The Nation Newspaper

Category: Northern Reports

  • NEDC hailed for addressing humanitarian crises in North East

    NEDC hailed for addressing humanitarian crises in North East

    The Agenda for a New Nigeria (TANN) has applauded the leadership of the North East Development Commission (NEDC) for addressing the critical humanitarian issues in the North East.

    The group, a briefing on Monday in Abuja, outlined the giant strides of the agency in education, healthcare, infrastructure and many others. 

    Convener of the group, Nwogu Ndubisi, said: “The NEDC has made significant investments in education. Schools that were once destroyed by conflict have been rebuilt, and learning materials provided. Scholarships and vocational training programs have empowered young minds, giving them hope for a brighter future. 

    “The NEDC has worked tirelessly to restore healthcare facilities, train medical personnel, and provide essential medicines. Maternal and child health services have improved, saving countless lives. 

    “The NEDC has undertaken ambitious infrastructure projects, connecting remote villages and fostering economic growth. These roads not only facilitate movement but also symbolize progress. 

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    “The NEDC recognises that sustainable livelihoods are crucial for long-term stability. Through skill development programs, microfinance initiatives, and agricultural support, the Commission has empowered individuals and communities to thrive.“

    The group also acknowledged the efforts of the Chairman and Managing Director of the agency, Major General Paul Tarfa (rtd) and Mohammed Alkali, noting their unwavering commitment, strategic vision and tireless efforts have propelled the NEDC to new heights.

    The group noted that the current leadership has carried out its activities with the highest level of accountability and transparency, ensuring judicious use of resources.   

    “TANN believes that the gains of these modest interventions are a factor in the reduction of violence and terrorism in the northeast relative to other parts of the country and consequently urges that lessons from the region be modified and applied to parts of the country that are today gripped in throes of banditry.

    “We are therefore taking a moment to reflect on the journey that brought Major General Tarfa (rtd) and Mr. Alkali to their pivotal roles. Both leaders possess a deep understanding of the region’s needs, having witnessed firsthand the impact of conflict, displacement, and poverty. Their shared vision—to rebuild, rehabilitate, and uplift the region—has been the driving force behind the NEDC’s transformative work.

    “They represent the collective efforts of the NEDC staff and Management team, the board members, and the resilient communities of the North East. Together, they have made us witness schools reopening, clinics bustling with activity, and roads connecting distant villages,” it stated. 

    The group called for increased support and funding for the agency.

  • IWD: SMEDAN reassures women entrepreneurs of support unveils logo

    IWD: SMEDAN reassures women entrepreneurs of support unveils logo

    As the world celebrates International Women’s Day (IWD), the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) has unveiled a new agency logo featuring only women.

    It also assured women entrepreneurs by providing them with the necessary work tools to move their businesses forward.

    In a statement signed by the Director General, SMEDAN Charles Odii, he stated that the new Logo signifies the agency rededicating itself to the empowerment of women by ensuring that they get the support and recognition they need to be productive.

    According to the DG, “The new SMEDAN will spotlight women in entrepreneurship more, provide them with necessary tools for more impact. Many of these women have invested decades of their lives into building stronger roots for the pillars that hold the Nigerian economy together today. 

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    “It is worth knowing that women constitute over 70% of SMEs in the country. The government of the day is throwing its weight behind women in entrepreneurship as they are a strong backbone of the economy.

    “The agency chose the International Women’s Day IWD to unveil the new SMEDAN logo knowing the effort women have put into the growth of entrepreneurship in the country and beyond. This again underscores the agency’s commitment to women’s empowerment.

    “As the agency responsible for the transition of nano businesses into micro, micro into small, and small into medium, we understand the importance of change and progress. Not just for the sake of it, but because adaptation and evolution are crucial for relevance and impact.”

    Odii noted that there is a need for clear communication which is to strengthen the bond between government and entrepreneurship, as they partner with international stakeholders for maximum success.

  • Kwara Gov launches scheme to train youth, communities on public infrastructure

    Kwara Gov launches scheme to train youth, communities on public infrastructure

    Kwara Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has launched a programme to train community folks on proper handling of public facilities for efficiency, long lifespan, and prudence.

    Launching the Kwara Training, Repair, Empowerment and Community Ownership (KWA-TRECO 1.0) in Ilorin, the Governor said the initiative will train people across communities and instill in them a culture of maintaining public infrastructure.

    The scheme will also encourage communities to take ownership of public-funded projects in their areas, according to the Governor.

    KWATRECO is domiciled in the office of the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Community Development, Dr. Lawal Olohungbebe.

    “KWA-TRECO 1.0. focuses on training our youths on how to fix boreholes in our rural communities and boosting access to potable water, which UNICEF puts at 74%.

    “Those picked for this initiative will be trained by professionals and be given tools that they require for the work. This is all paid for by the government,” the Governor said at the flag off.

    “The essence is to improve access to drinkable water, reduce waterborne diseases, boost our health indices, give useful skills to our young people, and reduce unemployment and poverty in the state.

    Read Also: Kwara Gov launches scheme to train youth, communities on public infrastructure

    “KWA-TRECO is designed to gradually identify, select, and fix these public amenities as well as empower Kwara youths through productive engagements,” the Governor said.

    AbdulRazaq called on development partners to support his administration’s drive for sustainable solutions to the challenge of bad public infrastructure, access to water, unemployment, poverty and hunger, and other key challenges highlighted in the Sustainable Development Goals 2030.

    He congratulated all the trainees, and urged them to make the best use of the opportunity to learn new skills and contribute to the development of their communities.

    At the event were the Commissioner for Water Resources Usman Yunusa-Lade; Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Community Development Abdullahi Abubakar Bata; Commissioner for Environment Shehu Ndanusa Usman; ALGON Chairman Hon. Jide Asonibare, and other TIC Chairmen; acting General Manager Kwara State Social Investment programme (KWASSIP) Dr. Wasiu Tejidini; former Commissioner for Water Femi Wahab Agbaje; and UNICEF representative for Kwara, Bolaji Abdulkadir Adebayo; and among other dignitaries.

    Lade and Bata, in their separate remarks, said the initiative will reduce the burden of managing public facilities on the government especially in the area of rehabilitation and maintenance of boreholes.

    Finding reveals that most rural communities with poor access to water actually have hand-held boreholes which have gone bad and only required minor repairs, according to Lade.

     Olohungbebe said the initiative will reduce a culture of people running back to government for rehabilitation of faulty public facilities in their domains rather than taking ownership and managing them themselves.

    The UNICEF representative lauded the Governor for the project and his commitment to payment of counterpart funds for WASH and other programmes of immense benefits to the people.

  • Onjeh receives Benue APC acting chairman, seeks support for Alia

    Onjeh receives Benue APC acting chairman, seeks support for Alia

    Former All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial candidate for Benue South, Comrade Daniel Onjeh, has received the acting chairman of the party in Benue Hon. Benjamin Omakolo. 

    Omakolo, a former councillor, leader of the Benue State Councillors Forum, council secretary and exco member of the Benue APC, was at Onjeh’s residence as part of ongoing drive to unite the party and reposition it. 

    He declared that as the party chairman, he would ensure that justice reigns so that those who laboured and sacrificed their time, effort, resources and intellect are rewarded to serve as an incentive for others.

    He expressed sympathy with Onjeh over what he described as the injustice the former party chairman meted out to him during the last general elections. 

    “The party,” he declared, “shall not tolerate anti-party activities on my watch. A candidate’s rights must be guaranteed.” 

    He pledged that he would never do anything to undermine party members, their political interests and aspirations. 

    After welcoming his guest, Onjeh emphasised the importance of party unity and full support for Governor Hyacinth Alia’s administration.

    Onjeh commended the emergence of Omakolo, stating that “due process was followed” and his appointment “follows democratic principles.”

     He stressed that the chairmanship position belongs to Benue South, Apa/Agatu in particular, and any attempt by stakeholders from other zones to impose leadership on the party would be “undemocratic.”

    Onjeh urged Omakolo to prioritise “healing party members’ grievances, soothing their inflamed passions” and “bringing back party faithful together.” 

    Read Also: Oyebanji suspends public activities over APC chairman’s demise

    He highlighted the need for “accommodation” and reaching out to party members from all sides of the current party divide, fostering unity and paving the way for future statewide resounding electoral success.

    He acknowledged the challenges Governor Alia has faced due to “vested interests and internal party wranglings” but praised his achievements in areas like prompt salary payments, education, and revitalisation of the economy. 

    He commended the Governor’s commitment to tackling corruption and empowering Benue residents. 

    “Governor Alia,” he asserted, had, within less than a year, surpassed the performance of all governors before him since the advent of the Fourth Republic in 1999.”

    Onjeh offered support to Omakolo and expressed confidence in his ability to unite the party. 

    He called upon all party members to stand together for the “ultimate benefit of Benue people” and Governor Alia’s success in office.

  • AbdulRazaq impressed with work at industrial park, sugar film studio

    AbdulRazaq impressed with work at industrial park, sugar film studio

    Kwara Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on Thursday paid a working visit to the site of the under-construction state industrial park at Eiyenkorin in Asa local government, calling it a catalyst for development in the state.

    The Governor expressed happiness with the level of work done so far, and said the project will create job opportunities for people and enhance the economic and revenue base of the state.

    He said a number of big firms have already indicated interest in the project.

    “This is phase one of the industrial park. We are happy with the progress of work. Already, we have some investors who have indicated interest. Yesterday, a company came around for the prospect of building a CNG conversion plant to provide plant and gas for cars. BUA is also coming in as it already indicated interest in production here,” Governor AbdulRazaq told reporters shortly after inspecting the facility.

    “This is really a catalyst for development in the state. The key things are: economic expansion, job creation, and IGR drive. We are very optimistic that very soon, this place will be fully occupied. And that’s progress for Kwara.”

    Asked when the project will be fully completed, he said the industrial park is a project that will keep expanding as industries and business interests site their businesses there and that the government will only provide the necessary infrastructure for it to thrive such as is being done with concrete road, drainage, electricity, and security network, among others.

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    “To simplify it, this first phase is 2 square kilometers and will extend eventually to 10 square kilometers. Part of it will be an export processing zone. So we are very optimistic that it is a big thing,” he said.

    The Governor then headed further down into Asa local government where he inspected the Budo Egba and Otte township roads.

    He then visited the jaw-dropping Sugar Factory Film Studio, which is believed to be one of its kind in Nigeria and on the continent.

    The expansive film studio will produce its first movie in the next few weeks, the Governor said.

    Excited with the quality of the facilities at the studio, the Governor said Kwara is ready to cause an upset in the Nigerian creative industry.

    “Welcome to Sugar Factory Film Studio. First production will start in two weeks. It is about creativity. It is about creating jobs and expanding the creative industries,” he added.

    “This is one of its kind in Nigeria. Just wait and see in the next couple of months what will come out of here.

    “To start with, there are very few studios (with the same standard as Kwara’s Film studio) in the subregion. Then, after the studio, we have world-class equipment here. We will continue to upgrade the equipment and expand the studios as well. But from what we have seen here, surely, there is nothing like this in Nigeria today.”

    He was accompanied on the working visits by Commissioner for Works Abdulqowiyu Olododo and Alhaji Abdulrazaq Jiddah.

    Managing Director, Sugar Factory Film Studio, Mr Olagbenga Titiloye, for his part, said the studio will be the biggest in Africa, commending the vision and economic drive of the Governor.

    “Apart from being the biggest in Africa, if you look around, it is clearly a one-of-its-kind facility in Nigeria and Africa as well. His Excellency’s drive to create employment in the entertainment industry is yielding fruitful results,” he said.

    “We are 100 percent prepared. You can see the sets and equipment that will be used to shoot the series that is going to DSTV.”

  • High expectations as Abuja hosts International Women’s Day Conference

    High expectations as Abuja hosts International Women’s Day Conference

    In anticipation of the forthcoming 2024 International Women’s Day (IWD), the Arise Monalisa Foundation is poised to host a distinguished conference to commemorate this significant occasion.

    Under the resonant theme: “Count her In: Invest in Women, Accelerate Progress,” this collaborative endeavor with One Percent International Management Services Ltd. is scheduled to unfold on March 18, 2024 at the prestigious Wells Carlton Meetings and Events venue in Asokoro, Abuja.

    Stating the key facets of the IWD Conference 2024, the Foundation unveils a multifaceted program encompassing erudite panel discussions facilitated by esteemed experts and stakeholders. Attendees will also partake in a networking session, aptly named Mix n Meet, an exhibition showcasing the commendable goods and services crafted by female and young entrepreneurs, and a riveting Pitch Party where five exceptional female entrepreneurs will vie for a coveted grant and mentorship program.

    In a groundbreaking announcement, the Foundation proudly introduces the AMF HUB, an avant-garde E-Commerce platform dedicated to exhibiting and retailing products meticulously crafted by women and youths in vulnerable communities. The Foundation, devoted to inspiring hope, nurturing creativity, and fostering opportunities for the less privileged across the continent, articulates these developments in an official statement.

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    Monalisa Chinda, the founder of the Foundation and acclaimed film maker affirmed it stands as a beacon of hope for disadvantaged and underserved communities. The primary mission revolves around empowering women and youth, epitomizing the vision to inspire and nurture their talents and potential, creating pathways to inclusion and prosperity.

    The strategic initiatives and collective community engagements outlined by the Foundation focuses on uplifting and providing sustainable avenues for transformative change in the lives of women and children. The forthcoming conference is expected to draw the participation of international organizations, government agencies, women’s groups, sister agencies aligned with Arise Monalisa Foundation’s vision, entrepreneurs, women in politics, and those in the Diaspora.

    Furthermore, the Arise Monalisa Foundation advocates for collaboration and partnerships to cultivate an enriched environment for Nigerian women.

    Intending sponsors are offered an array of exclusive benefits, including the privilege of branding the Arise conference, opportunities to execute partnering corporate social responsibility, capacity-building prospects, grants for select start-ups, and a branded stand at the hall’s entrance, among numerous other advantages.

  • IWD: Why women must shun child delivery at home – UNICEF

    IWD: Why women must shun child delivery at home – UNICEF

    Women have been urged to refrain from delivering babies at home to increase their chances of survival during and after childbirth.

    A Health Officer with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Bauchi Field Office, Oluseyi Olosunde, gave the caution on Wednesday, March 6, during a media dialogue to mark this year’s International Women’s Day (IWD), held at the Evolution Hotel in Gombe state.

    Olosunde presenting a paper titled: “The Optics of Maternal Newborn and Child Health (MNCH) in Bauchi Field Office,” stressed the importance of empowering women to improve maternal and child health.

    The media dialogue, themed “Invest in Women – Accelerate Progress,” brought together media practitioners from the Bauchi UNICEF Field Office, covering Bauchi, Taraba, Adamawa, Gombe, and Plateau states.

    The Health Officer highlighted that in some states, six out of ten deliveries occur at home, while in others, eight out of ten are done at home, putting children at risk due to unskilled birth attendants.

    According to him, home childbirth poses significant risks to mothers in cases of complications during labour, as homes lack the necessary equipment to detect and address such problems.

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    In his welcome address, the Chief of the UNICEF Bauchi Field Office, Dr Tushar Rane, stated that International Women’s Day (IWD) is celebrated annually on March 8 to honour women’s achievements and promote women’s rights worldwide.

    Dr. Rane underscored the importance of gender equality and women’s well-being for building prosperous economies and fostering a healthy planet.

    He noted that IWD serves as a reminder of progress made and the ongoing work needed to address women’s issues.

    According to him, the media dialogue aimed to showcase the remarkable achievements of community-based women in the health sector in the Bauchi Field Office through the mama2mama initiative.

    He explained that in the Mama2Mama Initiative, women serve as health advocates and educators, raising awareness about health issues and encouraging community members to seek healthcare.

    Rane pointed out that investing in the health, rights, and well-being of adolescent girls generates a transformative ripple effect that uplifts entire nations.

    He noted that the contributions of women have paved the way for inclusive and sustainable development, shaping a brighter future for generations to come.

    He emphasized the need to push further for a world, characterized by equity and inclusivity, where girls and boys are empowered to access and benefit from the same rights, resources, opportunities, and protections, fostering a society where every person can thrive.

    Rane enjoined the participants to use their various wide-reaching media platforms to set the public and political agenda for the well-being of women and adolescent girls.

  • Bauchi civil servants get N680m leave grants

    Bauchi civil servants get N680m leave grants

    Bauchi state civil servants are slated to receive a cumulative sum of N680 million in outstanding leave grants and allowances.

    This amount was disbursed by the state government for distribution among its workforce.

    Haj Hajara Yakubu Wanka, the state commissioner of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, made this announcement.

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    She clarified that this allocation is among the palliative measures initiated by the state government to cushion the effect of fuel subsidy removal in the country.

    While presenting the cheque of the amount to the head of the civil service, Adamu Yahuza, said that the state governor, Bala Mohammed, directed the ministry to immediately pay civil servants their leave grant.

    She appealed to the civil servants to continue to be patient as the present administration remains committed to addressing the challenges facing the people.

    She stressed that the presentation marks the beginning of the best things to come for civil servants in the state as witnessed by the presence of labour leaders, representatives from the State Head of Service as well as management staff of the ministry.

  • Military, police begin confidence operation in troubled zones in Imo

    Military, police begin confidence operation in troubled zones in Imo

    A special taskforce comprising military and police has embarked on an intense confidence building patrol in some parts of Imo State.

    Disclosing this yesterday, the Commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma, said that the special taskforce was set up to up public trust in security agencies.

    The police boss said his officers began the patrol in troubled local government areas like Orlu, Orsu and Oru East.

    He said the patrol, aside bringing back pubilc trust in security agencies, would foster community participation in the onslaught against crime and criminality in these areas.

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    “The State’s Special Task Operations Force comprising of the Police and Military, has embarked on an intense confidence building patrol in Orlu, Orsu and Oru East LGAs of Imo State to re-engineer back public trust in security agencies and foster community participation in the onslaught against crime and criminality in these areas,” he said. 

    Danjuma who was accompanied by Deputy Commissioner, Operations, met some community leaders   representing Orsu State Constituency, Francis Uche Agabige and one of the leaders of Orsu LGA, Friday Ibekaeme. 

    The community leaders promised to join the CP in accessing the security situation of these areas and collaborate to emplace strategies to make the areas safer for economic growth and development.      

  • Navy seals tank farm for storing illegally-refined diesel

    Navy seals tank farm for storing illegally-refined diesel

    The Nigerian Navy has sealed a tank farm in Calabar suspected to be storing illegally-refined diesel.

    Commodore Rotimi Oderemi, Commander, Nigeria Navy Ship (NNS) Victory, disclosed this at a news conference in Calabar, yesterday.

    He said the tank farm was identified following an intelligence report from the military joint taskforce in the Southsouth, “Operation Delta Safe’’.

    “Based on the report, the tankfarm was sealed and samples of the suspected illegally refined diesel were taken for laboratory analysis.

    Read Also: Navy destroys illegal refineries, boat loaded with stolen crude oil

    “Investigation is ongoing. I advise business owners and tankfarm operators to act within the confines of the law by obtaining necessary approvals for their operations,’’ Oderemi said.

    On February 24, a joint operation by the Nigerian and Cameroonian Navies led to the interception of a vessel laden with 30,000 litres of crude oil suspected to have been stolen from Nigeria.

    Oderemi told newsmen at the inspection of the vessel at Ibaka in Mbo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State that the vessel, MV Jasmine, was intercepted by a Nigerian Navy patrol boat, NNS Ekulu.