The Nation Newspaper

Category: Northern Reports

AbdulRazaq presents N6m cheques to school debate champions

Kwara Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has presented N6m cheques to the six public school students who recently won the presidential debate competition in Abuja.

That was a fulfillment of his administration’s pledge to give the great six one million naira each alongside a full scholarship for their first degree in any public tertiary institution in Nigeria.

The six public school students are: Mashood Kamaldeen (Government Secondary School, Ilorin East LG); Jatto Ramatallahi (Offa Grammar School, Offa); Jimoh Abayomi Emmanuel (Tanke Community Junior Secondary School, Ilorin South); Emmanuel Chioma (St. Anthony Junior Secondary School, Ilorin East); Dolapo Mariam (Offa Grammar School, Offa); and AbdulKareem Uswat ( Okelele Junior Secondary School Ilorin East).

AbdulRazaq congratulated them and their parents on the feat, saying the government will continue to monitor their educational programme to succeed in life.

“Once again, I congratulate the victorious students of the 2023 Presidential School Debate of Nigeria. We are happy about the feat. You’ve made us proud in Kwara state. We are committed to your progress and we will continue to monitor that,” the Governor said.

He said billions of naira will be committed this year to various educational and hygiene programmes, such as AGILE and WASH, to aid learning and improve the safety of pupils in schools.

“We continue to make sure you, and indeed every Kwara child, have a very conducive environment to learn. That is why Kwara is one of the states that engage in the FG/World bank-supported AGILE project (Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment). We shall be making full advocacy about other programmes the state has subscribed to over the coming months as well,” he said.

“This year, billions will be invested to improve educational curriculum and infrastructure in our schools. We are taking this very seriously. We will make sure we cover most schools as we go along.

“To the teachers and parents, I urge you to keep up your support for these kids and for their education. Let us continue to strengthen our patriotism to the state and to Nigeria as a whole.”

Read Also: Abdulrazaq signs N292.7b 2024 appropriation bill into law

He appreciated the management and staff of the SUBEB for what he called a remarkable improvement in their commitment to work, and pledged his continued support to the agency to sustain the tempo.

AbdulRazaq also thanked the traditional institutions for their support and sought their continued engagement and suggestions that will improve service delivery in the education sector.

Dr Jato Muhammad Awal, one of the parents who spoke on behalf of others, said: “Your Excellency, you have a broad vision and we have seen it manifesting. You have outlined the programmes you have in the future to expand the educational sector and further impact the lives of the people.

“We thank you most sincerely for what you are doing, what you have done, and what you are going to do. May Almighty Allah continue to bless you.”

January 31, 2024
Sultan, Zamfara governor seek end to polio

Zamfara State Governor, Alhaji Dauda Lawal and Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar have intensified efforts to eradicate polio. This becomes imperative in the face of worrisome rise in the new cases of circulating variant of polio virus in Zamfara, Sokoto and Kebbi states.

A statement by Strategic Communications Adviser of the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr Abubakar Jimoh, said they expressed readiness to engage traditional rulers, religious leaders and other stakeholders to support to end the deadly disease this year.

This is was during the Renewed Advocacy Campaigns against polio led by the Executive Director of NPHCDA, Dr Muyi Aina.

The governor said his administration had embarked on vigorous strengthening of the state primary healthcare system, blocking financial leakages and engaging in capacity building of personnel to ensure eradication of polio in the three states.

Read Also: Nigeria gets $14m Rotary polio eradication grant

Lawal also stated that he was spearheading a strategic security meeting of the three state governors and promised to use the platform for collective action.

He praised the NPHCDA and development partners while also inaugurating the newly constructed Polio Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) in Gusau.

Sultan Abubakar emphasised the strategic role of traditional rulers and religious leaders and described them as the best institutions well positioned to help win the war against polio.

Aina said the agency and development partners have put in place strategic plans such as enumeration of unvaccinated children, strengthening PHC system, supporting state governments to provide some basic amenities in vaccine hesitant communities and vigorous sensitization campaigns to ensure polio virus is completely eradicated this year.

He thanked the governor and Sultan Abubakar for their strong leadership roles and commitment towards total eradication of polio.

January 31, 2024
Judgment: ‘I didn’t sign agreement with presidency’

Kano state Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf on Monday denied signing any agreement with the presidency prior to the January 12 Supreme Court judgment which upheld his victory in the 2023 governorship election in the state.

The governor spoke in a statement by his Director General on Media and Publicity, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa.

The statement described as falsehood a claim that Yusuf signed an agreement to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC) after the judgment by the apex court.

The Kano governor explained that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu even appeared to be neutral while the governorship legal tussle went on.

“Our attention has been drawn to a misconception making round on the social media indicating an agreement between the Presidency and Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf in the aftermath of the Supreme Court Judgment that affirmed his mandate.

“I wish to categorically state that Governor Yusuf did not enter into any agreement or condition with anybody before the Supreme Court Judgment. I therefore urged the public to dismiss the fallacy being orchestrated by enemies of progress.

“It is on record that the Justices of the Supreme Court delivered a landmark judgment with justice, equity and fairness and largely protect the integrity of the judiciary.

Read Also: VIDEO: Kano Gov Abba Kabir Yusuf refuses to sit on Ganduje’s official chair

“For the purpose of emphasis, the rather fake agreement saying Governor Yusuf has accepted to cross carpet to the ruling APC, jettison purported claim to dissolve or allow the five emirates, discontinuing demolition of illegal structures and establishment of the Kano Elders Council should be disregarded,” it was stated in the statement.

The governor further declared that, having secured his mandate through popular votes of the people of Kano State and certified by a fair affirmation of the Supreme Court judgment, he would not be intimidated by any political opportunist.

The governor also expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for allowing level-playing ground for justice to prevail over the disputed governorship election.

“The president has demonstrated profound leadership quality by ensuring fair play despite being pushed by some undemocratic elements from Kano and beyond. The president is a true democrat who will not undermine other political parties in the interest of his party.

“No doubt, the refusal of the president to carry out the wishes of some prominent members of his party has brought about enduring atmosphere in Kano State.

“On this single act, the good people of Kano will continue to appreciate Mr. President and pray for him to succeed in his administration.

“The governor had several opportunities to meet the president, and, in all of his visits, the discussions were centered around the development of Kano State,” Tofa added.

January 31, 2024
Investments in hospitality facilities, tech strategic, NIPR hails Kwara Gov

Kwara Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on Monday received applause from the National Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) for his administration’s investments in critical infrastructure and projects that can drive rapid economic growth and make the State a hub.

President of the NIPR, Dr Ikechukwu Neliaku, gave the commendation in Ilorin, the state capital, when he led a delegation of the Institute to Government House on a courtesy visit.

Neliaku said some of the ongoing legacy projects in the State such as Innovation Hub and International Conference Centre are strategic and would place Kwara on the global map.

“We have noted that you are doing some legacy projects. Some people come, they do projects and all that. But when leaders are not conscious of their legacy after they have left offices, their image goes down. And because we are managers of image and reputation, we look out for those who are planting seeds of legacies,” he said.

“The projects that really caught our fancy are the ICT Innovation Hub and International Conference Centre, among others. This is very, very important.

“You are building an International Conference Centre in Ilorin. For those who do not understand what that means, you are opening up Ilorin for global attention. You are building Kwara state as a regional hub. We also notice your fiscal responsibility and prudence in managing the affairs of governance.”

Neliaku described AbdulRazaq as an inclusive and digital Governor, acknowledging his belief in young people, gender inclusion and other feats in human capital development.

He commended the Governor’s approval of a capacity building programme for information and Public Relations Officers who are working in various government’s establishments in the State and for being supportive of the NIPR.

He also briefed the Governor of some of the institute’s programmes such as REBIRTH NIGERIA, which holds later in March and June.

“We are also pursuing what we call REBIRTH NIGERIA. Rebirth stands for reinventing the essence, beauty, integrity, resourcefulness, and traditional heritages of Nigeria,” he said, asking the Governor to convince his colleagues at the NGF to buy into the concept.

“We are doing it on Four Pillars, and it is a programme of research. First is the pillar of values reorientation. Second is the principle of citizens’ education. Third is the principle of excellence in service delivery. And lastly is the pillar of promotion of Made in Nigeria products,” he said.

AbdulRazaq said the choice of his legacy projects is to position Kwara as a hub for service economy, which attracts investments and creates jobs for the people.

“What we are trying to do here is to build an ecosystem, a hub for conferencing. You have sold the idea of conferences in just a few words. But why are we building a conference centre here? People really need to understand that a conference centre and hotels are a catalyst for national development as it births a strong service economy,” the Governor said.

“Las Vegas is smaller than Ilorin but it has an economy that is bigger than the economy of many countries in Africa. How did it start? It started with one single hotel. And what do they do? Conferencing and hospitality. The same thing in Dubai. They started with two to three buildings. Today, Dubai hosts one of the largest number of hotels in a single city in the world. And what do they do? Conferencing and Tourism. That is it. So that is the ecosystem we want to do here with the International Conference Centre and our investment in building the Kwara hotel.”

He appreciated the group on the visit and pledged to continue to key into their programmes, especially their forthcoming REBIRTH NIGERIA launching and National Spokespersons Summit that are slated for this year.

The Governor said the root cause of the challenges Nigeria is facing such as insecurity and economic crisis is lack of patriotism and poor value system, calling on all citizens to have an attitudinal rebirth for the country to move forward.

“The challenges we have are going to do with rebirth and attitude. The insecurity we have has a lot to do with rebirth. The foreign exchange issue is connected to this also. Rebirth is about citizens’ education on patriotism and loyalty to the national flag, and commitment to its good. Nigerians are no more as patriotic as we used to be. We are only patriotic the day the Nigerian National Football team plays; this has to change,” he said.

“The rebirth effort will answer these questions. Our loyalty should be to our flag. Once we are patriotic, many issues will be resolved.”

AbdulRazaq called on citizens to always consider the nation first in whatever they do to strengthen unity and promote peace.

Read Also: Kwara gears up for conduct of LG election

“We need to look at our heritage and value system. Our core values are very important. In a situation that a mechanic converts the seat of an Okada (motorcycle) to carry an AK-47 and you will not report it. That is part of what Rebirth Nigeria will do,” he added.

“Our values have dropped. Our responsibility includes supporting the security agencies with useful information and acting intelligently to support the security agencies. Those are parts of the issues we should look at in our values.”

The Nigeria Governors’ Forum chairman promised to work with the Federal Government and his colleagues at the NGF to key into the Rebirth Nigeria concept of the NIPR, which he noted will do the country a lot of good.

January 30, 2024
‘Creation of ‘Office of Immediate Past Governor’ in Kogi fake news’

Kogi State Government has denied reports of the creation of the Office of the Immediate Past Governor.

It said reports that Kogi Governor Ahmed Ododo approved the establishment of the office is just a figment of imagination.

A statement by Chief Press Secretary to the Governor Oladele John advised: ” The fake news should be disregarded as the handiwork of psychotic mischief makers, who have been thrown into confusion by the unprecedented achievements of our former Governor, His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, CON, and the realisation that the good people of Kogi State sincerely appreciate this.”

Read Also: Bello’s appointees return as Ododo takes over in Kogi

It added: “The laughable report was concocted to create disaffection and mislead the public but the authors failed woefully to confuse intelligent Nigerians.

“We thank the media for exercising restraint and detecting, on their own, that the report was fake.

“We, however, urge the general public to always fact-check before spreading fake news.”

January 30, 2024
Huge crowd welcomes Bello to Okene

A large crowd in Okene in Kogi State, on Sunday, trooped out in their thousands to welcome the immediate past Governor of the state, Yahaya Bello, back home.

They treated the White Lion, as he is fondly called, to a heroic homecoming ceremony at the ancient town, Okene, where Bello hails from.

The jubilant residents heaped praises on Bello over his sterling performance in office, with different clans performing with their masquerades amid the thick crowd that thronged the streets.

The crowd assembled on the highway linking the former governor’s country home to bid him farewell after handing over to his successor, Governor Usman Ododo.

Read Also: Tinubu approves $700m roads to boost business activities at Lekki Port

Some of the citizens who spoke after Bello’s convoy pulled over to acknowledge their greetings, said the former governor had left an indelible mark in the state.

Bello stormed the palace of the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, along with the new Governor of the state, Usman Ododo, where he was given a rousing welcome.

The traditional ruler, Alhaji Ahmed Tijani, hailed former governor Bello’s transformative impact on Kogi state’s infrastructure and economy and congratulated Governor Ododo on his inauguration.

Bello expressed his profound gratitude to the people of his hometown and Kogi State in general for the overwhelming reception accorded him.

January 30, 2024
YPF tackles Northern leaders over relocation of CBN FAAN offices

A pan-Yoruba professional group, Yoruba Professionals Foundation (YPF), has described the criticisms that have trailed the relocation of the headquarters of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and the Department of Banking Supervision of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to Lagos as very unfortunate.

The group said the attacks being unleashed on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu by those it described as “ethnic entrepreneurs and divisive elements” masquerading as Northern Leaders as a “grandiloquent grandstanding”, stressing that “Nigeria is not an inheritance of the North but a land for all Nigerians.”

A statement by the group’s Director of Administration, Oladapo Kayode, yesterday, said the relocation of the Department of Banking Supervision of the CBN to Lagos is in order since 90 per cent of headquarters of Nigerian banks are in Lagos.

The statement added that the headquarters of FAAN, which was hitherto in Lagos, was administratively moved to Abuja by the immediate past Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, despite that 80 per cent of air transportation businesses in Nigeria are carried out in Lagos.

The statement noted that it is worth mentioning that the headquarters of the National Examination Council (NECO) is in Minna, Niger State. The headquarters of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) is in Lokoja, Kogi State.

The headquarters of the Nigeria Air Force Reference Hospital, Nigeria Air Force Quick Response Unit and the Forwarding Operating Base of the Nigerian Army are in Daura, Katsina State.

“90 per cent of the headquarters of the Nigerian Military formations are in Kaduna State. Nigerians from the south who own 90 per cent of the resources used to build the formations accepted everything in public interest but relocation from Abuja to Lagos done in public interest is generating hues and cries.

“We also need to inform that Nigeria is a federal state; therefore, any part of the country can host the office of any agency of government. For instance, in the international scene, the National Assembly of the Republic of Benin is situated in Port Novo while the Presidential Villa and Supreme Court are in Cotonou.

“In the United States, where we borrowed our liberal democracy from, Washington DC is the Capital, but New York is her commercial headquarters with several multinationals and international organizations such as the United Nations, International Monetary Fund (IMF), United Nations Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), etc.

Read Also: Ondo public servants accuse Ayedatiwa of extravagant spending

“Additionally, the headquarters of the United States Army Corps of Engineers, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Department of Housing and Urban Development, Environmental Protection Agency, Geological Survey, Foreign Reserve, etc. are all situated in New York, a region like Lagos in Nigeria to the United States people.

“In Britain, the headquarters of the United Kingdom Visa Office for Africa is based in Sheffield, South Yorkshire, just as South Africa has three different capitals for administration, commerce, and judiciary.

“We are therefore warning people to desist from their myopic attacks on President Tinubu and his policies. We, however, affirm that these ethnic jesters are only speaking for themselves and not the progressive people from the North who have consistently support the Tinubu led administration, “the statement concluded.

January 30, 2024
NIDCOM faults firm on apology request, others

The management of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has faulted Optiva Capital Partners Limited’s request for an apology and retraction of the press statement issued by the former last Wednesday.

In a statement, the commission’s Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols Unit, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, described the action of the firm as ‘an attempt to be clever by half’.

The statement reads: “The attention of the commission has been drawn to another publication sponsored in the media by the Optiva Capital Partners Limited through the law firm of Babalakin & Co, asking for an apology and retraction of the press statement issued last Wednesday.

Read Also: Tinubu approves $700m roads to boost business activities at Lekki Port

“The management views this latest Media and legal threat as an attempt to be clever by half, when the same Optiva Capital Partners Limited through its Managing Director/CEO, Dr Jane Kimemia wrote the Chairman/CEO of NiDCOM, Abike Dabiri-Erewa on January 24 admitting that they had not properly followed laid down procedure in their earlier rushed announcement while also sending emissaries to NiDCOM seeking for partnership and understanding of its proposed Diaspora Investor Direct Investment (DIDI) product which it admitted , is still in the planning stage.

“NiDCOM had also welcomed their letter and reiterated that our responsibility is to ensure we protect the interests of hardworking and committed Nigerians abroad, willing to invest at home and will not bow to any form of threat, blackmail and intimidation.”

January 30, 2024
Chery records high sales milestone

Carloha, the exclusive national partner of Chery Automobile in Nigeria, has announced that the auto giant recorded of 1,881,316 units global sales.

The sales, Carloha said, represented a geometrical growth of 52.6 per cent while 937,148 vehicles were exported, recording a 101.1 per cent increase.

The firm said the outstanding performances surpassed the industry’s growth rate, thus establishing Chery as a critical player in the global automotive market.

Chery, it said, solidified its position as a pioneer in automotive technology with the introduction of cutting-edge features such as advanced safety systems, smart connectivity, sustainable energy solutions, and artificial intelligence integration to showcase their dedication to providing state-of-the-art driving experiences.

“In 2023, Chery steadfastly pursued technological innovation, achieving an accelerated “Tech Chery” evolution with groundbreaking achievements. At the Qatar GIMS (Geneva International Motor Show), Chery officially unveiled the QPower architecture under the theme “Evolution for Future”, representing 26 years of accumulated and leapfrogged power technology. It is a comprehensive professional power solution covering mainstream power forms such as ICE, PHEV, BEV, and hydrogen power. QPower boasts energy advantages like “strong and swift”, “efficient and green”, and “high-energy and intelligent”. The introduction of QPower not only brings more innovation to the global automotive industry but also provides power and performance, fast charging, comprehensive safety, and a better driving experience.”

Carloha stated in a statement, adding that “In 2023, Chery maintained the position of China’s number one passenger car exporter for 21 consecutive years, which reaffirms Chery’s position as an industry leader that is deeply committed to providing quality automotive products that satisfy the needs of customers.

“Also, in 2023, Chery ranks first in the automotive index category of “Top 50 Chinese Global Brand Builders’ Report”, jointly released by Google and Kantar. According to J.D Power’s various automotive indexes in 2023, Chery holds the top position in the IQS (Initial Quality Study) among China’s domestic brands.

Read Also: Ondo public servants accuse Ayedatiwa of extravagant spending

According to the statement, Chery expanded its global footprints in 2023, strategically entering various international markets, by establishing its presence in regions like Asia, South America, Africa, and the Middle East.

“Currently, Chery’s business presence extends to more than 80 countries and regions worldwide, with more than 13 million global automotive user base, including 3.35 million users located overseas, which exemplifies Chery’s commitment to the delivery of quality vehicles that satisfy the needs and preferences of consumers worldwide.

“The company’s commitment to globalization is evident through joint ventures, partnerships, and the establishment of production facilities in different countries. These efforts have allowed Chery to tap into diverse consumer markets, adapt to regional preferences, and position itself as a competitive player on the global stage.

Chery’s commitment to local assembly plants through collaborative ventures with Carloha emphasizes astute dedication to contributing to Nigeria’s economic development,” it said.

Carloha posited that the achievements of 2023 are not just milestones for Chery, but also stepping stones towards a future where Chery is not just a car brand but an integral part of the Nigerian automotive culture.

“We are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead and the positive impact our vehicles will have on the lives of Nigerian consumers,” it said.

January 30, 2024
‘Why firm strengthened marine franchise with supervisory board’

Obijackson Group, a firm has said it newly-constituted Marine and Assets Supervisory Board would address the short life span of marine ecology business.

In a statement, it noted that the board was formed to further support the group’s marine and assets business.

It said most marine enterprises don’t consider continuity and fate of their internal and external publics. “Their only aim is to increase the gains of their founder and make ends meet, hence the constant fluctuations of trade, and the periodical industrial crises, each of which ruins marine economies and throws scores of thousands of workers on the streets,” it added.

The new outfit will focus on supervising companies such as White Dove Shipping Company Limited, B&Q Dredging Limited, Shipside Drydock Limited, Scorpio Drilling International Limited, Geepic Aluminium Limited, and Obijackson Investment and Properties Limited, all of which are part of Obijackson Group.

“The firm commits to entrepreneurial pursuits with the passion of a humane corporate entity; its internal and external publics -comprising its employees and host communities – come first in all situations and at all times. This is why the group recently constituted a seasoned supervisory board to guide the operations of its marine ventures.

“There is no gainsaying the Group oversees colossal stakes in local and international marine business ventures. It propagates, within the sector, a business culture that funnels dividends for every stakeholder within its immediate and remote business environments.

Read Also: Tinubu approves $700m roads to boost business activities at Lekki Port

“It is guided by an entrepreneurial ethic that seeks to provide enough of everything for everybody. That’s how productive and rich its marine enterprise is. Its whole process fosters the proposition that conquests and milestones are worthless without an attendant growth in prospects for the enterprise’s internal and external publics.

“Guided by robust corporate governance principles, the Obijackson Group upholds a culture rooted in integrity, transparency, accountability, innovation, and excellence. The Group’s primary focus is to bolster long-term value and prosperity through dynamic growth strategies, selective acquisitions, and astute resource management,” the statement said.

The Marine and Assets Supervisory Board is chaired by Dr Ernest Azudialu Obiejesi, responsible for policy formulation and guiding the direction of the companies under the board’s supervision. Other esteemed board members include, Mrs Nnenna Obiejesi, Mr Nduka Ikeyi, Mr Gbenga Olaniyan, Mr Nnaji Igwe, and Mr Fabien Monleau.G

January 30, 2024