The Nation Newspaper

Category: Northern Reports

  • 90,000 youths for NDE training

    90,000 youths for NDE training

    The National Directorate of Employment (NDE) has announced plans to train 90,000 youths within three months on thirty different skills.

    The Director-General, Silas Agara said programme will encompass 30 different skill sets across four key departments: Special Public Works, Vocational Training, Small and Medium Enterprises, and Agricultural Programmes.

    He said that the programme which will have ten persons from each electoral ward across the country will run for three months, adding that the recruitment would be done through online registration in a dedicated portal.

    The NDE DG said that the programme which is in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and that the mandate of the directorate was to create job and generate activities that will give hope to the youths.

    Read Also; Dangote asks court to void licence for further importation of petrol products

    The Director-General said that the training programme will focus on quality, with a structured resettlement package for graduates, adding that collaborations with the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs are underway to ensure comprehensive support for all beneficiaries.

    Agara said: “We are hoping to train over 90,000 youths in about thirty skills spread across four departments. We can start by recruiting youths logging into our portal which is over 90 percent ready.

    “NDE is not a profit-making organisation, but to support the youth out there. To hit the ground running, we had to meet to ensure that we generate an activity that will give the youth hope. And doing that, we have been able to come up with a programme that hopefully either before the end of the week, or by next week, we should have the portal open for the programme.”

    The NDE boss noted that in the past, the settlement packages of beneficiaries of the scheme have not been encouraging but promised that those who would benefit from the ongoing recruitment and skills acquisition would be settled on their own.

    He said: “We will be looking at, at least N150,000 to N200,000 as a settlement package. The Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs will also provide settlement packages to some beneficiaries.”

    He noted that the directorate possesses the necessary manpower but lacks the motivation and tools needed to effectively fulfill its mandate.

    The DG said: “And I’m quite happy that we are trying to bridge the gap by ensuring that we make all the necessary tools available for the staff of the agency. For instance, the corporate headquarters of NDE, as you can see, is the one we are currently occupying, which again is a rented property.

    “But we want to thank the federal government for making one available. We are hoping that by the special grace of God, we should relocate to our corporate headquarters before the end of the year. That, we believe, will give the staff the enabling environment to work, giving a very good environment.

    “And that again will boost their morale. All arrangements are on to ensure that we’ll meet up with the December timeline that we have set for ourselves. And by the special grace of God, work is progressing at the headquarters.

    “It might not be 100% ready, but it will be good that we are occupying something that belongs to NDE. And of course, the encouragement will be there that we are occupying something that belongs to NDE. With time, in a few months, we can get the place 100% completed for occupation.

    “But we can occupy some of the floors there and make sure that activities of the agency move smoothly and will deliver the needed goals to Nigerians.”

  • Group lauds reforms by Interior minister

    Group lauds reforms by Interior minister

    A non-governmental organisation, Mandate Defenders has lauded the reforms introduced by the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.

    The group said various initiatives introduced by Tunji-Ojo have brought lasting tranformatiom to the activities of the ministry and by extension improved Nigeria’s internal/homeland security.

    “We, at the Mandate Defenders view the Honourable Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo as the star boy of the President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Administration,” a statement by its National Convener, Danielson Akpan said.

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    The statement said the minister, since his appointment, “has not only lived up to expectations, but has proven beyond reasonable doubt that his desires for change is immeasurable.”

    The statement added: “We believe that in service to the country, Minister Tunji-Ojo has selflessly turned around the fortunes of the federal ministry of Interior and maintained homeland security. The now vibrancy among the agencies under the purview of Minister Tunji-Ojo, tells of his indelible commitment to work for the betterment of the people.

    “Mandate Defenders have not found space to exhaust the performance of a workaholic Minister, but we would have time to ask Nigerians to look at Minister Tunji-Ojo and have hope for Nigeria, irrespective of the current economic hardship, he has put smiles on the faces of parastatals under his watch.

    “Mandate Defenders will continue to draw the attention of the public to performing government and private individuals, but will not hesitate to caution those who are going off the track.”

  • Abdulrazaq flags off 209.77km roads in Kwara

    Abdulrazaq flags off 209.77km roads in Kwara

    Kwara Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on Monday flagged-off the construction, rehabilitation, and upgrade of rural roads totaling 209.77km, doubling down on his administration’s drive to connect the state’s agrarian hinterlands to the markets in the urban areas and strengthen food security.

    The projects are being prosecuted under the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP), an initiative for which the administration has committed at least N4bn counterpart funds in the last five years. 

    RAAMP is jointly funded by the World Bank and French Development Agency, with the state government providing counterpart funds.

    AbdulRazaq said the investments have yielded the 209.77km costed at N19,404,220,675.55 for the benefits of the people. 

    The road projects include Alapa-Hoko (0.7km); Madi-Peke (17.5km); Mandala-Yowere-Agbonna (12.485 km); Gerewu-Eiyekorin- Okoolowo Expressway (3.07km); Panada-Oloro ((5.43km); Inaja-Alaro-Inaja Maliki (6.22km); Ijagbo-Aperun-Adeleke- Igbawere (6.85km); Kpandarako-Ginda- Kusomunu- Kachitako- Tsakpata Lealea- Gulufu Bacita (22.89km); and Lafiagi- Effagi – Putata road (9.53km).

    Others are Oko Olowo- SokotoTafatafa -Elere-Owode Oja- Baba Kudu- Akopari- Otte Oja road (23.23km); Odo Ode- Soliu-Arogun-Ikotun-Oke Amin-Rondo- Offa road (22.08km); Babanla-Budo Idowu-Alasoro-Owode- Shagbe (10.53km); Kpada-Gakpan (9.58km); and Yakiru-Tabiru-Kenu rural road (59.69km).

    “This flag-off for the construction, rehabilitation, and upgrade of rural roads spanning 209.77km and connecting 16 local government areas is the fruit of huge investment, strategic planning, our commitment to rural urban development and food security, and our drive for rapid socioeconomic growth and sustainable job opportunities,” the Governor said in Ilorin at the ceremony which attracted national and state parliamentarians, members of judiciary, cabinet members, and royalties.

    AbdulRazaq said the RAAMP project aligns with the government’s commitment to revolutionize rural infrastructure for agricultural development in the state. 

    The Governor commended the World Bank and French Development Agency (AFD) for providing the fund and the Federal Project Management Unit (FPMU) under the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development for proper coordination of RAAMP activities in Nigeria.

    AbdulRazaq announced that the government will soon award contracts for the construction of three Agro-logistics Centres, one in each senatorial district (Ajase-Ipo, Alapa and Kaiama) and more rural roads that will spread to other LGAs.

    “On assumption of office in 2019, our administration immediately paid the first tranche of the counterpart fund. Between 2019 and now, our government has paid the sum of Four Billion, Twenty-Six Million, Eight Hundred and Ninety-One Thousand Naira (N4,026,891,000) as a counterpart fund. No amount was paid before 2019,” he said. 

    He urged the contractors and consultants to deliver these projects within stipulated time and design specifications, and urged the host communities to support the initiative. 

    “For these roads to stand the test of time through quality maintenance, I have signed the Rural Access Road Agency (RARA) and State Road Fund (SRF) bills into law. I have also approved the constitution of the Boards of the Agency,” he added. 

    Senator Ashiru, who spoke on behalf of other National Assembly members from the state, said many states of the federation, except Kwara, have long been benefiting from RAAMP intervention because the previous administrations in the state failed to fulfill the required obligations.

    He praised Governor AbdulRazaq for the payment of counterpart funds which is an important requirement for accessing the grant, calling him a lover of the masses. 

    Read Also: AbdulRazaq using demolition to intimidate citizens, alleges Saraki

    Danladi described the project as another laudable initiative of the administration that will go a long way to ease access to farm produce and contribute to socio-economic development of the state.

    Works Commissioner Abdulquawiy Olododo, commended the Governor and other key stakeholders for their contributions and tireless efforts that made the day a reality, noting that the project will enhance connectivity, facilitate economic growth, and improve the quality of life for citizens.

    “For this year 2024, not less than 170 road projects have been embarked upon across Kwara State with at least 65% of them already completed while others are progressing at an appreciable pace,” Olododo added. 

    The State Coordinator of RAAMP, Engr Isaac Kolo, said the government’s investments in rural road infrastructure and agro-logistics facilities showed that the Governor is visionary, goal-oriented and passionate about the people’s well-being.

  • Crop scientists seek role in tackling food insecurity

    Crop scientists seek role in tackling food insecurity

    Crop Science Society of Nigeria (CSSN) members have urged government, at the federal, state and local levels, to engage crop scientists to overcome the food insecurity confronting the country.

    They stated this during their 9th National Conference and Annual General Meeting, held at Bayero University, Kano (BUK) with the theme: “Transforming Crop Production in the Face of Insecurity and Economic Crisis: Challenges and Opportunities.”

    The conference was hosted by the VC of BUK Prof. Sagir Adamu Abbas and chaired by Hon. Munir Babba Dan Agundi, a former Chairman House Committee on Colleges and Universities of Agriculture and Research Institute.

    The conference recommended “adoption of advances in biotechnology, effective government policies such as access to credit, agricultural extension services, functional partnerships and social safety nets that provide farmers with resources, education and infrastructure” in tackling the current food security challenge in Nigeria.

    In their talks on innovative solutions in crop science, the speakers observed that global food crisis is hitting the country hard and food prices are soaring due to food shortage, because of the nation’s reliance on oil driven economy.

    “It has become imperative for the three tiers of government to holistically engage crop scientists in the sustainable production of safe and affordable food for improved human health, export market and economic prosperity of Nigeria.

    “Nigeria’s path to progress requires economic diversification, good governance, and tackling security crisis hindering farmer’s productivity through the deployment of superior weaponry, dialogue and economic measures,” a communique at the end of the conference said.

    The meeting had in attendance government officials, members of Agriculture and Allied agencies and farmers’ associations, representatives of Agro-allied Industries, NGOs, Extension and Advisory Services, many university VCs, deans and students.

    Read Also: Lagos lawmakers seek collaboration to end food insecurity

    There were 130 major participants across Nigeria and other African countries, from 20 institutions across the nation representing universities, research institutes, polytechnics, Colleges of Agriculture, industries and private and government agencies.

    “Agriculture, which employs most Nigerians, remains underdeveloped, with small-scale farmers relying on outdated techniques without high-quality seeds resulting to poor output.

    “The country is beset by Boko Haram insurgency in the northeast, armed banditry in the Northwest and North Central regions, and herders-farmers conflicts across the country, thus exacerbating economic challenges, displacing people especially farmers, disrupting agricultural production, and deterring investment,” the meeting further observed.

    According to the communique, climate change is disrupting traditional farming practices, while lack of infrastructure, training, and financial support, coupled with poor adoption of modern agricultural technologies are other challenges.

    “A substantial portion of agricultural produce is being lost due to inadequate storage, poor processing facilities, and inefficient transportation systems resulting in a loss of 40 percent of food produced during post-harvest, contributing to food insecurity and reducing farmers’ income,” Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, represented by Engr Abdullahi Abubakar, said.

    The conference recommended: “the development and dissemination of improved seed varieties that promote agricultural diversification.

    “Development of specialised training centers in rural areas that focus on modern agricultural practices and post-harvest technologies.

    “Targeted strategies, such as empowerment through post-harvest value addition, women, youths and people with special needs to become key players in transforming Nigeria’s agricultural landscape.”

  • APC sweeps Kaduna LG elections, wins all 23 chairmanship seats

    APC sweeps Kaduna LG elections, wins all 23 chairmanship seats

    • Party also claims 255 councillorship seats

    Kaduna State Independent Electoral Commission (KAD-SIECOM) has declared the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) winner of all the 23 local government chairmanship and 255 councilorship seats in the local government elections held across the state yesterday.

    Announcing the results, KAD-SIECOM Chairman, Hajara Mohammed, said eight political parties participated in the elections, but the APC emerged victorious in all the contested positions.

    “The electoral officers have submitted their reports, and at the end of the exercise, APC candidates won all 23 chairmanship positions and 255 councillorship seats across the state,” she said.

    Mohammed further confirmed that the results were compiled in accordance with the law, with all local government and ward returning officers declaring the outcomes in their respective constituencies.

    Meanwhile, the state governor, Uba Sani, yesterday commended the conduct of elections.

    Speaking shortly after casting his vote at LEA Kawo polling unit 047, the governor expressed satisfaction with the process, describing the election as generally free, fair, and peaceful.

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    Governor Sani noted that turnout across the 23 local government areas was satisfactory, with only minor issues reported in a few polling units. He emphasised the importance of local government elections in strengthening democracy at the grassroots level, adding that the All Progressives Congress (APC) had extensively campaigned throughout the state.

    The governor urged voters to remain peaceful and reminded them that in every election, there are winners and losers. He expressed confidence that the electoral process would result in credible outcomes.

    Also commending the Kaduna State Independent Electoral Commission (Kad-SIECOM) for the successful conduct of the elections, the Northern Awareness Network (NAN) in a statement signed by its chairman, Salihu Sulaiman, praised the transparent and orderly manner in which the polls were conducted, despite security challenges.

    “We are pleased to note that the voters in Kaduna demonstrated a high level of civic responsibility. The police and other security agencies also ensured a safe and secure environment for voters,” NAN stated.

    The group urged elected officials to serve the people with integrity and work towards the progress of the state, pledging continued support for democratic processes in Northern Nigeria.

    Similarly, the Northern Stakeholders Consultative Forum (NSCF) described the elections as peaceful, free, and fair. The forum, in a statement by its convener, Comrade Paul Danjuma, commended KADSIECOM for conducting a credible election, noting that areas monitored in Kaduna metropolis showed no hitches.

  • Kaduna LG polls: Gov Sani optimistic of APC’s victory

    Kaduna LG polls: Gov Sani optimistic of APC’s victory

    Gov. Uba Sani of Kaduna State has cast his vote at his LEA Primary School, Kawo polling unit in  Saturday’s local government elections.

    Sani, who described the exercise as free, fair and peaceful, expressed confidence that the All Progressives Congress (APC) would emerge victorious.

    KADSIECOM had fixed Saturday to conduct elections in the 23 Local government areas of the state.

    KADSIECOM Chairperson, Hajara Mohammed, had in July, announced the date and timetable during a meeting with tje political parties and other stakeholders.

    The Governor said: “Although we had issues in one or two pulling units, generally, I can tell you that elections are going on in about 23 local government areas.

    ”And the reports we are hearing is that it is largely peaceful, fair and transparent.

    Read Also: Kaduna LG polls: Gov Sani optimistic of APC’s victory

    “I have no fear that at the end of the day, we will have a very credible election in the state.

    “This is a local government election that is very important to us and you should be aware that APC had gone round the 255 wards to campaign.

    ”That is the reason why I am extremely very confident that APC will come out victorious in this very election by the grace of God.”

    Sani, however, urged other political parties to accept that in elections, there must always be a winner and loser, adding, “we must always accept the verdict because we are democrats.”

    (NAN) 

  • Kogi procures relief materials for flood victims

    Kogi procures relief materials for flood victims

    The Kogi State Government has procured massive relief materials for distribution to flood victims in the State to ameliorate the hardship being experienced by flood victims. 

    This was made known in Lokoja by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mr Kingsley Fanwo, while briefing newsmen on the efforts of the State Government at providing succour for victims of flood in the State. 

    He said: “We are not just crying for help, we have set the ball rolling by expending huge resources on making provisions for the needs of flood victims in the State. 

    “We have taken delivery of the first tranche of the relief materials and many more trucks are on their way. Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo is committed to the welfare of the Kogi people and he will spare no resources in ensuring that flood victims do not suffer hardship at this trying period. 

    “As a responsible and responsive administration, we won’t wait entirely for help from outside. It is the responsibility of the Government to stand with the victims at a time like this.”

    Fanwo said the materials already delivered were foodstuffs such as rice, semovita, beverages and other food items. He also said that some medical consumables, mosquito nets, mattresses and other household needs had been delivered. 

    Read Also: NEMA deploys team to Kogi as flood affects 1,659 persons, displaces 517

    “The State Government engaged a major service provider to supply the needs of persons displaced by the unfortunate natural disaster. We are satisfied with the services provided as we look forward to more relief materials in line with our agreement with the service provider.

    “The Kogi State Government wishes to assure the victims that they are not alone in this trying time. We are with them and will continue to provide for their needs. 

    “We want to reiterate our call for assistance from the Federal Government, international organizations as well as NGOs and philanthropists to come to our aid. We are doing our best but we cannot do it all,” he said.

  • MILID Foundation, UNESCO to mark 2024 Global MIL Week in Kano

    MILID Foundation, UNESCO to mark 2024 Global MIL Week in Kano

    The Media and Information Literacy and Intercultural Dialogue Foundation (MILID Foundation) in collaboration with UNESCO Abuja is set to mark the 2024 Global Media and Information Literacy (MIL) Week in Kano.

    The event is scheduled to hold from October 22-24.

    In a statement, it said: “It will feature a two-day MIL capacity building training for youth and youth-led organisations in northwest Nigeria, culminating with a high-level advocacy gathering on the importance of media and information literacy.

    “The Global MIL Week is an annual event organised by UNESCO worldwide to raise awareness and celebrate the progress achieved towards Media and Information Literacy for all.

    “The week, observed every October, features a series of activities by stakeholders, including a major event by UNESCO’s head office in partnership with a Member State.

    The global theme for this year, “The new digital frontiers of information: Media and Information Literacy for public-interest information,” highlights the importance of MIL for the public good, particularly for young people.

    “Media and Information Literacy is a crucial skill for all consumers of media and information, particularly in countries like Nigeria with a burgeoning youth population that requires critical thinking skills and competencies in their engagement and interaction both online and offline,” said Chiamaka Okafor, Executive Director, MILID Foundation.

    Speaking about the importance of such interventions, Head of Office and Representative, UNESCO Abuja Office, Mr. Abdourahamane Diallo said, “UNESCO understands the vital role youths and youth-led organisations play in the information sharing space. With Media and Information Literacy skills, the youths are strategically placed to engage in youth-led advocacy for a better, peaceful, integrated, prosperous, and more informed world.”

    Representatives of youth and youth-led organisations at this maiden national MIL and youth engagement are expected from Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, and Zamfara states.

    The high-level advocacy gathering will also feature government officials including Kano State commissioners for information and education, academics, media, civil society organisations, and students.

  • 140 women to receive life-changing fistula surgeries in Nigeria

    140 women to receive life-changing fistula surgeries in Nigeria

    The Bashir Foundation for Fistula and Women’s Health (BFFWH) has announced a collaborative initiative with the Fistula Foundation to provide critical medical interventions for women living with obstetric fistula across Nigeria.

    Director of Media and Technology, for the Foundation, Ibukun Ogundare, in a statement on Friday said the partnership aims to transform the lives of 140 women through free fistula repair surgeries and comprehensive care on a first come first serve basis.

    Obstetric fistula, a childbirth injury caused by prolonged, obstructed labour, often leads to social isolation and emotional trauma for affected women.

    BFFWH’s comprehensive approach includes surgical repairs, rehabilitation programs, community mobilization and awareness campaigns, training healthcare workers, and broader women’s health programs.

    Ogundare added the project, scheduled to run from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025, targets 140 fistula repair surgeries through routine care and dedicated surgical camps in Kaduna, Abuja, and Zamfara.

    According to him, the partners have identified Gwarinpa General Hospital in Abuja, Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital in Kaduna, and Vesico Vaginal Fistula (VVF) Center in Gusau, Zamfara, as the strategic locations for these surgeries.

    The statement read in part: “As a non-profit organization, BFFWH is dedicated to improving reproductive health and well-being for women, with a primary focus on treating, preventing, and rehabilitating obstetric fistula patients.

    Read Also: Hospital conducts free surgeries on 200 VVF patients in Sokoto

    “Since its inception, BFFWH has provided hundreds of women with free fistula surgeries and empowerment programs to rebuild their lives.

    “Through partnerships with government agencies, international donors, and community stakeholders, BFFWH remains committed to promoting maternal health and eliminating fistula in Nigeria. This collaboration with the Fistula Foundation will enable BFFWH to expand its reach and impact.

    “Beyond surgery, the project will provide post-surgery support, including psychological counselling and skills training, to help patients reintegrate into society. BFFWH aims to transform lives and foster economic independence among fistula survivors.

    “We believe eliminating fistula requires collective action and invites government agencies, healthcare providers, and community leaders to join hands in ensuring no woman is left behind”.

  • You’ve no contract to fix Kwara Hotel, Court tells MM’s Crystal Group 

    You’ve no contract to fix Kwara Hotel, Court tells MM’s Crystal Group 

    An Ilorin High Court has struck out a case instituted against the Kwara State Government by the Hon. Moshood Mustapha-owned Crystal Group of Companies Limited over the remodelling of the legacy Kwara Hotel. 

    Hon. Justice E. B. Mohammed struck out the case after upholding the preliminary objections of the state government on the matter. 

    The judge said no document was before the court to show that the Crystal Group had any valid contract with the state government to remodel the iconic hotel, shutting down the much-parroted claim that the government had reneged on its commitment with the firm. 

    The court held that a draft agreement or an unsigned agreement by either of the parties is worthless and cannot cloth Crystal Group of Companies Limited with the legal right to pursue any action against the government regarding Kwara Hotel. 

    “The claimant’s suit against Kwara State Government on Kwara Hotels is hereby struck out,” the court held, potentially turning the page on the topic.

    The government had repeatedly explained that it signed no agreement with the Crystal Group and whatever talks between them had not reached the level of a legal agreement binding on either party.