The Nation Newspaper

Category: Northern Reports

  • Developing border communities will tackle insecurity, poverty’

    Developing border communities will tackle insecurity, poverty’

    The Katsina State Government has described the development of border communities across the country by the federal government as the way out to tackle poverty and growing insecurity in the land

    Governor Dikko Umar Radda said this during a visit to the Executive Secretary of the Border Community Development Agency, Captain Junaid Abdulahi, in his Abuja office.

    He commended the agency for their achievements so far in the state from 2015 till date.

    He lamented that poverty was rife in several border communities in Katsina and other parts of the country.

    He said: ‘’It is regrettable that border communities in Katsina who are benefiting from regular economic faces are battling with poverty. And this unfortunate situation has made them porous for the illegal movement of illicit drugs, arms and ammunition, thus compounding the menaces of banditry and kidnapping in Katsina.

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    “There is free movement because of the connivance of the border communities with the criminals, so the development of the border community is one of the major priorities. And I think this agency need to be funded because of its significant importance to the economic and bilateral relationship between our country and our neighbours.

    “We know what positive effect establishing a good relationship within the border community would bring to the country and the security of our nation.”

    He also thanked the agency for sighting the zonal office of the agency in Katsina, noting that it was a great honour done to the people of the state.

    According to him, the state was spending much of its budget to tackle insecurity and as such appreciates the agency’s efforts to assist in developing Katsina.

  • Conference unveils Sujimoto’s plans for Nigeria’s economic growth

    Conference unveils Sujimoto’s plans for Nigeria’s economic growth

    In a groundbreaking three-day conference held in South Africa, entrepreneur Dr. Olasijibomi Ogundele, the Group Managing Director of Sujimoto Group, recounted significant opportunities for Nigeria in the dynamic landscape of Africa’s emerging markets.

     The South African-Saudi Arabia Business Council meeting, aimed at fostering a robust bilateral relationship, showcased Sujimoto’s commitment to exploring economic ties that could drive Africa’s future economy.

     Upon arrival in Johannesburg, Dr. Ogundele engaged in strategic discussions with Saudi Arabian business leaders and explored opportunities beyond luxury real estate.

    The delegation, which included prominent figures like Ivie Igbinedion, delved into various sectors, touring the Johannesburg Stock Exchange and fostering collaboration in the wake of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area.

    The visit to the Aspen Global Pharmaceutical Company highlighted the potential for partnerships in the pharmaceutical sector.

    Dr. Ogundele’s vision extended beyond real estate, focusing on initiatives in manufacturing, agriculture, hospitality, fintech, and real estate, aligning with the broader goals of economic development and job creation.

     The conference, attended by industry leaders from diverse sectors, underscored a renewed commitment to strengthening economic ties between Africa and Saudi Arabia.

    Dr. Ogundele expressed his determination to diversify Sujimoto’s brand and expand its vision beyond Nigeria, unveiling plans for the construction of Africa’s tallest Twin Tower and the launch of the Motopay app, designed to revolutionize payment systems across the continent.

     The trip also involved exploring opportunities in the food and agriculture sectors, emphasizing Sujimoto’s commitment to driving commerce and improving food security in Africa.

    Meetings with the Industrial Development Corporation of South Africa opened avenues for potential partnerships and expanded Sujimoto’s investment appetite. Reflecting on the visit, Dr. Ogundele acknowledged the need to learn from the successful economic diversification efforts of South Africa and Saudi Arabia.

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     The entrepreneur aims to extend Sujimoto’s expertise to the Gulf region, promoting collaboration in hospitality, cement manufacturing, food and beverages, fintech, and agro-tourism. In a momentous encounter with Chief Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion, an influential figure in Nigeria, Dr. Ogundele gleaned insights into entrepreneurship and admired the elder statesman’s contributions to Nigeria’s aviation and education sectors.

    As Sujimoto plans audacious projects like the iconic 66-story Sujimoto Tower in Sandton, South Africa, the visionary entrepreneur envisions a new era of partnership between Sujimoto, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and Africa.

     Dr. Ogundele’s endeavors align with the Africa Continental Free Trade Area, presenting vast opportunities for entrepreneurs across the continent.

     Dr. Olasijibomi Ogundele, known as the Czar of Luxury Real Estate Development, stands at the forefront of modern-day engineering, leaving an indelible imprint on Nigeria’s skylines through projects that embody Sujimoto’s unparalleled mastery and commitment to economic growth.

  • Katsina offers psychosocial support to women drug addicts

    Katsina offers psychosocial support to women drug addicts

    Katsina State Government said it will offer psychosocial support to women and youth involved in drug abuse in the state.

    Commissioner of Women Affairs, Hajiya Zainab Musa-Musawa, said on yesterday in Katsina.

    “We want to see how the government can help the addicts by talking to them, empowering them and giving them some form of psychosocial support,” she said.

    The commissioner told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the government has been collaborating with the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in addressing the menace of drug and substance abuse by women in the state.

    Musa-Musawa added that her ministry has designed a strategic roadmap to be unveiled within the first quarter of the year which would squarely check the illicit practice.

    “We would embark on advocacy campaigns on the dangers of drug abuse especially among the women, some Non-Governmental Organisations campaigning against drug abuse have already indicated interest to partner with us in this crusade.

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    “We would soon pay a visit to the NDLEA rehabilitation center with a view to see the quantum of young ladies undergoing rehabilitation therapy in the agency.

    “We want to see how the government can help the addicts by talking to them, empowering them and by giving them some form of psychosocial support,” she said.

    The commissioner lamented how a woman who is expected to be a mirror and school to her children would resort to the ugly trend of abusing or trafficking drugs and other illicit substances capable of ruining her future.

    “We would counsel them, empower them, so that when they get back to their families they would be engaged in productive ventures.

    “This year, our focus is on the fight against drug abuse as one of the key areas we intend to venture into and deliver our women out of the woods,” Musa-Musawa said.

  • Hajj: Jigawa records full payment from 1, 200 intending pilgrims

    Hajj: Jigawa records full payment from 1, 200 intending pilgrims

    The Jigawa Pilgrims Welfare Board said no fewer than 1,200 intending pilgrims in the state have made full payment of the N4.69 million fares for this year’s Hajj.

    This board’s Public Relations Officer, Alhaji Murtala Usman, made this known to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Dutse yesterday.

    Usman said the board was allocated a total of 1,518 slots by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) for the 2024 Hajj, out of which 1,200 intending pilgrims made full payment.

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    According to him, the board is making efforts to ensure seamless exercise by improving on its previous operations.

    Usman added that orientation programme for the intending pilgrims had commenced to prepare them for proper conduct of the Hajj exercise in accordance with the teachings of Islam.

    “The training focuses on obligations, tenets and cardinal principles of the Hajj, thereby giving the intending pilgrims the opportunity to know proper and acceptable Hajj rites.

    “The intending pilgrims are therefore advised to endeavor to attend the training in view of its importance,” Usman said.

  • Stakeholders applaud govt, foreign investment in real estate growth

    Stakeholders applaud govt, foreign investment in real estate growth

    Stakeholders in the real estate industry have praised both the federal government and foreign investors for their contributions to the industry’s growth. 

    This growth has been fueled by urbanization and increased real estate investment in Lagos, Abuja, Rivers, and Oyo, which are regarded as key destinations.

    Ayorinde Ejioye, the co-founder and Chief Operating Officer of Gidi Real Estate Investment, commended the government’s proactive role in sector development at the start of 2024, highlighting its significant impact.

    He said: “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 amongst others.

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    “This has become more intense, especially as government policies is aimed  at regulating the industry, which 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 in the country, 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.

  • Zulum doles out cash, food to volunteers fighting Boko Haram

    Zulum doles out cash, food to volunteers fighting Boko Haram

    Borno State Governor Prof Babagana Zulum has doled out cash and food items to 810 volunteers fighting Boko Haram alongside the military and other security agencies in Bama Local Government Area of the state.

    Zulum gave out the package yesterday at the Palace of the Shehu of Bama, Umar Shehu-Kyari.

    The governor extolled the volunteers for their sacrifices and commitment to defending the state and assured them of government continuous support.

    He said that the gesture was to encourage the volunteers to keep pushing for the the return of total peace and security across the state.

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    “We are aware of the enormous efforts you put into complementing the military in the fight against insurgency and other forms of criminality, we commend you and urge you to continue to be dedicated,” he said.

    Zulum assured that the government would never relent in extending support to them.

    ”Your welfare is of high priority to us, we will not leave you, be assured that the government will always be with you,” the governor added.

    Zulum said the government and people of the state were grateful to the volunteers for their sacrifices in complementing the military and other security forces in the fight against insurgency.

  • Agada resumes, pledges support for Alia

    Agada resumes, pledges support for Alia

    The Benue State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Austine Agada, has resumed duty at the state party secretariat in Makurdi, Benue State capital.

    Agada was restrained from parading himself as the Chairman of Benue APC, by a High Court in Aliade, Gwer East Local Government area after his suspension by his Ehajo I Ward EXCO.

    However, the Chief Judge of Benue state, Justice Morris Ikpambese, vacated the order in his ruling on Monday, which paved the way for Agada to return to his position on Tuesday.

    Addressing journalists shortly after his resumption, Comrade Agada, stated that APC is a Special Purpose Vehicle that they used to get inside public office and should not be forcefully destroyed.

    He said: “The APC is a great tree that shelters all and in the spirit of brotherhood let us strives to water rather than cut down its roots. I want to extend an olive branch to members of our party, leaders, and public office holders who vociferously campaigned for candidates of another party against our party’s candidate to join us and build one great Benue now that it’s time for governance.

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    “We reiterate our support for the APC administration of Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia and call for synergy amongst party members to put behind the ugly incident.”

    While thanking the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, for his unparalleled devotion to the good fortunes of APC and delivery of dividends of democracy commended President Bola Tinubu-led federal government for tireless efforts towards changing the fortunes of the country for a better.

    Hundreds of APC faithful, among them women, youths and party officials turned out in their large numbers to welcome comrade Agada, at the State Party Secretariat located on J. S Tarka Way Makurdi.

  • Why Tinubu can’t reverse fuel subsidy removal, by Emir

    Why Tinubu can’t reverse fuel subsidy removal, by Emir

    The Emir of Lafia, Justice Sidi Bage (rtd) has explained that reversing the fuel subsidy removal policy of the President Bola Tinubu-led administration is not an effective solution, rather he suggested good economic policy that will halt the current crisis.

    The Emir stated this when he hosted the leadership of the Nasarawa State Traders and Marketers Association at his palace in Lafia.

    He noted that effective solution to the crisis is sincere economic policy that brings a total halt to food prices.

    He urged the traders in the country to help the government’s plan to curtail the challenges of the present time.

    The traditional ruler called for a speedy end to the rising cost of food items among other economic challenges the nation is battling with.

    He said government as a key player has a role of maintaining stability of the economy through proactive mechanism in price control and effective coordination of food value chain to prevent hoarding and excessive pricing.

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    He explained that government had plans to distribute food items across states of the federation to ameliorate the soaring plights of the poor masses, adding that more deliberate, sustainable measures should be taken to stabilise the nation’s economy that would afford the poor opportunities to put food on their tables daily.

    The Emir added that there is an urgent need for swift and decisive action to mitigate the impact of the cost of living crisis and restore hope of the country’s citizens.

    Speaking earlier, President, Nasarawa State Traders and Marketers Association, Musa Turaki-Gamji called for careful study of monetary policy of the nation, noting that rising inflation; custom duty and price control are some areas for authorities to pay attention to if the difficult situation must be address.

    Turaki-Gamji said the union is touring the zones of the state to sensitize traders on supporting government’s plan to assuage the plight of the people, adding that the state is not exceptional to the crisis, and sought for the support of traditional institutions and market forces toward making the situation better in the state.

  • ‘You’re not only legally recognised pensioners’ union’

    ‘You’re not only legally recognised pensioners’ union’

    The Federal Parastatals and Private Sector Pensioners Association of Nigeria (FEPPPAN) has disagreed with the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) that it is the only legally constituted and recognised pensioners’ union in the country.

    According to FEPPPAN, the assertion that NUP was the only legally recognised body and voice of the entire civil and para-military pensioners in Nigeria was dishonest, mischievous and an attempt to discredit the act of the Federal Government in the regrouping of the old Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP).

    In a statement jointly signed by its Acting President-General and General Secretary, Babaji Magaji, and Franklin Erinle, the FEPPPAN said: “The clarification had become necessary to correct some ‘deliberate misinformation’ by NUP in a quest to be part of the National Minimum Wage Review Committee for Workers.”

    The statement further explained that the Federal Government having seen the heavy workload on the NUP, gave autonomy to pensioners of the Federal Parastatals, Private Sector and those under the new Contributory Pensions in a regrouping exercise carried out by the minister of Labour and employment, in line with the provision in Section 3 (2) of the Trade Unions Act CapT14 of 2004 as amended.

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    “The outcome of the regrouping exercise was the creation of Federal Parastatals and Private Sector Pensioners Association of Nigeria (FEPPPAN), Contributory Pensioners Union of Nigeria (CPUN) and the new Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP).

    “The NUP chose to fight the government over the approval and registration of the two additional Unions for the Nigerian Pensioners, who have different jurisdictional scopes. At the end of the two cases instituted by the NUP, which were lost, the Registrar of Trade Unions issued Certificates of Registration to the two additional Unions in March 2020. This was good news for Nigerian Pensioners, but not for the oppressive and manipulative NUP.

    “How then did the NUP come to make the unfortunate claim of being ‘the only legally recognized body and voice of the entire civil and para-military pensioners in Nigeria?’ We wish to also state that both FEPPPAN and the NUP are affiliates of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC). Even the NLC cannot but disagree with the misinformation of the NUP in this matter.”

  • Sule to give N7,000 to 6,000 less-privileged

    Sule to give N7,000 to 6,000 less-privileged

    Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, has kicked-off the second phase of Conditional Cash Transfer Programme where 6,000 citizens would be collecting N7,000 as  monthly stipend for the next 24 months.

    Governor Sule said it was to improve on the standard of living of the widows, the aged and the orphans among other less privileged ones.

    He said that his administration has decided to increase the money from N5000 to N7000 in the second phase of the programme due to the present economic situation and reality in the country.

    Sule also said that the conditional cash transfer initiative by his administration has afforded the beneficiaries to pool their resources thereby investing in businesses that would change on their lives positively.

    The governor said that the state was the only one implementing the programme in the country, and urged the beneficiaries to use the money judiciously.

    The governor the beneficiaries would receive two months stipends which is N14,000.

    Speaker of the State Assembly, Danladi Jatai commended the Governor for initiating the programme towards changing the lives of the widows, aged and orphans among others in the state.

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    “His Excellency, you are a God-sent to Nasarawa State; that is why we have been calling you the Messiah of Nasarawa State Your programmes have direct bearing on the lives of our people at the grassroots, we will continue to support you to succeed,” he said.

    He urged the governor to continue with what he has been doing for the poor.

    The speaker assured Governor Sule of enabling laws for the overall development of the state.

    “We will continue to pray for you, we will be there for you and we will support you with enabling laws that are expected to give backing to all what you are doing,” he said.

    Director General, Nasarawa State Social Investment Agency, Imran Usman Jibrin, said that the 6,000 beneficiaries cut across polling units in the state.

    He said that the beneficiaries are widows, aged, orphans among other less privileged and will be receiving N7000 as monthly stipend for 24 months.

    He said civil servants are excluded from the programme and commended the Governor for increasing the number of beneficiaries from 3,800 to 6,000 and for increasing the stipend from N5000 to 7000 for the second phase.

    He urged beneficiaries to improve their standard of living with the money.