The Nation Newspaper

Category: Northern Reports

  • Dasuki gives 200 scholarships, provides agric inputs, empowers women in Sokoto

    Dasuki gives 200 scholarships, provides agric inputs, empowers women in Sokoto

    Lawmaker representing Kebbe/Tambuwal Federal Constituency of Sokoto State, Hon. Abdusammad Dasuki, Friday announced a N27.5 million scholarship scheme for 200 university students, distribution of agricultural inputs to farmers and grants to women groups in his constituency for empowerment purposes.

    At the event  at Laziz Hall in Tambuwal, the federal lawmaker, in continuation of the Abdussamad Dasuki Scholarship Programme, gave scholarships to 200 university students with this Batch A comprising students with GPA of 3.00 and above, to reward their academic performance, and students with GPA of less than 3.00 to encourage them.

    He also announced the sponsorship of between 20 to 30 students on a full—funded scholarship programme at Iconic University for Masters in Information Technology (MIT) and Masters in Public Health (MPH). 

    Among the criteria for winning these scholarships are good first degree and the recipient must be indigent. 

    No less than N600,000 will be spent on each benefiting student till the end of the programme.

    Read Also: Ex-NSA Dasuki makes rare appearance as 38-year-old Yunus Abdulsalam becomes SAN

    Also, as part of his empowerment programme 2024 for the constituency, Dasuki distributed hundreds of water pumping machines for irrigation and hundreds of bags of fertilizer to 700 constituents, cutting across the 21 wards of Kebbe/Tambuwal Federal Constituency.

    Cash grants were also given to tens of women groups, as part of his empowerment programs for his constituents.

    Dasuki, who is also the Santurakin Sokoto, reiterated his determination to ensure that no university student from his constituency drops out of school due to inability to pay school fees, adding that he would also continue to reward students with high GPA.

    Dasuki assured the students that whoever amongst them that gets a great CGPA would be sponsored abroad for further studies, just as was done for two students with very high CGPA in 2022. 

    Noting the importance of education, Dasuki said he would continue to support the educational pursuits of young people in his constituency so that they would be able to compete favorably with their peers in different parts of the country and around the world for opportunities. 

    He expressed strong optimism that his investment in human development through scholarship and business empowerment would lead to the development of Kebbe/Tambuwal Federal Constituency.

    Earlier in the year, in continuous bid to support small businesses holders, including farmers, traders and artisans, and enhance the livelihoods of people in Kebbe/Tambuwal Federal Constituency, Dasuki disbursed grants to some small and medium-scale enterprise owners.

    At the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) Grant, tagged ‘It’s Coming’,  in August, aimed at helping people of Kebbe/Tambuwal federal constituency weather the prevailing economic crisis and make them to be self-reliant, cheques were distributed  to beneficiaries in Kuchi District, Kebbe Local Government by teams from the Dasuki Office. Beneficiaries received grants ranging from ₦100,000 to ₦250,000.

  • Humanitarian minister urged to initiate people – friendly policies

    Humanitarian minister urged to initiate people – friendly policies

    The new Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Nentawe Yilwatda has be tasked to initiate people-friendly policies to address poverty.

    A Non-Governmental Organisation, Atum Humanitarian and Charitable Initiative gave the charge in a statement by its Executive Chairman, Ismaila Atus.

    The organisation said millions of Nigerians currently grapple with poverty and other health issues that should be addressed.

    The organisation said it would be willing to partner with the ministry to design a poverty- alleviating scheme to assist Nigerians.

    The statement reads: “I congratulate the new minister of humanitarian affairs and poverty reduction. As a politician, we urge him to be liberal. The post he occupies today is meant for poor people.

    “So, we urge him to feed a lot of Nigerians at a critical time that people are suffering. We encourage him to search for fund all over the world to assist the masses.

    “He should not look as if he is the minister and the post is for a big man.

    “This is a poor-people post, and he should work with all the NGOs that are putting effort to assist humanity in this country. We urge him to work with him so that we are going to work with him tirelessly.”

    Recall that the foundation came up with a policy to raise N500 million to assist 2 million indigent Nigerians due to the economic hardship.

    Read Also: Tinubu writes Senate to confirm Bianca Ojukwu, Yilwatda, five others as Ministers

    This is even as it called on well-meaning Nigerians to engage in humanitarian aid, adding that it was unwise for people with the financial means to stash money in foreign accounts when millions of Nigerians wallow in abject poverty.

    Atus, who is also the Executive Chairman of Woskybet, said: “We are going to raise N500 million to assist 2 million Nigerians. The Hunger is too much. Foodstuff is beyond the reach of the ordinary man. I urge those with the wherewithal to help.

    “Aside that, I am calling on the government to reduce the hardship. The government is trying but it is not enough, because millions of Nigerians are suffering.

    “This is the time the people need the government. Politicians should join the bandwagon to assist the masses. They cannot continue to stash their money abroad.”

  • ‘FCTA should adopt informal market model to curb street hawking’

    ‘FCTA should adopt informal market model to curb street hawking’

    A Non-Governmental Organisation, HipCity Innovation Centre has urged the Federal Capital Territory Administration has been urged to adopt an informal market model to curb the menace of street hawking in the nation’s capital.

    Executive Director of the organisation, Bassey Bassey, stated this in Abuja on Wednesday at a public presentation/launch of the informal market model.

    He said the initiative would create sustainable opportunities for women at the lower rung of the social ladder, provide them with affordable trading spaces within a structured and supportive environment.

    He said: “What we’re doing here today is presenting the market—the market created between urban poor women and our organization, alongside our consultants, to the government and other stakeholders.

    “The goal is to have the model adopted and replicated on the ground so that women who are disadvantaged can find dignified spaces to engage in legitimate trade.”

    He added that the initiative is borne out of years of research, which highlighted the struggles urban poor women face in accessing formal markets due to the prohibitive costs of renting or buying stalls.

    He added: “Many of these women cannot afford to pay for stalls in formal markets, where even the so-called low-cost spaces are not truly affordable.

    Read Also: Land grabbing: FCTA demolishes houses in Lugbe, Phase 5

    “As a result, many end up hawking on the streets, which exposes them to harassment from law enforcement due to the law against street hawking in Abuja.”

    He called on government, development partners, corporate organisations and individuals to provide lands with a view to actualising the initiative, which has been developed by the organisation.

    The Founding Partner, Ruban Office, Stephen Ajadi applauded the initiative, even as he called on chairpersons of area councils to key in.

    Ajadi said that the move was aimed at creating informal spaces of commerce.

    “The basic aim of what we’re doing is to create very pragmatic and sustainable spaces for people with very low incomes in Abuja, particularly women,” Ajadi said.

    Commending the initiative, Acting Director, Housing Satellite Towns Development Department, FCTA, Ononokpono Benson, said the move would further help curb the spate of criminals in the society.

    She advised for more partnership with the federal government as part of an effort to drive needed development for women in the society.

    She also hinted that the FCTA would be instrumental in the provision of land to champion the initiative.

    “The government will bring in, maybe their technologies, their land, while the company sources the resources to do it, charge to the country,” she said.

  • SGF Akume, Utsev have not disappointed Tinubu, Nigerians – Benue Caucus spokesperson

    SGF Akume, Utsev have not disappointed Tinubu, Nigerians – Benue Caucus spokesperson

    The Benue National Assembly and Federal Appointees Caucus has commended Senator George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, and Professor Joseph Utsev, Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, for what they described as their outstanding performance and dedication to serving Nigeria.

    According to Hon. Philip Agbese, spokesperson for the caucus, the recent cabinet reshuffle, which retained both leaders in their positions, attests to their exceptional abilities and President Bola Tinubu’s confidence in them.

    Under Senator Akume’s leadership, Agbese said the Office of the SGF has undergone significant reforms, streamlining processes and reducing bureaucratic bottlenecks to enhance service delivery.

    He said his strategic vision has ensured effective implementation of the President’s policies and programs.

    Agbese noted Utsev has revolutionised the water resources and sanitation sector, addressing water scarcity and ensuring sustainable management.

    The group said he has launched initiatives to improve access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene services in rural communities.

    Read Also: Tinubu cracks down on excess cost of governance

    “We express our heartfelt appreciation and admiration for two exceptional leaders from our great state, Senator George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, and Professor Joseph Utsev, Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation,” the statement said.

    “The recent cabinet reshuffle, which saw the retention of these two distinguished individuals in their respective positions, is a resounding endorsement of their outstanding performance and dedication to serving our nation. Their exemplary leadership has brought immense pride to Benue State and reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s confidence in their exceptional abilities.

    “Senator George Akume, as Secretary to the Government of the Federation, has demonstrated exceptional leadership and administrative acumen, streamlining government processes and reducing bureaucratic bottlenecks to enhance service delivery.

    “Under his guidance, the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation has witnessed significant reforms, facilitating seamless coordination among ministries, departments, and agencies.

    “Senator Akume’s strategic vision has ensured the effective implementation of the President’s policies and programs, fostering interagency collaboration and promoting synergy while resolving interministerial conflicts. He has also enhanced transparency and accountability in government procurement and financial management.

    “Professor Joseph Utsev, as Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, has revolutionised the sector by addressing water scarcity and ensuring sustainable management. He has launched initiatives to improve access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene services, particularly in rural communities.

    “Utsev has promoted innovative technologies and partnerships to enhance water conservation and efficient use, strengthening institutional frameworks and capacity building for effective water resources management. His expertise and vision have driven significant progress in the sector.”

    The Caucus praised President Tinubu for recognising the value and contributions of these two leaders, citing their retention as evidence of his commitment to excellence and dedication to surrounding himself with result-driven leaders.

    They, however, assured the President that Benue State is solidly behind him.

    “As a caucus, we are proud to associate with Senator Akume and Professor Utsev, who have consistently demonstrated the values of hard work, integrity, and selfless service. We celebrate their achievements and reaffirm our support for their continued service to our nation.

    “To Senator Akume and Professor Utsev, we say thank you for being shining examples of Benue State’s finest. Your dedication, expertise, and leadership have made us proud, and we look forward to your continued contributions to our nation’s growth and development.

    “We affirm our unwavering for President Tinubu’s policies and programs aimed at transforming Nigeria. As loyal stakeholders, we pledge to continue working tirelessly to ensure the President’s vision for a prosperous and united Nigeria is realised.

    “Benue State is intact and committed to the President’s success, and we will continue to stand by him throughout his tenure.”

  • Tinubu’s wife lifts women, others in Anambra 

    Tinubu’s wife lifts women, others in Anambra 

    First Lady Oluremi Tinubu on Thursday, October 24, distributed 1,200 25kg bags of rice to rural women, vulnerable and less privileged in Anambra State under the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI).

    Oluremi, represented by the wife of the Anambra State Governor, Dr Nonye Soludo, said the initiative was to cushion the effects of economic hardship.

    “The government recognises the effects of the current economic situation and this is part of efforts to provide relief to those adversely affected by the current hardship in the country.

    “We urge Nigerians to continue to support and pray for the government as it strives to make life better for all,” she said.

    Soludo, Founder of the Healthy Living Initiative, while distributing the palliatives, also organised free comprehensive medical checks and cancer screening for the women.

    She urged women to go for routine medical checks to prevent health complications or deaths.

    “Health is the greatest wealth you can have, do not joke with your health. 

    Read Also: Economy in ICU before Tinubu’s emergence — Ex-Rep

    “Take advantage of the free cervical and breast cancer screening organised by Health Living Initiative and know your status.

    “Our mothers should also secure the health of their children by embracing immunisation and exclusive breastfeeding,” she said.

    Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike, lauded the Governor’s wife for prioritising women’s health through her health awareness and free cancer screening programmes.

    One of the beneficiaries, Mrs Adanna Akaora, from Oyi Local Government Area of the state expressed gratitude to the initiators of the programme.

    She said the palliative would go a long way to ameliorate the current hardship experienced by her household.

    The beneficiaries had checks to verify their HIV status, blood pressure, blood sugar level and Body Mass Index and were screened for cervical and breast cancer.

  • Tasks before Sulaiman-Ibrahim, by APC national women leader

    Tasks before Sulaiman-Ibrahim, by APC national women leader

    National women leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Mary Alile Idele, has identified some tasks before the new Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim.

    She urged the immediate-past Minister of State Police Affairs to work towards implementing policies that combat gender-based violence and support vulnerable women in the country.

    Idele also called on Sulaiman-Ibrahim to leverage her position to champion initiatives that will provide women with greater access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities.

    Sulaiman-Ibrahim was among 10 ministers’ re-assigned portfolios on Wednesday.

    Idele believes the minister is a good fit for the Women’s Ministry considering her humility and hard work.

    “Her unique qualities make her suitable to lead the Ministry of Women Affairs,” Idele said in a statement on Thursday.

    Extending her heartfelt congratulations to the new minister, Idele called on women of APC and Nigerians at all levels to support her to deliver as she did as Police Minister.

    She expressed confidence in Imaan’s capabilities to drive policies that will significantly enhance the welfare and empowerment of women across the nation.

    Read Also: APC will take over Rivers, Ganduje declares

    The APC women leader emphasised the importance of visionary leadership in addressing the myriad challenges faced by women and girls in Nigeria.

    Idele added: “Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim’s extensive experience and unwavering commitment to women’s issues make her a perfect fit for this critical role.

    “Her appointment is not only a victory for women in Nigeria, but a testament to the APC’s dedication to promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment in our society.”

    The APC national women leader encouraged all stakeholders to support the new Minister in her efforts to uplift women and ensure their voices are heard in the corridors of power.

    “Once again, congratulations to Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim on this well-deserved appointment. The APC looks forward to seeing her impactful leadership in the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs”, she said.

  • Calls intensify for youth leadership role in climate change governance

    Calls intensify for youth leadership role in climate change governance

    Concerns have grown regarding the imperative for Nigerian youth to take a leading role in addressing climate change challenges being the demographic most likely to bear the brunt of its effects.

    The health sector and climate change stakeholders emphasized that the phenomenon is a pressing global issue, already causing significant damage, as evidenced by recent floods and ongoing devastation in both southern and northern Nigeria.

    Given this, they asserted that the youths have become essential in driving innovative solutions for a sustainable future.

    At the opening of the 2024 Future of Health Youth Pre-Conference organized by the Nigeria Health Watch (NHW) in Abuja, the youths were challenged to take an active role in addressing climate change issues and to become a driving force in implementing solutions to the global abnormality.

    In his keynote address, Olumide Idowu, Executive Director of the International Climate Change Development Initiative, emphasized the need for youth to be determined and intentional about engaging in climate change governance, starting with local actions to be taken seriously by both authorities and the public.

    “We all live in different local communities, and when you tackle problems in your local communities, you will be well-known and will be able to create the change you want to see.

    “So, young people need to understand that local action is one of the best ways to engage themselves and also to give themselves to learning and education because if we don’t understand what you’re talking about, you might lead the other people in the wrong way.

    “They need to also give themselves to development. We need to understand that every problem that we see is a solution, like every resource is a solution for us,” he said.

    Idowu, who noted that the theme of the pre-conference, ‘Amplifying Youth Voices for Climate-Health Action’, is apt, advised that it is essential for the younger generation to bridge the gap between national climate policies and local implementation, as many policies are formulated at the federal level.

    Read Also: Why youth entrepreneurs are key to tackling climate change in Africa

    “This is because the real impacts are felt locally. By engaging with Local government leaders, youth can ensure that policies are tailored to the specific needs of their communities and are effectively implemented,” he noted.

    In her opening remarks, NHW Managing Director, Vivianne Ihekweazu stressed that addressing climate change is especially urgent for young people, who will bear its long-term impacts.

    She emphasised the importance of their full engagement, stating that as inheritors of the Earth, today’s youth must be actively involved in both mitigating and adapting to climate change.

    “Their involvement not only ensures a healthier planet for future generations but also places them at the forefront of solving one of the most significant challenges of our time.

    “As inheritors of the future, the young people will be here long after the current generation of leaders and policymakers has left the scene,” she said.

    The Managing Director of the Society for Family Health (SFH), Omokhudu Idogho noted that youth leadership is pivotal in the fight against climate change as they possess the energy, creativity, and determination to drive grassroots advocacy efforts.

    Represented by the Deputy Managing Director of SFH, Jennifer Anyanti, Idogho emphasized that amplifying youth voices is crucial to ensuring climate change policies are effective, equitable, and sustainable, saying, “Youth involvement in climate action is essential for creating a sustainable future.

    “By leading advocacy efforts, integrating climate education, leveraging technology, driving community projects, and building partnerships, young people can significantly influence the fight against climate change.

    “Their leadership and innovation are critical to ensuring a healthy planet for future generations. As the challenges of climate change and its impact on health intensify, it is imperative to amplify the voices of youths and support them in taking meaningful action.”

    Chris Ngwodo, Director General of the Office for Strategic Preparedness and Resilience, stressed that the Federal government should not be the sole responder to the impacts of climate change.

    He said both State and Local governments must also invest in climate-resilient infrastructure and capacity to deal with the effects of climate change within their domain localities.

    He emphasized the urgent need to strengthen sub-national capacities to tackle the phenomenon, pointing out that rising sea levels in the south and drought and desertification in the north are the most visible impacts of climate change in the country.

    Ngwodo said: “What we are going to be doing better is building the capacity of States and Local governments to be able to respond effectively to floods, proactively and reactively.

    “Proactively in terms of evacuating people from flood-prone areas, reactively in terms of dealing with the aftermath of the flood itself, and then, being able to invest in climate resilient infrastructure so that you don’t have a situation where rainfall immediately causes flooding in vulnerable communities.

    “We know that in many states that capacity is not adequate. So, we advocate for more investment by the state governments in their capacity to respond in a timely fashion to those issues,” he added.

  • Flood: Ododo drills boreholes at IDP camps, provides relief materials

    Flood: Ododo drills boreholes at IDP camps, provides relief materials

    To ensure persons and families displaced by flood are not exposed to water-borne diseases, Kogi Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has begun the drilling of boreholes at the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Camps. 

    According to the State Government, this will also help to ameliorate the hardship the displaced persons go through while in search of water. 

    The Commissioner for Information Kingsley Fanwo, who briefed newsmen on Thursday, said Governor Ododo directed the Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA) to immediately begin the borehole drilling in the  (IDP) camps to ensure sufficient supply of clean water.

    The Governor gave the directive while on a visit to some of the IDP Camps on Thursday just as he directed the provision of more relief materials to the IDP camps in the state.

    To ensure effectiveness, a  service provider, Komforte Koncept has been engaged by the State Government to supply the relief materials to IDP camps to cater for the major needs of the displaced persons. 

    The swift action taken by the Governor in drilling the boreholes was as a result of the increasing population and challenges faced as a result of the flood disaster in the state, he said. 

    RUWASSA was given a 48-hour deadline to complete the drilling and installation of necessary materials to ensure that the residents of the camps have access to clean water during their stay.

    Read Also: Ododo okays N72,500 minimum wage for Kogi workers, gives tax relief

    Governor Ododo also expressed satisfaction with the service provider contracted to deliver relief materials, including food, medicals and other materials to the IDP Camps. 

    He said the government was committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all its citizens, and that no one would be left behind. 

    He reassured the residents of the state that the government would continue to provide support to IDPs and work towards their rehabilitation and reintegration into the society.

    The relief materials, which include food items, clothing, medicals and other essential supplies, were distributed to the IDP camps in a bid to alleviate the suffering of those affected by the devastating flood.

  • Abuja Rotary Club empowers widow, others

    Abuja Rotary Club empowers widow, others

    The Rotary Club of Abuja Kubwa has called on well-meaning Nigerians to extend assistance to the less privileged, particularly vulnerable groups.

    According to the Club, such gestures contribute to the socioeconomic growth of communities while indirectly addressing immediate challenges like insecurity and future issues such as unemployment.

    Club President, Rotarian Idowu Olayemi, made this appeal in Kubwa, Abuja, recently during the presentation of grinding machines to a widow and two other struggling women.

    Olayemi emphasized that the current global economic downturn has made it essential for the affluent to support vulnerable individuals, especially struggling women with families to care for.

    She said: “This way, a lot of solutions would be found for many societal challenges.

    “To empower a woman means the family is going to be taken care of, the education of the children, their feeding, and other necessary basic needs are assured.

    “Invariably, the trained children would not only be useful to themselves but to the community as well, thereby contributing to the development of society at large.”

    She said the choice of the beneficiaries of the grinding machine was well thought out, as a widow and two struggling mothers with three children each.

    “The case of the widow was as unique as the other two. The widow lost her husband years back and has been surviving on a grinding machine to take care of herself and her children.

    Read Also: Rotary Club strengthens Nigeria, India ties with service initiatives

    “I used to patronize her whenever I was at the market, but sometime back, I noticed that she hadn’t been coming to the market for a long time.

    “I never knew she was a widow, but I was just concerned that she wasn’t coming to the market, so I made efforts to get her phone number.

    “I called, and she explained that the machine became faulty, and she had spent so much on it without much headway until it packed up completely.

    “At that point, I asked her how life has been and what she was doing at the moment. She responded that she’d been at home since then doing nothing, and I asked how she’d been coping. In our usual parlance, she responded, ‘Na God o.’

    “At that moment, I made up my mind that our Club should do something for her.

    “Of the other women, one is a struggling mother of three, whom one of our members noticed has always been coming around their area for menial jobs.

    “Very hardworking, but she will always go around begging for food because of the children.

    “The story of the third was not so much different, so we decided to invest in alleviating their plights.”

    Addressing the lucky beneficiaries, Olayemi, who led other members of the Club to the presentation, said, “This is part of our own way of empowering people, just to help you so that you can in turn be of help to your family and your children.

    “These grinding machines have been given to you to help you generate income for yourself so that you won’t have to totally rely on your husband, neighbors, and friends for all your needs.

    “Please, make good use of this and empower yourself.”

    On behalf of the beneficiaries, the widow, Janet Baregi, while appreciating the members of Rotary Club Abuja Kubwa for the kind gesture, prayed for their individual and collective success in their endeavors.

    “May the Lord of heaven replenish your pockets in the mighty name of Jesus. Where these ones came from, I pray that thousands of it will replace it in the mighty name of Jesus so that you will be able to stretch your hands and reach others in Jesus’ name,” she prayed.

  • Residents to Wike: fix failed streetlights on Maitama, Kubwa expressways

    Residents to Wike: fix failed streetlights on Maitama, Kubwa expressways

     The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has been urged to address the problem of inadequate street lighting, which has left Maitama and Kubwa areas vulnerable to crime.

     In a statement on behalf of residents of Maitama and Kubwa, Dr. Mary Agbamuche, pleaded with the Minister to attend to their request

    According to Agbamuche, improper maintenance in many parts of the expressways has opened the way for criminal activities.

    She said the maintenance of street lighting would enhance the safety and security of residents.

    Agbamuche added: “We need streetlights to illuminate our neighbourhoods, especially at night. These dark spots are unsafe and give criminals a chance to operate under cover of darkness.

    Read Also: Speaker to Wike: you have made Tinubu’s administration proud

    “From our inquiry we gather that the Co-ordinator of AMMC is on top of the issue to ensure a contractor with capacity moves to site this week.”

    Also, a civil servant resident in Kubwa, Mr. Fabian Benjamin, said lighting up these areas would enhance Abuja’s aesthetic beauty, further aligning with its status as the country’s capital.

    He said: “Abuja is a beautiful city, but a few parts don’t reflect that because they are poorly lit. Proper lighting would enhance not just security but also the beauty of our streets.”

    The residents expressed the hope that the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) would expedite action on light up Maitama, Kubwa expressways, and other areas that have suffered from insufficient lighting for the past few months.They added that this would help curb criminal activities and promote a safer, visually appealing city.