The Nation Newspaper

Category: Northern Reports

  • NDYC commends Matawalle for fight against terrorism

    NDYC commends Matawalle for fight against terrorism

    The Niger Delta Youth Congress (NDYC) has passed a vote of confidence on the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, for his crucial role in combating banditry and terrorism in the North-West region of the country thus far.

    In a statement issued by Comrade Israel Uwejeyan national coordinator of the NDYC, he commended Matawalle’s bold initiatives and determined pursuit of justice against the perpetrators of violence.

    He said: “Minister Matawalle has demonstrated an unwavering dedication to duty, epitomising the very essence of patriotic service. In a time when national security has faced immense challenges, his proactive measures and relentless pursuit of terrorist kingpins have contributed significantly to reclaiming peace and stability in the North-West.

    His actions exemplify the spirit of leadership that is both proactive and resilient, showcasing his readiness to engage with the toughest of challenges and confront the darkest elements threatening the safety of Nigerians.”

    Expatiating, Uwejeyan said: “Matawalle’s initiatives have been crucial in restoring hope among the citizens of the North-West, who have for long faced the scourge of insecurity. The NDYC is particularly encouraged by his collaborative efforts with security agencies, ensuring that a comprehensive strategy is adopted in combating the menace of banditry and restoring peace to affected communities.

    “We also wish to acknowledge the remarkable loyalty of Minister Matawalle to the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. His evident commitment to the vision of the Tinubu government, combined with his dedication to public service, has marked him as one of the most active, resourceful and dogged ministers in President Tinubu’s administration.

    “His contributions are not only significant to the North-West but also serve as a model of what it means to be an effective leader and a devoted public servant in the larger Nigerian context. He has been a major asset to the administration, bringing to the table a combination of experience, foresight, and a relentless pursuit of excellence in service delivery.

    “Minister Matawalle’s distinguished service transcends the borders of his immediate constituency and speaks to a broader national commitment that is essential for the growth and stability of our country. His work has demonstrated an exceptional understanding of the intricacies of insecurity and a hands-on approach that has proven crucial in dismantling networks of banditry and restoring the sanctity of human lives and property. This is the type of leadership Nigeria needs in its march towards achieving a peaceful and prosperous future.

    “The Niger Delta Youth Congress also notes the exemplary manner in which Minister Matawalle has carried out his duties with transparency, accountability, and a deep sense of empathy for the suffering masses. His commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of all citizens, regardless of their background, is a testament to his belief in a united and progressive Nigeria. He has shown himself to be a leader who is not afraid to get directly involved, to listen, to understand the plight of the people, and to act decisively in the best interest of the nation.

    Read Also: I never backed bandits, says Matawalle

    “We hail Minister Bello Matawalle as a true patriot, an inspiring leader, and a beacon of hope for the Nigerian people. His relentless pursuit of peace and justice, even in the face of daunting challenges, stands as a testament to his courage and sense of duty. We urge other public officials to emulate his dedication, loyalty, and action-oriented approach towards addressing the pressing issues facing our nation.

    “The NDYC reaffirms its support for all efforts aimed at bringing peace, stability, and prosperity to every corner of Nigeria, and we are proud to stand alongside leaders like Minister Matawalle who have chosen to make sacrifices for the greater good of our nation.

    “We are confident that with such dedication, Nigeria will overcome the security challenges that have plagued us, and we will emerge stronger and more united as a nation. Minister Matawalle’s remarkable contributions are a reminder that with commitment, collaboration, and decisive action, we can achieve the Nigeria we all envision—safe, secure, and thriving.”

  • Woman steals new born baby at naming ceremony

    Woman steals new born baby at naming ceremony

    The police in Nasarawa State have arrested a woman who stole a new born baby during her naming ceremony in Keffi Local Government Area.

    The Police Public Relations Officer of the command, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Ramham Namsel, said in a statement in Lafia, the state capital that the command also arrested a motorcycle snatcher who specialises in stealing motorcycles in the state.

    Namsel said: “On 28/9/2024 about 1830hours, Police operatives attached to Keffi Division arrested one Khadija Aliyu ‘F’ for stealing a seven day-old baby girl during her naming ceremony in Keffi.

    Read Also: On the proposed monthly rent collection in Lagos

    “The suspect, who has been claiming to be pregnant, attended a naming ceremony behind INEC office, Keffi. While the event was ongoing, she sneaked into the house and stole the baby that was laid to sleep, carried the child behind her back, covered her with a veil and escaped before she was later arrested.

    “Similarly, one Hussaini Mohammed, a resident of behind stadium, Keffi, and an ex-convict, who left the correctional facility a few months ago, was arrested by Police Operatives attached to Angwan Lambu Division, keffi for motorcycle theft.

    “During the investigation, three motorcycles suspected to be stolen items were recovered from the suspect as exhibits.

    “The Commissioner of Police, CP Umar Shehu Nadada, has called on the public that those with cases of stolen motorcycles to visit Angwan Lambu Division at Keffi with proof of ownership and claim to the items.’’

  • Kwara’s film studio begins production of world’s first ‘Dancinematic’ series October

    Kwara’s film studio begins production of world’s first ‘Dancinematic’ series October

    Kwara’s Sugar Factory Film Studio will, in October, launch a ‘Dancinematic Universe’, a series that combines the creative energy of music videos with the cinematic grandeur of feature films through creative dance storytelling.

    A first of its kind in the industry, the pilot project in the fictional universe is titled ‘The Big Bang’.

    It will also introduce a unique and immersive world-building experience through a transmedia storytelling initiative to the Nigerian creative industry, according to a statement by the Film Studio’s Creative Director Tunde Ayinla, professionally known as StylSlayer. 

    “This initiative is to establish Sugar Factory Film Studios as a pioneering haven for intellectual properties and brands that want to benefit from the unprecedented blend of product placement and branded content concept to enhance the world-building of their promotional storytelling,” Ayinla said.

    “The initiative is modelled after the most innovative version of it in the world at the moment as seen in The Boys and Deadpool franchises. What makes it a first in Nigeria is the level of the immersion with the specific kind of transmedia storytelling as a world-building tool.”

    Ayinla commended Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq for his vision for Kwara and support for the creative industry. 

    The production comes a few weeks after Kwara won the hosting rights for the 2024 BON Awards, which brings to Ilorin close to 500 movie stars, producers, marketers, and enthusiasts. The event is slated to hold at the iconic Sugar Factory Film Studios, a major project of the Abdulrazaq administration. 

    “The Big Bang project serves as an inaugural project of the Dancinematic Universe. This creates an uncontested market space in the Nigerian

    entertainment industry as a first of its kind with a massive pool of cross-pollinated target audience,” he added. 

    “The Big Bang is a unique musical fantasy short film inspired by a true story of renewed hope, combining elements of dance, music, and cinematic storytelling as it follows the journey of a young creative who envisions a groundbreaking entertainment concept.”

    He said the Dancinematic Universe has initial revenue projections of N5.4bn in its early peak period as a blue ocean project, which sets the film studio apart in the Nigerian entertainment industry. 

    Thousands of jobs are expected to be created for young people, especially Kwarans, in the creative sector, he added.

  • FCT traders, shop owners reject planned Oct 1 protests

    FCT traders, shop owners reject planned Oct 1 protests

    Traders, marketers, and shop owners across the six Area Councils of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have issued a warning to protesters planning to disrupt the nation’s capital, urging them to stay clear of their business premises.

    Chairman of All Chairmen and Secretaries of FCT Markets and Plazas, Chief Raphael Okorie, in a statement said protesters often target shops, markets and plazas, where they often steal and plummet the places. 

    Okorie said traders and other business owners in the FCT will not sit back and allow hoodlums to hide under the guise of protests to attack their businesses. 

    Some Nigerians are planning to protest on October 1st over the cost of living, insecurity, and other challenges bedeviling the country.

    Okorie maintained that though people have the right to protest, business owners in Abuja are always at the receiving end and called on protesters to explore other ways of expressing their grievances.

    He said traders, business owners, and other members of the association will not participate in the planned protest, as it will not help the country at this critical and trying time.

    Read Also: Protests and the threats from within

    He said that though traders are affected by the current economic crisis, Okorie noted that taking to the streets to campaign against the government was illogical, arguing that hoodlums will hijack the process and create more troubles.

    Okorie: “Nigeria is passing through a difficult phase, and we acknowledge this reality. We also know that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is trying to implement key reforms in the country. These things come with pain.

    “We also believe that in no time, the country will get out of the woods, and Nigerians will smile again. This our firm belief is the reason why we have decided not to participate in the planned protests slated for October 1st.

    “Though we are not against the protesters, we, however, urge them to jettison the idea. Hoodlums usually take advantage of these protests, and we don’t want that.

    “And when these hoodlums take over and hijack the process, our members are usually the victims. These hoodlums will attack our shops, plazas, and businesses. This is always a regular thing. 

    “It is on this note that we are urging these protesters to jettison the idea. But if they insist, we are warning them to stay away from our businesses. We will not stay back and allow them to destroy our sources of livelihood.”

  • Organisation secures release of seven protesters in Kano

    Organisation secures release of seven protesters in Kano

    Hope Behind Bars Africa, an organisation committed to justice, in collaboration with the Citizens’ Liberties Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association, has secured the release of seven #EndBadGovernance protesters who were unjustly detained in Kano.

    Others who partnered the organisation on the release of the protesters, include the Chairman, Human Rights Committee Nigerian Bar Association Uggogo Branch and Vice Chairman Nigerian Bar Association Uggogo Branch, Aminu Mohammed Gabari.

    The protesters, who had been advocating for better governance and accountability, were arrested and detained since August without trial. Out of the seven protesters released, six were discharged, while one was convicted with the option of fine, which was paid.

    Read Also: FG treads carefully on food importation to protect local production efforts, farmers – Edun

    Hope Behind Bars Africa, represented by Legal Counsel Samuel Olukade Esq. also met with the Chief Registrar of the Kano state Judiciary to table the organisation’s concerns on the health and welfare of incarcerated protesters and request a re-evaluation of the stringent bail terms given for their alleged offences.

    Over 870 protesters were arrested in Kano during their participation in the #EndBadGovernance Protest. Some of the affected protesters include minors, who were accused of terrorism and treasonable felonies.

    Hope Behind Bars Africa took up the early initiative of preserving these freedoms, setting up a toll free call line for unjustly detained peaceful protesters to seek ree legal support. Through this intervention, the organization directly secured the release of several protesters across Nigeria.

    The organisation continues to champion the rights of justice-impacted individuals, provide legal support to those facing unlawful detention, and advocate for institutional reforms changes in the criminal justice system alongside the Nigerian Bar Association and other stakeholders.

  • Climate change: ILO, OTUWA seek social protection for workers

    Climate change: ILO, OTUWA seek social protection for workers

    The International Labour Organisation (ILO) and the Organisation of Trade Unions of West Africa (OTUWA) have called for increased social protection for workers to combat the consequences of climate change in West Africa.

    The organisations made the appeal during a two-day sub-regional workshop on Climate Change, Just Transition, and Social Protection organised by OTUWA in collaboration with the Danish Trade Union Development Agency (DTDA) in Abuja.

    The ILO Country Director for Nigeria, Venessa Phala urged trade unions to position themselves to influence policies on climate change.

    According to her, climate change puts more strain on workers to earn a living, adding that workers affected by climate change should benefit from social protection – income support, access to health care, education among others.

    She said: “The high incidence of poverty, food insecurity and undernutrition, high unemployment and underemployment, informal economy and severe decent work deficits, are major characteristics of the West African sub region, and other low and medium income countries around the globe.

    “Hence, the cumulative incidence of climate hazards will further escalate these daunting challenges. This justifies the need for a Just transition to a climate friendly and sustainable socio – economic reality. Therefore, it has become crucial to prioritise climate adaptation and mitigation measures that reduce risks and vulnerability, enhance recovery rates, and prevent climate victims from falling into poverty. However, the important role social protection plays in this regard is unequivocal.

    Read Also: NiMet, NAPTIP partner to combat climate change-induced human trafficking, displacement

    “ILO’s position is for workers adversely affected by climate change to benefit from social protection measures, including income support, access to health care, education, and training to facilitate their professional reorientation. This cannot be overemphasised as Trade unions should be committed to protecting the most vulnerable workers and communities from the potential impacts of climate change.”

    Acting President of OTUWA Comrade Sophie Kourouma said the meeting will help develop strategies and plans to strengthen advocacy for enhanced social protection.

    She said: “The adverse climate change situation is real and we must join hands together as stakeholders to find ways of educating and conscientising our citizens of useful adaptation measures and also ensure that society provides adequate safeguards for vulnerable citizens once they encounter this unpredictable climate disaster.”

    The Executive Secretary of OTUWA, John Odah urged governments and the organised private sector to scale up provisions on social protections to cover a larger number of workers.

    He said as more people are likely to lose their jobs during the energy transition, there is a need for trade unions to demand a phased facing-out of jobs and alternative jobs created so that “we will not, while trying to halt the adverse effects of climate change, also create other problems.”

    He said: “The problem that we have is that the Social Security provisions that we have in our laws are restricted to workers in formal employment. We need social protection for the informal sector workers. Even those that are covered, the social protection that is provided for them, needs to be scaled up and improved.”

  • Northern elites hold summit on insecurity, poverty in November 

    Northern elites hold summit on insecurity, poverty in November 

    A northern political movement under the platform of the League of Northern Democrats (LND) will on the 12th and 13th November hold the Northern Nigerian Summit in Kaduna to find a lasting solution to the existential challenges facing the northern region.

    Decision to this effect was contained in a statement jointly signed by the convener of the group, Dr. Umar Ardo and the Secretary Hon. Emmanuel Jime in Abuja on Thursday as part of the resolutions reached at a meeting of the league in Abuja on Wednesday.

    The summit, according to the statement is to serve as a fulcrum around which to knit Northern unity, security and leadership.

    It will also discuss and “proffer viable northern solutions to three key areas of disunity, insecurity and poverty” currently affecting the region.

    In order to ensure inclusivity of all stakeholders in the region, the the group has commenced a visitation to all former Presidents, traditional and religious leaders, business leaders, retired officers both civilian and military from the north to court their buy-in to the league activities.

    Read Also: Weak punishment on criminals cause of growing insecurity, says monarch

    Giving insight into the outcome of the meeting, the statement disclosed that Mal. Ibrahim Shekarau, former Governor of Kano State, was confirmed as the league’s substantive chairman and Hon. Emmanuel Jime, former Member House of Representatives from Benue State, as its substantive secretary.

    The meeting also constituted a Steering Committee and five Subcommittees as follows: “Standing Steering Committee chaired by Sen. Ibrahim Ida (Wazirin Katsina)

    The sub-committees include “Contact and Mobilization, chaired by Dr. Ja’afar Bello Dambazau from Kano state; Programs Planning & Logistics, chaired by Alh. Danjuma Ibrahim from Sokoto state; Media & Publicity, chaired by Dr. Ladan Salihu from Bauchi state; Intelligence & Security, chaired by AVM Monday Morgan from Benue state and Events and Protocol, chaired by Amb. Mohammed Hassan from Borno state. 

    Former Director General of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), Dr. Ladan Salihu was appointed as the Spokesman of the League.

  • Petrol hike erodes N70,000 minimum wage, says senior civil servants

    Petrol hike erodes N70,000 minimum wage, says senior civil servants

    …SCSN calls for urgent FG intervention

    The Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN) has appealed to the federal government to introduce policies that will alleviate the burden of the recent fuel price increase on workers, stressing that this hike has undermined the benefits of the proposed N70,000 minimum wage.

    National President senior civil servants, Shehu Muhammed, while addressing journalists at the union’s secretariat in Lagos, emphasised the need for immediate action to provide relief for civil servants across the country.

    “It is not the time to start rejoicing over the N70,000 minimum wage but to ensure that palliatives to cushion the effects of the increase are being brought forward so that Nigerian workers can have some support and relief from the fuel hike,” Muhammed said.

    He further stated that the association is prepared to engage with both the Federal and State governments to address the pressing concerns of civil servants.

    According to Muhammed, the areas of concern include housing and transportation, which he described as significant challenges for workers grappling with the rising costs.

    Read Also: Clear ambiguity in minimum wage, say recruiting agencies

    “We are going to formulate policies that will assist civil servants in terms of housing and transportation because these are the key problems that civil servants in Nigeria today are trying to cope with,” Muhammed added.

    He highlighted the exorbitant rent rates and high transportation costs, exacerbated by the fuel hike, noting that the proposed minimum wage of N70,000 is insufficient to meet these needs.

    “The rate at which landlords are charging tenants, combined with the cost of transportation, especially with the fuel increase, makes it impossible for civil servants to live on the N70,000 minimum wage, let alone support their families and dependents.”

  • LG polls: Saraki cannot speak for Kwara masses, says govt

    LG polls: Saraki cannot speak for Kwara masses, says govt

    Kwara State Government has faulted the  comments of former Senate President Bukola Saraki on the outcome of the recent local government elections. 

    The government said Saraki’s PDP not only tried to frustrate the conduct of the election through the court but also mobilised to disrupt the process.  

    “It took the popular will of the people to cast their ballot. The government has done well enough to win the trust of the people, and that was what played out, regardless of the noise from Saraki’s men. 

    “It is bewildering that Saraki’s party is confused between floating the narrative that no election took place and claiming a victory from an election it said was never held. 

    “That is the lot of a confused, desperate people that Senator Saraki leads,” a statement by the Honourable Commissioner for Communications Mrs Bola Olukoju stated. 

    “We also find it incredible that Senator Bukola Saraki was talking about people’s welfare. As far as people’s welfare is concerned, Saraki lacks the moral standing to talk. 

    Read Also: Saraki faults Tambuwal’s claim on withdrawal for Atiku

    “He is a bald hairdresser recommending his unfailing hair restorer. He is a snail claiming a championship in a community of horned animals. The world is facing serious economic challenges. Nigerians have not been immune to the same.

    “In addition to the efforts of President Tinubu to ease things, not only is the Kwara State Government committed to public welfare, as is evident in its many programmes, it continues to execute different infrastructural projects and social protection programmes that strengthen the purchasing powers of the people. 

    “The government is also not denying people their wages while its appointees enjoy the perks of office as the Saraki-inspired government did.”

  • NPC postpones national stakeholders’ meeting

    NPC postpones national stakeholders’ meeting

    Former military President, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd) and cleric, Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah have postponed their national stakeholders’ town hall meeting until further notice.

    Gen. Abubakar, the Chairman of the National Peace Committee (NPC), and Bishop Kukah, the Convener of the town hall meeting scheduled for Thursday 26 September 2024, said the postponement was inevitable but gave no further reason other than that it was due to “unforeseen circumstances”.

    According to the NPC, the town hall meeting became necessary following the emerging developments that trailed the 2023 general election.

    The meeting was intended to provide a platform for constructive dialogue and collaboration, where the concerns and aspirations of the people can be discussed, and the outcomes are presented to the government.

    However, the postponement was confirmed in a terse message on Wednesday by the Kukah Centre’s Media and Communication unit.

    The message read: “This is to notify you of the postponement of the National Peace Committee’s Town Hall Meeting with Stakeholders on the Socio-Economic and Political Situation in Nigeria, which was scheduled for Thursday 26th September 2024.

    “This is due to unforeseen circumstances”.

    While apologizing for the inconvenience the development might have caused, the Kukah Centre said a new date would be communicated to the stakeholders as soon as it is confirmed.

    Read Also: NNPCL, Dangote Refinery row rages over price of petrol

    Giving reasons behind the stakeholders’ meeting, Gen. Abubakar (rtd) and Bishop Kukah, in a joint statement earlier in the week, said the meeting is a crucial step towards bridging the gap between the government and its citizens, ensuring that their voices are heard, and their legitimate concerns addressed.

    The statement read in part: “The 2023 general elections were marked by a renewed sense of optimism and desire for change among Nigerians.

    “This optimism was demonstrated in the number of people who registered for the 2023 elections (93, 469, 008 million) compared to just (57, 938, 945 million) registered voters in 1999.

    “Nigerians believed that the 2023 elections would usher in an administration that would swiftly address the nation’s lingering socio-economic challenges.

    “The preparations for the elections heightened the hopes for positive socio-economic and political change.

    “However, the outcome of the keenly contested presidential elections amplified the regional and ethnic cleavages that have underpinned our journey of nationhood.

    “Additionally, the well-intentioned policy of the government to improve the lives and well-being of Nigerians is yet to meet the expectations of the citizens. The economic strain is being felt by all and sundry.

    “This dire situation has fuelled frustration and discontent, culminating in the recent nationwide protests on hunger. The demands made during the protests reflect the deep-seated challenges facing the country and the urgent need for responsive and effective governance”.

    The elder statesmen said the stakeholders’ meeting was in response to the development and in line with the NPC mandate to mediate and intervene in electoral and non-electoral matters that impact the peace and stability of Nigeria, that the NPC decided to convene the one-day town hall meeting with critical stakeholders to discuss frankly and explore the pathways to support the government in addressing and overcoming the current socio-political and economic situation facing the country.