or will do it tomorrow, so this is a good time to revisit the gender equality bill to give room for gender to be prioritised in decision making.

    “The MDAs represented here can actually pick the gender policy and implement it as it concerns them because there are five pillars of economic empowerment to climate change, to governance. They can pick where it concerns them to mainstream gender into their processes, activities and practices.

  • Benue marks APC lawmaker’s club for demolition

    Benue marks APC lawmaker’s club for demolition

    There is disquiet in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, as officials of Benue State Urban Development Board, marked for demolition, District 4, a popular night owned APC House of Representative members Discken Tarkigher for demolition.

    District 4, is a popular nightclub located Kashim Ibrahim road, Makurdi and patronized by the elite, big boys with deep pockets.

    It’s not a place for commoners but for those with financial war chest and big boys

    Millions of naira were said to have been spent on upgrading the structures to high-class standards for guests and patrons.

    Read Also: Why we cannot sell cement below N7,000, by Dangote, Bua, Lafargea

    Tongues are wagging since the news of the marked demolition of the District 4 building filtered into town.

    An official of the Urban Development Board, responsible for town planning told The Nation that the building had no approval and it was wrong to build a nightclub in a residential area.

    The owner of the night club Tarkighir could not be reached for comment.

  • Businessman Mubarak is our partner, says Alepay boss

    Businessman Mubarak is our partner, says Alepay boss

    A Nigerian financial technology company, Alepay Incorporated has allayed insinuation over the ownership of the company, noting that Almubee as a firm was brought on board to accelerate market expansion.

    In a statement, the firm  said that contrary to a rumour that a Nigerian business tycoon, Alhaji Musa Mubarak owns the fast growing fintech firm, that Mubarak who owns Almubee Group is in partnership with Alepay and does not own it solely

    According to  Head of Corporate Communications of Alepay Inc, Dr. Favour Rutto, he said that the ongoing rumour is not actually true, that Mr. Mubarak is only a partner to Alepay and among the chosen ones that the firm are engaging for African market expansion.

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    “As a young company trying to expand into the Africa market, we need young vibrant African entrepreneurs to consult and partner with and this is primarily why we reached out to him.

    “We are also collaborating with other young entrepreneurs across Africa and in talks with more while we onboard our exciting products soon,” Rutto added.

     Alepay Inc was established to create a difference in Africa financial space, noting that with its innovative approach, Alepay is revolutionizing corporate finance management for businesses of all sizes, he said.

    Rutto also  said that the new fintech company announced a recent Venture capital firms Meituan and 3W Capital.

  • Experts advocate collaboration, innovation to boost creative economy

    Experts advocate collaboration, innovation to boost creative economy

    Experts have called stakeholders within and around the creative industries in Nigeria to embrace collaboration and innovation to ensure the sector’s growth.

    The call was made during the recently concluded Lagos Tech Fest, where industry leaders gathered to delve into the challenges and opportunities facing Nigeria’s burgeoning creative economy.

    The experts spoke on a panel titled “Future of Nigeria’s Creative Economy: What are The Winning Strategies.”

    The panel, which featured Abuchi Peter Ugwu, CEO of Chocolate City Music, Douglas Kendyson, CEO of Selar; Blessing Azubike, Senior Programme Manager at CcHub; and Ujunwa Umeokeke, Associate consultant at Africa Practice, highlighted the sector’s rapid growth and the need for collaborative efforts to ensure its sustained success.

    Leading the call, Abuchi Peter Ugwu, CEO of Chocolate City, emphasised the pivotal role of partnerships and innovative solutions in fostering the development of the creative economy.

    He also stressed the importance of regulatory bodies and policymakers understanding the industry’s nuances to support its growth effectively.

    “With meaningful partnerships and innovative conversations, we can devise solutions to enhance our creative economy,” Ugwu remarked, underlining the need for collaboration across diverse sectors.

    Recognising technology as a driving force behind this growth, Ugwu highlighted its transformative impact on Nigeria’s creative landscape, paving the way for expanded opportunities and global engagement.

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    “With continued investment, strategic partnerships, and a focus on innovation, Nigeria’s creative economy is poised for sustained success and continued contribution to the nation’s economic prosperity. “ he added.

    The panellists collectively agreed on the need for collaboration among government entities, industry players, educational institutions, and creatives to address challenges such as infrastructure deficits, inadequate regulation, and skills gaps hindering the industry’s full potential.

  • Bago seeks support for govt’s agricultural revolution

    Bago seeks support for govt’s agricultural revolution

    Niger State Governor Umaru Bago has urged critical organisations and individuals to support the state’s agricultural revolution programmes to ensure food sufficiency and security.

    Bago made the call when he inaugurated the new executive council members of Community Association For Grassroots Transformation, in Minna yesterday.

    He decried the rising cost of food items in the country, blaming the situation on those hoarding and mopping up food from markets to create artificial scarcity.

    Read Also: Bagos condemns killing of four persons in Plateau

    Bago, however, said that support of stakeholders like the Community Association For Grassroots Transformation, would go along way in making the state an agricultural hub.

    “Niger State needs to start producing for the emerging markets, which will in the long run enrich the farmers as well as guarantee food security,” Bago said.

    The governor tasked the association to focus on overcoming challenges and attaining more inclusive future at the grassroots.

    He called on the group to organise a round-table with the state government on such developmental issues like the state of Baro Port and Bida Basin.

  • Alia celebrates priest instrumental to his studies in US

    Alia celebrates priest instrumental to his studies in US

    Benue State Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia has congratulated the Rector of the famous St. Thomas Aquinas Major Seminary, Makurdi, Rev. Fr. Dr. Simeon Iber, on the occasion of his 60th birthday.

    He hailed him for his commitment and dedication to spreading the word of God, acknowledging that he was instrumental in assisting him during his years of study in the United States before he became the governor.

    Speaking at the Thanksgiving Mass to mark the 36th priestly ordination, 60th birthday, and book presentation by the Rector, the governor said his administration was working tirelessly to provide support to farmers and increase food production in the state.

    He also noted that the Federal Government was putting measures in place to alleviate the hardship citizens are going through.

    Rev. Fr. Alis said government at all levels in the state, have taken cognizance of the influx of herders in most of the local governments, particularly the most troubled areas of Agatu, Apa, Logo, Gwer West, Guma, Makurdi, Kwande, and Ukum.

    Read Also: Benue needs naval base, says Alia

    He said series of meetings have already been held and the result will soon manifest.

    According to a statement by his Principal Special Assistant on Print Media, Donald Kumun, the governor said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and 36 governors, who met last Thursday, deliberated extensively on ways of solving the escalating security challenges in the country.

    He acknowledged that the state and the country were passing through challenging times, urging Nigerians people to remain resilient and keep praying for better days.

    Former Governor and Chief Launcher, Senator Gabriel Suswam, extolled the virtues of the celebrator and called on the people to support literature and encourage the youth to concentrate on reading books instead of engaging in social media vices.

    The Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Lafia, Most Rev. David Ajang, recounted his relationship with the celebrator and prayed God to grant him many years in

     life.

  • U.S. lawyer to Tinubu: tackle corruption now

    U.S. lawyer to Tinubu: tackle corruption now

    A United States  – based Lawyer and politician, Chief Owolabi Salis,has advised  President Bola Ahmed Tinubu  to tackle what he described as the festering sore of corruption, ravaging the fabric of the nation’s economy.

     He explained that the greatest problem which had devastated the nation right from Independence,and had brought the general mass of the people, especially the poor,to the unmitigated squalor,misery and poverty is the excruciating scale of incessant looting and colossal stealing of the nation’s Commonwealth.

      Salis said: “Corruption  has ballooned to a notoriously hydra-headed monster,which can only be engaged with a devastating iron fist,rather than mere kid gloves.

    ‘’Corruption as we have it particularly at this present times,is not just a softie that you trifle with,you need to fight it dirty and silly.”

     “For many years,Ghana wallowed in terrible economic crisis,not because there were no qualified technocrats to manage the economy but simply because of endemic systemic large-scale corruption persistently prevalent at that time.

    ‘’It wasn’t until Jerry Rawlings got there and gave corruption a good fight,that Ghana began to change for the better.”

     Citing the case of the late Chief  Obaseki Awolowo,Salis said he wouldn’t have been able to provide,free compulsory education in the old Western Region,which other regions couldn’t provide,if his government was corrupt,neither would it have been possible for his party the  Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN),to implement the free education program in the states controlled by them if corruption had been predominant.

    Moreover,  Awo as Minister of Finance,was able to manage the war-time economy without borrowing a Kobo from external sources,because corruption was at most very minimal at that period”

     According to him,this should be a big lesson to the ruling government, that no matter the expertise of your team members,you will only be labouring in vain if you don’t give the demon of corruption a good fight.And this is also the reason why no matter how much the government borrows from external sources,no matter the billions or trillions,be it in dollars or whatever,it will ultimately amount in futility,in the face of the rapacious Hawks in government,eagerly waiting to grab as much as they could into their private vault.”

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     “This is why in our own clime here in Nigeria,news of public appointments are always received with wild joy and celebrations,not as an opportunity to go and serve,but rather as a ticket to go ahead and loot the treasury clean and empty,unlike the civilised climes of Europe and America, where such appointments are received as a patriotic call to service”Salis said.

    “If in the past,such dangerous malaise could be tolerated,such tolerance would certainly not hold in these present times when these potentially great nation should be in a hurry to catch up with the increasing pace of modernity”

     He remarked that “the huge mass of corruption which had transpired over the successive past administrations were so staggering that they burst at the seams.What we are seeing is just a tip of the iceberg.

    Seeing a fractional picture of it,not even the full picture,will make you collapse or faint .This is why it becomes urgently imperative to brace up in giving corruption a good fight,so that those who think they could steal with impunity,and go scot free with their loot, will think twice.” “While it is true that corruption had been the bane ofnational progress,what is however new and gives cause for serious concern is the astronomical dimension at which corruption continues to ravage the nation to the extent that today, corruption holds the nation’s existence on the jugular.

    Any patriotic Nigerian who loves this country,should be shedding tears by now,seeing how the vision of the founding fathers of this great nation is fast receding to sheer empty dream”,the learned legal luminary remarked on a mournful note

  • JOHESU demands payment of arrears of peculiar allowance

    JOHESU demands payment of arrears of peculiar allowance

    The newly inaugurated leadership of the Joint Health Sector Union (JOHESU) has asked the Federal Government to pay the reviewed peculiar allowance for health workers under the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS).

    The union also demanded an upward review of the retirement age of health workers.

    The new National Chairman of JOHESU, Comrade Kabiru Minjibir said this on Thursday after he took over the leadership of the union.

    He vowed to intensify efforts in addressing existing demands before the Federal Government, especially the unjust treatment and discrimination of health workers in the country.

    Minjibir pledged to ensure that his administration would improve upon the legacy and achievements of his predecessors in taking the union to greater heights.

    He said: “This renewed mandate given to me by my union is a clarion call to take JOHESU to the next level of better representation and stronger engagement with other social partners to demand for improved working conditions and ensure equal opportunity and social justice for members of JOHESU affiliates in the health sector.

    “Major focus of this new leadership shall include amongst others: intensive struggle for the adjustment of CONHESS, payment of arrears of CONHESS review (peculiar allowance), upward review of retirement age of health workers, continued legislative struggle to amend Decree 10 of 1985, challenge all forms of discriminatory practices and unjust treatment of JOHESU members.”

    Earlier, the out gone acting National Chairman of JOHESU, Obinna Ogbonna, urged the new leadership to ensure a proper follow up with the federal government and other relevant agencies on pending issues which when addressed, would benefit health workers in the country.

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    Ogbonna, who noted that the out-gone leadership steered affairs of the union from 2015 to 2023, disclosed that at least ten issues were resolved within the period of their leadership.

    He listed the achievements as: “establishment of more regulatory councils; enhanced call duty allowance, extension of call duty allowance to other health workers on call duties; approval of pharmacist consultant cadre by the National Council on Establishment (NCE); approval of new hazard allowance for health workers.

    Other achievements are: “Payment of hazard inducement allowance during COVID 19 pandemic to health workers; payment of April and May 2018 withheld salaries and other withheld salaries of members across certain Federal Health Institutions (FHI) in the country. 

    Also achieved are: “Review (peculiar allowance) of 25% increase on consolidated basic; Promotion of deserving members from CONHESS 14 to 15 as directors in their various health facilities; Legislative struggle to push for amendment of Decree 10 of 1985 otherwise known as University Teaching Hospitals (Reconstitution of Boards etc) U15, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 etc.”

    The newly elected members of JOHESU are Comrade (Dr.) Minjibir – chairman; Comrade (Dr.) Martin Egbanubi – National Secretary; Comrade (Chief) Matthew Owolabi Ajorutu – Assistant National Secretary; Comrade (Dr.) John Adeola Ali – Vice Chairman, and Comrade Dare Adebisi – Treasurer.

  • Sujimoto, Enugu govt unite against food insecurity

    Sujimoto, Enugu govt unite against food insecurity

    In a strategic move to combat food insecurity and foster economic growth, Sujimoto Group is set to collaborate with the Enugu State Government on an unprecedented agricultural initiative.

    The ambitious project involves the establishment of the Sujimoto Rice Farm Estate, spanning an extensive 30,000 hectares of land.

    Enugu, historically known as the City of Coal, with a legacy marked by influential figures such as Chief Nnamdi Azikiwe and Akanu Ibiam, is poised for transformation under the visionary leadership of Governor Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah.

    The collaboration aims to leverage the state’s vast resources, favorable weather conditions, and a land area of 7,161 km2 to propel Enugu into a $30 billion economy by 2030.

    The Sujimoto Farm Estate, a pioneering endeavor, will not only focus on advanced rice farming but also integrate housing, farm hospitals, hotels, and markets within a holistic ecosystem.

    This multifaceted approach is designed to drive agro-tourism, generate employment opportunities, and provide affordable housing solutions for the people of Enugu State.

    Upon arrival in the city through the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, the Sujimoto team was warmly welcomed by the hospitable Ndi Enugu, reflecting the community’s enthusiasm for progressive development.

    Read Also: Food insecurity: Low, middle-income countries record high inflation — World Bank report

    The Chief of Staff, Barrister Victor Udeh, facilitated a smooth transition to the Maxbe Continental Hotel, underscoring the governor’s commitment to ensuring a comfortable stay.

    During their visit, the Sujimoto team immersed themselves in the local culture, enjoying traditional delicacies at a well-structured Mama Put establishment.

    The scenic drive through the city showcased ongoing infrastructural developments, emphasizing the transformative agenda implemented by Governor Mbah since assuming office in 2023.

    The heart of the collaboration lies in the ambitious project’s scale, spanning over 30,000 hectares of rice farm with an annual production target of 800,000 tonnes.

    This initiative is anticipated to revolutionize rice paddy processing, enhance self-sufficiency, and contribute significantly to economic growth in Enugu State, creating over 10,000 jobs, particularly for youth and women.

     Mbah’s unwavering support for the project was evident, as he emphasized, “Nothing will stop this ambitious project—not money, not location. I will do everything within my capacity to make sure this project comes to fruition.” The collaboration also extends to exploring opportunities for a Sujimoto cement plant in Enugu, capitalizing on the state’s resources such as coal and limestone.

    Dr. Sijibomi Ogundele, the Group Managing Director of Sujimoto Group, expressed confidence in Enugu’s potential to replicate the economic prosperity witnessed in Dubai and Singapore. The collaborative efforts align with Governor Mbah’s vision of making Enugu the investment capital of Nigeria.

    Beyond the agricultural venture, discussions also encompassed Sujimoto’s ambitious smart city project, a blueprint for replicating the success of Dubai in select Nigerian cities. The meeting explored the possibility of extending the Smart City project to cover Enugu State as a major capital city in south-eastern Nigeria.

    As the collaboration progresses, the Sujimoto Farm Estate is poised to play a pivotal role in realizing Governor Mbah’s vision for Enugu State’s transformation across various sectors. The project’s overarching goal is to contribute to reducing hunger to zero by 2031, positioning the coal city state as a prominent agro-tourism destination and the nation’s food basket.

    Dr. Sijibomi Ogundele, known as the Czar of Luxury Real Estate Development, concluded the visit with gratitude for the support received from key figures such as the Commissioner of Agriculture, Hon. Patrick Nwabueze Ubru, and Special Adviser to the Governor, Engr. Mike Ogbuekwe. The collaboration represents a significant milestone in Enugu’s journey towards economic prosperity and sustainable development.