The Nation Newspaper

Category: Northern Reports

  • Shun protests, support Tinubu’s promising reforms, Adamawa APC tells Nigerians

    Shun protests, support Tinubu’s promising reforms, Adamawa APC tells Nigerians

    The Adamawa State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has advised Nigerians to avoid any form of protests and instead support the promising reforms being implemented by President Bola Tinubu.

    High-powered stakeholders from across the state met at the state Secretariat of the party in Yola and emphasized that Tinubu deserves the support of all citizens for his reforms to take shape.

    They urged Nigerians to disregard “conflict entrepreneurs” urging them to protest against the president, especially since protests could turn violent and lead to dire consequences.

    The APC stakeholders also cautioned Nigerians to be wary of warmongers, who might flee the country and leave them to deal with the aftermath of any violence they incite.

    They insisted that peaceful dialogue is the only sure solution to Nigeria’s challenges, not unpredictable mass protest or confrontation.

    Read Also: Lagos students’ distance self from proposed August protest

    The APC state chairman, Idris Shuaibu said President Tinubu’s reforms, like many far-reaching policies, come with some bitter outcomes which would subsequently usher in anticipated benefits.

    “The president’s valiant strides will surely put the nation on a recovery path,” the APC chairman said.

    Also making a case against the planned nationwide protest, the state secretary of the APC, Dr Raymond Chidama said the North as a whole would not be doing a good thing to protest against a President Tinubu the region voted so massively to help put in office.

    Chidama said the subsidy removal and the floating of the naira piloted by Tinubu’s government are inevitable despite their harshness because these policies were the saving grace of the Nigerian economy which faced imminent collapse.

    Also speaking, the state organizing secretary of the APC, Mustapha Ribadu, said Nigeria is facing challenges that resulted from past years of poor leadership that cannot be addressed without some pains.

  • Arewa group seeks Tinubu’s intervention over Katsina road project

    Arewa group seeks Tinubu’s intervention over Katsina road project

    A sociopolitical group in the North, the Arewa Coalition Group for Security and Human Rights has sought the intervention of President Bola Tinubu on the cancellation of the Katsina-Kankara-Dutsima- Mararaba-Kankara Road project in Katsina.

    The group expressed sadness over the ‘ cancellation of the project’ cutting across about seven local governments. It claimed it was done in bad taste by the government.

    Its National coordinator,Mallam Ibrahim Muhammad lauded the initial speed and diligence demonstrated by the contractor who had promptly mobilized to site upon the award.

    Read Also: No need for protest because I’ve heard your call – Tinubu tells Nigerians

    He spoke at Arewa House, Kaduna at a news conference on Tuesday.

    The group urged the Federal Government to restore of the contract to the local contractor , Vipan Global Resources Limited and urged it to go back to site .

    Muhammad said the restoration of the contract would restore the confidence of the people of the state a well as the North in the government of President Tinubu.

    The group also appealed to the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, governor Dikko Rada and former governor Aminu Masari and Presidential aide, Ibrahim Masari, Muhammad on behalf of his group to ensure work continues on road.

  • Rotary Club strengthens Kubwa community Healthcare with donations to General hospital

    Rotary Club strengthens Kubwa community Healthcare with donations to General hospital

    The Rotary Club of Abuja, Kubwa has reinforced its commitment to community service by donating essential bed sheets and screens to the Kubwa General Hospital, aiming to improve maternal and child healthcare services in the locality.

    Idowu Olayemi, President of the Club, led the team in presenting the donations to the secondary health facility on Tuesday, where she highlighted the motivation behind the initiative, explaining that July is Rotary’s month of maternal and child health.

    Additionally, she noted that 2024 is a significant year for Rotary, which inspired the Kubwa chapter to make a meaningful impact on its immediate community.

    “We chose to present the bed sheets and screens for the labour ward because it is an area of need that would always be impactful to the patients and the hospital as well.

    “The impact of these donations cannot be overstated as we provided 30-bed sheets for the postnatal and pediatric wards and screens for the labour ward.

    “These contributions are aimed at enhancing privacy and hygiene in the hospital, ensuring a more dignified and comfortable experience for patients.

    “The club’s dedication to continuous improvement and service is clear. We have a lot to do, and we will definitely come back. We will continue to support our community and work towards better healthcare outcomes,” Olayemi affirmed.

    Responding, Emmanuel Musa, the Medical Director (MD) of the Hospital, expressed his gratitude for the Rotary Club’s generosity and their prompt response to the hospital’s needs.

    “We appreciate the Rotary for this collaboration. They have understood our needs and have agreed to support our efforts to upgrade our facilities.

    “For instance, we recently renovated the delivery beds and improved lighting in the delivery room. However, we still needed screens for demarcation. Rotary’s donation helps complete what we have started, adding value to our efforts.

    “The hospital has been on a mission to improve its services, especially in the labour and children’s wards. We’ve been trying to upgrade our labour ward and give a facelift to the children’s ward.

    “Rotary has provided screens to separate beds in the labour ward, ensuring privacy for delivering mothers. This is crucial for both the mothers and their families,” Musa added.

    On the essence of Rotary intervention and the lessons to learn from them, the MD noted that Rotary’s contribution goes beyond physical donations, “It fosters a spirit of partnership and collaboration that is essential for the sustained improvement of healthcare services.

    “We welcome partnerships with other Nigerian corporate organizations and individuals. Many people cannot afford healthcare, and donations from well-meaning individual and corporate Nigerians can help us provide for those in need,” Musa emphasized.

    “I believe that our call for more partnerships is a reminder that collective effort is essential in addressing healthcare challenges.

    “As the Rotary Club continues its mission, it sets an inspiring example for others to follow, proving that even small gestures can lead to meaningful change,” he noted.

    Read Also: FCMB, Rotary Club offer micro credit to widows

    On her part, P.A.J. Lovina Okorn-Ntui, Rotary Nigeria District 9127 Chair of Maternal and Child Health, highlighted the club’s ongoing commitment to community service, saying, “We have about 40-something clubs in the FCT, and each club has its community projects.

    “The Rotary Club of Abuja Kubwa chose this facility for their project because they have their fellowships here.

    “Looking ahead, the Rotary Club has plans for more impactful projects. We’re moving to the next zone, having a project in Zone 4 on the 2nd of August, a day before the District governor’s investiture.

    “This project will see collaboration among 16 clubs in the entire Zone 4, covering areas like Gombe, Maiduguri, and Jos,” Okorn-Ntui revealed.

  • Don’t join protest against Tinubu’s govt, Middle Belt leaders warn youths

    Don’t join protest against Tinubu’s govt, Middle Belt leaders warn youths

    Youths from the Middle Belt region of Nigeria have been urged to boycott the planned protest against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

    The nationwide protest, scheduled for Thursday, August 1, is a response to the ongoing high cost of living in the country.

    In a statement issued on Tuesday, July 23, a coalition of 200 Middle Belt Youth Leaders and Middle Belt Ethnic Youth Leaders called on the region’s youth to abstain from participating in the planned protest.

    The coalition described the protest, which aims to draw government attention to economic hardship and high inflation, as being driven by hidden agendas.

    The statement read: “Our attention has been drawn to an ongoing mobilization for a nationwide protest. This protest aims to bring the attention of the government to the current economic hardship and high inflation.

    “The planned protest appears like it is stirred by the masses who have been hit the most by the worsening economic hardship. Meanwhile, in a real sense, there are faceless groups of individuals championing the proposed nationwide protest from behind the scenes.

    “These group of individuals can go to any length to set the country on fire and to make the government ungovernable at the expense of lives and property of innocent citizens because they did not get what they thought was their due in a Tinubu Presidency.

    “While we agree that there is hardship, we believe that the present situation is an inherited challenge that should not be resolved at the expense of Middlebeltans.

    “We, in the Middle Belt, believe these efforts to set the country aflame are not motivated by altruism but by their selfish ambition. We are aware that paid thugs and criminals have been armed to cause chaos and unrest and ultimately destroy lives and property.

    “Consequently, we wish to state unequivocally that all Middlebeltans should stay calm and stay away from this planned protest that will destabilize our peace. We will explore a better approach to communicate our thoughts on the current economic setback.

    It further stated: “Our premise for calling for this boycott is the security of our people, the middle Beltans, especially our countless rural dwellers who suffer incessant massacres from militia groups.

    “While we acknowledge President Tinubu’s effort to clean up the damage of the previous administration, we urge him to continue to be more equitable, particularly to Middle Belt Ethnic Nationalities. We assure you that we will never partake in destroying this effort to recover Nigeria.

    Read Also: ‘Give me more time’ – Tinubu begs Nigerians

    “Those planning the protest have humongous funds to mobilize, misinformed, and push innocent citizens to occupy the streets of Nigeria with hidden agendas to cause violence, destruction, and disruption. Having said that, we exhort the President to get back with his team to craft sustainable ideas that are capable of making life liveable for Nigerians across the length and breadth of our country. If the present team is unable to deliver, the President should headhunt those who can.

    “It is in the public space that the planners of the protest are plotting to lay a military-style siege on the FCT by blocking entrance/exit routes to the city, all in the middle-belt region which would create a confrontation with security personnel or isolate and make the seat of government vulnerable to non-state actors.

    “We wish to also challenge President Tinubu to cut back on expenditures on public office holders in consonance with the reality in our country.”

  • Northern women group hits Akpabio over ‘night club’ remark against Natasha

    Northern women group hits Akpabio over ‘night club’ remark against Natasha

    Women from the North have blasted Senate President Godswill Akpabio for his alleged disrespectful remarks directed at Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan during last week’s plenary.

    In a statement signed by the 20-member body Voices for Inclusion and Equity for Women (VIEW), the women condemned Akpabio’s actions as a blatant display of disrespect and gender bias.

    The release, titled: “Restoring integrity: The imperative of respecting female Senators in Nigeria’s Democracy,” stated Akpabio’s remarks go beyond an isolated insult but “symbolise the maintenance of gender hierarchies and the silencing of female voices in critical political spaces.”

    They further noted it was not the first instance of such behavior from Akpabio, alleging he recently silenced Senator Ireti Kingibe in a similarly dismissive manner, underscoring what they describe as a troubling pattern.

    “Comparing a female senator’s parliamentary conduct to nightclub behavior is both sexist and an explicit attempt to bully and trivialize her contributions, diminishing her standing as a legitimate political actor. 

    “Such comments from the Senate President undermine the integrity of the Senate and contribute to a culture where women are undervalued and disrespected,” they stated. 

    Among the notable signatories were Aisha Muhammed-Oyebode, CEO of the Murtala Muhammed Foundation (MMF); Nguyan Shaku Feese; Senior Strategic Adviser for the DFID Funded, Teacher Development Programme (TDP), Hajiya Saudatu Mahdi, Secretary General of Women’s Rights Advancement and Protection Alternative (WRAPA); Amina Salihu, Deputy Director  Nigeria,  MacArthur Foundation; Ier Jonathan-Ichaver, Co-Founder of Sesor Empowerment Foundation.  

    Other prominent figures include Fatima Akilu, Executive Director of the Neem Foundation and former special advisor on national security; Ene Ede, a leading gender activist and advisor; Maryam Uwais, former special advisor on social investments to President Muhammadu Buhari;  Kadaria Ahmed, Nigerian journalist and CEO Radio Now,  and Aisha Waziri, co-founder of Revive Nigeria Group and former candidate for House of Representatives from Borno State.

    Prominent activists and leaders such as Zainab Salihijo,  Asmau Joda, Ene Orgah, Larai Ocheja Amusan, Mairo Mandara, and Maryam Lemu were also part of the group.

    Rekiya Abaji, Sa’ida Sa’ad, Ummahani Amina, and Zaynab Musa further reinforced the collective by signing the release also.

    The group emphasized that their members were drawn from North Central, North East, and North West Nigeria and is a coalition committed to fostering equitable, inclusive, and just societies for women across the Nation. 

    Read Also: UPDATED: Akpabio apologises to Natasha over ‘night club’ remark

    They noted that in a functioning democracy, especially a nascent one like Nigeria’s, every voice must be respected, regardless of gender. Dismissing female leaders with misogynistic comments undermines robust debate and diverse perspectives, which are crucial for effective policy making. 

    “Such attitudes reinforce harmful stereotypes, discourage women’s political participation, and perpetuate a male-dominated landscape. This is particularly detrimental for regions like northern Nigeria, where women face even more significant barriers to public office.”

    The group also noted that further reactions on the matter, which would be geared towards ensuring redress and a culture of ethical behavior in public life would be welcomed.

  • Hundreds engaged, govt excited as construction work advances at Kwara Hotel

    Hundreds engaged, govt excited as construction work advances at Kwara Hotel

    Kwara Commissioner for Business, Innovation and Technology (BIT) Damilola Yusuf-Adelodun has conducted a facility tour of the Kwara Hotel, a hospitality industry undergoing massive remodeling to meet international standards.

    Between 150 and 350 people, mostly Kwarans, are fully engaged in the construction works which have seen the hotel undergo unprecedented facility upgrades and expansions.

    Yusuf-Adelodun, who led reporters round the facility in Ilorin, said work has exceeded 25 per cent target that the Ministry gave the contractor for this particular period, commending Craneburg Construction Company for a well done job.

    “The work done so far has actually exceeded our initial timeline. From the Ministry’s assessment, this work has already reached 25 per cent completion. Initially, it was supposed to be at 20 per cent at this time. So the contractor is moving fast, and they are doing their work efficiently,” she said.

    “In the next few months, we hope it will move faster. So we are within the timeline.

    Read Also: Reps minority caucus advocates political solution to end Nnamdi Kanu’s detention

    “The decision to remodel Kwara Hotel is because it is a real legacy of Kwarans. Anybody who lives here knows the significance of Kwara Hotel, and His Excellency made a wise decision in turning it around in a manner never seen before.

    “This is a completely new facility in terms of what is going in there. You can see the quality yourself. From what you can see, there is a central cooling system for each of the units. There is an automated fire system, an automated DMS system, and you can also see a solar component to power the hotel.

    “This means that if there is no light from the national grid or the generators are not working (because we have more than three generators that will service this hotel), you will still be able to have light and maintain the operations of the hotel without any interruption.”

    The Commissioner commended Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for thinking it wise to refurbish the hotel, which she noted is of high importance to the state.

    The Ministry is committed to ensuring that the hotel renders great services to be able to meet international standards, she said.

    Project Manager, Craneburg Construction Company, Mohammed Yamout, for his part, said their firm is reputed for international standards and will not deliver anything short of the required standards in the execution of the project.

    Mohammed said the company is working round the clock to deliver their work within the stipulated period, adding that what is being done is as good as delivering a completely new hotel fitted with the best accessories.

    “Whether in the demolition or the rebuilding, everything we do is of international standard. We ensure a good high quality in the execution of mechanical, electrical, and the cooling system, among other features and designs. Many of the fixtures were never there before.

    “Our contract has 24 months for delivery, starting from January 2024. We are doing our best and in line with the agreement. It is our promise to deliver it within the shortest time possible.”

    The Commissioner similarly conducted journalists round the Innovation Hub, which she said seeks to promote ICT startups technology skills among the youth as envisioned by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.

    The ICT Innovation Hub is at the completion stage, she said, adding that it should be ready by the fourth quarter of the year.

    “Already, we have a partnership with IHS Tower. As you can see from the top, the project is taking shape as envisioned by His Excellency,” she said.

    “It is a one-of-its-kind facility in the country. It can operate totally off-grid because of the solar system embedded into it.

    “The project will attract start-up and technological companies into the state. We look forward to having companies like IHS Towers, Google, and others to be here. This will promote ease of doing business and create job opportunities for more than 10,000 young people.”

  • Middle Belt group hails Mustapha over dividends to constituents

    Middle Belt group hails Mustapha over dividends to constituents

    The Middle Belt Youth Network (MBYN) has commended Senator Saliu Mustapha (Kwara Central) for what it called his outstanding leadership and commitment to providing dividends of democracy to his constituents.

    In a statement co-signed by Comrade Jang John and Yusuf Bello, the youths described Mustapha as an exemplary leader, a great lawmaker, and the most outstanding first-term Senator.

    They praised him for his uncommon commitment to the welfare of his constituents and the nation at large.

    The statement highlighted Senator Mustapha’s focus on human capital development, infrastructure improvements, and empowering women and youths, which stands out as a testament to his dedication to sustainable development.

    “We praise Senator Mustapha for his selfless service, integrity, and passion for development. He is indeed a shining example of a true leader, cultivating the potential of tomorrow’s leaders and enhancing community well-being.

    Read Also: Plateau APC youths beg Tinubu to intervene in Assembly crisis, ministerial appointment

    “His dedication to the welfare of his constituents is unparalleled, and his commitment to sustainable development is inspiring. Mustapha’s leadership has brought hope and opportunities to the people of Kwara Central Senatorial District.

    “He has proven himself to be a true representative of the people, always putting their interests above his own. His humility, compassion, and empathy have endeared him to the hearts of many.”

    The group also commended Senator Mustapha’s ability to work collaboratively with other stakeholders to achieve common goals, citing his leadership style as a proof of his ability to connect with his constituents and understand their needs.

    While urging other lawmakers to emulate Senator Mustapha’s exemplary leadership and commitment to the welfare of their constituents, the group encouraged him to sustain the tempo of his impactful work.

  • Niger govt set to inaugurate rural roads, agricultural incentives to communities

    Niger govt set to inaugurate rural roads, agricultural incentives to communities

    The Management Team Lead of Niger Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Projects (NG-RAAMP), Dr Nmaa Ahmed, has said that the state government is set to inaugurate rural roads and allocate agricultural incentives to benefit communities in the state.

    Ahmed in a statement on Wednesday, July 17, in Abuja said the governor of the state, Farmer Umar Bago has directed the mobilisation of stakeholders and rural dwellers.

    According to him, they are to participate and take ownership of any projects or agricultural incentives allocated to their respective communities.

    He further explained that the people and communities would not only get contractual value but would prevent vandalism of all sorts, thereby ensuring a win-win situation for the beneficiaries and the government.

    “We identified community sensitization as a fulcrum to bring everyone on board and participate in projects and programs bequeathed to their various communities based on the need assessments.

    Read Also: Niger govt, Bayern AG sign landmark agric partnership

     “We also explored exotic ideas of deploying strategic awareness to the community leaders and the led, emphasising and appealing to their individual and collective conscience to be conscious of the projects and programmes as their own.

    “This is to boost the socio-economic activities of trading goods and services agriculturally, from an informal market to a modern one because of the ease of movement created by the backlog maintenance, construction of more rural roads and provision of incentives based on the law establishing RAAMP.

    “The Bago-led government is committed to a New Niger Agenda where equal opportunities is visioned for rural and urban populace”, Ahmed said.

  • Abuja Rotary Clubs champion maternal, child Health in FCT community 

    Abuja Rotary Clubs champion maternal, child Health in FCT community 

    Rotarians in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), have called on society to focus on maternal and child health, emphasizing its critical importance for overall survival.

    In a concerted effort to enhance maternal and child health in the FCT and across Nigeria, 40 Rotary Clubs in District 9127, led by District Governor (DG) Mike Okachi Nwanoshiri, launched the Maternal and Child Health Outreach in Dutse Baupma, Bwari Area Council of the FCT.

    Nwanoshiri noted that this initiative is one of the seven focus areas of Rotary International, aiming to support mothers and children in their vital roles of bringing life into the world.

    He said: “We are here today to mark one of the seven areas of focus of Rotary Program called Maternal and Child Health.

    “We have all that is used for childbirth: birth kits, mosquito nets, and condoms for pregnant women and new mothers. 

    “We also have digital waste cases and other essential materials.”

    “With the awareness advocacy embedded in this project, we believed this would make the desired impact on the beneficiary and the community at large while helping to bring the necessary attention to the needs of indigent communities around the country”.

    Saying that the entire country is the focus of the group, the DG said, “After this project, we take the next Rotary month and what it talks about in Rotary. We have seven areas of focus, and we target our projects one by one”.

    Chief Haruna Gwyendaye, the District Head of Dutse Baupma, Abuja, expressed his gratitude for the Rotary Club’s gesture toward his community while assuring that the donated apparatuses would be put to good use by the beneficiaries.

    Dame Princess Joy Okoro, of the Rotary Club of Maitama, Abuja and the District Governor-elect, emphasized the importance of reaching out to rural communities like Dutse Baupma and the Dutse Alhaji health facility. 

    She said the objective was to bridge the gap in rural areas, “We felt that to get close to the people, that is what Rotary is talking about. Get close to the community that the government might not easily reach.

    “We provide mosquito nets, especially for pregnant women and nursing mothers, to avert issues like malaria. 

    “We also offer birth control apparatus, including condoms for both men and women, to help families plan better and live healthier lives.”

    Lovina Okorn-Ntui, the District Chair of Maternal and Child Health, emphasized that bridging the gap in healthcare access is a key priority for Rotary, which influenced the choice of an indigent community for this project.

    According to her, the initiative targets over 500 women in Dutse Baupma and Dutse Alhaji, with the clubs collaborating closely with local leaders to ensure effective distribution and support.

    “We came here, did a needs assessment, and asked the facility what they would like us to support them with. They needed a digital BP apparatus, plastic chairs, and digital baby weighing scales, among others which we are donating today.

    “Besides donating materials to the pregnant women and the health facility, the project is also focusing on creating awareness and advocacy, that is why we are urging pregnant women to register for antenatal care early. 

    “If you register on time, get your vitals checked on time, everything will be brought under control,” she added 

    Dr. Deborah Joshua, Officer in Charge of the Dutse Alhaji Primary Health Care Centre, expressed joy over the Rotary Club’s donation, stating it would create a lasting impact, considering that the FCT had already begun preparations, including training health workers, with full implementation of maternal and child health initiatives set to commence in the coming days.

    Read Also: Obasanjo lauds Rotary Clubs Int’l

    She said: “The drugs, equipment, and everything given to us today are essential for pregnant women to stay healthy throughout their pregnancy, including the drugs that will prevent the PCB from dropping to the point of being prone to bleeding during delivery. 

    “With these products, having vitamin C, paracetamol, and antimalarials in case a woman develops malaria during pregnancy, we are well-equipped.

    “The drugs are in good shape and still within their shelf life. They are not expired medication. We promise to put them to good use to reach out to the population we have in mind”.

  • Foundation trains, empowers women in skill acquisition

    Foundation trains, empowers women in skill acquisition

    A non-governmental organization, Ashake Foundation, in collaboration with World Connect, has over the past four months, been providing women from various communities with intensive training to acquire skills for transforming their lives and achieving financial independence.

    The Wise Abuja Project, funded by World Connect and implemented by the Ashake Foundation, aims to empower women by equipping them with practical skills and business knowledge.

    Mayowa Adegbile, CEO of Ashake Foundation, explained that the project focuses on skills development in areas such as bag-making, hair and bridal services, and fashion design.

    The training enables participants to create a variety of products, including school bags, dresses, wigs, lunch boxes, and purses.

    Adegbile said: “This is in addition to technical training, participants also received education on entrepreneurship, business planning, financial literacy, and marketing essentials. A significant milestone of the project was the successful registration of business names for all beneficiaries.

    “In Nigeria, business name registration is crucial as it provides legal recognition, enhances credibility, and allows entrepreneurs to access various government and financial services. This step ensures that the women can operate their businesses legally and take advantage of opportunities for growth and development”.

    The graduation ceremony, which was held in Abuja, was a celebration of the remarkable achievements and dedication of these women. The event featured inspiring testimonials from the graduates, impressive skill demonstrations, the awarding of certificates of completion, and the distribution of start-up kits.

    She emphasized the significance of the project in fostering socio-economic development and empowering women to take charge of their futures. ‘This graduation is not the end, but the beginning of an exciting journey towards financial independence’. These women are now equipped with the skills and confidence to become successful entrepreneurs, creating a brighter future for themselves and their families.

    Read Also: Foundation donates sickbay to school

    The Ashake Foundation extends its heartfelt gratitude to all the partners and supporters who contributed to the success of the WISE Abuja Project. The foundation remains committed to its mission of empowering women and fostering sustainable development in underserved communities.

    As the graduates embark on their new journey, the Ashake Foundation looks forward to witnessing their continued growth and success. The WISE Abuja Project stands as a testament to the power of empowerment and the incredible potential within every woman.