The Nation Newspaper

Category: Northern Reports

  • Banditry: Governor calls for more security personnel in Katsina

    Banditry: Governor calls for more security personnel in Katsina

    The Commandant General (CG) of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Dr Ahmed Audi, has met with the Governor of Katsina state, Dr Dikko Umar Radda on possible deployment of more personnel of the Corps to areas troubled by bandits and kidnappers in the state.

    Governor Radda, who visited the headquarters of the Corps in Abuja, said there is urgent need for reinforcements of more security personnel in the state considering the levels of threats to peace and security by the activities of bandits and kidnappers.

    The governor, who praised the leadership of the Corps for its steadfastness and commitment to ensure peace and tranquillity, said his visit was aimed at solidifying the existing cordial relationship between the state and the NSCDC.

    Read Also: Banditry: Governor Radda calls for more security personnel in Katsina

    He lamented the inadequate number of personnel across security services which have impeded the expected success in the fight against insecurity.

    He explained that the state has trained and engaged the service of about 1,500 indigenes to assist the conventional security agencies in the state.

    “I believe with the engagement of the locals in the form of civilian Joint Task Force (JTF), combined with the conventional security, we will go a long way in combating insecurity and reduce it to the barest minimum,” Governor Radda said.

    Commandant-General assured the Governor of the Corps’ commitment to curbing insecurity by employing both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches to achieving results.

    “I understand that Katsina State has experienced some bandit attacks in the last couple of years.  Its vulnerability which is partly due to its big size and geographical location as a state bordering other states in the North and the Niger Republic is of great concern. But be rest assured that with the on-going recruitment in the Corps, more men would be deployed to Katsina to strengthen security in the state,” Dr Audi asserted.

  • Banditry: Governor calls for more security personnel in Katsina

    Banditry: Governor calls for more security personnel in Katsina

    The Commandant General (CG) of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Dr Ahmed Audi, has met with the Governor of Katsina state, Dr Dikko Umar Radda on possible deployment of more personnel of the Corps to areas troubled by bandits and kidnappers in the state.

    Governor Radda, who visited the headquarters of the Corps in Abuja, said there is urgent need for reinforcements of more security personnel in the state considering the levels of threats to peace and security by the activities of bandits and kidnappers.

    The governor, who praised the leadership of the Corps for its steadfastness and commitment to ensure peace and tranquillity, said his visit was aimed at solidifying the existing cordial relationship between the state and the NSCDC.

    He lamented the inadequate number of personnel across security services which have impeded the expected success in the fight against insecurity.

    Read Also: Banditry: Governor Radda calls for more security personnel in Katsina

    He explained that the state has trained and engaged the service of about 1,500 indigenes to assist the conventional security agencies in the state.

    “I believe with the engagement of the locals in the form of civilian Joint Task Force (JTF), combined with the conventional security, we will go a long way in combating insecurity and reduce it to the barest minimum,” Governor Radda said.

    Commandant-General assured the Governor of the Corps’ commitment to curbing insecurity by employing both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches to achieving results.

    “I understand that Katsina State has experienced some bandit attacks in the last couple of years.  Its vulnerability which is partly due to its big size and geographical location as a state bordering other states in the North and the Niger Republic is of great concern. But be rest assured that with the on-going recruitment in the Corps, more men would be deployed to Katsina to strengthen security in the state,” Dr Audi asserted.

  • Adamawa re-awards contract for abandoned projects

    Adamawa re-awards contract for abandoned projects

    The Adamawa State Executive Council (SEC) has approved the completion of electrification projects in seven communities in Gombi local government area.

    The contract for the projects was awarded in 2007 but was implemented to only about 20 per cent level and then abandoned, according to the state Commissioner of Information and Strategy, Mrs Neido Geoffrey Kofulto.

    Read Also: Adamawa govt releases over N30m for flyover, highway

    She told journalists after the state council meeting in Wednesday that the contract for the seven villages was awarded that initial time in 2007 at the cost of N44 million.

    The commissioner said the current administration decided that the projects ought to be completed and has rewarded  at the upward reviewed contract sum of  N192 million to Galazy Rays Ltd.

    She said part of the contract specifications is that it would be delivered within the next 12 months.

    Guyaku, Fahar, Mbewa and Kaulewa are among the villages to benefit from the contract.

  • NEMA, USAID train emergency responders on disaster management

    NEMA, USAID train emergency responders on disaster management

    The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in collaboration with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) have begun  a three-day  training for emergency responders across the country.

    The participants from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), and other stakeholders are expected to be equipped with knowledge on how to manage disaster and respond swiftly during emergencies.

    The participants  would undergo training on Basic/Intermediate Incident Command System (ICS) and Emergency Operation Centre (EOC) Design and Management targeted at developing a National Standardized Disaster Management and Coordination System.

    Read Also: Flood: State govts becoming more proactive – NEMA DG

     NEMA  Director-General    Mustapha Ahmed spoke yesterday in Abuja.

     He said insurgency,  flooding, farmers and herders conflict top the list of issues confronting the country.

    The Director Geneneral  said there was need to prepare aid workers for the disaster to reduce loss.

    He also said several trainings conducted so far this year has improved the level of awareness of everybody and in turn reduced the impact of flood and other disasters.

    Ahmed said: “The Boko Haram insurgency, the farmers-herders crisis,  frequent perennial floods, and the resultant humanitarian outcome have remained the most challenging crises affecting the country in recent times and this calls for concerted efforts amongst stakeholders to imbibe best practices in responding effectively to crisis and disasters in the country.

    “The programme is expected to advance the Agency’s self-reliance in disaster and Incident Command System (CS) implementation in Nigeria, and to further enhance our ability to coordinate other stakeholders effectively.”

    “We want the knowledge that NEMA is getting internationally to go down to the grassroots and we have been undergoing this type of training for over ten years.”

    On the essence of the training, he said: “I want to see everybody fully ready across the country,  not just in Abuja the headquarters but  I want to ensure and see that all States, local governments are fully ready to tackle disaster management at various levels.”

    And on the impact of the training,  he said: “We have seen improvement. If you compare the 2022 flood to this year’s flood, you will realize that there is a lot of improvement because there is a lot of awareness on how to tackle flood and other disasters.”

  • Lawal appoints heads of Zamfara agencies

    Lawal appoints heads of Zamfara agencies

    Zamfara state Governor Dauda Lawal has approved the appointment of new heads of agencies and aides for the ongoing urban renewal project.

    This is contained in a statement by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Sulaiman Idris.

    Idris said the appointments aimed to ensure the successful implementation of the state-wide infrastructure and urban renewal project.

    Read Also: Drama as villagers abduct bandits’ wives in Zamfara

    He said: “The approved appointees include Abubakar Muhammad as the Executive Secretary of Zamfara Geographic Information Services (ZAGIS) and Abdullahi Bala as the Executive Secretary of state Urban and Regional Planning Board (ZUREPB).

    “The appointees also approved the appointment of Ibrahim Muhammad as Senior Special Assistant to the governor on Town and Planning and Abdullahi Shehu, Special Assistant to the governor on Project Planning and Design.

    “Other appointees were Jibo Dango, Special Assistant to the governor on Construction, Bakwai Sa’idu-Zurmi, Special Assistant to the governor on Electrical and Mechanical Projects.

    “Abdullahi Bangaje, Special Assistant to the governor on Road Projects, and Muhammad Sambo as Special Assistant to the governor on Project Evaluation and Estimation.”

  • Military commander visits wounded soldiers in Jos

    Military commander visits wounded soldiers in Jos

    The Commander, Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), Maj.-Gen. Abdusalam Abubakar, has visited some wounded soldiers currently undergoing treatment at the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH).

    Capt. James Oya, the Media Officer of OPSH, in a statement yesterday, said that affected personnel were those wounded in the on-going special operation Hakorin Damisa IV.

    Oya said Abubakar had during the visit, promised to foot the soldiers’ hospital bills, and extended the sympathy of the Chief of Army Staff (coas), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, to them.

    Read Also: DHQ probes video of soldiers in dialogue with bandits in Katsina

    The commander, who doubles as General Officer Commanding (GOC), 3 Division of the Nigerian Army, Rukuba, reiterated the commitment of the military authority towards the welfare of soldiers and their families.

    He insisted that welfare remained the best gift any commander could give his soldiers.

    “We want to assure these wounded personnel of adequate medical treatment that will enable speedy recovery from the injuries sustained.

    “The nation is proud of their selfless service and sacrifices towards ensuring a peaceful Plateau and the nation in general.

    “The COAS, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, has directed that the wounded heroes get comprehensive medical care, including further medical therapy overseas, if the need arises,” Abubakar said.

  • Hajj 2024: Saudi Arabia allocates 95,000 slots for Nigeria

    Hajj 2024: Saudi Arabia allocates 95,000 slots for Nigeria

    The Kingdom Saudi Arabian Ministry of Hajj has announced the allocation of 95,000 Hajj slots to Nigeria for next year’s Hajj.

    This was made known via a virtual meeting held between the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) and the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.

    The meeting which officially marked the start of the 2024 Hajj was attended by the Chairman, House Committee on Hajj, Jafar Mohammed, representatives of the Chairman, Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, Senator Abubakar Sani Bello as well as the Nigerian Consul-General in Saudi Arabia, Ambassador Bello Abdulkadir.

    Nigeria is expected to finalize all arrangements and negotiation with service providers including the Catering, Accommodation and Transportation within the next 120 days.

    Saudi Arabia also request NAHCON to submit the lists of medical and other officials to the Kingdom very early.

    NAHCON is also expected to ensure that only air carriers with at least two aircrafts on its fleet and a Back- up are appointed or allowed to participate in the 2024 Hajj operation.

    Read Also: Hajj 2024: Saudi Arabia allocates 95,000 slots to Nigeria

    Leader of the Saudi team, Dr Badr Mohammed Al- Somi, urged the commission to meet up with the timeline to enable the ministry make adequate plan and also avoid the experience and incidents witnessed in this year’s Hajj.

    “We want all Hajj Missions to be proactive in meeting our time frame, so that we won’t allow what happened previously and also to give the missions sufficient time to examine the services before pilgrims’ arrival,” he said.

    He promised that the refund sought by the commission was being worked on and that as soon as the result of its investigative Committee is released, it would be acted upon accordingly.

    Chairman of NAHCON, Alhaji Zikrullah Hassan enjoined the Saudi authorities to expedite action on the refund of the feeding and tent services not provided in the Mashair (Muna period).

    Hassan reiterated the need for the Kingdom to disengage from the provision of feeding service in the Masha’ir and allow the country to take over Muna and Arafat to afford the pilgrims opportunities to enjoy delicacies they were used to at home.

    The NAHCON chief sought for the assistance of the ministry in securing the refund paid to the General Authority on Saudi Aviation (GACA) on behalf of the Nigerian Carriers in 2019.

    Alhaji Hassan also called on the ministry to review its decision by allowing Nigerian pilgrims to depart through the King Abdul- Aziz International Airport Jeddah instead of Madina as that would create bottlenecks and logistics problems for the pilgrims.

    He appealed to the Saudi Ministry for the upward review of the number of Tour Operators/Companies to be allowed to conduct Hajj from 10 to 100 companies saying that much as the action will enable the commission to organise the agencies for effective management and control, the sudden decision would seem to be too harsh.

  • CCECC to deliver Abuja light rail in eight months

    CCECC to deliver Abuja light rail in eight months

    The Abuja light rail  will be delivered in eight months, the engineering company handling the project, China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation Ltd (CCECC), assured  the Federal Goernment yesterday.

    Chairman of CCECC, Mr Jason Zhang, gave the assurance when he led some members of his management team on a courtesy call on Vice President Kashim Shettima at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    According to a statement  by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, the commitment was in line with the determination of President Tinubu’s administration to enhance infrastructure development across the country.

    Read Also:CCECC seeks partnership with Nasarawa to construct Apo-Keffi rail line

    Vice President Shettima described CCECC as part of Nigeria’s history, saying the Chinese construction giant has played a pivotal role in developing Nigeria’s landmark projects, adding that their commitment to the development of Nigeria and Africa is commendable.

    “You have been in this country for 42 years. We have to commend you for all the beautiful initiatives and support over the years. We share a lot in common with the people of China, just as you have been with us through thick and thin. You have the financial fire power and the willingness to support Nigeria and other African countries without interfering in our local politics. This we appreciate a lot,” said the Vice President.

     Shettima assured CCECC that the current administration will sustain the existing relationship with the company and the people of China, saying the Abuja rail project, like others, remains dear to President  Tinubu and the  people.

    Speaking earlier, the Man

  • ‘Tinubu has opportunity to change economic situation’

    ‘Tinubu has opportunity to change economic situation’


    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has the opportunity to change the country’s  current economic situation  and bring Nigerians out of poverty, President and Founder of Guardians of the Nation International (GOTNI) President  Linus Okorie said yesterday. 

    Okorie, who urged the president to invest in youth development, said Nigeria needed huge investment in youth leadership development.

    He stated this during a boot campaign meeting organised by Impact Driven Young Leaders Initiative (IDL) in Abuja

    Okorie stated that Nigerians are dissatisfied with the current situation of the country but President Tinubu has the choice to reinvent the wheel for a positive change.

    He noted that Tinubu has the opportunity to be in the good books of history of the country and grow the economy by taking the path of uplifting people out of poverty.

    Read Also: Tinubu’s northern exploits and the Igbo challenge

    He stressed that people have suffered in Nigeria because in most cases some leaders who don’t have the compassion and empathy to serve the society have gained access to power and as such, Nigeria needed a huge investment in youth leadership development.

    Okorie said: “Nigeria needs huge investment in youth leadership development. Leadership development is a must for national transformation, you can’t build a nation until you have built the people and one of the ways to do this is leadership development competencies which is critical in investing in the way people think.

    “Our nation is the only thing we have right now. Nations of the world that have made progress are nations that have invested heavily in the leadership development of young people. No nation can grow until young are taught the importance of active citizenship; of serving the course of good governance and helping to ensure that whatever sector they are playing in they can maintain the honour of becoming a citizen that is respectable and adding values to the communities and system.”

    Executive Director, Impact Driven Young Leaders Initiative, Ovo Otarigho stated that the boot camp was organised to groom young people who believe that Nigeria’s numerous challenges can be solved with their involvement without confrontations.

    He said: “We want to grow young people who are active to see that an active citizen does not throw confrontation with the government. We are building people to confront societal problems and engage with government institutions to solve these problems.”

    Otarigbo added that for the values of democracy to be enshrined in the people, young people with an active mindset must be fully engaged in its course with prerequisite knowledge not to confront the government but work as partners to solve or manage the challenges.

    resident Bola Ahmed Tinubu has the opportunity to change the country’s  current economic situation  and bring Nigerians out of poverty, President and Founder of Guardians of the Nation International (GOTNI) President  Linus Okorie said yesterday. 

    Okorie, who urged the president to invest in youth development, said Nigeria needed huge investment in youth leadership development.

    He stated this during a boot campaign meeting organised by Impact Driven Young Leaders Initiative (IDL) in Abuja

    Okorie stated that Nigerians are dissatisfied with the current situation of the country but President Tinubu has the choice to reinvent the wheel for a positive change.

    He noted that Tinubu has the opportunity to be in the good books of history of the country and grow the economy by taking the path of uplifting people out of poverty.

    He stressed that people have suffered in Nigeria because in most cases some leaders who don’t have the compassion and empathy to serve the society have gained access to power and as such, Nigeria needed a huge investment in youth leadership development.

    Okorie said: “Nigeria needs huge investment in youth leadership development. Leadership development is a must for national transformation, you can’t build a nation until you have built the people and one of the ways to do this is leadership development competencies which is critical in investing in the way people think.

    “Our nation is the only thing we have right now. Nations of the world that have made progress are nations that have invested heavily in the leadership development of young people. No nation can grow until young are taught the importance of active citizenship; of serving the course of good governance and helping to ensure that whatever sector they are playing in they can maintain the honour of becoming a citizen that is respectable and adding values to the communities and system.”

    Executive Director, Impact Driven Young Leaders Initiative, Ovo Otarigho stated that the boot camp was organised to groom young people who believe that Nigeria’s numerous challenges can be solved with their involvement without confrontations.

    He said: “We want to grow young people who are active to see that an active citizen does not throw confrontation with the government. We are building people to confront societal problems and engage with government institutions to solve these problems.”

    Otarigbo added that for the values of democracy to be enshrined in the people, young people with an active mindset must be fully engaged in its course with prerequisite knowledge not to confront the government but work as partners to solve or manage the challenges.

  • APC-USA pledges support for Tinubu at 78th UNGA

    APC-USA pledges support for Tinubu at 78th UNGA

    The All Progressives Congress (APC), United St ates of America, has pledged continuous support for President Bola Tinubu in his bid to turn the dwindling fortunes of the nation around.

    This was contained in a statement to welcome Tinubu to the 78th United Nations General Assembly(UNGA).

    It was jointly signed by Chairman, APC-USA Chapter , Prof Adesegun Labinjo; Chairman, APC-USA

    New York Branch Bisoye Oladejo; Secretary, APC-USA

    Read Also: TINUBUNOMICS:  The storm before the calm

    New York Branch Ayodele Babarinde and PRO/ Media, APC-USA New York Branch Tai Lolade Salvador.

    The statement  said: “The APC-USA New York actively identified with this agenda before and during the elections and will continue to support the government of All Progressive Congress (APC) in its efforts to turn around the fortune of our dear country in a bid to make her great again.

    “The entire members of the All Progressive Congress United States of America, APC-USA New York branch heartily welcome  President Bola Ahmed Tinubu  and other  delegates to the 78th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) Rally and the town hall meeting tonight taking place in New York, United States of America.

    Tinubu  together with his entourage, will be participating in this event for the first time since his inauguration and will be joining other world leaders in presenting to the entire world his government’s agenda of “The Renewed Hope” for Nigeria and Nigerians.