The Nation Newspaper

Category: Northern Report

  • Fed Govt to empower Chibok community with N210m farming equipment

    Fed Govt to empower Chibok community with N210m farming equipment

    The Federal Government is to empower the Chibok Community in Borno with farming equipment and other skill acquisition accessories worth N210 million.

    Mrs Grace Njoku, the Head of Press and Public Relations, Ministry of Women Affairs, in a statement in Abuja yesterday, stated that the Minister of Women Affairs, Mrs Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, made the government’s plan known when a delegation from Chibok community, led by its District Head, Ahmadu Usman, visited her in Abuja.

    She said the efforts was to revitalise the economy of the area, after the kidnapping incident of students from Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok in 2014.

    She added that after consultation with the management of American University, Yola, it was agreed that 50 per cent of the money paid by the Federal Government as school fees for the kidnapped Chibok girls in the university be invested in the community.

    According to her, this will bring relief to the community from the psychological trauma experienced after the terrible incident, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the present administration.

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    She explained that “through collaboration, the American University will use the N210 million raised to buy industrial machines for milling of rice, corn and solar pumping machine for irrigation farming.

    “Also, fish grilling machine, sewing machines, tricycle trucks, among others, will be purchased to improve the community’s means of livelihood, as well as for socio-economic growth and development.”

    Dr Asabe Vilita-Bashir, the Director-General, Maryam Babangida National Women Development Centre (MBNCWD), said the gesture was to restore hope in members of the community.

    Vilita-Bashir urged the community to key into the project to improve members’ living standard.

    Responding, district head of the Chibok community thanked government for the assistance.

    Usman said the equipment would boost the economy of the community, assuring that the community would put them to good use for the benefit of affected families and the community.

  • Sule to dualise Akwanga road in Nasarawa

    Sule to dualise Akwanga road in Nasarawa

    Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, has revealed that work will commence on the dualization of the the Ismaila Abbas petrol station-Akwanga roundabout-AYM Shafa petrol station in Akwanga, after his administration approved 50 percent of the cost to the contractor handling the project.

    Governor Sule said this during the inauguration of the Gaji Luxury Hotels built by a private investor, McDaniels Jika, in Akwanga.

    The Governor explained that following the approval by the Federal Ministry of Works for his administration to start the work, he quickly approved 50 percent of the contract sum to enable the contractor handling the project to immediately commence work.

    “Just yesterday, we have done something that we don’t usually do. When we give a contract, we usually give the contractor 30 percent mobilization.  But because Nasarawa State is blessed now, just like so many other places, as a result of improved revenue, yesterday, I approved 50 percent of the money to the contractor to ensure that he will do this work in time.

    “That would give him the opportunity to buy all the materials to be able to do something. I told him before I come back from my trip that I want to see some significant amount of work that is being done.

    “I know a lot of people have certain things in mind when I said we are doing this in Akwanga. We are not doing this in Akwanga because of the votes. We are not doing this in Akwanga because of any individual.  We are doing this in Akwanga because Akwanga is central to the development of Nasarawa State.

    “By the time we finish the design that we are doing at this roundabout, as a result of this construction work, a lot of people may not be interested in taking the bypass, they may want to pass through the town to see the development coming to Akwanga.  And for us, that is the idea. That is the dream. That is what we are doing. Not for us today, not for anybody today, but for tomorrow when we are no longer here,” he stated.

    He used the opportunity to highlight on some of the projects being undertaken by his administration in Akwanga to include three township roads, the Baba Arago-Taal road, Dankazo-Akwanga Modern Market road, and the road linking the newly constructed bridge on Andaha road.

    The governor said his administration has already completed the VIP lodge, another event centre, as well as the youth club that was previously in a terrible shape.

     “We have not only completed the youth club, we have also awarded the contract for the construction of the road to that area,” he said.

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    He added that his next big project is to build the first ever underpass in Lafia as is obtained in advanced countries.

    He said the design for the Lafia underpass is already with the Federal Ministry of Works for approval.

    “The next big project that I have in mind is building the first underpass in the history of Nasarawa State.  That underpass is going to be in Lafia. Lafia is going to have an underpass similar to what obtains in advanced countries. The design is awaiting approval also by the Federal Ministry of Works,” he added.

    Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Gaji Luxury Hotels, McDaniels Jika, said the idea to build the hotel came after he realized that Akwanga is a confluence town, a link between the North and South.

    Jika added that he decided to construct a 500m road with drainage as part of his corporate social responsibility.

  • Sani promises even development of Kaduna

    Sani promises even development of Kaduna

    The Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani on Sunday attended Kaduna Unity Christmas Carol organized by the Kaduna State chapter of the Christians Association of Nigeria (CAN), at the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA), English Service, Sabon Tasha, Chikun Local Government Area.

    Addressing the congregation, Governor Sani said that his government will develop every part of Kaduna State, without giving ethnic or religious consideration to siting of development projects.

    He said: “One of the most important agenda of our government is to ensure that we carry our people along. Human capital development is the most important thing. And today, I discussed with them, as I did in every forum. I try to make it clear to the people of Kaduna State that we are not concerned with any religious or ethnic differences. We are one family and we are going to work together without segregation or discrimination.

    “There is no essence of governance if you cannot provide amenities to the people of Kaduna State. For me, that is key.

    Another area we are looking at is trying to take development to rural areas of Kaduna State. That is why our current budget is a ‘Budget of Rural Transformation and Inclusive Development,’ so, we are going to take development to all rural areas of the state.”

    He added: “We have set aside money in our budget to support our women and youths who are entrepreneurs. We will reach deserving people who are poor, vulnerable, and underserved through our religious, community, and Non-Governmental Organisations because politicians are always looking at the next election”

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    “When I was sworn in, I tried as much as possible to carry everybody along. So, when I was invited for the Christmas Carroll, I came because when I was young, we used to participate in such kind of activities.”

    “When I was young, we used to participate in such kind of activities. My father usually encourages me to attend all Christmas carols because most of our family friends are Christians. There is nothing new here. I enjoyed my coming, and I am happy when I see the citizens of Kaduna who are in this very important celebration highly happy. They are confident that Kaduna State Government would carry everyone along and will try to take development to every part of the State”.

    The governor assured the gathering of his family’s commitment to celebrating Christmas with Christians in the government house.

    Earlier, Kaduna State CAN Chairman, Rev. John Joseph Hayab told the congregation that unlike what was experienced before, Governor Uba has indeed shown that he is Governor of all and will be fair and just to all.

    He urged Christians to continue to pray for the success of the government and be obedient to its authority always as instructed by the scriptures.

  • ‘We’re committed to providing affordable housing’

    ‘We’re committed to providing affordable housing’

    The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to providing housing for Nigerians.

    It explained its modalities to implement the much-needed reforms that will ensure quick easy, and efficient access to land.

    Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Musa Dangiwa stated this yesterday in Abuja, at the African Housing Awards.

    Represented by his Chief of Staff, Usman Osidi, the minister said: “We have composed a land reforms team comprising state governments, traditional rulers, relevant agencies, professional bodies, academia, stakeholders to ensure buy-in and inclusivity.

    “As the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, I would like to encourage all stakeholders in housing delivery in all countries in Africa and in Nigeria particularly, to never lose sight of the responsibility that goes with each office that we hold whether in the private sector or in the public sector we must be constantly reminded that our job is to house Africa.

    “And there are millions in need of housing and they cut across all income segments.

    “We must at all times never lose sight of the fact that the decisions that we take, the energy that we commit or do not commit impact positively or negatively on those who look up to us for their housing solutions.

    “So, to all the institutions and individuals that are going to win awards today, I want to congratulate you for being outstanding in your contributions to the housing sector.”

    He added that government had priotised building materials manufacturing, to ensure economic growth, create jobs and reduce dependency on imports.

    “We have also prioritized building materials manufacturing in the country. This will ensure economic growth, create jobs, and reduce dependency on imports.

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    “To ensure success, we have composed a Building Manufacturing Task Team comprising of experts and representatives from relevant government agencies, academia professional bodies, and industry associations.

    “They will conduct a thorough assessment of the current state of the building materials manufacturing sector and produce a strategic plan for reforming the sector for implementation.

    “Our plan is to build six (6) building materials manufacturing hubs, one in each of the six (6) geopolitical zones of the country.

    “To increase the stock of housing supply, we have also composed a Multi-Agency Delivery Team.

    “The Team will ensure that all housing agencies including FMBN, FHA and the Family Homes Fund will work together towards optimizing their strengths to increase the stock of quality houses to Nigerians.

    “The Team comprises highly qualified and experienced professionals with expertise in housing development, urban planning, infrastructure, finance, and project management,” he added.

    Festus Adebayo, Convener of the African Housing Awards Night, said the event was put together to recognise companies and individuals who have distinguished themselves in the housing sector.

  • Kaduna, Kwara, Lagos, four others named most viable states

    Kaduna, Kwara, Lagos, four others named most viable states

    A report released by Economic Confidential, an Intelligence Magazine, has named  Lagos, Ogun, Rivers, Kaduna, Kwara, Oyo and Edo States rich most viable states in the country for 2022.

    The organisation in its seventh Annual States Viability Index (ASVI) said that six states to include; Bayelsa, Kebbi, Katsina, Akwa-Ibom, Taraba and Yobe States are insolvent as their Internally Generated Revenues (IGR) in 2022 were below 10 percent of their receipts from the Federation Account Allocations (FAA) in the same year.

    The Managing Editor, Economic Confidential, Abdulrahman Abdulraheem, who said this yesterday in Abuja said, the IGR of the 36 states of the federation totaled N1.8 trillion in 2022 was above that of 2021 which was N1.76 trillion.

    Abdulraheem stated that the report was compiled from figures released by the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics, and the Federal Account Allocation Committee.

    He said Lagos remained steadfast in its number one position in IGR among the states with a total revenue generation of N651 billion compared to FAA of N370 billion which translated to 176 percent in the twelve months of 2022.

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    According to him, the IGR of Lagos State of N651 billion is higher than that of 30 other states put together whose Internally Generated Revenues are extremely low, and poor compared to their allocations from the Federation Account.

    However, he said Ogun State which generated IGR of N120 billion compared to its FAA of N113 billion representing 106 per cent, followed by Rivers with generated N172 billion IGR compared to FAA of N363 billion representing 48 per cent; Kaduna State with N58 billion compared to FAA of N155bn representing 37 per cent; Kwara with IGR of N35 billion compared to FAA of N99 billion representing 36 per cent and Oyo generated N62 billion compared to FAA of N181bn representing 34 per cent and Edo generated N47 billion IGR compared to N147 billion FAA representing 32 per cent.

    “The total internally generated revenue of N1.15 trillion from the seven most viable states in 2022 was almost twice the total IGR of 29 remaining states put together that merely generated about N650 billion.”

  • 11 research companies awarded $21.7m Delta-2 program grant

    11 research companies awarded $21.7m Delta-2 program grant

    Eleven research companies in the country are beneficiaries of the Federal government, Czech Republic Delta 2 program that would be funding their researches and innovations.

    The programme launched in 2021 by National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) and Czech Republic (TA CR), was designed to fund and enable research, development and innovation projects in three focus areas: Agriculture, Mining, and General Manufacturing for SMEs.

    The $21.7m set aside to finance the selected projects is from NASENI contributing $10m and TA CR contributing $11.7m.

    Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (EVC/CEO) NASENI, Khalil Halilu said calls for submissions of applications went out, and a very robust screening process took place between 2022 and 2023, with the emergence of eleven successful projects that will be funded in this first phase of the program.

    He said this yesterday in Abuja at the award ceremony and signing of agreements for the implementation of Delta-2 projects, under Nigeria and Czech bilateral cooperation.

    Halilu said the Delta-2 Program is yet another manifestation of NASENI’s commitment to fulfilling its mandate of transforming Nigeria’s technology and innovation landscape, through sustained focus on the 3Cs of Collaboration, Creation and Commercialization.

    The EVC added: “Ultimately, our goal is not just to produce prototypes and models, but to ensure that these are taken to market; that they are available commercially for consumers and end-users to benefit from.

    “Knowing that the real value of technology lies in market usefulness and application, our vision in the new NASENI that we are building is to be valued and relevant in the market.

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    “That is what the Delta-2 Program is all about. I am pleased to note that for every N1 that NASENI will be investing into this phase of the Delta-2 program, to develop these new projects and products, we will realize almost N6 in commercial returns.

    “This is in addition to the jobs that will be created, and the capacity building and technology transfer. That is what NASENI stands for: leveraging technology and talent to deliver returns that benefit Nigeria on multiple levels.”

    The Chairman, Presidential Implementation Committee on Technology Transfer/Information Exchange between Nigeria and Czech Republic, Dr. Muhammed Dahiru said the Call for Public Proposals for the Programme was launched on May 18, 2022 and they received 285 proposals from various companies registered in Nigeria, the proposal cut across the three focal areas of Agriculture, Mining and SME development.

    Dahiru said the distribution of the beneficiaries of the awards spans across the country, having all zones represented. The funds are ready, implementation would begin in January 2024 and funding of the projects is scheduled to last between 12 to 36 months.

  • FAO distributes fuel-efficient stoves to 24,500 households in Borno

    FAO distributes fuel-efficient stoves to 24,500 households in Borno

    The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), launched and distributed Fuel-Efficient Stoves (FES) to 24,500 households in seven LGAs in Borno.

    During the exercise yesterday at Mainari community of Jere LGA, the Head of FAO North-East office, Al-Hassan Cisse, said it was part of FAO’S intervention to guarantee food security, nutrition, and ameliorate climate change impacts.

    Cisse said the stoves were was for 2023/2024 and that already a total of 123,506 households had benefited in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states since the exercise started in 2018.

    “To enhance the protection of women and children and the environment, FAO, through its Safe Access to Fuel and Energy (SAFE) Programme, is supporting the distribution of SAFE kits to affected households to reduce the associated risks.

    “With funding support from Norway, Canada, Germany, Sweden, Japan, Switzerland, the ECHO, and the Central Emergency Response Fund, this programme was initiated in 2018.

    “Since then, the items have reached about 123,508 households in the North-East region, excuding the 2023/2024 distribution we are launching today in Jere, Borno State.

    “Our experience from the post-distribution evaluation of households that received FES in the past reported a 50 per cent reduction in firewood usage due to the stove’s high heat value, which cooks food faster than the local three-stone stove.

    “The reduction in expenditure on fuelwood was 58 per cent, and the frequency of fuelwood scouting time was reduced from four times a week to 1.5 times a week, thus reducing the risk of exploitation of vulnerable groups,” Cisse said.

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    He noted that FAO had established some FES and Briquette production centres across Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states that continued to contribute to women economic empowerment, job creation and income generation.

    An Energy Specialist with FAO, Dr Yakaka Maina, said some benefits of the stoves, apart from reducing deforestation and combating climate change, included improving respiratory health and enhanced social protection.

    “It also conserved available resources, easy preparations of family meals, less indoor air pollution as well as create sustainable future,” she said.

  • Supreme Court ruling: No deal with Governor Yusuf, says APC

    Supreme Court ruling: No deal with Governor Yusuf, says APC

    The Kano State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) yesterday said it has no deal with Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) to compromise the court judgment.

    The party also debunked rumours that tension was brewing in Kano over the governor’s electoral loss at the tribunal and appeal court.

    The APC state Chairman, Prince Abbas Abdullahi, in a statement described as “untrue and frivolous,“ rumours that Yusuf has struck a deal with the party to surrender its arguments at the Supreme Court, to pave the way for the governor’s victory and subsequent defection to APC.

    The party also described as fake news, rumours that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has agreed to intervene in the Supreme Court judgment so as to ensure declaration of Governor Yusuf as the authentic Governor of Kano State by the Apex Court.

    The APC head in Kano explained that neither the party nor the president has the powers to negotiate the outcome of the expected judgment at the Supreme Court or any court for that matter.

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    He added that President Tinubu has not held a meeting and would not hold any meeting or intervened in the matter in favour of the NNPP candidate to remain as Governor and subsequently decamp to APC.

    The statement also dismissed speculations and rumours of agreement and reconciliation between the NNPP and the APC.

    Abdullahi said: “The rumours had it that the NNPP has reached out to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene in the matter in favour of the NNPP candidate to remain as governor and subsequently decamp to the APC. There is nowhere such meeting was held with either Mr President or any leader of the party.

    “President Bola Tinubu is a democrat and strongly believes in the rule of law and the right thing to be done and therefore will not be part of any arrangement or reconciliation to subvert justice and support people who have stolen votes or breached the electoral act to emerge as leaders. APC as a party is not aware of such arrangement and would instead intensify all efforts to pursue its case at the Supreme Court to a logical conclusion.”

    He expressed optimism that his party would emerge victorious at the Supreme  Court, “especially from the concrete and convincing evidence presented at both the Tribunal and the Appeal Court which ultimately led to our party’s success.”

    The APC chief also dismissed fears that crisis may broke out in Kano after the Supreme Court judgment, insisting that there was no tension in Kano.

    According to him, “the people are rather happy with the recent developments emanating from the judgment of both Tribunal and Appeal Court and therefore anxiously waiting for the Apex Court to endorse the two concurrent rulings.

    “Kano is very peaceful and the people are conducting their normal business, despite all efforts by the NNPP to provoke and incite youth to create unnecessary political crisis in the state,” he said.

    He appealed to APC members and supporters to ignore NNPP’s propaganda and provocation and remain calm because Kano would always remain peaceful.

  • NMA honours Zulum for contribution to health sector

    NMA honours Zulum for contribution to health sector

    The Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) on Saturday in Abuja honoured Borno State Governor, Prof Babagana Zulum for his meaningful contributions to the health sector development.

    National President of NMA, Dr Uche Ojinmah, at a dinner/award to mark the closing session of 2023 National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, praised Zulum for developing the health sector in Borno State.

    He said the governor had been able to uplift the health sector to a level where citizens would be encouraged to take the numerous advantages in the health sector to solve their health challenges.

    Ojinmah encouraged the governor, who was represented at the event by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr Bukar Tijani, to continue with his good work in the health sector in Borno.

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    He urged the governor not to be distracted  by people he referred to as enemies of progress.

    Responding, the governor appreciated NMA for finding him worthy to receive such award of excellence, adding that such award would encourage him more.

    “The NMA has made several assessments according to what they have seen, it seems to them that the governor has passed the criteria by giving priority to the health sector, providing all the necessary tools, equipment to doctors across board in Borno.

    “I think the NMA has seen that the governor deserved to take the merit award; the NMA has done this based on performance and support given to the health sector.

    “The driving force is determination to see that citizens enjoy the best, both in the primary, secondary and tertiary health facilities; this award is a confirmation to continue with the good work in the health sector,” Zulum said.

  • Abuja traditional ruler dissolves council

    Abuja traditional ruler dissolves council

    The Aguma of Gwagwalada in Gwagwalada Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Alhaji Muhammadu Magaji has dissolved the appointment of all traditional title holders of the Palace.

    This is contained in a statement he personally signed and made available to reporters in Abuja yesterday.

    The decision, Magaji said was reached after the Palace traditional Council’s quarterly meeting at the Aguma’s Palace in Gwagwalada.

    He said the development is to enable the Palace to replace those traditional title holders that have passed away and appoint new ones.

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    Magaji said the decision is not meant to witch-hunt anybody.

    The statement said the Aguma of Gwagwalada Alhaji Muhammadu Magaji thanked all traditional titles holders for their past contributions and wished them well in their future endeavours.

    The Gwagwalada traditional monarch assured his subjects and Gwagwalada residents that very soon the traditional Council of the Palace will soon announce its next line of action in constituting the Palace New Council that will be vibrant and stronger for the benefit of the Palace and Gwagwalada.

    He said: “The Aguma of Gwagwalada,  a second class Traditional Ruler who is always known for commitment to the development of Gwagwalada, FCT and Nigeria  called on residents to continue to support  President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Administration under the Renewed Hope Agenda”.