The Nation Newspaper

Category: Northern Report

  • FCMB, Tulsi Chanrai Foundation restore sight of over 2,000 in Kebbi

    FCMB, Tulsi Chanrai Foundation restore sight of over 2,000 in Kebbi

    First City Monument Bank (FCMB) and Tulsi Chanrai Foundation (TCF) have restored the sight of over 2,000 visually impaired people in Kebbi State.

    The beneficiaries received free eye testing, optical services, surgeries, glasses, and other preventive/corrective treatments for various eye defects.

    The initiative is part of FCMB’s Priceless Gift of Sight programme, which has been running for 14 years in partnership with TCF. The programme aims to prevent avoidable blindness and restore the sight of disadvantaged and lower-income Nigerians.

    Speaking at the outreach programme in Kebbi, FCMB’s Group Head of Corporate Affairs, Mr. Diran Olojo, said: “Visual impairment is a disability that often leads to reduced access to information, mobility, loss of income, and decreased quality of life. It robs most of its victims of productivity. As a result, they will likely be unable to make ends meet for themselves and their families, fuelling poverty.”

    Read Also: Households, SMEs to get N10m FCMB energy facility

    Olojo further stated that FCMB is proud that its Priceless Gift of Sight programme is bridging the gap, preventing avoidable blindness, and restoring the sight of disadvantaged Nigerians. He said that the bank will continue to support initiatives that ensure accessible healthcare for all Nigerians, regardless of their background, in line with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 3 – Good Health and Well-Being and 10 – Reduced Inequalities.

    Kebbi Governor Nasiru Idris, commended FCMB and TCF for being responsive and sustaining the programme in the last 14 years. The governor, whom his Deputy, Alhaji Abubakar Umar, represented, assured that the state government would continue to welcome organisations and non-governmental bodies willing to contribute to the health and social well-being of the people.

    The Programme Manager of TCF, Mr. Chandarkne Deshpande, also thanked FCMB for sponsoring the programme since 2009.

    He said: “Our partnership with FCMB has been a very healthy relationship. We have reached over 350,000 people across Nigeria, providing free testing, optical services, surgeries, glasses, and eye disease management. Through this, we have been able to turn around the lives of people for the better.”

    This initiative by FCMB and TCF is an excellent example of how businesses can positively impact society. By providing free eye care services to people in need, FCMB and TCF are helping to improve the lives of thousands of Nigerians and make a real difference in their communities.

  • Building collapse: Govt urged to engage consultants

    Building collapse: Govt urged to engage consultants

    A Project Management Consultant, Victor Eshiemokhai, has emphasised the need to engage the services of project management consultants in project execution to avoid cases of abandonment and building collapse.

    He urged the government to work with experts on what to be done to remedy the structures and future projects.

    The foreign trained project management consultant, in a statement yesterday in Abuja, said the purpose of project management was to look into the planning, cost implications, risk control and management as well as close supervision of the project.

    He said: “What is happening in Nigeria against the backdrop of project failure and building collapse is that the sequences of project execution are not properly followed, thereby resulting in abandonment and failure.”

    Read Also: Abuja building collapse: 31 victims discharged from hospital

    Eshiemokhai stated that project management consultants would ensure compliance, so that every element of the project is properly done without cutting corners as done by some contractors.

    He added: “Someone who is behind the scene to ensure that the sequence is properly monitored and executed has to be a project management consultant, without this, projects are bound to fail or abandon.

    “About Sixty percent of structures in Nigeria’s capital city are below standard, so there is a need for the government to work with experts on what to do to remedy the structures and future projects”.

    He noted that there are weak structures everywhere in the world, not only in Nigeria, but the government should put in place a technical team to regularly test structures and find a way to remedy them by renovating and remodelling in line with standard procedures.

  • I’ve kept faith in Yobe with projects, says Buni

    I’ve kept faith in Yobe with projects, says Buni

    Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni says he has kept faith with the people in projects’ execution and people-oriented programmes.

     He stated this at a retreat marking his first meeting with the new Yobe State Executive Council (SEC) at Bristol Palace Hotel, Kano, at the weekend.

     The governor noted that the two-day retreat signified the zeal, determination and focus of his administration to form a formidable team well equipped to face the myriad tasks of development for Yobe.

    “Our people once again put their trust and confidence in us to lead them for another four-year term. Most of us are veterans in the conduct of government business and are conversant with the burden of executing public trust for socio-economic development,” he said.

    Read Also: I’ve kept faith in Yobe with projects, says Buni

     “However, after meditating on our set objectives, I concluded that our team must sit-up, scale up activities and increase passion for moving the State to another developmental level.

     Buni urged his commissioners to be more innovative and adaptive to modern ideas for effectiveness and efficiency in the discharge of responsibilities.

    He said: “This clearly requires us to reflect on our previous achievements with a view to putting our meager resources in other areas for more impact on the well-being of our people.

     “I believe, both old and new members of the Executive Council, as good Yobeans with interest of the State at heart, are not oblivious of our achievements in various aspects of human endeavour,” he added.

    The Yobe governor said his administration has constructed three mega schools in the three senatorial zones; built new school structures in primary, secondary and tertiary institutions and ensured prompt payment of his counterpart obligation, tuition and examination fees for Yobe candidates studying nationwide and abroad.

     To make all parts of the Yobe accessible, Buni said, he is doing construction works on inter-community roads and township roads and drainages to ease the movement of goods and services.

     In health, he said he has provided the Yobe State University Teaching Hospital with modern facilities and upgraded Primary Healthcare centers to General Hospitals.

     “The construction of Geidam and Potiskum Modern markets and the Potiskum Trailer Park are ongoing to enhance commercial activities and revenue generation drive in the State; 2,600 housing units were constructed and offered for sale on owner-occupier basis to civil servants and other members of the public across the State with a 50 percent discount.

     “We have strengthen local security intelligence, vigilance and vigilante collaboration while strengthening post-insurgency restoration of livelihood in the affected communities,” the governor highlighted.

    In the Agric sector, he said he is exploiting the full potential of arable land in Yobe, while modernising livestock breeding.

    According to him, he is doing a lot in infrastructure, environment and water resources, while developing vocational skills for entrepreneurship and employment and support for small and medium scale businesses, through facilitation of access to affordable credit to reduce poverty.

    The governor said he expects the retreat to inculcate in his cabinet members financial discipline as required by the Law.

    “There high expectation from our people for us to maximally deliver with full value of money expended on the conduct of government business.

    “As public office holders, we should maintain observance of prudence, transparency, probity and accountability,” he said.

    Buni assured he will complete all ongoing projects, embark on “essential new ones“ and focus on empowerment to cope with post-insurgency livelihood restoration and the nationwide current challenges of oil subsidy withdrawal and inflationary pressure facing the entire Nigerian citizenry.

    He disclosed he adheres to due process as the guiding principle of his administration in the execution of policies and programmes.

  • Speaker’s wife raises awareness on Sickle Cell disease

    Speaker’s wife raises awareness on Sickle Cell disease

    House of Representatives Speaker’s wife, Hajiya Hussaina Tajudeen at the weekend spoke on the need to  raise an  awareness on Sickle cell disease.

    The wife and mother, who lost a son to the disease six years ago and managing a daughter with the disease, said families in such situations need help to cope.

    Hajiya Hussaina is also raising awareness on the plight of people in hospitals, finding it difficult to pay bills due to certain hardships.

    She said the Aliyu Abbas Tajudeen Foundation is birthing the Hussaina Abbas Foundation, which is a Sickle cell focused Non Governmental Organisation (NGO).

    Read Also:Foundation proffers solution to sickle cell anaemia, thalassemia

    The speaker’s wife said this at the weekend in Abuja when she visited the Wuse General Hospital to provide cash incentives to patients on admission in different wards.

    She added: “It is humanitarian to assist people. This is a cause close to our hearts, my daughter is a person living with the Sickle Cell disease and I lost my son about six years ago from the disease. So honestly we just wanted to give back to the community and help any way we can.

    “We have a Sickle Cell focused Non-Governmental Organisation known as the Aliyu Abbas Tajudeen Foundation and we are birthing the Hussaina Abbas foundation for hope and empowerment. We are working together to help the less privileged and the sick.

    “We are trying to create awareness on Sickle cell disease and help the less privileged, we are just trying to give back honestly.”

  • Ex-Taraba PDP chairman is dead

    Ex-Taraba PDP chairman is dead

    Former chairman, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Taraba State chapter and a governorship aspirant in the last general elections, Victor Bala Kona, is dead. He died in Abuja after an illness.

     A family source reportedly said Kona had been in a London hospital for treatment following “a complicated heart problem” and returned to Nigeria only last Wednesday.

     His health was said to have worsened again on Friday last week and was rushed to an Abuja hospital where he passed away in the early hours of today, Sunday.

     The PDPin Taraba has confirmed Kona’s death and expressed their sadness over the incident.

    Read Also: Former Taraba PDP chairman Kona dies

     In a statement, the party spokesman, Andeta’rang Irammae, said the death was a “colossal” loss to the party. “The People’s Democratic Party, Taraba State chapter is deeply saddened by news of the death of its former chairman Chief Victor Bala Kona (Garkuwan Bakundi), which occurred early on August 27, 2023  in Abuja.

     “The late Chief Victor Bala Kona (Garkuwan Bakundi) was chairman of the Party from March 2012 to August 2020, during which he worked tirelessly for the growth and sustained leadership streak of the party in the state.

      “His loss at this time of our political journey is sad and colossal as the government and party that he had assiduously worked for would have continued to benefit from his fountain of wisdom and knowledge.

     “May God grant us all the fortitude and succour to bear his absence and grant the party his replacement,” the statement read.

     Also, Taraba State Governor, Agbu Kefas, described the loss as “a painful one”.

     A statement by spokesman to the governor, Emmanuel Bello, Kefas said: “We didn’t only lose a political icon but a father and a consummate family man. Hon. Victor Bala Kona’s place in our history is one that is assured and would be respected at all times. His death came at a time his wealth of experience and knowledge would be most needed”.

      Similarly, a former House of Representatives member, Jafaru Yakubu (PDP-Taraba), expressed shock over the demise of Kona.

    Yakubu, who represented Bali/Gassol Federal Constituency at the National Assembly, said  the party would miss his wealth of experience in party mobilisation evidently in the sustainability of PDP’s victory in the state.

  • 32nd Anniversary: Buni congratulates Yobe people

    32nd Anniversary: Buni congratulates Yobe people

    • Govt. to construct city centre mall

    Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni has congratulated the people of the state on the 32nd anniversary of its creation.

     In a statement, Alhaji Mamman Mohammed, the Director-General, Press and Media Affairs to the Governor on Sunday in Damaturu, said; “The people of the state have every reason to appreciate Allah (SWT) for the journey in spite of the challenges, tribulations and ugly experiences that bedevilled the state.

     “We appreciate the founding fathers of our dear state for their foresight and commitment in ensuring we became a state 32 years ago.

    Read Also: I’ve kept faith in Yobe with projects, says Buni

     “The resilience, support and cooperation of our people has been quite rewarding in our journey to have travelled this far and achieved this much with more hope for prosperity.”

    the Yobe Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism and Ministry of Housing and Urban Development has handed over the project site for the construction of the prestigious Yobe City Centre.

    The Commissioner for CommerceAlhaji Kaigama Umar, stated this yesterday in Damaturu.

    Umar, who was represented by Alhaji Inuwa Gulani, the Permanent Secretary, said the site was handed over to Thinklab Group Limited to construct the mall to boost economic viability of the state.

     He said the project was part of Governor Mai Mala Buni’s urban renewal and the revival of economic activities.

     “Although we had faced some daring challenges that threatened our existence as a state.

     “Alhamdulillah, we have weathered the storm and moved ahead for a better and prosperous state,” Buni was quoted as saying.

     The governor thanked the people for supporting the government’s policies and programmes on the post Boko Haram Recovery, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction process for a better Yobe.

     Buni also commended Yobe people in the diaspora for their contributions and interest in the developments at home

     He added: “We appreciate your contributions and the zeal to collectively move our state forward.”

     Buni said his administration would continue to invest and collaborate with security agencies for a safer and prosperous state

     “We are grateful to the security agencies and the people of the state for the collective determination to fight insecurity,” he said.

      Buni assured that the government would continue to invest in infrastructure, education, healthcare delivery, agriculture, wealth creation and employment, commerce, water, sanitation and environment, among others, to fast-track development in the state.

    “Our youths are our future, therefore, our government shall continue to invest in the youth, and give them more opportunities to participate in governance to create a prosperous future for the state.

    “I am particularly happy with the zeal of pursuing education among our youths. Today, we have many young men who have distinguished themselves in academics with many more aspiring to do more, just as others are engaged in many other enterprising fields with great signs of prosperity.

    “These commitments gives us more hope for a very prosperous Yobe state.

    “Government will create the enabling environment to support you to realise your potential and contribute your quota to the development of the state” Buni added.

    He enjoined the people to promote  peaceful coexistence, urging that political, cultural and religious differences should not be allowed to create hate and setbacks in the collective drive and onerous task of building a prosperous Yobe.

    “May Allah (SWT) continue to protect our state, guide us to serve the people better, and bless our people with good health, abundant wealth, and a prosperous future” Buni prayed. (NAN)

  • 200 kids to get creative art skills

    200 kids to get creative art skills

    Two hundred children will be trained  in creative arts during this summer holiday, Nigeria Art for Life (NALI) has said.

    Director of the Initiative, Efe Okorare, in a statement, said the children will receive painting lessons.

    “This Summer Art Programme is one of such activities. Declared open on July 10, Efe Okorare has set up an open-air visual art studio in Abuja to impact children through free painting classes. These classes will run till August.

    “His goal is to reach 200 children during summer holiday’’.

    Okorare said inspiration came from the success at the 10th African Arts and Crafts Expo (AFAC) in 2017.

    Read Also: Two dead, 37 rescued in Abuja building collapse

    “Founded in 2015 and powered by Link Art Concepts, it focuses on curating and art programmes aimed at instilling art skills in children.

    “ Okorare has put in over 20 years in training and developing art skills and creativity among children and youths.

    “I have always believed a person should be resourceful and develop their artistic skills to create and establish a sustainable life…”

    “This vision remains the propeller of the Nigeria Art for Life Initiative (NALI) and I am happy to see the impact of the efforts; children becoming creative and the youth becoming Art Entrepreneurs.

    Nigeria Art For Life (NALI) is endorsed and supported by the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) which is under the Federal Ministry of Information and Culture, Nigeria.

  • UNPF ‘to prevent gender violence’

    UNPF ‘to prevent gender violence’

    United Nations Population Fund has said it will support Kaduna State Ministry for Human Services and Social Development in prevention of Gender Based Violence and empowerment for women, child marriage and other issues under the ministry.

    The UN team, led by Programme Coordinator of  Kaduna Decentralised Office, Loide Amkongo, spoke during a visit to the Commissioner for Human Services and Social Development, Hajia Rabi Salisu in Kaduna.

    Read Also: Two dead, 37 rescued in Abuja building collapse

    Loide said she and her colleagues were in the commissioner’s office to greet her on her appointment and give her support in prevention of Gender Based Violence (GBV), empowerment for women, child marriage under the ministry.

    Salisu  thanked UN for its  contributions in GBV, maternal morbidity and child mortality, VVF and others.

    “We also appreciate the UN Population Fund for supporting and fighting and protecting the rights of women, children and young girls”, she added.

  • Sule sends nominees’ names to House

    Sule sends nominees’ names to House

    Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, has sent names of Nasarawa State Independent Electoral Commission, (NASIEC) and Local Government Service Commission to the House of Assembly.

    The  governor also sent the name of Ibrahim Angbolo as commissioner nominee to the Assembly to replace Haruna Musa.

     Ibrahim   Abdullahi, the  Speaker, announced this during sitting yesterday in Lafia.

    The Speaker said the nomination of Angbolo followed Musa’s illness during screening of 17 nominees sent to the House by Sule.

    Read Also: Two dead, 37 rescued in Abuja building collapse

    He noted Sule sought confirmation of Aliyu Gayam from Lafia council  and Samuel Tsebe from Akwanga  council as permanent members of NASIEC.

    The Speaker also said the governor sought confirmation of Abdullahi Waziri from Doma (re- appointment) and Mustapha   Aliyu from Awe (re-appointment) as permanent members of Local Government Service Commission.

    The Speaker directed the nominees  to submit 30 copies of their Curriculum Vitae (CV) before the closure of the working day today and to appear for screening tommorow, Friday, August 25, 2023 by 10am.

  • USAID-IHP, Kebbi avert deaths of 1,053 expectant  mothers, newborn

    USAID-IHP, Kebbi avert deaths of 1,053 expectant  mothers, newborn

    The USAID-Integrated Health Programme (IHP) has supported Kebbi State in averting 1,053 maternal and child mortalities.

    Shehu Salisu Dabai, Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Manager of USAID-IHP in Kebbi, said this at a media workshop in Yauri Local Government.

    He said ” USAID-IHP in Kebbi supported facilities to generate 41 per cent of Couple Years of Protection (CYPs) in the state, which resulted in averting about 35,046 unintended pregnancies, 179 maternal deaths and 874 child deaths in the state.”

    Dabai added the state generated 75,336 CYPs as a result of provision of modern family planning methods.

    Read Also: Two dead, 37 rescued in Abuja building collapse

    According to him, this shows the state has witnessed improvement in its health sector, resulting to improved health outcomes since USAID-IHP intervention began in the state.

    “Therefore, the achievement indicates  USAID-IHP’s support and commitments, especially in  maternal and child mortality, malaria, malnutrition, training and retraining of health workers.

    “Overall, the USAID-IHP’s intervention in Kebbi State has had a significant impact on averting maternal and child deaths, improving family planning services and enhancing the overall health sector.”

    Salisu-Dabai emphasized the need for the state government to ensure the sustainability of the achievements through improved budgetary allocation to the health sector and enhanced capacity building for health workers.

    The manager also charged the media practitioners to be vanguards for improved health service delivery in the state. (NAN).