The Nation Newspaper

Category: Northern Report

  • Centre lauds Bichi over House Appropriations Committee’s thorough scrutiny of supplementary budget

    Centre lauds Bichi over House Appropriations Committee’s thorough scrutiny of supplementary budget

    The Centre for Accountability and Probity (CAP) has commended the chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Appropriations, Abubakar Bichi, for his commitment to transparency and accountability.

    In a statement by its coordinating president, Princess Ajibola Naomi, the Centre said the recent transmission of the supplementary budget has been met with thorough scrutiny and public engagement by Bichi.

    Naomi said in his characteristic manner that Bichi is engaging stakeholders, conducting public hearings, and scrutinizing the executive bill to ensure that the supplementary budget serves the best interests of Nigerians.

    She said: “Bichi’s innovative approach to the budgetary process has introduced a new level of transparency and accountability, setting a benchmark for future budgetary processes.

    “His commitment to ensuring that every detail is scrutinized, and the executive accounts for every penny, is a testament to his dedication to the Nigerian people.

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    “Bichi has introduced public engagement and scrutiny of the budget estimates, ensuring that stakeholders’ inputs are considered.

    “He has also conducted public hearings to ensure transparency and accountability and analysed every detail of the executive bill to prevent the misappropriation of funds.

    “Furthermore, he has ensured that the supplementary budget aligns with the priorities of Nigerians.”

    According to Naomi, Bichi has also improved the budget process by ensuring timely submission of budget estimates by MDAs, conducting regular oversight visits to monitor project implementation, and engaging with civil society organizations to ensure inclusivity and transparency.

    She noted that the Appropriations Committee has also utilised technology to enhance budget tracking and monitoring, and provided clear and concise budget reports for easy understanding.

    “Bichi’s leadership has changed the narrative in the budgetary process, promoting transparency and accountability,” she added. “His commitment to ensuring that the executive accounts for every penny have given Nigerians confidence in the budgetary process”.

    The Centre, therefore, urged Nigerians not to worry about the budget, as Bichi’s commitment ensures that it will be utilized effectively for the benefit of all Nigerians.

  • Middle Belt group hails Mustapha over dividends to constituents

    Middle Belt group hails Mustapha over dividends to constituents

    The Middle Belt Youth Network (MBYN) has commended Senator Saliu Mustapha (Kwara Central) for what it called his outstanding leadership and commitment to providing dividends of democracy to his constituents.

    In a statement co-signed by Comrade Jang John and Yusuf Bello, the youths described Mustapha as an exemplary leader, a great lawmaker, and the most outstanding first-term Senator.

    They praised him for his uncommon commitment to the welfare of his constituents and the nation at large.

    The statement highlighted Senator Mustapha’s focus on human capital development, infrastructure improvements, and empowering women and youths, which stands out as a testament to his dedication to sustainable development.

    “We praise Senator Mustapha for his selfless service, integrity, and passion for development. He is indeed a shining example of a true leader, cultivating the potential of tomorrow’s leaders and enhancing community well-being.

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    “His dedication to the welfare of his constituents is unparalleled, and his commitment to sustainable development is inspiring. Mustapha’s leadership has brought hope and opportunities to the people of Kwara Central Senatorial District.

    “He has proven himself to be a true representative of the people, always putting their interests above his own. His humility, compassion, and empathy have endeared him to the hearts of many.”

    The group also commended Senator Mustapha’s ability to work collaboratively with other stakeholders to achieve common goals, citing his leadership style as a proof of his ability to connect with his constituents and understand their needs.

    While urging other lawmakers to emulate Senator Mustapha’s exemplary leadership and commitment to the welfare of their constituents, the group encouraged him to sustain the tempo of his impactful work.

  • Developer seeks collaboration to address Nigeria’s 28m housing deficit

    Developer seeks collaboration to address Nigeria’s 28m housing deficit

    The Founder, T-Pumpy Conc​epts, Dr. Akintayo Adaralegbe has called for collaboration to address Nigeria’s housing deficit.

    He described the N28m housing deficit as alarming, saying that there was a need for the government to work with stakeholders in the build industry to address the housing deficit.

    Speaking with journalists in Abuja at a road show on Thursday, Adaralegbe underscored the need for government to collaborate with registered operators to create affordable housing units for the masses.

    Adaralegbe said his firm was available to work with government to bridge the housing gap in the country.

    While highlighting the need for transparency in the sector, he urged estate developers to be genuine and avoid cheating their customers so as to build trust and fruitful partnerships.

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    He said: “I started not quite long and I can tell you we have done over 50,000 housing units. And I am assuring you even this year we are planning to do more than 20,000. We are collaborating with government in order to solve this housing deficit.

    “We have been doing it before now and we will continue to do it. You can see what we are coming out to do. We are showcasing our new site at Kaba District. It’s not only to come out to protest but we can showcase what we have. We can showcase the goodness of Nigeria to the general public. We can showcase Nigeria to people in Diaspora.”

    As of 2023, Nigeria’s housing deficit stood at 28 million units, requiring an estimated N21 trillion to fix.

    He stressed the need for education and collaboration among sectors from the developers, regulators, surveyors to artisans, to tackle the rising cases of building collapse in the country.

  • Reps expresses commitment to comprehensive, inclusive education

    Reps expresses commitment to comprehensive, inclusive education

    The member representing Dukku/Nafada Federal Constituency of Gombe State, Hon Abdullahi El-Rasheed, has expressed commitment to ensuring comprehensive, holistic and inclusive development of the educational system of his constituents.

    He said this at a public hearing of the House of Representatives Committee on Federal Colleges of Education on four Bills on Thursday.

    El-Rasheed, sponsored one of the Bills for the amendment of the Federal Colleges of Education Act to Establish the Federal College of Education (Special) Dukku, Gombe State and for Related Matters.

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    He said, “The bill was read for the first and second time on Wednesday, 8th May, 2024 and Wednesday, 22nd May, 2024 respectively which seeks to established a higher learning institution that offers courses in various field of education for teachers with special needs and students with disabilities.

    “Our gathering today clearly indicates the interest we share collectively in supporting the comprehensive, holistic and inclusive development of our educational system as a nation. As such, I most commend and appreciate our individual efforts and contributions.

    “Also, it’s worthy of importance to recognise; acknowledge and appreciate the leadership of the House of Representatives under our amiable Speaker, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen (Iyan Zazzau); the Chairman and members of the House Committee on Federal Colleges of Education and by extension the entire members of the 10th House of Representatives for their unwavering commitment and support to this important bill which clearly manifested in the expeditious process that led us to today’s public hearing.

    “Public hearing of this nature is fundamental and a cardinal component of effective; robust and people-centred lawmaking process and as such I will urge all stakeholders to freely make their presentation and comments.”

  • Niger govt set to inaugurate rural roads, agricultural incentives to communities

    Niger govt set to inaugurate rural roads, agricultural incentives to communities

    The Management Team Lead of Niger Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Projects (NG-RAAMP), Dr Nmaa Ahmed, has said that the state government is set to inaugurate rural roads and allocate agricultural incentives to benefit communities in the state.

    Ahmed in a statement on Wednesday, July 17, in Abuja said the governor of the state, Farmer Umar Bago has directed the mobilisation of stakeholders and rural dwellers.

    According to him, they are to participate and take ownership of any projects or agricultural incentives allocated to their respective communities.

    He further explained that the people and communities would not only get contractual value but would prevent vandalism of all sorts, thereby ensuring a win-win situation for the beneficiaries and the government.

    “We identified community sensitization as a fulcrum to bring everyone on board and participate in projects and programs bequeathed to their various communities based on the need assessments.

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     “We also explored exotic ideas of deploying strategic awareness to the community leaders and the led, emphasising and appealing to their individual and collective conscience to be conscious of the projects and programmes as their own.

    “This is to boost the socio-economic activities of trading goods and services agriculturally, from an informal market to a modern one because of the ease of movement created by the backlog maintenance, construction of more rural roads and provision of incentives based on the law establishing RAAMP.

    “The Bago-led government is committed to a New Niger Agenda where equal opportunities is visioned for rural and urban populace”, Ahmed said.

  • ‘Technical education should be nurtured for a prosperous future’

    ‘Technical education should be nurtured for a prosperous future’

    The member representing Fufore/Song Federal Constituency in Adamawa State, Hon. Aliyu Wakili Boya, has said technical education should be nurtured to equip youths with the necessary skills for a prosperous future.

    He said this at a public hearing of the House of Representatives Committee on Federal Colleges of Education on four Bills on Thursday.

    Boya, who sponsored the Bill aimed at amending the Federal Colleges of Education Act to establish the Federal College of Education (Technical) in Fufore, Adamawa State, said it aims to elevate the standards of teachers’ education and create opportunities for growth and development, not just for our constituency but for the entire nation.

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    He said, “I wish to start by expressing my profound gratitude towards the esteemed leadership of the House of Representatives, the Chairman and Members of the Committee on FCE, and all Honourable Members of the House for their support that has propelled our Bill, to pass the second reading and progress to the committee stage and this public hearing. This endeavour holds great promise for the advancement of education in our region and beyond.

    “The focus of our proposed legislation is to provide a platform for nurturing technical education in our community, thereby equipping our youth with the necessary skills for a prosperous future. Through this Bill, we aim to elevate the standards of teachers’ education and create opportunities for growth and development, not just for our constituency but for the entire nation.

    “I am humbly soliciting for your continued support and collaboration to ensure the successful passage of this Bill into law. Together, we can make a lasting impact on teachers’ education programs and bring positive change to Nigeria.

    “Thank you for your attention and support. Let us unite our efforts and champion the cause of education for the betterment of our society.”

    Also, the member representing Dukku/Nafada Federal Constituency of Gombe State, Hon Abdullahi El-Rasheed, said the hearing indicated the interest to support the comprehensive, holistic and inclusive development of the educational system

    He also sponsored one of the Bills for the amendment of the Federal Colleges of Education Act to Establish the Federal College of Education (Special) Dukku, Gombe State and for Related Matters.

    He said, “The bill was read for the first and second time on Wednesday, 8th May, 2024 and Wednesday, 22nd May, 2024 respectively which seeks to established a higher learning institution that offers courses in various field of education for teachers with special needs and students with disabilities.

    “Our gathering today clearly indicates the interest we share collectively in supporting the comprehensive, holistic and inclusive development of our educational system as a nation. As such, I most commend and appreciate our individual efforts and contributions.

    “Also, it’s worthy of importance to recognise; acknowledge and appreciate the leadership of the House of Representatives under our amiable Speaker, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen (Iyan Zazzau); the Chairman and members of the House Committee on Federal Colleges of Education and by extension the entire members of the 10th House of Representatives for their unwavering commitment and support to this important bill which clearly manifested in the expeditious process that led us to today’s public hearing.

    “Public hearing of this nature is fundamental and a cardinal component of effective; robust and people-centred lawmaking process and as such I will urge all stakeholders to freely make their presentation and comments.”

  • Abuja Rotary Clubs champion maternal, child Health in FCT community 

    Abuja Rotary Clubs champion maternal, child Health in FCT community 

    Rotarians in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), have called on society to focus on maternal and child health, emphasizing its critical importance for overall survival.

    In a concerted effort to enhance maternal and child health in the FCT and across Nigeria, 40 Rotary Clubs in District 9127, led by District Governor (DG) Mike Okachi Nwanoshiri, launched the Maternal and Child Health Outreach in Dutse Baupma, Bwari Area Council of the FCT.

    Nwanoshiri noted that this initiative is one of the seven focus areas of Rotary International, aiming to support mothers and children in their vital roles of bringing life into the world.

    He said: “We are here today to mark one of the seven areas of focus of Rotary Program called Maternal and Child Health.

    “We have all that is used for childbirth: birth kits, mosquito nets, and condoms for pregnant women and new mothers. 

    “We also have digital waste cases and other essential materials.”

    “With the awareness advocacy embedded in this project, we believed this would make the desired impact on the beneficiary and the community at large while helping to bring the necessary attention to the needs of indigent communities around the country”.

    Saying that the entire country is the focus of the group, the DG said, “After this project, we take the next Rotary month and what it talks about in Rotary. We have seven areas of focus, and we target our projects one by one”.

    Chief Haruna Gwyendaye, the District Head of Dutse Baupma, Abuja, expressed his gratitude for the Rotary Club’s gesture toward his community while assuring that the donated apparatuses would be put to good use by the beneficiaries.

    Dame Princess Joy Okoro, of the Rotary Club of Maitama, Abuja and the District Governor-elect, emphasized the importance of reaching out to rural communities like Dutse Baupma and the Dutse Alhaji health facility. 

    She said the objective was to bridge the gap in rural areas, “We felt that to get close to the people, that is what Rotary is talking about. Get close to the community that the government might not easily reach.

    “We provide mosquito nets, especially for pregnant women and nursing mothers, to avert issues like malaria. 

    “We also offer birth control apparatus, including condoms for both men and women, to help families plan better and live healthier lives.”

    Lovina Okorn-Ntui, the District Chair of Maternal and Child Health, emphasized that bridging the gap in healthcare access is a key priority for Rotary, which influenced the choice of an indigent community for this project.

    According to her, the initiative targets over 500 women in Dutse Baupma and Dutse Alhaji, with the clubs collaborating closely with local leaders to ensure effective distribution and support.

    “We came here, did a needs assessment, and asked the facility what they would like us to support them with. They needed a digital BP apparatus, plastic chairs, and digital baby weighing scales, among others which we are donating today.

    “Besides donating materials to the pregnant women and the health facility, the project is also focusing on creating awareness and advocacy, that is why we are urging pregnant women to register for antenatal care early. 

    “If you register on time, get your vitals checked on time, everything will be brought under control,” she added 

    Dr. Deborah Joshua, Officer in Charge of the Dutse Alhaji Primary Health Care Centre, expressed joy over the Rotary Club’s donation, stating it would create a lasting impact, considering that the FCT had already begun preparations, including training health workers, with full implementation of maternal and child health initiatives set to commence in the coming days.

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    She said: “The drugs, equipment, and everything given to us today are essential for pregnant women to stay healthy throughout their pregnancy, including the drugs that will prevent the PCB from dropping to the point of being prone to bleeding during delivery. 

    “With these products, having vitamin C, paracetamol, and antimalarials in case a woman develops malaria during pregnancy, we are well-equipped.

    “The drugs are in good shape and still within their shelf life. They are not expired medication. We promise to put them to good use to reach out to the population we have in mind”.

  • Foundation trains, empowers women in skill acquisition

    Foundation trains, empowers women in skill acquisition

    A non-governmental organization, Ashake Foundation, in collaboration with World Connect, has over the past four months, been providing women from various communities with intensive training to acquire skills for transforming their lives and achieving financial independence.

    The Wise Abuja Project, funded by World Connect and implemented by the Ashake Foundation, aims to empower women by equipping them with practical skills and business knowledge.

    Mayowa Adegbile, CEO of Ashake Foundation, explained that the project focuses on skills development in areas such as bag-making, hair and bridal services, and fashion design.

    The training enables participants to create a variety of products, including school bags, dresses, wigs, lunch boxes, and purses.

    Adegbile said: “This is in addition to technical training, participants also received education on entrepreneurship, business planning, financial literacy, and marketing essentials. A significant milestone of the project was the successful registration of business names for all beneficiaries.

    “In Nigeria, business name registration is crucial as it provides legal recognition, enhances credibility, and allows entrepreneurs to access various government and financial services. This step ensures that the women can operate their businesses legally and take advantage of opportunities for growth and development”.

    The graduation ceremony, which was held in Abuja, was a celebration of the remarkable achievements and dedication of these women. The event featured inspiring testimonials from the graduates, impressive skill demonstrations, the awarding of certificates of completion, and the distribution of start-up kits.

    She emphasized the significance of the project in fostering socio-economic development and empowering women to take charge of their futures. ‘This graduation is not the end, but the beginning of an exciting journey towards financial independence’. These women are now equipped with the skills and confidence to become successful entrepreneurs, creating a brighter future for themselves and their families.

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    The Ashake Foundation extends its heartfelt gratitude to all the partners and supporters who contributed to the success of the WISE Abuja Project. The foundation remains committed to its mission of empowering women and fostering sustainable development in underserved communities.

    As the graduates embark on their new journey, the Ashake Foundation looks forward to witnessing their continued growth and success. The WISE Abuja Project stands as a testament to the power of empowerment and the incredible potential within every woman.

  • Terrorism in northeast: Regulate social media, workshop tells FG

    Terrorism in northeast: Regulate social media, workshop tells FG

    A workshop in Adamawa State has called on relevant authorities in Nigeria to implement regulations for social media.

    According to a communique from the workshop, proper regulation is necessary to prevent media content that incites violence and extremism.

    Organizers of the two-day ‘Sensitization Workshop on Accountability Media in De-escalating Violent Extremism and Terrorism Financing through Sensitive Reporting in the Northeast’ emphasized in the communique that unchecked content poses significant dangers.

    They highlighted the importance of challenging hate speech and irresponsible statements in content creation, news coverage, and reporting through rigorous scrutiny to avoid sensationalism and reduce conflict escalation.

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    The communique specifically recommended “Comprehensive regulation of social media, with due consideration for human rights provisions,” to mitigate the dissemination of media content that incites violence.

    The workshop which took place in Yola and also highlighted sources of funding for terrorist activities, was organised jointly by the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) and Transparency International in Nigeria (TI-Nigeria), with support from Giaba-ECOWAS.

    Attended by 40 participants drawn from civil society, traditional institutions, community leadership, the media, and security agencies, the workshop had resource persons from the academia who dissected terrorism in light of its funding, its destructive impact, and how the media should report it.

    The Advocacy and Communication Specialist with CISLAC, Mr Abubakar Jimoh, explained earlier in a press interview that the workshop was a citizen mobilisation event targeted at raising community consciousness against terrorism in the Northeast.

  • Group to strengthen sexual violence response in FCT

    Group to strengthen sexual violence response in FCT

    Teenage Network, in partnership with the African Women Development Fund (AWDF) and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Education Secretariat, is working to enhance responses to sexual violence in FCT schools.

    The organization is conducting extensive consultations with various stakeholders, including students, school administrators, civil society organizations, parents, security agencies, and different boards and departments of the FCT Education Secretariat, through surveys and focus group discussions.

    Olanike Timibahuge, Executive Director of Teenage Network, disclosed this during the validation meeting for the Sexual Violence Reporting and Management Framework for FCT Schools in Abuja.

    Timibahuge emphasised that the network has recently consulted with stakeholders on strategies to curb sexual violence, focusing on establishing a clear reporting pathway and a uniform management standard that ensures survivors receive quality and timely medical, psychosocial, and legal support.

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    The consulted stakeholders agreed on the necessity of harmonising existing legal documents related to school-related sexual violence into an easy-to-read, easy-to-implement, and easy-to-measure framework.

    She said: “In an extensive consultation with stakeholders we are concentrating on these documents,  Nigeria 1999 Constitution, the Violence against Persons Prohibition Act (VAPP Act, 2015), National Policy On Gender in Education, The Child’s Rights Act (2003), Safety Security and Violence-Free School Policy (SSVFSP 2021), and the National Policy on Gender in Education, among others”.

    Olanike also added that the Sexual Violence Reporting and Management Framework for FCT Schools recommends the establishment of a Sexual Violence Action Committee (SEVAC) at the FCT Education Secretariat.

    According to her, this committee would involve training the existing school gender desk officers to serve as focal points for reporting cases of sexual violence in schools.

    She added that the framework also suggested the implementation of a uniform reporting template (incident form), the provision of toll-free lines for reporting, and collaboration with sexual and gender-based violence service providers in the FCT.