The Nation Newspaper

Category: Northern Reports

  • Christian pilgrims’ boss visits NAHCON chair

    Christian pilgrims’ boss visits NAHCON chair

    The Acting Chairman of National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Malam Jalal Ahmad Arabi, yesterday received his counterpart from the Nigeria Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), Reverend Dr. Yakubu Pam, who was on a visit to the Hajj House.

    Revd Pam came to congratulate to Arabi.

    The visit, laden with goodwill, served as a testament to the spirit of unity and cooperation between the two religious pilgrimage bodies.

    Recognizing the challenging terrain of pilgrimage journeys, the NAHCON Chairman acknowledged the importance of collaboration in traversing its operational complexities.

    He conveyed his gratitude to his Christian counterpart for the visit.

    Read Also: Oloyede, ex-NAHCON chair, MTN chief, others for GMP convention

    The NAHCON chief described the Pam as a brother and veteran in the field, highlighting the significance of patience, shared experiences in navigating the trials associated with organizing pilgrimage.

    Malam Arabi described Rev. Pam’s visit as a pride to him.

    Revd Pam expressed sincere wishes for success of Malam Arabi in his new role and assured him of unwavering support.

    He prayed for the Chairman’s victory even in demanding moments while expressing confidence that Malam Arabi will make Nigeria and humanity proud knowing his antecedents.

    The exchange of goodwill between the leaders of Christian and Muslim pilgrimage commissions reaffirmed the commitment to harmonious coexistence and joint efforts in addressing the unique challenges posed by pilgrimage activities.

  • Pensioners beg Soludo to pay them N850m arrears

    Pensioners beg Soludo to pay them N850m arrears

    • Govt: no cause for alarm

    Anambra State health pensioners have implored Governor Chukwuma Soludo to pay them N850million arrears owed them by the government.

    They lamented that four of their colleagues have died as a result of the hardship they are facing.

    They used the moment to organise a prayer section for God to touch Soludo’s heart to remember them.

    The Chairman of the retired health pensioners, Comrade Rafael Okoye, said the problem might not be from Soludo but his commissioner for local government and secretary of Joint Account Allocation Committee (JAAC).

    He said there was a ‘consent judgment’ delivered by the National Industrial Court in Awka, signed by the commissioner for justice and attorney general that 10 per cent of the monthly local government allocation should go to the pensioners.

    Okoye said rather than begin instalment payment as ordered by the court; they reneged on the terms of settlement, claiming lack of funds.

    He said the hardship was instrumental to the death of four of their members, adding that the Soludo he knew would love to pay. He alleged that they believed a few persons in his administration were responsible for their current situation.

    Read Also: Soludo signs N410b 2024 budget

    During the prayer session, the pensioners carried placards with inscriptions such as ‘Local government health pensioners are not deadwoods or orphans, they’re bona-fide ndi Anambra’,

    ‘Please governor direct JAAC to pay health pensioners as recommended by the attorney-general and ordered by the court’, ‘Local government monthly statutory allocation is more than N5billion’, among others

    Okoye said they had 127 health pensioners who retired from the local government service of Anambra State from January 2015 to December 2019. 

    He added that they were owed N850 million, arising from the inadvertent omission of their names in the implementation of 60 per cent Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS).

    A government official, who preferred anonymity, told The Nation that Soludo had them in his plans.

    The source said their issue would be looked into very soon, noting that there was no cause for alarm.

  • Police bust inter-state child abduction syndicate

    Police bust inter-state child abduction syndicate

    • Arrest nine

    Police have busted inter-state child abduction and trafficking syndicate and arrested nine suspects after months of tracking across seven states.

    The investigation was initiated by the Police Command in Kano State, following reports of missing children.

    Commissioner of Police, Usaini Gumel, told reporters yesterday in Kano that the syndicate had been operating for over 10 years, and allegedly specialised in inter-states trafficking, abduction, buying and selling of minors.

    He said diligent investigation helped to dismantle the syndicate, which has members in Kano, Bauchi, Gombe, Lagos, Delta, Anambra and Imo states.

    Read Also: Crossover night celebration: Police to dominate Yola space Sunday, Monday

    “It was through diligent investigations by our dedicated team of officers that the operations of these criminal networks that have been in existence for more than 10 years were identified,” he added.

    Gumel said seven victims, mostly minors, were rescued from the suspects, adding that some of the children were sold for between

    N300,000 and N600,000.

    “It was found during investigations that a victim, Mohammed Ilya, who was abducted from Bauchi but had his named changed to Chidebere, was sold recently at Nnewi in Anambra State,” the commissioner of police said.

    Gumel said the command was working with the state government to ensure that all the children were safely reunited with their families.

    He urged residents to be security conscious to avert such criminal acts, as the police strive to ensure law and order in the society.

  • Governor signs Bill on Community Guards Corps establishment

    Governor signs Bill on Community Guards Corps establishment

    Sokoto State Governor Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto yesterday signed into law, a Bill for the establishment of the state Community Guards Corps.

    He said all hands must be on deck for a crime free state.

    Dr. Sokoto appealed to the police and other agencies to embrace the corps in order to address insecurity.

    He said Sokoto was among the frontline states especially in the Northwest facing security challenges occasioned by banditry, kidnapping, cattle rustling and other criminal acts.

    Signing the bill at the Government House, the governor said the corps would serve as a support drive in complementing the efforts of conventional security agencies through providing useful intelligence from across communities for their operations.

    Read Also: Aiyedatiwa: Battle to elect Ondo deputy governor begins

    “We have been destabilised by the activities of bandits and criminals against the peaceful nature of our dear state.’’

    He said security agencies should not see the corps as a rival, but a link to ensure better and responsive synergy, in order to secure the state.

    “We have put in place necessary mechanisms for the peaceful take off of the corps.

    “Let me say here that we are committed to the cause of protecting lives and property of citizens.

    “Our efforts need to be supported by the people of the state to realise a crime free Sokoto,” he said.

    Deputy Governor Idris Muhammad Gobir, Speaker House of Assembly Tukur Bala Bodinga, All Progressives Congress (APC) state Chairman  Sadik Isah Achida and acting Chairman Committee on the Establishment of the Guards Corps Yusha’u Ahmed Kebbe were among top officials who witnessed the brief signing ceremony.

  • ‘Akume promoted unity of Nigeria’

    ‘Akume promoted unity of Nigeria’

    Former Governors who served in 1999 have greeted Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume on his 70th birthday.

    The ex- governors said the former Benue State governor promoted the unity of Nigeria while in office.

    They said this in a statement signed by former Governor of Edo State and Chairman, 1999 Class of former governors, Lucky Igbinedion and Secretary and former governor of Ekiti State, Niyi Adebayo.

    The statement reads: “1999 Class of Former Governors in Nigeria warmly congratulate our amiable, charismatic friend and elder statesman on his 70th birthday.

    Read Also: Akume an outstanding politician, say ex-governors

    “The class of 1999 appreciates what God has been doing in your life as one of the foundation Governors of the fourth Republic. Your comradeship with members of the 1999 set of former governors in promoting Nigeria’s unity is a constant reminder of our unity in diversity as a nation.

    “We are proud of your participation in a class of leaders that serves as one of the center-points of bulwark against divisions that might be antithetical to the well-being of our country. We appreciate this even more in the light of your present assignment as the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.”

  • Akume, an encyclopedia of Benue politics, says Gov Alia

    Akume, an encyclopedia of Benue politics, says Gov Alia

    Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia on Wednesday described Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Senator George Akume, as the political living encyclopedia of Benue politics.

    Alia stated this at Wannue during the reception to mark Akume’s 70th birthday and homecoming at Tarka Local Government Area.

    He said God has blessed Akume in several ways especially with the knowledge of Benue politics adding that he was the maverick of politics in the State.

    He also described Akume as the political lifestyle of Benue politics and encouraged people to always come to the SGF to study State politics.

    He said Akume has the love of Benue State at heart has already paid his dues and deserves all the respect.

    “Today we celebrate a living political encyclopedia. He has paid his dues and deserved all our respects. He is the maverick of our politics”.

    Read Also: Alia to Akume: you are encyclopedia of Benue politics

    “I invite you all to join me to join Sen Akume to take Benue to a greater height. It is all about the state and not about us.

    Those who want to sow seeds of discord will not succeed for the things that unite us are greater than things that seek to divide us, “he said

    President Bola Tinubu commended the SGF for his contributions to the country on nation-building.

    Represented by his wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the President said the appointment of Akume as the SGF was a testament to his vast experience.

    Akume said the killings in the country have reduced since the assumption of office of Mr President.

    He said the Federal Government was doing everything possible to end insecurity in the country.

    He assured me that he would continue to do everything possible to ensure that the state was united for better development.

    He further described the President as a great Nigerian who was at home to everyone and urged Nigerians to love one another.

  • Shettima inaugurates Kano Governor’s office complex

    Shettima inaugurates Kano Governor’s office complex

    Vice President Kassim Shettima yesterday inaugurated the multi-million redesigned Kano Governor’s office complex at the Government House in Kano.

    The edifice office included a redesigned Council Chamber, Executive Conference Hall and VIP lounge.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalled that the complex was constructed by the first Military Administrator of the state, the late Audu Bako, in 1967.

    Shettima was assisted by Governor Abba Yusuf; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dr Tajudeen Abbas; Deputy Senate President, Sen. Barau Jibril; Sen. Kawu Sumaila and Deputy Governor Aminu Gwarzo.

    Read Also: Akeredolu was a patriot, Mimiko mourns

    Shettima lauded the political commitment demonstrated by Yusuf to ensure the timely execution of the project.

    He explained that the remolding of the governor’s office with state of the art equipment would provide a conducive working atmosphere for successive governors and staff to operate optimally.

    “I congratulate Governor Yusuf and members of the executive council for a job well-done,” he said.

  • Niger Governor signs 2024 budget into law

    Niger Governor signs 2024 budget into law

    Hours after the State House of Assembly passed the budget, Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago has signed the 2024 Appropriation Bill of N613,994,801,697 into law.

    The budget has an increase of N719,999,999 more than the initial budget of N613,274,801,697 presented to the Assembly by the Governor.

    Commending the Legislators for the quick passage of the bill, Bago declared that any commissioner or head of departments and agencies that refuse to avail themselves before the Legislature for scrutiny and status enquiry will be fired.

    Read Also: Nigeria is in good hands, Tinubu assures citizens

    “Legislature and its sanctity must be protected. For the government to do well, somebody must criticize and scrutinize the activities of the government. We should leave our books open in the spirit of accountability,” he said.

    He reiterated the abolishment of ‘generate and spend’ saying that no revenue-generating Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) should violate the order.

    Speaker, House of Assembly, Abdulmalik Sarkin-Daji, explained that the budget size was increased by over N719 million to cater for some critical areas of need for the realization of the “New Niger” agenda.

    The Speaker said the quick passage was achieved because the planning commission was able to carry the legislature along in the budget preparation.

  • Akume an outstanding politician, say ex-governors

    Akume an outstanding politician, say ex-governors

    The Former Governors Forum has greeted the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume on his 70th birthday.

    The former governors hailed Akume who they described as a “consummate politician, and an outstanding Nigerian.”

    A statement by its Chairman and former Governor of Niger State, Babangida Aliyu and Deputy Chairman and former Governor of Ogun State, Gbenga Daniel on Tuesday in Abuja, reads: “Sen. Akume is a politician who diligently pursued his goals, becoming one of the most experienced and successful political leaders of his generation.

    “A sociologist with varied experience in labour relations, management and political leadership, his background experience approximate grassroot and inter-group relations that spanned decades, an experience that includes Local Government Chairman, Governor, Senator, Senate Minority Leader, a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria; that has prepared him for national leadership role as the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

    Read Also: Nigeria is in good hands, Tinubu assures citizens

    “His imaginative and bold programs as the governor of Benue state were reference points for a generation of the people of his state. Not many Nigerians of his generation have had a visible impact on his community like Sen. Akume.

    “Charismatic, friendly and humble in dispositions, his mentorship in political leadership covers a large number of people.

    “We join the good people of Benue state and other Nigerians in wishing a worthy statesman and a nationalist a happy birthday.”

  • Women lament 82% drop in budgetary allocation

    Women lament 82% drop in budgetary allocation

    Women group under the Partnerships for Advancing Women in Economic Development (PAWED) are lamenting over 82 per cent drop in women allocations in the 2024 budgetary allocations.

    They said the proposed 2024 budget of N12.59 billion to women, when compared to N78 billion in 2023, showed an 82 per cent reduction at a time the government is promoting renewed investment in women’s economic empowerment under its renewed Hope Agenda.

    National President National Entrepreneurship Women, Chief Funmilayo Arowoogun, said the review was extended to include economic empowerment lines in the budget targeting combined beneficiary groups of women, youth and others.

    She said they saw that the 2024 budget captured 107 WEE projects for women, youth and others.

    The group said: ‘’Women representatives came together to spend one full day reviewing the 2024 proposed budget estimates for women’s economic empowerment.

    Read Also: Akeredolu was a patriot, Mimiko mourns

    While we are happy to note the allocation of 12.59 billion naira for women’s economic empowerment projects in the 2024 estimates, we observe that this allocation represents an 82 per cent reduction from the 2023 allocation of ?72 billion. We are even more concerned to note that we see only 99 Women Economic Empowerment (WEE) projects in the 2024 budget compared to 164 projects in the 2022 budget.

    ‘’Even when the ?12.57 billion allocation to the WEE lines targeting women, youth and others is added to the ?12.59 allocation for women-only WEE projects, the 2024 allocation for WEE remains the lowest since 2019. Less than one per cent of the 2024 budgetary capital allocation is dedicated to women’s economic empowerment. In 2023, almost 2% of the annual capital budget was allocated to WEE.”