The Nation Newspaper

Category: Northern Reports

  • Kaduna approves N4.5bn intervention fund for 15,000 households

    Kaduna approves N4.5bn intervention fund for 15,000 households

    The Kaduna state government, in a clear demonstration of its commitment to women’s economic empowerment, has launched the domestication of the National Women’s Economic Empowerment Policy.

    The government has also approved a substantial N4.5bn as a special intervention for 15,000 households in the state.

    The state’s commissioner for Human Services and Social Development, Hajiya Rabi Salisu, disclosed this at a one-day citizens’ engagement workshop organised by the Development Research and Projects Centre (dRPC) to support the domestication of national policy in the state.

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    She also disclosed that the state is determined to invest in women and girls through various interventions in economic development, education, agriculture, and entrepreneurship.

    While commending the Development Research and Projects Centre for supporting the state in domesticating the policy, she assured that Kaduna state would be a pacesetter in promoting, developing, and uplifting the standard of living of women in the state.

    According to her, “I want to assure you that so far, so good in the areas of social intervention, cash transfers, skills acquisition, education, and social development, adding that launching the policy will enable more investment and inclusion in the state.”

  • El-Rufai’s decision to go to court laughable –Lawmaker

    El-Rufai’s decision to go to court laughable –Lawmaker

    Former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai’s decision to pursue legal action over allegations of misappropriating N432 billion has been described as laughable.

    The member representing Zaria constituency in the Kaduna State House of Assembly, Mahmud Lawal, said this in a chat with  newsmen in Kaduna.

    Lawal expressed disappointment at what he described as El-Rufai’s sudden interest in the judiciary after neglecting it for so long, adding that El-Rufai seems to have conveniently forgotten the principle of separation of powers enshrined in the constitution, which mandates non-interference between the executive, legislature, and judiciary.

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    “Does he (El-Rufai) believe that by resorting to legal action, he can obstruct the legislature from carrying out its constitutional duties?”

    The lawmaker noted that Kaduna State had never experienced such blatant misuse of public funds as recorded under El-Rufai’s tenure “where funds were misappropriated under the guise of project implementation.

     “For instance, let me illustrate what occurred at Kofar Doka in Zaria, my constituency. Billions of Naira were purportedly allocated for road projects, but tragically, the only visible activity was bulldozers demolishing people’s homes, rendering them homeless,” he said.

  • Oxfam, AFAN urge Fed govt to support women farmers

    Oxfam, AFAN urge Fed govt to support women farmers

    …says access to land, finance remain challenges for women farmers

    An international non-governmental organisation, Oxfam in Nigeria, and stakeholders in the agricultural sector have called on the federal government to address the challenges that farmers, particularly women, face in accessing land for farming in the country.

    The Country Director of Oxfam in Nigeria, John Makina said access to land and finance remained major challenges for women farmers in the country.

    Makina spoke during the Female Food Hero Awards Policy dialogue with the theme: “Promoting the Role of Women Food Producers and Their Contribution to Food Security in Nigeria 2024” in Abuja yesterday.

    The country director of Oxfam stated that women farmers play a crucial role in feeding the world.

    He said: “In Nigeria, it is reported that about 70% of women are taking the lead in food production. This statistic is not unique to Nigeria but applies to many countries in Africa, where women are at the forefront of agriculture.

    “Women are involved in every step of the farming process. From land preparation, where the majority of people in the fields are women, to planting, weeding, and harvesting, women are the primary workforce. They also handle post-harvest activities such as processing, grading, and taking the produce to the market.

    “However, women face significant challenges, especially in accessing loans. When applying for a loan, women are often asked about their marital status. If married, they are typically required to bring their husbands as guarantors.

    Read Also: NiMet, Oxfam partner to reduce humanitarian emergencies

    “This requirement poses a significant barrier and raises questions about whether it truly provides opportunities for women. These challenges need to be addressed, and today’s meeting aims to bring these issues to the forefront of the discussion.”

    The President of the Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Farouk Mudi stated that the primary obstacle remains the difficulty in acquiring land without adequate funds and the complexities associated with obtaining loans due to high interest rates and unaffordable collateral requirements.

    The AFAN president, who was represented at the event by the FCT chairman of AFAN, Ifraimu Dauda, noted that one common requirement from lenders was a Certificate of Occupancy (C of O), which often demanded a substantial financial outlay, placing it beyond the reach of many struggling farmers.

    He said: “This financial barrier is a significant hurdle for both men and women farmers. However, women face additional societal challenges that often hinder their independence and growth opportunities.

    “Women farmers have nonetheless made notable contributions to agricultural development, both in Nigeria and globally.

    “Their efforts in this sector are substantial and deserve recognition and support. Despite their critical role, societal norms and gender-specific obstacles continue to impede their progress.

    “The difficulty in accessing land is not limited to financial barriers. Even small plots in villages are increasingly hard to acquire due to competition from wealthier buyers.

    “This competition further marginalises small-scale farmers, making it challenging to secure the land necessary for their livelihood.

    “We are appealing to the government to implement measures that facilitate land access for all farmers. Such support would not only empower women farmers but also significantly promote the agricultural sector in Nigeria, ensuring sustainable development and food security.”

    He maintained that by addressing these issues, the government can help create a more inclusive and productive agricultural environment, ultimately benefiting the entire nation.

    An official of the Bank of Agriculture (BoA) said the bank was looking at scaling up credits for women farmers.

    According to the official, the Bank is looking at increasing its Microloan from N250,000 to N500,000.

  • TY Danjuma, Jerry Gana, others storm Yola as Gongola ethnic nationalities regroup

    TY Danjuma, Jerry Gana, others storm Yola as Gongola ethnic nationalities regroup

    Former Chief of Army Staff Theophilus Danjuma, former minister of information, Professor Jerry Gana, ex-Plateau state governor, David Jang, incumbent Governor Caleb Mufwang, and Governor Kefas Agbu of Taraba state, among others, are set to be honoured in Adamawa state on Saturday by the Gongola Peoples Forum.

    The Forum will confer its Mega National Award on these dignitaries, whom it lauds as illustrious sons and daughters, in recognition of their past or ongoing contributions to regional and national development.

    The Gongola Peoples Forum, comprising individuals with traditional ties to regions now part of Adamawa, Taraba, Gombe, Bauchi, Kaduna, Nasarawa, and Plateau states, announced at a press briefing in Yola that the event aims to celebrate outstanding individuals from these ethnic nationalities.

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    The national chairman of the forum, Marcus Gunduri said that the event seeks to unite ethnic nationalities and address the current national economic realities.

    David Jang is the chairman of the event, with Governor Ahmadu Fintiri as chief celebrant, TY Danjuma as a special guest of honour, and Jerry Gana as guest speaker.

    Royal fathers and traditional leaders from the various states are expected to attend.

    Gunduri who addressed journalists alongside other prominent members of the group, including Mr Kube Akila Dwallam, Barr Leonard Zadok, Prince Medan Fwa, and Kalep Filli indicated that the Forum itself is a kind of regrouping of people of common backgrounds and interests.

    He said: “The Gongola people have been living together in parts of the country, sharing and doing things collectively. It’s high time we go back to history and revisit these types of corporations that have been existing among the many tribes.”

  • Kano governor wins Courageous Governor award

    Kano governor wins Courageous Governor award

    Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano state has received the Most Courageous Governor of the Year Award from a Lagos-based newspaper, This Nigeria.

    According to a statement by the governor’s spokesman, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, the award was presented during the 2024 annual lecture and awards ceremony marking 25 years of continuous democratic governance.

    The accolades were bestowed following a meticulous evaluation by a panel of adjudicators appointed by the newspaper’s leadership, who assessed the performance and qualities of all 36 state governors in Nigeria.

    “Governor Yusuf was declared the winner of the Courage in Leadership Award category in the 2024 edition, in recognition of his remarkable stewardship of Nigeria’s most populous state amidst a series of legal and political challenges both within and outside the state.”

    Read Also: Kano invests N3b in classroom infrastructure

    Accepting the award on behalf of His Excellency the governor of Kano State, commissioner of Information, Baba Halilu Dantiye expressed confidence that this accolade would inspire Governor Yusuf to maintain exemplary leadership standards in Kano State and continue to elevate the performance bar.

    The second edition of This Nigeria Newspaper’s lecture and awards event took place at the ‘Yar’adua Centre in Abuja, with Governor Yusuf of Kano, alongside the Governors of Akwa Ibom and the FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, being honoured as distinguished awardees 2024.

  • Reactions as Gov Alia reportedly orders Och’Idoma to delist Olofu from receiving Idoma title

    Reactions as Gov Alia reportedly orders Och’Idoma to delist Olofu from receiving Idoma title

    Benue Governor Hyacinth Alia has reportedly ordered the removal of David Olofu from the list of prominent Idoma achievers slated for honours Saturday, June 29, 2024. 

    The Och’Idoma, Agabaidu Elaigwu Odogbo Obagaji John, CON, included Olofu who served as Finance Commissioner in the administration of former Governor Samuel Ortom, on a broad-based list of deserving honorees at the forthcoming event. 

    Alia, a Catholic priest, and his deputy, Samuel Ode are also on the list. Godwin Obla, reputed to be the first Senior Advocate of Nigeria, (SAN) from Idomaland, is also on the 17-man list. 

    While Alia is to be conferred with the title of Okamaleya K’Idoma, (the promise keeper), Ode will be invested with the  honour of Ebeneigbogwu K’Idoma. Obla is listed for investiture as Oyakwei K’Idoma, (the one who gets things done), while Olofu from Apa local government area, has been primed as Owo’Ichoha K’Idoma. Abba Adaudu, Francis Alochu, Nick Eworo, John Otse Aboh, Ameh Idoko, Bonny Apochi, Ojotu Ojema, Ogaji Bright Igodo, Paul Samuel Edeh, are some distinguished Idoma achievers penned down for the Saturday June 29, 2024 ceremony. Ujah Innocent, Ochacho Muhammad, Michael Oglegba, Lami Danladi, Patrick Agwo Olonta, also feature on the roster of honorees. 

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    HRM Obagaji, who was installed Och’Idoma in December 2021 by Ortom, is a Pastor of the Deeper Life Christian Ministry. The scheduled investiture is perhaps the Och’Idoma’s biggest event yet, having deployed a high-powered, dispassionate committee to select worthy Idoma frontliners deserving of recognition. 

    While no official reason has been adduced for Olofu’s delisting, it may not be unconnected to his membership of the Ortom administration, for the latter’s straight eight year stint in office. 

    There has been no love lost between Alia and Ortom since the change of baton in May 2023. In gestapo style, Alia’s agents started off last year impounding the vehicles of many Ortom associates who had been allocated the vehicles via a decision of the State Executive Council, (SEC) and who had paid for the vehicles. 

    Alia has also repeatedly promised to probe the Ortom government. He recently accused the preceding government, among others, of leaving a salary burden of over N350bn for his administration to offset, a claim that is yet to be proven. 

    In the Olofu matter, Alia has been very widely criticised by many political watchers. 

    “People cannot understand why David Olofu is being scapegoated just for being a top functionary in the Ortom dispensation. He couldn’t have appointed himself to the office, he actually set aside his thriving business concerns to oblige the call to serve. 

    “As the exchequer of the state, Olofu no doubt, occupied an enviable position of responsibility. He was, however, never the chief executive of the state, nay the approving officer. The genuineness of Alia’s priesthood is also being questioned, especially because of his alleged style of vengeful governance,” John Adoche, a youth leader from Idoma land said. 

  • Fire at Dangote refinery, sabotage against Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda – DOJ

    Fire at Dangote refinery, sabotage against Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda – DOJ

    A support group of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Disciples of Jagaban (DOJ), has described the Wednesday fire incident at the Dangote Refinery in Lagos, as an act of sabotage against the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    The DOJ in a statement by its National Coordinator, Abdulhakeem Adegoke Alawuje said, enemies of Nigeria who destroyed the previous governments for selfish gains were still very much around and well positioned to destroy the present one.

    Alawuje however called on Nigerians to take sides with their president who is struggling day and night to reposition the dilapidated economy in the overall interest of all, and not saboteurs who want to bring the country to its knees for personal gains.

    According to the statement, “On Wednesday, Nigerians were jolted by the news of the burning of Dangote refinery in what looks like a sabotage. Dangote had few days before the unfortunate incident raised an alarm about the gang-up of the International Oil Companies (OICs) against the success of the venture to make Nigeria independent of foreign refined oil.

    “We understand the situation at hand. Those who destroyed the previous governments for personal gains and aggrandizement are still fully around and well-positioned to destroy the present one. They are the oil mafia, Health mafia, political scavengers, and so on. Unfortunately, Nigerians are ignorantly working with and helping those who stole away our present and future heritage.

    Read Also: Tinubu flags off Renewed Hope estate, warns against substandard work

    “Many Nigerians would not mind colluding with the enemies within and outside the country to sell their heritage or even put their father’s house on fire just because they hate the country or the person occupying the seat of the president. They simply wish to say, “After all, we told you he will not succeed”.

    “Ignorantly and innocently joining the mafias to fight Tinubu or the country will be a very costly error. We cannot afford to embarrass the president who gives endorsements to all citizens, irrespective of ethnic religious, and political affiliations. How do we orchestrate warfare against a president who struggles day and night to reposition the dilapidated economy in the overall interest of all?

    “Tinubu is human and cannot be perfect but lashing out his human errors to embarrass him ultimately embarrasses the nation. And that will not only be wickedness but foolishness on our path.

    “Nigerians who are seizing the opportunity of economic downturn to unleash hardship on their fellow citizens should fear God. Whatever we do to ourselves negatively may not necessarily affect Tinubu as president. We will all suffer the consequences. Farmers, traders, and private and corporate sectors should beware.

    “Without doubt, Tinubu aspires to rescue Nigerians, unfortunately, those he gave access to and who knows his weaknesses are the same people working against him. After all, we all witnessed how a number of his boys rose against him ahead of the 2023 general election with many needless battles.

    “My fellow Nigerians, indeed, Tinubu Renewed Hope agenda is real, and for sure, the present challenges will soon disappear with time, just as the previous ones did not last.

    “He who drives a car with mouth (theoretically) can never be involved in road mishaps until he practically occupies the driver’s seat. Tinubu is presently in the driver’s seat, let’s support him to drive us to the Promised Land successfully.

    “Ruling a nation like Nigeria is beyond theoretical calculations, it needs God’s intervention, leadership competence, and citizens’ support. The absence of any of these factors may abandon us in the wilderness for long, God forbid.

    “Tinubu has all the ingredients of a good leader. He is courageous, competent, and determined, we only need to add our inputs to assist him in other to succeed in rescuing the nation,” he said.

  • Kwara targets 600,000 beneficiaries in fresh NG-CARES interventions

    Kwara targets 600,000 beneficiaries in fresh NG-CARES interventions

    Kwara Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on Wednesday launched the distribution of the fourth phase of agricultural and infrastructural assets under the Nigeria COVID-19 Action Recovery Stimulus (NG-CARES) programme, targeting over 600,000 beneficiaries across different categories in the 16 local government areas.

    “The State Government is today taking another giant step forward towards supporting farmers and vulnerable agro-entrepreneurs with high-value assets such as fishing  and passenger boats, hand tillers, grinding machines, and so on. 

    ”This is in addition to the donation of various categories of hospital equipment to support vulnerable communities in health delivery and add to the stock of beneficiaries already recorded,” AbdulRazaq said at the launching held at the Government House Ilorin. 

    The Governor was represented at the event by the Deputy Governor Kayode Alabi.

    “Today’s ceremony, therefore, attests to the commitment of the state government to full implementation of NG-CARES. This is geared towards improving the welfare of the people,” the Governor explained. 

    The two-legged programme also had at least eleven communities that benefited from the distributed hospital equipment support. They included Alanamu, Atiku-Apata,

    Lade, Kajola, Kere, Patigi, Isanlu-isin, Araromi, Igbaja, Omoda; and Baba Dudu communities.

    AbdulRazaq said no less than two million citizens across Kwara State have benefitted from the various programmes and interventions under the NG-CARES, including FADAMA, Social Cash Transfer, labour intensive public workforce, and social development agency. 

    “The State CARES Steering Committee was inaugurated on the 14th of December 2021. NG-CARES, being the first attempt to use the Programme for Result (P for R) approach to deliver goods and services to the most vulnerable in the State, has been very successful as it is making an impact in the lives of the citizens since its take-off.

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    “This is made possible by the continuous and constant support of the State Government to ensure that poor and vulnerable individuals and businesses affected by economic crisis are supported through different initiatives.

    “Our gathering this afternoon is another phase in our continuous efforts to bring ease to the people through multifaceted interventions. At every stage of our journey so far, our administration has a record of deploying all available resources to make life easy for the people,” the Governor added. 

    AbdulRazaq urged the beneficiaries of these high-valued assets and equipment to consider these assets as their own and optimize the benefits.

    The ceremony was well attended by some cabinet members and other officials of government, including Commissioner for Finance and Chairman, State Steering Committee for NG-CARES programme, Dr Hauwa Nuru; Commissioner for Communication Hon Bola Olukoju; Chief Press Secretary to the Governor Rafiu Ajakaye; State Coordinator for NG-CARES, Ibiyinka Olatunde; and dozens of beneficiaries, among others.

    Nuru described the intervention as a beacon of hope that was designed and supported by the World Bank to cushion the effects of COVID-19 pandemic, and which complements the efforts of Governor AbdulRazaq in making life bearable for all the citizens.

    “The objectives of NG-CARES programmes for results are clear and very impactful. This intervention would expand access to livelihood support and ensure food security and among other benefits,” she said, commending the World Bank and the Governor for the initiative.

    Olatunde appreciated the government for taking the bull by the horn by keying to the programme that he described as laudable and highly beneficial to the people of the state.

    “NG-Care has been delivering goods and services to vulnerable members of our society. And it has always been like this. But this time around, I must sincerely commend the Governor for undertaking it in a new dimension. Because all of us can see some valuable items and equipment here which are going to different communities. This is highly commendable,” he said.

    Beneficiaries, such as Alhaji Ahmed Ganiyu Adebayo from Alanamu community and Alhaji Sambo Magaji of the Lafiagi Emirate,

    who spoke at the event on behalf of others, took turns to eulogize the administration for what they called a kind gesture. 

    “These items (hospital equipment) would go a long way in impacting the lives of our people. The gesture would specifically serve as a model for other states to emulate,” Adebayo said.

    Magaji, who spoke on behalf of FADAMA beneficiaries, said the items provided will assist farmers a lot as they go about their farming activities and thanked the Governor for being passionate about their well-being.

    The highlight of the programme was the presentation of NG-CARES items to beneficiaries by Deputy Governor Kayode Alabi, who represented the Governor.

  • Sulaiman-Ibrahim’s Renewed Hope Police Agenda citizenship engagement holds in Nasarawa Wednesday

    Sulaiman-Ibrahim’s Renewed Hope Police Agenda citizenship engagement holds in Nasarawa Wednesday

    The minister of state for police affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, and the governor of Nasarawa state, Abdullahi Sule will be presiding over a citizens’ town hall meeting on Community Policing on Wednesday in Lafia, Nasarawa State to develop a robust policing policy and implementation framework.

    Tagged the Renewed Hope Police Agenda Citizenship Town Hall Engagement, the meeting provides a veritable platform for the citizens and other stakeholders in the security ecosystem to brainstorm on issues and challenges confronting the nation and proffer solutions.

    Expected Special Guests are President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, members of the National Assembly, traditional and religious leaders, members of the state House of Assembly, civil society organizations, student bodies, women groups, among others.

    This initiative where the citizens and stakeholders are brought together to brainstorm on security challenges is turning out to be a pass mark for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration and has added impetus to the rating of this democratic dispensation.

    Read Also: Nwachukwu optimistic Tinubu will deliver on Renewed Hope Agenda

    The overall outcome of the selected state’s town hall renewed hope police Agenda meeting would be the development of a robust Community Policing Policy and implementation framework.

    Other eventual outcomes, according to the Minister, are; increasing openness and transparency in Communication between the Ministry of Police Affairs and Citizens, fostering trust and understanding, improving citizens’ understanding of current and planned policing reforms, leading to an informed and engaged community.

    Sulaiman-Ibrahim, in her usual industrious attitude towards national assignments, has once again proven to be one of the round peg in a round hole since this cabinet was inaugurated, consciously harmonizing activities in the Police affairs ministry and boosting the morale of the force, with mutual respect and working relationship between her office and that of the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun.

    The first edition of the town hall meeting held in Lagos was well-attended with different sectors of the social, economic, and political classes represented, coupled with recommendations that were aimed at bridging the gap between the citizens and men and women of the Nigerian Police Force.

    The minister recognizes the fact that unlocking Nigeria’s productivity and tackling legacy challenges that limit its economic growth, social development, Integration into the global economy, and overall prosperity are hinged on the level of security in the country.

  • Uba Sani’s economic trifecta: Lithium, agri-market, gas

    Uba Sani’s economic trifecta: Lithium, agri-market, gas

    By Nasir Dambatta

    Kaduna State has taken a monumental leap towards economic prosperity and sustainable growth, as Governor Uba Sani unveils three groundbreaking investments worth a staggering $147 million. The lithium processing plant, Agri-market initiative, and L-CNG project mark a significant milestone in the state’s journey towards economic stability and growth, showcasing Governor Uba Sani’s visionary leadership and commitment to fostering economic development.

    The lithium plant, a joint venture between the Kaduna state government and Ming Xin Mineral Separation Nigeria Ltd, is worth $20 million, with plans to increase it to $25 million within the next two years. This investment is set to create over 3000 job opportunities and positively impact the host community, contributing significantly to the state’s economic growth and development.

    In partnership with StarAgri West Africa Ltd, the Kaduna state government has launched the Agri-market initiative, worth $122 million. This investment will transform the agricultural landscape, generate economic growth and employment opportunities, and promote sustainable growth and prosperity. The initiative will create a total storage capacity exceeding 3 million Metric Tonnes, revolutionize connectivity between warehouses and farming communities, and ensure efficient supply chain management and reduced post-harvest losses. This will not only boost agricultural production but also enhance the livelihoods of smallholder and extension services personnel.

    Read Also: In Kaduna, Uba Sani keeps June 12 spirit alive

    Furthermore, Governor Uba Sani has unveiled Nigeria’s first L-CNG station in Kakau, Kaduna State. This marks a significant milestone in the country’s energy landscape, cementing Kaduna State’s position as a trailblazer in the adoption of innovative technologies. The L-CNG project will create over 3000 job opportunities and positively impact the host community, contributing significantly to the state’s economic growth and development.

    Governor Uba Sani’s economic trifecta is a testament to his administration’s commitment to fostering economic growth, creating job opportunities, and improving the lives of Kaduna State residents. These investments demonstrate a shared vision for transformative change in the state’s economy, and promise a brighter future for the people of Kaduna State. As the state continues to navigate the path to economic stability, Governor Uba Sani’s leadership is set to pay off, creating a legacy of economic prosperity and sustainable growth.

    Dambatta is Senior Special Assistant( Print Media) to the Governor