The Nation Newspaper

Category: Northern Reports

  • Lalong extends resignation date for public officers

    Lalong extends resignation date for public officers

    Plateau State Governor Bako Lalong has changed his earlier decision that all the political office holders seeking to contest any political position resign his/her position on or before January 31, 2022.

    Governor Lalong’s decision was contained in a statement dated February 23, 2022, by the Permanent Secretary Special Duty, Government House Richard Toma and made available to reporters in Jos, the Plateau State capital.

    The statement was tagged “Re: Resignation of All Political Office Holders Wishing to Contest the Forthcoming Election.”

    He further said in the circular with reference No S/SGS/A/117/Vol.1/42 of January 31, 2022, that “on the above subject matter, l wish to inform you that the earlier deadline issued to public officers to resign and contest in the 2023 general elections has been extended to March 31, 2022, and not January 31, 2022, as earlier issued by the government.

  • Katsina to complete Kofar Kaura/Quaya Interchange Road

    Katsina to complete Kofar Kaura/Quaya Interchange Road

    The Katsina State Government has assured its citizens that the ongoing Kofar Kaura/Quaya Interchange Road project will be completed before the expiration of the tenure of Governor Aminu Bello Masari’s administration as scheduled.

    The Commissioner for Works, Housing and Transportation, Alhaji Tasiur Dandagoro, who stated this yesterday in Katsina while inspecting the project, said the state government is impressed with the level of progress recorded on the project by the contractor.

    He added that the government remained optimistic on the timely completion of the project.

    He said: “Two interchange road projects were launched by Governor Masari on November 25 2021. So, my visit now is not for another flag off but to access the performance of the contractor and how far they have gone.”

    The commissioner also said that alternative routes were provided for the motorists so as to ease movement and logistics.

    The contractor handling the project Sadiq Awakd assured the government and people of the state that the interchange project will be completed ahead of schedule; he also requested them to bear the inconveniences they are already experiencing.

  • Osinbajo inaugurates development projects in Maiduguri

    Osinbajo inaugurates development projects in Maiduguri

    Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo yesterday inaugurated projects executed by the Borno State Government in Maiduguri.

    Some of the projects that were inaugurated included a complex with 78 shops, meant to be allocated to operators of small and medium-scale enterprises in Maiduguri, the state capital.

    Others were the newly constructed doctors’ quarters along the Airport Road in Maiduguri.

    The doctors’ quarters were designed with 78 units of three bedrooms and 13 blocks of two-storey buildings each comprising six blocks apartments.

    The Vice-President also interacted with Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) operators at the Maiduguri GSM Market.

    Osinbajo also reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to empower businesses and encourage the development of SMEs in the country.

    The Vice-President was accompanied on the visit by Ministers of State for Industry, Trade and Investment and Agriculture, Ambassador Maryam Katagum and Baba Shehuri as well as some members of the National Assembly.

    Also, yesterday, the one-day state in work visit of Vice-President, Prof. Osinbajo to Borno yesterday assumed a different dimension.

  • Igbo group condemns killing of Northern traders in Abia

    Igbo group condemns killing of Northern traders in Abia

    A group, Igbo for a Progressive and United Nationhood (IPAN), has condemned the gruesome murder of northern traders and their cows in Abia State.

    It urged Igbo leaders, especially those eyeing the presidential seat next year, to speak out and stop pretending for their egocentric reasons.

    Gunmen had invaded the New Cattle Market at Omumauzor in Ukwa West Local Government Area of Abia State, killing eight traders from the North and slaughtering over 20 cows.

    The National President of the group, Lawrence Onuzulike, described the act as barbaric and heartless, urging the state and Federal Governments to ensure that the culprits were prosecuted.

    He implored northerners to be patient and not to retaliate, stressing that the acts were carried out by uninformed people bent on bringing calamity against the Igbo in the North.

    Onuzulike said: “IPAN wonders why Igbo leaders, especially those aspiring to become president of Nigeria, are not condemning these savage acts.

    “Are Ndigbo comfortable with the current situation of things in the Southeast? What are our Igbo leaders doing?

    “We are trying so hard to understand what exactly some of the Igbo leaders are benefitting from the current situation of things in the Southeast.

    “No doubt, their actions and inactions led us to where we are today, and their silence in the face of these calamities is disturbing. We urge them to speak up.

    “To Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, we must stress that this is not the time to just condemn the barbaric act, but time to act and get the killers apprehended.”

  • Foundation donates materials to orphanages

    Foundation donates materials to orphanages

    The Yiman Utoo Foundation (YUF), a non-governmental organisation (NGO), has donated assorted relief materials to two orphanage homes in Makurdi.

    The two orphanage homes that benefitted from the gesture were Tivid Orphanage Home and Gidan Bege Orphanage Home; all in Makurdi, Benue state capital.

    While presenting the items to the homes, the President of the foundation Prof. James Apam, represented by Mrs Felicia Hwande, stated that it was their modest contribution to humanity. He urged other well-to-do individuals to support the less privileged in society.

    He commended the management of the orphanage homes for taking good care of the inmates.

    Chairman, Board of Trustees of the foundation Samuel Utoo, represented Mrs Shiva-Rae Kondoun, who spoke separately at the two orphanage homes, said the foundation was to commemorate the 18th posthumous birthday anniversary of Yiman Utoo, who died at a relatively young age but lived a life of charity.

    Dr Tyotyom Keghku said the late Yiman Utoo, whom the foundation is named after, was the only child of Mr and Mrs Lydia Utoo, who died of colon cancer at the age of 26, but loved putting smiles on the faces of people.

    Pastor Jessey Liman and Mary Paul for Gidan Bege and Tivid orphanage homes praised the foundation for the gesture towards their orphanage homes.

  • Sokoto procures surveillance equipment for SSS

    Sokoto procures surveillance equipment for SSS

    Sokoto State Government has assured the State Command of the State Security Service (SSS) that it will soon take possession of a surveillance equipment to facilitate its operations in bandits prone areas and criminal hideouts.

    Gov. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal made this known when he attended the presentation of long service awards to operatives of the SSS by the Director -General of the Service in the state at the command’s precinct in the state capital.

    Tambuwal, who also appealed to the Federal Government “to improve on the welfare and wellbeing of our security personnel,” said: “SPZ machine is on its way and we will continue to reach out to agencies of the Federal Government and leadership of organizations and even those of individuals that can support the Services, so that we can continue to support you.

    “We don’t have to procure the equipment ourselves. The procurement can be done by you. We can process it and have all the equipment that you require to enhance and improve the Services.

    “We will not rest. We are not tired. There was hardly anytime we were approached by the Service or any security service in the state requesting for our help that we fall its hand. No. Your government, the government of Sokoto state, has been doing everything humanly possible to support this Services,” he added.

    Reiterating that government commitment to the welfare and work conditions of security operatives “is not too much” but “very high and heavy,” the Governor offered that “I think we cannot do anything without a safe and secure Nigeria.”

    “That being the case, those at the frontline should receive every attention that they deserve,” he further added.

    He also commended the top management of the SSS for the awards initiative, “which is clearly aimed at inspiring members of the Service to do more. Appreciating those who have done well will naturally elicit those in the Service to more and become even more committed.

    “What you do for us is very important and must not be taken for granted. So, on behalf of people of Sokoto state I commend members of this Service and other security services in the state for all of their efforts over the years, particularly in the last five years that have been very troubling and trying moments in the history of this state.

    “We have not had, since the advent of modern Sokoto state, a period that has witnessed lots of security challenges like the last five years. And, members of this Service of this Command have been deeply involved in doing their best; and giving their lives, making all the sacrifices for us to stem the tide, along with other security services in the state.”

    He gave the state Director of SSS, Alhaji Yahaya A. Hassan (fsi), kudos, saying “since he assumed office, he has been hands-on in constant touch with me and other heads of security agencies, providing intelligence, guiding them and sometimes getting directly involved in operations. It has been quite remarkable.

    “I congratulate the eight officers (awardees) for the recognition and awards. This should spur you to do more. You must not rest on your oars. Please, this should serve as more impetus for you to do more in the service of your country,” he emphasized.

    On his Chief Security Officer (CSO), Mallam Aminu Muhammad Musa, who was among the awardees, Gov. Tambuwal observed that: “for the 21 years he has been in the Service, by June this year, he will be 11 years with me.

    “I am sure, for those of you who know me, you know that it is not easy to work with me. I know the complaints around. For someone to work with me, day-in, day-out, no Sunday, no Friday; and, wherever I am, and, for me not to seek for his redeployment as my CSO, from the turbulent times when I was Speaker of the House of Representatives till this moment, you shi know that that officer is an officer worth being called an officer.

    “I single out Mallam Aminu Musa for recognition and I congratulate you for this award for Service by the DG SSS. I pray that God Almighty shall continue to guide you and protect you,” he prayed.

    Acceding to the Command’s request for a befitting clinic, canteen and gym, Gov. Tambuwal said: “We can’t thank you enough for what you have been doing for Sokoto state. I appeal to members of your families to continue to show understanding,” he urged, noting that “no sacrifice is too great for one’s own country.

    He called on the operatives to dedicate more time to their families at the slightest opportunity they have and pray for God’s guidance in the rest of their lives.

  • Lake Chad: 40m lives at risk over water depletion

    Lake Chad: 40m lives at risk over water depletion

    The Federal Government yesterday, expressed concern over the 40 million livelihoods threatened by the depletion of water resources in the Lake Chad region. It urged international finance institutions and other stakeholders to help in halting the threat.

    The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development Hajiya Sadiya Umar Farouq, said the outrageous narrative in the Lake Chad region made it imperative for concerned institutions and stakeholders to save lives and means of livelihoods within the region.

    She appealed to the World Bank, the United Nations, Africa Development Bank, other international institutions and non-governmental organisations for continuous interventions.

    The minister made the remarks at Fraser Suites,  Abuja,  during the inauguration of the Multi-sectoral Crisis Recovery Project (MCRP) Additional Financing organised by the Northeast Development Commission (NEDC).

    She said besides the Lake Chad challenges, states in the Northeast ravaged by the Boko Haram insurgents group needed to be pulled on the path of speedy recovery in terms of education, health, farming, water, sanitation, food security and other economic activities.

    She expressed her satisfaction with the implementation of the phases of recovery projects as encapsulated in the 2017 Federal Government, Adamawa, Bono and Yobe states multi-sectoral recovery documents which started with about 200 million dollars.

    The minister added that the projects, which were being financed by the World Bank, required the launch of additional financing to ensure the consolidation of the recovery programmes in the affected region and states.

    Hajiya Farouq said: “This project was designed within the framework of the Federal Government’s commitment for continued support to the Borno, Adamawa and Yobe (BAY) states by providing humanitarian and long-term economic recovery.

  • Attah Igala Matthew Ogwuche loses brother

    Attah Igala Matthew Ogwuche loses brother

    Prince Samuel Ogwuche-Akpa, the elder brother of the new Attah of Igala, is dead.

    He died in his sleep in the early hours of Tuesday, February 22, at his residence in Idah Town in Idah Local Government Area of Kogi State.

    The Attah Igala, Matthew Opaluwa-Ogwuche II, has confirmed his brother’s death.

    “I lost my elder brother, Samuel Opaluwa Oguche-Akpa, in the early hours of today (Tuesday). May his soul rest in peace,” he said.

    A family member, Mr James Faruna-Opaluwa, also confirmed the death to reporters in a telephone chat.

    Faruna-Opaluwa, who expressed shock, described his brother’s death as “very shocking and sad.”

  • Honour for outstanding film industry women

    Honour for outstanding film industry women

    The Girls’ Voices Initiative, a non-governmental organisation (NGO), in partnership with the French Embassy’s PISCCA Programme, will honour deserving individuals and professionals in the country. This, the group said, is part of efforts to recognise and celebrate the immense contributions of women to the film industry.

    In collaboration with other partners, including TS TV Africa, the Congo Embassy, Zenith Bank Plc, Aero Contractors, the non-governmental organisation will host the Women’s International Film Festival Nigeria (WIFFEN) between March 4  and 5  in Abuja.

    The Festival Director, Carolyn Seaman, stressed that the maiden edition of the awards, aside from applying the highest ethical and professional standards in selecting the award recipients out of over 3,000 films submission from over 130 countries, will also present a programme curated to female filmmakers and other stakeholders in Nigeria and around the world.

    The global recognition of outstanding filmmakers in 16 award categories will include: Best Picture, Best Director, Best Short, Best Animation Short, Best Student Film, Best Child Actress and much more.

    “On the 5th of March 2022, the second day of the festival will host a few festival activities and present the WIFFEN Awards Ceremony at the Executive Hall at the Abuja International Conference Centre – a grand celebration of female filmmakers to mark the International Women’s Day and Women’s Month.

    “The Women’s International Film Festival Nigeria (WIFFEN) Jury members are appointed by the Festival Committee. The premier edition comprises five Jury members from France, South Africa, Canada, and Nigeria. The Jury has reviewed the films – features, animations, shorts, and documentaries – that are in competition and announce the winners of the WIFFEN Award together with the Festival Committee.

    “The goal of the award is to celebrate outstanding women in the film industry and to raise awareness and inspire film standards for female filmmakers. This year’s event will present award trophies to the winners (or their representatives) in 16 award categories,” she said.

  • Adamawa College students to pay N4,500 rehabilitation levy

    Adamawa College students to pay N4,500 rehabilitation levy

    Students of the Adamawa College of Education in Hong, have been levied N4,500 each to rehabilitate school structures that they destroyed following a demonstration late last year.

    The students had embarked on what became a destructive demonstration in November last year to protest an increase in school fees, among other complaints.

    The college was shut down immediately in what the management described as unrest, but the management has now announced a phased reopening of the college and the N4, 500 rehabilitation levies.

    A notice from the Office of the Registrar of the college, seen by our correspondent yesterday, showed that NCE III students are to resume today and to continue on March 1 the examination that they were at when the unrest occurred.

    Signed by the Registrar, Alhaji Shuaibu Ahiwa, the notice directed NCE II students to resume on March 7 and to continue their examination on March 9, and NCE I and Pre-NCE students to resume on March 14 and continue their examination on March 16.

    “All students are to pay N4, 500 for damages caused during the demonstration,” the notice from the Registrar said.

    The Registrar warned that no student would be allowed to sit the re-scheduled examinations without evidence of having paid the N4, 500.

    “All students must fill an undertaking form at the Students Affairs Unit promising to abide by the college rules and regulations,” the registrar directed.