The Nation Newspaper

Category: Northern Report

  • Fintiri inaugurates 24 commissioners

    Fintiri inaugurates 24 commissioners

    Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri, has sworn in 24 commissioners, six of them members of his first term cabinet.

    He inaugurated the commissioners at the Government House in Yola yesterday, urging them to either discharge their duties well or be ready to be thrown out of the cabinet.

    Among the returning commissioners are Atiku Abubakar who retains the Ministry of Works; Iliya James who remains in the Ministry of Entrepreneurship Development; Dr Umar Pella who was the Commissioner of Information but is now to head the Ministry of Education, Abdullahi Prambe who headed the Community & Rural Infrastructure ministry but is now Commissioner for Housing Development; and Aloysius Babadoke, formerly the Commissioner of Sports but to now head the Ministry of Culture & Tourism.

    The fresh commissioners include three women: Nedo Geoffery Kofulto, Commissioner for Information & Strategy; Mary Augustina Wandhamiya, Commissioner for Finance; and Wunfe Anthony, Commissioner for Women & Social Development.

    Read Also: Guterres worries about Bazoum’s condition

    The other commissioners sworn include Wali Yakubu, for Youth Development; John Ishaya Dabari for Commerce, Trade & Industry; Usman Abdullahi (Special Duties), Tijani Maksha (Livestock & Fishery), Finchiwa Jatau (Agriculture), Joan Haggai Sahma (Land & Survey); Ibrahim Yayaji (Local Government), and Felix Tangwami (Health & Human Services).

    The others are Bello Hamman Diram (Reconstruction, Reintegration, and Rehabilitation), Ibrahim Haruna (Mineral Resources), Kalamu Musa Mohammed (Transport Development), Titus Solomon (Rural Infrastructure & Community Development), Anthony Wunfe (Budget & Planning), Mohammed Sadiq (Energy & Natural Resources), and Ayuba Audu Tanko (Water Resources).

    Governor Fintiri told them to be resourceful in utilising the resources that would be available to them.

    He said: “We are setting up a governance delivery machinery with key performance indicators that will periodically be used to measure you. We are not taking anything less than the best. If at any time your performance is found to be below our standard best in the exercise of your duties, I will not hesitate to replace you.”

  • Plateau unveils security, information centre

    Plateau unveils security, information centre

    Plateau State Governor, Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has inaugurated a Security and Information Centre (SIC) aimed at facilitating public access to convey security-related information to the relevant authorities for prompt action.

    Mutfwang highlighted that the centre established by the Plateau State Information and Communication Technology Development Agency (PICTDA), seeks to bridge the communication divide between the general public and the government.

    He said the centre will utilize basic technology to establish a toll-free hotline, allowing citizens to share information without incurring charges, using the phone number 080 0000 5555.

    Read Also: UTME’s best candidate makes eight A1 in WAEC

    Governor Mutfwang said the centre, which is already operational and people can call, emphasized that the state government will cover the cost of all incoming calls on behalf of the citizens.

    The Governor, in a statement by his spokesman, Gyang Bere, explained that the initiative will serve as a channel for the government to swiftly obtain early warning signals and intervene promptly, while also gathering feedback on developmental matters within the state.

    He encouraged citizens to report security concerns from their local communities, with the assurance that all information will be treated with utmost confidentiality.

  • School fees hike: BUK secures scholarship for 500 indigent students

    School fees hike: BUK secures scholarship for 500 indigent students

    Vice-Chancellor of Bayero University Kano (BUK), Prof. Sagir Abbas, said the university has secured scholarships for 500 indigent students, after making contact with philanthropists and wealthy individuals.

    Abbas said this when he received the leadership of Kano Correspondents Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in his office in Kanobon yesterday.

    He said the donors included prominent Kano politicians and philanthropists like Sen. Rufa’i Hanga who offered sponsorship to 200 students.

    Abbas said the university was still making contacts with other wealthy individuals toward securing additional scholarship for more indigent students.

    Read Also: Guterres worries about Bazoum’s condition

    He said that the recent hike in the school’s fees was necessitated by the realities in the country.

    “We are fully aware of the condition of our people, most people are not financially comfortable. That is why it took us over six months to come up with a figure which is the minimum required to provide services to the student.

    “We did not increase the registration fees to make money. We are trying our best to make life easier for our students by widening the scope to allow students to attend classes before registration,” Abbas said.

    He said that the university had also introduced welfare packages for its staff such as a non-interest loan from a Micro Finance Bank payable within six months.

    “Others include food stuffs, shuttle buses, and bicycle loans for junior staff payable within nine months,” he said.

    Abbas added that the cost of running the university was beyond imagination as the authorities spent over N100 million as running cost monthly.

    “I consider journalists important and relevant to the development of any nation, ” the VC said.

    He also said that the management of the university plans to review the deadline for closure for the 2023/2024 academic session.

    Speaking, Malam Aminu Garko, the chairman of the chapel, lauded the university’s strides in educational development of the country.

    “We talk of BUK because of the reality on the ground where personalities produced by the institution are greatly contributing to the development of the country, ” Garko said.

    Garko reiterated the chapel’s determination to partner with the institution for developmental purposes.

  • Ex-deputy speaker congratulates Wike

    Ex-deputy speaker congratulates Wike

    Former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Chibudom Nwuche, has congratulated the immediate past governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike for his nomination as a minister.

    He thanked the National Assembly for confirming Wike without hesitation, noting that with Wike’s landmark achievements as Chairman of Obio/Akpor local government area, Chief of Staff to a former governor, Minister of State for Education and governor of Rivers state for eight years where he built landmark projects in road infrastructure, healthcare, education, security etc, he deserved all the respect that has been accorded to him by the upper legislative chamber and the National Assembly.

    Read Also: Court to hear Fed Govt’s, Emefiele’s motions Tues

    He commended the Senate President Godswill Akpabio and his colleagues for the speedy confirmation of Wike, noting that it will send the right message to those who are elected that when they work for the people while in office, our institutions and the generality of Nigerians will recognise them and give them due accolades.

    Nwuche hailed President Bola Tinubu for making the right choice by picking Wike, saying the former Rivers state governor carries the hope of the larger majority of Rivers people, and has shown that if given any platform, he will always work for the interest of the masses and the downtrodden and will bring his customary energy and foresight to any portfolio he is assigned.

  • Kano poliomyelitis immunisation enters second phase

    Kano poliomyelitis immunisation enters second phase

    The immunisation exercise against poliomyelitis in Kano state has entered its second phase.

    Commissioner for Health, Abubakar Labaran Yusuf, who was in Dawakin Kudu and Tudun Wada local government areas, expressed satisfaction about how the exercise is being conducted.

    Dr. Yusuf said his team had interactions with the zonal directors, the HOD, the LIO and others, and they were convinced with what they have seen on the ground.

    “The records tally with what we have instructed should be done. We appreciate the massive turnout of the people in some settlements we visited to get children vaccinated,” he said.

    The commissioner called on the people to continue supporting immunisation programmes in order to avoid resurfacing of the diseases and to overcome the menace of diphtheria bedevilling the country.

    He stressed the need for people to give Kano state government maximum cooperation in its effort to rid Kano state of poliomyelitis.

    Read Also: Guterres worries about Bazoum’s condition

    Dr. Yusuf, who was represented by the Director General of the Private Health Institutions Management Agency (PHIMA), Prof. Salisu Ibrahim Ahmad, enjoined local government chairmen to be attending daily evening review meetings and intensify internal supervision.

    He pointed out that this will play a significant role in allowing them to identify areas that need intervention to address them at the local government level without necessarily coming to the state.

    He said: “We really feel happy. The Kano state government under Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf will do all its best to support the programme to see that we reach 100 percent successful implementation.

    “On this note, I would like to enjoin people across the state to keep supporting the programme by bringing out their children and wards to immunisation centres.”

    He assured that the present administration is determined and committed to improving the status of the people of the state in primary, secondary and tertiary levels.

    Kano poliomyelitis immunisation enters second phase

  • CAN, Igbo community throw weight behind APC candidate

    CAN, Igbo community throw weight behind APC candidate

    The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Kogi State Chapter has thrown its support behind the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo.

    The association made the pledge during a visit to the leadership of the APC, saying it is time to reward the good gesture of Governor Yahaya Bello.

    Its chairman, Special Apostle Emmanuel Adebayo, said no governor in the history of Kogi State has done what Governor Bello has done for Christians, hence, the resolve to support the candidate of the APC.

    He said: “Governor Bello has done what no Governor had ever done for the Christians of Kogi State. He has been a great support to the Christian body in the state and has created an environment for peaceful worship and religious harmony.

    Read Also: Court to hear Fed Govt’s, Emefiele’s motions Tues

    “He has also built a magnificent Chapel for Christian worship inside the Government House. For a Muslim to do such for the Christians, he deserves our prayers and support.

    “It is not a surprise that the President of CAN conferred on him the title of the ‘Friend of the Christians’. The church will continue to support the administration of Bello and by extension, your aspiration to succeed him”.

    Earlier, Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo thanked the body of Christ for their support for the administration of Bello.

    He said the choice of Ododo is in line with the determination to continue with the bond between the church and the government.

    He said: “Ododo has the fear of God; he is humble and ready to serve the people. Those campaigning on the platform of religion should be disregarded as some of their conducts do not conform to the Christian spirit of love, humility and humanitarianism. Ododo will be yours, he will listen to you and he will promote religious harmony”, he said.

    In a related development, the Igbo Community in Lokoja has declared “total support” for the APC Governorship Candidate.

    The assurance was given when the candidate visited the Igbo Community at a well-attended town hall meeting in Lokoja.

    The leader of the delegation and the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Deedat Ozigi assured the Igbo Community of the readiness of Ododo to work with them and support their aspirations.

    Ododo assured the Igbo Community of his commitment to working with them for the social, economic and commercial development of the state.

    Kogi State Commissioner for Solid Minerals, Bashir Gegu, urged the Igbos in Kogi to continue to support the political family of Bello.

    Responding, the President General of the Igbo Community in Lokoja, Chief Sunday Nwachukwu said the Igbos in Lokoja have resolved to give their votes to the APC Governorship Candidate.

  • We won’t dialogue with bandits, says Radda

    We won’t dialogue with bandits, says Radda

    Katsina State Governor Dikko Radda said the state government is not ready to call or seek dialogue with any bandit across the state, even as it is ready to accept those willing to repent and return to the society.

    Radda said this during a special prayer session organised yesterday in Katsina, by the state government for sustainable peace and unity in the state.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that different scholars and Imams from across the 34 Local Government Areas (LGAs) attended the prayer session.

     “Our call to bandits, we are not ready for any dialogue with them, but we are ready to accept those that are willing to repent. But, we will not call them or seek dialogue with them,” the governor said.

    According to him, his office is always open, and anyone with useful information that will assist in tackling the security challenges in the state is always welcome.

    Read Also: Guterres worries about Bazoum’s condition

    While assuring that the identity of the person will never be disclosed, Radda appealed to the public to assist the government and security agencies with useful information.

    Radda said: “When you go back to your respective communities, you should also copy from Bakori, Dabai and Kurfi, where they have taken measures to depend on their people. The people of these local government areas have been given the security operatives all the necessary support to end the security challenges in their areas.

    “Therefore, you should fear Allah and assist us in our effort to bring the end of the security challenges in our state. We are ready to receive advice and suggestions.”

    Radda added that he had met stakeholders from all the frontline areas in the state to brief him on what they think were the cause of the security problem in their areas and the way out.

     “This effort to end the security challenges in the state cannot be achieved without support from all stakeholders.

     “Therefore, we should fear Allah and provide all the necessary information that will assist in bringing to the end of this problem,” the governor further appealed.

    He also stated that following his appeal, the State House of Assembly has promised to give him the approval to spend this year’s budget on security issues.

    The governor, while assuring to take all the necessary measures in tackling criminal activities in the state, especially thuggery (Yan Daba), he appealed to the people to expose them.

    Radda, who also called for fervent prayers for peace and unity across the state and Nigeria, also called for the inclusion of Niger Republic in such prayers.

  • How govt is addressing erosion, desertification, by Shettima

    How govt is addressing erosion, desertification, by Shettima

    Vice President Kashim Shettima said the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration is prioritising Climate Change interventions to address the menace of desertification, coastal erosion, and flooding in the country.

    Shettima, in a statement by Mr Olusola Abiola, Director of Information, Office of the Vice President, yesterday in Abuja, said the administration was collaborating more with individuals and institutions that share the government’s vision for a sustainable future.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that this was one of the highlights of Shettima’s remarks, after receiving a presentation titled: “Building Climate Resilience for Enhanced National Security: Strategic Options for Nigeria by 2035”, from the National Defence College (NDC) Course 31 participants.

    The Vice President acknowledged the devotion of members of the Armed Forces and related institutions to the advancement of the nation’s interests.

    Read Also: Court to hear Fed Govt’s, Emefiele’s motions Tues

    He said: “Your voices are heard and your contributions valued. Government shares your informed concerns for the security implications of underestimating the devastations of climate change.

    “The Green Wall Project, which has been prioritised by the government, stands as a testament to our unyielding resolve to shield our habitat and bolster our nation’s security.

    “It is heartening to witness the alignment between your findings and our government’s policy objectives, reinforcing our belief that a holistic and comprehensive approach is essential to tackling these challenges effectively.”

    Speaking further about the significance of the NDC Course 31 research report, Shettima said their research findings hold the promise of a more resilient and secure Nigeria.

    “And together, we shall forge ahead, united in our pursuit of a better tomorrow. Your research findings also resonate deeply with the government’s ongoing commitment to address the menacing spectres of desertification, coastal erosion, and flooding.

    We recognise that a nation’s security is intricately linked to the environmental challenges it faces. As such, your insights provide a roadmap for charting a course toward a more resilient, secure, and sustainable future for Nigeria,” he said.

    He commended the management of the National Defence College for its commitment, zeal, passion and sacrifice in finding solutions to the myriad of challenges confronting the nation.

    Shettima also restated the Federal Government’s resolve to adopt additional measures to address the banditry plaguing the northwest region.

    Commandant of the College, Rear Admiral Olumuyiwa Olotu, earlier said the research report was among other objectives aimed at proffering solutions to climate change challenges with implications to national security.

    While presenting reports on behalf of the Course 31 participants, Col. O N Ejiga emphasized efforts made by the Federal Government to address Climate Change, citing examples of practices in other parts of the world.

    The report highlighted policy and institutional frameworks as well as possible funding sources for addressing climate change challenges in Nigeria.

    The highlight of the event was the presentation of the Course 31 Research Report and other publications of the NDC to Vice President Shettima by the Commandant of the College.

    The Commandant’s delegation included the Deputy Commandant and Director of Studies, Maj.-Gen. Lawrence Fejokwu, some directors, directing staff and some course participants.

  • Kogi 2023: SDP zonal chairmen, 21 council chairmen defect to APC

    Kogi 2023: SDP zonal chairmen, 21 council chairmen defect to APC

    The zonal chairmen of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the three senatorial districts of Kogi State on Thursday officially dumped the party for the All Progressives Congress (APC) with all the party’s chairmen in the 21 local government areas.

    The SDP top executives, who made their decision to join the ruling party public at the Government House in Lokoja, said they weighed their options and chose the continuous development of the state and wellbeing of indigenes above other considerations.

    SDP’s zonal chairman for Kogi East, Suleiman Isah, criticised what he described as SDP’s campaign, based on ethnicity, saying it was detrimental to the state’s socio-cultural wellbeing, and could undermine the peace enjoyed in the past few years.

    “We are happy that this is happening today. Even while we were in the opposition, we were aware that you did a lot for the state. The infrastructure projects are what anyone cannot deny, Your Excellency.

    “We have all decided to join the APC to support the efforts at further developing the state. And we will give all the necessary support to ensure victory for the APC candidate in the governorship election,” Isah said.

    He acknowledged Governor Yahaya Bello’s commendable accomplishments in health, education, road infrastructure, and agriculture, among others, over the past seven years.

    The zonal chairman, who can now be referred to as a former SDP chieftain, assured the governor of the commitment of all the SDP chairmen to the Kogi Agenda through the APC candidate, Ododo Ahmed Usman.

    Acting Chairman of SDP for Kogi Central Senatorial District, Zubairu Ibrahim, also commended the governor for infrastructure development in the state and specifically acknowledged his significant efforts at ensuring security of lives and property.

    He said the people of Kogi State now enjoyed improved security and peace compared to what obtained in the past, stressing that well meaning Kogites would not sacrifice that on the altar of politics.

    Governor Yahaya Bello, while receiving the defectors, commended what he called their courageous step, as well as their willingness to contribute to the advancement of the state.

    He reiterated his strong commitment to maintaining an inclusive government that extends equal opportunities to both longstanding and new members of the APC.

    Governor Bello stressed that the timing of their movement from SDP to APC was significant, given his administration’s noteworthy achievements in Kogi State, which had earned the APC widespread support.

    Governor Bello emphasised the crucial significance of fostering unity among the diverse ethnic communities within the state.

    He underscored the importance of collaborative, issue-based campaigns and noted that success in any election would depend on broad support.

    He urged the people to reject divisive tactics in the interest of all.

  • CAN, Igbo community throw weight behind Ododo

    CAN, Igbo community throw weight behind Ododo

    The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Kogi Chapter has thrown its support behind the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Ahmed Usman Ododo. 

    The body made the pledge during a visit to Ododo, saying it was time to reward the good gesture of Governor Yahaya Bello. 

    Speaking on behalf of the Christian body in Kogi State, Kogi CAN chairman, His Eminence Special Apostle Emmanuel Adebayo said no Governor has done what Bello has done for Christians.

    According to him: “Governor Yahaya Bello has done what no Governor had ever done for the Christians of Kogi State. He has been a great support to the Christian body in the state and has created an environment for peaceful worship and religious harmony. 

    “He has also built a magnificent Chapel for Christian worship inside the Government House. For a Muslim to do such for the Christians, he deserves our prayers and support. 

    “It is not a surprise therefore that the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria conferred on him the title of the ‘Friend of the Christians’. 

    “The church will continue to support the administration of Alh. Yahaya Bello and by extension, your aspiration to succeed him”. 

    Commissioner for Information and Communications, Hon. Kingsley Fanwo, thanked the body of Christ for their support for the administration of Bello. 

    According to the Information Commissioner, the choice of Ododo is in line with the determination to continue with the bond between the church and the New Direction Administration. 

    He said: “Ododo has the fear of God; he is humble and ready to serve the people. Those campaigning on the platform of religion should be disregarded as some of their conducts do not conform to the Christian spirit of love, humility and humanitarianism.

    “Ododo will be yours, he will listen to you and he will promote religious harmony”, he said. 

    In a related development, the Igbo community in Lokoja declared “total support” for the APC Governorship Candidate, Alh Ahmed Usman Ododo. 

    The assurance was given when the candidate visited the Igbo Community at a well attended town hall meeting in Lokoja.

    Read Also: Canada invites carpenters, plumbers, welders from Nigeria, others

    The leader of the delegation and the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Barr. Deedat Ozigi assured the Igbo Community of the readiness of Alh. Ododo to work with them and support their aspirations. 

    The APC Governorship Candidate, Alh. Ahmed Usman Ododo assured the Igbo Community of his commitment to working with them for the social economic and commercial development of the state. 

    Kogi Commissioner for Solid Minerals, Engr Bashir Abubakar Gegu, urged the Igbos in Kogi to continue to support the political family of Alh. Yahaya Bello. 

    Responding, the President General of the Igbo Community in Lokoja, Chief Sunday Nwachukwu said the Igbos in Lokoja have resolved to give their votes to the APC Governorship Candidate.