The Kano State Executive Council has approved the conversion of the Sa’adatu Rimi University of Education to Sa’adatu Rimi College of Education and maintained that it would remain a degree-awarding institution.
The decision to convert the university to a college of education was taken at the 18th sitting of the state’s executive council held on Sept. 18, 2024.
The state government said the development was aimed at enhancing the quality of education and maintaining effective management in the state’s higher education sector.
According to a statement signed by Baba Dantiye, the Kano State Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, and made available to newsmen on Tuesday, the decision followed an extensive consultation with key stakeholders.
It said the decision also followed the recommendation of a high-powered committee appointed by the state government to examine the university’s status and devise a way to enhance its academic quality.
It further stated that the committee’s findings highlighted concerns from the academic and non-academic communities and other stakeholders regarding the potential negative impact of the initial college transition into a university.
“These concerns include the risk of losing experienced lecturers, salary-related conflicts, and administrative challenges that could hinder the institution’s operational efficiency.
“The Council noted that several similar institutions across the country have successfully operated as colleges of education while offering a variety of degree programmes, without transforming into university status, under the “dual mode” introduced by the NCE-regulated body.
“The conversion is expected to have no adverse effects on students, as the current undergraduates in the college will continue with their studies.
“Also, the certificate of the university will be safely kept for future use.
“Moreover, the institution will continue to offer both its traditional courses and additional degree programmes, in line with its newly expanded academic mandate,” the statement read.
Consequently, Gov. Abba Yussuf has approved the dissolution of university management with immediate effect and directed the vice chancellor to hand over the affairs of the former university to his most senior deputy, pending further announcements.
“This strategic decision underscores the Kano State Government’s commitment to ensuring the stability and continued growth of its higher education institutions while addressing the concerns of stakeholders to maintain academic excellence and operational efficiency,” it read.
In Feb. 2023, the National Universities Commission (NUC) approved the licensing and upgrading of Sa’adatu Rimi College of Education to Sa’adatu Rimi University of Education towards the end of the previous administration.
Subsequent to the current economic downturn, many individuals have resorted to engage in several activities that could earn them extra money. Those who have private cars use them to convey passengers while going to and returning from their places of work. GBENGA OMOKHUNU examines the kabukabu business that is fast becoming the trend in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The current high level of hardship in Nigeria is becoming frustrating. There is serious underemployment and unemployment, resulting in reduced purchasing power that did not match the inflation rate ignited by the removal of oil subsidies by the current administration.
In the light of this, many residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja have resorted to using their private vehicles for commercial transportation, popularly known as kabukabu. This is to make ends meet.
Kabukabu is a catchphrase in Nigeria for unregistered taxi cars. The kabukabu runs have become a way of life in the FCT, apparently due to the price of fuel and the harsh economic situation in the country.
Abuja Review observed that civil servants are mostly involved in this means of transportation to make ends meet.
They convey commuters, especially while going to or returning from work in the morning and in the evening respectively. Some others still operate during work hours.
Security operatives such as policemen, soldiers and personnel of other paramilitary agencies such as the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Nigerian Correctional Service, Immigration Service are also not left out.
This trade is no longer exclusive to men. Women also traverse the city with their vehicles scouting for potential passengers. The women involved ply routes that are at the outskirts of the city centre such as Lugbe and Nyanya-Mararaba, while those who cover the city centre are usually seen on the Berger-Area 1 and Federal Secretariat-Area 10-Area 1 routes.
This means of transportation, according to findings, began in Abuja 12 years ago when the former FCT Minister, Malam Nasir El-Rufai’s bulldozers demolished settlements, including people’s means of livelihood. The downturn in the construction industry in Abuja has also not helped matters.
Though people may do kabukabu runs for other reasons, many operators agreed that they do it to augment their income.
The army of kabukabu operators appears to be on the increase in the FCT.
Due to the recent hike in the pump price of petrol, coupled with the attendant hardship induced by the economic downturn, many workers do not fancy wasting money on petrol driving to work and returning home after work alone.
Each time they drive out or while going home from their work place, they pick up passengers. In addition, some people leaving their offices for other parts of the city also pick passengers to make some money.
Alhaji Ibrahim Adamu who resides in Kuje, a satellite town of the FCT, deeply involved in the business told Abuja Review that kabukabu is not an evil means of transportation, considering the economic situation in the country.
Adamu said: “No day passes without my conveying passengers in my car. Everything has become expensive, even to buy noodles for my daughter is pretty difficult because its escalated price. By carrying passengers every morning and evening, it gives me a little more income. I’m not happy with it but I don’t have a choice due to the economic condition we found ourselves in.”
Another civil servant who stays in Kubwa who identified himself as Mr. John Onu blamed the situation on high price of food due to hike in petrol hike.
He said: “I don’t have a choice; the price of petrol is so alarming. Each time I leave my house, I ensure I carry passengers regardless of where I am heading to.”
Like Onu, Mr Yuel Aba, a resident of Nyanya said he would not leave his area without carrying four passengers. But James Atah, another kabukabu operator gave an idea of how much a civil servant could make weekly from the operation.
“The change mantra has really changed me. I have no choice but to look for means of making extra income. I go to work every day, so I make at least N4, 000 a week by carrying passengers, which is manageable. We will always find a way to survive in this country.”
Investigation showed that some people who devote more time to it, especially after work, sometimes make up to N5, 000 daily after refilling their car tanks.
An FRSC officer who operates kabukabu with his car who spoke to The Nation in confidence said there was nothing to be ashamed of. He reasoned that many Nigerians even with higher degrees do much more menial jobs abroad.
He said: “So, why should I not pull off my uniform and make money, or do you want me to steal?”
The hardship in the land notwithstanding, a member of staff of one of the security agencies who identified himself as Inah, who operates mainly from Bolingo Hotel to the Airport when he is duty-free stated that the present government has made Nigerians to be more creative and hardworking, noting that only lazy people are really complaining.
Operating kabukabu is not all rosy. Operators bemoan the recent hike in petrol pump price, which they said has seriously affected their operations. It has been difficult for them to increase their charges too. They lamented that sometimes, an operator may run round the city, wasting fuel without getting a passenger in the afternoon, especially when schools are on holiday.
Besides, they complained about the unwholesome activities of criminals known as one chance, who use their cars and pretend to be kabukabu operators. These criminals, in most cases, dispossess unsuspecting passengers of their valuables and sometimes harm them.
The fear of one chance is one factor militating against kabukabu operation in the FCT. In fact, this same reason made the Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB), to always clamp down on kabukabu operators. It also makes an operator a ready prey for overzealous security agents on the roads.
Mustapha Ahmed, a civil servant in one of the agencies of the FCT insisted that kabukabu has come to stay, noting that any attempt to outlaw it would be anti-people.
He rather urged the Transport Department of the FCTA to fashion a way of integrating them into the transport policy.
“Since the urge for survival forced people into it, the government should find a way of regulating it by registering and taking details of those who operate kabukabu in Abuja. Once you register the vehicle, it would be difficult for the user to indulge in criminal ventures,” he said.
Many people also said they have no alternative considering the hike in school fees in both private and public schools many of who have increased their transportation fees by almost 100 per cent.
Many criminals and kidnappers also take the kabukabu business to commit crime, even as many people have been killed through this means.
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike has said despite the economic challenges, residents of FCT should be careful of the dangers of boarding vehicles that are not registered as taxis.
During his several occasions of putting in place transport terminals across the FCT, the minister said the government will not allow people to pick passengers anywhere to avoid kidnapping and other criminal offenses. Wike described the act as dangerous.
The absence of bus stops and bus terminals within the city and other transport infrastructure has made movement of people, goods and services within Abuja a terrible experience. Different levels and shades of insecurity of life and property and other transport-related crimes are now the order of the day.
Apart from the Gwagwalada, Zuba, Utako and Nyanya Motor Parks which are far below the standard of a modern motor parks or transport terminus befitting a modern capital city such as Abuja, other transportation points within the city are more of a makeshift arrangement or personal properties converted to motor parks. This is mostly true of inter–state transport companies who use private residential apartments dotted all over the city as offices for transportation business.
Highways and arterial roads are mostly constructed in Abuja without important road infrastructure such as temporary or emergency stop points, emergency ambulance service points and other security architecture.
The Abuja Urban Mass Transport Company Limited (AUMTCO), the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) established in 1984 as Abuja Bus Service (ABS) and later registered on November 13 1989 as Abuja Urban Mass Transport Company Limited is an example of how things should not be done in an efficient society; as its impact is yet to be felt by resident and visitors to Abuja.
Past ministers of the Federal Capital Territory did not do well with the AUMTCO in providing a steady and reliable transportation system that could take care of the transportation needs of the evolving capital city.
Malam Nasir El-rufai, who popularised the Abuja Green Cab and high capacity buses which were later christened after him as El-rufai buses may have done his best but it was soon destroyed by the decay in the system after he left office in 2007.
Efforts to re-introduce these high-capacity buses for effective transportation by subsequent administrations have not yielded any positive result.
Temporary interventions by private investors under the Public, Private Partnership (PPP) arrangements of the Jonathan and Buhari administrations did not stand the test of time as the initiatives were not sustained.
One of the dangers of the absence of effective transportation system is the notorious one-chance syndrome which is fast becoming a norm in the FCT. As a result of the failed transportation system, many residents and visitors to the FCT have fallen victim to kidnapping from boarding vehicles and make-shift taxis from the Illegal motor parks dotting the city.
Loss of man-hours to avoidable traffic lock jams from satellite towns into the city centre is an issue that calls for concern. Workers sometimes spend as much as four hours or more to cover a distance that should not exceed 15 minutes on a normal day if the vehicular movements are organised.
Wike, the man that is believed to work his talk has been in the news for some transformation initiatives of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.
During one of the ceremonies to inaugurate the transport terminals in the FCT which was held at the Eagles Square, the minister noted that the importance of the bus terminals in ensuring the safety of commuters and passengers in the city and providing some recreational activities, including having a built-in cinema has become necessary.
Wike also gave assurances that the project will be completed in the coming year, adding that the bus terminal will integrate and improve the transport system in the FCT, even as he appreciated the support of President Tinubu.
“By the grace of God, through the support of Mr President, we have continued to expand the road structure. Yet, if we expand the road infrastructure without linking it with the various bus terminals, we do not think we would be able to achieve what we should achieve.
“What we are trying to do is to integrate and improve our transport system. It is going to cut all these so-called one-chance crimes that are always committed. I believe that, by the grace of God, next year, as the contractor has promised us, we will formally inaugurate these three bus and taxi terminals to the glory of God,” Wike stated.
While speaking to Abuja Review, the immediate past FCT Commissioner of Police, Benneth Igweh who has been promoted to an Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG), Zone 7 warned people of boarding vehicles they cannot trace when there is any problem.
Igweh said: “We have been saying that people should help us tackle the issue of one chance and kidnapping in the FCT. We will continue to do our job to always keep Abuja safe. We have been arresting several criminals and we will not rest on our oars in ensuring that, with the help of the FCT Minister, Abuja residents are safe.”
The African Public Relations Association (APRA), the umbrella body of public relations practitioners and professionals in Africa, has extended its deepest sympathies to the governments and people of Nigeria and Cameroon in light of the devastating floods affecting the two countries.
The incidents include the recent severe flooding in Borno State and other parts of Northeast Nigeria, as well as in Cameroon’s Far North Province, particularly the city of Yagoua, the capital of the Mayo Danay Department.
APRA lamented over the tragic floods caused by the collapse of a dam in Maiduguri and by torrential rains in Mayo Danay. These floods have led to numerous fatalities, widespread displacement, and significant ecological disruption.
The Association said it is deeply concerned about the impact of the floods on local markets and livelihoods in Maiduguri and surrounding areas, as well as the reported escape of wildlife, including dangerous reptiles, after the partial destruction of a zoo.
The APRA’s message was conveyed in a statement by its Secretary General, Omoniyi Ibietan, on Tuesday, September 17.
The statement read: “In Cameroon, over a hundred primary and secondary schools are affected as well as livestock, infrastructure and livelihoods.
“In these incidents, we are faced with humanitarian crises and, therefore, really concerned about the recurrence, just a month after the collapse of the Arba’at Dam in Sudan that equally caused deaths and displacement of persons in many communities.
“APRA is determined to work with all governments, institutions, and other stakeholders within and outside the continent to address communication management on climate change and other topical issues central to securing livelihoods, improving quality of life, and enhancing growth across sectors in Africa.
“Just two months ago, APRA leaders met with other stakeholders within the Association to announce the institutionalization of committees to act on specific challenges of African people. One of these teams focuses on the African Union and Related Linkages.
“Through that committee, APRA plans to leverage its observer status with the African Union and engage with appropriate councils of ministers to enhance communication management that will transform many sectors in Africa.”
It further stated: “APRA is united behind the aims of the governments and peoples of Nigeria and Cameroon to find solutions to the humanitarian crises attending the disasters.
“The central governments of these countries, the subnational governments in Borno State and Far North Province in Nigeria and Cameroon respectively, and other local and international stakeholders are commended on their responses to the crises to bring succour to those affected by the floods.
“On behalf of all members, the Executive Council of APRA hereby sends sincere condolence to those who lost family members and friends, and wishes the displaced, the injured as well as those whose livelihoods have been affected a speedy recovery.”
The Thinklab Charity Foundation, a subsidiary of Thinklab Group Limited, has donated N20 million to the Borno state government to aid relief efforts for victims of the recent flood disaster in Maiduguri and Jere.
Dr. Sa’id Alkali Kori, Founder and Chairman of the Foundation, who made the donation, also announced a N10 million grant for long-term research into Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) measures to mitigate future disasters.
Represented by Dr. Abba Damuna, Director of Projects at Thinklab, Dr. Kori expressed his deep sympathy for the people of Borno State affected by the floods.
He emphasised that the donation aims to significantly support the ongoing relief efforts, which are crucial as the disaster has left many families displaced and properties damaged.
He said: “Dr. Kori, a renowned entrepreneur and philanthropist, has consistently demonstrated his commitment to giving back to the community through various charitable initiatives. This latest donation is a testament to his dedication to supporting those in need and his passion for positively impacting society.
“We are deeply moved by the suffering of the people of Borno State and are committed to supporting the government’s efforts to provide relief to the affected communities.
“Through Thinklab Charity Foundation, we aim to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those affected by this disaster. Our long-term intervention of a ten million Naira research grant on ESG and Control measures will help identify sustainable solutions to mitigate the effects of future disasters.
“Thinklab Charity Foundation has been involved in various philanthropic initiatives, including education, healthcare, and disaster relief. This donation is a testament to the company’s dedication to giving back to the community and positively impacting society,” he said.
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum, represented by the Committee on Flood Chairman, Baba Bukar Gujbawu, expressed gratitude to Dr. Kori and Thinklab Group Limited for their generosity.
He said: “We are thankful for this kind gesture from Dr. Kori and Thinklab Group Limited. This donation will go a long way in supporting our relief efforts and providing succour to the victims of the flood disaster.”
In a statement signed by its president and chairman of the governing council, Mallam Ahmed Gobir, CIPM reassured candidates and stakeholders that no charges were imposed for rescheduling exams due to technical issues.
“Our rescheduling process is transparent, fair, and free of charge for candidates affected by genuine technical difficulties,” the statement read.
Gobir emphasised the institute’s commitment to maintaining the integrity and ensuring that all examinations are conducted fairly and transparently.
He said that during the exam session on September 13, 2024, some candidates experienced technical challenges and to accommodate them, CIPM extended the test window from the original 12:00pm deadline to 6:00 PM, allowing those facing network difficulties to complete their exams.
All affected candidates were promptly informed of the extension.
Gobir also explained that issues such as accreditation failures or submission difficulties are common in virtual exams and may arise from factors like poor internet connectivity, incorrect computer specifications, or limited computer literacy.
CIPM, in collaboration with its technical partners, has been proactive in providing support to candidates facing these challenges, ensuring they are rescheduled promptly and without additional cost.
“The Institute’s examination process is guided by ISO 17024 standards, which mandate fairness, equity, and transparency in online exams,” Gobir stated.
He also highlighted the role of the remote proctoring system used to monitor candidates throughout the examination process. This system ensures strict adherence to standards, with unaccredited systems unable to access exam questions.
CIPM takes pride in being the first professional body in Nigeria to introduce virtual exams during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, the institute has continued to adapt, innovate, and improve the virtual exam experience for candidates.
During the September 2024 exam diet, 4,169 candidates were scheduled, and 97.12% successfully participated.
Of those, 98.94% submitted their exams without issues, while those facing accreditation or technical problems were promptly rescheduled.
CIPM remains committed to delivering high-quality professional examinations that meet global standards. As a pioneer in virtual examinations in Nigeria, the institute continues to set a benchmark, with other professional bodies following its lead.
The Northern Youth Forum (NYF) has praised progress made in the fight against banditry in the North West region, attributing the success to the leadership and dedication of Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle.
According to the Forum, Matawalle’s recent visit to the region has brought instant results, likening his intervention to a fast-acting remedy that brings swift relief.
In a statement by its President, Alhaji Bagudu Mohammed Kudu, the Forum commended President Tinubu for appointing Matawalle, saying his presence has energized the troops and brought a new sense of purpose to the operation.
With bandits fleeing in disarray, the Northern Youth Forum expressed pride and gratitude towards the Minister and the security forces, urging the government to sustain the momentum.
Kudu said: “The Northern Youth Forum is thrilled to witness the remarkable progress in the war against banditry in the North West region, courtesy of the unwavering dedication and strategic leadership of Minister Bello Matawalle, the Minister of State for Defence.
“As President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s trusted lieutenant, Matawalle has brought a new era of hope and relief to the long-suffering people of Sokoto, Zamfara, Kebbi, and other affected areas.
“His recent visit to the North West has been a game-changer, yielding instant results that are a testament to his unflinching commitment to ending the scourge of banditry.
“Maganin Kunama, in Hausa, refers to a fast-acting remedy that brings instant relief from the painful sting of a scorpion. Matawalle’s intervention is akin to this potent medicine, bringing swift and tangible results to the region.
“We have always believed in the capabilities of our Armed Forces, and their bravery and sacrifice will never be in doubt. However, what was lacking was the political will to tackle the bandits head-on.
“President Tinubu’s decision to send Matawalle to the theatre of operation has filled this gap, and the results are evident for all to see. Matawalle’s visit has been a masterstroke, and we urge the government to sustain this momentum.
“The Minister’s presence has energized the troops, and his strategic leadership has brought a new sense of purpose to the operation. As the bandits, led by the notorious Turji Bello, flee in disarray, we cannot help but feel a sense of pride and gratitude towards Matawalle and the entire security apparatus.
“This is a victory for the people, and we must ensure that it is sustained.”
The Forum called on stakeholders to support the government’s efforts and praised Matawalle for his courage and commitment to ending banditry. ” The people of the North West are forever grateful, and we look forward to a future free from the shackles of banditry,” Kudu stated.
The Northern Youth Congress (NYC) has praised the Dangote Foundation and its founder Aliko Dangote for generous donation towards flood relief efforts in Borno State.
Recently, Dangote visited Maiduguri to announce a donation of N1.5 billion to support flood relief efforts.
The donation include N1 billion to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and N500 million to the Borno State Government.
According to a statement by Alhaji Mohammed Ali, the NYC commended Dangote’s commitment to humanity, stating that his contribution will significantly impact the relief efforts and provide much-needed support to those affected by the floods.
The NYC applauded Dangote’s selfless act and commitment to humanity, praying that his contribution will ease the suffering of the people of Maiduguri and Borno State and assist in the recovery process.
Ali praised the Aliko Dangote Foundation’s dedication to investing in a healthier, better-educated, and empowered Africa, evident in this donation.
The group further described Alhaji Dangote as one of the few genuine businessmen who genuinely care for humanity.
“The Northern Youth Congress (NYC) wishes to express its heartfelt commendation to the Dangote Foundation and its founder, Aliko Dangote, for their exceptional benevolence towards the flood victims in Borno State,” the statement said.
“The recent devastating floods in Borno State have left thousands of residents displaced and vital infrastructure destroyed. In response to this humanitarian crisis, Alhaji Dangote visited Maiduguri to announce a substantial donation aimed at supporting flood relief efforts.
“During his visit, Alhaji Dangote pledged N1 billion to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to help address the extensive devastation caused by the floods. This donation will be instrumental in addressing immediate humanitarian needs, including shelter, food, and medical assistance.
“In addition to the NEMA donation, Alhaji Dangote committed a further N500 million directly to the Borno State Government. This critical financial aid will bolster local recovery and rebuilding efforts, supporting the state’s initiatives to restore vital infrastructure and services.
“The combined N1.5 billion donation is a testament to Alhaji Dangote’s commitment to humanity and his dedication to supporting those in need. This philanthropic effort is part of a broader initiative to alleviate the suffering of those impacted by the natural disaster.
“Alhaji Dangote’s contribution is expected to have a significant impact on the relief efforts, providing much-needed support to those affected by the floods. His leadership by example is a clarion call to the private sector to join hands in supporting the relief efforts.
“Dangote’s philanthropic efforts through the Dangote Foundation have been a beacon of hope for countless Nigerians. His selfless dedication to supporting those in need is unparalleled, and his commitment to the well-being of Nigerians is unwavering.
“Dangote never fails to show up for the masses at any time. Whether it’s providing relief to flood victims, supporting healthcare initiatives, or empowering communities through education and economic empowerment programs, the Dangote Foundation has consistently demonstrated a genuine interest in the welfare of Nigerians.
“We salute Dangote’s compassion, leadership, and unwavering commitment to humanity. He is indeed a shining example of what it means to be a responsible and caring member of society.
“We therefore call on other businessmen and corporate entities to emulate Dangote’s example by supporting the flood relief efforts in Borno State. We must join hands with the Dangote Foundation in supporting the victims of the Borno State floods.
“Together, we can make a significant difference in the lives of those affected by this disaster and help them rebuild their communities.”
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has carried out free medical services for over 3,370 residents in different areas of medical needs as part of its Renewed Hope Medical Mission.
The scope of the medical services provided includes Health Promotion, Antenatal Care (ANC), immunization services, free HIV screening, screening for diabetes, hypertension, and sickle cell diseases, free dental health services, and nutritional assessment amongst others.
Flagging off the free medical outreach in Bwari Area Council, the FCT Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, stressed that the FCT Administration is fully committed to meeting not just the peoples’ health needs, but also the needs that would give the residents of the FCT the best health services.
Mahmoud noted that Nigeria is one of African nations with high maternal and child morbidity and mortality resulting from poor ANC attendance, low facility-based delivery, and low uptake of immunization and family planning services, especially in hard-to-reach communities.
She also noted that rapid population expansion leading to increased demand for health services has posed serious health challenges to the Administration.
To address some of these identified challenges, the minister stressed the FCT Administration’s commitment to improving the primary healthcare system, such as renovation, upgrading, and building of more primary health centers across the 6 area councils, and employment of more healthcare workers.
The minister used the occasion to speak on the danger signs in pregnancy, the importance of ANC attendance, exclusive breastfeeding, the importance of immunization in preventing childhood diseases such as polio, TB, pneumonia, pertussis, diphtheria, measles, the importance of screening for HIV, Diabetes, Hypertension, amongst others.
Earlier, the Mandate Secretary of Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, acknowledged that despite recent improvements in access to quality healthcare for residents of the Federal Capital Territory, many communities remain underserved.
She noted that free medical missions are global best practices used to provide targeted medical and surgical care to meet the health needs of underserved and vulnerable populations.
“This strategy has been successfully adopted in many parts of Nigeria, and it takes healthcare directly to those who need it most through mobile health service delivery,” she added.
Fasawe emphasised that the success recorded in the last free medical outreach held in the Kuje area council gave birth to the expansion of the 2024 medical mission.
She said: “We attended to 1,578 general outpatients, with 42 referred to Wuse and Asokoro Hospitals for surgery.
“Dental services were provided to 302 patients, including 45 extractions, 12 dentures, and 5 operculectomia, with 48 referrals to Wuse Hospital.
“For eye care, we saw 931 patients, provided reading glasses to 531 of them, and made 91 referrals to Asokoro Hospital, where 29 cataract extractions have been completed. Antenatal care was provided to 74 women, and 49 enrolled in health insurance.”
The high point of the event was the FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, who carried out a consultation on some patients.
The Jigawa government has handed the Hadejia Wetland Game Reserve as a National Park to be operated by the Federal Government.
Governor of Jigawa State, Umar Namadi handed the park to the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal on behalf of the Federal Government.
The minister, who was represented by the Conservator-General, National Park Service, Dr. Ibrahim Goni said the park would “undoubtedly become an eco-tourism hotspot, attracting visitors from far and wide.”
He said: “Hadejia Wetlands Game Reserve holds a delicate balance that sustains life and provides crucial ecosystem services. It serves as a sanctuary for numerous wildlife species, including birds, amphibians, and fishes, and safeguards biodiversity.
The Park will undoubtedly become an eco-tourism hotspot, attracting visitors from far and wide. This presents an excellent opportunity to showcase the natural beauty and cultural diversity of the Nigerian landscape while generating economic opportunities for local communities. The potential for sustainable job creation, increased revenue, and community development should not be underestimated.
“The journey of upgrading the Hadejia Wetlands Game Reserve to a National Park began in 2011 when the Jigawa state government expressed interest in the upgrade. In November 2020, the former President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, approved the upgrade of ten (10) Forest and Game Reserves to National Parks, including Hadejia Wetlands, bringing the total number of National Parks in Nigeria to seventeen (17). Establishing these Parks aligns with our country’s efforts to achieve global biodiversity conservation targets outlined in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) and improve internal security. The ten (10) new National Parks are as follows:
Hadejia Wetlands National Park in Jigawa State, which is being handed over today
Allawa National Park in Niger State
Apoi National Park in Bayelsa State
Edumanom National Park in Bayelsa State
Falgore National Park in Kano State
Kogo National Park in Katsina State
Kampe National Park in Kwara State
Marhai National Park in Nasarawa State
Oba Hills National Park in Osun State
Pandam National Park in Plateau State
“As a Ministry, we are well aware of the challenges associated with the effective management of the Reserve, as we are already taking necessary steps to deal with them. Part of these steps is the engagement of the Ministry with Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) project to assist in the construction of a five room Rangers’ barracks, in addition to designing management and system plans.
“We are also actively engaging with the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Nigeria Armed Forces, and other security outfits to enhance the capacity of Rangers and Forest and Game Guards through training, additional arms and ammunition, and technology-based patrol equipment. These efforts aim to improve internal security within and around our forest areas.
“Your Excellency, be rest assured that we will utilize the best available technologies, scientific expertise, and community involvement to protect this invaluable natural asset for future generations.
“I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Your Excellency for your resilience in ensuring that the action taken by your predecessor sees the light of the day. Your dedication to safeguarding our planet is truly commendable, and your role in the sustainable development of our nation cannot be understated.
“To the Indigenous People and Local Communities residing near the Park, I assure you that your voices will be heard, and your interests will be taken into consideration. We are committed to promoting community-led conservation approaches that foster a sense of ownership and enable you to benefit equitably from the Park’s resources. Our goal is to forge a strong partnership between the federal government, state authorities, and the local populace to ensure the success of the National Park project.”
The Network for Growth and Actualisation of Social Growth (NEFGAD) has said the constituency projects nominated by National Assembly members were destroying the country’s budgeting and procurement systems.
The group condemned the collusive practice and management of constituency projects by the National Assembly and procuring entities saying it was illegal and unconstitutional.
NEFGAD, which is a public procurement advocacy group, alleged that the National Assembly had gone beyond its constitutional boundary by hijacking procurement proceedings midway during budget presentation under the guise of performing oversight functions or protecting constituency interests.
The group made this known through a statement signed by its Country Head of Office, Mr Akingunola Omoniyi in Abuja on Thursday.
“Apart from abrogating inexistent executive functions to itself in this regards, the entire constituency projects concept has no mention in the constitution or any extant law of the federation but rather a mere conduit pipe used by some corrupt politicians to siphon public funds,” the statement said.
It added: “Nigeria is a federation that clearly separates power in a manner as to ensure that legislative, judicial and executive duties do not overlap.
“The judiciary has dutifully stayed within these separated powers and has never tampered with the appropriation/procurement process, hence, the National Assembly as law makers should emulate the judiciary by ensuring that they maintain the sanctity of the sanctified notion of power separation.
“The public procurement Act, 2007 is the making of the parliament that guides the conduct of public procurement including the origin of any public project which is through procurement planning committees of ministerial/extra-ministerial procuring entities. These committees have the legal mandate to conduct project’s needs assessment, feasibility studies, cost analysis among other functions till such project finds its way into appropriation bill as a budget line-item for legislative scrutiny otherwise known as budget defence.
“This budget defence can never strip ministerial procurement committees of vested power of project originator and does not confer the same on the national assembly. If at all, anything is wrong with a particular project or budget line-item, such can only be referred back to the procuring entity for necessary corrections or at best outright removal from the entire appropriation.”
The statement said that it is this deliberate overlap that aggravated most corruption tendencies the country experiences around entities’ budgeting and public procurement systems.
“This illegal constituency project insertions is the reason procuring entities veer off their establishment mandates that give instances whereby research institutes abandon their research and development mandates for unrelated line-items such as the purchase of farm implements for farmers in selected rural communities and procuring motorcycles for selected rural communities. There is also a case of women affairs establishment budgeting for roads construction projects in selected communities across the country.
“All this nonsense has not only destroyed the entire budgeting and procurement systems, it has also weakened the National Assembly’s oversight powers along the procurement and budgeting line as a result of these undue influence and collusion.”
The group asked the National Assembly to desist from the unconstitutional practice of procurement interference, saying it has concluded plans to approach the court to seek necessary judicial interpretation as soon as the court resumes from vacation.
