The Nation Newspaper

Category: Northern Reports

Minister urges schools to embrace STEAM programme

The Minister of State for Police Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has urged schools in the country to embrace the Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) programme.

Sulaiman-Ibrahim said this during an inspection of the STEAM programme for pupils of Police Primary School held at Police Secondary School in Abuja.

The STEAM programme was put together by the minister’s office and the Police Officers Wives Association (POWA) in partnership with the Peace Institute led by Professor Hauwa Ibrahim.

The minister stated that the programme was meant to encourage and promote children to be serious about their education, increase their imagination, and creativity, and improve their can-do attitude as well as think big toward the future.

She said: “The future of learning revolves around STEAM, and adding art to it was to carry along the children who are not science-oriented.

“We look forward to expanding the training to accommodate more students as we are continuing with the training of teachers to transfer the skills and impact more on the students.”

According to her, the summer lesson message was to demonstrate the ongoing Renewed Hope Police Reforms within the primary and secondary schools in the Police ecosystem as a strong commitment of the government to drive excellence in the police institutions and make them a choice school in two years.

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The Mandate Secretary of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Mrs Adebayo Benjamins-Laniyi disclosed that the FCT just concluded the STEAM programme in four wards of the city namely Kagini, Karu, Kwasah, and Karamajiji.

According to her, 250 children were involved in each ward including disabled and vulnerable children.

“We have more girl-children on this programme than boys and ensure that the knowledge is transferred to our indigent teachers,” she stated.

The Peace Institute team from the University of Rome led by Prof Hauwa Ibrahim, a visiting lecturer from Harvard University stated that 80 percent of products used for the experiment in the Art, Science, and Technology classes were gotten from the trash in a bid to encourage them to turn trash into treasurable things.

She said: “The students have been inspired through the experiments they perform in the classes. The children are amazing and the programme has impacted 1500 children and hope to do more.

“Nobody can do it alone; we all have to pinch in a little bit of something. If we can encourage everybody to be together and add a little bit of something, Nigeria has more talent than you can ever imagine.”

August 30, 2024
NSITF, NAICOM raise panel to strengthen collaboration

The Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) and the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) have established a 12-member joint committee aimed at exploring and harmonizing collaborative efforts between the two agencies.

The committee, co-chaired by General Manager of Compliance at NSITF, Kabir Ma’aji and Director of Supervision at NAICOM, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Charles is tasked with creating a robust collaborative framework that serves the mutual interests of both organisations and benefits all Nigerians.

The Managing Director of NSITF, Oluwaseun Faleye said during the visit by the National Commissioner for Insurance and Chief Executive Officer of NAICOM, Olusegun Omosehin, to the NSITF headquarters that the initiative would significantly strengthen the insurance ecosystem.

In a statement by the General Manager, Corporate Affairs, Nwachukwu Godson, Faleye acknowledged the differences in mandates and operations between NSITF and NAICOM but emphasised that harmonising their strategic interests would enhance national productivity.

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He also noted that his administration was focused on improving operational efficiency and fostering extensive stakeholder engagement to realign the NSITF with its foundational objectives.

NAICOM CEO, Omosehin, accompanied by his deputy commissioners, expressed his commitment to collaborating with insurance institutions to consolidate the sector’s contributions, including social, conventional, and deposit insurance.

Omosehin noted that the collaboration aims to amplify the insurance sector’s role in the national economy.

The NAICOM delegation were received by the NSITF Executive Director of Administration, Prof. G.O,C Okenwa as well as the Executive Director Operations, Mrs. Mojisolaoluwa Macaulay.

The committee’s mandate includes:
Policy Framework Development – Jointly developing policy frameworks through combined technical and intellectual expertise to enhance both social and conventional insurance markets; Standards Harmonisation – Aligning operational standards, especially in compliance and oversight, to streamline services provided by both organisations. A key objective is integrating the NSITF compliance certificate into NAICOM’s regulatory requirements for insurance companies; Data Sharing and Capacity Building – promoting collaborative data development and sharing, and conducting joint capacity-building and awareness initiatives to educate stakeholders on the benefits of both agencies’ services.

Meanwhile, the Executive Director of Operations, NSITF, Ali-Macaulay continued with the re-positioning tour of the agency with visits to the Gwagwalada, Kagini, and Jahi Branches, pledging the commitment of the leadership to re-engineer the agency.

Declaring a brighter future for the NSITF, she said the management has started tackling the myriads of challenges hindering the growth of the agency, including digitisation, work tools, capacity building and staff welfare.

“The past is gone, the real new NSITF has started,” she added.

She therefore urged all staff to remain committed to service, vowing that the Faleye administration would reform the organisation in line with the 8- Point Agenda of President Bola Tinubu administration.

August 30, 2024
JISRA honours victims of religious crises

The Joint Initiative for Strategic Religious Action (JISRA) has remembered those who died or suffered from religious crises.

This was part of activities to mark this year’s International Day Commemorating Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief in Abuja.

The Chairperson of JISRA’s Country Steering Committee, Joseph Aloo, said the occasion presented an opportunity for individuals, communities, and state actors to reflect soberly and strive to make the world a peaceful place for ourselves and our neighbours.

Aloo, who was represented by the Acting Country Director of Tearfund Nigeria, Bolanle Oyebola, revealed that JISRA was founded on the principle that religious communities play a crucial role in fostering understanding and addressing conflicts.

He said: “It empowers religious actors to become effective change agents within their communities.

“Our religious partners have talked about the impact that they are making in their communities. They are working with traditional rulers, women, and youth towards achieving the program’s objective in Nigeria.”

A former General Officer Commanding of 3 Division and 81 Division of the Nigerian Army, Maj-Gen. Peter Dauke (rtd), said throughout his military career, he witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of violence fueled by religious and ethnic differences.

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He added that these experiences reinforced his belief in the importance of employing a comprehensive strategy that combines both kinetic and non-kinetic measures to restore peace and stability.

Dauke noted: “During my tenure as GOC 3 Division, Jos—a region often beset by inter-communal and religious violence—I, in conjunction with the Commander of the Special Task Force, Operation Safe Haven, initiated several non-kinetic approaches aimed at de-escalating conflicts and fostering peace.”

Earlier, the Country Coordinator of JISRA Nigeria, Jude Likita, said the event was not only to unveil the plaques, but to honor and remember those whose lives were tragically cut short by acts of violence rooted in religion or belief.

He said: “It is a somber occasion, yet one of profound significance, as we come together to pay tribute to the victims and reaffirm our commitment to a world where such atrocities are but a distant memory.

“Our hearts are heavy as we reflect on the recent tragedies in Kaduna and Plateau States. These regions, known for their rich cultural heritage and diverse communities, have also endured profound pain and suffering due to violence driven by religious and sectarian divides.”

Likita pointed out that the scars left by these acts remind everyone of the urgent need to address the root causes of intolerance and build a more inclusive society.

On his part, the Emir of Jamal Emirate Council, Amb Peter Jeremiah, said there was a decrease in religious violence because traditional institutions have woken up and taken it upon themselves to galvanize support from all strata, whereby they bring people of diverse religions together on the need for peaceful coexistence.

Also, the Director of Planning and Strategy, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Benard Kengson, said from all indications, the current administration of President Bola Tinubu was trying to unite the people through appointments and policies.

August 30, 2024
League of Northern Democrats a distraction – Monarch

The traditional ruler of Daffo in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State, Da Jonathan Akuns has said the idea behind the League of Northern Democrats was a distraction.

Notable leaders from the north have been coming together for a pivotal summit focused on revitalising the region’s political and economic power ahead of the 2027 elections.

A gathering of the League of Northern Democrats, a group comprising former governors, senators, and other prominent figures from the region, was held in Abuja on Tuesday where this move was revealed.

But Akuns, who is also an economist, while declaring the move as a mere distraction, said it comes at a time when patriots and lovers of national stability are advocating for a true people-centered constitution for Nigeria.

The monarch described the idea behind the “LND as weather-beaten and a source of great distraction.”

In an interaction with reporters, he said: “Ordinarily, it should have been a welcome development, but the use of terms such as North, northern, northerners, Northern Elders Forum, Arewa Consultative Forum, and Arewa Republic, as well as any such derivatives like the League of Northern Democrats, is off-putting.

“The concept of North and its derivatives is defunct, archaic, and merely a geographic description of spatial direction. Nigeria emerged from a unilateral decision by Britain to unify the territories of ethnic nationalities through war, law, and the praxis of settler colonisation.”

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Akuns, who is at the forefront of the agitation for the reinvention of the 1963 republican constitution, maintained that “the claim to a geographic description of a spatial direction to impose a monolithic entity called the North is a cryptic grab of the territories of diverse ethnic nationalities that should not be encouraged in any form of discourse or literature.”

Recalling the inception of colonialism in 1861 in Lagos and subsequently in 1900 with the rest of the territories, Akuns noted that what is known today as Nigeria existed based on ethnic homeland statecraft.

He added: “Each homeland was known by its ethnic tribe, such as Hausa Land, Ron Land, Kanuri Land, Nupe Land, Tiv Land, etc.

“Colonialism extinguished the sovereign status of each ethnic cohort that is a component of Nigeria today. Decolonization began on October 1, 1960, leading to self-rule from October 1, 1963, with four heterogeneous federating units bound by a republican, not unitary, Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“As of 2024, there are 36 composite administrative subunits of the federation and 774 third-level components reflecting the diversity of ethnic autochthony. So, why should anyone be enamored with such appellations of defunct and archaic entities like the acephalous North or any of its derivatives? Such an approach is clandestine, surreptitious, and a subtle nudging towards subjugation.

“As of 2024, there are 36 composite administrative subunits of the federation and 774 third-level components reflecting the diversity of ethnic autochthony. So, why should anyone be enamored with such appellations of defunct and archaic entities like the acephalous North or any of its derivatives? Such an approach is clandestine, surreptitious, and a subtle nudging towards subjugation.

“My ethnic territory is situated in a spatial location of Nigeria that was well-documented as the Middle Belt Region. The ongoing national discourse about restructuring is simply a federalism self-retrieval process where the survival of the Nigerian federation is anchored on homogeneous or heterogeneous federating units derived from the mantra of ‘We the People.”

August 30, 2024
FG should declare state of emergency on kidnapping – CCC

The Centre for Crisis Communication (CCC) has advised the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency in order to fully tackle kidnapping and the perpetrators.

CCC Chairman, Major General Chris Olukolade (rtd), in a statement, expressed concern that the situation might degenerate into a major crisis if left unchecked as it endangers innocent lives and undermines national security.

The kidnapping epidemic, Olukolade noted, has evolved from sporadic criminal activity into a full-blown lucrative industry, with individuals and bandit/terrorist groups adopting it as a primary source of revenue in spite of security measures.

The organisation cited recent incidents such as the killing of a traditional ruler (Emir of Gobir) in the Sokoto emirate, the abduction of 20 medical students (now released) heading to Enugu, and the prolonged captivity of Dr. Ganiat Popoola, a medical doctor.

The CCC recommends a multi-faceted approach, including more investment in technology, addressing underlying socio-economic factors, as well as a national response comprising strengthened capacity, deepened synergy, and deep collaboration between federal, state, and local governments.

The statement titled “Declare state of emergency on escalating kidnapping crisis now” reads: “Since the beginning of the year, Nigeria has witnessed a dramatic and disturbing series of abductions, with the Northwest becoming the epicenter.

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“Just recently, the nation was jolted by the killing of a traditional ruler in Sokoto emirate who was earlier abducted on his way home by bandits. A few days before his eventual death in the hands of his captors, the monarch was seen in a video pleading for his life.

“It is saddening that despite the viral video that trended on social media, he was not rescued until he was savagely murdered by the kidnappers. It was only when the news of his death broke that government officials began to talk tough and issue directives.

“Equally saddening is the report that days after the death of the traditional ruler in the hands of merciless abductors, the bandits regrouped, stormed communities in the same axis and reportedly abducted about 150 people! Those folks are still in the hands of the bandits.”

The CCC said the story of the late Emir, his community, the medical students and that of Dr Ganiat Popoola, who has spent about 8 months in captivity (doctors on a warning strike in protest) are sad depictions of worsening insecurity and unsatisfactory response at the three tiers of government.

“As of today, there are indeterminable number of hapless Nigerians in the hands and mercy of kidnappers in various forests and fortresses nationwide. Nigerians are no longer safe in their own country. They are not safe along the highways, in their streets, homes, schools, farms, churches, and mosques.

“The frequently reported cases of abductions on the highways and other locations are a clear indication that kidnapping has become a lucrative business model for criminal elements. More disturbing is the fact that kidnapping is being used as a distraction to mask other chains of criminality.

“These include illegal mining, organ harvesting, ritualism, cannibalism, skull mining, etc. For instance, it has been established from the account of freed victims that some kidnappers harvest and sell the organs of victims whose families could not afford to pay the ransom to ritualists.

“While commending the concerted efforts and ongoing joint operations of the security services, we hereby urge the Federal Government to adopt a multi-faceted approach to combat this odious kidnapping epidemic.

“First, we recommend significant investment in technology to enhance intelligence gathering and preempt kidnappings. This includes deploying advanced surveillance systems in high-risk areas and integrating tech solutions into the national security framework.

“Second, we suggest greater responsibility and accountability from the security forces. We suggest that henceforth, Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) and other Unit Commanders of security service should be held directly for incidences of kidnapping in their respective areas of responsibility

“This measure would incentivize local law enforcement to take proactive steps that will prevent such incidents, rather than merely reacting to them after the fact. Furthermore, security forces must justify the huge expenses by the government by producing visible results in their fight against insecurity.

“We again stress the importance of addressing the underlying socio-economic factors that contribute to kidnapping. This includes implementing economic empowerment programs in vulnerable communities, as well as improving access to education and healthcare to reduce the appeal of criminal activities.

“The CCC prescribes a coordinated national response. This involves not only strengthening the capacity of security agencies and deepening synergy between and among them but also fostering greater collaboration between federal, state, and local governments.

“The government should take a decisive action to reverse the current trend and restore peace and security across all regions. We, however, call on the international community to support Nigeria’s efforts to combat kidnapping and other violent crimes,” the statement concluded.

August 28, 2024
Abdulrazaq inspects Ilorin Innovation Hub, says facility to drive tech growth in Africa

Kwara Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on Tuesday said the under-construction Ilorin Innovation Hub, one of the legacy projects of the administration, will drive increased technological growth in Africa and provide opportunities for millions of young people.

The Governor said the project has hit 95 per cent completion, saying the delay was to ensure adherence to specifications and standards.

The Governor spoke in Ilorin, the state capital, when he visited the project site to ascertain the level of work done so far.

He was accompanied on the visit by the Managing Director, Ilorin Innovation Hub, Temi Kolawole.

“Work has reached an advanced stage. I can tell you that once this place is commissioned, it will be (one of) the best in Africa, in terms of building and contents. It will drive growth in the tech space,” he told reporters.

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“You can have a beautiful building, but if you don’t have quality content, you are going nowhere. We have IHS as a partner already. IHS was in Kwara, and by partnering with us, this building is sustainable in terms of operation.

“The facility would also be powered through solar energy to make power sustainable too. So we are on the right path.”

AbdulRazaq expressed satisfaction at the level of work done and said the slow pace of work on the project was to also ensure that the hub is competitive in Africa in terms of standards.

“It is taking time, but it is good to get it right; it is also good to have the right partner that will make the place happen,” he said.

“We are in the last mile; everything is almost ready. It is about 95 per cent complete.”

Kolawole, for his part, said: “This project will definitely transform the economy of the state because it will bring the globally competitive skills, and the people of Kwara will be merging with the global market.”

The Governor also inspected the Kwara Hotels in Ilorin and the access gate of the Government House, both of which are under massive remodelling and reconstruction.

August 27, 2024
Inheritance: Islamic law governs estate of deceased Muslim with Christian Wife – Appeal Court

The Court of Appeal in Kano has ruled that the daughter of the late Major Mohammed Arogun Adeniyi, Nike, and her Christian mother must share the deceased’s inheritance with the children of his other two widows, who are Muslims.

Nike reportedly received ₦23,588,000 in gratuity and other entitlements but has refused to share it with her agnate siblings, citing her mother’s civil marriage.

Justice Muhammed Lawal Shuaibu ruled that the estate of a Muslim who married a Christian under the Marriage Act is governed by Islamic Law.

The Court of Appeal, in Appeal No: CA/IL/SH/1/2022, has set aside the judgment of the Sharia Court of Appeal of Kwara State sitting at Ilorin, in Appeal No: KWS/SCA/CV/AP/IL/14/2022, delivered on 3rd August 2022, wherein it set aside the earlier ruling of the Upper Area Court I, Ilorin.

Major Mohammed Arogun Adeniyi, a Muslim, died on October 18, 2020 at the Nigerian Army Barracks, Kainji, Niger State, and was buried according to Islamic rites.

He was survived by his aged parents, the appellants, and other heirs, and he left inheritable estates.

While the deceased was married to Maimuna Mohammed and Inna Fatima Mohammed, the 1st and 2nd appellants respectively, the 2nd respondent, Evangelist (Mrs.) Olabisi Mohammed was married to the deceased under the Marriage Act.

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Upon his demise, the Nigerian Army paid the 1st respondent, Nike Mohammed, the deceased’s first daughter and next of kin in the records of the Nigerian Army, a sum of ₦23,588,000 as the deceased’s emoluments, insurance, gratuity and other entitlements.

It was gathered that Nike, the next of kin of the late Major, was not willing to share the ₦23,588,000 gratuity and other entitlements of the deceased officer paid into her FCMB account, along with the properties of the deceased with the other entitled heirs.

Consequently, the appellants initiated an action at the trial of the Upper Area Court against her.

The mother, Evangelist (Mrs.) Olabisi Mohammed was later joined as a co-defendant in the suit at her instance.

Upon being joined in the proceedings as the 2nd defendant, Evangelist (Mrs.) Olabisi Mohammed challenged the jurisdiction of the Upper Area Court to determine the suit, contending that since the deceased had married her under the Marriage Act, his estate was inheritable only by her and the children she bore him, to the exclusion of the deceased’s aged parents and the appellants, under the Administration of Estates Law of Kwara State. In other words, the trial Upper Area Court lacked jurisdiction to hear and determine the appellants’ case, and Islamic Law was not applicable to the estate.

In his ruling, the trial Upper Area Court judge dismissed the objection and assumed jurisdiction to hear and determine the matter under Islamic Law.

Aggrieved by the ruling of the Upper Area Court, Nike Mohammed and her mother appealed to the Sharia Court of Appeal of Kwara State, Ilorin, which reversed and set aside the ruling of the trial Upper Area Court, contending that it is the Administration of Estates Law of Kwara State, and not Islamic Law, that applies to the estate of the late Major, a Muslim, merely because the said military personnel married a Christian under the Marriage Act.

Not satisfied with the said decision, the Appellants challenged the same before the Court of Appeal and the Court in its judgment considered a very pivotal question: what is the appropriate law to be applied in the distribution of the estate of a person who died as a Muslim who married a Christian under the Marriage Act?

Agreeing with the submissions of Tajudeen Oladoja, SAN, learned senior counsel to the appellants, the Court of Appeal, in a unanimous judgment delivered by Justices Muhammed Lawal Shuaibu, Abubakar M. lamido and Ahmed R. Mohammed set aside the judgment of the Sharia Court of Appeal of Kwara State, Ilorin, delivered on the 3rd day of August 2020 and restored the earlier decision of the trial Upper Area Court No. 1, Ilorin, assuming jurisdiction to distribute the estates of late Major Mohammed Arogun Adeniyi in accordance with Islamic Law.

The Court of Appeal held that the administration of the estate of a person who lived and died as a Muslim but married to a Christian under the Marriage Act is governed by Islamic Law.

August 27, 2024
Insecurity: CNG calls for troop deployment to Northern university campuses, others

…wants electricity subsidised for schools

The students’ wing of the Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) has cried out over the high rate of insecurity in and around the higher institutions of learning in the northern region.

It, however, called on President Bola Tinubu to revisit the approach and reform the security architecture of the Nation as well as deploy troops to all campuses to ease the anxiety among students.

The students noted that following the insecurity in the campuses, kidnapping, and banditry attacks on campuses are now perceived as the new normal, with students suffering from psychological disorders and kidnapping anxiety as a result of either being a victim of kidnapping or having ones loved one kidnapped or lost someone dear to kidnapping activities or the fear of been kidnapped.

Addressing a press conference in Kaduna on Tuesday, August 27, the group’s national coordinator, Hassan Adamu, said, the situation has increased students’ anxiety, leading to the withdrawal of female students from schools and poor academic performance.

It also lamented that the Academic Staff Union of the University had issued a notice of warning strike, as a result of the inability of the Federal Government to resolve issues relating to the agreement reached between them.

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Adamu equally lamented that the rising foreign exchange rate has multiplied the price of learning materials by 300%, as many students can no longer afford essential textbooks, stressing that it is so bad that most students cannot afford a meal a day.

He said: “The increasing hike in electricity tariff has compounded the problem on most of the campuses, saying that almost all the campuses are left blackout as a result of the inability of the management to settle electricity bills.

“The increasing cost of PMS, he observed is quite alarming and leading to a hike in transportation, pointing out that the federal government has failed to fulfill its promises of donating CNG buses to schools.”

The national coordinator equally lamented that the Region has been hit by a flood disaster leading to the loss of thousands of lives and properties worth billions of Naira including Farmlands, which is likely to affect the bumper harvest proposed by experts.

He hailed the release of the Benue State medical students from captivity and called on relevant agencies to provide all the students with adequate psychological and medical healthcare.

He also called on the president to do everything possible to avert any form of industrial action in the tertiary institutions, saying that they would not go back to those days of having spent 7 years on a 4-year course.

The students sympathized with all the victims of flood disasters across the region and Nigeria at large, calling on government at all levels to, as a matter of urgency, roll out relief materials for victims of flood disasters in the region.

The Coalition of Northern Groups, the student’s wing, then called on the Federal Government to review its foreign exchange policies as advised by experts, noting that leaving the market forces to determine whether foreign will continue to increase inflation.

“The Federal Government should, as a matter of urgency, reintroduce electricity subsidies at least for tertiary institutions or provide adequate solar electrification as expected.”

August 27, 2024
Corruption fight requires courage, defiance — Hamzat Lawal

Activist Hamzat Lawal has emphasised that the fight against corruption in Nigeria demands unwavering courage and the willingness to confront powerful interests.

In a recent commentary, Lawal reflected on the experiences of Hadiza Bala Usman, the former Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), as detailed in her book, Stepping on Toes: My Odyssey at the Nigerian Ports Authority.

Lawal praised Bala Usman for her reforms during her 60-month tenure at the NPA, describing her as a trailblazer who challenged the status quo.

“Hadiza Bala Usman’s story is a clarion call to young Nigerians striving for change: remain steadfast in your beliefs, even when powerful interests try to steer you off course,” Lawal stated.

Bala Usman, the first female Managing Director of the NPA in its 61-year history, detailed her journey through the challenges of leading a major national institution in her book.

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According to Lawal, the book is not just a memoir but “a declaration of defiance against forces intent on derailing a zealous reformer.”

The activist referred to several key reforms initiated by Bala Usman, including the implementation of a Revenue Invoice Management System aimed at reducing fraud and revenue leakage, and the deployment of the Electronic Truck Call-Up System, known as Eto, which tackled the notorious Apapa traffic congestion and reduced opportunities for corruption.

“Bala Usman’s story is a testament to the importance of integrity and courage in leadership,” Lawal said, adding that her efforts were met with resistance from those benefiting from corrupt practices.

He noted that despite her successes, Bala Usman faced opposition from within the government, particularly from her boss, former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi.

In one of the more striking examples from the book, Lawal recounted how Bala Usman saved Nigeria from paying $22 million to a company falsely claiming to have carried out dredging activities.

“Her vigilance prevented this significant financial loss to the nation,” Lawal remarked.

Lawal’s commentary also touched on Bala Usman’s removal from office, which he described as a result of her refusal to compromise on her principles.

“Even before an investigative panel cleared her of charges, the court of public opinion had already exonerated her,” he noted.

Reflecting on his work with Connected Development (CODE) and its flagship project, Follow The Money, Lawal drew parallels between Bala Usman’s efforts and his experiences in fighting corruption.

“Like Bala Usman, we will continue to fight for transparency and accountability, one community at a time,” he concluded.

August 27, 2024
Gov Sani inaugurates Kaduna Skills Development Council

Kaduna state governor, Senator Uba Sani, has inaugurated a Skills Development Council for the state, emphasising his administration’s commitment to equipping citizens with the necessary skills for positions in industries and businesses attracted to the state by the government.

At the inauguration, held at the Sir Kashim Ibrahim House on Monday, August 26, Governor Sani, who will personally chair the council, described the establishment of the council as a clear indication of his government’s resolve to address the state’s skills gaps effectively.

The governor stated: “We want our citizens to have the requisite skills to fill positions in the industries and other businesses we have attracted to the state.”

“This inauguration is indeed a milestone in our efforts towards addressing our skills deficit and empowering our citizens, especially youths to be relevant in a fast-changing world.

“On assumption of office in May 2023, we committed to investing in human capital to put Kaduna State youths in good stead to respond to the fast-changing needs of the 21st Century and to effectively contribute to the economic development of our dear state.

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“As you are aware, the construction of the Vocational and Technology Skills Acquisition Cities in Rigachikun, Samaru Kataf and Soba has reached advanced stages. The long-term impact of the centres in terms of employment generation and economic growth will undoubtedly be far-reaching as the target beneficiaries would be equipped with the essential skills and entrepreneurial opportunities for financial independence.

“The trainees will be equipped with a variety of vocational and technical skills including Welding and Fabrication, Articulated Vehicle Driving, Automobile Gas Conversion, Automotive Mechatronics, Solar Power Installation, Electrical Installation, Tiling, POP Making, Carpentry and Joinery, Fashion and Design, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), Aluminum Fabrication, and Refrigeration and Air Conditioning.

“The construction of the Remodeled Panteka Market in Tudun Wada, Kaduna is also progressing steadily. The remodelled Panteka Market will be a major centre for skills acquisition and job creation. Youths will be trained in carpentry, welding, painting, roofing, plumbing, electrical work, and other trades. We shall work out collaborative arrangements between the Remodelled Panteka Market and the Vocational and Technology Skills Acquisition Cities.

“The Kaduna state government is collaborating with NBTE to provide the National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF) certification which is an instrument approved by the Federal Executive Council for the development, classification, and recognition of skills, knowledge, and competencies acquired through technical and vocational training.

“This is a globally recognized certification that will provide our youths with employment opportunities across various industries within and outside the country. Other globally recognized certifications that will be acquired from the centres include Microsoft, Google, CISCO, Huawei, and others.

“The Kaduna State Skills Development Council, which I am about to inaugurate, will serve as the highest decision-making organ for skills development in the state. It will provide overall leadership and strategic direction for the development of strategies and an implementation plan for skills acquisition and development.

“The Council has the following terms of reference: Develop a Skills Development Framework for the State; develop a strategic implementation plan for skill acquisition for the state; annually, produce an action/operational plan for repositioning the skills development system in Kaduna State, aiming to address youth unemployment and Coordinate and supervise the execution of the operational/action plan.

“Others are to; Identify and attract technical and donor partners to support the strengthening of the skills development system of the state; Ensure objectivity, transparency, and inclusion in the selection of beneficiaries for skills acquisition programs with special consideration for females and persons with disabilities; develop strategies and establish collaboration with employers of labour to secure employment opportunities for trained youths; collaborate with the National Board for Technical Education to reposition the Skills Development System in Kaduna State and Carry out any other task relevant to the achievement of the Council’s objectives.

“Members of the Kaduna State Skills Development Council have been carefully selected based on their skills, competencies, and commitment to the Governance Agenda of our administration. I am confident that you will discharge this responsibility with total commitment and dedication,” he said.

Earlier in his remarks, the Executive Secretary National Board for Technical Education, Prof. Idris Bugaje who was represented by Hussaini Mohammed, commended the establishment of the Skills Development Council and other initiatives aimed at up-skilling the state’s residents.

He expressed confidence that the efforts would significantly reduce the challenges of insecurity fueled by poverty and unemployment, positioning Kaduna as a model for skills development in Nigeria.

According to Professor Bugaje, “At the moment there are huge skill gaps in the oil and gas industry, building construction, engineering services, etc. across the world. If we train our youths they could take up these opportunities and Nigeria shall start earning foreign exchange from dollar remittances.

“The second largest foreign exchange earner in Bangladesh after textiles, is the export of skills, with 11.5 million Bangladeshis: in the diaspora remitting about $40b annually,” he said.

Deputy Governor, Dr. Hadiza Balarabe will serve as the Vice Chairman of the Skills Development Council, while the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. AbdulKadir Muazu Meyere, Commissioner of Business, Innovation and Technology Member, Commissioner of Local Government Affairs and ALGON Chairman will serve as members.

August 26, 2024