The Nation Newspaper

Category: Northern Report

  • Appeal Court Judgment: Police uncover plot to stage violent protest in Kano

    Appeal Court Judgment: Police uncover plot to stage violent protest in Kano

    The Nigerian Police yesterday said it has uncovered a plan by some political parties in Kano state to violently protest the Appeal Court judgment which upheld Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf‘s sack from office.

    Kano State Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Usaini Gumel, said the plan is to enter the streets in form of a protest to the court ruling with the intention of shutting down the state in an action that may result in violence.

    He urged residents to be law abiding and report any suspicious movement, person(s) or item(s) they come across to the nearest police station or police emergency phone numbers.

    The commissioner, in a statement by the police spokesman, Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, said the party supporters were using unconventional media platforms to mobilise people for the riot.

    The Court of Appeal in Abuja had on Friday upheld the nullification of the election of Governor Yusuf of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) by the state election petition tribunal.

     The State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal had, in its judgment of September 20 declared Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna of the All Progressives Congress (APC) the duly elected governor of Kano state.

    Before the judgment in September, there was anxiety in the state as the sacked Commissioner of Lands and Physical Planning, Adamu Kibiya, threatened to kill the judges if their verdict would not be in favour of Yusuf.

    Read Also: Shettima approves committee to pilot FG’s human capital development programme

    Thus, Police Commissioner Gumel, working with the military and other heads of security agencies in the state, said he has been deploying personnel and equipment to identified strategic locations in the state to ensure the security of lives and property and forestall any attempt to cause disturbance or breakdown of law and order because of the governorship election legal battle.

    Gumel alerted that in spite of his efforts, political party fanatics were plotting to stage a violent protest against the latest judgment.

    He, however, warned that whoever attempts to disrupt the peace in Kano State will be arrested and punished.

    Gumel reminded that prior to the appeal court ruling, he invited the leaderships of NNPP and APC to the Kano State Police Command where they signed a peace accord on Thursday, November 16.

    “The objective of the peace accord was to maintain harmony and ensure that the political landscape in Kano State remained peaceful, irrespective of the judgment’s outcome,” he said.

  • Commission applauds Tinubu for empowering the disabled

    Commission applauds Tinubu for empowering the disabled

    The Executive Secretary, National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), James Lalu yesterday applauded President Ahmed Bola Tinubu’s move to empower the disabled.

    He stated this during the Empowerment Programme for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in Abuja, stating the empowerment (PWDs) will enable them to become financially independent and contribute to national development.

    He said: “Over 150 have been given PoS machines and scholarship. President Tinubu promised the disability commission a renewed hope. The renewed hope has started and we are grateful to Mr President. The commission will continue to rise.

    Read Also: Shettima approves committee to pilot FG’s human capital development programme

    “In fact, the appointment of one of our brothers as Senior Special Assistant to the President is a sign that better things are coming. We are happy to have voted for him. We are looking forward to another four years of quality leadership. Meanwhile, the event today is to empower members of the disabled community, including the distribution of PoS machines. Many will also get scholarships”.

    Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Betta Edu, said the empowerment will enable the beneficiaries to provide for themselves, instead of being provided for.

  • Plateau: Group refutes report of protest over Appeal Court verdict

    Plateau: Group refutes report of protest over Appeal Court verdict

    A group under the auspices of Plateau APC Youths for Good Governance has debunked media reports of any mass protest in Jos or any part of the state following the declaration of Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda as the winner of the March 18th 2023 Governorship Election by the Court of Appeal.

    A statement by the group led by Hon. Murphy Lazarus Gobus explained that what happened in the state was rather massive Celebration.

    The statement reads: “As a group we want to say it out loud and clear that there is no report of any protest that took place in the state capital or any other community, rather there was celebrations in almost all the 17 local government councils of the state.

    “The People of Plateau are in tandem with the Judgment of the Court of Appeal declaring Dr Nentawe Yilwatda as Governor elect of the state .

    “Instead of a protest, celebrations broke out in several Local government councils of the state following the Victory of the All Progressives Congress APC Governorship Candidate Dr Nentawe Yilwatda at the Court of Appeal.

    Read Also: Presidency tackles Atiku over claim on court verdicts

    “Most of the residents of the city came out into the streets in their numbers to celebrate the court judgement jubilantly holding Dr Nentawe’s posters.

    “The report of any protest in Jos following the declaration of Dr Nentawe is false and the handwork of mischief makers .

    “As we speak there is celebration ongoing in almost all the 17 Local government councils of the state following the APC’s victory at the Court of Appeal

    “The celebration is ongoing in Jos metropolis as well as several communities in the 17 Local government councils of the state

    “Our Governor elect Dr Nentawe is a bride builder, who would carry all tribes along while discharging his duties

    “We call on citizens of the Country to disregard this fake news as our dear state Plateau is very peaceful and would continue to be so as citizens can’t wait for Dr Nentawe to be sworn in as Governor of the state.

    “APC is a peaceful Party and we urge our members to be law abiding as we celebrate this victory. We appeal to members of the APC in Plateau state to maintain calm and refrain from any provocative acts that would affect the peace and tranquility of our beloved state.”

  • Katagum’s toilet business owners tell residents to defecate for free

    Katagum’s toilet business owners tell residents to defecate for free

    In an effort to combat open defecation, some toilet business owners in Katagum Local Government Area of  Bauchi State are offering free access to their facilities.

     Auwalu Ali, the owner of Sawaba, a toilet facility pivotal in achieving Open Defecation Free (ODF) certification for Katagum, expressed excitement about the positive impact.

    The hygienic facility, established through the Public Private Partnership (PPP), with the Bauchi State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency, RUWASSA  includes bathing amenities and separate areas for male and female users.

    Initiated in 2019 with support from UNICEF and RUWASSA under the PPP, Ali’s improved toilet business has effectively curbed open defecation in the area.

    Operating from 7 am to 10 pm, Ali’s public toilet serves the community, charging between N50 and N100 based on the services provided. Notably, Ali emphasised a commitment to hygiene, offering free access even to those without funds.

    During a facility visited by  journalists as part of activities to mark World Toilet Day, Ali boasted that his toilet facility is always busy because of its proximity to the marketplace.

    Nation  reports that  the visit is part of efforts to commemorate World Toilet Day (WTD) November 19, to bring attention to the importance of safe and hygienic toilets.

    This year’s WTD, theme “Accelerating Change” highlights the journey towards achieving “SDG 6- Clean Water and Sanitation” – which is about seven years away from 2030 – the global target for the Sustainable Development Goal SDGs.

    Ali said “I started my toilet business   In 2019, with support from  UNICEF and RIWASSA under the PPP.

    “This  place is very busy because of the market. Since the improved toilet, people have stopped defecating outside.”

    “We usually charge between N50 and N100 depending on the type of service rendered,” he stated

    “I ensure that the toilet is hygienic because of the large number of people coming to the market in the area.

    “Even if  you don’t have money you can come, it’s free. Though I charge for usage if you don’t have money, you can still come. We will not say come and defecate and pay later. “

    He explained that some of the challenges they face are the non-functional solar boreholes adding that there are also financial constraints due to the shift from traditional pay-per-use models.

    He added that support from Bauchi State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA) has aided them in promoting better sanitation practices.

    RUWASSA’s Acting General Manager, Adamu Sambo, told journalists that no fewer than 194 Toilet Business Owners (TBOs) were trained across the state, with additional training under the PPP in 2022.

    Read Also: Aiyedatiwa’s impeachment: Appeal Court rejects Ondo Assembly’s request to hasten hearing

    According to him, despite funding challenges, the state government is actively working to achieve SDG targets by 2030, ensuring regular water supply to communities.

    He assured that the state government was working round the clock to ensure Bauchi meets the SDG target in 2030 adding that the agency was working hard to ensure that water supply was regular in communities.

    “Most of our communities have 70 percent access to safe drinking water , particularly LGAs that were supported by UNICEF to construct hand pump boreholes.

    “We are currently working with the African Development Bank (ADP) project to have access to other LGAs that have not had for now- about eight LGAs”

    Also speaking with journalists during the facility tour, Officer-in-Charge, UNICEF Bauchi Field Office, Dr Clement Adams said he was aware of the public toilet facility in Central Market Azare.

    “This is one of the strategies that UNICEF is supporting the Federal Government of Nigeria,” he said.

    “Economically incentivizing sanitation through the approach of toilet business owners, creates jobs and improves income generation while leading us to our goal to become open defecation free.

    “The facility is a Private Public Partnership and you cannot just do it with only one strategy, you have to diversify

    “Most of such toilets you will see that this is a private person and they are usually well-maintained.

  • ‘Nigeria can do better with protection of children’

    ‘Nigeria can do better with protection of children’

    Officer in Charge of UNICEF Maiduguri Field Office, Dr Tushar Rane, spoke on the importance of Children Day’s celebration. Excerpts: 

    The World Children’s Day is celebrated annually. Would you say children in Nigeria have been impacted positively from the annual commemorations?

    Definitely. The joys, promise and impact of children on our world deserve to be recognized and celebrated every day. I cannot imagine what the world, nations and communities would be like without children. Their innocence, resilience and contributions to our world are priceless. The future is bleak without children and that is why their wellbeing is top priority for the United Nations and of course UNICEF. Our work focuses on Children which to us is more than our mandate. Setting a day aside to recognize and affirm their universal rights is indeed the right thing to do. Engagement with policy makers and opinion leaders on the wellbeing of children has helped to put the issues affecting them, in different context, on the front burner. Expanded partnerships, policy changes on child protection, infrastructural improvement, capacitated caregivers are some of the outcomes of past Children’s Day commemoration.

    The number of out-of-school children in Nigeria is alarming and girls are particularly behind in terms of education. What is UNICEF doing to change the situation?

    The fact is that no society can move forward if its girl children remain behind. Majority of the development challenges we have in the world today would be over if more girls are enrolled and encouraged to stay in school and complete their education. Let us Think of education access as a cycle; it is incomplete if girls are not able to finish their education. In northeast Nigeria, the trend is that more girls are being enrolled in school; but majority of them drop out after their junior secondary education. Poverty is the biggest challenge to keeping girls in school because they easily drop out of school to support household income generation efforts.

    Majority of the 1.9m children who are out of school in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states are girls. UNICEF has been working with the state governments in the northeast region to provide vocational skills for vulnerable families and adolescents. In the last three years, more than 1 million women, youth and adolescents have been supported with various skills including shoe and soap production, tailoring, catering, paint production and hairdressing. This was made possible through the support of our donors, including the European Union, German Development Bank, (KfW), and the Norwegian Government. UNICEF is focused on addressing structural and systemic issues that drive girls out of school. With thanks to our partners who have made this possible, we have constructed classrooms and gender-sensitive toilets in more than 200 schools across Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states in the last two years.

    The chances of school enrolment and completion become diminished when classrooms are dilapidated and not conducive for teaching and learning. School completion for girls and boys will remain a mirage where teachers and school furniture are inadequate. The new classrooms constructed with support from the Global Partnership for Education and German Development Bank are helping to facilitate access to safe and effective learning environment in northeast Nigeria. This year, more than 8,500 schoolgirls have been trained in the production of reusable sanitary pads for better menstrual health management with the support of the German Development Bank (BMZ) and the Netherland Government through collaboration with the Directorate-General for International Cooperation (DGIS). The outcome is that more girls will be encouraged to stay in school and complete their education.

    Are northeast states doing well in the areas of immunization and cholera prevention?

    Health is wealth, as we all know. Access to antenatal, immunization and malnutrition treatment services is important if we hope to enroll healthy children in school. There are about 100 local government areas in Nigeria with the highest burden of zero dose children. Majority of these local governments are in the north and Borno and Yobe states have 10 per cent. That is high. There are also nine LGAs in Borno State with the highest number of Pentavalent vaccines dropout rate.

    The biggest challenge is access to the hard-to-reach locations where these children are. UNICEF initiated a “Flying Midwives’’ scheme in collaboration with the Borno State Government to reach children and women in some of these locations with health and immunization services.  The scheme addresses the paucity of health care workers who had to relocate from their original communities because of insecurity. The scheme ensured that health workers are available in these locations to provide essential services for pregnant women, lactating mothers, newborns and other categories of children. State government is taking full ownership of the scheme which is crucial to sustainability of the services. Now the state government has deployed about 1,500 health workers to primary health centres across Borno State. The Flying Midwives scheme bridged this gap prior to the deployment of the health workers and is now focused on on-the-job capacity building, monitoring and mentoring.

    Read Also: Inside Zamfara’s gold fields, where children slave for a pittance

    What is UNICEF doing to mitigate the challenges been faced by displaced children in northeast Nigeria?

    UNICEF has been supporting the Government to meet the basic needs of internally displaced children because they are the most vulnerable group.  Through our Rapid Response Mechanism (RRM) programme, we are addressing immediate needs of clean water, non-food items and malnutrition prevention and treatment services. We have dispatched hygiene promoters to these locations to ensure that key messages on personal, food and environmental hygiene reach caregivers. It is unacceptable that 56 per cent of displaced children in northeast Nigeria do not attend school. Again, with the benevolence of our donors, UNICEF is supporting religious education centres with volunteer teachers who are providing literacy and numeracy classes for children in IDP camps and communities in Borno and Yobe states.

    As the world commemorates Children’s Day today, is UNICEF giving Government a pass mark on child protection?

    At UNICEF, we are focused on continuous engagement with the Government, community and opinion leaders, caregivers to give children the support and opportunity they deserve. The improvement room is the biggest in the world. We all can do better than we are doing right now. At least 2,000 children die every day in Nigeria and our actions and inactions contribute to that. UNICEF will continue to work with Government and other stakeholders to provide essential education, health and nutrition and protection services to improve the lives and future of disadvantaged children.

  • Media Trust goes in search of ‘missing’ radio tower

    Media Trust goes in search of ‘missing’ radio tower

    The Media Trust Group (MTG) has begun an intense search for a radio tower meant for its newly established radio station in Abuja.

    The tower was decommissioned in a village in Niger State, but it disappeared with suspected connivance of some officials of a government security organisation.

    The MTG, a Nigerian media conglomerate, which owns Daily Trust, Trust Television, Aminiya, and Teen Trust, recently established Trust Radio, which has started streaming online.

    The station is set to go on the terrestrial platform on 92.7FM band for listeners in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), as well as some parts of Kaduna, Kogi, Nasarawa and Niger states.

    But the formal takeoff of Trust Radio on the terrestrial platform has stalled due to the delayed delivery of a radio tower that has been acquired on its behalf by a company called Dynamic Kautal Hore Engineering Company Limited.

    The Chief Executive Officer of the contracted company, Bello Magaji, had since July this year notified the MTG of the acquisition of the radio tower on its behalf in Maikujeri Village in Kagara local government area of Niger State.

    According to a reliable source, based on this, the Media Trust, entered into a formal contractual agreement with Dynamic Kautal Hore.

    Read Also: Lagos live camera update and traffic radio broadcasting

    The source said MTG advanced to the contractor the sum of N6.25 million out of the total cost of N12.5 million for the acquisition, decommissioning, transportation and installation of the tower in its premises in Abuja.

    But more than two months after the formal signing of the memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the two companies, and weeks after the expiration of the dateline for delivering on the deal, the tower has yet to be delivered to MTG.

    The source said on the 30th of October this year, the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Trust Radio, Muhammad Kabir Muhammad notified the management of MTG of a credible information he got that the decommissioned radio tower had been “snatched away” from the contractor by persons suspected to be officials of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

    When contacted, Magaji, confirmed that some persons had swooped on the equipment and loaded its decommissioned parts into a vehicle and moved same to Minna, the Niger State capital.

    He said that he had traveled from Maikujeri Village to Kagara town to raise some funds and arrange a vehicle to convey the tower to Abuja, only for him to be told upon his return to the village that some persons in NSCDC uniform had moved the tower to Minna.

    The contractor explained further that he immediately returned to Kagara where he reported the matter to the police, after which he proceeded to Minna to engage with the Niger State Commandant of the NSCDC, Mr. Elijah Etim Willie.

    He said he also laid a complaint to the Niger State NSCDC commandant, who informed him that the Command will investigate the incident.

    However, more than two weeks after the report by Magaji to Mr. Willie, the whereabouts of the tower has remained elusive.

    But by earlier last week, the identities of the NSCDC officials who allegedly “snatched” the tower became known.

     They were said to be attached to its Kaduna State Command.

    Some residents of Maikujeri, who were eyewitnesses, informed the COO of Trust Radio that they had tried to stop some of the suspects from taking the tower away, and insisted on extracting a written undertaking before allowing the suspects to move the equipment out of the village.

    Meanwhile, some credible sources also informed the COO of Trust Radio that the missing tower had allegedly been sold to a Lagos based businessman who deals in scrap metals.

    Series of efforts to get the National Headquarters of the NSCDC to intervene in the matter have failed.

    The Ag. Group Chief Executive Officer of the Media Trust Group, Ahmed Shekarau told our reporter that the management of the company wrote an official letter to the Commandant General of the Corps, Mr. Abubakar Ahmed Audi, seeking audience with him on the matter, but up to press time, he has not agreed to meet with them.

    He said: “On November 13, when our management realised that this matter appeared to be complicated, and its handling by the Niger State Command of the NSCDC seemed clumsy, I wrote on behalf of the Chairman of our Board of Directors, Malam Kabiru Yusuf, seeking audience with the Commandant General of the service.

    “I equally approached the National PRO of the Civil Defence, Mr. Babawale Afolabi, seeking his intervention to facilitate the meeting, “he said.

    The MTG Ag. GCEO added: “When by Friday, November 17th, the PRO did not facilitate our meeting with the CG, our Board Chairman led the COO of Trust Radio and myself to the NSCDC headquarters where we requested to see the CG or any other senior official of the organization, in order to formally table our complain on this matter.

    “That effort was yet again unsuccessful, as we were only led to the PRO (Mr. Afolabi), who said none of the top officials was available as at that time, but he made a call to someone he said is the ‘ACG in charge of Critical National Assets and Infrastructure’, and the person advised that we give them more time to investigate the matter”.

    Asked what will be the next line of action by the MTG, Shekarau said: “We want to make efforts to see the Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Olatunji Ojo, and lay our complain to him, because we have lost confidence in the neutrality of officers and men of the service, including its highest command”.

    Earlier on, our reporters in Abuja and Minna had contacted the National PRO, as well as his counterpart in the Niger State Command, for their reactions on this matter. Both simply pleaded that the Corps be “allowed time to investigate the matter”.

  • ‘We’ve almost secured all FHA lands, assets’

    ‘We’ve almost secured all FHA lands, assets’

    The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Federal Housing Authority (FHA) of Nigeria, Senator Gbenga Ashafa said the authority has alosmt secured all FHA lands and assets.

    He said they have also almost secured all the authorities estates that have been encroached upon by Nigerians.

    The former senator said in places like Festac in Lagos, Lugbe in Abuja and other parts of the country, people are building illegally in FHA estates, including building on waterways and road.

    Ashafa said this in Abuja at a briefing organised by the authority to mark FHA’s 50th anniversary celebration.

    He said: “We have also secured our land and other assets, especially reclaiming all our encroached estates.

    Read Also: FHA to help Tinubu achieve housing target

    “Immediately we came in 2020, there was an uproar when there was a joint task force of the Lagos and federal government. We moved into the areas of Festac that had been seriously encroached upon.

    “Houses was built without approved building plans, houses were built on the right of way of drainages, houses were built on the right of way of construction of roads. And there were hills and cries by those who were doing these illegal things. However, the strength of the law took its cause. We had to now sit down because they’re Nigerians, some of them claimed ignorance, some said them bought from the traditional rulers in those areas. The first basic thing that you do when you are buying any land is to go and search for the status of that land.

    “So we went in there, we were able to recover some, we now gave them the opportunity of regularisation, few came for the regularisation, those that were not on drainages, if you look at some of those houses, they were already sinking and you can see the number of houses that are collapsing on a daily basis.

  • JUTH, UNIJOS to begin kidney transplant centre, says CMD

    JUTH, UNIJOS to begin kidney transplant centre, says CMD

    The Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH), has begun collaboration with the University of Jos (UNIJOS), for the take-off of a kidney transplant centre.

    Dr. Pokop Bupwatda, the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of JUTH, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), yesterday in Jos.

    Bupwatda said the project was set to take-off with a N1 billon grant given to the university by the Tertiary Trust Education Fund (TETFund).

    The CMD, said that work had already commenced as some equipment had already been supplied.

    ”The construction of the Tissue Typing Laboratory is ongoing and both institutions are providing human and material resources to start off the kidney transplant centre.

    “Currently, we have some personnel who have gone outside Nigeria for training, while some are training in the country,” he said.

    On the hospital’s special services, Bupwatda also said that JUTH was one of the Teaching hospitals that the Federal Government had chosen to site a cancer treatment centre, which he said would lessen the burden of those with cancer.

    Read Also: Singer Pupa Tee to undergo kidney transplant, solicit financial support

    Bupwatda stated that the process had commenced, and the Federal government was determined to ensure its take-off.

    “The coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ail Pate, has taken this seriously, we have had series of meetings concerning that.

    ”A team has been sent to conduct an assessment, and the Federal Government has provided the funds.

    “We are trying to see how we can bring in partners and collaborators for its sustenance.

    ”By the time it becomes operational, many Nigerians would have relief as the Federal Government is working to have many cancer treatment centres in the country to lessen the cancer burden,” he said.

  • Kebbi Govt, GAIN introduce genetically modified rice to school feeding programme

    Kebbi Govt, GAIN introduce genetically modified rice to school feeding programme

    A total of 500 students, teachers and parents in Kebbi are being fed genetically modified rice in a test to determine its acceptability for inclusion in the menu of the School Feeding Programme.

    The test is being carried out by Kebbi Government, Global Alliance for Improve Nutrition (GAIN), and the World Food Programme (WFP).

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the campaign is part of the Promoting Rice Fortification in Nigeria (PRiFN) project, to address micronutrient deficiency.

    The pupils, teachers and parents are from 23 schools in Argungu, Kalgo and Birnin Kebbi Local Government Areas of the state.

    Prof. Oluwatosin Adu, the Fortified Rice Cooking Programme Facilitator, said yesterday in Birnin Kebbi that Kebbi was chosen for the pilot project because it was the hub of rice production in the country.

    According to him, the campaign is to introduce the micro-fortified rice to Nigerians and weigh its acceptability.

    “After this acceptability test, we will take the feedback to the federal government.

    “It’s expected that rice millers in the state would start producing fortified rice and it would be integrated in the school feeding programme, so that school children and households can now eat fortified rice and stay healthy,” he added.

    Read Also: FG to expand school feeding programme

    Adu explained that the cooking demonstration and sensory acceptability test were integral components of the PRiFN project.

    “This is by raising awareness of the benefits of fortified rice while showcasing its adaptiveness to cooking methods and local rice cuisines as well as its deliciousness,” he said.

    Earlier, the state Coordinator of GAIN, Mr Seun Elere. stated that 23 schools were selected to participate in the cooking and eating demonstration.

    Also speaking, Dr Yusuf Abdullahi of Federal University, Birnin Kebbi, said the introduction of the fortified rice would help to tackle malnutrition and anaemia.

    “About 40 percent are said to be suffering from anaemia in Kebbi; with the fortified rice, the number will reduce and more people will live healthier life,” he said.

    In her address, Wife of Kebbi Deputy Governor, Hajiya Maryam Umar-Tafida, commended GAIN and WFP for the initiative.

    She said the fortified rice contains the necessary nutrients needed to keep the body safe from diseases.

    “The event provides a unique opportunity to sensitise the general public on the benefits of fortified rice and how to cook it,” she said.

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  • Investment drive: Another chinese conglomerate set to invest in Gombe

    Investment drive: Another chinese conglomerate set to invest in Gombe

    Another group of industrialists from China under the aegis of China National Building Materials Group indicated intrest to invest in Gombe state.

    The group is made up of industrialists who deal in manufacturing of building materials, fireproof cement boards for ceilings, underlay, furniture among others.

    The prospective investors visited the Deputy Governor in his office where they expressed interest and willingness to be part of the development story of Gombe State through investment.

    Led by the General Manager, Sinoma Nigeria Company Limited, Mr. Jackie Dai, the team explained that their products are globally recognised and that they have already impacted in over 192 countries across the world.

    He noted that their concern is to be sure of the market of their product and to also find out about all the available mineral resources in the state so as to liaise with their colleagues in China to come and invest in the state.

    Mr. Jackie Dai also said that their company is based in Abuja, Lagos and Kano and willing to extend to Gombe State if given the needed support by the state government.

    Read Also: Gombe’s revenue generation sees 78.3% increase with Recovery Tribunal

    Receiving them in his office,  the Deputy Governor, Manassah Daniel Jatau, noted with emphasis that Gombe is ready to welcome all investors coming to establish businesses.

    He intimated them that it was for the purpose of wooing investors to come and invest in the state that the administration of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya came up with the idea of establishing the Industrial Park and making available the necessary facilities for ease of operations.

    He assured them of available market, taking advantage of Gombe’s centrality in the North East as well as the nearness to Kano, a Mega City in the country and also the neighboring countries of Chad, Niger and Cameroon among others.

    Shading light on the security of the State, the Deputy Governor said Gombe is rated as one of the most peaceful and secure states in Nigeria, assuring them of a conducive environment for investment.