The Nation Newspaper

Category: Northern Report

  • Bauchi gov expresses shock over deteriorating state of schools

    Bauchi gov expresses shock over deteriorating state of schools

    Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed has expressed dismay over the deteriorating state of schools.

    Mohammed, during a visit to one of the schools with about 20 classes, observed that the pupils were sitting on the mats, adding that the building is dilapidated with the roofings blown.

    Mohammed, who couldn’t hide his shock, said even some of the schools the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) claimed to have renovated or built were substandard, despite the billions of naira pumped into building and renovation of such schools.

    The governor spoke yesterday at the Government House during a meeting with the Local Government Education Authority (LGEA) secretaries.

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    The meeting was attended by the Commissioner for Education, Jamila Mohammed Dahiru; Secretary to the State Government, Ibrahim Mohammed Kashim, and some board members of SUBEB.

     The governor said: ”We need to focus on education. Our state Universal Basic Education Board is not doing anything after spending so many years here and then bragging that we have renovated and built over 5,000 classrooms.

    “The sight of some of the schools claimed to have been built or renovated is appalling while some have the challenges of leaking roofs.

    “Just last year, we spent N3 billion but I can not see what is done with it. The year before that,  we spent N5 billion, and a year before that,  it was N9 billion and the schools are still In the same situation”

    “The World Bank and the Federal Government are helping us and we, as a state government, are regularly giving our many counterpart grants.

    “Somebody or some people are sabotaging us. Before we declare a state of emergency on education, we have to declare it on ourselves because we are not doing well.

    “There are still mega schools that have been left untouched, unenumerated, they were not even brought forward by the Board for renovation. I think the quality of our work is not something to write home about when I visited those schools myself.

    “I have done my best but certainly it appears there is no supervision, no control and it is business as usual.”

    Mohammed vowed that after investigations had been concluded by the government, anyone found wanting would be sacked.

    Mohammed, who also berated the  LGEA, said the rate of attrition of teachers in schools was unbelievable adding that the high number of teachers that LGEA claims to have employed is a sharp contrast from the reality.

     ”You will go to school and find only one or two teachers. I am highly disappointed with all managers at all levels. From my humble self to my office, to that of the Secretary to the State Government that is supervising SUBEB, and the Ministry of Education as well as the Local Government Education Authorities. They are not doing anything. It’s just eye service and making money.

     “A situation whereby some schools are left unenumerated or not renovated is unacceptable. I’m going to investigate to find out what happened before. I’m not just going to sleep and allow things to go like that. I will not. Nobody will cheat the state and I will leave him; nobody. Even with the previous procurement, I will look at it. We are not owning any contractors, yet our schools are abandoned. What is the role of the Local Government Education Authority Secretaries?” he asked.

    “If I get any school in your local government that is not enumerated for renovation or rebuilding and brought to my attention, you are sacked within one month. You have lost your job and I’m telling you, you may not even get pension and gratuity.” the governor threatened.

  • Data agency warns against exposing personal details

    Data agency warns against exposing personal details

    Director General of Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), Dr. Vincent Olatunji, has warned against uploading and exposing personal details on Internet.

    Olatunji spoke at the closing of a training by Teen Ambassador Foundation (TAF) with Net Access Communication in Abuja.

    The training, from July 24 to September 2, was targeted at training teenagers and youth on Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Education with Robotics.

    Represented by Head of Legal Enforcement and Regulation, Babatunde Bamigboye, he said Nigerians should not put data on the net if they do not want everyone to know all about them. 

    He said: “At the commission, we protect data. Most of what you will need to develop apps depends on data.

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    “You must protect your details online. It is important this forms part of our curriculum as teachers of children because they are now exposed to what adults are exposed to.”

    TAF’s Director General, Paul Adiwu, urged the Federal Government to invest more in ICT for teenagers. 

    Adiwu noted although the centre was not a training institute, it is exposing teenagers to science technology, engineering, mathematics and robotics by employing experts to teach them.

    Also, the member representing Jos North, Bassa Federal Constituency of Plateau State, Avia Agah, hailed Adiwu for the initiative.

    “I am overwhelmed and happy that you have chosen humanity at a time the country is grappling with so many challenges. You have chosen to keep our children in this endeavor,” he said.

  • Why I bought new house for my Nanny in Abuja, Kogi-born PDP chieftain Natasha reveals

    Why I bought new house for my Nanny in Abuja, Kogi-born PDP chieftain Natasha reveals

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Kogi Central senatorial candidate during the 2023 general elections, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has gifted her Nanny, Isah Damaris, a two-bedroom room bungalow worth millions of naira in Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

    Presenting the two-bedroom bungalow to the Nanny, on behalf of the family, Natasha said: “I ask that you take this two-bedroom house as a token of our deep appreciation for the love and the care you have shown our family.

    “You came into my life 10 years ago as a Nanny but you have grown to be a second mother to my children. You have been through moments with me. Thanks you so much, Damaris, and congratulations.”

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    In her remarks, Damaris urged other nannies to be compassionate, honest, and prayerful in carrying out their duties while thanking Natasha and family for their good gesture.

    She said: “I don’t know how to say thank you. This is too big. I pray that all the nannies will be kind and be rewarded like this.

    “Don’t put your eyes in what is not yours. What is yours will surely come to you no matter how long it will take.

    “Don’t maltreat any child. Every child is to be loved, so you love them. Put God first in everything you do. Prayer is the key to everything. I sincerely appreciate this.”

    It was gathered that the two-bedroom bungalow is well-finished with a living room, dining, visitor’s toilet, and car parking lots.

    The politician was said to have been reaching out to less privileged in the country.

    It was also learnt that the PDP chieftain had in 2021 acquired multimillion naira equipment for one Dauda Sheidu, a 40-year-old amputee vulcanizer to make his operations easier and seamless in Kogi state.

  • Kwara Gov names Prince Mahe new SSG, inaugurates cabinet

    Kwara Gov names Prince Mahe new SSG, inaugurates cabinet

    Kwara Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on Monday inaugurated members of the state executive council — along with five new permanent secretaries and a member of the Civil Service Commission. 

    The cabinet contains some 50 percent of each gender, boasting, as of today, the highest number of female commissioners in the country. 

    The inauguration came with another first for the Governor as he swore in two Persons Living With Disabilities (PLWDs) as Permanent Secretaries — yet another marked show of his inclusive policy that is meant to mobilise every segment of the society for collective growth. 

    The inauguration came a few minutes after the Governor announced Abdulkadir Mahe Aliyu, a prince of Ilorin Emirate and former Permanent Secretary, as the new Secretary to the State Government (SSG). Mahe, as is popularly known, was sworn in along with the Commissioners.

    The Governor also swore in Jamila Bake, a former commissioner, as a permanent member of the Kwara State Civil Service Commission. She represents Kwara North at the statutory body.

    Mahe, from Ilorin South, holds a Master of Business Administration, a postgraduate diploma in Business Administration, Higher National Diploma in Marketing, and Ordinary National Diploma. 

    He was variously educated at LGEA Bode Sa’adu Primary School in Bode Sa’adu; Government High School Ilorin; Kaduna Polytechnic; Kwara State Polytechnic; and University of Calabar. 

    He is an accomplished bureaucrat who retired as a permanent secretary. He was a Clerk of the Kwara State House of Assembly and a part-time lecturer at Federal Training Centre Ilorin. 

    Mahe is a member of several professional bodies, including the Nigerian Institute of Management, Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria, British Institute of Sales and Marketing Management, and a Fellow of the Nigeria Institute of Business Managers and Administrators. 

    The Governor, who later had a brief inaugural meeting with the new SSG and commissioners, charged them to work as a team and be responsive and mindful of public good in their duties.

    At the brief meeting, he asked cabinet members to pore over the different projects and assignments in their ministries and advise the government on areas that need improvement, adding specifically that government will change how road projects are designed in the state for better quality.

    “We have to review our rates to reflect the current realities, attract Grade-A contractors, and greatly improve the quality of project delivery and value for money. For example, we have to start designing and building road with stone base to allow for better durability. This will of course affect the cost of our road projects, going forward,” he said.

    Earlier at the inauguration, the Governor said: “The last four years have seen us stabilising and repositioning different sectors of our society. Our achievements are boldly written in education, urban renewal projects, rural development, healthcare delivery, provision of potable water, gender mainstreaming and youth empowerment, and general welfare of the people especially through the safety net programmes and other interventions. The Kwara socio economic climate has proven resilient against all odds.”

    AbdulRazaq said their choice as cabinet members and public servants is a product of wide consultations, merit, and careful consideration for public good.

    He congratulated them for being part of his new team who are entrusted to work for the public good.

    “With prudence and blockage of wastes, we have grown internally generated revenue to a height never seen before. Similarly, several projects of huge socioeconomic impacts have been initiated to bridge existing infrastructural gaps and make Kwara the go-to place in Nigeria amid improved access to basic amenities and better welfare for the public workforce,” he said.

    “But we are now faced with a new set of challenges. With fuel subsidies gone and the government mobilising resources to stabilise the system amid rising cost of living, we are committed to helping the people cope through empathy and creative solutions. 

    “As cabinet members and senior bureaucrats, you are to join the government to make life a lot better for the people through the design and implementation of various policies and programmes and exemplary conduct in public leadership. Neither waste, abuse, sabotage, nor intentional disregard for public good will be tolerated. Our appetite and public appearance must also reflect the current realities of our country.

    “I therefore congratulate all of you for being part of this important team. Endeavour to be good team players who would collectively and individually earn the trust and respect of the public with exemplary conduct and commitment to the larger interest of our state and country.”

    The ceremony was attended by the Speaker Kwara House of Assembly Rt Hon. Yakubu Salihu Danladi; State Chief Judge Justice Abiodun Adebara; representative of the Grand Kadi Justice Sharafdeen Anafy; Chairman Kwara State Civil Service Commission Hajia Habeebat Anike Yusuf; Permanent Secretaries; State APC Chairman Prince Sunday Fagbemi and party leaders; Chairman KAM Wire Holdings Dr. Kamaru Yusuf; and some family members of the commissioners.  

    Read Also: Fire razes down church auditorium, offices in Kwara

    Permanent Secretary, Establishment and Training in the office of SSG, Alhaji Ibrahim Muhammed, in his introductory remarks, said the new commissioners had, upon their appointment, gone through necessary training on good governance.

    He thanked the Governor for equipping the team with adequate expertise and expressed confidence that the administration and the state will be better for it.

    Portfolios of the new commissioners are as follows: Abdulganiy Abdulazeez Kola (Energy); Aliyu Kora Sabi (Planning and Economic Development); Shehu Ndanusa Usman (Environment); Afolashade Opeyemi Kemi (Social Development); Dr. Segun Ogunsola (Housing and Urban Development);  Abdulquawiy Olododo (Solid Minerals); Senior Ibrahim Suleiman (Justice); Hauwa Nuru (Finance); Damilola Yusuf (Business, Innovation and Technology); Oloruntoyosi Adebayo Thomas (Agriculture and Rural Development); and Bola Olukoju (Communications).

    Others are Abubakar Abdullahi Bata (Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Community Developments); Bello John Olarewaju (Special Duties); Dr. Amina Ahmed el-Imam (Health); Dr. Mary Arinde (Tertiary Education); Olaitan Buraimoh (Women Affairs); and Usman Yunusa (Water Resources). 

  • Wisdom Kwati foundation lifts 1,000 Adamawa families with palliatives

    Wisdom Kwati foundation lifts 1,000 Adamawa families with palliatives

    The Wisdom Kwati Foundation has distributed essential food palliatives to over 1,000 families across two local government areas in Adamawa State demonstrating commitment to making a tangible difference in the lives of those in need. 

    At the distribution centre, Wisdom Kwati, CEO of the Wisdom Kwati Foundation, expressed deep satisfaction in being able to support the community during these challenging times.

    He said: “At the heart of our foundation’s mission lies a profound desire to uplift those who are struggling. This initiative represents a collective effort to bring relief and nourishment to families that are enduring difficulties beyond their control. We believe that by extending a helping hand, we can inspire others to join us in fostering positive change.”

    “In the face of adversity, we believe in the power of compassion and collective action. Our dedication to the well-being of our community drives us to take tangible steps that create a lasting impact,” Kwati stated.

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    The impact of this initiative resonated deeply with the beneficiaries. One of them, Fatima Aliyu, expressed gratitude for the initiative:

    She said: “The kindness shown by the Wisdom Kwati Foundation has given us renewed hope. In the face of adversity, their support reminds us that we are not alone.”

  • Farmer-Herder clash: ‘Tinubu ‘ll tackle insecurity’

    Farmer-Herder clash: ‘Tinubu ‘ll tackle insecurity’

    • Senator Zam promises to work with Akume’

    The Senator representing Benue Northwest Senatorial zone, Chief Titus Zam, has assured his constituents that President Bola Tinubu will tackle the problem of  farmers-herders clash.

    Speaking at an interactive session with his constituents from Gwer West Local Government Area on Saturday in Makurdi, Benue State capital, Chief Zam said the President, alongside Service Chiefs, have mobilised security personnel to tackle insecurity, especially against farmers, so that they could return to their farmlands.

    Zam, who spoke on the sustained herdsmen attacks on his Ityoshin communities, during the last political dispensation, described some of the attacks as political.

     The Nation learnt that out of the 15 council wards in Gwer West Local Government,13 have been occupied by suspected armed herdsmen who are grazing on farmlands after setting their  houses ablaze.

     He said during the screening of the Service Chiefs, he drew their attention to the worsened security in his communities and that they assured him that the problem would be over soon.

    He appealed to his people to be patient with him, saying: ” I’m less than 100 days in the office, and I have four years’ tenure. So gradually most of the critical issues would be solved.

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     “On the total collapse of Makurdi-Naka-Adoka Federal Highway in which the contractor has stopped work, Zam said, a new minister of works had been appointed, and he has tabled the matter before him, and soon  the contractor will return to work.”

     He described the Secretary to the Government of the Federal (SGF), Senator George Akume, as his leader and will continue to work with him. “I will work with Senator George  Akume, and if anyone is not happy, ‘I’m sorry’,” said Chief Zam.

     “Akume made me a Senator, I have been with him for  more than 20 years. I can’t leave him,” he said.

    He promised to continue  the interactive session with his people , just as he advised them to  support President Tinubu,  Senator Akume, all APC candidates and avoid insulting elders on social media .

     Earlier the guest speaker, Prof. John Ajai, and chairman of the occasion, Hon. Kenneth Iyo Iharev, commended Senator Zam for the interactive session, and appealed to him to attract  development projects to the people of Gwer and Zone B.

     The duo of Iyo and Ajai pointed out the perennial water scarcity in Naka town,  which is the headquarters of Gwer West Council, unemployment of graduates, among others, as areas which need the urgent intervention of Senator Zam.

    Those who responded commended the Senator  for coming home to brief them within his  100 days at the  National Assembly

  • Firm unveils Whatsapp  platform for vehicle owners

    Firm unveils Whatsapp  platform for vehicle owners

    BAS Insurance Brokers has unveiled a platform called MAYA to enable car owners process their car insurance via Whatsapp.

    The organisation said the approach would remove barriers and give the average person an unprecedented choice over their insurance coverage.

    According to the firm, MAYA, a low-tech insurance solution, provides users with an unprecedented insurance experience in seven to eight clicks.

    It said policyholders could navigate the  insurance journey, from purchasing policies to filing claims, through WhatsApp.

    During the unveiling at the weekend, the company’s Chief Operating Officer, Patricia Maigida, said: “We are proud to introduce MAYA, a game-changer in the insurance landscape of Nigeria. We hope to start with motor insurance and rapidly expand into other insurance services.

    “I believe this product MAYA brings the conversation back to consumers. It will enable potential policyholders to experience Insurance on a platform with baseline quality in terms of service delivery with all the benefits while enjoying accessibility through low tech enablers like WhatsApp.

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    “I am proud we are putting our best foot forward and we hope Nigerians embrace the opportunity of being one step ahead of unplanned uncertainty with everyday living.”

    In a statement, the Marketing Lead, BAS Insurance, Mordecai Gbaratu, said: “This approach removes barriers and gives the average person an unprecedented choice over their insurance coverage.The platform’s user-friendly interface and intuitive interface mean that even individuals inexperienced with complex insurance procedures can use it easily, which is a first in the Nigerian market.

    “For the rollout nationwide, BAS Insurance Brokers is partnering with reputable insurance company – Heirs General Insurance – the fastest-growing non-life insurance company in Nigeria and a subsidiary of Heirs Holdings, a pan-African investment group with a presence across four continents.

    “Heirs General Insurance is championing financial inclusion and digital transformation in the insurance industry through its insurance referral-partnership platform, InConnect, among other channels.”

  • Navy to build 4,000MT coastal gas transportation barge

    Navy to build 4,000MT coastal gas transportation barge

    The Nigerian Navy (NN) yesterday sealed a deal to construct a 4,000 metric tonnes (MT) Liquefied Petroleum Gas, LPG, Coastal Gas Transportation Barge, the first of its kind, for Dateline Energy Services Limited.

    Speaking at the event, which held at the Naval Dockyard Limited (NDL), Victoria Island, Lagos, the Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, said it marked a significant milestone for the Navy, the Naval Dockyard Limited, Dateline Energy Services and indeed Nigeria.

    He said the proposed construction of the barge was indicative of how far these institutions and indeed the nation had developed capacity to indigenise the construction of such an enormous and complex vessel.

    The CNS, who was represented by Rear Admiral Hamzat Kaoje, expressed optimism that the partnership would spur the growth of Research and Development (R&D), indigenous vessel construction and local content development towards building sustainable paths to progress.

    He said the project would transform the energy sector in Nigeria and Africa, adding that it was vital as the nation and countries transit to LGS as a cleaner and more cost-efficient substitute to other forms of hydrocarbon to mitigatethe impact of Climate Change.

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    “The Nigeria Navy, as the primary and foremost maritime institution in Nigeria, plays a vital role in the defence of the nation’s maritime territorial integrity and supporting other government agencies and private institutions in developing the maritime sector for economic security and national development.’’

    In keeping with the onerous tasks, the Navy has implemented several transformational programmes to reposition itself as a significant contributor to the Federal Government’s policies and programmes geared towards improving the economy and welfare of the state and citizens. 

    In pursuance of this objective, the Nigerian Navy, has over the years, relied heavily on its logistics and maintenance outfits such as the Naval Dockyard and Naval Shipyard Limited amongst others to provide maritime services that would engender strategic partnerships with various maritime public and private stakeholders towards building a better and prosperous society.

    “The yard also provides logistics support to various maritime oil and gas servicing companies amongst others.  “The provision of these services typifies the commitments of the Nigerian Navy to partnering with relevant stakeholders across the board for national development.

    “It is gladdening to note that the Federal Government of Nigeria, under the leadership of the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is taking steps to diversify the economy by exploring the huge national gas reserve estimated at over 208 trillion cubic feet. “The ongoing Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline (NMGP) project, which would span

    about 5,600km when completed, would generate significant revenue and foreign exchange to boost the economy.

    “Hence, the Nigerian Navy, through its support facilities like the Naval Dockyard, has in the past collaborated with several prominent indigenous companies in construction of oil and gas infrastructure and servicing facilities but not on this scale.

    “Pertinently, I would like to state that this contract agreement for the construction of the Coastal Gas Transportation Barge is a product of the Nigerian Navy’s vigorous pursuit of willing and able strategic partners across government agencies and private sector such as Dateline Energy Services Limited. 

    “The commendable bold steps of Naval Dockyard and Dateline Energy Services in venturing into this project is likely to bring several opportunities and prospects.

    ” It is envisaged that the project would stimulate capacity building and R&D in the energy transports sector, employment and job creation across the maritime oil and gas ecosystem as well as economic growth in allied fields across the value chain.

    Earlier, the Admiral Superintendent, NDL, Rear Admiral Abolaji Orederu, said the partnership was a testament to the growth and potential of the country’s maritime and energy industries.

    “It highlights the commitment of both Naval Dockyard Limited and Dateline Energy Services Limited to propel the nation’s economy forward through innovation and collaboration. The successful partnership aims to be a stepping stone towards achieving greater achievements in these crucial sectors,” he said.

    Managing Director, Dateline Energy Services Limited, Wilson Opuwei said the venture was aimed at bridging the gap between gas producers, processing units and consumers, both domestically and internationally.

    “One of the primary goals is to streamline the distribution of gas resources, which has predominantly been exported until now.

    “The partnership seeks to establish a novel concept, focusing on efficient transportation, storage, and utilisation of gas resources.

    “The collaboration envisions the creation of a first-of-its-kind public site for energy generation and distribution in Nigeria and Africa as a whole. “This ambitious civil engineering concept encompasses maritime movement, storage facilities, marine components, and vehicle terminals.

    “With a design that allows for navigation in even challenging waterways, the initiative is poised to cover extensive territories, including remote areas in the northern regions of Nigeria.

    “One of the standout features of this partnership is its potential to generate substantial economic growth. “The projected initial investment of $200 million is anticipated to yield impressive returns over the next two decades. As the project develops, thousands of job opportunities are expected to emerge across various regions of the country, including Adamawa, Oyo, Ondo, Kogi, and the northern areas,” he said.

  • Guber 2023: ADC campaign reacts as Kogi declares free education, WAEC fees

    Guber 2023: ADC campaign reacts as Kogi declares free education, WAEC fees

    The campaign team of  the governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the November 11 election in Kogi State, Hon Leke Abejide, has mocked the All Progressives Congress (APC) led  government of Yahaya Bello. Bello’s government recently declared free education for primary and secondary schools pupils in the State. 

    This includes offsetting WAEC fees for SSS 3 students starting next academic session.

    The Abejide team described the move as ” mere political palliative” and “an afterthought”, coming in the eighth year of Bello’s ruinous administration which has inflicted untold pain and hardship on the people of the state. 

    The ADC reminded Bello that as a private citizen and public officer in the last five years, its governorship candidate, Abejide has dutifully sustained the payment of WAEC fees of all SSS 3 students, both public and private colleges in parts of the state.

    Abejide also intends to extend the conscientious goodwill beyond Yagba federal constituency and Okunland to the 21 local government areas of the state, beginning from October 2023. 

    The ADC maintained that Abejide was not a candidate for any office but a public-spirited patriot when he flagged off the scheme in his immediate federal constituency in 2018.

    Kogi Commissioner For Education, Science, and Technology, Mr Wemi Jones at a public function last Thursday in Lokoja, Kogi State capital hinted as part of the “Education Intervention Programme of Kogi State 2023”, the state government has declared free education at public primary and secondary schools in the state beginning from the next academic session which commences this month of September. 

    According to the education commissioner, the free education policy of the state government encompasses the payment of examination fees for pupils sitting for their First School Leaving Certificate Examination, (FSLCE); the Junior West African Examination Council,  (JWAEC) test and the Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination, (SSSCE). According to the commissioner, the goodwill of the Bello administration will also offset the bills of the National Examination Commission, (NECO) test and the cost of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, (JAMB) examinations.

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    He said the state government under the leadership of Governor Yahaya Bello has since its assumption of office made education top priority. According to him 30 percent of the state’s annual budgetary allocation goes to the sector. He added that the plan to pay the examination fee for all public school students starting next session is part of efforts to sustain education as the top priority among the eight thematic areas of the present administration.

    In his reaction, spokesman of the ADC-Abejide Campaign Organisation, Comrade Shola Adebola, noted that Abejide’s headlong participation in the November gubernatorial poll has unsettled the APC. He described as “impulsive and patronizing the APC’s sudden awakening from years of deep slumber, inertia and underwhelming performance to attempt to insult the people of Kogi State with a last-minute Greek gift.”

    According to Adebola: “If they get round to fulfilling their impromptu pledge, it will be to the credit of Hon Leke Abejide who pioneered this years ago in the first place. He it is who has thrown Yahaya Bello and his team on high jump.”

    Speaking further, Adebola said the APC structure in Kogi State must bury it’s head in shame if it had to be knee-jerked by a private individual who has demonstrated capacity, truthfulness and commitment to reach out to students across the whole state.

     “The fundamental theorem is that whatever Bello’s government is doing as palliatives in any sector is a valedictory largesse to the people for enduring eight years of untold humiliation and dehumanisation under Bello’s watch,” Adebola said: “Under Bello, Directors on GL 17 were being paid as little as N20,000 per month as take-home pay. They were expected to pay their rents, feed their families, maintain their vehicles, pay school fees for their wards. All of a sudden, they are being ambushed in a most patronising manner by the Bello government.

    Yahaya Bello is not on the Ballot and as such whatever the government is doing now is reclaiming the lost responsibilities or opportunities and performance of obligation. It has nothing to do with the candidature of APC who has been an architect of the inability of Bello’s government to perform as state  auditor general for local governments.”

    The statement added that “A carnivorous animal (lion) eating meat, cannot turn to herbivorous (cow) eating grasses, overnight. The fundamental principle is giving to Ceaser what belongs to Ceaser. No government paid for my WAEC or JAMB because my father was adequately paid to perform his parental rights. You cannot leave leprosy and proffer medication for eczema, which is not the laboratory diagnosis and believe the ailments would go. A program that was not factored into the Budget from January 30th but now dished out as political palliative is an afterthought of political abracadabra. This cannot survive the test of time.

    “To set the record straight, in 2018, Abejide in his private capacity offered to foot the SSSCE bills of all the students in all government-owned secondary schools in the Yagba catchment. It was an unheralded precedent. Kogi State Government, at the time, never conceived of, nor implemented any such human resource development schemes. 

    “By this singular stroke, Abejide won over not just the admiration of the benefitting youngsters, but he equally touched the hearts of their parents who have been saved the shame of obvious incapacity to see their children and wards through a most critical phase of their academic development. In five years, this feat has been sustained covering both public and private colleges. It was extended to Kabba-Bunu-Ijumu federal constituency in the last academic session with a view to extending the gesture to cover the entire state in October 2023”.

  • SOKAPU roots for physically challenged Lois as Kaduna minister

    SOKAPU roots for physically challenged Lois as Kaduna minister

    People of Southern Kaduna under the auspices of Southern Kaduna People’s Union (SOKAPU) have appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to appoint physically challenged Mrs Lois Auta Udonkanta as the Minister from Kaduna State.

    They also called on the President to create a Special Ministry for Udonkanta, who they described as ‘able Amazon’ and President, Network of Women with Disabilities, to enable her represent People Living With Disabilities (PLWD) in the Tinubu cabinet.

    Addressing journalists in Kaduna at the weekend, National Coordinator and National Secretary of SOKAPU Youth Wing, Luke Duniya and Augustine Baye said, appointment of Lois Auta-Udonkanta, an able Amazon as minister to represent Persons With Disabilities (PWDs), under Tinubu’s administration will spice up development as well as brighten the future of the community of Persons Living with Disabilities in Nigeria.

    Read Also: Seven killed, two hospitalised as bandits attack Kaduna mosque, neigbourhood

    The SOKAPU Youth Leaders maintained that Lois Auta-Udonkanta, a developmental leader with the requisite qualifications to be part of the cabinet of the most inclusivity government of our nation, is quite essential, especially at this crucial point in the history of our survival as a country.

    Speaking further, Comrade Duniya reiterated that President Tinubu needs to end all forms of existing discrimination that excluded Persons with Disabilities from active participation in governance.

    “The National Youth Wing of SOKAPU addresses this press conference as a concerned socio-cultural organisation that advocates for equity, fairness and justice for all citizens. We cannot shy away from the fact that persons with disabilities in Nigeria always face significant barriers to accessing basic rights and opportunities and this ugly development has posed a serious threat to nation building.

    “We are confident that the appointment of Lois Aut-Udonkanta as minister would bring about effective governance, thereby fostering a society that truly upholds the principles of equality and social justice,” he said.