Category: Northern Reports

Former Kaduna State Governor Senator Ahmed Makarfi has advised a Kaduna governorship aspirant on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Sani Abbas, to work with the masses in order to return the party to power in the state.

He said it is only the emergence of a PDP-led administration that can correct the anomaly set by the incumbent administration.

Markarfi stated this when he received the governorship aspirant who visited for consultation and to seek his support and blessing.

In a statement by the Director of Public Affairs to Mohammed Sani Abbas Campaign Team, Victor Matthew Bobai Senator Makarfi described Abbas as “a man of integrity.”

Makarfi said his goal is to see PDP take back power in Kaduna State and other parts of the country.

In his words: “It is the masses that are still keeping me in politics. Therefore, Sani Abbas must work with the masses and unite the great people of Kaduna State.”

He also advised the aspirant to trust in God, because power comes from God and God never fails.

Makarfi, thereafter, prayed for the entire Team Sani Abbas that God will protect them as they continue with their campaign, especially at the grassroots.

Abbas promised to galvanise the masses to rescue the state from maladministration.

He assured the PDP leader that he will continue to consult him from time to time to draw from his wealth of experience to advance the course of the state.

Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom has commended the courage and resilience of the Nigerian Press in the sustenance and promotion of the tenets of democracy.

Governor Ortom, in a goodwill message by his media aide Nath Ikyur yesterday, to commemorate this year’s World Press Freedom Day said credit must be given to the Press for the enduring democracy and its resilience in the face of daunting challenges to continue to inform, educate and entertain the populace.

The United Nations General Assembly declared May 3, every year to celebrate the media and appreciate the importance of press freedom globally. The theme of this year’s World Press Freedom Day is “Journalism under Digital Siege.”

The governor noted the harsh environment under which the Nigerian media operates. He urged the Federal Government to consider subsidies and import waivers for media equipment.

This, he opined, will help the media industry survive the harsh economic environment and put it in better stead to contribute immensely to the socio-economic and political development of the country.

The governor, therefore, enjoined the media to remain steadfast in the discharge of its duties, pointing out that “of all professions, it is only the Press that is empowered by the Constitution of Nigeria to hold governments and its functionaries accountable at all times.”

Ortom, however, counselled the media to always exercise caution in reporting issues that affect the security, welfare and well-being of citizens to avoid needless sensations.

He also appreciated the importance of the new media otherwise referred to as the Social Media as it disseminates information in real-time. He was quick to point out that caution must be observed to verify facts before publishing.

This, he contended, is necessary to avoid being ready tools in the hands of desperate politicians and mischief makers to use against opponents or perceived enemies.

While wishing the Nigerian Press a successful celebration, Ortom urged them to continue to play their roles diligently in order to make society a safer and better place for all.

The National Action on Sugar Reduction, a coalition of organisations that advocates for policy measures to tackle the health risks of consuming sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs), has urged the Federal Government to implement the recently introduced sweetened beverage tax on sugary drinks.

The coalition noted that the fiscal intervention which was introduced via the Finance Act in December 2021 in the form of an excise tax, will promote healthy choices, and if earmarked for that reason, can provide the much-needed revenue to subsidise diabetes treatment costs and control of other non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

It further stated that sugar-sweetened beverages (soft drinks) contribute significantly to the rising burden of NCDs in Nigeria, including type I1 diabetes, stroke and heart disease.

A joint statement by the 13-member coalition said: “A single soft drink bottle contains staggering amounts of sugar—up to 12 cubes. Soft drinks are also a major contributing factor to tooth decay and obesity, a risk factor for a host of chronic diseases. A Euromonitor report lists Nigeria as the 4th highest consumer of soft drinks in the world.

“NCDs have far-reaching economic effects. A significant cause of premature death in people under 40 years, NCDs have the chilling capacity to cut lives short in their prime. This is a setback to economic productivity. An estimated 12 million people in Nigeria suffer from diabetes mellitus and based on an average cost of illness of $400.52 per person per year, the national cost of treating diabetes in a given year is approximately USS4.8 billion (excluding the cost of lost productivity). The same study that estimated the cost of illness per person also showed that for the majority of the patients, the cost of illness was over 25 per cent of their annual income.

“These expenses come to nearly N37, 000 a month—more than half of an average Nigerian’s monthly earnings of 60,000. This also amounts to more than ten times the budgetary allocation for health per citizen. Such high health care costs signify that many people who can afford to buy soft drinks cannot afford to treat the chronic diseases associated with drinking them.

“Evidence from a nationally representative survey conducted in June 2021 by the coalition, NOI Polls and Research Hub Africa found that 54 per cent of Nigerians support the sweetened beverage tax, provided it is used to improve healthcare outcomes. More evidence show that health policies, such as taxes on sugary drinks can discourage consumption and prevent their adverse health effects.

“The coalition recognises the effort of the Minister of Finance to introduce the tax as a good step that should be accompanied by an implementation mandate.

“This fiscal intervention in the form of an excise tax will promote healthy choices and if earmarked accordingly, can provide much-needed revenue to subsidize diabetes treatment costs and control of other NCDs.”

Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed has vowed to fish out perpetrators of communal clashes which resulted in the loss of lives and destruction of properties at Gudum Hausawa Community on the outskirts of the Bauchi metropolis.

The state government earlier confirmed that three people lost their lives, many were injured and houses were burnt in the April 26 disturbances in the area.

Mohammed, in a Sallah message yesterday, warned that the perpetrators of the crisis would be dealt with in accordance with the law, adding that some of them had been arrested.

He enjoined the Muslim faithful to uphold the lessons of Ramadan towards solving personal, communal and national problems.

This, he said, would further deepen personal discipline, family values, love of one another and personal relationship with God.

While congratulating the Muslim faithful on the occasion of this year’s Eid-el-Fitr, Mohammed said the Ramadan fast was observed amid gruelling social, economic, political and security challenges besetting the country.

He noted that this year’s Eid is, therefore, highly significant.

“While the Eid should be marked by the usual fanfare and merriment, the more enduring positive impact should be demonstrated in our utterances and actions.

“In the way, we relate with Allah (SWT), our fellow Muslim faithful, adherents of other faith, and our willingness to emulate Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) by sacrificing for others, particularly the less privileged in our society.

“As a government, we will not relent in our drive to ensure continuous peaceful co-existence among the heterogeneous ethnic and religious groups in the state.

“I appeal for your continued understanding, cooperation and support towards the realisation of this noble objective.

“Let me reassure you that we are mindful of the economic difficulties being experienced by the people of the state, which is a national problem.

“While the government is doing everything possible to ameliorate the situation through various strategies such as targeted empowerment, massive infrastructural development, creation of an investment-friendly environment and capacity building.

“I urge you to see it as a temporary setback,” he said.

The Benue State Government has earmarked N1.5 billion for the construction of Tse Gbinde-Fada-Wergba Road in Saghev Council Ward in the Guma Local Government Area.

The road links Guma and Logo local government areas of the state.

Governor Samuel Ortom made this known yesterday when he flagged off the construction of the road at Tse Utam.

The governor stated that the road, which covers 39 kilometres, has five major bridges, several box culverts as well as rings and pipe culverts.

He said the government has to cough out the amount despite the paucity of funds because of the desire of his administration to open up rural roads to enhance the security and economic well-being of the people.

Governor Ortom assured that the road together with the Tomatar-Agenke-Tse Ginde Road, which had earlier been flagged off covered 93 kilometres and would be completed and inaugurated before the end of his administration’s tenure.

He advised the people to take ownership of the projects in their domains by ensuring that they support the contractor and protect the equipment as well as materials from being stolen.

The Contractor, Michael Vaatia expressed appreciation to Governor Ortom for his deliberate policy of encouraging indigenous contractors. He assured him that he would execute the project according to specifications.

The President-General Saghev Development Association, SDA Mr Amande Tsea said the people would not forget in a hurry what the governor has done for them by undertaking the construction of the road.

The governor later inaugurated the health facility built at Tse Tseen by the Victim Support Fund, in conjunction with the Benue State Government.

The Director-General of the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) in Kuru, Jos Prof. Ayo Omotayo has lamented the dilapidation of schools in the Kuru Community of Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State. He, therefore, called for concerted efforts to redeem the pathetic situation.

The visit to the five secondary schools, according to a statement, the NIPSS D-G said: “The familiarisation visit was part of his commitment to educational development. He urged the government to rehabilitate the dilapidated schools in those communities.

The schools visited were Government Science Secondary School, Kuru; Government Science Technical College, Bukuru; Government Secondary School, Hwak Kuru; Government Secondary School, Kanadap; and Berom Community Secondary, Kuru.

Omotayo pointed out that quality education is key to the growth and development of the students who are future leaders.

He said all hands needed to be on deck to ensure that the students get the quality education they deserve.

He further pointed out the need for clean water in the schools; having noted that these schools lack potable water.

He said water sanitation and health (WASH) is very crucial to these schools.

He said the NIPSS will do everything possible to ensure that the schools have access to WASH and quality education.

At the Government Science and Technical College Bukuru, the Director-General lamented the level of dilapidation of machines and equipment in the school’s workshops, saying that it will affect students’ performance academically since the equipment are for practical purposes.

He called on the state government to look into the plight of the college and address these issues accordingly.

The Director-General was excited when he visited Government Science School Kuru, where he said it is one of the most well-kept schools in the course of his visit.

He congratulated and encouraged the management of the school and challenged them to do more.

The Director-General said doors of the National Institute will be open to all the schools, saying they could come in at all times to share ideas and seek advice from the institute.

He said he will come up with a monitoring and evaluation mechanism to ensure that these issues raised are given due attention by the ministries concerned in the state.

As the 2023 general elections draw nearer, the Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, has called on politicians to play politics by its rules.

The Etsu Nupe, who is the Chairman, the Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, made the call in Bida yesterday.

Abubakar said the call was imperative as doing otherwise would jeopardise the successful conduct of the general polls.

The monarch cautioned politicians against using vulnerable youths as political thugs.

“Such act is tantamount to destroying the future of our youths who are the future leaders of the country as well as crippling the socio-economic and democratic development of our nation,” he said.

The Etsu Nupe, however, advised politicians to focus on germane issues rather than dwelling on campaigns of calumny against one another.

He urged politicians to be busy showing Nigerians the template of what they have for them in stock instead of politics of rancour and rife.

Similarly, he called on Muslims and other Nigerians to pray for the peaceful conduct of the 2023 general elections.

“I call on Nigerians to elect God-fearing leaders during the 2023 elections while I pray that we shall have a peaceful, credible, free, and fair election in 2023.

“I am confident that 2023 elections will usher the country into economic boom and curb security challenges that are currently bedevilling some parts of the country,” he said.

Alhaji Abubakar appealed for intensified prayers by the Muslim Ummah and adherents of other religions in the country for God’s intervention in security challenges bedevilling the country.

The monarch, while congratulating Muslims on the successful completion of the Ramadan fast, emphasised the need for love for one another and support for the less privileged in the society.

He enjoined Muslims to reflect on the lessons of Ramadan and pray for the nation to overcome the fight against banditry, kidnapping, terrorism and other challenges.

“I sincerely appeal to Muslims to seize this opportunity to offer special prayers for the unity, progress and prosperity of Nigeria so that the country may overcome its recurring myriad of challenges,” he said.

The monarch urged the Muslim faithful to continue to pray to God to assist President Muhammadu Buhari and other elected and appointed leaders to overcome current challenges in the nation.

Abubakar said that the Eid-el-Fitr celebration was a special period that called for sober reflections and special prayers to the Almighty Allah for Nigerian leaders at all levels.

The traditional ruler also called on parents to ensure proper upbringing of their children by sending them to school, to acquire both western and Islamic education.

He said that children were special gifts from God and should be brought up in a Godly manner, to enable them to contribute positively to society.

Abubakar also called on parents and guardians to educate their children for their maximum benefit and nation-building.

Etsu Nupe said the importance of education to societal development could not be over-emphasised and urged parents to see education as the best legacy to bequeath them.

”I urge you to send your children to school as a benefit of education cannot be over-emphasised,” he said.