Category: Northern Report

Civil Society Organisations have called for the implementation of the Right to Food signed into law by former President Muhammadu Buhari on March 3, this year.

The CSOs noted that the Act had remained in the country’s law books, urging the Federal and State Governments to implement the law in order not to deny the right of Nigerians to food.

The groups said Nigerians’ right to food remained sacrosanct amidst biting hunger in the country.

The CSOs which made the demands included: Voice For Food security (VFS); Farm and Infrastructure Foundation (FIF); All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN); Federation of Agricultural Commodities Association of Nigeria (FACAN) in partnership with Oxfam in Nigeria.

The founder and President, Farm and Infrastructure Foundation (FIF), Prof Gbolagade Ayoola, who spoke on behalf of other CSOs, pointed out that the right to food was a constitutional right in Nigeria, hence no Nigerian should suffer access and affordability of food.

He said: “It is a mission accomplished when the seed of such a legislation had germinated and fruited into an Act of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, for which I am elated but feel a deep sense of gratification for the hope this new Act gives to millions of Nigerians living in protracted suffering from hunger and malnutrition from time immemorial.

“States should direct its policy towards ensuring that strategies that guarantee food security of the nation regarding availability, accessibility and affordability of food to the citizens are initiated, undertaken and implemented.

“Adequate measures should be provided to ensure that food security of the nation is not compromised by any individual, group or institution and the states should promote and sustain activities that enhance food security.

“The government at the national, state and local level should give the Act up teeth to bite, by implementing it faithfully and responsibly and also let the people themselves take full advantage of the Act to participate more proactively in the food policy process affecting their lives.

“While the Non-state actor and development partners offer their usual assistance to government and civil society towards the successful implementation of the seminal right to food legislation Act in Nigeria.”

He also drew the attention of the government to international treaties signed as it concerned right to food, and added that in Nigeria right to food will operate in tandem and nexus with similar provisions for the same in pre-existing international conventions, treaties and other legal instruments, which Nigeria was signatory to.

“In practical terms, the Act implies that the Right to Food is henceforth a constitutional right in Nigeria,” he stated.  

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) will support the humanitarian activities of the Police Officers Wives Association (POWA) in agriculture and provision of health services.

 Its Permanent Secretary, Mr. Olusade Adesola, who gave the assurance in Abuja while receiving a delegation from the Association, led by its President, the wife of the Inspector – General of Police, Mrs. Elizabeth Egbetokun, on a visit to the FCTA, said the humanitarian activities of the association in agricultural productions and healthcare provision were in line with the mandate of the FCT Administration.

 Adesola, who also noted that the POWA brand was very popular with presence in the states and the FCT, commended the successive wives of the Inspectors General of Police for sustaining the activities of the association, and also elevating it to its present status.

 The Permanent Secretary equally commended members of the association for providing support to the officers and men of the police force in the line of duty, saying it was reassuring to know that somebody cares for the police officers who stake their lives daily to protect the people.

Adesola said: “The POWA is a brand that is so popular because your membership is very large and you are present in all states and your footprints are in all the States. Many of us have benefited from your activities. For instance, my children started school in a POWA school. So, in a way, I benefited from it.

“We appreciate POWA for all that you have been doing, particularly for successive wives of IGPs, sustaining the activities and operations of the association and growing it. It’s our prayer that during your tenure, POWA too will grow from leaps to leaps and you will be able to accomplish what you have desired for the womenfolk.

“The national duty of the Nigerian Police Force for which you share in the women association is a very challenging one. They stand to face insecurity and they stake their lives to protect us on a daily basis, they die on the call of duty, children are orphaned, wives are widowed.

“But in the face of all these, it is therefore salutary to know that there is somebody that cares for them and this is what POWA does.”

Earlier in her remarks, the wife of the Inspector-General of Police, Mrs Elizabeth Egbetokun, said the association was desirous of acquiring land to build an ultra-modern police officers wives’ association hospital and for agricultural purposes to enhance food production and eradicate hunger.

The IG’s wife also requested the FCT Administration to assist in channeling the support of donor agencies towards constructing and equipping an ultra-modern hospital for wives of police officers.

Mrs Egbetokun was accompanied by wives of some senior police officers.

Also present at the event were the Director of Security Services, Mr. Adamu Gwary, Director DRTS, Dr. Abdulatif Bello, Ag. Director of Reform Coordination and Service Improvement, Dr. Jumai Ahmadu, Director, Office of the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Samuel Atang and other senior officials of the FCTA.

The wife of Katsina State Governor, Hajiya Zulaihat Radda, has declared her commitment towards improving girl child education in the state.

The governor’s wife made the declaration at the weekend during the launch of new programmes at Nana Babajo College of Nursing Sciences and Satellite, Malunfashi.

 According to her, she would try to reach every part of the state to sensitise parents to allow their daughters to pursue western and Islamic education.

She added that the launch was geared towards enhancing health care and providing more job opportunities to the people of the state.

“This will help in achieving universal health coverage and help in reducing maternal mortality rate.

She said: “I must say that the administration of my husband, Mallam Dikko Radda, will definitely give the health sector in the state more priority.

 “My pet project, SASHIN, is also dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of individuals in our community.”

She noted that SASHIN was committed to promoting a better future by addressing key issues such as maternal mortality, sickle cell disease, cancer, infant and child malnutrition, girl child education and many more.

 “I would like to congratulate the management and staff of this college, because this is a clear manifestation of their determination, diligence and hardwork in handling the academic activities.

 “On my part as a mother and an advocate for girl child education, among others, I will remain committed in ensuring that I reach every part of the state to sensitise parents to allow their daughters to pursue both western and Islamic education.

“I wish to congratulate the pioneer students who have been admitted to study these two new programmes and the parents for this golden opportunity.”

 Earlier, the head of the college, Dr Aminu Bello-Abdullahi, commended the governor’s wife for her commitment to girl-child education.

According to him, the new courses are introduced to enhance the health sector across the 34 LGAs in the state. He further appealed to the government to provide the college with more facilities to assist them in discharging their duties.

• BY ISAIAH BENJAMIN

When the news of ministerial nominees filtered into the space with Hon. Barrister Bello Muhammed Goronyo conspicuously captured as nominee from Sokoto State, it was greeted with spontaneous jubilation by not only his political associates, even those who have had their parts crossed with him applauded his nomination, describing it as a well deserved nomination of a man who has paid his dues politically and has contributed in no small measure to the bringing on board of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in his role as director of youth mobilization North West in the Presidential campaign Council (PCC), a position he used to galvanised the youths across the northwest states that produced an overwhelming votes for the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate’s victory.

Hon. Bello Muhammad born in Sabon Garin Dole of Sokoto State started and completed his first school leaving education at Kofar Marke primary School, Sokoto State in 1981 from were he proceeded to Government College Sokoto and had his Secondary certificate in 1986 after which he bagged a diploma in law from college of Arts and sciences, Sokoto in 1990.

Determined to acquire more academic knowledge and qualifications, he proceeded to bag an LLB from Uthman Danfodio University, Sokoto State in 1997 and for age reasons he was exempted from the National Youths Service Corps (NYSC) with an exemption certificate in 1998, thereafter he proceeded to the Nigeria Law School Bwari Abuja and called to Bar in 2001. In 2019, he bagged Masters in Energy security management from the Nigeria Defence Academy (NDA) Kaduna and another Masters in business management and leadership from London Graduate School , London UK, and thereafter bagged another Masters of Philosophy in Leadership and strategic studies from NDA in 2021 and presently pursuing his Ph.D in Leadership and strategic studies from the same NDA, Kaduna.

Barrister Bello Muhammed had a very meritorious working experience, he worked as Vital Registration Assistant (VRA) with National Population Commission (NPC) from 1991-1992, Legal translator with the Sokoto State House of Assembly from 1992-1993, Principal Orientation Officer (POO) with National Orientation Agency (NOA) from 1993-2001 and took up a lecturing appointment with the State College of Legal and Islamic studies, Sokoto from 2001-2006, practiced with the Adamu Umar and Co (law chambers from 2001-2006 and also with Rafi Law chambers, Sokoto from 2006-2007. The Barrister cum politician ventured into politics in 2003 as member of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) as Legal Committee for the Gubernatorial, National and State Assembly election petition, he became a caretaker Secretary Democractic Peoples Party (DPP) Goronyo local government in 2006 and in 2007, he served as Secretary DPP Congress planning committee, Gubernatorial convention committee and Assistant State legal Adviser 11 of the party in Sokoto State.

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Barrister Goronyo was elected member Sokoto State House of Assembly to represent Goronyo Constituency from 2007- 2015. He became the interim organizing Secretary of the party in Sokoto State in 2014 and Goronyo local government campaign coordinator for the 2015 general elections, he was Secretary APC legal committee election petitions of 2015. In recognition of his political sagacity, Barrister Bello Muhammed Goronyo was appointed as Commissioner Ministry for Solid Minerals & Natural Resources Development, Sokoto State. from 2015-2017, deployed as Commissioner Ministry of Energy Development, Sokoto State in 2017-2018 and then further deployed as Commissioner Ministry of Information, Sokoto State, a position he held from 2018-2019 before he voluntarily resigned after serving meritoriously in all the Ministries he served as Commissioner. He got elected as Zonal Secretary APC North West in 2022 and appointed I to the APC campaign council as Director National Youth mobilization North West of the Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) in 2023, a position he served with proven results.

The Ministerial nominee has served in several capacities including as Chairman Screening and flight schedule committee 2015 Hajj operations after serving as member in 2012, 2013, and 2014. He also served as Chairman welfare and entertainment committee for the inauguration of the Executive Governor of Sokoto State, he was a two times member Sokoto State Constitutional Review Committee, Chairman for the harmonization of two communiqués at the retreat held at Katsina between the Executive and the Legislature on the one hand and RTiLead on the other hand. As Member of Sokoto State House of Assembly, he was Chairman House Committee on Judiciary (SOHA) from 2007-2011 and Minority leader of the House within same period. He became Chairman House Committee on Rural Development from 2011-2015 and became Deputy House Leader from 2011- January 2015 and Deputy Speaker SOHA from January 2015- May 2015, he served as Chairman Transportation Committee in Saudi Arabia for the 2015 Hajj Operation in Mecca, Minna, Arafat, Muzdalifa, and Secretary, Planning and Implementation Committee, Chairman Jama’a system Consults, Chairman Community Mobilisation & Development initiative (COMDI), Secretary planning and implementation committee North West University, Sokoto, Sokoto State from 2020 till date.

Barrister Bello Muhammed belongs to several clubs and Associations where he contributes immensely to humanity and societal growth and development. As a trained lawyer, he is a member of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Member Environmental Society of Nigeria, Member Nagarta Old Boys Association, Interim Legal Adviser NBA Sokoto Branch, 2013, Patron, Buhari/Osinbajo Vanguard for Change, Member Federal Road Safety Corps, Special Marshal National Legal Adviser Stop Cancer Foundation, Founder Goronyo West Development Association, Secretary General & Founder Sultan Aliyu Babba Foundation, Legal Adviser Goronyo Progressive Union, Member State Committee on the review of 1999 Constitution, As Member ANPP Legal Committee 2003 General Elections, Patron, Adolescent Girls Project, Patron, Community Mobilization & Development Initiative, Patron, Sarkin Yamma Peace Initiative, Unity Ambassador for Africa, Peace Ambassador Youth Federation for World Peace, Legal Adviser UDUS Alumni Association Sokoto State Chapter, 2013.Legal Adviser Jama’a System Consult North West Zonal Vice Chairman Northern Youth Assembly, National President, Network for reduction of Maternal Mortality and Morbidity in Nigeria, Legal Adviser Stop Cancer Foundation.

The political juggernaut has won for himself several National and International Awards/Certificates which include Youth Ambassador for Peace, Arewa Patriotic Vanguard, Special Legislature Award, Hope alive award by Stop Cancer Foundation, Global Life time Achievers Int’l Gold Award, (GLAIGA 2010) Ghana.Goronyo L/Govt Student Assoc. (GOLSA) Certificate of Merit Award, Unity Ambassador for Africa Merit Award, Adolescent Girls Project Merit Award, Letter of commendation from the Goronyo Community – 2008.

The happily married erudite lawyer, academic, politician and father of four is widely travelled within and outside Nigeria brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of achievements to the position of Minister in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s new government. With an extensive political career that includes serving as a Member of the Sokoto State House of Assembly, Commissioner for various ministries in Sokoto State, and holding significant positions within the APC, he has consistently demonstrated strong leadership skills and dedication to public service.

His educational background, including pursuing a Ph.D. in Leadership and Strategic Studies, reflects his commitment to continuous learning and enhancing his expertise in leadership. His legal qualifications, including a BL from the Nigerian Law School, equip him with a solid foundation to navigate legal matters and policy implementation effectively.

Hon. Bello Muhammad’s experience as Deputy Speaker of the Sokoto State House of Assembly and Chairman of several committees showcases his ability to lead and manage legislative affairs. He has also been actively involved in international engagements, fostering diplomatic relations and promoting Nigeria’s interests on a global platform.

In addition to his political achievements, Hon. Bello Muhammad’s community involvement and dedication to humanitarian causes highlight his commitment to the welfare of the people.

As Minister in President Tinubu’s new government, his experience, qualifications, and leadership abilities will play a pivotal role in contributing to the development of Nigeria. With a focus on good governance, inclusive policies, and strategic planning, he is well-positioned to drive positive change and foster economic growth. His dedication to public service, coupled with his legal expertise, will enable him to address critical challenges facing the nation and work towards a more prosperous and united Nigeria.
Barr. Bello Muhammad-Goronyo is a distinguished politician with a remarkable legacy of public service and leadership. He is known for his demand for excellence and dedication to achieving the best outcomes for his people.His leadership style is characterized by fairness, strong determination, and a continuous quest for improvement in the development of Sokoto State. As a visionary leader, he has consistently supported and empowered the youth by providing scholarships for master’s education, enabling them to become more competitive and better equipped to contribute significantly to the progress of the state. As Minister in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s new government, I am confident that his experience, qualifications, and passion for transformative development will bring positive changes and advancement to Nigeria as a whole. His dedication to fostering growth and progress aligns well with the aspirations of the nation, and I am certain that under his leadership, Nigeria will witness significant strides towards a prosperous future for all. The choice of Hon. Bello Muhammed is a right choice and am certain he will bring his rich wealth of political and societal knowledge to bare in moving Nigeria forward. His relationship with Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko which is a mentor Mentee relationship is yet another plus for him, he is a true believer of Senator Wamakko’s Political ideology which has greatly helped him in all his political achievements. He has been tested and trusted and has the capacity to deliver on mandate, his nomination is a round peg in round hole. His wealth of political experience cut across the three arms of Government ie Legislature, Excecutive and Judiciary. He is a complete party man who occupied various party positions from the local Government, State, Zonal and National level. A desendant of Sultan Muhammadu Bello of Sheik Usman bn fodio Islamic jihadist, he is a born leader who has never failed in any given responsibility and I can say without fear or favour that President Tinubu will be proud over his appointment as a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. I make bold to say that Hon.(Barr)Bello Muhammad Dip Law, LL.B,BL,MESM,MPhil,CMC is a man whose choice as a Minister is a right choice.

• Isaiah Benjamin, a Journalist, writes from Kaduna.

Experts in the housing sector have faulted lack of data for the housing deficit being experienced in the country.

They said the lack of data is a significant impediment to the development of the housing sector, as it inhibits investment and has adverse effect on the efficiency of Africa’s housing market.

The experts gathered for four days at the 17th annual Africa International Housing show held in Abuja.

Former Director of Private Sector, Africa Development Bank, Mr. Emmanuel Akinwumi stated this through a communiqué released by the delegates and stakeholders at the event.

He said the Federal Government of Nigeria needs to formally adopt the National Housing Strategy launched in May 2023.

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He added, “We require States and relevant Government Agencies including the Federal Mortgage Bank, the Federal Housing Authority to develop a clear implementation plan under the management of a Presidential Delivery Unit. We urge the PDU to publish performance against targets quarterly using relevant but accessible media.

“We call on all stakeholders to collaborate in developing a reliable housing data system. Specifically, we urge collaboration by the Central Bank of Nigeria, Mortgage Bankers Association, Real Estate Development Association of Nigeria, Mortgage Refinance Company, Nigeria Bureau of Statistic, Nigeria Population Commission to establish a unified housing database under the management of the Nigeria Mortgage Refinance Company.

“ We call on all stakeholders to support change towards adopting more sustainable and environmentally friendly housing construction, servicing, and maintenance practices. We urge private and public sector developers to commit to a move towards net zero targets in new housing developments. Furthermore we urge providers to embrace green certification process such as the IFC Edge on new developments.”

The National Coordinator of the Grassroots Mobilisation Platform for Good Governance in Nigeria (GMPGG), Elder Comr. Osumiri Paul Efe recently received the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima at the body’s headquarters in Abuja.

An elated Elder Efe who thanked Shettima for the courtesy visit which he described as “historical” and timely, recalled that GMPGG played a significant role during the presidential campaigns for the joint ticket of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu Senator Kashim Shettima.

Efe, a grassroots political mobiliser had foretold that the then All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate was going to emerge victorious considering the latter’s monumental achievements as the then governor of Lagos state hence he coordinated the electioneering campaigns across the 36 states and FCT chapters of the GMPGG.

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The GMPGG boss also seized the occasion to express his appreciation for the Group’s financier Prof. Philip Shekwolo for his unflinching financial support for the group during the nationwide campaign.

Besides, Elder Efe also lauded the role played by other notable persons of the group including Dr. Waji Bayei, Chairman BOT, Chief Hon. John Hallins Agoda, National Adviser, Barr. Amos Oyibo, Legal Advisor, Chief Sunday Agwa (Bonugo Kwali, FCT); National Patron, Alhaji Mohammed Abrahim, National Secretary, Mr. Anthony Oghenevo; Planning and Strategy, Chief (Amb) Michael A. Ighofese; National Financial Secretary, Mr. Francis Onos Ikpudi; Director, Contact and Mobilisation, Southsouth; Amb (Revd) Light Ukpu, Christian Coordinator and Engr. Edafe Felix, National PRO.

Others include Engr. David D. Pepple, National Patron; Engr. Emoefe Ovie, National Youth Leader; Ayoola Afolobi, National Women Leader; Princess Emoefe Ufuoma, National Director, Contact and Mobilisation; Chief Emanuwa Jerome, Southsouth Coordinator; Engr. Jemudiah Ese Francis, Director Media and our 36 states and FCT Coordinators.

The Chairman, Benue State Assets Recovery Committee, Hon. Hinga Biem said his Committee has so far recovered 48 vehicles from the immediate past administration of Samuel Ortom.

While speaking with The Nation on the activities of his committee inaugurated on 16th, June, 2023 by the Governor Hyacinth Alia-led government to recover both vehicles and landed property which were illegally sold or removed away from government premises, Biem revealed that of this number five persons have willingly returned their vehicles just as a demand notice have been served to 36 public officers.

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He said they have decided to go after some vehicles because the last administration illegally disposed of them without due process.

“Let’s take for instance the governor of Benue state has a number of vehicles on his convoy, while it is right to go with his official and back up vehicles it is questionable why he will take escort, press crew, ,ambulance  and security vehicles, which ordinarily belong to the pool,” he said.

The Nation also gathered from a member of the Assets Recovery Committee that a bullet proof BMW vehicle on the governor’s official fleet stationed at Benue Liaison office Abuja, worth N3billion was sold off for  a paltry N3million, including all back up cars.

The Consul General of Nigeria to North West and South West Regions of Cameroon, Amb. Lawal Bappah, in conjunction with HRM Chief Jonathan Thomas Eze Gburu Gburu, secured the release of thirteen (13) Nigerian inmates at Buea Central Prison, in the Southwest Region of the Republic of Cameroon, on Thursday, 27th July, 2023.

Chief Eze Gburu Gburu (One) of Ohaneze Ndi Igbo in Cameroon is a Nigerian business mogul and philanthropist.

The Nigeria Consul General paid a Consular visit to the Nigerian inmates on 14th June, 2023, and personally assessed the welfare needs of the Nigerian inmates. During the visit, he discovered that there were some Nigerian inmates who completed their jail terms but could not be released due to non-payment of fines.

 Thereafter, he sought the local authorities’ intervention to ameliorate the inmates’ living conditions and possibly to secure the release of those who had completed their jail terms but were not released due to their inability to pay their fines.

The Consul General also reached out to HRM Chief Thomas Eze Gburu Gburu, who has a long-standing record of releasing Nigerians, Cameroonians, as well as other African nationals on humanitarian grounds.

 Eze Gburu Gburu readily accepted to join hands with the Consulate to secure the release of the thirteen Nigerians. Subsequently, the Consulate General and HRM Eze Gburu Gburu cleared the fines for the release of the thirteen Nigerians and got them set free on Thursday, 27th July, 2023.

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In the same vein, HRM Chief Eze Gburu Gburu 1 of Ohaneze Ndi Igbo in Cameroon and Ambassador of Peace, chose to solely extend hands of kindness to five (5) Cameroonians who were languishing in the prison as a result of non-payment of their fines.

As a result, a total of eighteen (18) prisoners, comprising 13 Nigerians and 5 Cameroonians, regained their freedom from the Buea Central Prison on 27th July, 2023.

In the remarks of His Excellency, the Consul  General, during the ceremony at the Buea Central Prison, he reminded the ex-convicts that they were still loved by their families, friends and most importantly by Nigeria. Speaking further, he charged them to escape criminality; start living responsibly, and be very useful to their respective communities. He charged them to guard their loins and engage in legitimate businesses to become profitable members of society.

Amb. Lawal Bappah seized the opportunity to disclose that the Consulate had prepared the necessary travel documents and transport fares to enable the affected Nigerian nationals to travel back to Nigeria.

He rounded off his speech by expressing profound appreciation to HRM Chief Eze Gburu Gburu 1 of Ohaneze Ndi Igbo in Cameroon and Ambassador of Peace;  the Southwest Regional Delegate for Prison as well as the Superintendent of  Buea Central Prison, for their understanding and cooperation in making the historic event a reality.

Speaking at the occasion, Chief Eze Gburu Gburu advised the ex-convicts to drop whatever grievances they might have had against any individuals and to start living new life. He urged them to avoid anything that could bring them back into the prison yard.

In furtherance of his speech, Chief Gburu Gburu opined that prison simply means correction. He stated that it is a school on its own and urged them to remember Nelson Mandela of South Africa, who was once a prisoner but one of the most celebrated world leaders today; even after his death. He ended his words of encouragement by asking the ex-conflicts to go and do good with their lives in their various communities.

While reacting to a question during a press interview,  Chief Gburu Gburu stated that touching lives is what he lives for, and that is what he likes to be remembered for after leaving this world.

The ex-convicts thanked God for their freedom and expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the Consul General of Nigeria and HRM Chief Gburu Gburu. They promised to desist from any forms of criminality that could land them in prison again.

Nigerian inmates released are Edem Wisdom, Emeka Smith, Clement Okon, Eta Effiong, Ifiti Godpower Paul, Emmabong, Peter Kelechi, Emmanuel Thomas Akpan, Happy William, Elvis Effiong, Ady Etom George, Who Know Tomorrow and Silas Ekandem.

Cameroonian inmates released are: Akam Bernard Ojong, Peter Nganje Sambe, Agbor Ginola, Mbange Philip Moe, Eseme Salomon Moukwele

All the 3,550 Muslim pilgrims from Kwara, who performed the 2023 Hajj in Saudi Arabia, have returned.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the last batch of pilgrims arrived at the Ilorin International Airport at 9 a.m. on Saturday.

An Air Peace aircraft that transported the 272 pilgrims departed Jeddah International Airport in Saudi Arabia at 2.30 a.m. on Saturday.

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NAN reports that the pilgrims were received by their relations and well-wishers at the airport.

The Executive Secretary of the state Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji AbdulSalam AbdulKadir, confirmed that: “A total of 272 Kwara pilgrims were on board the Air Peace aircraft from Jeddah Airport.

“With this last return flight, the 3,550 pilgrims that performed this year’s Hajj through the Kwara State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board have all arrived in Ilorin.” 

(NAN)