The Nation Newspaper

Category: Northern Report

  • ‘Youths, develop your business skills’

    Youths’ ability to develop their entrepreneurial skills has been described as one of the factors that can reposition them for leadership.

    Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Galaxy Transportation and Construction Services Limited, Mr. Babagana Dalori who made this known in Abuja while receiving an award from the FCT branch of the Nigerian Youth Council of Nigeria, described a regenerated entrepreneurial drive among youths as a major tool to fight economic recession.

    Dalori urged youths to be willing to take risk as he did when the decided to venture into tricycle business with what he earned during the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

    While adding that the award would spur into doing more for the youth, he said his decision not to wait for white collar jobs has benefited thousands of young people in the country.

    “I am advising them even before they can graduate from their various tertiary institutions; they should have a plan B in case they did not get any white collar job. They can at least start something with their plan B before they can secure a job,” he said.

    The president of the FCT branch of NYCN, Solomon Imoiveghe said Dalori was honoured as the role model of the Nigeria youth because of his initiative to empowering the youth and taking them from employee to employers.

    He said youths can learn and look up to him as he is an epitome of a silent achiever, who was not born with a silver spoon but has forged a name for himself yet with little no attention.

  • Tough lesson for Plateau teachers

    Tough lesson for Plateau teachers

    The teachers were sober when they heard the verdict. Primary school pupils were not speaking well, and it was because they were not being taught well.

    Chairman of the Plateau State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) Professor Sule Matthew did not mince words when he addressed Plateau State teachers at the Olusegun Obasanjo Model School, Jos, the state capital.

    “The federal government is not pleased with the quality of children coming out of our primary schools all over the country,” he said to the teachers who were in the middle of a training programme. “It is not peculiar to Plateau State, and if the foundation at the primary level of education is not strong, such pupil will find the secondary school level difficult, and often lead to school dropouts.

    “Government has observed that the reading habit of children of public school nowadays is poor, there is the need to do something, and that something is the ongoing training for our primary schools teachers. It is hoped that after this training, these teachers will be equipped with [sufficient knowledge and skills] to teach our children how to read and speak English and solve mathematics with ease.”

    Speaking further, Prof Sule said, “This training is an intervention by Federal Government to get it right from the basic level. The foundation has to be on sound footing, we can’t continue to allow poor quality teaching…We the current leaders owe our children the best education required, if not, prosperity will not forgive us. So the target of this special training for teachers is our primary school children.”

    A consultancy firm, Universal Learning Solution, took charge of the training in collaboration with Jolly Learning Limited of United Kingdom.

  • For the love of the president

    For the love of the president

    When President Muhammadu Buhari was receiving medical care overseas, Plateau State Christians and Muslims were united in prayer for his recovery; upon his return, the bond is even stronger. YUSUFU AMINU IDEGU reports 

    After voting overwhelmingly for him in the 2015 election, Plateau State residents would show again just how much they loved President Muhammadu Buhari. They did that when he fell ill and went for treatment in London. The state’s Christian and Muslim faithful went into prayers for his quick recovery and return. The churches were just as busy as the mosques. At a point, Christians joined the Muslims in a mosque in a telling moment of love and faith.

    The state governor, Simon Lalong, a Christian, called for intercessory prayers for his president, directing that the state’s monthly prayer session held in the Government House Chapel be dedicated to the health of the President.

    Government House Champlain, Rev. Father David Ajang, not only led the prayer session but took time to explain why Christians should pray for Muslim leaders.

    He said, “The Bible encourages we Christians to pray for leaders as well as people in authority because leaders are made by God. Every problem of the country requires divine intervention and that is why everyone should pray for God to intervene in the health of our president.”

    Also in Jos Central Mosque, a former Minister of State for Information Alhaji Ibrahim Salisu Nakande led a prayer session for the President.

    Chief Imam, Sheikh Lawal Adam led the prayers. In his remarks, the ex-minister Dasuki Nakande said President Buhari needs prayers not only for his recuperation but God’s guidance and protection to deliver his campaign promises and take the nation to new heights.

    Hon. Nakande who is also an All Progressive Congress (APC)  chieftain urged Nigerians to continue praying for Buhari to succeed.

    Now imagine how the state’s residents, especially those in Jos, the capital, reacted when the President returned, after extending his medical vacation amid speculations and death rumours. They poured out into the streets, chanting the president’s name in a clear demonstration of relief.

    As the news spread in Jos like wildfire, some residents of the state especially those of Hausa ethnic group took to the streets in jubilation.

    There was a procession of tricycles and motorcycles including some on foot. Most of them bore the photograph of Mr. President. The jubilant crowd chanted “Allah Akbar,” which means “God is great”. Some shouted “Buhari 2019”, some others sang “Buhari for Life”, Sai Baba, Sai Magaskiya, etc.

    The procession went through Tafawa Balewa Street, Kwararafa, Bauchi Road, Murtala Muhammed Way, Gangeri, and Angwuan Rogo.

    Some of them spoke on why they took to the streets.

    Abdullahi Sabo said, “We are celebrating because Allah has granted our prayers, we have been praying for the safe arrival of our President, and now he is back hail and hearty, that is why we are celebrating.

    Sadiq Usman said, “We have to celebrate because some people wished our president dead in UK hospital, but some of us prayed against their bad wishes, so with the arrival of our President we have won, our prayer superceed that of those who wished the president dead.

    Mallam Kabiru Yahaya said, “Allah is really great, that is why we are shouting “Allah Akbar” nobody can kill our president, he must finish his four years as our president and we will give him another four years in 2019 “insha Allah” meaning (‘by the grace of God).

    Indeed, there were a number of intercessory prayers in the state in the last three weeks. One was held at Jumaat Mosque organised by Alhaji Salish Nakande and his group. That prayer session saw the coming together of Christians and Muslims who prayed together in Jos Central mosque for Mr. President.

    Great care was taken to ensure that the street procession was not hijacked by hoodlums. That was why the celebration did not last too long. Even while it lasted, security agents kept a close eye on the procession so as to respond promptly at the slightest sign of chaos.

     

  • Govt trains 1,500 in civil service

    The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has in the past three months trained 1,500 staff of various cadres from its Secretariats, Departments and Agencies (SDAs).

    FCT Permanent Secretary, Dr. Babatope Ajakaiye disclosed this at the closing ceremony of one of the training sessions at the Public Service Institute of Nigeria, Dutse-Alhaji, Abuja.

    Ajakaiye said that the first of the one-week capacity training course was held between 5th and 9th December 2016 and the last session was rounded off at the weekend.

    Ajakiaye revealed that 600 staff were trained in Basic Computer Appreciation skills using Microsoft Office Tools to enhance their productivity, while the remaining 900 were trained on fundamentals of Public Service with focus on Procurement Act, Financial Regulations and Public Service Rules.

    He said that Civil Service remains the key driver of Nigeria’s development, and therefore, the personnel need to be well trained to meet the current global challenges in tune with the Change Agenda of the Federal Government.

    The Permanent Secretary said that in view of the crucial role Civil Service plays in the country’s march towards development, the Administration of President Muhammadu Buhari is doing everything possible to ensure rectitude in that sector.

    He said, “The Civil Service is the most important aspect of governance. In fact, Civil Service is the most strategic and essential ingredient as far as Nigeria’s development is concerned. This is why government is doing everything necessary with a view to ensuring that we get it right.”

    The Permanent Secretary charged officers to always adhere strictly to their assignments, in spite of whose ox is being gored; adding that for civil servants who insist on the doing the right thing, they have nothing to fear.

    He urged participants to contribute their quota in their various capacities for the progress of the country; stressing those civil servants should always consider their assignment as service to humanity and not opportunity to amass wealth.

    The Administrator of the Institute Dr. Shehu Misau commended the FCT Administration for giving top priority to building the capacity needs of its officers.

  • ‘Nigeria’s economic survival depends on non-export’

    The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) has said that Nigeria’s economic sur-vival is dependent on the non-export sector.

    The council said gone were the days the country depended solely on oil as its main economic survival, adding that Nigeria should focus attention on non-oil exportable products that would be of economic importance to the country.

    The NEC said it would organise a stakeholders summit on non-oil export next month in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

    The Western Zone Coordinator of the Nigerian Shippers Council Olurotim Anifowose said this in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, when he paid a courtesy visit to the state Commerce and Cooperatives Commissioner, Alhaji Ahmed Rifun.

    “Our major challenge is that most entrepreneurs in the state are sceptical of registering with us; it is these ministries that can help bring them closer to us so that they know the benefits inherent in registering with the council,” he said.

    “We have been mandated to ensure that our non-oil exportable items are brought to limelight. The summit is expected to bring marketing groups together for them to throw up their challenges and proffer solutions to them.

    “We are now the agency regulating the economic potentials of Nigeria either through sea, airports and land. We want to leverage on the ministry of commerce and cooperatives’ experience to achieve this laudable project.”

    Mr. Anifowose added that the ministry has been supportive of the council’s cause, saying “there is a level of commitment and serious contributions in everything we do as an organisation.”

    Alhaji Rifun who was represented by the ministry Permanent Secretary, Alhaji Bayo Onimago assured of the state preparedness to provide the enabling environment for the council to operate in the state.

    He said the role the shippers’ council has been playing in Nigeria cannot be underplayed.

    “I assure that we will actually partner with you. We will facilitate a nexus between you and the entrepreneurs. But you need to embark on aggressive advocacy and enlightenment programmes to sensitise members of the public on your activities,” the commissioner counseled.

  • ‘Women must fight prejudice, promote equality’

    A non-governmental organisation, Helpline Foundation for the Needy, Abuja, has called on women to forge a better working environment that will promote their empowerment and gender-inclusiveness.

    The President of the foundation, Mrs. Jumai Ahmadu  made the call in Abuja while speaking to the media as part of activities commemorating this year’s International Women’s Day (IWD) celebration, stressing the need to celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political activities of women.

    While speaking on this year’s theme: “Be Bold for Change”, Mrs. Ahmadu called on women to do everything to overcome entrenched prejudice, support engagement and activism and promote gender equality, noting that Nigerian women cannot be excluded from this global call.

    Mrs. Ahmadu acknowledged that the task of women empowerment and gender equality should be the responsibility of both government and non-governmental organisations, even as she observed that government should be responsible in the policy formulation of women empowerment scheme.

    “I understand that a key feature of 2017’s International Women’s Day is the call for “a day without women”. That is, for women to take the day off work. While I agree that it would be tremendously effective if we could mobilise every single woman on the street, but my major concern as a very privileged, financially stable woman is for government and stakeholders to initiate policies and programmes that will empower women economically, socially, culturally and politically. It is my candid opinion that economic empowerment breed boldness for change,” she said.

    Mrs. Ahmadu pledged that Helpline Foundation will continue on its empowerment programmes for women in the six. Area Councils of the Federal Capital Territory, adding that her foundation had at last year empowered over 400 widows on free interest macro-credit loan across the length and breadth of the Territory.

    She said, “From our experience in dealing with these women; we discovered that what they need is support from government in the area of capacity building and available start off packages for them to contribute to the local economy and be self-reliant. Government should put structures in place to help to assist them with finance and equipment that will make the local economy vibrant”.

    She also observed that since the first International Women’s Day was marked, there has been a significant improvement in the lives of women across the globe, in terms of gender equality, education, and increased visibility and recognition in politics.

    It could be recalled that the International Women’s Day (IWD) was originally called International Working Day, is celebrated on March 8, every year to commemorate the struggle for women’s rights.

  • Rare loyalty

    Vice President Yemi Osinbajo last Friday displayed core loyalty to his boss, President Muhammadu Buhari.

    The occasion was the brief ceremony welcoming Buhari back to the country after 50 days medical vacation in the United Kingdom. Buhari had written to the National Assembly naming Osinbajo in line with the 1999 Constitution as Acting President to run the affairs of the country in his absence.

    The 50 days in the saddle as the Acting President was enough time to ignite selfish ideas and moves in the head of any over-ambitious deputy. Such over ambitious Vice Presidents would have been perfecting schemes and moves to become the substantive president. That was the main reason why some past Nigerian leaders, when they wanted to rest or go for medical check-up and treatments, found it difficult to transmit a letter to the National Assembly to pave way for the number two citizen to become Acting President in their absence. They would rather hang onto power while abroad under various guises to receive medical treatment.

    Osinbajo’s loyalty was further put to test while he held sway as the Acting President when some Nigerians began to sing his praises because the naira was appreciating against the dollar and there was increase of daily oil production due to peace in the Niger Delta region.

    Osinbajo didn’t allow all the praises get to his head as he remained focused in steering the ship of state.

    Given the opportunity to speak on Friday, Osinbajo did not only thank Buhari for giving him the opportunity to serve in that capacity, but also displayed very rare core loyalty to his boss.

    At the First Lady conference hall venue of the meeting, Osinbajo on behalf of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) welcomed the President back home.

    He said, “We are very grateful to God that you are back home hale and hearty. Mr president, I must say that personally, this has been a very interesting few days for me. First I must say that I want to thank you very much for the confidence reposed in me by handing over the realm of government to me in the capacity of Acting President.

    “I think more important is that you demonstrated the belief in our system which is even more important than anything else.

    “The constitution which we all swore to uphold is important because it outlines the code of conduct. I want to say not only am I, but I am sure the entire nation is grateful to you.

    “For me I must say that it has been an interesting period going around the nation in borrowed robes. I must say I had a very interesting and challenging time but above all, the President gave us the good support,” he stated

    It is only hoped that such relationship between the President and the Vice President will continue even beyond 2019.

     

    Ending corruption in public service

     

    The federal civil service, which is a very crucial group to governance, has been described as a clog in the wheel of progress of the Federal Government over the years.

    It comprises of employees responsible for planning, giving advice and implementing policies in government ministries, departments and agencies.

    The group, which is involved in bills drafting, preparation of annual estimates and budget, keeping government records and properties, is believed to be enmessed in frauds.

    Due to the alleged malpractices in the service over the years, the civil servants in some quarters are referred to as ‘evil servants’.

    Worried by the large scale of frauds in the public service, the Chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption (PACAC), Professor Itse Sagay took the public service to the cleaners during the National Dialogue on Corruption at the State House a fortnight ago.

    Under the subtitle of ‘Extreme Recklessness of Public Servants’ in his speech, Sagay said: “The recklessness with which public officers spend public funds is insensitive to the point of insanity.  Yes I mean that.  The level of insensitivity has become pathological.

    “Only a few months ago Nigeria was on fire because members of the National Assembly bought cars costing over thirty million naira each with our money, in order to carry out so called oversight duties, during this period of financial drought and famine.

    “We called them well deserved names, like cruel, inhuman, malevolent, etc.

    “My dear friends, you will not believe that with all we are going through, the NDDC (Niger Delta Development Commission) which is the other name for uncompleted projects, has just bought over 70 cars.

    “Of those about 8 of them are Super Lexus Jeeps costing 78 million naira each and about 10 are Land Cruisers costing 63 million naira each.  This money was taken from funds for infrastructure, water, housing, hospitals, school, etc., without conscience; recklessly without a thought for the wretched people of the Niger Delta.

    “These huge sums where plundered from their allocations, from the Federal Government.  And yet, the Managing Director was ironically reported in the Nation Newspaper of 6th February, 2017, (pp. 1-2) that the NDDC lacks funds to execute projects and was in debt to the tune of 1.2 trillion naira.  Hear this lament.

    “The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Mr. Nsima Ekere, has lamented the N1.2 trillion debt burden facing the new management of the commission.

    “To the MD, the over $40 billion received by the region in the past 10 years was frittered away.

    “He said the NDDC must now find a way around the huge debt owed by the past board while carrying out to free funds for urgent development projects and programmes,” he said.

    “On the fund that has accrued to the commission in the past, he said: “There is little evidence to show for the sums spent,” he added

    While some of those been accused of wrongdoings including the NDDC have faulted Sagay,  it is very important for the government to really take measures to end stealing and fraudulent practices in the public service.

  • Etisalat trains sanitation workers in Kwara

    GSM provider, Etisalat has trained no fewer than 10 waste management officials in demonstration of its commitment to community development and environmental preservation.

    The firm also donated waste disposal bins and other ancillary items to Adewole-Adeta community in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital.

    Etisalat affirmed this during the launch of its Community Sanitation Support Programme (CSSP) in Ilorin, in conjunction with HEDA Resource Centre and the Kwara State Government as part of the company’s continued efforts to promote community health and environmental preservation across Nigeria.

    Speaking at the event Head, Public Policy and Government Affairs, Mohammed Suleh-Yusuf said the key objective of the CSSP initiative was to promote the culture of hygiene and environmental preservation among residents of the state so they can continue to live healthier lives and be more productive at all times.

    He said, “Through our CSSP initiative, Etisalat is not just providing sanitation support to communities; we are empowering Nigerians to understand the benefits of maintaining a clean environment. This is why we have gone the extra mile by training 10 young people as waste

    management champions in Adewole-Adeta community, and also providing them with the equipment to function. We also provided them with phone lines and airtime so they can reach out to one another and provide feedback on their progress from time to time.”

    Commending Etisalat Nigeria for the CSSP initiative, Kwara State Commissioner for Environment, Otunba Taiwo Johnson, who was represented by the Deputy Director on Environment, Gabriel Towoju, enjoined other private sector companies to emulate the telco by being more committed to the environment. “This is laudable, and I encourage others to join hands with government in promoting clean and healthy environment. Through effective synergy, we will all ensure our society is in perfect state of harmony with nature where all of us live together peacefully,” he said.

    Coordinator, HEDA Resource Centre, Sulaiman Arigbabu, stated that the non-governmental organization (NGO) partnered with Etisalat to promote community health and environmental preservation at the grassroots across Nigeria because poor sanitation and unsafe environment can cause illness thereby affecting people’s productivity.

    “The prosperity of communities is linked with people’s productivity, and there is a linkage between how healthy the people are in carrying out their daily activities. Toa large extent, the state of health of the people is linked to the sanitary condition and well-being of the environment”, he noted.

     

  • Kwara CJ to new judges: beware of corruption

    Kwara State Chief Judge Sulyman Kawu has warned the newly sworn-in magistrates and area court judges against corruption.

    Justice Kawu added that corruption can manifest in the form of bribery, graft, nepotism and favouritism.

    He said the penalties for bribery and other forms of corruption are damnation and hell fire in the hereafter.

    The chief judge said this yesterday in Ilorin, the state capital at the oath-taking ceremony of 15 magistrates and six area court judges.

    He said, “Let me assure you that the moment you start to take bribes, words will quickly spread that you have a price for the justice you administer in your court. The judge or magistrate who takes bribe will not only lose the respect of the members of the public and the giver of the bribe but will also have damnation and hell fire as his portion. In addition, such judge or magistrate will be liable to dismissal from service and prosecution in court.

    “I want to assure the newly sworn-in magistrates and area court judges that if you strive to abide by the dos and don’ts of your new offices, you will find peace, happiness and fulfillment and the sky will be the limit in your judicial career.”

    He continued: “Let me remind you that the judicial oath which you have all subscribed to this morning is not just another judicial ritual or a mere ceremony. It is, indeed a weighty and binding covenant between each one of you and God, and all of us present here, serve as witnesses to that covenant, about which you shall be questioned on the day of rendering of accounts.

    “As you take charge of your various courts, I urge you to take with you the fear of God to whom you have covenanted to do justice to all who may come before you, without fear of favour.”

     

  • Lalong fixes abandoned roads

    ASK residents of Angwuan Rogo, Main Market Street or Danserina-Pump Street, or even Dutse Ukwu and Yankasuwa Road, among others. They will tell you that they have suffered for too long on the roads leading to their homes.

    The roads were abandoned by successive governments of Plateau State. But redemption has come. The roads are being fixed by the administration of Governor Simon Lalong.

    In the 2016 budget, Lalong made provisions for them to be rebuilt. The contractors have moved to site and have started work on the roads.

    Commissioner for Information and Communication Mallam Nazif Muhammad who represented the governor at the site to hand over the project to the contractor, said, “Plateau Government would spend N5 billion to construct road networks in Jos metropolis. Past administrations may have overlooked this project, but state government under the leadership of Governor Simon Lalong, took the decision to alleviate the people’s suffering. It is one of the promises made by Governor Lalong during the campaign and we have decided to make the promise a reality.

    “Government believes that the state cannot boast of being a tourists haven when its road network within the metropolises is in dilapidated shape, so to boost our tourism, these roads have become a priority to government. So government will build about eight roads in Jos for the first phase, and this is expected to gulp a total of N5 billion with average distance of 7km. Only last week, we handed over two roads, the Angwan Rogo and Tudun Wada-Kabong Road.