The Nation Newspaper

Category: Northern Report

  • Shehu of Bama lauds army for restoring peace

    Shehu of Bama lauds army for restoring peace

    The Shehu of Bama, Alhaji Umar Kyari, has extolled the professionalism and resilience of troops of 7 Division Nigerian Army deployed under 21 Special Armoured Brigade (SAB) for restoring peace in his Emirate.

    The Shehu gave the commendation when the Acting General Officer Commanding (GOC) 7 Division and Commander Sector 1 Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) Brig.-Gen. Abubakar Haruna visited him in his  palace in Bama, Borno.

    The Shehu congratulated Gen. Haruna on his well-deserved appointment as the Acting GOC 7 Division and assured him of his full support.

    He lauded the efforts of the GOC and his troops for their sacrifices and commitment which he says has brought relative peace in the Emirate.

    He affirmed that the efforts put in place by the Nigerian Army have paved ways for socio-economic activities to thrive.

    Read Also; Governors, NSA join forces to battle insecurity, food crisis

    In his remarks, the GOC appreciated the warm reception accorded his team by the His Royal Highness inspite of the short notice.

    He assured the traditional ruler of the division’s continuous cooperation and synergy with the good people of Bama.

    The GOC equally paid an operational and familiarisation visit to  theHeadquarters of the 21 SAB, Bama, to assess the operational posture of troops in the Brigade’s Area of Responsibility (AOR).

    On arrival, the GOC was received by the Brigade Commander, Brig.-Gen. SS Diwa who briefed him on the brigade’s operational activities.

    The GOC expressed satisfaction with the performance of the troops in effectively securing their Area of responsibility, lauding them for dominating and denying the insurgents any freedom of action.

    He thereafter charged them to maintain an aggressive and offensive posture, while also sustaining the momentum in ensuring the all-round defeat of the terrorists.

    At the end of the brief, the GOC proceeded to the 151 Task Force Battalion deployed at Banki Junction.

    He was received and briefed on arrival by the Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel NP Ochasi.

    The GOC addressed the troops and thanked them for the feat achieved. He urged the troops to sustain the momentum.

  • Kaduna primary schools has 13,000 teachers deficit

    Kaduna primary schools has 13,000 teachers deficit

    A recent Teacher Gap Analysis conducted in Kaduna State, has revealed that, there is deficiency of about 13,000 teachers in the state primary schools.

    Kaduna State Universal Basic Education Board (KADSUBEB) Chairman, Tijjani Abdullahi, who said the analysis put the teachers/pupils ratio at 80 pupils to one teacher, however said that, the state government has since approved recruitment of teachers in batches to reduce gap to at least 60 pupils to one teacher.

    Abdullahi stated this, at a one-day media parley and stakeholders roundtable to commemorate of the 2024 International Day of Education, with the theme “Promoting safe and Violence-Free School”,

    At the event organised by the Partnership for Learning for all in Nigeria (PLANE) programme and Kaduna Basic Education and Accountability Mechanism (KADBEAM), the  state’s Ministry of Education, PLANE and other stakeholders, made committment to ensuring schools safety and quality education in the state.

    Abdullahi reeled out some of the achievements the state made in safeguarding schools to include domestication of the national policy on safety, security and violence-free schools along with its implementation guidelines.

    Read Also: First Lady, Fagbemi, Marwa advise states on drug use prevention, treatment

    He also mentioned that the establishment of safeguarding teams in the 23 local governemnts and peace clubs across the basic schools in the state.

    Speaking on the teachers statistics, Abdullahi said, “we have about 30,000 teachers for lower and middle basics, and about 4,000 teachers for the upper basics. Kaduna state has about 4,260 primary schools also known as lower-basic and middle-basic schools and about one 177 junior secondary or upper-basic schools.”

    Safeguarding Advisor of PLANE in Kaduna, Hadiza Nasiru, said that a school should ideally be a sanctuary, a space where young minds could flourish without fear of harm or intimidation.

    She, however, lamented that the reality falls short of the ideal with incidents of violence and insecurity casting a shadow over the educational landscape.

    Representative of KADBEAM, Mr. Steven Wayah, said the meeting was aimed at ensuring safe and violente free schools in Kaduna state.

  • Fed Govt pushes for efficient transport system

    Fed Govt pushes for efficient transport system

    The Federal Government has reiterated the importance of an efficient transport system to the Nigerian economy.

    The government said an efficient transportation system would be beneficial to agriculture and food security; marine and blue economy; tourism; industrialisation; manufacturing and trade; national integration among others.

    Minister of Transportation, Said Alkali, said this at a two day ministerial retreat on the signed performance bind for workers of the ministry in Abuja.

    The minister said: “Therefore, our success will be prosperity for everybody on the value chain as we grow and diversify the economy.

    Read Also; Governors, NSA join forces to battle insecurity, food crisis

    “In view of the current state of government funding, we must open our minds to how best we can market our projects and programmes to attract private sector investment and financing. Public Private Partnership (PPP) as a financing model should leave pages of our presentations to tangible locations on our streets and highways.

    “I am optimistic that with the Land Transport Policy that is on its way, if we get our objective and strategies right, there will be an influx of international private investors to patronize our sector soon as I am convinced, we have what it takes to deliver on our Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).”

    He said the outcome of the meeting would produce a robust and comprehensive implementation strategy that covers beyond the priority projects and programmes in the signed bonds with President Bola Tinubu.

    The minister urged the Permanent Secretary to ensure that the Directors and Head of Agencies, of the ministry pass the outcome of the retreat to other officers who were not privileged to attend it.

  • Rukkies decor unveils floral artistry, design in Lagos

    Rukkies decor unveils floral artistry, design in Lagos

    Rukkies Decor, a leading name in interior design, has unveiled West Africa’s premier Floral Artistry and Design Centre in the vibrant heart of Victoria Island, Lagos.

     This innovative space is set to redefine creative expression and youth empowerment in the region.

    Under the leadership of CEO and Founder, Promise Kenneth-Odum, Rukkies Decor has been renowned for crafting bespoke design masterpieces.

     The Floral Artistry and Design Centre expands this commitment by offering a curated selection of high-quality artificial plants, figurines, and flowers, catering to diverse tastes.

    Kenneth-Odum states: “This project showcases our dedication to pushing the boundaries of creativity and innovation in interior decor. Our goal is to provide individuals and businesses access to unparalleled design elements that breathe life into their surroundings, inspiring and uplifting.”

    Central to Rukkies Decor’s ethos is the inauguration of RAFAD – Rukkies Academy for Floral Artistry and Design. This initiative aims to equip youth across West Africa with skills in floral artistry and design, providing a gateway to opportunity and self-fulfillment.

    Read Also: First Lady, Fagbemi, Marwa advise states on drug use prevention, treatment

    “RAFAD is more than a training academy; it’s a gateway to opportunity and self-fulfillment,” says Kenneth-Odum. “We are committed to nurturing and honing the talents of aspiring designers, providing them with the tools and knowledge needed to excel in this dynamic industry.”

    RAFAD will offer hands-on instruction covering the intricacies of crafting and utilizing artificial plants and floral pieces, focusing on practical skills and creative expression. Participants will emerge equipped to leave their mark on the world of interior decor.

    Kenneth-Odum envisions RAFAD as “a hub of creativity and inspiration, where individuals from diverse backgrounds come together to learn, innovate, and create beauty. By investing in our youth, we enrich their lives and contribute to the vibrant cultural tapestry of our communities.”

    As Rukkies Decor unveils its groundbreaking Floral Artistry and Design Centre, it invites individuals and businesses to embark on a journey of discovery and transformation. With a commitment to excellence, innovation, and youth empowerment, Rukkies Decor aims to leave an indelible mark on the landscape of interior design in West Africa and beyond.

  • Nollywood: 10th INIFFAA heads to Abuja

    Nollywood: 10th INIFFAA heads to Abuja

    Seasoned veterans and emerging Nigerian actors are poised to receive recognition for their talents, which have not only captivated audiences nationwide but have also enhanced the country’s image and contributed to the nation’s economy over the past year.

    The thespians will be honoured at the upcoming International Film Festival & Awards (INIFFAA), hosted by Inside Nollywood, scheduled to take place from February 15-17, 2024, in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

    In a statement on Sunday by Nonso Diobi, an award-winning actor and Ambassador for the event, along with Muoma Obinna, the Founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Inside Nollywood, INIFFAA 2024 aims to enhance global connections within the film community.

    According to the statement, filmmakers, producers, and industry leaders from Nigeria and across the globe will gather in Abuja for this culturally enriching event.

    “This edition marks a significant milestone as Inside Nollywood commemorates its 10-year journey of fostering original expression and contributing to the evolution of the Nigerian film industry.

    “INIFFAA 2024 promises to be a celebration of outstanding Nollywood films, providing a coveted platform for filmmakers, actors, and industry professionals to gain recognition for their remarkable contributions.

    “The diverse categories include Best Actor, Best Actress, Most Controversial Movie, Best Film Distribution Company, and more, to showcase the diversity and creativity within the Nigerian film industry.

    “INIFFAA also partners with Indigenous Sports Week Abuja to bring forth Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage through Dambe, a traditional form of martial art.

    “The festival will feature live Dambe fights, offering attendees a one-of-a-kind blend of entertainment and tradition.

    “The event will be graced by special guests of honour, including Hannatu Musa Musawa, Nigeria’s Federal Minister of Art, Culture, and the Creative Economy, and Doris Uzoka-Anite, MD, CFA, Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment.

    “INIFFAA 2024 is a testament to the growth and creativity of Nollywood over the past decade. 

    Read Also: JUST IN: Nollywood actress Ethel Ekpe dies

    “We are not only celebrating our achievements but also embracing our cultural roots by partnering with Indigenous Sports Week Abuja to showcase the dynamic and traditional sport of Dambe”, Obinna was quoted as saying.

    INIFFAA is an annual celebration of the achievements and contributions of individuals and organizations in the Nigerian film industry. 

    The festival offers a veritable platform for filmmakers, actors, and industry stakeholders to showcase their work and connect with the global audience.

  • NAHCON seeks efficient digital service

    NAHCON seeks efficient digital service

    The Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Malam Jalal Ahmad Arabi, yesterday underscored the importance of efficient digital service to the success of hajj exercise.

    Arabi stated this during a visit to the office of Galaxy Backbone, (GBB) the commission’s ICT service providers.

    The visit was necessitated by the network hitch that stalled access to the National Medical Team advertisement released on Wednesday.

    The commission boss intimated GBB management about the anticipated surge in traffic in preparation to the season’s Hajj especially with relation to application portals.

    He said the visit was to ensure proactive measures are taken to prevent any disruption in connectivity as preparations heat up.

    Highlighting the critical role of ICT in NAHCON’s operations, Arabi emphasized that over 70 per cent of the commission’s engagements rely on digital systems, particularly in light of Saudi Arabia’s digital shift.

    He stressed the need for NAHCON to stay ahead and urged GBB to prevent bandwidth overload for seamless accessibility.

    The Chairman highlighted the GBB management of the time constraint the commission has found itself in that puts the commission in a tight corner hence has little option of tolerating hitches that would affect meeting of deadlines.

    the Acting Managing Director of GBB, AbdulMalik Suleiman, agreed with the NAHCON Chairman, expressing the fact that Galaxy Backbone is up to the task.

    He reaffirmed NAHCON’s status as a premium customer and a representative of Nigeria’s international image in foreign fields therefore care must be taken in such circumstances.

    Read Also: NAHCON announces N4.9m for hajj fare

    He promised to elevate GBB’s services to the commission to prevent downtime on the NAHCON portal.

    Suleiman assured the commission that the data center is secured and runs uninterrupted, noting that it is resilient against cyber threats.

    Also, Arabi and his team visited the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) to ensure passport availability for Nigerians in preparation for the year’s pilgrimage.

    Describing NIS as partners in progress, Arabi called for a desk officer to be assigned to every State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards to attend to any issues that would arise immediately. He said this is essential as Saudi Arabia has set timelines to each activity hence NAHCON cannot afford to lag behind.

    The Comptroller General of Immigration, Mrs. Adepoju Caroline Wura-ola, represented by DCG Usman Babangida, in charge of Human Resources Management Directorate, assured that the NIS is always ready to render services to NAHCON.

    Babangida assured that they will make it a priority to address issues raised by NAHCON as critical stakeholders in their operations.

  • Sule rewards 50 first class graduates with N500,000 each

    Sule rewards 50 first class graduates with N500,000 each

    Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, has rewarded 50 first class graduates of the Federal University of Lafia (FULafia) with a one-month skills acquisition training at the Wing Commander Abdullahi Ibrahim Vocational and Technical Institute in Lafia, as well as N500,000 each as seed money to start their businesses.

    Governor Sule announced the rewards during his speech on the occasion of the 6th, 7th and 8th combined convocation of FULafia weekend

    According to the Governor, the graduating students have the opportunity to undergo a one-month training at the vocational and technical institute where they can choose among 12 different areas of skills to include electrical installation, weilding and fabrication, air conditioning and refrigeration, as well as carpentry amongst others.

    “You will be able to be trained in any one of those for that period. As you are graduating, everyone of you will receive a working capital of N500, 000 so that you can go and start something else,” he stated.

    While congratulating the university’s governing council, management and staff for conducting the convocation ceremony, he challenged the graduates to put to use the knowledge and skills they have acquired during their stay in FULafia to serve as impetus for their career development and to add value to the educational advancement of the country.

    Governor Sule emphasized that there is no amount of investment and sacrifice that can be too much in providing quality education especially that education remains the most enduring legacy any government can bequeath the younger generation in view of the myriad of challenges confronting the nation.

    Read Also: Why I became literary agent – Sule

    In his speech, Visitor to the Federal University of Lafia, President Ahmed Bola Tinubu, assured that his administration is committed to the pursuit of policies and programmes aimed at the sustainable and quality transformation of the educational sector in the country.

    President Tinubu said his administration would continue to commit more resources to education so as to ensure greater access and inclusivity while improving the quality of its products in the pursuit of sustainable national development. 

    “I am quite aware of the infrastructural deficits in the educational sector, particularly in our public universities. And we are making frantic efforts to overcome these challenges through the full implementation of the budgetary allocation to education in the 2024 fiscal budget,” he stated.

    Represented at the event by the Acting Executive Secretary of the National University Commission (NUC), Ambassador Christopher Jibrin Maiyaki, the President said the Federal Government is aware that universities may have to seek sources of non governmental revenue in order to achieve their mandates.

    “My administration will always respond positively to the demands of the universities, knowing fully well that they play critical role in national development,” he said.

  • Adeboye: Nigeria needs urgent spiritual help

    Adeboye: Nigeria needs urgent spiritual help

    • Tinubu will get it right with your prayers, support, Sani tells cleric

    The General Overseer of Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, yesterday visited Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, saying the challenges confronting the country were more than political.

    He said the problems required spiritual solution.

    The revered spiritual leader said political leaders appeared to have tried their best, yet the problems persisted, “therefore, Nigeria needs the help of God and it needs the help urgently.”

    Adeboye, who said he was in Kaduna to pray for the people and give them hope, expressed confidence that although the problems seemed to have persisted and in some areas getting worse, he trusted in God that they would not last forever and they would even be over sooner than expected.

    He said his tour of Nigeria, which had brought him to Kaduna, was not just to organise crusade and pray for the people and Nigeria, “but an opportunity to gather people together to let them know that tomorrow is going to be alright if Nigerians can be a little more patient with God.”

    According to him, “I am delighted to be here again. I was here about two or so years ago with the former governor. At that time I came to pray for some of my members, who were kidnapped and they were miraculously rescued. I came to encourage their families to let them know that all would be well.

    “I have come again this time because it is has become more and clearer to us that the problems our nation is facing are more than political. Our problems will require quite a bit of spiritual solution.

    “We as a country are blessed; we are blessed with people with great intelligence, we are blessed with all manner of resources, yet we have so many problems.

    Read Also: Pastor Adeboye visits Kaduna, says Nigeria needs urgent spiritual help

    “And it is not as if people in authority are not trying their best; they are doing as much as humanly possible. And then we find out that when you have problems that are beyond human ability to solve them, then, you call on the Almighty. The reason we call Him Almighty is because He has the power to solve all problems.

    “So, we have been going round in our own little ways to support the efforts of the various governments and parastatals to call on the Almighty to come to our aid, because we need help. We need help and we need it urgently.”

    Governor Sani, who took time to eulogise Pastor Adeboye, highlighting his numerous contributions to Nigeria, said the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu government needs prayers and support of clerics like Adeboye to succeed.

    He said: “You (Pastor Adeboye) have at critical times in our country, led interventions aimed at directing the political leadership to the path of justice and fairness. Your modern authority is a huge asset and we deeply appreciate you, sir.

    “We also believe sir that from the remarks you’ve just made now, our country at this critical time requires intervention from people like you who are tested and who in the past intervened and helped us to find solutions to our problems. We believe you won’t be tired, we also need an intervention at this critical time.”

  • APC chieftain Adeniyi empowers Ila market women

    APC chieftain Adeniyi empowers Ila market women

    A member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and an House of Representatives aspirant in Ila/Boluwaduro/Ifedayo Federal Constituency, Hon. Adeniyi Ismail Oluwatosin has empowered market women irrespective of their political affiliations in his constituency.

    This initiative, according to him, is aimed at uplifting the economic status of women in his constituency.

    The move, garnered widespread appreciation and commendation from beneficiaries and onlookers alike.

    The empowerment program, which took place at a bustling market square, saw Hon. Adeniyi distributing financial grants, and other essential tools to assist these women in enhancing their businesses.

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    Amidst cheers and expressions of gratitude, the market women warmly received the support extended to them, acknowledging the tangible impact it will have on their livelihoods.

    In their testimonies, the beneficiaries of Hon. Adeniyis empowerment initiative expressed heartfelt appreciation for his unwavering commitment to their welfare.

    Many highlighted the significance of such interventions in fostering economic independence and resilience within their communities.

    Furthermore, they showered encomiums and prayers on the benefactor, recognising his dedication to serving the people beyond political divides.

  • Plateau APC: Nentawe dismisses rumours of defection, describes it as mischievous

    Plateau APC: Nentawe dismisses rumours of defection, describes it as mischievous

    The APC Governorship Candidate in the March 18 2023 election in Plateau State, Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda, has described the rumours making the rounds that he plans to decamp to the PDP, as wicked and mischievous.

    In a statement, Dr Nentawe stated that at no point or under any condition, has he contemplated joining the PDP, as is being mischievously peddled around by some political jobbers.

    According to him, there is no reason whatsoever for him to jump ship at this material time, more so when he still has the support, respect and confidence of the people of Plateau State.

    Nentawe maintained that he does not take such goodwill for granted, and as such the interest of his teeming supporters and that of his party, the APC, is always paramount in any political consideration both at the state and national levels.

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    He pointed out that though the outcome of the Supreme Court was not favourable to his party; that cannot make him go cap-in-hand begging for political patronage in whatever form.

    According to him, he is not desperately looking for a job, adding that without sounding immodest, as a Professor of Artificial Intelligence, he can comfortably move on and also continue to assist others, when the need arises.

    Nentawe, in a statement by his spokesman, Shittu Bamaiyi, reiterated his resolve to continue to work for the progress of the APC at all levels, noting that no amount of falsehood and blackmail would make him shift ground, especially in Plateau State.

    He appealed to the teeming APC supporters not to be bothered by the rumour but continue to give President Tinubu the much needed support in steering the affairs of the nation.