The Nation Newspaper

Category: Northern Report

  • Niger Governor signs 2024 budget into law

    Niger Governor signs 2024 budget into law

    Hours after the State House of Assembly passed the budget, Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago has signed the 2024 Appropriation Bill of N613,994,801,697 into law.

    The budget has an increase of N719,999,999 more than the initial budget of N613,274,801,697 presented to the Assembly by the Governor.

    Commending the Legislators for the quick passage of the bill, Bago declared that any commissioner or head of departments and agencies that refuse to avail themselves before the Legislature for scrutiny and status enquiry will be fired.

    Read Also: Nigeria is in good hands, Tinubu assures citizens

    “Legislature and its sanctity must be protected. For the government to do well, somebody must criticize and scrutinize the activities of the government. We should leave our books open in the spirit of accountability,” he said.

    He reiterated the abolishment of ‘generate and spend’ saying that no revenue-generating Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) should violate the order.

    Speaker, House of Assembly, Abdulmalik Sarkin-Daji, explained that the budget size was increased by over N719 million to cater for some critical areas of need for the realization of the “New Niger” agenda.

    The Speaker said the quick passage was achieved because the planning commission was able to carry the legislature along in the budget preparation.

  • Party activities will witness radical change, says Ganduje

    Party activities will witness radical change, says Ganduje

    The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Alhaji Umar Ganduje, has emphasised that it is not going to business as usual as the party is changing the narratives, where previously political parties only become active during electioneering.

    Dr Ganduje made the remarks at the commissioning of the renovated APC Secretariat in Makurdi, yesterday.

    The APC chairman stated that this administration has decided to make APC active throughout the campaigns.

    He said: “Because of this, we have designed a blueprint where all our political party offices right from ward level, local government level, state level, zonal level and National level, be made habitable, functional and operational across 8,803 wards of this country.

    “So by this short sermon, you are confirming to us that you have accepted this directive that has been given by our great party.”

    He expressed joy in seeing the Secretariat of APC in Benue, being renovated, rehabilitated and decorated and thanked Comrade Austin Agada’s leadership for naming the Secretariat Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu House and its Conference Hall after his name.

    “I know this is the home of APC, but I know after some time, APC went on sabbatical leave and I am happy the sabbatical leave has ended and APC is back in Benue State,” he said.

    The APC National Chairman stated that the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), whose office is the backbone of the present administration, is the Chief implementer of public policies of the administration.

    “Let me also thank your Governor, a God-fearing person, a person that I find so simple. Cooperate with the SGF and the Governor, this is the only way that we can continue to forge ahead,” he said.

    Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, commended the leader of the APC in the state and Senator Akume, for ensuring that the party structure works to achieve the existing unity in the party.

    Read Also: Akeredolu was a patriot, Mimiko mourns

    He also commended the leadership of the party for acquiring a befitting secretariat that houses different activities of the party, saying the benefits of democracy will continue to flow into Benue State, now that they have stabilised and entrenched themselves within the dimension of progressive politics.

    Benue State Chairman of APC, Comrade Austin Agada, noted that APC in Benue is solidly behind Tinubu’s administration, to succeed as the country is in dire need of someone who would lift her out of poverty.

    According to him, before the general elections, APC in the state had a few members in both the State and National Assembly but emerged victorious after the election with President Tinubu winning massively alongside two out of three senators, members of the House of Representatives, State Assembly and the Governor also won by the APC.

    Agada said Benue is APC and vowed to remain behind the Ganduje-led APC and President Tinubu-led administration, commending the SGF for donating the secretariat building to the party and the NASS caucus for supporting the funding of the Secretariat.

    He assured that the party will not relent in supporting Senator Akume, to succeed in the task of carrying out the policies and programmes of President Tinubu’s administration.

  • Akume an outstanding politician, say ex-governors

    Akume an outstanding politician, say ex-governors

    The Former Governors Forum has greeted the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume on his 70th birthday.

    The former governors hailed Akume who they described as a “consummate politician, and an outstanding Nigerian.”

    A statement by its Chairman and former Governor of Niger State, Babangida Aliyu and Deputy Chairman and former Governor of Ogun State, Gbenga Daniel on Tuesday in Abuja, reads: “Sen. Akume is a politician who diligently pursued his goals, becoming one of the most experienced and successful political leaders of his generation.

    “A sociologist with varied experience in labour relations, management and political leadership, his background experience approximate grassroot and inter-group relations that spanned decades, an experience that includes Local Government Chairman, Governor, Senator, Senate Minority Leader, a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria; that has prepared him for national leadership role as the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

    Read Also: Nigeria is in good hands, Tinubu assures citizens

    “His imaginative and bold programs as the governor of Benue state were reference points for a generation of the people of his state. Not many Nigerians of his generation have had a visible impact on his community like Sen. Akume.

    “Charismatic, friendly and humble in dispositions, his mentorship in political leadership covers a large number of people.

    “We join the good people of Benue state and other Nigerians in wishing a worthy statesman and a nationalist a happy birthday.”

  • Women lament 82% drop in budgetary allocation

    Women lament 82% drop in budgetary allocation

    Women group under the Partnerships for Advancing Women in Economic Development (PAWED) are lamenting over 82 per cent drop in women allocations in the 2024 budgetary allocations.

    They said the proposed 2024 budget of N12.59 billion to women, when compared to N78 billion in 2023, showed an 82 per cent reduction at a time the government is promoting renewed investment in women’s economic empowerment under its renewed Hope Agenda.

    National President National Entrepreneurship Women, Chief Funmilayo Arowoogun, said the review was extended to include economic empowerment lines in the budget targeting combined beneficiary groups of women, youth and others.

    She said they saw that the 2024 budget captured 107 WEE projects for women, youth and others.

    The group said: ‘’Women representatives came together to spend one full day reviewing the 2024 proposed budget estimates for women’s economic empowerment.

    Read Also: Akeredolu was a patriot, Mimiko mourns

    While we are happy to note the allocation of 12.59 billion naira for women’s economic empowerment projects in the 2024 estimates, we observe that this allocation represents an 82 per cent reduction from the 2023 allocation of ?72 billion. We are even more concerned to note that we see only 99 Women Economic Empowerment (WEE) projects in the 2024 budget compared to 164 projects in the 2022 budget.

    ‘’Even when the ?12.57 billion allocation to the WEE lines targeting women, youth and others is added to the ?12.59 allocation for women-only WEE projects, the 2024 allocation for WEE remains the lowest since 2019. Less than one per cent of the 2024 budgetary capital allocation is dedicated to women’s economic empowerment. In 2023, almost 2% of the annual capital budget was allocated to WEE.”

  • ‘Security chiefs must tackle challenges to boost economy’

    ‘Security chiefs must tackle challenges to boost economy’

    The Statistician-General of the Federation, Adeyemi Adeniran, has called on security chiefs to tackle insecurity to increase supply chain of the economy.

    Adeniran made the call at a public lecture/unveiling of ‘Impart Economic Journal’ published by the Executive Director of Initiative for Leadership and Economic Watch, Splendour Agbonkpolor.

    He said the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth recorded by the country was not sufficient enough to boost the economy.

    According to Adeniran, when the environment is secured, people will have access to farms and produce more food in the market, which will force prices down.

    He stressed that the country however needs security for the production of crude, saying ‘though the present security situation has not increased crude production, but had reduced oil theft and pipeline vandalism’.

    Adeniran, represented by the Head of the National Account Division, Dr Baba Madu, said: “We need national security to grow the economy, like agriculture for instance, if we have a reasonably secured environment in place people can access their farms and produce more thereby increasing the supply chain of the economy. There would be more food in the market and that will force prices down.

    Read Also; Stemming gender-based violence in FBOs

    “We need security for the production of crude, even though the present security situation has not increased crude production, oil theft has reduced, and pipeline vandalism has reduced too.

    The economic growth in Q3 is 2.54, which is still not sufficient enough. To have reasonable growth, you need to have a triple increase more than the population growth rate, which is 2.6 – 2.8.”

    He further explained that agriculture can produce raw materials that have linkages to all sectors of the economy, ‘and when there is an increase in the value chain there will be an increase in additional economic activities’, he noted.

    Agbonkpolor said the theme of the event, ‘Public Private Partnership: The Key to Building Economic Resilience and National Security’, shows that no one can sit idle with the current Nigerian situation.

    He said: “Nigeria’s problems are not natural disasters that happen in other countries. However, our problem is that of poverty which is man-made. Therefore, Nigerians have the responsibility to find solutions that will eradicate it and not God.

    “Today’s event is most significant in the building of Nigeria’s economy; the issue addressed concerning Public Private Partnership is an area that is not fully optimised to bring about the rapid economic growth of the nation.

    “The partnership between the Impart Economic Journal with the Raw Material Research and Development Council was to strengthen public-private partnership policy as an effective tool to create wider opportunities for economic activities in Nigeria and create jobs and income-earning avenues for unemployed Nigerians.”

  • Northern Elders ask govt to prioritise policies to grow economy

    Northern Elders ask govt to prioritise policies to grow economy

    The Northern Elders Forum (NEF), yesterday called on the government to prioritize policies that stimulate economic growth to reduce unemployment, and alleviate poverty.

    NEF urged Nigerians to unite in prayer for improved security, a strengthened economy, and a more cohesive society.

    Convener of the Forum, Prof Ango Abdullahi, in his Christmas message, recognised the importance of the holy season as bringing people together, fostering unity, and promoting peace and love.

    The forum also extends warm wishes to government, and Christians worldwide for a joyous and peaceful Christmas and prayed the New Year brings renewed hope, progress, and prosperity for our beloved nation, added that: “It is a time for individuals and communities to reaffirm their commitment to collective progress and social harmony.”

    The NEF encouraged every Nigerian, irrespective of religious or ethnic background, to engage in acts of kindness, compassion, and selflessness, thus promoting the spirit of Christmas in their daily lives.

    Read Also: Ode to ‘lexical beautician’ Adepoju

    In light of the prevailing security challenges, the NEF urged all citizens and stakeholders to offer fervent prayers for the nation’s safety and security.

    “We call upon religious leaders from all faiths to lead their followers in supplication, beseeching divine intervention in bringing an end to insurgency, terrorism, and all forms of criminality.

    “The NEF believes that through unity and prayer, we can forge a path towards lasting peace, stability, and prosperity for our great nation.

    “Furthermore, the NEF recognizes the significance of the Christmas season in promoting economic growth and development. As Nigerians celebrate, we must also reflect upon the economic challenges facing our nation”, the Forum added.

    He added: “We urge all citizens to collaborate and contribute towards the realization of a vibrant and inclusive economy, where everyone has access to equal opportunities and prosperity.

    “This year’s Christmas should also serve as a moment for solemn reflection as we prepare to embark on a new year. It is an opportune time to assess our individual and collective achievements, as well as identify areas for improvement.”

    The NEF implored every Nigerian to ponder upon their roles in the nation’s progress.

    It said: “Let us strive to be agents of positive change, promoting unity, justice, and love in all our endeavors by standing united as we face the challenges ahead, with faith in our hearts and prayers on our lips”.

  • Kaduna Govt celebrate Christmas with Tudun Biri residents

    Kaduna Govt celebrate Christmas with Tudun Biri residents

    Kaduna State government delegation led by the Overseeing Commissioner, Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, yesterday celebrated Christmas with the people of Tudun Biri, the village erroneously bombed by the military drone.

    The State Government donated foodstuffs and soft drinks to the Christian faithfuls after a the the Christmas church service in the troubled village.

    After leading service of songs during the worship session, the Commissioner urged the villagers to have faith in their creator regardless of the tragic incident.

    He stated: “We are here to join celebrate the Tudun Biri Community in celebrating Christmas and to extend solidarity with them. 

    It’s important to rekindle hope and spiritual rejuvenation, letting them know they are not alone. The people of Kaduna State, the government, Federal government, and the Armed forces are with them.”

    He emphasized that, the ongoing efforts by both state and federal governments to improve the lives of the villagers will not stop, acknowledging that the airstrike on the community was an unfortunate incident.

    The Commissioner highlighted the unity displayed, noting the presence of Muslims in the church as a clear indication of the shared identity of the people.

    Read Also: Tudun Biri: An alternative viewpoint

    Aruwan mentioned that, the commencement of road construction leading to the village is a clear indication that, the government will fulfill promises made to the people of Tudun Biri.

    He also assured the villagers that security plans for the area were in progress, emphasizing the continuous presence of the military and routine patrols since the incident.

    Pastor of the Nagarta Baptist Church, Tudun Biri, Reverend Musa Saidu, acknowledged concerns among the Christian community about celebrating Christmas in the village, saying that, the government’s assurance of safety encouraged them to gather in the church, unlike the experience of the previous years.

    Reverend Saidu recalled past challenges, noting that, six years ago bandits chased them during a church service.

    The Reverend appealed to the government to provide opportunities for youths who have completed their secondary education.

    Other villagers echoed the sentiment that this year’s Christmas came amidst mourning over the tragic incident that claimed many lives in the village.

  • Christians mark Christmas peacefully in Kano

    Christians mark Christmas peacefully in Kano

    Christian worshippers, including women and children who dressed in new attires, defied the cold weather in Kano city to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.

    NAN reports that worshipers trooped out in their numbers to attend church service at various worship Centres.

    NAN also observed that there was security presence, especially around Sabon Gari area, which has a high concentration of churches.

    Some worshippers who spoke to NAN said that they were excited to witness yet another Christmas, praying for peace in the country.

    Mary Ade, a resident, said that the key messages from clergy men were centered on sharing love with one another, especially to those in need.

    Read Also: Kano guber: Sheik Dahiru denies writing CJN

    Amos Jacob, a clergy, urged christians to use the Christmas period to reflect by looking inwards, repent of all the sins they committed this year.

    Moses Adamu, a resident, charged the two dominant religions in the country to work together in finding a lasting solution to the security challenges in the country.

    He also called for peaceful coexistence among Nigerians, irrespective of their ethnic or religious backgrounds.

    Another resident, Chukwudi Emeka, also advised christian faithful to live for one another just like Christ did for mankind.

    He urged them to pray for divine direction, caring for others, especially the aged and the less prevailed, for a meaningful Christmas celebration.

    NAN also reports that fun seekers also trooped out in large numbers to celebrate the Christmas at some fun centres across the metropolis.

  • Church gives 23 students scholarship, food items to 150 widows

    Church gives 23 students scholarship, food items to 150 widows

    The Assistant Pastor, Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Province 2, Region 45, Gabriel Adewuyi has urged well to do individuals, organization to be of assistance to those in need during the festive season and beyond.

    Adewuyi said this during the distribution of grinding machines to 23 widows and distribution of food items to 150 widows, on Sunday in Abuja.

    The clergy canvassed uplifting the poor in the society.

    He said: “Every year in December, we gather to praise God for what he has done since the beginning of the year.

    “The bible instructed us to take care of the less privileged; so we want to shower that they can work with, that can set them up to not depend on people again.

    Read Also: Christmas: Abuja church gives 23 students scholarship, food items to 150 widows 

    “Whomever is privileged should help those who are not privileged, we should rise up to the help of the society, Jesus said the poor will always be with us, that means there will always be poor people. We should let them know that taken care of them will bring blessing to those who are their benefactors,” he said.

    Also speaking, Assistant Pastor and Coordinator Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), FCT Province 2, Sunday Adebomi, noted that the initiative was birthed due to the lack of financial sources and jobs for people.

    level”.

    Earlier, Pastor and Women Coordinator, Esther Adewuyi, noted that the food items given to the widows was a form of encouragement, to put a smile on their face.

    A beneficiary, Ruth Pius, expressed gratitude, adding that the items given to her will go a long way for her and will enable her pay her daughter’s school fees.

  • Kefas cautions Taraba citizens on unnecessary travels

    Kefas cautions Taraba citizens on unnecessary travels

    Taraba State Governor, Dr Agbu Kefas, has advised Tarabans to minimize “unnecessary” travels for the sake of paying homage.

    Kefas, who delivered the message in his Christmas message yesterday, stated that the present circumstances calls for prudence.

    According to him, “Christmas is a time for reflection, gratitude, renewed hope, and moving forward togethe.

     “I must express the cautionary note as we navigate this joyous time. While I understand the tradition of paying homage during this season, I urge caution in our movements.

    “The current circumstances call for prudence, and we must be mindful of the importance of minimizing unnecessary travel to safeguard our lives and our communities’ well-being.

    “I appreciate the sentiment behind the desire to come together, but the safety of our people remains paramount.

    “Let us find alternative ways to express our unity and celebrate the season while ensuring the health and security of all”.

    Read Also: Kefas assents to N313. 3 billion Taraba budget

    He stated that the security agencies were ready to ensure safety for citizens and urged them to “follow the guidelines that may be provided by the security agencies”.

    The governor also admonished those involved in criminality to have a renewal of heart as their acts have a negative consequence on them and the entire community.

    He said: “To those who choose a part of criminality, this festive season is a time for reflection and renewal. The time when the spirit of unity and compassion should resonate in every heart.

    “I extend esteemed message to those who engage in criminal activities in the state. Your actions not only threaten the safety and well-being of our communities but also undermine the collective efforts to build a prosperous and harmonious society.

    “I implore you to reconsider your choices, for they are not only leading to personal consequences but also disrupt the peace that we all strive to maintain”.