The Nation Newspaper

Category: Northern Reports

  • Group assists 1,000 Jigawa cholera victims

    Group assists 1,000 Jigawa cholera victims

    No fewer than 1,000 households who survived the cholera epidemic in 10 local government areas of Jigawa State have received assistance from Save the Children International (SCI), a non-governmental organisation (NGO).

    This was disclosed by the leader of the Birninkudu local cholera response team, Malam Bello Abdulkareem who is also the local council’s Health Education Officer.

    He said the NGO has assisted 10 local government areas of Jigawa State which have a high record of cholera cases and death during the last cholera outbreak in the state.

    Abdulkareem noted that 100 cholera victims from each of the 10 local government areas received non-food and sanitary items.

    The local health education officer said, “the non-governmental organisation has supported the 10 local government areas with clinical interventions such as training of health workers and supply of medical consumables and community-based interventions.”

    He added that Save the Children International has also trained community personnel, distributed non-food items to affected families, sensitised community members to the effects of cholera and how to prevent it, water, hygiene and sanitation (WASH) in Kangere Village of Birninkudu Local Government Area.

    Abdulkareem maintained that among the items given provided for the victims of cholera in Kangare Village as interventions yesterday included disinfectants, water purifications, environmental sanitation, and rubber basins.

    The team leader stated that “the SCI is also training community structures in the 10 council areas to be Ward Development Committee (WDC) members, Community Key Informants (CKIs), Jakada Lafiya, WASHCOM, as well as Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) in the selected areas.

    He further disclosed that “all that is in addition to the training of 150 people across 30 communities in 10 council areas in the state. The training was facilitated by the local government areas cholera response team, which was earlier trained by Save the Children in Kano.

    “Before then, 30 health workers were trained by Save the Children International on cholera management and response from the 10 selected council areas, which were supported to conduct step-down training to more health workers in their council areas.”

  • Police ban sale of fireworks

    Police ban sale of fireworks

    The Commissioner of Police for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Babaji Sunday, yesterday said sale and use of all kinds of fireworks, fire-crackers and knockouts in Abuja has been prohibited.

    Sunday warned that anyone who violates the order would be arrested and brought to justice.

    According to a statement issued by the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Josephine Adeh, the order is part of a proactive move by the police to sustain the relative peace in the FCT and adequately contain crimes and criminality, particularly ones peculiar to the end of the year and the Christmas and New Year festivities.

    The CP further explained that the use of knockouts and others, aside from constituting nuisance and disturbance of public peace, is also capable of causing unnecessary fear and apprehension and other dangers associated with its usage in the harmattan period.

    The CP said: “This is in addition to the possibility of providing an escape space for criminals after the commission of a crime.

    “To this end, the CP has ordered all Divisional Police Officers and Heads of Police Units within the FCT to carry out due enforcement of the ban and ensure that anyone who violates the order is arrested and brought to book.

    “The CP equally called on parents and guardians to impress on their children and wards to desist from the sales and use of fireworks, firecrackers, knockouts, others as the ban is in the best interest of all.

    “He warned persons trading in these banned items to seek alternative but legal ventures noting that in the FCT, it will not be business as usual.

    “The CP, while enjoining the people of FCT to be more vigilant and security conscious and promptly report any suspicious activity within their locality via the commands emergency numbers 08032003913, 08061581938, 07057337653 and 08028940883, also reassured that the police remain committed to the safety, security and peaceful co-existence of all residents in the Capital.”

  • ‘Pageant to address indecent dressing’

    ‘Pageant to address indecent dressing’

    The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) said the ongoing Miss Africa Pageant will further unite Africa, discourage indecent dress culture and promote tourism.

    To this end, over 61 delegates from different African countries have arrived in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, to participate in the Miss Africa Pageant.

    Receiving the delegates at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja, the Secretary of FCT Social Development Secretariat, Mrs Hadiza Kabir, explained that the essence of the pageant was to discourage indecent dressing culture and to promote and use it as a showcase for the Federal Capital Territory’s tourism potential.

    Represented by the Director, Administration and Finance of the secretariat, Dr Kevin Ike, the Secretary stated that the event was a social integration programme with the theme: “Uniting Africa, Discouraging Indecent Dress Culture, Promoting Tourism and Empowering the Africa Women.”

    She also said other objectives of the event was to bring the youth of Africa to interact with the youth in the FCT in order to champion youth empowerment, employment generation, wealth creation and value reorientation.

    Read Also: Is uniform way out of indecent dressing on campus?

    According to a statement yesterday by the Special Assistant Media to the FCT Minister of State, Austine Elemue, Mrs Kabir said: “It is the 9th edition of the pageant. The delegates are going to be in Abuja in the next 14 days. And the essence is black integration. The Federal Capital Territory Minister of State, Dr Ramatu Aliyu, is a social engineer.

    “The Minister decided to bring Africans together, especially the youth in order to make Abuja the real melting point of social integration in Africa and to send a strong message to the world that beauty does not lie in nude dressing.

    “We are just coming out of COVID-19 pandemic and most people in Africa are afraid to talk and relate to themselves, especially among the youth.”

    Miss University, African Nigeria, Ajoke Ajoke, said the programme was geared towards preventing rape and violence against women as well as promoting women’s empowerment.

    “We are all here because of Miss University Africa, a pageant that helps to deal with rape and violence against women and promote women empowerment. So, welcome to all the African countries coming to Nigeria for the first time for the pageant,” she said.

    Also, Miss Uwimana Dative, a delegate from Burundi, said the event would be of benefit to her as she will learn more from other delegates across Africa about their cultures.

  • Youths urged to be active in politics

    Youths urged to be active in politics

    The Director of Finance and Account, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Universal Basic Education Board (UBEB), Alhaji Ibrahim Sabo, has advised the youth to toe the line of virtue in order to attain greatness.

    Alhaji Sabo said the youth should shed the toga of being used mostly as ballot box snatchers and political thugs by politicians and concentrate on effectively participating in politics to gain political office and so make the necessary impact they crave.

    He gave the advice during a chat with reporters when receiving an award as the Aluta Public Servant of 2021, in Abuja.

    He insisted that the youth are ready for political office.

    Read Also: Youths urge Buhari not to rush NDDC report

    He said: “The youth are always ready. Don’t start looking at youths as that category of people in society who do not have the capacity. But if you don’t give the youth the opportunity to participate, you will not know that they have the capacity to be able to effectively participate in politics.

    “The youth need to gear up and participate in politics.”

    Alhaji Sabo urged youths to shun evil, embrace virtue, work hard so as to succeed in life.

    Alhaji Sabo said the honour done him was a call for more contributions to national growth and development.

    He said: “This award as much as I appreciate it, is not an award that for now, you begin to raise your shoulder. It’s an honour that humbles one. This award will ensure that one puts in more efforts and ensure that one does one’s best wherever one finds oneself.”

  • People living with HIV seek end to inequality

    People living with HIV seek end to inequality

    The Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria (NEPWHAN) has called on the governments at all levels and other relevant stakeholders to address the issue of inequality because it infringes on their fundamental human rights.

    While noting that discrimination and stigmatisation affect people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV), they stress that inequality in homes, workplace, and their communities, remains a major challenge, not only to the PLHIV but also to the country as it is a stumbling block to her achieving universal health coverage (UHC).

    They further disclosed that for the country to be able to control and eliminate the spread of HIV, the issue of providing equal opportunities for all must be addressed.

    The National Coordinator of NEPWHAN, Abdulkadir Ibrahim disclosed this in Abuja during a briefing and candlelight memorial event in commemoration of this year’s World AIDS Day whose theme was: “End Inequalities. End AIDS.”

    Read Also: Nigeria highest producer of HIV positive children globally, says UNAIDS

    Represented by the National Secretary of NEPWHAN, Emmanuel Clifford, he said:  “If we must take our responsibility to the next level, we must address the challenges of HIV/AIDS-related discrimination and strengthen the health care system and social safety net from the roots, to set up a robust network for the vulnerable population. Discrimination has adverse consequences on the realisation of human rights.

    “People living with HIV/AIDS currently experience a lot of inequalities in different walks and aspects of life. We need to know that the chance of the infected person who is consistently on treatment transmitting the virus to the one not infected does not exist. Also, couples with HIV can still have children without HIV.

    “We also notice inequality in the workplace policy. A person’s HIV positive status should not be a reason to terminate the employment of the member of staff.

    It is also very important that all Nigerian knows their HIV statuses, and if found positive, they should be placed on treatment. Doing this as a country will help in curbing the spread of the virus.”

  • Buhari, Bello, North’s Speakers, ACF mourn Wushishi

    Buhari, Bello, North’s Speakers, ACF mourn Wushishi

    By Bolaji Ogundele, Abuja and AbdulGafar Alabelewe, Kaduna

    President Muhammadu Buhari, Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, Speakers of the 19 northern Houses of Assembly and the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) have mourned a former Chief of Army Staff (COAS), General Mohammed Inuwa Wushishi.

    The late Army Chief was born on January 1, 1940 and died on December 4, 2021.

    President Buhari described the death as the sad loss of “a thoroughbred professional soldier, an officer and a gentleman whose contributions to the fatherland are immeasurable”.

    In a statement yesterday in Abuja by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu, the President said: “General Wushishi had a distinguished military career and we are proud of his impressive service to the country.

    “General Wushishi was an epitome of discipline and dedication to service, and he was a role model for both the officers and the rank and file.”

    The President condoled with the family of the deceased, the Nigerian Army, as well as the government and people of Niger State.

    In a condolence message by his Chief Press Secretary, Onogwu Muhammed, Governor Bello said:

    “General Wushishi is no doubt one of the gallant and thoroughbred officers who had served this country with patriotic zeal all through his military career until he rose to become the Chief of Army Staff before retiring from service to the fatherland.”

    The North’s Houses of Assembly, which sent a condolence message through their Chairman, the ad Kaduna State House of Assembly Speaker Yusuf Ibrahim Zailani, said: “We have lost a rare gem who committed his lifetime to the unity of our dear country Nigeria.”

    In a condolence message by its Publicity Secretary, Emmanuel Yawe, the ACF said: “…With his death, Nigeria has lost yet another exemplary patriot and pillar of strength. His death means the number of those who selflessly sacrificed their lives to keep Nigeria one is fast depleting…

    “The forum prays that the good Lord may forgive his shortcomings and reward his good deeds.”

  • ‘Niger vital to Nigeria’s growth, development’

    ‘Niger vital to Nigeria’s growth, development’

    Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo has disclosed that between July and September this year, agriculture has contributed about 30 per cent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

    He also said Niger State is crucial in engendering rapid growth and development in the country.

    Osinbajo spoke in Bida during the turbaning ceremony of four people in Bida Emirate where he said that with its vast land, Niger State has contributed immensely to the agricultural revolution of the Buhari administration.

    “Nupe land with its vast farmlands and extensive farming activities is crucial to delivering this figure.

    “This administration also understands the importance of ensuring that all Nigerians have  a sustainable living standard and we must ensure that all are gainfully employed in legitimate economic activities,” he said.

    He said this is the reason the Federal Executive Council (FEC) had to approve the reconstruction of some of the federal roads in Niger State out of the nine roads selected in the Northcentral geopolitical zone.

    Read Also: How we’re funding, improving armed forces – Osinbajo

    He commended the Etsu Nupe and Chairman of Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar for sustaining the rich cultural heritage of Nupe land and its unity. He described the monarch as a quintessential leader and a rallying point to all Nupe people.

    Niger State Governor, Abubakar Sani Bello attributed the co-operation and support of the traditional rulers in the state to the effort of the Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar who is the Chairman of the Council of Traditional Rulers in the state.

    The Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar appreciated President Muhammadu Buhari for approving the reconstruction of some roads across the state, saying that the roads when completed, will end the hardship road users are going through.

    Those turbaned included the member, House of Representatives, Bida, Gbako, Katcha Federal Constituency, Saidu Musa Abdullahi as the Gwarzon Nupe, the member Niger State House of Assembly representing Bida North, Bako Alfa Kasimu as the Zaran Nupe.

    Others are the member representing Bida South Constituency, Mohammed Alhaji Haruna as Dan Turaki Nupe and the Chairman of Bida Local Government Area, Suleiman Sheshi as the Maina Nupe.

    The Vice-President was conferred with the traditional title of Garkuwan Yamman Nupe which means “Defender of Nupe Kingdom”  by the Etsu Nupe.

  • Masari pledges potable water supply, healthy environment

    Masari pledges potable water supply, healthy environment

    Katsina State Governor Aminu Masari has assured residents that they would soon begin to enjoy a constant supply of potable water in their homes, and in public places.

    Masari, who gave the assurance when he visited the Ajiwa Water Treatment Plant to inspect ongoing upgrade and rehabilitation work aimed at boosting water supply in the state.

    He further regretted that the treatment plant, which was constructed in the 1970s, was producing at low capacity due to ageing and disrepair of the equipment plant.

    Read Also; Masari: FG’s ranching in Rugu forest can tackle rustling and banditry in Katsina

    He said: ”Contract for repair and overhaul of equipment at the plant, which cost the government more than N1.5 billion, had since been awarded, and part of the contract had reached an advanced stage of completion.

    He assured of his administration’s commitment to providing potable water for more communities across the state, including expanding the plant’s capacity to provide water for more communities outside the state capital.

  • Aisha Buhari, Alade, Mrs. Abdulrazaq for Kwara summit

    Aisha Buhari, Alade, Mrs. Abdulrazaq for Kwara summit

    Women from various walks of life will on Tuesday converge on Ilorin, the Kwara state capital for a women conference.

    The State Government is hosting a conference that is meant to acknowledge the roles and contributions of women in the development of the State.

    The theme of the conference is ‘cracking the glass ceiling: the story of Kwara women.’

    The conference will feature prominent women from within and outside of the State who would speak to the strides of the female folks, highlight their concerns, and discuss the way to mainstream gender inclusion within the state’s socioeconomic and political milieu and beyond.

    Expected at the events are First Lady Mrs Aisha Buhari; Kwara First Lady Ambassador Olufolake Abdulrazaq and her colleagues from Nigeria’s First Ladies’ Forum; Ministers of Women Affairs and Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management Dame Pauline Tallen and Sadiya Umar Farouq respectively; Special Adviser to the President on Economic Matters Dr Sarah Alade; former presidential candidate Sarah Jubril; and business tycoon Hajia Bola Shagaya.

    The event will also be attended by prominent serving and retired public officers/civil servants, including former Chief Judge of Kwara State Justice Raliat Elelu-Habeeb; former Deputy Vice-Chancellor of University of Ilorin Prof. Sidikat Ijaiya; and dozens of other female eggheads and entrepreneurs.

    READ ALSO: APC youths hail Tinubu’s move to end Kwara APC crisis

    The programme will be keynoted by former chairman of First Bank of Nigeria and businesswoman Ibukun Awosika; Alade; Jubril; Elelu; United Nation’s Amina Mohammed; and National Missioner of the Ansaru-Ud-Deen Islamic Society of Nigeria Sheikh Abdulrahman Ahmad; among other prominent personalities.

    Merit Awards will also be given to Kwara female achievers and initiatives.

    “This programme — Cracking the Glass Ceiling: the story of Kwara Women — serves to acknowledge and appreciate the huge contributions women make to our community, as well as encourage the Kwara girl child,” according to a statement from the planning committee.

    “The event is another in the series of the Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq administration’s efforts to mainstream gender parity, empower women, and build a society that truly gives everyone a fair chance.”

  • Jigawa court sentences man to death by hanging, another to life imprisonment

    Jigawa court sentences man to death by hanging, another to life imprisonment

    A Jigawa State High Court in Hadejia has sentenced one Magaji Husseini Lushe of Rigar Didi Lamido in KiriKaksamma Local Government Area to death by hanging.

    Delivering the judgement on Friday, the presiding judge, Justice Ado Yusuf Birnin Kudu, said Magaji Husseini Lushe was convicted and sentenced to death for killing his uncle Muhammad Alhaji Amadu with a sharp knife.

    Justice Ado Yusuf said the offence was contrary to section 221 of the Penal Code law of 2014 as amended.

    Read Also: Court remands two over alleged kidnap of nonagenarian in Enugu

    The convict confessed to the court that he deliberately committed the offence under influence of hard drugs.

    Similarly, Justice Ado Yusuf has sentenced one Sa`idu Zakar Hadejia to life imprisonment for raping an eleven year old girl.

    During his trial, the convict confessed to committing the offence, corroborating the account of the prosecution witness. Delivering Judgment, Justice Ado Yusuf said the court was convinced beyond reasonable doubt that Sa`idu Zakar committed the offence, which is contrary to Section 283 of the Penal Code law of 2014 as amended.