The Nation Newspaper

Category: Northern Reports

  • ‘Nigerians urged to adapt to current economic realities’

    ‘Nigerians urged to adapt to current economic realities’

    Nigerians have been called upon to adapt to the current economic realities to foster meaningful progress, as fuel subsidies have long hindered the country’s sustainable development.

    This is as Nigerian professionals across various sectors of engineering, law, healthcare, manufacturing, and science, among others, have been urged to uphold ethical standards and contribute actively to addressing the many challenges facing the nation.

    Speaking at the annual meeting of the Association of Professional Bodies of Nigeria (APBN) in Abuja on Tuesday, former President of the association, Akinloye Olufemi Oyegbola, emphasized the need for Nigerians to embrace a culture of good followership, noting that this is essential for fostering accountability and ensuring that leaders are held responsible to the people.

    Oyegbola criticized the unsustainable practice of subsidies, arguing that it has led to financial irresponsibility.

    He stressed that it is better to confront these issues now, rather than wait for them to escalate further, saying, “Right from when we had the COVID, things have been tiring, trying to fall apart, trying to fall apart.

    “I think when we talk, we should be sincere to the people. When you have a family and each of the parents have a job, if one loses the job, there is a need for that family to adjust.

    “And while that family is adjusting, we expect, for instance, the children who were earlier in private schools, now being put in government schools.

    “These are basic things. So I think we are adjusting already. We didn’t want to adjust before.

    “That’s why it got this bad. If we had adjusted as we are adjusting now, in the past, it wouldn’t be this bad for us. Whatever we call subsidy, you subsidize with what you have.

    “The moment you are borrowing money to put into something that you shouldn’t put it into, it is no more subsidy. You are being lavish. You are being irresponsible.

    Read Also: Fed Govt to institutionalise economic safety nets

    “So what we used to call subsidy in the past was not subsidy because Nigeria had no money to subsidize. You subsidize because it’s believed that you have that money and you are helping a situation. We are not subsidizing.

    “We are only being lavish and we are telling ourselves lies, being insincere with it. And a lot of people, very few of them who had that opportunity, directly or indirectly, are making money from it. Now the reality is on us.

    “It’s unfortunate. All of us are feeling it. But I think it’s earlier now.

    “It’s better now than never. Because it was going to really fall apart if we didn’t face it the way we are facing it. If we had faced it four or five years ago, it wouldn’t be this bad now.

    “We would have been picking up our pieces by now. So whether we like it or not, by the grace of God, we will pick up our pieces. It won’t get too bad for us, by the grace of God”.

    In his farewell remarks, the outgoing APBN President, Manason Garkuwa Rubainu, urged professionals from all fields to stand firm against unethical practices, stressing that working for the benefit of the country is in the interest of every Nigerian.

    He highlighted the pivotal role professionals play in shaping policies and ensuring accountability, saying, “When professionals support bad practices, they weaken society.”

    Rubainu also called for ethical leadership across all professions, urging professionals to uphold high standards and mentor the next generation.

    He emphasized the need for collaboration in addressing challenges and ensuring that Nigeria achieves good governance.

  • FCTA steps up action against illegal hospital practices

    FCTA steps up action against illegal hospital practices

    The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) of FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, has intensified efforts to eliminate the coercion of patients’ relatives or patients brought in for emergency care and admitted to its hospitals, by demanding payment for basic medical consumables before being attended to.

    In this regard, the Health Services and Environment Secretariat has not only released this information to the public via notice boards in hospitals, but it has also deployed a Monitoring Taskforce to enforce compliance.

    The Health Services and Environment Mandate Secretary, Adedolapo Fasawe, made this known on Tuesday while presenting the winner of the Daisy Award to Rosemary Okorafor.

    Okorafor, a registered nurse from Karshi General Hospital, won the award by outperforming other contenders and fulfilling all the requirements for the honour.

    The 49-year-old Assistant Director of Nursing at the FCTA is the first Nigerian to receive this international award.

    Fasawe affirmed that the Secretariat would no longer condone any acts of extortion against patients in its hospitals, regardless of the method used.

    She reiterated the government’s commitment to providing basic hospital supplies, such as bandages, gloves, plasters, and methylated spirit, among others.

    She issued a stern warning to all hospital administrators to comply with this directive and stop charging patients for these consumables or face the full consequences of the law.

    Read Also: FCTA begins registration of intending pilgrims for 2025 Hajj

    She said: “I strongly condemn and issue a firm warning to violators of the government’s directive that patients should not be coerced or forced to provide basic medical consumables, particularly the relatives of patients in emergency wards, who are already distressed by the condition of their loved ones and financially strained.”

    The Mandate Secretary further revealed that monitoring teams would soon visit hospitals to ensure full compliance with the directive while encouraging patients’ relatives and friends to report any violations to hospital management.

    She said to curb such practices, the Secretariat has posted informational notices in all facilities with contact numbers to report these issues.

    According to a statement on Tuesday by Bola Ajao, the Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Mandate Secretary, the Daisy Award is given to nurses who exemplify core values and consistently demonstrate excellence in patient care and nursing practice.

    Fasawe commended the resilience and commitment of the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (FCT), particularly those working with HSES, for bringing honour to Abuja by securing the prestigious Daisy Award for the FCT, despite numerous nominations from other states.

    The representatives of the National Association of Nigerian Nurses in North America (NANNA) at the presentation affirmed that the selection guidelines were strictly followed while expressing satisfaction that the best candidate was chosen.

    According to them, the award aims to encourage and reward dedicated nurses while addressing the issue of nurses leaving the country for better opportunities abroad.

    In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Baba Gana-Adam, expressed the Secretariat’s gratitude, noting that the award reflects the effective service delivery of health facilities in the FCT.

    He added that health workers in the FCT have been empowered to tackle the diverse challenges of the city, and the recipient’s virtues mirror the general attitude of health workers within the FCTA.

  • Northern group slams Ameachi for allegedly inciting Nigerians against Tinubu

    Northern group slams Ameachi for allegedly inciting Nigerians against Tinubu

    The Northern Alternative Forum (NAF), a prominent socio-cultural group in Northern Nigeria, has demanded investigation of former Transportation Minister, Rotimi Amaechi, over his recent statement, saying that it is capable of inciting insurrection.

    In an interview with ABN TV, the former Rivers Governor had questioned why Nigerians are not more vocal in their outrage, pointing to rising costs and the inability of many to afford basic necessities such as fuel, adding that he is angry that the citizens are not protesting enough.

    But in a statement by its National Chairman, Mallam Gidado Ibrahim, NAF described Amaechi’s statement as “treasonable,” accusing him of trying to whip up sentiment against the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. 

    Ibrahim questioned Amaechi’s moral authority to criticise the current administration, citing alleged mismanagement of funds, highhandedness and ineptitude during his time as Minister of Transportation.

    “Amaechi’s statement that expresses surprise at the prevailing calm despite increasing hardship amounts to whipping sentiment against the government with the hope of causing insurrection. In fact, it’s treasonable,” the statement noted.

    Ibrahim also criticised Amaechi’s handling of the Ministry of Transportation, alleging that he arbitrarily dissolved the boards of Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA) and NIMASA to cover his tracks. 

    Read Also: We don’t know the party Ameachi belongs to – APC

    The forum further called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and other  agencies to investigate Amaechi’s tenure as Minister of Transportation to ensure that those who soil their hands in any dirty deals are brought to book.

    “For Rotimi Amaechi to speak on matters of governance is like a hyena seeking to treat others of diarrhea, while its tail is full of feces. Has he cleared himself of the N96 billion fraud from Rivers State money levelled against? Has he cleared himself of all his alleged malfeasance at the Ministry of Transportation?” Ibrahim asked.

    The NAF chairman praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration for tackling subsidy issues that Amaechi failed to address during his time as Transportation Minister.

    Ibrahim continued: “Why are we still battling with fuel subsidy? It’s because the last administration failed to take the bull by the horns. That’s what President Tinubu has summoned the courage to do. Why these tantrums?

    “We at NAF know why Ameachi is incensed with Tinubu’s administration. He wanted to be President. He had banked on the support of some powerful elements in the last government to facilitate his clinching the APC presidential  ticket. 

    “Unfortunately, politics don’t work on sentiment. The man who deserved and sincerely worked for it got it. This vituperation is a pent-up anger from his failed political ambition.”

    NAF maintained that any reform without initial temporal or initial pains is not sincere,  and only a daydream. 

    “Every genuine reform comes with initial discomforts. It’s like a pregnant woman. After the nine-months pain, her baby arrives, and she forgets all the pains. This is my advice to Nigerians: disregard failed politicians, who are looking for where to vent their frustrations. 

    “Instead, focus on your support for Tinubu’s administration and its lofty reform agenda. For in due time, we shall all reap the good fruits,” Ibrahim further appealed to Nigerians.

  • NUJ names Gov Yusuf grand patron

    NUJ names Gov Yusuf grand patron

    The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has named Kano Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf its grand patron in recognition of his development strides in the education and health sectors.

    NUJ National President, Comrade Chris Isiguzo, conferred the title on the Governor during a visit of the union’s leadership to Kano on Sunday. 

    Yusuf pledged support for the media in fulfilling its social responsibilities.

    Speaking to the visiting delegation, he said: “We hold the media in very high regard, and our relationship with journalists in Kano and beyond is excellent,” Governor Yusuf declared.

    “I am honoured to accept the role of Grand Patron of the NUJ in Kano, and I pledge to provide all necessary supporting to the union.”

    According to a statement by the Governor’s spokesperson, Sanusi Bature, Isiguzo and his deputy, Comrade Alhasan Yahaya, presented the newly elected leadership of the NUJ Kano chapter to the state governor.

    The NUJ is the second professional body to award Governor Yusuf for his commitment to education in recent weeks. 

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    The Nigeria Union of Teachers also named Governor Yusuf, the “Most Teacher-Friendly Governor of the Year,” a fact noted by the NUJ president 

    Isiguzo also pointed to the governor’s Fellowship from the United States Institute of Management and Leadership as clear evidence of his commitment to good governance.

    He said  “Your Excellency, if the teachers say you are the best, we should all take that as a true reflection of your performance.

    Usually, teachers take to the streets with placards to demand their rights, but in your case, they have commended your efforts in reforming the education sector.” 

    While congratulating the Governor on the awards, the NUJ president offered words of encouragement for the continuation of the excellent work started the Governor Yusuf, particularly in the areas of health and education.

    According to the statement, the NUJ President also requested the Governor’s support in hosting the first National Council of Women Journalists in Kano this November and called for the renovation of the Kano Press Centre to meet modern standards.

    He also urged the Governor to prioritise foreign training opportunities for Kano-based journalists to enable them to compete on a global scale and take their rightful position as trail blazers.

  • Old Boys pay SSCE fees of 41 Alma mata final-year students

    Old Boys pay SSCE fees of 41 Alma mata final-year students

    Parents and students at Government Secondary School, Ilorin, Kwara State, rejoiced as the 1984 set of the school paid the 2024 Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination (SSCE) fees for 41 exceptional students.

    According to the providers, the award initiative marks the 40th anniversary of the alumni’s graduation and is designed to promote hard work and foster a culture of academic excellence.

    This is as the 1984 Set of the Government Secondary School Ilorin Old Boys’ Association also urged individuals and corporate entities to invest in brilliant secondary school students, emphasizing that the nation’s future depends on its talented youth, capable of competing globally.

    Muhammad Baba-Okanla, Chairman of the 1984 Set, explained that covering the SSCE fees for the students was a key part of their 40th-anniversary celebration.

    Speaking at the event held at the school, Baba Okanla, who is also the Chairman of the Kwara State Independent Electoral Commission (KWASIEC), highlighted that the empowerment project was a collective decision by over 300 members of the Set, both locally and abroad.

    He further noted that the Set had a tradition of supporting the school through various infrastructure projects, such as renovating the Physics and Chemistry laboratories, Gambari House, and the School Mosque; providing furniture for the library, mattresses for boarders, and boreholes for water supply.

    According to him, for their 40th anniversary, the Set chose to prioritize empowering students in their academic pursuits, considering it the most impactful way to support the school and its community.

    He said: “It was a unanimous decision of our entire members that the empowerment intervention should be carried out and institutionalized, which was responsible for the overwhelming contributions of our men based at home and abroad.

    “We are also not unmindful of the fact that the maintenance culture in our society is poor considering that we had previously and consistently donated construction and rehabilitation projects in the school and we are always not too happy seeing how they have turned out after some years later.

    “It is on this basis that we felt that we should invest in our brilliant young ones, who have shown the capacity to be competitive anywhere they found themselves.

    “This gesture was a result of selfless effort and commitment of our members both in Nigeria and in the diaspora.

    “To mark this 40 Anniversary, the 1984 Set has resolved to pay the WASSCE registration fees for 41 students of the School based on merit.

    “Our Set is also considering the establishment of an endowment fund, for the sustainability of the WASSCE registration fees payment scheme”.

    The State Commissioner of Education, Hajia Sa’adatu Moddibo Kawu, in her remarks commended the Old Boys for not abandoning their Alma Mata, saying, “As we gather today, we honour the pioneers who laid the foundation of this Association.

    “You remember the struggles, the triumphs and the countless contributions you have made to the community.

    “Over the years, your association has achieved remarkable feats like mentorship programmes and infrastructural development in your Alma mater.

    “As you look to the future, I charge you to continue being great ambassadors of the school as you continue to inspire and mentor the next generation”.

    In his goodwill message, Hon. Justice Zubayr Saliu of the Kogi State High Court urged the students not to disappoint those who provided the intervention, as well as their parents and society.

    He also encouraged others to follow the example of the 1984 alumni by giving back to their alma mater.

    Represented by Taye Matthew Odedeji, the UNESCO Desk Officer and Deputy Director of School Services at the Kwara State Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development, the Commissioner assured the audience of the State government’s commitment to maintaining high educational standards.

    She emphasized that the Executive Governor of the State and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, and remains dedicated to improving the quality of education through infrastructural support and empowering alumni associations.

    “I therefore urge you to renew your commitment to your association through increased involvement in its activities support its initiatives and inspire others to join your noble cause” she added.

    In his remarks, the school’s principal, Ahmed Kuranga Yero, himself an alumnus, praised the Class of 1984 for their remarkable initiative, noting that it was the first of its kind in the school’s history, adding that the Old Boys might not fully realize the profound impact of their gesture.

    Yero, however, assured that the initiative would inspire all final-year students to strive for excellence, with hopes of being future award recipients.

    Read Also: 2024 SSCE: 60.55% of 1,367,736 c candidates pass English, Mathematics, three other subjects

    He urged other alumni to follow the example set by the Class of 1984, noting that their gesture would leave a lasting impression on both the students and their parents.

    The State’s Commissioner of Police (CP), Victor Olaiya, the Commandant of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) in the State, Umar Muhammed; and the State Commandant of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Hajia Fatima Abiola-Popoola, among others, delivered goodwill messages, offering congratulations and words of encouragement to the students and the celebrants.

    In his anniversary lecture, titled ‘Education Yesterday, today and Tomorrow: Challenges and Prospects’, Prof. Raheem Lawal from the Department of Arts Education, University of Ilorin, emphasized the vital role education plays in both individual lives and society.

    He urged alumni not to neglect their alma mater or the friendships forged during their school years.

    The event, which also featured a prayer session and gala night, culminated in the presentation of awards to the 41 outstanding students, witnessed by their proud parents and members of the public.

  • Senator builds military base in Kogi to tackle insecurity

    Senator builds military base in Kogi to tackle insecurity

    Senator representing Kogi West, Senator Sunday Karimi has completed the construction of a military base in the outskirts of Egbe, Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State.

    According to him, the base would help to improve security in Kogi and Kwara states.

    During the inauguration of the base yesterday, the lawmaker  said: “I conceived the idea of the military base in January, this year to assist the Nigerian military and security agencies to ensure quick response in combating terrorists, kidnappers, and criminals whose activities in recent times around the border of Kogi and Kwara (where there is a great expanse of forest that is fast becoming a fortress for criminals) is becoming an issue of national concern.

    “It is also hoped that the presence of a standard military base will serve as a deterrence to these criminals and restore peace and security in the communities in Kogi and Kwara states.’’

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    “The urge to construct, furnish, and hand over this edifice to the Nigerian Army is borne out of my commitment to assisting the military in protecting the lives of the citizenry and warding off criminals from our rural communities.”

    He noted that the new base contains two hostels containing 85-bed space for soldiers, fully furnished with beds, beddings, and fittings; Armory; office apartments for the Commander of the Military Base, among others.

    Governor Usman Ododo, represented by his Special Adviser on Security, Commander Jerry Omadara (rtd), said the base would enable the Army to have the insecurity of the area under its control.’’

    “I therefore thank Senator Sunday Karimi for this wonderful initiative in the fulfillment of his constituent’s responsibility

    Therefore, the establishment of this Forward Operating Base will serve to form a chain of influx into Kogi State, provide the needed safety for our people, and also allow the Nigerian Army to take firm control of the security of this area, including Yagba east and beyond.”

    Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen.Taoreed Lagbaja, represented by the GOC 2 Division, Maj.-Gen Obinna Onubogu, commended the lawmaker for the gesture.

    “Let me publicly extend my heartfelt appreciation to the distinguished Senator for his tenacity and commitment in spearheading the construction and completion of this strategic facility. As the Chief of Army Staff, I am able to say that it is through this kind of partnership and shared vision that the Nigerian Army is reassured that members of the civil populace appreciate our efforts in covering insecurity across the nation,”

    He said the base would help the Army to adequately secure the 10 other states.

    “Kogi State is integral to that effort because it is the most central state in Nigeria. The fact that Kodi State is dominated by the most significant river in Nigeria and is surrounded by states from the north-central to southwest, southeast, and south-south, namely Niger, Anambra, Nasarawa, Benue, Enugu, Edo, Ondo, Ekiti, and Kwara states means that Kogi State bears the most impact of any wave of insecurity emanating from River Niger or from any of these 10 surrounding states.

    “Thus, forward-operating bases like this are critical because it helps us project our operations to not only the host states but to neighbouring states as well.

  • Zwingina’s funeral programmes to begin Wednesday

    Zwingina’s funeral programmes to begin Wednesday

    The body of erstwhile Adamawa South Senator Jonathan Zwingina will be buried on October 22 in his hometown in Guyuk, Adamawa State, after a funeral service.

    Zwingina, who died on October 2, was 70.

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    A statement issued on behalf of the Zwingina family and the burial committee by former Senate President Ken Nnamani and former Information Minister Labaran Maku said the funeral rites will kick off in Abuja on the evening of October 16 with a commendation service at First Baptist Church in Garki, Abuja. This will be followed by a Night of Tributes on October 17 at the Armed Forces Officers’ Mess, Asokoro.

    A Night of Commendations and Tributes will hold in Yola on October 21.

  • Kano PDP elects new executives

    Kano PDP elects new executives

    …PDP’ll bounce back in 2027 – Shekarau

    The Kano State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has elected 39 new executives that will pilot the affairs of the party in the state.

    The PDP is the second strong opposition in Kano after the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) rules the state.

    The PDP delegates at the state’s congress elected Alhaji Yusuf Ado Kibiya as the new state chairman of the party.

    Kibiya was Commissioner for Agriculture during Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso’s administration from 1999-2003.

    He emerged victorious in the election whose result was announced on Sunday by Halilu Abubakar Mazagani, chairman of the electoral committee from the party’s national headquarters.

    Kibiya garnered 3,964 votes to secure a landslide victory over his opponent Nura Nuhu, who polled 244 votes.

    Abdul Fatah Muhammad administered the oath of office to Kibiya and the other newly elected state party leaders.

    Mazagani hailed the “smooth conduct of the congress,” saying it was an indication that the PDP would soon resolve the lingering differences between among some members of the party to make it “a better and stronger opposition that can defeat the ruling party.”

    “Our party being the largest in Africa, no doubt, faces some internal challenges, but as always, we have learnt to manage our differences.

    “I can assure you today that we are working hard to ensure unity and we are mobilising like never before, to ensure our success in the forthcoming 2027 general elections which I can confidently say the people will vote for us.

    “So, it is now left for us to present credible candidates to Nigerians like we did before and we wish to improve on that,” he said.

    Also speaking at the event, Senator Ibrahim Shekarau, a former governor of Kano, assured that the PDP would bounce back by producing a winning team in the 2027 general elections.

    According to Shekarau, the PDP is poised to challenging any party in any election in the country, including the local government election scheduled to hold on October 26 in the state.

    In his acceptance speech, the new PDP state chairman (Kibiya) thanked party members for their confidence shown in him.

    He pledged to revive the PDP in state, while carrying every member along and leading with transparency.

    The Kano chapter of the PDP had been without leadership for over two years, a thing that has been affecting their political performance in the state.

    With the new executives in place, the party is expected to strengthen its presence and strategise ahead of upcoming political activities.

  • APC youth leader Ibrahim salutes Seyi Tinubu on birthday 

    APC youth leader Ibrahim salutes Seyi Tinubu on birthday 

    A frontline member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) youth advocacy, Musa Ibrahim on Sunday, October 13, extolled the virtues of the President’s son, Seyi Tinubu, as he celebrates his birthday. 

    Ibrahim, in a congratulatory message, said: “We celebrate this special occasion with you and the first family. 

     “I in particular wish to acknowledge and commend your philanthropic services to the nation and acknowledge your contributions to our successes through your insightful and resolute inputs to the processes of managing challenges of governance in the country. 

     “As the President son, you have inspired us to develop initiatives to ensure that the renew hope initiatives remains a shining light of our party.” 

    According to him, Ambassador Seyi has touched many lives through is Noel Foundation, especially the less-privileges across the country. 

     He said Seyi is a detrabilised Nigerian who sees every sections of the country as his constituency irrespective of tribe or religion.

  • Banditry: FG to establish three military formations in Sokoto

    Banditry: FG to establish three military formations in Sokoto

    The Federal Government is to establish three military formations in Sokoto State to support military operations in the fight against banditry and other forms of criminality.

    According to a report by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the Minister of State Defence, Dr Bello Matawalle, made this known on Thursday when he led military personnel to reopen the Marnona-Gundumi-Isa Road closed eight years ago.

    He interacted with members of different communities in Isa, Sabon Birni, and Goronyo Local Government Areas.

    Read Also: FACT-CHECK: Can CNG cars, trucks, vehicles explode?

    NAN reports that the reopened roads were abandoned due to security challenges and the successes were part of the achievements in the ongoing operations in the Northwest.

    He explained that he was in Sokoto for the second time to lead another onslaught against bandits, terrorists, and other criminals in Northwest states.

    ” As directed by President Bola Tinubu, I am back in Sokoto State to coordinate this assignment of flushing all bandits and other criminals.

    ”We have recorded successes, our troops killed notorious gang leaders and group members in different places. Relative peace has so far been restored specifically in Sokoto, Zamfara, and Katsina states.

    ” I am optimistic that our gallant troops will sustain the strides and continue to record success through the operation which is ongoing in the fight against these criminals, ” Matawalle said.