The Nation Newspaper

Category: Northern Reports

  • Sule rewards 50 first class graduates with N500,000 each

    Sule rewards 50 first class graduates with N500,000 each

    Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, has rewarded 50 first class graduates of the Federal University of Lafia (FULafia) with a one-month skills acquisition training at the Wing Commander Abdullahi Ibrahim Vocational and Technical Institute in Lafia, as well as N500,000 each as seed money to start their businesses.

    Governor Sule announced the rewards during his speech on the occasion of the 6th, 7th and 8th combined convocation of FULafia weekend

    According to the Governor, the graduating students have the opportunity to undergo a one-month training at the vocational and technical institute where they can choose among 12 different areas of skills to include electrical installation, weilding and fabrication, air conditioning and refrigeration, as well as carpentry amongst others.

    “You will be able to be trained in any one of those for that period. As you are graduating, everyone of you will receive a working capital of N500, 000 so that you can go and start something else,” he stated.

    While congratulating the university’s governing council, management and staff for conducting the convocation ceremony, he challenged the graduates to put to use the knowledge and skills they have acquired during their stay in FULafia to serve as impetus for their career development and to add value to the educational advancement of the country.

    Governor Sule emphasized that there is no amount of investment and sacrifice that can be too much in providing quality education especially that education remains the most enduring legacy any government can bequeath the younger generation in view of the myriad of challenges confronting the nation.

    Read Also: Why I became literary agent – Sule

    In his speech, Visitor to the Federal University of Lafia, President Ahmed Bola Tinubu, assured that his administration is committed to the pursuit of policies and programmes aimed at the sustainable and quality transformation of the educational sector in the country.

    President Tinubu said his administration would continue to commit more resources to education so as to ensure greater access and inclusivity while improving the quality of its products in the pursuit of sustainable national development. 

    “I am quite aware of the infrastructural deficits in the educational sector, particularly in our public universities. And we are making frantic efforts to overcome these challenges through the full implementation of the budgetary allocation to education in the 2024 fiscal budget,” he stated.

    Represented at the event by the Acting Executive Secretary of the National University Commission (NUC), Ambassador Christopher Jibrin Maiyaki, the President said the Federal Government is aware that universities may have to seek sources of non governmental revenue in order to achieve their mandates.

    “My administration will always respond positively to the demands of the universities, knowing fully well that they play critical role in national development,” he said.

  • Adeboye: Nigeria needs urgent spiritual help

    Adeboye: Nigeria needs urgent spiritual help

    • Tinubu will get it right with your prayers, support, Sani tells cleric

    The General Overseer of Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, yesterday visited Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, saying the challenges confronting the country were more than political.

    He said the problems required spiritual solution.

    The revered spiritual leader said political leaders appeared to have tried their best, yet the problems persisted, “therefore, Nigeria needs the help of God and it needs the help urgently.”

    Adeboye, who said he was in Kaduna to pray for the people and give them hope, expressed confidence that although the problems seemed to have persisted and in some areas getting worse, he trusted in God that they would not last forever and they would even be over sooner than expected.

    He said his tour of Nigeria, which had brought him to Kaduna, was not just to organise crusade and pray for the people and Nigeria, “but an opportunity to gather people together to let them know that tomorrow is going to be alright if Nigerians can be a little more patient with God.”

    According to him, “I am delighted to be here again. I was here about two or so years ago with the former governor. At that time I came to pray for some of my members, who were kidnapped and they were miraculously rescued. I came to encourage their families to let them know that all would be well.

    “I have come again this time because it is has become more and clearer to us that the problems our nation is facing are more than political. Our problems will require quite a bit of spiritual solution.

    “We as a country are blessed; we are blessed with people with great intelligence, we are blessed with all manner of resources, yet we have so many problems.

    Read Also: Pastor Adeboye visits Kaduna, says Nigeria needs urgent spiritual help

    “And it is not as if people in authority are not trying their best; they are doing as much as humanly possible. And then we find out that when you have problems that are beyond human ability to solve them, then, you call on the Almighty. The reason we call Him Almighty is because He has the power to solve all problems.

    “So, we have been going round in our own little ways to support the efforts of the various governments and parastatals to call on the Almighty to come to our aid, because we need help. We need help and we need it urgently.”

    Governor Sani, who took time to eulogise Pastor Adeboye, highlighting his numerous contributions to Nigeria, said the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu government needs prayers and support of clerics like Adeboye to succeed.

    He said: “You (Pastor Adeboye) have at critical times in our country, led interventions aimed at directing the political leadership to the path of justice and fairness. Your modern authority is a huge asset and we deeply appreciate you, sir.

    “We also believe sir that from the remarks you’ve just made now, our country at this critical time requires intervention from people like you who are tested and who in the past intervened and helped us to find solutions to our problems. We believe you won’t be tired, we also need an intervention at this critical time.”

  • Plateau APC: Nentawe dismisses rumours of defection, describes it as mischievous

    Plateau APC: Nentawe dismisses rumours of defection, describes it as mischievous

    The APC Governorship Candidate in the March 18 2023 election in Plateau State, Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda, has described the rumours making the rounds that he plans to decamp to the PDP, as wicked and mischievous.

    In a statement, Dr Nentawe stated that at no point or under any condition, has he contemplated joining the PDP, as is being mischievously peddled around by some political jobbers.

    According to him, there is no reason whatsoever for him to jump ship at this material time, more so when he still has the support, respect and confidence of the people of Plateau State.

    Nentawe maintained that he does not take such goodwill for granted, and as such the interest of his teeming supporters and that of his party, the APC, is always paramount in any political consideration both at the state and national levels.

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    He pointed out that though the outcome of the Supreme Court was not favourable to his party; that cannot make him go cap-in-hand begging for political patronage in whatever form.

    According to him, he is not desperately looking for a job, adding that without sounding immodest, as a Professor of Artificial Intelligence, he can comfortably move on and also continue to assist others, when the need arises.

    Nentawe, in a statement by his spokesman, Shittu Bamaiyi, reiterated his resolve to continue to work for the progress of the APC at all levels, noting that no amount of falsehood and blackmail would make him shift ground, especially in Plateau State.

    He appealed to the teeming APC supporters not to be bothered by the rumour but continue to give President Tinubu the much needed support in steering the affairs of the nation.               

  • Labour gets 10,000 bags of rice as Kwara reaches out to masses again

    Labour gets 10,000 bags of rice as Kwara reaches out to masses again

    Kwara State Government has delivered 10,000 bags of 10kg rice palliatives to the labour unions for onward distribution to their members.

    The palliative followed an engagement Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq had with the leadership of the organised labour unions and other stakeholders during the week.

    Kwara Chairman of Trade Union Congress (TUC) Comrade Joseph Tunde Meshach and Chairman of Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) Comrade Saheed Olayinka, commended the Governor for his continuous efforts to provide relief to the people in the state. 

    Acknowledging that the government has granted 11 of 21 requests, the labour leaders said talks are proceeding positively with the government on their other demands to improve their condition of service. 

    “We are here distributing the bags of rice given to us by His Excellency the Governor of Kwara State Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq. On Tuesday, we had a meeting with him, where he said he would be giving the labour movement in the state 10,000 bags of rice (10kg) as a form of support at this time,” Trade Union Congress (TUC) Chairman Comrade Tunde Joseph told reporters on Friday in Ilorin, the capital city.

    “It is part of the things to ameliorate the suffering of the people which we truly appreciate. We appreciate the gesture.

    “On the ongoing negotiations with the government, we presented about 21 demands. The Governor has graciously approved 11. We are still progressing. We were happy when he said the committee is to be sustained to continuously engage us on other outstanding issues. We really appreciate this.

    “What we are doing presently is the distribution of the 10,000 bags of rice (10kg). All our members from various ministries, departments, and agencies and all the affiliates are coming around. We started the distribution since yesterday. The affiliates came around yesterday to get their allocation. As it is now, the units are also coming to get their own allocation too.”

    Olayinka noted that Governor AbdulRazaq is a responsive leader, urging him to continue to prioritise the welfare of the workers for the growth and development of the state.

    “We are very glad to receive 10,000 bags of rice (10kg) in this exercise. We believe this will go a long way. It is a show of support and empathy and we appreciate it,” Comrade Olayinka said.

    “This is not our first time of witnessing different administrations of government. However, this government shows it has sympathy for the public. This is not only about the public service, it also includes the private sector.

    Read Also: Kwara Gov appeals for patience on food, forex crisis

    “We have started sharing the rice palliative since yesterday, and people were so glad to receive it. It has reduced the tension and burden on us as leaders. They complained to us, and we forwarded the complaints to the government. Without wasting time, the government has come to our aid. We are so glad with what is going on.

    “On the ongoing negotiation, the happiest part of it is that His Excellency has maintained the committee set up by him to look into the requests of Kwara State workers. We forwarded about 21 demands. Immediately, 11 have been addressed. The remaining 10 is still under consideration, while the committee continues to talk to the labour leaders. We hope that the remaining 10 will equally see the light of the day soon.”

  • ‘Eagles’ victory over South Africa united Nigerians’

    ‘Eagles’ victory over South Africa united Nigerians’

    United States-based lawyer and politician, Owolabi Salis, has said the victory of Super Eagles over Bafana Bafana of South Africa at Africa Cup of Nations made Nigerians forget the hardship and unite.

    “That Super Eagles victory was something else. It was like a magic wand. I’m short of words to describe it because, for the first time, Nigerians forgot their hunger, squalor and poverty, as celebration took over,” he said.

    Salis noted the victory evoked memories of 1969 when  Pele of Brazil led his Santos Football Club to Benin, in the thick of the Civil War.

    Read Also: They died watching Nigeria/South Africa match

    “For three days, the war ceased and peace reigned as Biafrans and federal troops watched Pele display his soccer artistry for all,” he said.

    The lawyer said President Bola Tinubu will be happy Super Eagles victory provided an escape from agitation of citizens.

    “In the U.S., my phone knew no rest. It kept ringing as friends, family, and political followers kept calling, celebrating and rejoicing…’’

    “Even at my own end here, the jubilation knew no bound as my American and European friends, danced, clapped, yelled and celebrated,” he added.

    Salis urged all Nigerians not to rest but pray that the Super Eagles become African champions.

  • ‘Fed Govt to punish hoarders of food items’

    ‘Fed Govt to punish hoarders of food items’

    Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, has said Federal Government will penalise traders hoarding food items hoping prices will shore up.

    Sule, National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, told governors that President Bola Tinubu will ensure people do not hoard food items, and  punish those caught doing it.

    The governor, during a visit to Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari in Abuja, said high prices would be reduced.

    He said Nasarawa has been supporting dry season farming, promising further assistance to smallholder farmers to raise production and reduce pressure on foreign exchange.

    Read Also: UPDATED: Tinubu directs release of 102,000 metric tons of food items)

    “With renewed hope agenda, as well as a request from minister of Agriculture, we will double it. If, for instance, we have been providing 13,000 bags of fertiliser, we will increase it to 26,000 bags.

    “Because of high cost of living, farmers have more challenges, and the government is in position to support…

    “To reduce pressure of high prices, we are looking at strategic grain reserves. More over, people are hoarding food items hoping prices will shore up.”

    Kyari said he is optimistic Nasarawa is ready for dry season farming, adding the state is noted for grains, legumes and root crop cultivation, as well as bigger rice millers. 

    He urged more support to farmers during this period. 

  • We’ll get constitution review right, say Reps

    We’ll get constitution review right, say Reps

    The House of Representatives has assured Nigerians the parliament will get the process of amending the 1999 constitution right this time with a comprehensive amendment to the nation’s law book.

    He expressed confidence in the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, to deliver on mandate, as the Chairman, House Committee on Constitution Review.

    Speaking to newsmen in Kano, the Deputy Spokesperson of the House, Philip Agbese, said the lawmakers have great confidence in the deputy speaker, saying the parliament would get it right this time.

    He said: “Overtime, the National Assembly made attempts to review the 1999 constitution, with the aim of amending some clauses and give it the 21st century life it deserves. Some of the times, the parliament succeeded; and some other times, it failed.

    “Even in the dispensations that the committee succeeded, some amendments suffered rejections at the various state Houses of Assembly, while some of the few clauses that managed to scale through are fast calling for repeal or total overhauling.

    “But with the deputy speaker on the driver’s seat of th e Constitution Review Committee of the 10th House of Representatives, Nigerians should go to bed and rest, with the assurance of waking up the next day to the realisation of their yearnings and aspirations.

    Read Also: JUST IN: Tinubu congratulates Eagles for picking AFCON final ticket

    He said the Kalu-led Committee “would collate opinions and liaise with various stakeholders, civil society organizations, government agencies, multilateral and supranational agencies, as well as traditional rulers, women groups and private business minds that jointly drive the nation’s economy, to ensure a wholesome amendment to the Nigeria’s law book”.

    Agbese asked those seeking alterations to the 1999 constitution, to work closely with their representatives, as the committee would hit the ground running, as soon as it is officially inaugurated.

    He said: “already, there are about 40 bills at various stages in the National Assembly, seeking for the amendment of the constitution. Some seek to address issues of gender inequality, traditional institution, local government autonomy, fiscal federation among others.

    “With the determination of Kalu-led Committee and the assurance that the committee would round up by December, 2025, I urge stakeholders and proponents of those Bills to work closely with their representatives and the Committee, to enable it deliver on mandate and time.”

  • Borno govt partners NILEST on leather production

    Borno govt partners NILEST on leather production

    Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum, yesterday said his administration would partner with the Nigerian Institute of Leather and Science Technology (NILEST), to boost leather technology and production in the state.

    The governor said this when the Director-General of the NILEST, Prof. Mohammed Yakubu, visited him in Maiduguri.

    He said such collaboration was imperative toward creating employment opportunities through vocational technology and contributing to the overall economic development of the region.

    “We shall key into your activities. I am particularly interested in creating wealth through technical and vocational education,” Zulum said.

    The governor also directed the Ministry of Education to compile the names of 54 youths, two from each of the 27 local government areas of the state, for intensive training in leather technology and production.

    Zulum said the state government was not aware of the activities of the agency in the Maiduguri centre, adding that: “Borno State Government is willing to connect with your institution, unfortunately, the activities of the Maiduguri centre are not known to many of us here.

    Read Also: Dollarisation: EFCC raises 14 task forces, arrests racketeers

    “I was the pioneer Commissioner for Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Resettlement. Honestly speaking, I just heard about the Maiduguri centre,” he said.

    Earlier, Yakubu lauded the governor for his exemplary leadership qualities.

    “You have paid your dues and proven your worth by providing purposeful and impactful leadership. You displayed extreme humanity, empathy and sympathy when you insisted that the people must come first,” he said.

    He assured the governor of the NILEST’s commitment to partnering with the state government to revive the leather production in the state.

    Yakubu saud the agency was established in 1964 as a hide and skin demonstration training while the Maiduguri centre was set up in 1972.

  • Hajj: Jigawa sets Feb. 9 deadline for payment

    Hajj: Jigawa sets Feb. 9 deadline for payment

    The Jigawa State Pilgrims Welfare Board has urged intending pilgrims to complete payment for the 2024 Hajj exercise in Saudi Arabia before the February 9 deadline.

    A statement by its Public Relations Officer, Murtala Usman, said the measure would enable the board to meet the February 12 deadline by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).

    He quoted the Director-General of the board, Alhaji Ahmed Labbo, as saying that intending pilgrims from the state would pay N4.6 million Hajj fares.

    Labbo directed personnel of the board to work diligently towards ensuring that the intending pilgrims completed their payment before the expiration of the dateline.

    Read Also: JUST IN: Tinubu congratulates Eagles for picking AFCON final ticket

    He said the board had trained 27 Hajj Center Officers and facilitators to facilitate training of the pilgrims on the tenets of the Hajj.

    “They will train pilgrims on obligations, tenets and cardinal principles of the Hajj”.

    According to him, proper education of the pilgrims will prepare them to conduct the Hajj in accordance with the teachings of Islam, and be good ambassadors of the country.

  • Fed Govt will implement agreement on climate change’

    Fed Govt will implement agreement on climate change’

     The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to put in place necessary policies on climate change to ensure a greener economy.

    Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Labour and Employment, Ismaila Abubakar said this at a stakeholder’s workshop on engagement on Just and Gender Inclusive Transition (JGIT) in Abuja.

    The workshop was organised by the Ministry of Labour in collaboration with the Initiatives for Climate Action Transparency (ICAT).

    He said Nigeria was taking giant steps in ensuring that necessary policies on climate action are put in place.

    The permanent secretary said: “Nigeria being a signatory to the Paris Agreement on climate change would do everything possible to ensure a Just Green Transition economy is achieved. The Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, in line with its mandate, is tasked with ensuring a Just Transition.

    “This is whereby more job opportunities are created instead of job losses as the federal government gears towards a greener economy.

    Read Also: Dollarisation: EFCC raises 14 task forces, arrests racketeers

    “This is why the ministry, in the spirit partnership, is being supported by ICAT to drive this process through the Nigeria-ICAT project.”

    The permanent secretary also noted that in line with the aforementioned, ICAT supported Nigeria to develop an MRV Institutional Arrangement with focus on three priorities.

    He said this including oil and gas, transport, developed MRV indicators and tools to track the implementation of the Paris Agreement.

    Abubakar added that the workshop was aimed at reviewing existing JGIT definitions, concepts, and overall approach in Nigeria.

    He said: “The outcomes of this workshop will set a precedent on the next steps and way forward in the drive for a Just and Gender Inclusive transition in Nigeria.”

    The Team Lead for the Nigeria ICAT JGIT project implementation Yerima Tarfa said the objective of the project was to ensure tripartite cooperation on climate action as provided by the Paris Agreement.

    He said another objective was to develop JGIT MRV and ensure it links with the sectorial MRV system and the Enhanced Transparency Framework(ETF)implemented by the Ministry of Environment, among others.

    The Director, ICAT Henning Wuester said that in the Paris Agreement entered by Nigeria, the country said that it would achieve a 20 per cent reduction in carbon emission.

    Wuester said that ICAT would continue to partner with the federal government to ensure it achieves its goal on climate change.