The Nation Newspaper

Category: Northern Reports

  • ‘Greedness from market forces, cause of high cost of food price’

    ‘Greedness from market forces, cause of high cost of food price’

    Emir of Keffi, Dr. Shehu Chindo Yamusa lll, said greedness from market forces are the main cause of high cost of food price and other items resulting to economic hardship Nigerians are going through.

    He said that the business community is to be blame for unnecessary increase in prices of goods in the market currently causing untold hardship on Nigerians leading to severe hunger and worsening level of poverty.

    Dr. Yamusa said greater chunk of the economic woes truncating the success of the government is human-induced due to greed from market forces to enrich themselves.

    He stated this yesterday at his palace in Keffi, Nasarawa State when he received a delegation of the Nasarawa State Traders and Marketers Association on a sensitization tour over rising cost of living.

    He decried the rate at which traders all over the country inflate the price of their commodities without regulatory control of prices by authorities, calling on institutions of government to rise to the occasion of checkmating and penalising erring traders who sell beyond reasonable rates.

    Read Also: On the rising food prices in Nigeria

    The first-class monarch called on government to help in ameliorating the sufferings of Nigerians, lauding the efforts of the union to sensitize their members on supporting government’s action for sustainable economic reforms.

    “Government must help the people to ameliorate this suffering. I know this is not the first time such is happening. I advise that Marketing Board can reserve food and sell it at a cheaper rate when it is scarce or expensive”.

    He urged citizens not to utter unprintable words against their leaders, noting that doing so will only worsen the current experience instead of addressing it.

    “Don’t insult government. When you insult them, they will be bad and you will suffer bitterly” he advised

    Speaking on the essence of the tour, President Nasarawa State Traders and Marketers Association, Musa Turaki-Gamji said the rising cost of food commodities in the Nigerian market is beyond the reach of many.

  • Cultural summit: Shehu of Borno holds symbolic durbar

    Cultural summit: Shehu of Borno holds symbolic durbar

    The Shehu of Borno, Abubakar Umar Garbai El-Kanemi, yesterday led over 40 District Heads in a symbolic durbar to mark the end of the maiden Kanem Borno Global Cultural Summit.

    The three-day summit graced by the Minister of Art, Culture and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, and dignitaries from Chad, Niger, Cameroon, Ghana and Central Africa Republics is designed to showcase the return of peace and unity among the people in the state.

    The theme of the summit is: “Towards achieving sustainable peace, fostering unity and development “.

    The Chairman of the Organising Committee, Amb. Zanna Hassan-Boguma, described the summit as unique privilege for the young ones to know the rich history and culture of the over 1,000-year old Kanem Borno dynasty.

    Read Also: Delayed rains: Shehu of Borno calls for sustained prayers

    “Our purpose in this summit is to identify and recommend strategic areas for enhance collaboration among our diverse communities focusing on the advancement of our ideals as a people.”

    “Our expected outcomes in this meeting is a strategic action plan outlining the pathway for strengthened partnership and concrete collaborative engagement among our people.

    “The three-day event that started with prayers for peace on Friday at the Shehu’s grand mosque will also provide an opportunity for our leaders, the vast majority of our people and governments to reflect on measures and strategies in the promotion of development, regional integration, stabilisation, peace and security,” he said.

    In their separate remarks, Governor Babagana Zulum and Hannatu Musawa advocated establishment of Kanem Borno Museum to serve as centre for research and documentation of the cultural heritage on the rich history of Borno.

  • Ododo vows to sustain security watch in Kogi

    Ododo vows to sustain security watch in Kogi

    Kogi Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has vowed to sustain the fight against all threats to the security of lives and property in Kogi State. 

    Ododo spoke to journalists at the end of a closed-door meeting with chairmen of the 21 Local Government Areas to deliberate on measures to mitigate threats to the security of lives and property in all parts of the state. 

    The Governor noted that existing security architecture in the State has yielded tremendous success in the fight against violent crimes and must be sustained to ensure peace and stability in the state. 

    According to him: “Given the successes recorded by the immediate past administration of my predecessor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, in taming the menace of insecurity in the state, we must continue to accord top priority to the security of lives and property of the people. 

    “We cannot afford to drop from the height we have attained in securing the lives and property of our people as a result of desperate attempts by a few unpatriotic elements who may want to undermine our collective resolve to keep our state safe and secure.”

    Read Also: I will lead Kogi by example, says Ododo

    The Governor described security of lives and property as the number one priority of the government and stressed that his administration will leave no stone unturned to protect the lives and property of the people of Kogi State.

    “I have restated my commitment to the local government chairmen that security remains my first priority and we must be prepared to do whatever it takes to secure every inch of Kogi State and this is not negotiable,” the Governor emphasised. 

     Ododo urged the local government chairmen to redouble their efforts to secure all communities within the local government areas and be in touch with the people whom he described as primary sources of intelligence gathering for any security intervention by the government.

  • Onjeh advocates LG, judicial autonomy, state police to tackle insecurity

    Onjeh advocates LG, judicial autonomy, state police to tackle insecurity

    Former All Progressives Congress (APC) Benue South senatorial candidate Comrade Daniel Onjeh has commended President Bola Tinubu and members of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum for agreeing to initiate the creation of state police while urging them to adopt a multi-pronged approach. 

    In a statement on Saturday , Onjeh advocated a holistic strategy that goes beyond the singular implementation of state police, arguing that a multi-faceted crisis demands a multi-pronged response.

    The former Chairman of  the Governing Board of PRODA, Enugu, painted a stark picture of current security landscape riddled with kidnapping, terrorism and other violent conflicts. 

    He emphasised the ineffectiveness of piecemeal solutions, highlighting the need for a comprehensive strategy that tackles the root causes of these issues.

    According to him: “When local government area councils invest the resources that will accrue to them from their autonomy on projects in their communities, they will provide jobs to the teeming unemployed youths in the country and reduce hardship and hopelessness that makes them susceptible to the lure of criminal gangs, bandits, and terrorist groups. Mass employment will reduce insecurity across the land,.”

    He stated that local government autonomy will deepen democracy, especially at the grassroots, as it will strengthen citizens’ faith in the democratic process, thereby increasing their participation in the process.

    He pointed out the Federal Government is overstretched, while the performance of most Governors leave much to be desired. 

    But he argued by their very nature, the local governments are better equipped to detect and contain many security challenges before they escalate.

    Read Also: Onjeh commends Tinubu for ‘well-deserved’ reward of Super Eagles

    The decline in the autonomy of local governments in Nigeria, Onjeh noted, is consequent upon the Supreme Court ruling of 2002, and the nation has witnessed an upsurge in insecurity ever since.

    He underscored the importance of an independent and efficient judiciary in upholding the rule of law and deterring criminal activity. 

    He argued that judicial autonomy, free from undue political influence and executive interference, will ensure swift and fair administration of justice, fostering a sense of security and accountability in the citizenry.

    Onjeh further stated that the proposed reform of the judiciary should jettison the absolute immunity governors currently enjoy. 

    He proposed that the reform should allow the suing of Governors for offenses bordering on human rights abuse. 

    “While Governors may be exempted from prosecution on corruption charges during their tenures in office, they should not escape prosecution for human rights abuses; and when they are convicted, they should serve their sentences immediately after the expiration of their tenure,” Onjeh argued. 

    These measures, Onjeh believes, will allay citizens’ fears of governors using their state’s police force to suppress opposition and silence dissenting voices. 

    While acknowledging the potential benefits of state police in addressing local security concerns, Comrade Onjeh cautions against viewing it as a standalone solution. He emphasized the need for robust safeguards and proper implementation mechanisms to prevent potential abuse of power (particularly by governors) and ensure effective collaboration with federal security agencies.

    The former President of  National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) stressed that local government and judiciary autonomy must complement the establishment of state police. 

    He envisioned a system where empowered local governments will collaborate with state police forces, all operating under the oversight of an independent judiciary, creating a robust security architecture responsive to the needs of the people. 

    This three-pronged reform, Onjeh asserted, should be instituted at the same time, as they would pass through the same legislative process. 

    That, he maintained, will save millions of naira of taxpayers’ money that will otherwise be spent if the reforms were put through the works separately.

    “But if our youths are empowered, they can further assist the security forces in resisting the infiltrating criminal elements. There is an adage in Hausa Language that says, ‘da dan gari akkanchi gari,’ meaning, the mission of an intruder cannot be accomplished without the active support of an insider,” Onjeh stated. 

    The APC chieftain was however strongly of the view that tackling insecurity still required addressing its root causes, such as poverty, unemployment and lack of opportunities. 

    Onjeh urged the Federal Government to invest in programmes that empower communities (particularly those in rural areas), create jobs, and promote social justice, thereby reducing the vulnerabilities that make individuals susceptible to criminal activities.

    He advocated open communication, community engagement, respect for human rights and fostering a sense of shared responsibility and ownership in combating insecurity.

  • Youth development crucial to us, says AbdulRazaq at Kwara book festival

    Youth development crucial to us, says AbdulRazaq at Kwara book festival

    Kwara Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has said the administration will continue to empower the youths, nurture their talents and equip them with necessary skills to thrive in the evolving world.

    He said the government prioritises youth development, thereby investing in projects that create opportunities for them to explore, experiment and express themselves freely.

    The Governor was speaking in Ilorin at the Kwara Books and Arts Festival (KWABAFEST), an event designed to celebrate creativity, innovation, and the boundless potential of youth in the state.

    The programme, which is the second in the series, was put together by a team of young people led by Mr. Abdulbasit Hossein with the theme: “Transcendence”. 

    It featured panel discussions where panelists spoke on the importance of record keeping, the need to improve access to data about creatives and cultural heritage, how economic situation affects the creative industry, and how young people can master their arts.

    “At the heart of our administration’s vision lies a steadfast commitment to empowering our youth, nurturing their talents, and equipping them with the skills and opportunities they need to thrive in an ever-changing world,” the Governor said this through the Commissioner for Communications Hon Bola Olukoju who represented him. 

    “Today, I am honored to share with you some of the initiatives and projects that we have undertaken to realize this vision and unlock the full potential of our youth. First and foremost, we recognize that creativity knows no bounds, and our youth are the torchbearers of innovation and imagination. 

    “That is why we have invested in initiatives such as the Visual Arts Centre, the Ilorin Innovation Hub, the Film Factory, and the Garment Factory—spaces where young minds can explore, experiment, and express themselves freely. These hubs of creativity not only provide avenues for artistic expression but also serve as incubators for entrepreneurship, innovation, and economic growth.”

    AbdulRazaq, who described literacy as a foundation for all other forms of learning, said the launch of the technology based  KwaraLEARN by his government was to revolutionize learning and literacy development in the state.

    Read Also: Hike in prices of commodities: Abdulrazaq parleys with labour unions, transporters, others

    By harnessing the power of technology, we are breaking down barriers to education, expanding access to quality learning resources, and empowering our youth to unlock their full potential, he said.

    The Governor also said that the government is keen to promote and preserve cultural identity through initiatives that celebrate diversity, foster cultural exchange, and promote social cohesion, adding “culture is the lifeblood of our communities”.

    He commended the organiser and those who have contributed to the success of the festival that he noted was driven by dedication, passion, and commitment to youth empowerment.

    “This book festival is a positive reference point that has put Kwara on the map, and we are glad to associate with the young people who are the architects of the initiative. We hope to see the festival become bigger and a major rallying point for creative minds in northern Nigeria and Nigeria as a whole”.

    Director of KWABAFEST, Abdulbasit Hossein, said the programme was organised to tell the original story of the state, and to serve as a platform to host and  nurture future voices in literature.

    He said Kwara is at the forefront in the arts, creativity and film making, and deserves to be projected well to the larger society.

    “We realised that the state is not seen as a harbor of creatives, and it is important for us to put in place things like this. People often go to Lagos or Abuja for any kind of support in the creative industry. But why not Kwara, which has the largest waterfall in the whole of Africa? This is a state that has produced many names in terms of art, creativity, film making, yet it is being sidelined,” he said. 

    “Kwara state has new voicers in literature, and just like some of us will argue this state has the future voice in Nigeria literature. If a state that has the future voice of Nigeria literature does not have a platform where we can host and nurture these voicers then we have a big challenge, and this is what the KWABAFEST wants to achieve”.

    Dr Lafiagi, one of the panelists, who spoke on how the economy affects the artistic works, said it is important for Nigerian citizens, especially the talented youth, to do away with a sense of entitlement and see the current economic downturn as a means to think outside the box to improve the economy.

    “The economic situation of the country is actually affecting everyone. But as a youth we can take positivity out of the negative situation. And that is, the economic situation should actually force us to harness our God given talents,” he said.

    Another panelist, Dr. Abdulkareem, described the event as insightful given that it underscores the importance of using research to foster record keeping and access to data about cultural heritage, and how to preserve them.

  • Adamawa’s New Policy to Mitigate Heat, Flooding

    Adamawa’s New Policy to Mitigate Heat, Flooding

    Against the background of a State, particularly the capital, Yola, overwhelmed with heat most months of the year, Adamawa has obtained a draft policy on climate change that addresses heat and other extreme weather conditions.

    Yola is easily the hottest city in Nigeria, with temperature rising to over 40°C in the hottest months of March through May, leaving everyone in severe discomfort, especially as electricity supply dwindled significantly in recent years.

    The natural heat phenomenon of Yola has rather recently been made worse by climate change which has at the same time increased other extreme occurrences such as flooding and desertification.

    Bearing this in mind, efforts were mobilized to formulate a policy as a guide to protect the people, leading to the new Adamawa State Policy on Climate Change (ADASPOCC).

    Produced for the state by Global Initiative for Food Security and Ecosystem Preservation (GIFSEP), the draft policy comes with the mission “to strengthen state initiative to adapt to and mitigate climate change in a participatory manner involving all sectors of Adamawa State.”

    The draft policy, presented to the House of Assembly on Tuesday February 13, 2024 by GIFSEP, features ideas to address Adamawa’s climate issues, with particular focus on ways to mitigate them.

    Speaking on the occasion of the presentation of the policy at the state House of Assembly complex in Yola, the Majority Leader of the Assembly, Kate Raymond, said the state government is serious about issues concerning the environment.

    Kate Raymond was accompanied by other members of the Committee on Environment in the Assembly during the presentation of the draft policy which she received on behalf of the lawmakers.

    Speaking on intentions to give the policy a legal and effective standing, Kate Raymond said, “The draft policy will be presented on the floor of the House as a bill, and the governor will assent to the bill when it is passed because the heartbeat of the governor is on the environment.

    Also speaking, the Executive Director of GIFSEP, Dr Micheal David, explained that the engagement with the lawmakers was part of the process of getting the government at the sub-national levels to develop the framework and infrastructure to protect their environment. 

    He said, “Most policies are done at the federal level, and most are not domesticated by states, and this is where the population really exists. 

    “So, what we have done is to work with members of the Adamawa State House of Assembly to support them to develop a climate change policy for the state. Today we officially present the policy that we helped them to develop.”

    Read Also: Fintiri swears in 13 perm secs as Adamawa’s new CP assumes office

    Throwing further light on the draft bill vis a vis Adamawa’s peculiar weather conditions and ways to adapt or mitigate unfavourable effects, Michael David said the policy envisages participatory process that involves the government and the citizenry.

    “If Adamawa has a good forest cover, heat will come, but the impact will not be as much as it gets. Part of building resilience, which is in the draft policy, involves the state taking some steps to ensure that climate impact is reduced,” he said.

    He added that for the citizenry, there is need to design houses that are resilient or adsptable to heat, including not putting up fences that block fresh air, and to have many trees in neigborhoods that obstruct direct sunrays or serve as shade from the sun.

  • Stakeholders hail government, foreign investment for real estate growth

    Stakeholders hail government, foreign investment for real estate growth

    Stakeholders in the real estate industry have applauded the Federal Government and foreign investors for their contribution to the growth in the industry.

    The co-founder/Chief Operating Officer, Gidi Real Estate Investment, Ayorinde Ejioye, said at the begining of 2024, the government played a very positive role in developing the sector which is highly commendable.

    “From the regional era, and military era, to the Republic era of the real estate sector, it has been limited by several factors including host community settlement, funding, political instability, and problems of governmental bureaucracy, among others.

    Read Also: How Wigwe’s aide escaped death

    “This has become more intense, especially as government policies are aimed at regulating the industry, which is ever-increasing and prevailing, as Nigeria’s real estate is one of two faces, reflecting that the industry tends to the political history of the country as much as it tends to its economic history.

    “The Land Use Act of 1978 may provide an insight into the former, while the country’s long-held history of tumultuous economic development is a signpost for the latter. This is, however, not without the various challenges that it poses, resulting from property scarcity, a large disparity between the middle and lower class, infrastructural and housing deficit, political instability, host community relations, and government policies amongst others.

    “In the end, Nigeria’s real estate is bound to experience growth in 2024, which is all thanks to the profitability of the industry, the government’s growing presence, and foreign investment. This, however, will be limited by scarcity, economic fluctuation, and policy development—of which regulating reforms, is an ongoing issue.”

    Ejioye said in Lagos State, which is the prime destination of real estate, developers are now mandated to register with the Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Authority (LASRERA) and eschew the development of untitled lands. In the same vein, marketers are now required to compulsorily register with the agency to enable them to practice real estate marketing as licensed realtors.

  • ‘Nigerians need information to keep hope alive’

    ‘Nigerians need information to keep hope alive’

    A rights group, Coalition of Civil Society Groups on Transparency and Accountability, has said the ministerial briefings recently kick-started by the Federal Government would provide information on how the government is working to alleviate the hardship faced by Nigerians.

    The coalition said it was optimistic that the briefing would help keep public officers accountable and transparent in their operations.

    The group, comprising six different CSOs led by Empowerment for Unemployed Youth Initiative, noted that with the rising national tension arising from high food inflation and a general high cost of living, one way to stem undue anxiety and tension was by making information available to navigate the period and keep hope alive.

    Programme Director of the coalition, Comrade Igwe Ude-umanta, who addressed reporters yesterday in Abuja, alongside the Convener, Comrade Danesi Momoh and Convener, Rising Up for a United Nigeria, Solomon Adodo, lauded the initiative piloted by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, to keep Nigerians informed in the most honest and decent way at a time when Nigerians were undergoing silent crisis.

    Read Also: Shall we tell the President?

    They said: “Nigerians need information to navigate this period; even if it is just to keep their hopes alive. And indeed, this is what the Minister of Information and National Orientation has achieved by inaugurating this Ministerial Press Briefing.

    “Yesterday (Wednesday) therefore marked an important epoch in critical engagement and information dissemination as far as the President Bola Tinubu administration is concerned. And that importance was underscored by the sheer number of global media organisations and personalities present, including editors, Bureau Chiefs and Senior reporters.

    “The strategic importance of the programme is well understood by the government itself.

    The inaugural briefing which featured the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, was scintillating and very engaging as programmes, policies and ideas met with media scrutiny.

    “One thing very remarkable is that the minister, apart from giving out very important information, also received very important feedback which will reshape the ministry’s strategies as it works out its plans for Nigeria to come out of the food crisis.

    “The ministerial press briefing, which has now begun in earnest, is commendable, laudable and most handy. In order not to misrepresent any issue, it is important that the minister directly involved takes the platform and engages directly with the public through the media.”

  • CEO laments ‘disregard’ for women’s skills, experiences

    CEO laments ‘disregard’ for women’s skills, experiences

    Chief Executive Officer of ‘Mother of Models International Limited’, Jolly Abani, has lamented the prevalent disregard for women and their skills and experiences in mainstream media.

    Abani expressed her fervent belief in the untapped potential of women over 40 when she unveiled the ‘40 and Fabulous Nigeria TV Show’ at a news conference in Abuja.

    She said: “Our mission is to welcome these women, providing them with entrepreneurship training. Support also comes from Access Bank. Women in Business incubators aid in fostering emotional intelligence.

    “During their one-month stay in the house, they will receive training that stabilises them emotionally. Experts are invited to coach and train these women, culminating in the award of N1 million to the winner.

    “The program will be airing on AIT, NTA, DStv, GOtv, Startimes Zone, Free TV, Nollywood and others, made brighter by MTN.”

    Read Also: How Wigwe’s aide escaped death

    The show’s director, Daniel Chukwueze, expressed his frustration, questioning the reluctance to embrace initiatives aimed at empowering women.

    He urged influential figures to endorse such endeavors, stressing their importance for societal progress and transformation.

    The Executive Producer of the show, Chukwuma Aja, raised concerns about the monopolistic nature of Nigeria’s business landscape, emphasising the need for fair competition and equal opportunities.

    He said: “For a market to be successful, it requires openness. Growth is fueled by such competition, while monopoly stifles it.

    “As the ‘40 and Fabulous Nigeria TV Show’ presses forward in its mission to empower women and challenge industry norms, it stands as a testament to the resilience and potential of mature women in Nigerian society.

    “Despite facing platform restrictions, the show remains steadfast in its pursuit of creating inclusive and impactful content for audiences nationwide.”

  • FCTA kicks against illegal markets in Abuja

    FCTA kicks against illegal markets in Abuja

    The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), has said it will not allow illegal markets and other unapproved settlements hamper its resolve to ensure massive road construction.

    FCTA warned traders on such sites to immediately vacate.

    Director, FCT Department of Development Control, Mukhtar Galadima said this yesterday during clearance operations on the N16 road corridor.

    Represented by the Deputy Director, Monitoring and Enforcement, Hassan Ogbole, the director said those who wish to operate markets should liaise with municipal authorities to provide them designated spaces.

    Read Also: Shall we tell the President?

    He said: “We are standing on the corridor of N16 Road. We started this exercise yesterday from the beginning and we are taking it to Ring Road 3. Contract had already been awarded for this project by the FCT Administration but the contractor could not proceed further due to constraints of illegal market in this corridor and other illegal structures. There is a public toilet here on the road corridor too.

    “The contract is limited to the contractor alone, removal of structures is within the purview of FCT Administration and it lies squarely on Development Control Department. In this case now we are synergizing with other related departments particularly security agencies, Parks and Recreation and others. The Contractor is already on ground.

    “This is the third time we are visiting this area. If they (traders) come back, we will come back. We have given them more than enough notices.

    “We will advise them where they are operating within road corridors that are not sanctioned by the authority, they should vacate such locations and liaise with the Abuja Municipal Area Council or Urban Affairs Department of FCDA and they will be catered for”.

    On his part, Secretary, Command and Control in the FCTA, Dr. Peter Olumuji, said most residents of the FCT had been complaining about insecurity in the city centre and that one of the contributing factors is the preponderance of shanties on road corridors.