Category: Northern Reports

A Non-Political Northern Youth Group known as Arewa Social Youth Form has urged the President-elect, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu to appoint House of Representatives member James Faleke as his Chief of Staff.

The group, in a statement in Sokoto on Thursday, said their recommendation followed several scientific evaluations of the names being mentioned in the media as contenders for the position.

The statement signed by Umaru Yahaya said the ambidextrous nature of Faleke when he served as the Secretary of the APC Presidential Council puts him ahead of others, especially when the issue of balancing of offices is considered.

The statement reads: “Following a series of media reports regarding who the President-elect picks as his Chief of Staff, it is imperative that some criteria and some scientific evaluations are needed to arrive at conclusion, regarding the right man for that sensitive office.

‘’After a series of scientific evaluations, alongside Nigeria’s principle of zoning of offices, which endangers unity and peaceful co-existence, the Arewa Social Youth Form is urging His Excellency, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President-elect to appoint Hon.James Faleke as his Chief Of Staff.

‘’Hon. Faleke, who has been a loyalist to the President-elect for over 30 years, and his ambidextrous nature coupled with his knowledge of the country exhibited when served as the Secretary of the APC Presidential Council; the major reason the APC triumphed in the North during the presidential poll. His administrative prowess, sagacity, and his legislative knowledge are attributes needed to coordinate the staff of the president.

‘’Hon. Faleke, being a highly-experienced lawmaker can build a very cordial relationship between the Executive and legislative arms of government in the new dispensation because he represents the new generation of Nigerian political class, politically savvy and intellectually vibrant

‘’It is in the best interest of the country to appoint a Northern Christian, especially at a time when the issue of Muslim- Muslim ticket is being used by some individuals to sow discord among Nigerians,” Yahaya said in a statement.

The group urged the President-elect not to follow the footsteps of the outgoing President, who upon becoming Nigeria’s president jettisoned zoning and balancing of power; an action that might hurt the north in the future.

“It therefore our plea to the incoming President not to follow the footsteps of the outgoing president, who upon becoming the president of Nigeria jettisoned the principle of zoning and balancing of power. We hope this does not affect the north in the future,’’the statement added.

Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) has reappointed its directors to ensure growth and development.

The directors were reappointed in Lagos yesterday at NESG Annual General Meeting (AGM).

Board Chairman Niyi Yusuf, urged Nigerians to remain steadfast, innovative and resilient in ensuring  growth and development.

Some members re-elected are Mrs. Wonu Adetayo, Frank Aigbogun, Ms. Juliet Ehimuan Chiazor, ‘Laoye jaiyeola and Segun Ogunsanya.

The board also ratified appointment of Lanre Akinbo, Kyari Bukar, Wassim Elhussein, Ms. Amina Maina, and Philip Mshebilia.

Others are Mrs. Ndidi Nwuneli, Omoboyede Olusanya, Mike Sangstar, Karl Olutokun Toriola and Nnanna Ude.

The AGMeeting of the NESG also saw the presentation of the organisation’s year-end financial statement and the retirement and reappointment of board directors.

A book on Cervical Cancer and Vesico-Virginal Fistula (VVF) is due for launch at Aso Hall International Conference Centre, Abuja on May 6.

Titled NADAMA and written by Hajia Fatima Usara, of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), the launching will be chaired by the Chief Medical Director of University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, Prof Ahmed Ahidjo.

Among the guests expected are General Tukur Yusuf Buratai (rtd); Managing Director of Aliko Dangote Foundation, Ms Zouera Youssoufou, Chairman, House Committee on Health Yusuf Tanko Sununu; wife of the Kebbi State Governor and CEO of Medicaid Cancer Foundation Dr Zainab Bagudu Shinkafi; Emir of Zuru. Major-General Muhammed Sani Sami (rtd); Minister of Women Affairs Dame Pauline Tallen, and former First Lady of Imo State Mrs Nkechi Rochas Okorocha;

Prof Umar Adam Katsayal of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria and Dr Abubakar Muhammad Sani, Sarkin Shanun Yamatu, Gombe are the Book Reviewer and Book Presenter respectively.

According to Usara, Nadama is a Hausa drama whose theme is derived from the name of the book ‘regret’.

She said: “Its theme is premised on creating awareness on Cervical Cancer and Vesico-Virginal Fistula (VVF). The story is a tragedy, twisted around unfortunate incidences of public concern, healthcare, love, honor, and consequences of irrationality.

“The contents on VVF and Cervical Cancer are facts collated from research and interface with experts in the field. This approach places Nadama on a vantage ground of passing on a vital message while captivating the reader through entertainment (edutainment).

“The choice of Hausa language as the medium of conveying this message is due to the low level of cervical cancer awareness among the Hausa speaking community especially among those who dwell in the rural areas of Northern Nigeria. Many among the men and women from the target audience are not aware that cervical cancer is preventive.

“Most are ignorant of the options available for the treatment of both the cancer and the VVF for those unfortunately affected. This concern thus calls for continuous enlightenment campaigns through various forms of communication to apprise our people of this deadly disease and that it is preventable.

“The book also illuminates the importance of community networking in confronting health challenges suffered by the vulnerable. 

“The intention of the writer is to send this message down to the grassroot level through production of this drama as a first step. It will be followed by production of an audio book and ultimately production of a home video in the popular Hausa movie industry.

“The latter two productions are particularly for the benefit of non-literate Hausa speakers through entertainment. It is hoped that the book will be included in the curriculum of secondary and tertiary institutions to create this awareness from the teen ages upwards.

“Besides, it also contains rich Hausa culture in the form of proverbs, wise sayings, family culture and relationships worthy of being studied in our schools. It is also within our radar that depending on its acceptability and popular demand, an English translation may follow.”

It was a moment of joy and tears for beneficiaries of the Police Family Welfare Scheme in Kano state yesterday.

Commissioner of Police in Kano State, Mamman Dauda, presented cheques amounting to about N18.8 million to 30 beneficiaries under the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Usman Alkali Baba Group Life Assurance and Family Welfare Scheme.

The beneficiaries who got cheques are the Next of Kin of deceased police officers, police said.

Police spokesman, Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, in a statement, said “the commissioner of police, while handing over the cheques, urged the beneficiaries to judiciously use the money for the upkeep and welfare of their families.”

Dauda stated that “the IGP’s welfare scheme is meant to ameliorate the suffering or hardship faced by the deceased’s immediate families.”

He prayed for the repose of the departed souls.

The beneficiaries promised to make good use of the money, saying the funds have come at a time of need.

POINT Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) yesterday confirmed 84,000 candidates sat for rescheduled mock-Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (Mock-UTME).

 JAMB’s Registrar, Is-haq Oloyede, after monitoring in Abuja, hailed the  exercise.

 Oloyede, who praised candidates for their understanding, said glitches experienced in the mock-UTME in some centres prompted the rescheduling.

He said the board used the rescheduled mock-UTME to deploy some innovations.

 “We should thank the students for bearing with us when we were trial-testing. You know we gave notice we were moving to a new level and I think by God’s grace, we are arriving at the next level…”

Oloyede said the exam held in 387 CBT centres, with 16 having two sessions. He added that results will be released today.

Vice President Prof Yemi Osibanjo has called on Nigerians to join hands together and build the nation of their dreams.

The VP made the call at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic studies (NIPSS) kuru, Jos.

Osibanjo, who spoke on the theme: “Creating a homeland for all: Nation Building in a Diverse Democracy,” noted: “Let’s take a deep look at Nigerian soldiers, all we expected of them is to do their professional job and produce good results. We are not concerned which tribe they are or what their religion is. The same thing with our footballers, we rejoice seeing them scoring goals, all we know is they must score goals not minding their ethnic or religious background. This is the attitude we must always adopt as Nigerians to build the nation of our dreams.

“Mobilising the people of Nigeria as heterogeneous and complex as we are under the banner of a common purpose was never going to be an easy task. But that does not mean it is impossible.

“Let us never forget that although we may speak different languages and belong to different ethnic groups, and profess diverse creeds, we are bound by a shared hope and by our common humanity as Nigerians and by supreme faith in all of the possibilities that lie in our country.”

Centre for Human Rights and Anti-Corruption Crusade (CHURAC) has described allegations Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) sold 48 million barrels of stolen crude oil to China as baseless.

Chairman of CHURAC’s Board of Trustees, Ebikonbowei Alaowei, in a statement, accused the George Uboh Whistleblowers Network of carrying out smear campaigns against NNPCL.

Members of George Uboh Whistleblowers Network stormed National Assembly to protest against the Mark Gbillah led Ad hoc Committee of House of Representatives for the alleged theft of 48 million barrels of crude oil.

Alaowei said the whistleblower group is only blackmailing the company, ‘maybe to achieve some personal benefits’.

He described the protest as a ploy to embolden the committee to witch-hunt NNPCL leadership.

The statement reads: “If George Uboh believes NNPCL’s Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari, or any member of the company commits a criminal offence, he should channel his campaign to the appropriate quarters….

“While we support genuine moves to checkmate corrupt activities, whistleblowers take advantage of the gesture to witch-hunt perceived enemies. Some indulge in cyber bullying or stalking, while others carry out smear campaigns to assassinate characters of their victims…”

Alaowei, who called on NNPCL not to succumb to pressure, urged anti-corruption agencies to invite the protesters and their sponsors for interrogation and possible prosecution if found wanting.

The Seventh Kebbi Women’s Ramadan Lecture with the theme ‘ The Spirit of Ramadan ‘ was held at the Presidential Banquet Hall, Birnin Kebbi on Wednesday , April 19.

The Ramadan lecture was organized by Dr. Zainab Shinkafi Bagudu, the Kebbi state First Lady.

This years theme the spirit of ramadan, was taken by eminent scholars like Mufti Ismail Menk, Dr Jabir Sani, Mallama Zainab Jafar Adam and Mallama Juwairiya.

Speaking at the event, Kebbi State Governor, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu urged the Muslim Ummah to sustain the various virtues learnt during the ongoing holy month of Ramadan.

According to the Chairman of the APC Governors’ Forum, such invaluable virtues include: Forgiveness, piety, philanthropy, patience and honesty, among others.

Bagudu further urged Muslims to forgive one another , as well as love each other.

He said: “We should also continue to seek for the forgiveness of the Almighty Allah and for sustenance of His abundant blessings to Kebbi State.

“This lecture is apt and timely and it has happily been sustained for the past seven years.

“The lecture series has recorded tremendous successes and it should be replicated across the country.”

Bagudu further said that the lectures have been enlightening and sensitizing the women from across the state.

The governor called for the intensification of fervent prayers for lasting peace and unity in the state and the country at large.

Bagudu said:”Women play key roles in national development and that they should be accorded a pride of place in the society.

He also said that both the male and female genders were created by God and were equal before Him.

Bagudu commended his wife, Dr Zainab Bagudu for the invaluable gesture of organising and sustaining the series of the lectures for 7 years saying that it attracts abundant reward from the Almighty Allah.

The Governor while appreciating all the speakers for spreading Islamic knowledge also asked for forgiveness from all .

Dr Zainab Bagudu, while speaking, said that the lecture series were aimed at boosting the growth of Islam.

She said:” They are aimed at educating the womenfolk especially during the Ramadan Month.

The wife of the governor further explained that Ramadan lecture series has been widely accepted by women, organizations and even students.

She commended her husband, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu for his unrelenting support and advice towards the success of the program.

“I must also commend my husband for his relentless efforts at ensuring the success of the lecture series.

“They are aimed at fostering unity, peaceful coexistence and the prosperity ‘

Dr. Zainab Shinkafi Bagudu while stressing the importance of forgiveness as enshrined in Islam , asked for forgiveness as the tenure of this administration comes to an end.

She prayed that the administration of Kauran Gwandu would continue with the Ramadan lecture.

Earlier, The Governor- elect, Dr Nasir Idris, said his incoming administration would not victimize and witch – hunt any political office holder when he assumed office on May 29 in the state.

“I am going to emulate the virtue of my elder brother, the incumbent governor, Bagudu, as throughout his eight year tenure politicians are not victimised as he has worked for the unity of his party in particular and the state in general.

“There was a time when all the political office holders from 1999 towards the tail end of 2022, from former governors, deputy governors, members of both the national and state assemblies were almost all in APC.

“We commend him for his exemplary leadership style and we assure him that we will work closely for the progress of our party and development of the state,” he said.

Kauran Gwandu pledged to continue on the good work of the governor particularly the Ramadan lecture.

In their separate remarks, the wives of the governor- elect, Hajiya Zainab Idris and Hajiya Nafisa Idris, lauded Shinkafi-Bagudu’s initiative of the Ramadan lecture, assuring that they would sustain the programme with the assistance of their husband.

The Hon Commissioner for Environment, giving the vote of thanks, Hayatu Bawa commended Dr. Zainab Shinkafi Bagudu for educating women through the Ramadan lecture for over six years.

He also lauded Governor Bagudu for his unwaivering support for sustaining the program while also appreciating all those who have contributed in one way or the other for the success of the program over the years.

Lectures on forgiveness in Islam, sustaining the spirit of Ramadan and the best Eid-el-fitir were delivered by Dr Mufti Menk, Dr Jabir Sani-Maihula, Malama Zainab Jafar Mahmud-Adam and Malama Juwairiya Sulaiman.

Special prayers were offered the late Hassana Sule, the Police orderly to the wife of Kebbi State Governor, Dr. Zainab Shinkafi Bagudu who died recently from a brief illness.

A group of over 500 independent observers has rated the direct primary elections conducted by the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kogi State free, fair and credible.

The Coalition of Independent Election Observers which made this known in a report described the exercise as a reference point in the conduct of primaries in the country.

A former Auditor General for Local Governments Ahmed Usman Ododo, defeated six other aspirants to emerge as the party’s flagbearer for the November 11 election.

In its report at a briefing on Monday in Abuja, the independent observers commended the APC for a seamless and rancour-free exercise.

It said the ruling party has demonstrated incredible unity under Governor Yahaya Bello and has set the bar so high – such that other political parties may never attain.

While admitting a few logistics-related issues along the way, the group noted that its team of observers deployed across the state inferred that no party member was disenfranchised.

The observers also debunked the claim that Bello foisted his kinsman on the electorates as baseless, especially in a direct primary.

Read Also: APC, PDP clinch more Reps, Assembly seats

“The APC Gubernatorial primaries in Kogi State can be described as a seamless and rancor-free exercise that produced a former Auditor General for Local Governments in Kogi State, Ahmed Usman Ododo, the winner,” the report signed by Hon. Peter Obut,

Coordinating Director of Mission, said in part.

“Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo won the election convincingly and across the board with a margin indicative of his acceptance and popularity in the state. The process that produced the winner was also devoid of manipulation of favouritism, which was in tandem with the promise of Governor Yahaya Bello to allow for a level playing field for all the aspirants.

“It was also observed that the APC in Kogi state is formidable and a united party with stakeholders working assiduously in the interest of the party and the state. The insinuation that the party was left fragmented after the withdrawal of some aspirants on the eve of the election could not be substantiated as no evidence suggested such.

“The conduct of the primaries across the state was orderly and without any hitches. There are no recorded cases of intimidation or suppression by the APC-controlled state government. It was also observed that the leadership of Governor Yahaya Bello had placed the APC in good stead across the three senatorial zones in the state.

“The Coalition of Independent Election Observers places on record the efforts at ensuring a level playing field for all the aspirants in the Kogi APC gubernatorial primaries was indeed commendable. The Governor of Kogi state, throughout the conduct of the primaries, ensured that all eligible voters exercised their rights to vote without fear or favour.

“The direct mode of primaries comes highly recommended due to the Kogi state example that ensured a free, fair, and transparent process. It was also responsible for the peaceful outcome of the primaries that produced Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo as the winner.

“The Coalition of Independent Election Observers in Kogi concludes that the Kogi State APC Gubernatorial Primaries serve as a reference point in the conduct of primaries in the country. The direct mode of primaries embraced ensured that all the aspirants’ aspirations were tested and endorsed by their immediate constituents.

“It is safe to say that the process that produced Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo was transparent and credible. The Coalition of Independent Election Observers highly recommends the Kogi State example in conducting gubernatorial primaries nationwide.”