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Tag: Adamawa State

  • Two Adamawa LGAs benefit from EU water supply project

    Fufore and Mubi Local Government Areas in Adamawa are to benefit from a massive water supply programme financed by the European Union, an official said on Wednesday.

    The project involves the provision of 200 safe water sources in the two local areas, provision of 340 hand pumps and 36 solar powered boreholes.

    Alhaji Halilu Mohammed, Programme Manager, Adamawa State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency ( RUWASSA ) made the disclosure in an interview with the newsmen in Abuja.

    He said that the projects would be executed under the EU Water Supply and Sanitation Sector Reform Programme III ( WSSRPP ).

    He disclosed that the programme would also provide additional 300 hand pumps, 50 solar powered boreholes and 100 VIP latrines in the state under its third phase.

    Mohammed noted the intervention was to improve access to safe drinking water, enhance sanitation and reduce maternal and infant mortality rate in the state.

    According to him, the agency has introduced community led total sanitation programme to help scale up hygiene through education and practice.

    “The provision of water without a corresponding access to sanitation would not reduce the spread of diseases, hence the provision of both at all intervention points.’’

    Mohammed said the emergency response intervention in the state was also being supported by the UNICEF.

    He added that the UNICEF intervention was in Madagali, Michika, Mubi North and South, Hong, Gumbi and Girei Local Government Areas ravaged by ravaged by insurgency.

    “The high number of Internally Displaced Persons to these areas made the agency to provide access to potable water supply and sanitation.

    Read Also: Adamawa suicide attacks tragic – Osinbajo

    Mohammed said that in spite of the efforts, paucity of funds have limited the scope of intervention by RUWASSA.

    “Nevertheless, the government is trying, but we could not go as much as we expected.

    “By now, we ought to have completed the third phase of the rural component of the WSSRPP.

    “The small town component is kicking off next month with the aim of providing larger water schemes in small towns.”

    He noted that poor sanitation and hygiene situations were the main causes of diarrhoea, malaria and under-five mortality.

    The programme manager commended donor agencies for providing water; sanitation and hygiene facilities to boost public health and reduce mortality rate and enhance the wellbeing of the people.

    NAN

  • Kaduna: Academy trains 150 youths on leadership, entrepreneurial skills

    The African Youth Academy has trained 150 youths across the country on entrepreneurial and leadership skills as part of effort to build a new crop of leaders in the country. The Director General of the academy, Mr Daniels Akpan, stated this at the closing of the trainin gprogramme in Kaduna on Saturday.

    Akpan explained that the training was the initiative of United States’ supported Young African Leaders Initiative ( YALI ) to build leadership skills among African youth.

    He said that the beneficiaries drawn from different states of the federation were also trained on ethics, accountability, career choice, and community engagement, entrepreneurial and business development.

    According to him, the goal of the training was to empower to play a pivotal role in changing the narrative of African leadership.

    “One out of every three persons in Africa is an adolescent between aged 10 to 24 years, and one out of every two persons in Africa is below 35 years.

    “The population of adolescence and young persons in Africa is on the increase, creating the need to identify and mentor the next generation of African leaders.

    “Our desire is to transform our youth into honorable leaders and agents of change.” he said.

    He described the academy as a leadership incubator where new generation of leaders would be identified, developed and deployed for development.

    Read Also: Kaduna: Army infantry corps conducts annual range classification exercise

    He added that the academy was designed to inspire youth for greatness with a view to bridge leadership gap by helping young people to build the right values, ethics and accountability as leaders of tomorrow.

    Some of the beneficiaries of the five-day training described their experience as an eye opener, saying they are now confident of achieving their goals and dreams in life.

    One of them, Balkisu Gorin, from Adamawa State said: “I have learnt a lot. Now I know I can stand on my feet and become what I want to be.

    “It is really an eye opener for me.”

    Also David Kado, a Dental Technologist from Kaduna State, said that the training had enabled him developed a bigger picture of what he can become in the future.

    “As a leader of tomorrow, i have equally learned about good leadership skills and how one can contribute to community development, “Kado said.

    NAN

  • AUN, Marlboro college partner on student exchange

    The American University of Nigeria ( AUN ) has partnered with Marlboro College, United States, to facilitate student exchange between the two institutions.

    The partnership, Executive Director, Communications and Public Relations, Daniel Okeke, in a statement on Monday in Abuja, would also help to enhance educational experience and cross-cultural understanding of students and faculty at both institutions.

    The statement said AUN President, Dawn Dekle and the College’s counterpart Dr. Kevin Quigley signed the Memorandum of Understanding on behalf of both institutions during a visit to AUN in Yola, Adamawa state.

    According to the statement, the partnership is also expected to cultivate engaged learning between students and faculty from AUN and Marlboro College through student exchanges.

    It noted that the partnership would provide for other joint academic endeavors, such as summer programs or faculty exchanges of mutual benefit.

    President Dekle, was quoted to have said: “American University of Nigeria is partnering with the Marlboro College learning community because of Marlboro’s unique liberal arts approach and intentional’ structure of the school. The mission and values of Marlboro mirror our AUN philosophy of education, which is ‘complete education’ and meant to develop academics and skills through coursework and practical training.

    “The World Studies Program, Clear Writing Requirement, and Town Meetings at Marlboro allow students to forge deep friendships with other students who have different backgrounds than their own, and allow them to understand how a learning community operates and their own place and responsibility in that educational environment.

    “I hope our AUN students embrace the opportunities offered through our partnership with Marlboro College, ready to engage in courageous conversations and form lifelong bonds with everyone.”

    President Quigley said: “Marlboro is committed to offering students international experiences that expand their horizons and launch them into a life of meaningful work,” said President Quigley, who serves on the Board of Trustees at AUN. “We already have partnerships in China, Mexico, Germany, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic, as well as with domestic programs, and we are thrilled that our first collaboration in Africa is at AUN.”

    The statement said Mr. Quigley, a former President and CEO of the National Peace Corps Association, had worked with AUN Founder and Nigeria’s former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and a former National Security Adviser to President Jimmy Carter, the late Robert Pastor.

    He launched the Harris Wofford Global Citizen Award which recognizes individuals whose lives were influenced by their interactions with volunteers, leading to a life of service to community and country.

    In 2011 at the 50th anniversary of the US Peace Corps, Atiku Abubakar was honored with the Global Award for his contributions to higher education, community development, and democracy in Africa.

    “AUN is an ideal partner for Marlboro, with a focus on arts and sciences, but also technology and entrepreneurship, in the interest of future sustainable development,” said Maggie Patari, director of global learning and international services at Marlboro.

    “We are fortunate to have this new partner providing the skills and leadership to help students address the social and economic challenges in the region, and the world,” Mr. Quigley, said.

  • Ex-Nasarawa governor, Aliyu Akwe-Doma, laid to rest

    The remains of former governor of Nasarawa State, Aliyu Akwe-Doma who died on March 6, was on Sunday laid to rest in Doma, Idioma Local Government Area of the state.

    Aged 75, Akwe-Doma died in an Isreali hospital where he was receiving treatment for an undisclosed ailment.

    The former governor was buried at about 11:30 am in his family compound after the funeral prayers (Salatu Janaiz) led by the Chief Imam of Doma Central Mosque, Mallam Hassan Jibril.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that amongst the dignitaries that attended the funeral prayers were Gov. Umaru Al-Makura; Etsu Nupe, Yahaya Abubakar; Emir of Wase, Muhammadu Sambo-Haruna, Emir of Lafia, Alh. Mustapha Agwai; Andoma of Doma, Aliyu Oga-Onawo and other traditional rulers from the state.

    Also in attendance were Senators Abdullahi Adamu and Sulieman Adokwe representing Nasarawa West and Nasarawa South respectively; former Minister of Information, Labaran Maku; former Minister of State, FCT, Solomon Ewuga

    All former commissioners and aides to the late governor were also on ground to pay their last respect to him.

    Some of the dignitaries bare their minds to NAN on who the former governor was and what he stood for.

    Gov. Umaru Al-Makura said Doma dedicated his life to the development of the state and service to humanity.

    He said the former governor worked tirelessly for four years in office to galvanise the people towards self-reliance and progress.

    Al-Makura said Doma’s fatherly advice and support would be greatly missed by the people of the state.

    Mr Mike Abdul, deputy to Doma, described him as a man of peace, who dedicated his time toward ensuring unity and progress in the state.

    Abdul said Doma worked tirelessly for the empowerment of the people and development of the state during his tenure, especially agricultural empowerment through his “Badakoshi” intitiative and construction of rural roads.

    Similarly, Sen. Suleiman Adokwe said the former governor was an icon having touched lives of so many young people to fulfil their dreams and also excelled in whatever he did.

    “As the artistic director during Festival of Arts and Culture (FESTAC)’77, Doma left his footprint on the sand of time not only in Nigeria but globally.

    “As governor of Nasarawa State, his agricultural policy stood him out as he ensured that the state had the capacity to export yams to Europe and other parts of the world.

    “He championed the diversification of the economy from oil to agriculture almost 10 years ago,” Adokwe said.

    He noted that Doma would be greatly missed by all and prayed God to grant the family the fortitude to bear the loss.

    Also speaking, Mr Timothy Anjide, former Secretary to the State Government (SSG), described Doma as father of the state, who taught those around him to imbibe peace, unity and brotherliness in the interest of the development of the state.

    “He was a rallying point for all the people of the state, irrespective of religious or political leaning because he believed fundamentally in the growth and development of Nasarawa; being the arrow head for its creation in 1996.

    “Baba Doma was an all rounder, who believed in human development.

    “Most of us gathered here today, he identified our potentials, gave us the necessary encouragement that had made us rise to the height that we have attained in life,” Anjide said.

    Mr Nawani Aboki, a social crusader and former governorship aspirant in the state, said Doma was a strong pillar in the development of the state, who would be greatly missed by the people.

    “I am not surprised by the mammoth crowd gathered here today to honour him because he truly deserved it. People have shown tremendous respect for him,” Aboki said.

    Aboki said Doma was a principled man, who always declared to all where he stood on any issue. (NAN)

  • I have not relented in fighting corruption – Buhari

    I have not relented in fighting corruption – Buhari

     

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday said that his administration has not relented in fighting corruption in the country in the last two and half years.

    Apart from open letters by former President Olusegun Obasanjo and Ibrahim Babangida, some Nigerians also felt that the President’s anti-graft battle has been selective.

    In a keynote address at the first Adamawa State Anti-corruption Summit in the state, the President said that it was very encouraging that a State Government on its own is venturing into the subject matter of fighting Corruption.

    He said “You may recall that on 29th May 2015, when I stated that we are faced with enormous challenges in this Country, with insecurity and institutionalized pervasive corruption being key and that my confidence remained high that together we will tackle them head on.

    “As I had predicted, today I am proud to note that we have not relented in our determination to fight corruption.  We are fixing our problems together.

    “Even though under our system the Federal Government cannot directly interfere in the details of the operations of States, but to see that the gross corruption at the local level is being checked and transparently reported is a thing of satisfaction and joy for me.” he said.

    Read Also:  Buhari’s  aide to APC members: Don’t undermine Tinubu’s reconciliatory assignment

    According to him, the administration will try to ensure that there is more responsible and accountable governance at all levels of government in the country.

    He said “I note with satisfaction the logical steps taken by Adamawa State Government in the last two and a half years to demonstrate that transparency, fiscal responsibility, accountability and timely delivery of strategic goods and services to develop the state and enhance the confidence of its people is a viable template to fighting corruption.

    “Team work, the cordial relationship between the Executive and the Legislature, the respect and compliance with fiscal and procurement laws, the institutional reforms to improved efficiency, the drive to achieve value for money, as demonstrated by this administration, are worthy of note.

    “I recommend to other states this model along with all other winning approaches to enhance the progress and development of our Nation.

    “The projects and progress I have seen in Yola along with the reports and presentations made here have given me encouragement on the future of the State.  I hope this momentum will be sustained.

    “To the Government of Adamawa State, I say “well done and keep it up”.  To the people of Adamawa State, I congratulate you all on supporting the Government and encourage you to continue to give your maximum support to the State Government in its drive for a much better future.” he said

     

  • We’ll see end of herdsmen-farmers clashes – Osinbajo

    We’ll see end of herdsmen-farmers clashes – Osinbajo

    *Bachama, Batta leaders commend Buhari administration’s efforts in resolving crisis

    The Presidency on Tuesday expressed confidence that the Buhari administration will end the herdsmen-farmers clashes and the violence associated with it, which predate the administration.

    Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, gave the assurance while receiving a delegation led by the traditional rulers of Batta and Bachamma communities in Adamawa State: HRM Hama Batta, Homun Alhamdu Teneke (JP); and HRM Hama Bachamma, Homun Honest Irmiya Stephen (JP) at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    In a statement by the Senior Special Assistant on Media and publicity, Laolu Akande, Osinbajo said “President Muhammadu Buhari is determined to resolve the herdsmen-farmers clashes in Adamawa State and return peace and order to the affected communities.

    “Much damage has been done, not just security-wise, but to the psyche of the people; due to the series of attacks, people are afraid. We are also looking at repairing the damage that has been done to the infrastructure of the communities and rehabilitate the people.” he said 

    It would be recalled that following his visit to affected communities in Adamawa State on the 5th of December, 2017, the Vice President had commenced a series of national consultations with all relevant groups designed to find a lasting solution to the farmers-herders conflict in parts of the country.

    In the first of the series, Prof. Osinbajo had a meeting on the 11thof December, 2017, with the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II; the Lamido of Adamawa, Muhammadu Barkindo Aliyu Musdafa; elder statesman, Mallam Ahmed Joda; and other leaders of the Fulani communities.

    On the issue of proffering permanent solution to the crisis, Prof. Osinbajo further said the report provided by the National Animal Production Research Institute ( NAPRI ), Zaria, would be considered.

    Speaking further, Prof. Osinbajo admonished the people of the affected communities to embrace peace and not to seek revenge. He emphasized that it was important to disarm anyone caught with arms and weapons as it was, by law, an offence for anyone to carry unlicensed firearms.

    In his remarks, the Hama Batta thanked the Vice President for the invitation and his visit to the affected communities late last year. 

    He said, “We came to thank you for your visit (to Numan communities). You made promises of relief materials when you visited, and the relief materials were brought. Also, the Special Forces that you promised responded on time. There is also now a police command with a Commissioner of Police.”

    Also speaking, the Hama Bachamma echoed the words of the Hama Batta, and thanked the Presidency for its efforts so far in tackling the issue.

  • Female terrorists, Soldier killed as Troops engage Boko Haram

    Female terrorists, Soldier killed as Troops engage Boko Haram

    Two female suicide bombers have been killed, while a soldier lost his life as troops of the Operation Lafiya Dole engaged Boko Haram members in Madagali local government council area of Adamawa state.

    The soldier died from the impact of a shrapnel from a detonated Vehicle Borne Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED), while three other soldiers were injured by the VBIED mechanism.

    Reports said the remains of the soldier have been evacuated while the injured ones are receiving medical attention in a military hospital.

    A statement from the Director of Army Public Relations, Brig. General Sani Usman, said troops of 28 Task Force successfully repelled Boko Haram terrorists attack in Gulak and neutralized the VBIED mechanism while the terrorists attempted to infiltrate Gulak town.

    The statement reads: “Troops of 28 Task Force Brigade of Operation LAFIYA DOLE have at about 7pm on Monday, 6 November 2017 successfully repelled Boko Haram Terrorists (BHT) attack in Gulak, Madagali Local Government Area of Adamawa State.

    ” The troops fought gallantly to repel the terrorists who attempted to infiltrate Gulak town. The troops thwarted the terrorists by neutralising a vehicle borne improvised explosive device (VBIED) trying to ram into a stationery gun truck in order to gain access into their location.

    “Unfortunately the shrapnel from the detonated VBIED killed a soldier and injured 3 other. The remains of the soldier have since been evacuated while the injured are receiving medical attention in a military hospital.

    ” In another development, troops of 28 Task Force Brigade in conjunction with Civilian vigilante at about 6:30am on Tuesday, 7 November 2017 neutralised 2 female suicide bombers at Waga Lawan in Madagali Local Government Area of Adamawa State.

    “The 2 female suicide bombers were challenged while fleeing from the bush but refused all efforts to halt them. On sighting the suicide vest on them, they were neutralised by the troops.

    “The decimated BHTs are more desperate and resorting to persons and vehicle borne improvised explosive devices to attack soft targets and vulnerable members of the populace.

    ” The general public is please requested to be vigilant and continue to volunteer information of strange persons and movements to the security agencies.”

  • 2019: PDP renews call for Atiku’s return

    2019: PDP renews call for Atiku’s return

    The Adamawa State chapter of the Peoples’ Democratic Party ( PDP ) has renewed its call on former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar to return to the party ahead of the 2019 general elections.

    Mr Shehu Tahir, the state chairman of the party, made the call while speaking the party’s stakeholders meeting on Wednesday in Yola.

    Tahir said: “ It is not a wise decision for Atiku to abandon the house he helped to build, so we want him back.’’

    He said that the problem that led to mass defection of former members of the party to other parties were over, hence the need for them to return.

    “We are calling on Atiku Abubakar, who is among the PDP founding fathers, not to abandon the house he had helped to build.

    “This is because the party needs him now to continue from where he stopped.’’

    He also called on other stakeholders to help prevail on the former vice-president to return to the party.

    “We urge our stakeholders to prevail on him and others who left to reconsider their decision and return to the party.”

    On the 2019 general elections, the chairman said that the party was ready to provide credible alternative to the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC).

    According to the chairman, the party’s doors are open to all Nigerians willing to join its fold, assuring that level playing ground would be provided to all members.

    Read Also: PDP factions battle over Ogun Secretariat

  • Kinsmen, others fete Atiku

    Kinsmen, others fete Atiku

    Congress Hall of the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja was filled to the rafters with indigenes of Adamawa State living in Abuja who came to honour their illustrious kinsman, former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar. They were led by Governor Bindo Jibrilla.

    The Adamawa indigenes under the aegis of Adamawa Community Association (ACA), Abuja, together with friends, feted Atiku, who was elevated from Turakin Adamawa in June to Wazirin Adamawa by His Royal Highness (HRH) Muhammadu Aliyu Mustapha.

    Those at the reception included former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Umar Ghali Na’Abba, former House of Representatives Leader, Muhammed Kumaila,  Senator Binta Garba, Senator Grace Bent and husband Jackson, former Ministers, Hassan Adamu, Dauda Brima and Idi Hong. Among several others are Prof Adamu Modibo, the secretary to the State Government Buba Bindir and other cabinet members.

    Royal fathers were led by the Lamido of Mubi, Alhaji  Isa Ahmadu, who represented Lamidon Adamawa.

    Serving members of the federal and state legislatures led by members of House of Representatives Abdulrazaq Namdas, Sadiq Ibrahim and a host of close associates ushered in the former Vice President, who wore a sky-blue babanriga and white turban.

    Abubakar’s entrance kicked off the event in earnest with a welcome speech by ACA President, a former Head of Civil Service of the Federation (HoCSF), Bello Sali, who said he had to be celebrated by Adamawa community in Abuja being a pillar of support, not only to the ACA but to Adamawa State in general.

    He noted that the association was non-partisan, adding that the reception would have held immediately after being conferred with the title but for unavoidable postponements. He urged citizens of the state to emulate local empowerment initiatives of the former Vice President by setting up their businesses in the state.

    Entertainment at the packed hall followed with performances by a local artiste and a Senegalese performer after which goodwill messages were read by the state governor Jibrilla.

    Speaking in Hausa, the governor urged citizens of the state to consider the development of the state as a collective task that must be accomplished.

    The conferment of the Turakin Adamawa on Abubakar was due to hard work, while the elevation to the position of Waziri was merited due to more hard work, he added.

    Hon Abu Zahri, who  represented FCT Minister wished Abubakar long life, while the Lamido asserted that he is a worthy leader.

    “We are happy with him,” said the Lamido.

    Presentation of gifts by Senator  Binta Garba followed after which Abubabar appreciated the group’s gesture. He also said Adamawa should not be judged by the years of insurgency that ravaged parts of the state but by its contributions to the growth and preservation of the unity of the country as a whole.

    He reeled out a list of Adamawa indigenes that have excelled in various fields while serving the country in public and private sectors. He challenged any state in the country that has contributed more to the country than Adamawa. He urged the state to prioritise education. While he emphasised that he will continue to think of Adamawa first in his endeavours, Abubakar also advised the elites and industrialists from the state to look inward towards the development of the state.

    The former Vice President also used the opportunity to dispel rumours of a rift between him and the governor, saying there was no such thing.

    He said, “My elevation is a call to greater contribution, I will continue to contribute to state. We are to mentor the young ones and make them greater because we will be remembered by the people we lifted. Let us continue to help one another especially the younger ones to help grow the state. I urge our business men and women to invest in Adamawa and contribute to its growth, visit home regularly and set up your businesses there so that our people can benefit from the immense multiplier effect it will generate for our collective and individual economic growth. We should also not relent in our efforts until all displaced persons in camps return to their home and normal life.”