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Tag: Adamawa

  • Adamawa floods claim 33 lives, displace households

    Adamawa floods claim 33 lives, displace households

    Some 33 lives have been lost to floods that have continued to cause havoc in some communities in Adamawa State.

    This was disclosed yesterday at an emergency meeting  organized by the state government with humanitarian actors and some relevant agencies to discuss the way forward.

    The developments are on the heels of increase volumes of water from the river banks, notably the banks of River Benue running through many local government areas of the state.

    As a result of the ravaging floods, the state government through Adamawa State Emergency Management Agency (ADSEMA) has established 11 camps  across the mostly affected local government areas of Yola North, Yola South, Lamurde, Numan and Demsa.

    Read Also:Ogun, Cross River, Zamfara, Adamawa highest in cholera cases, says NCDC

    According to the Executive Secretary of ADSEMA, Muhammed Suleiman, about 1,600 displaced households, comprising 9,960 individuals are taking shelter in the 11 camps.

    Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri who spoke during the emergency stakeholders meeting through his deputy, Prof Kaletapwa Farauta, said as people-driven government, his administration is up and doing to reduce the impact of the floods on the citizens.

    The governor said he had approved measures to ensure that the basic needs of affected people are provided, and that though some schools have been occupied by the flood victims, the government was taken steps to see that the situation does not hinder learning.

    At the stakeholders meeting, the commissioner of Rehabilitation, Reconstruction and Reintegration, Bello Hamman Diram and his counterparts from Ministry of Information and Strategy Neido Geoffrey as well as that of Women Affairs and Social Development Wunfe Anthony said the meeting was necessary to save lives and property.

    They said the unprecedented displacement of people by the floods is now a source of concern, hence the need for stakeholders engagement to see how best to tackle emerging needs.

  • Construction of Adamawa’s third flyover begins

    Construction of Adamawa’s third flyover begins

    Work officially started Saturday morning on the construction of the third flyover in Adamawa State.

    The project is in the state capital, Yola, where the first two flyovers were also located.

    As with the new project, the first two, completed in 2021 and 2022 respectively, are the brain child of the administration of Governor Ahmadu Funtiri.

    Formally laying the foundation for the new flyover at the Mubi Road Roundabout in Jimeta, Yola, Fintiri said it is a fulfilment of his campaign promises. 

    The Governor said urban renewal is one of the cardinal goals of his administration as encapsulated in his 8-point agenda.

    “In our first term in office, we prosecuted this campaign with great vigour and in this second term, I want to reassure you that we shall prosecute this campaign with even greater strength.

    Read Also: Police rescue two, kill one suspected kidnapper in Adamawa

    “We have improved the infrastructural status of both our urban and rural centers tremendously and we are not willing to back pedal on this course until the narrative is completely altered for the better,” Fintiri said.

    With specific reference to the new project, Fintiri said: “To the Glory of God, the former Mubi Road Roundabout is by this groundbreaking confined to antiquities. And in its place, we shall have an overhead bridge with the reconstruction of the roads linking the adjoining streets.”

    He disclosed that the contract for the project is awarded at the total contract sum of ₦9,264,498,755.33K.

    “It is awarded as Lot 1 with a completion period of 18 months,” he explained.

  • Adamawa guber: Tribunal dismisses SDP candidate’s case against Gov Fintiri

    Adamawa guber: Tribunal dismisses SDP candidate’s case against Gov Fintiri

    The Adamawa State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal on Monday, October 2, dismissed the petition filed by the governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the last election, Umar Ardo, against Governor Ahmadu Fintiri.

    Umar Ardo, his deputy, Amos Yusuf, and the SDP had filed the petition challenging the governorship election conducted by INEC in the state on March 18, 2023.

    In the petition filed on May 8, 2023, Ardo had joined INEC, Fintiri, and 16 others as respondents, alleging that the election was not conducted in substantial compliance with the Nigerian Electoral Act.

    Read Also: Fintiri shuts unregistered colleges of health

    He said the election was marred by bribery, threats, and violence; and sought its nullification.

    On their part, the respondents told the tribunal that Umar Ardo’s petition was not supported by evidence and was not filed in compliance with the provisions of the Electoral Act.

    In the judgement, the chairman of the tribunal, Justice T.O. Uloho declared that the petition was incompetent, defective, and not properly instituted.

    Asserting that the petitioners were not certain about what they wanted, she dismissed the petition and awarded N200,000 against the petitioners and in favour of INEC, Governor Fintiri, deputy governor Kaletapwa Farauta, and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

  • 32-year-old man nabbed for defiling minor in Adamawa

    32-year-old man nabbed for defiling minor in Adamawa

    A 32-year-old man in Adamawa State, Mike Bitrus, has been arrested for allegedly defiling an eight-year-old girl.

    The state Police Command said the incident was reported to the Police by the little girl’s mother, Fatsuma Abdullahi.

    “The suspect was arrested during a confidence building patrol by operatives of Girei division,” the Police said.

    Read Also: Adamawa inaugurates Council for Human Capital Development

    A statement released to newsmen by the state Police Public Relations Officer, Suleiman Nguroje, said the suspect is a carpenter and a father of one who took advantage of the victim who happened to be his neighbour.

    The Commissioner of Police, CP Afolabi Babatola, said the suspect will soon have his day in court.

  • Adamawa inaugurates Council for Human Capital Development

    Adamawa inaugurates Council for Human Capital Development

    The Adamawa State government has inaugurated a council to develop the human resources of the state.

    The council, chaired by the state Deputy Governor, Professor Kaletapwa Farauta, is charged with overseeing all human capital development activities around the state.

    Governor Ahmadu Fintiri who inaugurated the council on Friday told the members to approach their roles with innovative dedication and a deep sense of responsibility.

    He stressed that the council is a step towards fostering the growth and development of the state through the nurturing of human resources.

    The governor said, “This occasion is a highly significant event in our efforts to create a new and better Adamawa State. We recognize that a well-educated, healthy and skilled population is the foundation of a thriving economy and harmonious society.

    Read Also: Adamawa re-awards contract for abandoned projects

    “Let us remember that the progress of Adamawa State depends on the development of our human capital. Together, we can build a brighter future for all our people.”

    Fintiri tasked the council members to draw on their expertise and experience to develop and implement programmes that will make tangible difference in the people’s lives.

    Speaking after the inauguration, Deputy Governor Farauta pledged that as chairperson of the council, she would ensure that members bring their expertise to bear to make Adamawa people more productive.

    The Human Capital Development Council has four focal commissioners as members; including James Iliya, Commissioner for Entrepreneurship; Dr Umar Pela (Education), Felix Tangwami (Health), and Antonio Emmanuel (Budget & Planning).

  • Adamawa re-awards contract for abandoned projects

    Adamawa re-awards contract for abandoned projects

    The Adamawa State Executive Council (SEC) has approved the completion of electrification projects in seven communities in Gombi local government area.

    The contract for the projects was awarded in 2007 but was implemented to only about 20 per cent level and then abandoned, according to the state Commissioner of Information and Strategy, Mrs Neido Geoffrey Kofulto.

    Read Also: Adamawa govt releases over N30m for flyover, highway

    She told journalists after the state council meeting in Wednesday that the contract for the seven villages was awarded that initial time in 2007 at the cost of N44 million.

    The commissioner said the current administration decided that the projects ought to be completed and has rewarded  at the upward reviewed contract sum of  N192 million to Galazy Rays Ltd.

    She said part of the contract specifications is that it would be delivered within the next 12 months.

    Guyaku, Fahar, Mbewa and Kaulewa are among the villages to benefit from the contract.

  • Adamawa govt releases over N30m for flyover, highway

    Adamawa govt releases over N30m for flyover, highway

    The Adamawa State Government has approved the release of over N30 billion for the construction of a flyover and a super highway in Jimeta to facilitate easy traffic flow in the metropolis.

     The state Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mrs. Nedo Kufulto, made this known to reporters in Yola yesterday.

    She explained that out of the amount,  N21 billion would be spent on the construction of the super highway, saying that it would cover about 20.8 kilometres.

    ”The highway will be constructed from Welcome to Yola in Numan Road to the Army barracks junction in the metropolis,” she said.

    According to her, N9 billion is for the construction of a flyover bridge at the Mubi roundabout also in the metropolis.

    Read Also: Impeached Ogun council boss lied against me – Abiodun

    ”If completed, the projects will reduce traffic congestion as well as improve socio-economic activities in the state,” she added.

    Kofulto said the contract had been awarded to Messrs Triacta Nigeria Limited and that the  projects were expected to be completed in 18 months.

    In a related development, the commissioner announced that the state government has earmarked N291 million for the construction of a 7,800 metric tons warehouse.

    She said the warehouse would be sited inside the Government House, Yola, to ensure safety of its contents and guard it against burglary activities of hoodlums.

    She said the administration of Governor Ahmadu Fintiri remained committed to developing the critical infrastructure in the state.

  • Adamawa blessed with govs who compete to develop state – Chief of Staff

    Adamawa blessed with govs who compete to develop state – Chief of Staff

    Adamawa has been a lucky state electing governors who compete to execute development projects over the years, the Chief of Staff to incumbent Governor Ahmadu Fintiri, Dr Amos Edgar, has said.

    Edgar, who was head of the Civil Service in the time of the immediate past governor, Senator Jibrilla Bindow, and throughout Fintiri’s first term, said the two governors have been particularly remarkable in infrastructural development.

    The Nation reports that while Bindow became renown for reconstructing most major roads, particularly in the capital city, Fintiri has not only added tarred roads, he has built the state’s two flyovers and got the third approved for construction by the SEC meeting of Thursday, September 15.

    Edgar said, “God loves us as a people and as a state. In His sovereign will, God has been granting us opportunities and giving us leaders who love the state.”

    Shedding light on what Adamawa people should expect as Fintiri’s second term gets past 100 days, Edgar said, “We’ll continue with education support, ensuring among other things, that students are well fed, even as the programme costs about N97 million every month when schools are in session.

    “We’ll continue paying for their WAEC, NECO, NAPTEP; which cost government about N1.57 billion every year, because we believe that freeing parents of the burden of paying for external examinations will encourage students to complete their studies.

    Read Also: Adamawa bubbles for Yola International Polo Festival

    “We have built cottage hospitals in virtually every local government area and we have introduced health insurance scheme, so that everyone can access quality health care. Several such impactful projects are coming on stream, including a stadium to encourage sports development.”

    He gave an update on the 10 luxury buses the state government recently acquired as fuel subsidy removal palliative intervention, saying the buses would soon be deployed.

    He explained that the committee working out the process was finalising discussions on a public private partnership to ensure optimal success.

  • Adamawa bubbles for Yola International Polo Festival

    Adamawa bubbles for Yola International Polo Festival

    The prestigious national polo tour that galloped off in grand style in Katsina and Argungu a fortnight ago, is heading to the north-eastern part of the country with defending champions, Jos Malcomines leading others to the glamorous Yola International Polo Tournament.

    The prestigious event is revered as the biggest sporting cum tourism attraction in Adamawa State under the auspices of the Lamido Adamawa, His Royal Highness, Muhammadu Barkindo Aliyu Musdafa.

    Powered majorly by the Adamawa State government, the Adamawa Emirates Council and a consortium of corporate and individual sponsors, this year’s grand fiesta should be the biggest in years if the words of the captain of Yola Polo Club, Mohammed Baba, is anything to go by.

    Baba who disclosed that the prestigious annual event would not only be one of the biggest but the most fiercely contested in years.

    “With the firm support of our Grand patron, His Royal Highness, Lamido, Yola is set to host the world from September 18 to September 23 in what would be a polo extravaganza, ” he assured.

    Read Also: Niger, Adamawa boat mishaps: Tinubu orders comprehensive investigation

    Speaking on behalf of the organizing committee of the grand fiesta, Bala added that the ancient city of Yola is wearing new looks ahead of the prestigious festival that attracts polo buffs in their thousands annually.

    Club’s Secretary, Usman Saad, hinted that over 20 teams from Jalingo, Sokoto, Abuja, Zaria, Jos, Bauchi, Gombe, Argungu, and neighbouring Maiduguri, among others are expected in the week-long festival.

    “On behalf of Yola Polo Club, I’m very happy to report that Yola is good to go as the 2023 edition of our most cherished tournament is just around the corner,” he declared.

    “We have put everything in place to make this edition very special for the players, our numerous guests and thousands of the expected polo enthusiasts.”

    “With the number of expected teams and the calibre of players who would showcase their awesome skills, the 2023 edition of the tournament promises an intense competition and a wonderful experience of entertainment for sponsors, players, guests, and fans alike,” Saad enthused.

    Main prizes at stake during the exciting polo extravaganza include the Governor’s Cup and The Lamido Cup which is the oldest prize in the over 78-year-old history of the noble game in the kingdom.

    Others are Admiral Nyako’s Cup, INTEL Cup, ABTI Cup, General Hassan Cup, A.A. Mustapha Cup, and M.C. Tahir Cup, among others.

    Vice-Captain Aliyu Dahiru Ismaila disclosed that host teams are perfecting strategies to vie for all the major titles at stake during the polo extravaganza, assuring that all participating teams, polo enthusiasts and tourists would have a most memorable time in the ancient Fulani Kingdom.

    Last year, Jos Malcomines produced polo master class performances to become the first team ever to win the highly revered Governor Cup four times back-to-back as the prestigious 2022 Yola polo festival climaxed with fanfare in the ancient city of Adamawa Kingdom over the weekend.

    Murtala Laushi-powered miners from the Plateau State who were still basking on the euphoria of their second back-to-back victory as the recently concluded Keffi Polo Ranch tourney, added the American University of Nigeria (AUN) Cup in a show of supremacy.

    The 90-year- old polo fiesta that was reputed as the biggest sporting and tourism attraction in Adamawa State, also saw the Yola AFDIN team clinched the crowded M C Tahir Cup, while Kaduna Trappco team hanged onto their opening game win, to earn the Lamido Cup.

    Recently, the fiesta has grown to become one of the most attended polo fiesta in Nigeria, thanks to Lamido who has invested huge personal resources in the development of the aristocratic game in Nigeria.

  • Niger, Adamawa boat mishaps: President orders comprehensive probe

    Niger, Adamawa boat mishaps: President orders comprehensive probe

    • Tinubu, Eshinlokun-Sanni commiserate with victims’ families
    • Speaker Abbas seeks collective efforts to end mishaps

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed a comprehensive investigation into frequent fatal boat accidents across the country.

    The President’s directive was in response to boat mishaps in Niger and Adamawa states, which led to the death of 32 victims, including children, while many others were said to be missing.

    Reports said 24 persons died when a boat capsized in Gbajibo in Mokwa Local Government Area of Niger State, while eight others reportedly died in another mishap on Njuwa Lake in Yola South Local Government Area of Adamawa State.

    A statement yesterday in Abuja by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, said: “President Bola Tinubu extends his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims who lost their lives in the recent boat mishaps in Mokwa Local Government Area of Niger State and Gurin village, in Fufore Local Government Area of Adamawa State, which tragically claimed many lives, including several children.

    “While expressing solidarity with the governments and people of Niger and Adamawa states as they swiftly mobilised emergency response teams and volunteers to provide immediate assistance to those affected by the incidents, the President wishes a most speedy recovery to those who were injured.

    “Furthermore, President Tinubu demands a thorough and comprehensive investigation into the recurring tragedy of fatal boat incidents across the nation.

    “The President directs various government agencies, including law enforcement, maritime safety and transportation safety authorities, to collaborate closely in identifying the root causes of these unfortunate and preventable disasters.

    Read Also: Tinubu will make Nigeria great again, says PDP BoT member

    “President Tinubu underscores his commitment to holding government agencies accountable for any regulatory or safety lapses and further instructs a comprehensive review of safety measures and a strict enforcement of existing laws on boating activities in the country.

    “The President assures the affected families and communities of government’s continued support and his commitment to the prevention of such tragic incidents from occurring in the future.”

    Alos, House of Representatives Speaker Tajudeen Abbas has called for collective efforts by the government and boat operators towards safeguarding the lives and properties on Nigerian waterways.

    In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Abdullahi Krishi, the Speaker expressed sadness over recent boat accidents across the country in which several people died.

    The Speaker condemned a situation where water transportation, which serves as an alternative to road and rail for the movement of people and goods, has been recording mishaps.

    Abbas urged relevant authorities to consider a review of the operational standards, seeking strict adherence to safety measures by boat operators and passengers.

    Also, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Marine Transport, Wasiu Eshinlokun-Sanni (APC, Lagos Central), has condoled with the governments and people of Adamawa and Niger states on the deaths of passengers in recent boat accidents in the states. 

    He said: “The death of 15 persons in Adamawa and 24 persons in Niger on our local waters is sad and regrettable. The development is a wake-up call to all to enforce extant safety regulations along our inland waterways across the nation to mitigate against the recurrence of this maritime fatalities. 

    “This needless loss of lives has to stop. We must do everything to safeguard lives as the lives of our people are sacred.”