The Nation Newspaper

Category: Northern Report

Anniversary durbar for Emir of Zaria

The Emir preferred a quiet anniversary owing to the security challenges in the nation. What he got instead was quite different. Dignitaries streamed into Zaria or Zazzau, its older name. Among them were high-profile government functionaries and guests from outside Kaduna State, to say nothing of thousands of local folks. Trumpeters, drummers, praise singers, among other performers, gave a good account of their callings. To top it off was an elaborate durbar, that age-old feast of horses and athletic riders reserved for high-profile occasions. It was Alhaji Shehu Idris’ day, his 40th year as Emir of Zazzau.

Alhaji Idris is the 18th Fulani to reign over the kingdom after succeeding Alhaji Muhamadul Aminu in the Katsinawa dynasty. He was crowned on February 8, 1975 by Brigadier Abba Kyari, the then military governor of the North Central State.

The colourful feast attracted senior traditional title holders who came with the full complement of palace courtiers and performers.

The Federal Government was fully represented at the event by Vice President Namadi Sambo who described the Emir’s reign as 40 years of blessings, stressing the need for people of the Emirate to continue to live in peace. While congratulating the Emir for attaining 40 years on the throne, Sambo attributed the success recorded by the emirate to patience, fairness, justice and truthfulness, adding that he was not surprised by the achievements of the Emir, considering his background as a teacher and spiritual leader.

Kaduna State Governor Mukthar Yero said the Emir’s reign has promoted peace and unity, which in turn facilitated development in the state. Yero said, the Emir’s contribution in the unprecedented growth in the state cannot be undermined, necessitating improved security and understanding among the people and assured that Kaduna State government will continue to uphold its agenda of providing enabling environment for peace to lead. While saying that, his government will not relent in its efforts towards ensuring security of lives and property in the state, as well as creating opportunity for the economy to grow, he reiterated his administration’s resolve to keep improving the living standards of the people, through profession of basic infrastructural amenities.

The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III called on the people to remain united, asking traditional and religious leaders to lead by example and also have the fear of God in everything they do.

The sultan further appealed for wise voting in the forthcoming general elections, so as to elect credible leaders that will take the nation to a great height and urged Nigerians not allow a repeat of the 2011 post-election violence, saying “We must stand up at all cost to be with our people and we must say no to selfish politicians. Remember, Islam hinges on peace, justice, equity and fairness to all, therefore, as Emirs we must promote such attitudes. There can never be peace without justice, equity and fairness”.

The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) describing the Emir as as an advocate of peaceful coexistence of all Nigerians within his domain irrespective of tribe, religion and equally involve all in the traditional affairs of Zazzau emirate. National Publicity Secretary of the Forum, Muhammad Ibrahim, said in a congratulatory message that “ACF is proud of the exemplary leadership quality and humility of the Emir in promoting peace and harmony in the emirate and across the country.

He is also known as an advocate of peaceful coexistence of all Nigerians within his domain irrespective of tribe, religion and equally involve all in the traditional affairs of Zazzau emirate. Zazzau emirate in the last 40 years under Alhaji Dr. Shehu Idris has witnessed tremendous progress in the areas of education, agriculture, commerce and general socioeconomic development.

The Emir is a bridge builder whose influence transcends the boundaries of Kaduna State to other parts of Nigeria. His interest and respect to the rich cultural heritage of the traditional institution promoted its royalty and elegance to the admiration of all Nigerians and foreigners especially the beautiful Durbar display during the Sallah celebrations.

It is in view of these achievements that ACF hereby congratulates the Emir of Zazzau HRH Alhaji Dr. Shehu Idris on his 40th anniversary on the throne and wish him good health and more fruitful years of service to Zazzau emirate and Nigeria in general.ý”

Albany Shehu Idris was full of appreciation for that good will messages and accolades showered on him. He was also full of appreciation to past Governors of Kaduna State for their support and cooperation toward the development of the emirate in particular and state at large anHe admonished Nigerians to embrace one another and always preach peace to pave way for sustainable growth and development.

Under the Emir, Zazzau Emirate has recorded both political and socio economic development. Alhaji Aminu Shehu, the Turakin Zazzau and also the eldest son of the Emir of Zazzau, noted that the emirate became very populous with noticeable changes in education and agricultural sector of the economy.

He said also that the emirate is blessed to have institutions like premier university of Ahmadu Bello University situated in the area, the Nigeria Defence Academy (NDA,) the Nigeria College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), the Nigeria Army Depot and Nigerian Military School (NMS). Others are Nigeria Institute of Transport Technology (NITT), Electricity Meter Company (EMCON).

January 20, 2015
Farmers’ feast in Plateau

The Long Doemak or traditional head lifted a calabash of burukutu, poured some of the local brew on the ground and prayed the land to yield its best in the new season. He looked upwards and asked the heavens for a good measure of rain and sunshine necessary for a bountiful harvest. He also prayed against untimely death. He took a sip and passed it round. Food and drinks were served next and the Doemak in Quan-Pan Local Government Area of Plateau State launched into their annual fiesta. It was as much a thanksgiving session for last season’s yield as it was a prayer for a better harvest this time.

The state is home to hundreds of ethnic groups who preserve their culture through annual feasts. Some of the numerous tribes and ethnic groups include Berom, Ngas, Tarok, Ankwei, Ganawuri, Jarawa, Anaguta, Rukuba, Irigwe, Amo, Jukun, Fulani, Mwaghavul, Mushere, Ron, Kukere, Tal, Mupun, Piem, Meriam, Doemak, Kwala, Boghom, Bwall among others.

This was exactly what the Doemak people of Quan-Pan Local Government did during the Christmas period when they rolled out the drums to song, dance, ate and drank as if there will be no tomorrow. Doemak people are of the Pan Chiefdom and remain the largest dialect in the Chiefdom. The other major Chiefdom in the local government is the Quan Chiefdom.

The event tagged ‘Pit Jepsual’ meaning ‘Doemak Day’ was put together by Doemak Youth Development Association, with the Long Doemak who is the traditional head of the Doemak People, Cosmos Ndelong Dakyap performing the traditional rites to launch the festivities.

Prior to the day, women in the chiefdom are asked to prepare the local beer which is the first item needed for libation. As soon as the traditional leader performed the necessary rituals, dancers stepped into the open circle to display some of the foot work that has kept the people looking forward to the next feast. There was traditional wrestling too followed by hours of eating and drinking.

The second day witnessed more activities as the people re-converged at the village square to witness the display of various traditional dancers. The various clans under the chiefdom came out with their own dancers.

Besides the contents of the cultural festivities, the annual festival brings together the people especially those in the Diaspora, some of them not seeing one another since they left home to the city for greener pastures. The day was also significant because it kept the people in touch with their culture and traditions.

The feast, The Nation gathered, had not held for 18 years due to what was described as a disagreement among the stakeholders. They were said to have been divided along political lines. They have ironed out their differences.

Doemak people are the descendants of Dafyar who migrated from Kwararafa Kingdom due to Chieftaincy problem in his family. Dafyar is said to have fathered 14 sons, among them Yimpang who gave birth to a set of twin boys, Daman and Dajin.

The rich cultural activities which herald the day have always been a unifying factor among the Doemak and Pan chiefdom.

The chairman of the association, Mr Datoes Titus said, “The essence of these initiatives is to unite all sons and daughters of Doemak land and Pan Chiefdom as it used to be”. And to also keep our cultural values and the tradition alive, so that other generation coming up will appreciate our culture and traditions better.”

Guest speaker, Hon Paul Damar in his paper, said, “It is only when we turn to our cultural values that we will build a nation that embraces all that lives in it”. He also bemoaned the fact that youths now bear arms and cause havoc as members of Boko Haram, cultists and militants.

He praised the Doemak youths for organising the feast, saying they have proved to be leaders indeed. Paul urged that the Doemak Day should be allowed to die.

January 20, 2015
Security beef-up at Utako Park

As part of efforts to guarantee passengers’ safety, the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) has stepped up security at the Utako Central Motor Park.

The Branch III chairman of the union, Alhaji Musa Abaji said the measure became necessary to check any form of insecurity.

Abaji was speaking with Abuja Review during at the park.

“Security is a collective responsibility,” he said. “So we are only playing our part. Anybody who comes into this park must be checked because of the bad people. So except from depending on God for protection, we should also do what is expected of us,” he said.

It was observed that one of the two giant gates to the park was open while the other was under lock and key.

Travellers and other individuals who came to the park were thoroughly checked by officials of the union. They were asked to open their car boots before allowed entry.

Speaking on the election, the chairman advised all members of the union to vote at their respective centres. He said it’s a right to vote, thus the Union members have the freedom to vote for any party of their choice.

According to him, commercial drivers in the park relates in unity so the union will prevent any party from campaigning in the park.

“If we bring politics into the park, there will be problems. So we won’t allow anybody to come and campaign here. We don’t want any problem. We are living as a family here,” he added.

January 20, 2015
The other side of Jonathan’s daughter’s wedding

January 10 was a day many guests at the wedding reception of the foster daughter of President Goodluck Jonathan, Inebharapu Paul, will not forget in a hurry.

Not only because the President’s daughter got married that day, but because they got more than they bargained for at the International Conference Centre (ICC) venue of the reception.

Some of them, who were clutching their invitation cards as they approached the gate filled with a mammoth crowd, got injured in the series of stampedes that ensued.

Others lost valuable items like mobile telephone sets, handbags, shoes, wristwatches, earrings and head-ties.

Some of the guests lost consciousness when policemen at the gate shot tear-gas into the air as the crowd was surging forward and attempting to force the gate open.

While some of those who lost consciousness were revived in the ambulance stationed at the venue, demand for sachet water, popularly called ‘pure water’ rose immediately as the guests scrambled for it to wash their faces in order to reduce the effect of the tear-gas.

Villa correspondent for The Punch newspaper, Olalekan Adetayo, had is own dose of the fracas as he narrowly escaped sustaining serious injuries from the stampede.

Adetayo, like other Villa correspondents, who were there to cover the reception after covering the church wedding, were stuck with the crowd.

Just like many of the guests with invitation cards who could not gain entrance to the reception ceremony where the Senate President, Senator David Mark, was said to have made some remarks, many Villa correspondents could not enter the venue with their Villa tags.

Some of the State Security Service (SSS) men, who knew that the journalists were there to do their jobs, tried to lead some of them, including Adetayo, through the crowd.

Midway to the gate, there was a stampede. They were caught in the middle of deadly pushing from front, back and sideways. The journalists would not have made the attempt if they knew it will nearly cost them their lives.

When the crowd at the back moved backwards and the stampede subsided, one samaritan had to pour ‘pure water’ on Adetayo’s head and face to help him regain himself.

Undeterred, many of the guests and gate-crashers who gathered at the ICC gate as early as noon, most of whom from the wedding held at the National Christian Centre, were not tired of pushing forward for about three hours in an attempt to gain entrance.

Many of them were seen holding handkerchiefs over their noses after the policemen resorted to tear-gas in order to manage the mammoth crowd.

To ensure that no fatal incident was recorded at the venue, one of the soldiers standing by one of the military vans stationed by the ICC gate after sometime had to push his way through the crowd to the gate and told the policemen to stop shooting the tear-gas.

The soldiers also apprehended a guy among the crowd caught stealing somebody’s mobile telephone. He was asked to kneel down by the van. So much was happening at the same time and I could not wait by the van to know how the issue was resolved at the end of the day.

Around 3pm when the crowd had reduced, since a great number of them had gone back to their houses and hotel rooms, the soldiers asked the remaining crowd to stay in two straight lines with their invitation cards.

After the crowd was pushed backwards from the gate, a message filtered in that the hall was filled up and no guest should be admitted anymore.

That was how the latest orderly arrangement was truncated. But some of those who remained on the queue were served cans of malt drinks. Some got bottled water.

In a chat, some of the guests, who had attended the wedding of another Jonathan’s daughter, Faith Sakwe in April, 2014 at the same venue, apart from kicking against the use of tear-gas on the guests at Inebharapu’s wedding reception on Saturday, maintained that no proper arrangement was made for guests to access the reception venue.

According to them, not only was it easy for them to access the reception ceremony of the wedding in April, but giant canopies were stationed then at the ICC car parks to accommodate those who could not enter the oversubscribed hall.

Giving reasons for the mammoth crowd at the gate and the rowdiness, one of the security personnel, speaking in confidence, said that most of the guests were not supposed to attend the reception.

Even though they had the wedding invitation cards, she said that some heads of the various women groups, who thronged the reception venue, had been settled to make arrangements for entertaining their groups after the church wedding at the National Christian Centre.

But some women wearing red head-ties at the reception gate said; “We are not aware of such arrangement. All we know is that they brought this head-tie and invitation card to us yesterday night and the el-Rufai bus brought us here.”

Gym excites Villa

staff, families

Life, last Wednesday, was brought back to the multi-million naira State House Gym.

The gym, which was almost abandoned by many staff and their families for about five months due to problems of electricity disconnection and poor water supply, has started experiencing high usage.

Knowing the importance of the facilities to the health of Villa staff, the December 16 edition of this page titled ‘Challenges of keeping fit at the Villa’ was dedicated to drawing attention to the problems following complaints from some staff.

But from last Wednesday, I have received several calls from some staff appreciating the reconnection of electricity supply to the gym by the management.

According to them, electricity was restored around 5 p.m. on Wednesday shortly after the Permanent Secretary of the State House, Nebolisa Emordi, led a top management team to inspect the facility.

Since then, they said that many staff or registered members of their families have started trooping to the gym to shed their excess weight and keep fit.

One of the staff who uses the facility, on condition of anonymity, said: “I was just driving by the gym around 4.30 p.m. on Wednesday and I saw some technicians working on the electricity transformer by the gym fence.”

“By the time I was driving back around 5 p.m., I could see light on inside the gym. Since then, I have seen many staff in track suits visiting the gym.”

Another staff said: “A friend called to inform me about the electricity reconnection. I went there to see things for myself the following day and I met some people burning calories on the treadmills and other machines.”

“It’s a very long time I saw people turn out on weekdays in large numbers at the gym like this. This is really nice because it is not wise to allow these expensive machines to be wasting when they can be used to boost the health and fitness of staff,” he added

January 20, 2015
Who will keep 16-year-olds off oldest profession?

There is hardly anything anybody can do to stop prostitution, but perhaps it is not late to rescue teenage commercial sex workers (CSWs) in a Lokoja hotel. JAMES AZANIA reports

It may well be the oldest profession but what society likes its 16-year-olds in the trade?

Decent minds are worried that in Lokoja, Kogi State capital, girls in their mid teens are knocking off older women in commercial sex work.

The reporter stumbled on this thriving industry on a ride with a friend to the mechanic’s workshop in the Phase II Housing Estate area of the confluence city. A constant stream of human traffic went in and out of a brown bungalow located a little behind a mechanic’s workshop not too far from the Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN) worship centre. On the other side of the road is a big sign pointing towards the Nostalgia Hotel. Right in the middle of the city is a thriving racket of teenage prostitution.

Lokoja temperature, that afternoon, stood at a burning 34 degrees, while young girls, mostly of school age, were busy in the hotel as sex workers.

It is worrisome that girls that young are in the trade, but perhaps even more disturbing that most of them seem to be of Tiv extraction. Who will rescue the girls? Will Sev-Av Foundation, the non-governmental organisa-tion owned by wife of Benue State governor, Mrs. Yemisi Dooshima Suswan take up the challenge?

The bowel of the hotel looks like the main bowl of a stadium. It is alluringly cool, contrasting sharply with the searing heat outside.

On this afternoon, some young boys sat around on comfortable settees adorning one side of the covered corridors. With bottles of beer before them, they engaged themselves in games, accompanied by some quite buxom young girls.

Clutching a big red diary in his right hand, the reporter looked quite out of place. Looking towards the bar and away from the penetrating eyes all around him, he requested for a bottle of malt. Not available, the bar tender replied.

The bar, however, had enough beer in stock, to which the reporter declined, saying that he preferred to reserve beer for later in the day.

The game went on, with too many empty beer bottles of beer for a midday show. Meanwhile, skimpily-clad ladies went in or emerged from one room after another.

The reporter stood out like a sore thumb. Not only was he garbed in native attire, his age was also way off that of the youngsters loafing around the hotel.

How about a try, the reporter reasoned, moving straight towards the bar and mumbling an introduction to a girl standing by. The teenager hesitated a little before giving her name.

A conversation ensued.

“Why the place dull like this now?” the reporter inquired in broken English.

No response.

“Na because na afternoon? I no know this joint before, but I like am,” he pushed further, hoping to hear something.

“If you come towards evening, e dey full,” she replied, finally.

“So, if I come like six for evening time e dey alright?”

“If you like.”

“Yes, I like am but na you I for like come see, because I dey shy small, and as I don know you my problem don solve.

She lightened up a little and we managed to exchange phone numbers.

Over time I began to assimilate the intricate web in which this 19-year-old worked. I learned mainly from her the rationale, the excuses, the allure, the pains and some of the compelling reasons that drive the trade. As it turned out, she was already a mother of two female toddlers. She got to realise I was not going to play ball the usual way her patrons did, but I probably made up by giving her money occasionally for the information she divulged and acquaintance we had fostered.

A Tiv from Vandekya Local Government Area of Benue State, she dropped out of school at 16 when she got impregnated by another schoolmate. The boy, who it turned out fathered her two children was to later put up with her and the mother under whose roof she was put in the family way, before the mother could no longer afford to cater for all of them. The boy-father left. She too left, while her mother looked after the two toddlers in Otukpo. My friend looked forward to a better future.

According to her, most of those plying their trade at the hotel ended up there on friends’ advice in the hunt for the good life.

“We know ourselves,” she said. “Some are friends from the village, some from school. Others come like that. Things are not easy in our place and you are not free to operate (like here) where people don’t know you. There is action here because men like the girls; they are young, some girls are 16 and the men like to come, even big men send for us.”

Iyhonde (not real name) is another resident prostitute, whose story is slightly different. She claimed to be a student at a nearby higher institution and did not intend to remain in the trade for “too long”. Her account of studying could not be corroborated.

My friend, the mother of two, winced when I related this to her.

“Na so dem dey talk,” she sniffed.

The reporter gathered that the hotel management knows exactly how to keep the business going. The trick? Youth. Only teenagers work there. The manager seems to have a knack for spotting resident CSWs who no longer promote the unwritten ethos of the hotel and keep them out.

A source told the reporter: “Go ask, no ashewo dey stay here for long and none of them dey pass 20 years for age. When manager see that kind thing wan happen, he know wetin to do. I never see that ashewo. Better make that one go Central (another hotel)”.

Findings revealed that the proprietor of the hotel where our friend and others ply their trade runs at least three other such outlets in the state capital and has another in Kabba.

A psychologist at the Kogi State Polytechnic, Mrs Abigail Modupe Rowland said poverty is one reason young people go into prostitution. One of them is poverty, but she argued that financial challenges should not be a licence for unsavoury acts.

She said, “There is this Yoruba proverb that says do not forget the child of whom you are. Many of them want to do things that are above their financial power. They want to do what others who are more financially buoyant are doing, and mixing up with friends who advise them to fulfill their desires by pairing up with men and these men don’t give anything for free. So, you can see this poverty I am talking about is linked with our value system.

“Broken homes can also cause these behaviours. Maybe, they are from single parents and these children are frustrated and confused. Once the mother and father are no more together the strong force of parenting is lacking.

“In some cases none of the parents is even there… In broken homes there is no more love; there is visible hatred and it is the children that suffer much of the consequence. Some of the girls become angry and say what is this? I will do what I like; I own myself.

“Some of them might not be from broken homes but their parents might be too strict. When children enter adolescent stage, the parents or guardian and even school should be careful the way they handle them.

“In psychology it is called a period of ‘storm and stress’; this is because of what the parents and the children experience. These children want to be free at these periods because they are maturing; all the sexual components. They might be sexually mature but not financially or spiritually. They now refer to their parents as Old School, so this now calls for understanding and diplomacy in the way you handle them. You don’t just give orders. Maybe he or she wants to go for party and you say the way you dress… no. He or she might go and not even come back, so you have to calm down and dialogue with the child, reason things and highlight likely consequences together. Put these things to the child, the pros and cons and you will see that the child will eventually reason with the parents, but if you say I have already given my own instruction, the child might even go out and not come back”.

No matter the negative traits our children might have or exhibit we should stay close to them. We should always be good examples to them because the children are watching those things we do; the things we wear.

“Prostitution has great effect on them. Some sustain injuries; they go through pelvic pains, there could be damage to the reproductive health which will in life lead to pains, hatred and bitterness. There is HIV/AIDS and some get pregnant no matter what they do and many seek abortion. Some of them live in bitterness all through their lives. Most of them are not even happy with what they are doing.

“In some cases it leads to self-mutilation, some even become mentally deranged. To prevent it or at least reduce the tendency parents have a great role to play.”

Another expert, a sociologist at the Kogi State Polytechnic, Mr. Olorunfemi Olusegun threw more light on the phenomenon as being witnessed in the state capital.

He said, “Let us start from the socio-pathological angle to it. It is rightly said that some set of people are more into it. When you talk of the pathological aspect, it has to do with the cultural and it could be biological. You know we normally circumcise women in parts of this world. They say they don’t want them to be wayward and so they clip up part of their private parts. This could be responsible and some of these girls could end being loose, they don’t see it as anything and a man cannot satisfy some of them. They don’t know how to control it and they go haywire. It might be one of the reasons why we are experiencing prostitution in this country, not necessarily because of the money, but definitely she will have to survive too.

Olusegun called on government, parents and institutions to fight teenage prostitution together, saying it bodes no good for the already delicate situation the country has found itself.

January 20, 2015
A fight to keep off bulldozers

If there is anything traders at Kubwa Market want above everything else, it is to preserve their investments by stopping bulldozers from tearing down the facility. They have the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and the dreaded private developers to contend with.

The FCTA, in early December, served the traders a seven-day ultimatum to quit. The sellers took to the streets, protesting the authority’s action and plan. They know the implications of private developers coming in. Bulldozers will pull down the market, throwing them into all sorts of trouble. The FCT is replete with such cases and they want to avoid it.

What are they doing about it? A lot. Apart from the protest, the traders have also offered to build the satellite town market themselves rather than have developers set foot in it. They equally briefed a lawyer who wasted no time in suing the FCTA, hoping to stop it in its tracks.

Although the plan to demolish the market was given almost the same time as the Dutse market which was demolished last year, the Area Council, according to the chairman, Hon. Peter Ushafa felt that it will be better to demolish each market separately and give those at Kubwa, some time to get ready after that of Dutse before the market was brought down.

The traders in their protest stated that the Area Council had not provided them with an alternative place to trade before the demolition, they said that the market was their only means of livelihood and that even though they support development, it should not be at their peril.

In an interview with our correspondent, chairman of peace and security in Kubwa market, Cashmere Obialor, said “What we are saying is that the Kubwa market has been in existence for more than 30 years, it is not a virgin land that you will say, go and clear like that. People feed their families from here and take refuge in this market; there are many widows who feed their families from this market and now they are coming to demolish this place without giving us an alternative place.

“What we are trying to tell the government is that we are Nigerians and citizens of this country; many of us don’t have any other place to turn to, by the time they come and demolish the market, it will mean that they want to cause more crime in this Kubwa. They need to provide an alternative place to the traders if they want to develop the market pending when they finish and the traders can return.

“If the government goes ahead to insist on demolition after this seven days, then they should be ready to kill the whole people in this market because we are not going to run, when they come out with their solders and their arms, nobody is going to run, they will have to kill to the last person in this market before they can demolish it, we have not agreed on anything with anybody, they have not even tried to get out stands, if they call us, we are the leaders of the market, we will tell them how we want our people to be carried along.”

Public Relations Officer, Bwari Area Council Dauda Basha in a telephone interview confirmed the demolition notice placed at the market but denied the knowledge of a dispute between the council and traders or they had been protesting.

He said that discussions had been going on between the council and traders for long about the planned demolition and the Area Council had actually gone ahead and found the traders an alternative place to trade until the modern market is complete.

He added, “The area council is working on a place to take them to right now, the space we have is is too small so when we get an alternative place, they will be relocated but we have given the place up to private developers to develop and they already have their equipments on the ground which is expensive to maintain.”

The Lawyer who spoke in a phone interview on behalf of the tradersý Barr Maxwell Oparaý, said that they have served a court notice to the Abuja Metropolitan Council and Bwari Area Council and that any attempt to demolish the market will be a breach of peace and will be met with stiff resistance.

His words: “These traders in the first instance are there because the government allocated papers to them, they were called for the verification of their papers which they went for to confirm they were truly allocated and they paid the necessary fee that they were asked to pay.

“The traders are asking that if the government wants to build a modern market for them, they should give them the plan of the kind of market they want to build, the traders are ready to build it with government supervision, the traders are ready to build the Kubwa market with their money, all they are asking, is the government’s support and plan.”

He also said, “ýThe allocation given to the traders was given by the Bwari Area Councilý, they went back to the Area Council to regularise the papers, why are they now being asked to vacate their shops?

“The council claimed that they were going to relocate them to a temporary site but when the traders arrived at the site, it was just a vacant land that looked like it was cleared by someone to build a house.

”We are suing Abuja Metropolitan Council under FCDAý and we have also taken the court notice to the Bwari Area Council, we have served the both of them a court order and we are asking the court to declare that they have no right to intrude on the market, that the court should declare that the Abuja traders are the owners of the market and that if the Kubwa traders decide to build the market, they will be allowed to build it and after it is completed, they will take over, we are now waiting for a court date to be fixed.

“The Kubwa market traders are peaceful set of people but any attempt by the Area Council, FCT administration or developers ýto demolish the market will amount to breech of peace, we have written to all of them that any attempt to demolish the market illegally will meet with stiff resistance and in the course of resistance, anything can happen, we pray it does not get to that point, they have called us for a meeting which was adjourned from the 24th of December 2014 and we are hoping for another meeting soon.”

January 13, 2015
Youth told not to sell their votes

Youth in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have been advised to vote wisely and not sell their birthrights in the forthcoming general elections.

Mr Justice Duncan, a social speaker and the coordinator of Youth Alive For Progress (YAFP), a nongovernmental organization which champions the course of the youth, mostly in the FCT, said that the time for Nigerian youth to stand up for their right is now or never, that if they fail to do it now, it will take another four years to be corrected.

According to Duncan, who spoke during an electoral sensitization campaign in Abuja, the government of Nigeria led by the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has taken the youth for granted for too long, by using them during elections and abandoning them after they get into offices.

“The politicians have used us for too long, without considering our plight or how we survive during these hard times. During elections they will make all sort of promises without fulfilling anyone them. When we look for them in their offices, they will use tight security to prevent us from entering, because, we are no longer useful to them.

“All these have to stop now, the using youth for political violence because of peanuts given to them, has to stop now. If they want to use anybody for violence, they should go and use their children. We should not allow them to use us and dump us again, because, we are not rags. We should not sell our birthrights for little pennies and suffer in future.

“It is time for us in the FCT and entire Nigeria to stand up for our right and vote for a government that we remove us from this prolonged struggles, corruption, killings and maladministration that we are experiencing in Nigeria today. The youth are the life-wire of the society, so we should prove that to our leaders.

January 13, 2015
10 wards get council chief’s cars

The Chairman of Kuje Area Council Hon. Ishaku Tete has donated 14 cars to 10 ward chairmen wards of the council.

Presenting the vehicles, the chairman described it as part of the dividend of democracy from his administration, saying that the vehicles will facilitate easy movement during the campaign and general elections.

He advised the wards chairmen who benefited from gift of cars to take advantage of the occasion and make judicious use of the vehicles.

Also speaking, the PDP Flag bearer for the House of Representative to represent Abuja South, Hon. Danlandi Zhin, expressed gratitude to Hon. Shaban Tete for the gesture, pointing out that, the Nigeria situation, though worrisome, is not beyond solution.

He further stressed the importance and efficacy of prayers, that Nigeria needs the prayers of every citizen for it to move forward, adding that Nigeria would be healed of all its political and socio-economic problems, if everyone takes it as a duty to always pray for the country and the sustenance of democracy.

January 13, 2015
Community honours VC

It was a great day for the professor. The expansive palace of the Emir of Kaltungo in Gombe State was filled with a motley crowd. In it were his family members, friends, associates and colleagues. Thrilling them were sundry cultural dancers. It was all for the Vice Chancellor, University of Maiduguri Prof. Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi as he was honoured with the traditional title of Dan Rimin Kaltungo by His Royal Highness the Mai Kaltungo, Alhaji Sale Muhammad Umar.

To those who know Njodi said his recognition by the traditional institution was well-deserved considering his contribution to the development of his community.

Former Vice Chancellor of University of Maiduguri Prof Mala Dauara and some of his associates like Prof Saliba James, and Hajiya Saadatu Saad, Commissioner for Women Affairs all praised Prof. Njodi.

Even though it was not a speechmaking event, the Mai Kaltungo, Alhaji Sale Muhammad Umar made his remarks, noting the service of the new Dan Rimin.

The monarch said Prof Njodi was a worth holder of the title which means Ambassador Plenipotentiary. His contributions to the development and growth of education both within and outside Kaltungo chiefdom were enormous, Alhaji Muhammad said, adding that the Vice-Chancellor was an embodiment of excellence.

He said: “The Dan Rimin has remained a beacon for the younger generations of this emirate and the outside world that he has come in contact with. Everything he sets his eyes on, he makes sure he achieves it. He has remained an epitome of excellence. For many that know him, his appointment as the vice chancellor of university did not come as a surprise at all because he has earned himself this exalted academic feat through his hard-work and determination. This is a lesson for the upcoming generation to imbibe,” the Emir said. He charged the new title holder to continue to use his influence and wealth of experience in bringing about meaningful development to the people of the Chiefdom, the University of Maiduguri and the country at large.

Speaker after speaker who spoke at the occasion extolled his qualities. The speeches over, Prof. Njodi submitted himself to the traditional kingmakers who transformed him from a university don to a traditional title holder with a red cap and a colourful headgear and a beautiful long dress confirming his status as the new Dan Rimin of Kaltungo.

He expressed appreciation to the Mai Kaltungo, people of the Chiefdom and the community for finding him worthy to be bestowed with the traditional title of Dan Rimin Kaltungo, while assuring of his commitment to discharge the responsibilities the title demands of him.mHe also pledged to work towards the development of the Chiefdom, State and the Nation at large. He also promised to work hand in hand with members of the Chiefdom and other traditional title holders in the state and other members of the community with a view to moving the Chiefdom and the state in general forward. He asked the people of the Chiefdom to unite and shy away from tribal, religious and political bickering that brings about differences among people. He announced the establishment and launching of an Educational Endowment Fund for the Chiefdom. Over five million naira was realised as donations and cash towards the Fund. He explained that money raised would be used for the educational development of less privilege sons and daughters of the Chiefdom. The Mai Kaltungo is the chairman of the Endowment Fund while members will be drawn from different segments of the Chiefdom.

The occasion was witnessed by an unprecedented crowd including members of the University of Maiduguri community, traditional rulers, illustrious sons and daughters of Kaltungo Chiefdom as well as friends and well-wishers from within and outside Gombe State.

It was a beautiful sight to behold as the new Dan Rimin mounted his royal horse to receive cheers and pleasantries from his admirers. Like the stars dim away at the break of dawn, so were the swam of Traditional dancers from various communities of Kaltungo Chiefdom treated the celebrant with assorted dignified dance steps as he retired to his house to receive friends and well-wishers.

Born fifty years ago at Kaltungo Local Government Area of Gombe State, Prof Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi attended L.E.A Primary school Kaltungo from 1967-1973 and later ECWA Primary school Kaltungo from 1973-1975. He later proceeded to the Government Teachers College Jama’are in Bauchi State from 1975-1980. From 1981-1985 he was at the University of Maiduguri from where he obtained his B. Sc degree in Physical & Health Education . He served in the National Youth Service Corps from 1985-1986.

Prof Njodi joined the services of the University of Maiduguri as Graduate Assistant in 1987 and enrolled and completed his Masters degree from 1988-1991 at the University of Maiduguri and later proceeded to the prestigious University of Nigeria Nsukka for his PhD in Public Health Education from 2000-2003. Prof Ibrahim Njodi has held various academic and administrative positions within and outside the country. As an erudite scholar he has published books, chapters in books and also contributed by publishing over fifty articles in academic journals. He is widely respected by his colleagues, students and members of the society.

January 13, 2015
Council chief warns against bush burning

Chairman of Kuje Area Council in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr. Shaban Tete, has cautioned traditional rulers against bush burning, which he said has negative effects on the development of any society.

Tete also said that the council would soon organise a sensitisation programme for all village heads across the 10 wards of the council on the dangers of bush burning.

The council boss, who stated this when some village heads and district heads visited him, said the council’s decision to organise the sensitisation programme was timely since farmers have started harvesting their farm produce.

The council boss said that lives and property worth millions of naira have been destroyed as a result of indiscriminate bush burning, especially at the rural communities, which sometimes nearly resulted in clashes between farmers and herdsmen.

Tete said it is at the peak of every year dry season, which is the harvest period, that some parts of the country always witness herders and farmers clashes, in which lives and farm produce are lost.

“Our major concern is how to ensure that there is always peace between farmers and Fulani’s in our various communities, especially now that we are into harvesting period, sometimes you will hear that some farm produce have been burnt as a result of bush burning, which sometime accusing fingers are pointed at the Fulani herdsmen, “ he said.

Tete, however, noted that bush burning, has adverse effect on the society, saying even the federal government has always champion the course of ensuring that people desist from bush burning.

“I want it make it categorically clear that at the end of the sensitisation programme, any village heads that fail to take the message home to their subjects on the dangers of bush burning and any crisis that later broke out either between farmers and Fulani’s as result of loss of farm produce, such chief or village head would be held responsible,” he warned.

January 13, 2015