The Nation Newspaper

Category: Northern Reports

  • Tor Tiv: fairness, equity, inclusiveness bedrock for sustaining peace

    Tor Tiv: fairness, equity, inclusiveness bedrock for sustaining peace

    By Bisi Olaniyi, Benin and Uja Emmanuel, Makurdi

    The newly-installed 10th substantive Chancellor of the University of Benin (UNIBEN), Prof. James Ortese Lorzua Ayatse, the Tor Tiv, has said fairness, equity and inclusiveness are the bedrock for sustaining peace.

    He said that character and learning were required for success in all spheres of life.

    The first-class monarch spoke yesterday at his installation as the chancellor and the launch of 421-page golden jubilee book entitled: “Fifty Years of the University of Benin: 1970-2020”, at the Indoor Sports Hall of the university, as part of activities to mark the 46th and 47th convocation, 51st Founders’ Day and golden jubilee award ceremonies.

    The event was also attended by the Deputy Governor of Benue State, Benson Abounu, who represented the Governor, Samuel Ortom, a former governor of Delta State, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, who was the chief presenter of the book, and a renowned hotelier, Chief Felix Akiga.

    UNIBEN’s Pro-Chancellor and the Chairman of the Governing Council, Dr. Sonny Kuku, and his counterpart from Benue State University, Makurdi, Chief Sebastine Tar Hon, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), among other personalities, equally attended the event.

    Tor Tiv, a two-time Vice- Chancellor of two federal universities and Chancellor of a state university, who was also conferred with honorary Doctor of Science degree at the event, said: “I am indeed grateful to His Excellency, President  Muhammadu Buhari, for finding me worthy and entrusting me with the responsibility as the number one official of such a reputable ivory tower.”

  • Group urges Buhari to sign community policing bill

    Group urges Buhari to sign community policing bill

    Following the rate of insecurity in the country, the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN) yesterday urged President Muhammadu Buhari to sign the Bill for National Community Policing and Vigilante Protection Corps into law.

    When signed into law, VGN said the document would mainstream community policing in the country’s security architecture, and give its members greater room for participation in the fight against insecurity.

    Commending the National Assembly for the swift consideration and passage of the bill, VGN’s Commandant-General, Navy Captain Umar Bakori (rtd), described the proposed law as a piece of legislation that conforms to global norms and standards.

    Bakori, who briefed reporters in Abuja said: “The aim of interaction is to appeal to President Muhammadu Buhari, to give his accent and sign this bill into law.

    “From the Northeast and Northwest where Boko Haram terrorism, kidnapping and cattle rustling is common to the Northcentral with kidnapping and banditry, Southsouth, Southeast and Southwest where kidnappings, street gangsters, cultism and other forms of criminality are prevalent, the Vigilante Group has consistently played a complementary role and provided the much-needed intelligence backbone to the police and the Nigerian Armed Forces.

  • Group makes case for Abuja-Lokoja-Benue-Enugu road

    Group makes case for Abuja-Lokoja-Benue-Enugu road

    The Coalition of Southeast Youth Leaders (COSEYL) yesterday called on the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency on Abuja- Lokoja-Benue-Enugu Road, Kogi-Onitsha Road, Onitsha-Enugu Express roads, including other bad roads in the Southeast.

    The group, through its President-General, Goodluck Ibem, described these federal roads as deathtraps said it had led to the untimely deaths of so many Nigerians and loss of several investments.

    “About 90 per cent of haulage of heavy goods is by road transport. The bad roads have seriously affected economic activities in the country with heavy losses by investors and enterprises.

    The group estimated economic losses at billions of naira, even as it called on the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency on these roads to save lives and investments.

    “We urge the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency on these critical federal roads because these roads link economic corridors between the North and Southern parts of the country.

    The deplorable state of the road from Abuja to the Southeast, through Kogi, is in a sorry state. Vehicles and trucks conveying people, food items and goods fall daily on that road.

    Those that bring in foods and other commodities from the North now find it very difficult to do so as the cost of transporting goods from the North has skyrocketed. This has pushed prices of goods in the markets beyond the reach of the poor.

    Crops produced in the rural areas get spoilt in the villages and farms because there is no means of transporting them to the markets in the urban centres as a result of the deplorable state of the roads.

    The group noted that the problem of fixing the roads from Abuja to Southeast and SouthSouth has become a matter of urgent importance.

  • 2023: Group offers to buy nomination form for Bello

    2023: Group offers to buy nomination form for Bello

    Ahead of the 2023 general elections, the presidential ambition of Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello has received a boost as a group, “Project One Nigeria in Diaspora” (POND), offers to purchase the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential nomination form for the governor.

    A statement at the weekend in Abuja by Mr Olatunji Adebanjo (President) and Dr Abdulrasheed Jajere (Secretary) also appealed to the ruling party to throw open the presidential ticket of the party to enable credible people such as Governor Bello to contest for the country’s plum position.

    Read Also; I will take over from Buhari in 2023, Yahaya Bello boasts

    POND observed that Bello’s performance and efforts at transforming Kogi State in the past six years have shown that he has unparalleled skills and knowledge of leading a complex country such as Nigeria out of the woods.

    The group said they are not sitting on the fence by only calling Governor Bello to contest for the highest office in the country but have offered to buy his nomination forms to enable him to contest on the ticket of APC.

    “We want it to go on record that we are ready to buy All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential nomination forms for Governor Yahaya Adoza Bello to run for the office of the President in 2023.

    “He has worked effectively in Kogi State for the past six years during which the state recorded enormous developments. His achievements include and are not limited to ensuring the security of life and properties, infrastructure development, and other social amenities.

  • ‘Violence against women, girls underreported’

    Ambassadors of Dialogue, Climate and Reintegration (DCR Ambassadors), a non-governmental organisation (NGO) said sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) and violence against women and girls (VAWG) is grossly underreported.

    The SGBV advocates noted that the high number of underreported cases is usually found in the rural areas where access to press and the media is almost completely not available.

    The Executive Director DCR Ambassadors, Ruth Usman disclosed this at one-day training for media reporters on “Impactful Reporting on Gender Protection and Ending Violence against Women and Girls,” which was held at the weekend in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.

    She noted that despite works of so many actors in this regard, gender-based violence (GBV) prevention and response, especially provision of case management support, psychosocial support, including media reporting and narrative writing, regretted that GBV cases remain “grossly underreported, especially in rural communities where access to media and the press is almost not possible.”

    Represented by Tarhemba Msendoo Grace, Communications and Outreach Manager DCR Ambassadors, Ruth Usman said humanitarian actors cannot relent but continue to intensify efforts to prevent and respond to the risks by ensuring that access to justice and other social services are attained in good time for the survivors.

  • Alumni donate ICT lab, 400-bed hostels to alma mater

    Alumni donate ICT lab, 400-bed hostels to alma mater

    The Federal Government College Jos Old Students’ Association has built ICT laboratories, libraries and remodelled 400-bed hostels for students of the school.

    The remodelled hostels included 200-bed space for boys and 200 for girls.

    The headteacher of the school, Mrs Victoria Pam, confirmed the projects carried out by the old students at the National Convention of FGCJOSA at the weekend in Abuja.

    She commended the old students for the giant strides towards repositioning their Alma mater.

    The headteacher said: “I am happy that the college has, over the years, churned out personalities who have carved a niche for themselves in all spheres of life in this country and abroad.”

    Mrs Pam said the college is in need of a multi-purpose hall, renovation of members of staff quarters and supply of computer systems.

    The National President of the association, Michael Magaji said FGCJOSA has executed over 25 development projects at the college.

    He said: “As students of Unity College Jos, we came from different backgrounds, brought up to appreciate Nigeria as a country, one country.

    “So, anyone who went to a federal college or any of the 110 unity schools is sensitive to the peace and unity of the country.”

  • AfDB’s $110m special agric processing zone for Kano

    AfDB’s $110m special agric processing zone for Kano

    The African Development Bank (AfDB) has voted $110 million for projects under the Special Agricultural Processing Zone in Kano State.

    The Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to Kano State Governor Abdullahi Ganduje, Mr Abba Anwar, stated this in a statement issued in Kano yesterday.

    Anwar quoted the AfDB President, Dr Akinwumi Adesina as having made the disclosure when he paid a condolence visit to the governor on the death of Alhaji Sani Dangote, the younger brother of billionaire businessman Aliko Dangote.

    In the statement, Adesina said: “In all, we are having about $563 million dedicated for our projects in various states in Nigeria.”

    “We are using $110 million for our programme on Special Agricultural Industrial Processing Zone in Kano.

    “The funds will be invested on rural roads, transport infrastructure, water and sanitation, and in agriculture to increase productivity.”

    He said that would also assist to create job opportunities for people and develop infrastructure in rural areas.

    Ganduje commended the AfDB President for the project, even as he assured him of the support and co-operation of his administration to ensure successful implementation.

    “When institutions are strengthened and individuals or groups of individuals are directly impacted, this is what we mean by genuine development,” he said.

    He also thanked the AfDB President for the condolence and for appreciating the developments recorded in the state.

    “We thank you for appreciating our modest development since we assumed office in 2015.

    “So, my dream is to promote Kano into a Mega City, which is not only a collection of the population but also, a collection of an environment where things are working, where traffic flows, where health services are excellent,” he said.

  • Police rescue Nasarawa PDP chair from kidnappers

    Police rescue Nasarawa PDP chair from kidnappers

    The Nasarawa State Police Command has revealed how the command rescued the Nasarawa South zonal chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Umar Nasiru from the hands of kidnappers.

    A statement made available to our correspondent yesterday in Lafia, signed by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) Raham Nansel said: “On November 20, 2021, at about 8:10 p.m., a distress call was received that six unidentified gunmen invaded the residence of one Umar Nasiru Black located at Bukan Kwato area of Lafia and attempted to kidnap him.

    Read Also; Seven rescued as gunmen abduct nine in Kwara

    “Upon receipt of the information, the Commissioner of Police, CP Adesina Soyemi immediately mobilised police patrol teams stationed at the area to the scene; the kidnap was foiled due to prompt intervention of the police and members of the community.

    In a bid to escape, the hoodlums hit the said Umar Nasiru Black with a stick on his forehead and shot one of his neighbours on the right leg before they escaped into the nearby bush.

    “Consequently, the victims were rushed to hospital for medical treatment and are in stable condition.

    Efforts are ongoing to arrest the fleeing suspects. The investigation is also ongoing,” he said.

  • Shonubi emerges NIQS president

    Shonubi emerges NIQS president

    A new President for the Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NIQS) has emerged.

    He is Mr. Micheal Olayemi Shonubi. He promised to entrench best practices in the administrative and governance structure of the institute.

    Shonubi, who was inaugurated the 26th president of NIQS last Saturday at the institute’s 29th biennial conference held at the International Conference Centre, Abuja, stressed the need to consolidate on the achievements of the past administrations.

    He outlined his vision to include collaboration with other professional bodies in the built environment with a view to influencing government policies and laws that affect the industry; developing strategic plans for the growth and development of the profession as well as deepening the training on ethics and ensuring that the ethics and practice monitoring committee of the institute function effectively.

     “While I believe we have a great team in this newly inaugurated NEC, I have always and still believe that it takes all of us working together to move this institute forward to achieve our desired goals and aspirations for our profession. In that respect, I will like to solicit your continuous support for the activities, which we shall be unveiling in days ahead,” he said.

    Shonubi, who until his elevation as the president of the institution was the deputy president, is a quantity surveyor of about 30 years’ experience.

    He has worked on notable projects in Nigeria, prominent among them are Union Bank PLC Head Office Building, Marina, Lagos; UBA PLC Western District Office, Ibadan;   Happy Haven Estate (21Nr Luxurious Apartments), Banana Island, Ikoyi, Lagos.   

    Others are Nampak Cartons Nig. Ltd Gravure Printing Plant, Ibadan; Rice Mill Plants for Dangote Rice Mills Ltd in Jigawa, Zamfara and Kebbi states and College of Engineering Complex for Redeemer’s University at Ede, Osun State.

    The outgoing president of the institute, Mohammed Abba Tor,  urged the government and professionals to “develop infrastructures that are environmentally friendly, economically responsive, financially attractive; that consider social factors and are institutionally sustainable.”

    Speaking about the theme: ‘Climate Change and Global Disasters: Developing Sustainable Infrastructure to Achieve Growth Amidst Declining Economic Resources’, he advised professionals in the built environment to adapt to the challenges posed by climate change.

    Others elected at the biennial election general meeting include, Kene Nzekwe,(Deputy President); Bamidele Mafimidiwo (Vice President); Secretary General (Rotimi Ojelade); Jide Olamilokun (Assistant Secretary General); Aderonke Oyelami (Secretary Marketing and Corporate Affairs) and Bolaji Shotunde (Secretary International Affairs).

    Others are Paul Anavhe Jr. (Treasurer) and Ahmed Kabir (Secretary , Professional Development and Library).

  • Coalition wants child protection bill signed into law in Sokoto

    Coalition wants child protection bill signed into law in Sokoto

    A coalition of civil societies has asked the Governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Tambuwal, to sign the ‘Child Protection Bill’ into law.

    The civil societies said the passage of the bill by the State House of Assembly was a “remarkable step in the right direction.”

    In a statement by Executive Director, YouthHubAfrica, Rotimi Olawale on Saturday in Abuja, the CSOs said the domestication of the child protection bill in Sokoto State will safeguard the rights and privileges of every Nigerian child, ensure parents and guardians fulfil their obligation to protect the child, prioritise access to education, especially for the girl-child amongst several other demands.

    The statement reads: “Following continuous and relentless advocacy efforts by YouthHubAfrica, Civil Society Organisations and concerned citizens, the passage of the ‘Child Rights Bill’ whose nomenclature was changed to the ‘Child Protection Bill’ by the State House of Assembly, is a requisite and laudable step towards the domestication of the Child Rights Act, adopted by the Federal Republic of Nigeria in 2003.

    “The domestication of the Child Protection Bill in Sokoto State will safeguard the rights and privileges of every Nigerian child, ensure parents and guardians fulfil their obligation to protect the child, prioritise access to education, especially for the girl-child amongst several other demands.

    “YouthHubAfrica is delighted to have worked with partners, Civil Society Organisations, Non-state actors, Stakeholders, and concerned citizens in the last 4 years to advocate for the passage of the Child Rights Act into law in Sokoto State. We further urge His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Sokoto state – Rt. Hon Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, to sign this bill into law speedily, to safeguard the future of every child in Sokoto State.”