The Nation Newspaper

Category: Northern Report

  • Labour gets 10,000 bags of rice as Kwara reaches out to masses again

    Labour gets 10,000 bags of rice as Kwara reaches out to masses again

    Kwara State Government has delivered 10,000 bags of 10kg rice palliatives to the labour unions for onward distribution to their members.

    The palliative followed an engagement Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq had with the leadership of the organised labour unions and other stakeholders during the week.

    Kwara Chairman of Trade Union Congress (TUC) Comrade Joseph Tunde Meshach and Chairman of Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) Comrade Saheed Olayinka, commended the Governor for his continuous efforts to provide relief to the people in the state. 

    Acknowledging that the government has granted 11 of 21 requests, the labour leaders said talks are proceeding positively with the government on their other demands to improve their condition of service. 

    “We are here distributing the bags of rice given to us by His Excellency the Governor of Kwara State Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq. On Tuesday, we had a meeting with him, where he said he would be giving the labour movement in the state 10,000 bags of rice (10kg) as a form of support at this time,” Trade Union Congress (TUC) Chairman Comrade Tunde Joseph told reporters on Friday in Ilorin, the capital city.

    “It is part of the things to ameliorate the suffering of the people which we truly appreciate. We appreciate the gesture.

    “On the ongoing negotiations with the government, we presented about 21 demands. The Governor has graciously approved 11. We are still progressing. We were happy when he said the committee is to be sustained to continuously engage us on other outstanding issues. We really appreciate this.

    “What we are doing presently is the distribution of the 10,000 bags of rice (10kg). All our members from various ministries, departments, and agencies and all the affiliates are coming around. We started the distribution since yesterday. The affiliates came around yesterday to get their allocation. As it is now, the units are also coming to get their own allocation too.”

    Olayinka noted that Governor AbdulRazaq is a responsive leader, urging him to continue to prioritise the welfare of the workers for the growth and development of the state.

    “We are very glad to receive 10,000 bags of rice (10kg) in this exercise. We believe this will go a long way. It is a show of support and empathy and we appreciate it,” Comrade Olayinka said.

    “This is not our first time of witnessing different administrations of government. However, this government shows it has sympathy for the public. This is not only about the public service, it also includes the private sector.

    Read Also: Kwara Gov appeals for patience on food, forex crisis

    “We have started sharing the rice palliative since yesterday, and people were so glad to receive it. It has reduced the tension and burden on us as leaders. They complained to us, and we forwarded the complaints to the government. Without wasting time, the government has come to our aid. We are so glad with what is going on.

    “On the ongoing negotiation, the happiest part of it is that His Excellency has maintained the committee set up by him to look into the requests of Kwara State workers. We forwarded about 21 demands. Immediately, 11 have been addressed. The remaining 10 is still under consideration, while the committee continues to talk to the labour leaders. We hope that the remaining 10 will equally see the light of the day soon.”

  • ‘Eagles’ victory over South Africa united Nigerians’

    ‘Eagles’ victory over South Africa united Nigerians’

    United States-based lawyer and politician, Owolabi Salis, has said the victory of Super Eagles over Bafana Bafana of South Africa at Africa Cup of Nations made Nigerians forget the hardship and unite.

    “That Super Eagles victory was something else. It was like a magic wand. I’m short of words to describe it because, for the first time, Nigerians forgot their hunger, squalor and poverty, as celebration took over,” he said.

    Salis noted the victory evoked memories of 1969 when  Pele of Brazil led his Santos Football Club to Benin, in the thick of the Civil War.

    Read Also: They died watching Nigeria/South Africa match

    “For three days, the war ceased and peace reigned as Biafrans and federal troops watched Pele display his soccer artistry for all,” he said.

    The lawyer said President Bola Tinubu will be happy Super Eagles victory provided an escape from agitation of citizens.

    “In the U.S., my phone knew no rest. It kept ringing as friends, family, and political followers kept calling, celebrating and rejoicing…’’

    “Even at my own end here, the jubilation knew no bound as my American and European friends, danced, clapped, yelled and celebrated,” he added.

    Salis urged all Nigerians not to rest but pray that the Super Eagles become African champions.

  • ‘Fed Govt to punish hoarders of food items’

    ‘Fed Govt to punish hoarders of food items’

    Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, has said Federal Government will penalise traders hoarding food items hoping prices will shore up.

    Sule, National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, told governors that President Bola Tinubu will ensure people do not hoard food items, and  punish those caught doing it.

    The governor, during a visit to Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari in Abuja, said high prices would be reduced.

    He said Nasarawa has been supporting dry season farming, promising further assistance to smallholder farmers to raise production and reduce pressure on foreign exchange.

    Read Also: UPDATED: Tinubu directs release of 102,000 metric tons of food items)

    “With renewed hope agenda, as well as a request from minister of Agriculture, we will double it. If, for instance, we have been providing 13,000 bags of fertiliser, we will increase it to 26,000 bags.

    “Because of high cost of living, farmers have more challenges, and the government is in position to support…

    “To reduce pressure of high prices, we are looking at strategic grain reserves. More over, people are hoarding food items hoping prices will shore up.”

    Kyari said he is optimistic Nasarawa is ready for dry season farming, adding the state is noted for grains, legumes and root crop cultivation, as well as bigger rice millers. 

    He urged more support to farmers during this period. 

  • We’ll get constitution review right, say Reps

    We’ll get constitution review right, say Reps

    The House of Representatives has assured Nigerians the parliament will get the process of amending the 1999 constitution right this time with a comprehensive amendment to the nation’s law book.

    He expressed confidence in the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, to deliver on mandate, as the Chairman, House Committee on Constitution Review.

    Speaking to newsmen in Kano, the Deputy Spokesperson of the House, Philip Agbese, said the lawmakers have great confidence in the deputy speaker, saying the parliament would get it right this time.

    He said: “Overtime, the National Assembly made attempts to review the 1999 constitution, with the aim of amending some clauses and give it the 21st century life it deserves. Some of the times, the parliament succeeded; and some other times, it failed.

    “Even in the dispensations that the committee succeeded, some amendments suffered rejections at the various state Houses of Assembly, while some of the few clauses that managed to scale through are fast calling for repeal or total overhauling.

    “But with the deputy speaker on the driver’s seat of th e Constitution Review Committee of the 10th House of Representatives, Nigerians should go to bed and rest, with the assurance of waking up the next day to the realisation of their yearnings and aspirations.

    Read Also: JUST IN: Tinubu congratulates Eagles for picking AFCON final ticket

    He said the Kalu-led Committee “would collate opinions and liaise with various stakeholders, civil society organizations, government agencies, multilateral and supranational agencies, as well as traditional rulers, women groups and private business minds that jointly drive the nation’s economy, to ensure a wholesome amendment to the Nigeria’s law book”.

    Agbese asked those seeking alterations to the 1999 constitution, to work closely with their representatives, as the committee would hit the ground running, as soon as it is officially inaugurated.

    He said: “already, there are about 40 bills at various stages in the National Assembly, seeking for the amendment of the constitution. Some seek to address issues of gender inequality, traditional institution, local government autonomy, fiscal federation among others.

    “With the determination of Kalu-led Committee and the assurance that the committee would round up by December, 2025, I urge stakeholders and proponents of those Bills to work closely with their representatives and the Committee, to enable it deliver on mandate and time.”

  • Borno govt partners NILEST on leather production

    Borno govt partners NILEST on leather production

    Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum, yesterday said his administration would partner with the Nigerian Institute of Leather and Science Technology (NILEST), to boost leather technology and production in the state.

    The governor said this when the Director-General of the NILEST, Prof. Mohammed Yakubu, visited him in Maiduguri.

    He said such collaboration was imperative toward creating employment opportunities through vocational technology and contributing to the overall economic development of the region.

    “We shall key into your activities. I am particularly interested in creating wealth through technical and vocational education,” Zulum said.

    The governor also directed the Ministry of Education to compile the names of 54 youths, two from each of the 27 local government areas of the state, for intensive training in leather technology and production.

    Zulum said the state government was not aware of the activities of the agency in the Maiduguri centre, adding that: “Borno State Government is willing to connect with your institution, unfortunately, the activities of the Maiduguri centre are not known to many of us here.

    Read Also: Dollarisation: EFCC raises 14 task forces, arrests racketeers

    “I was the pioneer Commissioner for Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Resettlement. Honestly speaking, I just heard about the Maiduguri centre,” he said.

    Earlier, Yakubu lauded the governor for his exemplary leadership qualities.

    “You have paid your dues and proven your worth by providing purposeful and impactful leadership. You displayed extreme humanity, empathy and sympathy when you insisted that the people must come first,” he said.

    He assured the governor of the NILEST’s commitment to partnering with the state government to revive the leather production in the state.

    Yakubu saud the agency was established in 1964 as a hide and skin demonstration training while the Maiduguri centre was set up in 1972.

  • Hajj: Jigawa sets Feb. 9 deadline for payment

    Hajj: Jigawa sets Feb. 9 deadline for payment

    The Jigawa State Pilgrims Welfare Board has urged intending pilgrims to complete payment for the 2024 Hajj exercise in Saudi Arabia before the February 9 deadline.

    A statement by its Public Relations Officer, Murtala Usman, said the measure would enable the board to meet the February 12 deadline by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).

    He quoted the Director-General of the board, Alhaji Ahmed Labbo, as saying that intending pilgrims from the state would pay N4.6 million Hajj fares.

    Labbo directed personnel of the board to work diligently towards ensuring that the intending pilgrims completed their payment before the expiration of the dateline.

    Read Also: JUST IN: Tinubu congratulates Eagles for picking AFCON final ticket

    He said the board had trained 27 Hajj Center Officers and facilitators to facilitate training of the pilgrims on the tenets of the Hajj.

    “They will train pilgrims on obligations, tenets and cardinal principles of the Hajj”.

    According to him, proper education of the pilgrims will prepare them to conduct the Hajj in accordance with the teachings of Islam, and be good ambassadors of the country.

  • Fed Govt will implement agreement on climate change’

    Fed Govt will implement agreement on climate change’

     The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to put in place necessary policies on climate change to ensure a greener economy.

    Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Labour and Employment, Ismaila Abubakar said this at a stakeholder’s workshop on engagement on Just and Gender Inclusive Transition (JGIT) in Abuja.

    The workshop was organised by the Ministry of Labour in collaboration with the Initiatives for Climate Action Transparency (ICAT).

    He said Nigeria was taking giant steps in ensuring that necessary policies on climate action are put in place.

    The permanent secretary said: “Nigeria being a signatory to the Paris Agreement on climate change would do everything possible to ensure a Just Green Transition economy is achieved. The Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, in line with its mandate, is tasked with ensuring a Just Transition.

    “This is whereby more job opportunities are created instead of job losses as the federal government gears towards a greener economy.

    Read Also: Dollarisation: EFCC raises 14 task forces, arrests racketeers

    “This is why the ministry, in the spirit partnership, is being supported by ICAT to drive this process through the Nigeria-ICAT project.”

    The permanent secretary also noted that in line with the aforementioned, ICAT supported Nigeria to develop an MRV Institutional Arrangement with focus on three priorities.

    He said this including oil and gas, transport, developed MRV indicators and tools to track the implementation of the Paris Agreement.

    Abubakar added that the workshop was aimed at reviewing existing JGIT definitions, concepts, and overall approach in Nigeria.

    He said: “The outcomes of this workshop will set a precedent on the next steps and way forward in the drive for a Just and Gender Inclusive transition in Nigeria.”

    The Team Lead for the Nigeria ICAT JGIT project implementation Yerima Tarfa said the objective of the project was to ensure tripartite cooperation on climate action as provided by the Paris Agreement.

    He said another objective was to develop JGIT MRV and ensure it links with the sectorial MRV system and the Enhanced Transparency Framework(ETF)implemented by the Ministry of Environment, among others.

    The Director, ICAT Henning Wuester said that in the Paris Agreement entered by Nigeria, the country said that it would achieve a 20 per cent reduction in carbon emission.

    Wuester said that ICAT would continue to partner with the federal government to ensure it achieves its goal on climate change.

  • TETFund NRF grants YABATECH N34m for prostate cancer treatment

    TETFund NRF grants YABATECH N34m for prostate cancer treatment

    The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) National Research Fund has awarded N34 million grant for cancer treatment to Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) research team.

    The grant is to enable the researchers to develop an artificial intelligence-based precision medicine solution for prostate cancer treatment with a solution that has the potential to significantly improve outcomes for prostate cancer patients in Nigeria and the world at large.

    The grant is meant to develop a technique that uses Artificial Intelligence (AI) to predict optimal drug combinations for individual prostate cancer patients based on analyzes of biopsy tissue samples.

    Experts in Computer Engineering, Medical Biochemistry, Oncology, Pathology, Zoology, Pharmacognosy and Ethnopharmacy, Toxicology, and Pharmacology are partnering with the college researchers and would be having access to biopsy samples from consenting prostate cancer patients in Nigeria, which has one of the highest prostate cancer rates in the world.

    Read Also: JUST IN: Tinubu congratulates Eagles for picking AFCON final ticket

    The researchers are led by the Principal Investigator, Mrs. Aishat Amolegbe of the Department of Biological Science, YABATECH and co-researchers are from the institution, Usman Danfodiyo University, Sokoto and the University of Lagos.

    YABATECH Rector Dr Ibraheem Abdul, pledged the college’s support to the team on the innovative work to the desired end.

    Dr Abdul said: “We are excited to support Mrs. Amolegbe and her team in this innovative work. We congratulate other team members – Dr. Mustapha Imam; Dr. Funmilayo Doherty; Dr. Ibrahim Malami; Dr. Idowu Aneyo; Adebayo Adebari and Dr. Waidi Ashiru on this well-deserved grant.”

  • Lecturer suspended for corporal punishment

    Lecturer suspended for corporal punishment

    A lecturer with the Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology, Wudil, Kano State, has been suspended for allegedly subjecting students to corporal punishment.

    The university Deputy Registrar, Information and Public Relations Unit, Sa’idu Abdullahi Nayaya, announced the immediate suspension of the lecturer, whose name was withheld, in a statement on Wednesday.

    A video showing students of the university being subjected to corporal punishment for lateness and other minor offences in their classes had gone viral.

    The varsity management said the punishments included frog jump.

    “Viral video on students maltreatment: The staff in question after the suspension would face the Senior Staff Disciplinary Committee for further action.

    “The management is hereby assuring parents and guardians and the general public that the welfare and safety of the students are topmost and any breach by whosoever way will not be tolerated and go unpunished.’’

    Read Also: Dollarisation: EFCC raises 14 task forces, arrests racketeers

    “The immediate suspension of the lecturer is part of our efforts to addressing this situation and ensure that the welfare and rights of our students are upheld,” the statement said, emphasising that the institution was committed to maintaining a conducive learning environment for all students.

    The Students Union Government (SUG) of the Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology commended the university management for the action against the erring lecturer.

    The SUG President, Adamu Habibu Ado, urged all the students to remain calm as the decisions made by the management, according to him, were taken in the best interest of the university community.

    “It is imperative for students to abide by the rules and regulations set by the school management, as we strive to uphold the highest standards of character and learning,” Ado, however told the students.

  • BUK to instal Emir of Ilorin as Chancellor March 2

    BUK to instal Emir of Ilorin as Chancellor March 2

    The Authority of Bayero University Kano (BUK) has appointed the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari as the Chancellor of the institution.

    The installation would hold on March 2, as part of activities of the 34th Convocation of the university.

    This is contained in a statement  by the Emir’s spokesman, Mallam Abdulazeez, Arowona in Ilorin.

    Sulu-Gambari, also the Chairman, Kwara Traditional Rulers Council, Mai-Martaba had served as the Chancellor of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, in  Anambra.

    He was also the Chancellor of University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Benue,  before his recent redeployment to BUK.

    “According to the university’s invitation, its  Vice Chancellor, Prof. Sagir Adamu Abbas, disclosed that other events include; award for degrees, higher degrees and prizes for the year 2020/2021.

    Read Also: JUST IN: Tinubu congratulates Eagles for picking AFCON final ticket

    “The convocation will begin on Feb. 27, with awards of degree to graduands of the Faculty of Agriculture, Arts and Islamic Studies, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Education, Law and Pharmaceutical Sciences.

    “While on Feb. 28, graduands of Faculties Allied Health Sciences, Clinical Sciences and Computer, Dentistry and School of Continuing Education (SCE) will be awarded degrees.

    “On Feb.  29, graduands of Faculties of Basic Medical Sciences, Communication, Engineering, Life Sciences, Management Sciences, Physical Sciences and Social Sciences will be awarded their degrees,” the spokesman said.

    Arowona said the convocation lecture will hold on March 1, to be delivered by Alhaji Aliko Dangote, on “The Role of the Private Sector in Building a Sustainable Knowledge Economy in Nigeria”.

    He, thereby, urged all sons and daughters of Ilorin Emirate and beyond to be part of the historic event, aimed at promoting royalty, scholarship and academic excellence.