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Tag: Adamawa

  • Flood: Death toll in Adamawa rises to 23 as Gov Fintiri visits affected areas

    Flood: Death toll in Adamawa rises to 23 as Gov Fintiri visits affected areas

    The death toll from Sunday’s devastating flood in Yola, the Adamawa State capital, has risen to 23, officials confirmed on Monday, July 28.

    Initial reports had put the number of casualties at between two and five following the heavy downpour, but several people were also declared missing.

    Governor Ahmadu Fintiri, who was away from the state during the incident, visited the affected areas on Monday afternoon to assess the damage and sympathize with victims.

    Read Also: Flood kills two, renders many homeless in Adamawa communities

    Speaking at the temporary camp set up at Aliyu Mustafa College, Yola, after inspecting several impacted communities, Governor Fintiri described the incident as tragic and promised urgent government action.

    “We will constitute a technical committee to carry out a thorough assessment in collaboration with the State Emergency Management Agency (ADSEMA) and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA). From there, we will take the necessary steps,” he stated.

    The governor was accompanied on the tour by his deputy, Professor Kaletapwa Farauta; Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Bathiya Wesley; Secretary to the State Government, Awwal Tukur; and other senior government officials

  • Adamawa police arrest 567 suspects, rescue 13 trafficked children in three months

    Adamawa police arrest 567 suspects, rescue 13 trafficked children in three months

    The Adamawa State Police Command has arrested a total of 567 suspects in connection with various crimes, including armed robbery, kidnapping, rape, and drug-related offences over the last three months.

    The state Commissioner of Police, CP Dankombo Morris, disclosed this during a quarterly press briefing held on Monday at the police headquarters in Yola. He said the command also rescued 13 children who were allegedly trafficked within and outside the state during the period under review.

    According to CP Morris, the police recovered a cache of weapons from the suspects, including six AK-47 rifles, three pump-action guns, 11 fabricated assault rifles, and various rounds of live ammunition. Other recovered items include three vehicles, five tricycles, four motorcycles, two gas cylinders, computers, mobile phones, and fetish charms.

    The CP identified two major child trafficking suspects as 43-year-old Mrs. Ngozi Abdulwahab of Jambutu in Yola North LGA and 55-year-old Mrs. Uche Okoye of Kabiku in Nnewi, Anambra State. Both women are alleged to be involved in a syndicate that steals and trafficks children from Adamawa to other parts of the country.

    Read Also: Adamawa police arrest man for snatching phone, stabbing victim

    He also revealed that seven members of the notorious youth gang known as “Shilla Boys” were arrested for conducting violent house-to-house robberies in parts of the state.

    In another notable case, the CP said the command arrested a 36-year-old drug dealer, Tukur Adamu, who reportedly murdered a young man over a N50,000 dispute related to the sale of Indian hemp.

    CP Morris reaffirmed the command’s commitment to maintaining law and order, urging residents to support police efforts by reporting suspicious activities.

  • Fintiri imposes curfew on troubled Adamawa communities

    Fintiri imposes curfew on troubled Adamawa communities

    Adamawa Governor Ahmadu Fintiri has imposed a dawn-to-dusk curfew on Lamurde Local Government Area after a communal clash between two communities in the area continued to fester.

    The curfew takes immediate effect to possibly restore order after the Chibo and Bachama communities in Lamurde had been at each for days, peaking earlier in the week when the state Police Command announced the burning down of 33 thatched huts and three bigger houses in the two warring communities.

    The police had attributed the clash to a long battle for land which a court litigation had been unable to put to rest over the years.

    Reacting to continuing attacks in the affected communities in the latest rounds of violence, Governor Fintiri ordered a 24-hour curfew, according to the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Humwashi Wonosikou who passed a statement to that effect to newsmen Saturday morning.

    “Government views these disturbances as unacceptable and has directed security agencies to enforce the curfew strictly. Anyone or group of people found contravening this directive will be arrested and dealt with according to the law,” Wonosikou quoted the governor as asserting.

    The curfew is to remain in place until further notice. 

    Fintiri urged residents of Lamurde LGA to remain calm and to refrain from spreading rumors.

    “The Government is committed to protecting lives and property and ensuring the safety of all citizens,” the Governor assured.

  • NGO launches disability inclusion project for PWDs in FCT, Adamawa

    NGO launches disability inclusion project for PWDs in FCT, Adamawa

    A non-governmental organisation, CBM Global Disability Inclusion has launched the Rights in Action project to address intersectional discrimination and human rights violations faced by Persons With Disabilities(PWDs).

    The two year project, funded by the Finland Ministry of Foreign Affairs, will be implemented by Joint National Association of Persons With Disabilities (JONAPWD) and Inclusive Friends Association (IFA) in the Federal Capital Territory and Adamawa State.

    Country Director of CBM Global Disability Inclusion, Mr Abdulazeez Musa said the project which is an Organisation of Persons With Disabilities(OPDs) aims to address all forms of marginalisation against PWDs.

    He said: “The project is being facilitated by CBM Global Disability Inclusion and implemented by our technical partners,Joint National Association of Persons With Disabilities (JONAPWD) and Inclusive Friends Association (IFA).

    “Essentially, what the project aims to achieve is to help PWDs to be able to achieve their goals and live their lives with dignity, to enjoy their full fundamental human rights just like anybody else.

    “On this project,we will be focusing largely on the marginalised groups because even among PWDs we have those that are also further marginalised.

    “So you can imagine the layer of marginalisation and discrimination. An example of such a group are persons with learning difficulty or challenges and sometimes even the deaf community.”

    Musa explained that the organisation would work with such groups to strengthen their organisational capacity to be able to design projects, mobilise their members and be able to speak out for themselves.

    He said the OPDs would come up with the priorities themselves and design the interventions as they see fit since they know what challenges they are faced with and the technical partners would provide the needed support.

    The country director said a key aspect of the project would be to analyse how the community sees PWDs which is at the core of the issues.

    Musa said Nigeria is not short of laws because it has passed the Disability Rights Act, however, implementation has been the issue as people continue to see PWDs that they cannot contribute to nation building.

    “So this project aims to address that and we hope to see that this law is now being fully implemented which means it’s being allocated funds during the budgeting process and PWDs are living, just like any other person in Nigeria.”

    Executive Director of Inclusive Friends Association (IFA), Mrs Grace Jerry said the project would aid in closing the marginalised gaps among PWDs.

    Jerry said the expectation of the organisation would be to spotlight the most marginalised organisations who haven’t really been made part of major policies to drive inclusion processes in Nigeria.

    She said: “So for us, it is spotlighting those organisations and empowering them to drive policies for themselves, by themselves, and for the general good of the marginalised group.

    “For instance, you talk about the deaf-blind community. This is a community of persons with disabilities who haven’t really gained much recognition in terms of their needs and their rights.

    “This project,therefore seeks to amplify such marginalised groups and, of course, other groups giving them an opportunity to drive policy for themselves.

    President of JONAPWD, Mr Abdullahi Usman the project is expected to ensure that underrepresented groups among PWDs get their own rights like others.

    “This is because although collectively, PWDs in this country are fighting for their rights, among ourselves, there are also some PWDs who are also discriminated against within the community.

    “For instance, people who have intellectual issues, people with cerebral palsy, the deafblind and persons with albinism are often denied their rights by claiming they are not PWDs.

    Read Also: 2027: Adamawa APC rallies for Tinubu, welcomes high-profile defectors

    “So my expectation at the end of this project is to see that other communities of PWDs fully understand that all PWDs have equal rights with all other PWDs and generally as a nation all PWDs have equal rights with people without disabilities.

    The Director, Legal Services, Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Ms Sweet Okundaye, commended CBM Global Disability Inclusion for the initiative and promised the Ministry’s support to the project.

    Also, the Desk Officer on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, National Human Rights Commission, Ms Oluchi Adieze, said the commission was established to promote, protect, and enforce the rights of every human living in Nigeria.

    Adieze said the commission pledged its support to the project and urged the implementing partners to leverage its state offices to address human rights challenges from the grassroots.

  • Customs intercepts 36,935 Litres of petrol, 101 donkey skins in Adamawa, Taraba

    Customs intercepts 36,935 Litres of petrol, 101 donkey skins in Adamawa, Taraba

    The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted a total of 36,935 litres of petrol allegedly meant for illegal exportation from Adamawa and Taraba states.

    The seized fuel was concealed in 1,219 jerry cans of various sizes and 24 drums with capacities ranging from 25 to 200 litres.

    Speaking during a press conference at the NCS Area Command headquarters in Yola, the Adamawa/Taraba Area Controller, Bashir Garba, revealed that the interception took place over the past four weeks. He stated that the petrol consignments were intended for smuggling into a neighbouring country.

    Garba disclosed that the total value of the seized petrol stood at ₦104,456,550.

    In addition to the petrol, customs officers also seized 101 pieces of raw donkey skins packed in seven sacks, also meant for illegal export. The area controller condemned the act, noting that the seizure equated to the killing of 101 donkeys.

    Read Also: Customs, stakeholders partner to bolster renewable energy, trade

    “This is unfortunate because donkeys serve various purposes and must be protected to prevent their extinction,” he said.

    According to Garba, most of the petrol was seized at border exit points in Adamawa, while the remaining fuel and donkey skins were confiscated in Taraba State.

    He reaffirmed the commitment of the Customs Service to curbing smuggling and protecting Nigeria’s economic and environmental interests.

  • 450 Adamawa, Taraba women get livelihood support from ANI

    450 Adamawa, Taraba women get livelihood support from ANI

    Africa Nature Investors (ANI) Foundation has reaffirmed commitment to women empowerment especially those domiciling in Gashaka Gumti national Park in Adamawa and Taraba states.

    The foundation’s leadership made the pledge while commissioning a new Women’s Centre north of the national park, which is located in Toungo local government council of Adamawa state.

    Speaking where 450 women received livelihood support, the Deputy Project Manager of the Foundation, David Peter, emphasised the importance of investing in women.

    “This programme was designed to empower women, promote community resilience, and provide alternative livelihoods to support the conservation of the park,” Peter said.

    Representing the Conservator-General of the National Park Service (NPS), Dr. Ibrahim Goni, Assistant Conservator-General Dr. Mohammed Kabir lauded ANI’s initiative, noting that it reflects a shared vision for economic transformation.

    Kabir pointed to previous successes, such as an October 2023 project where over 1,000 women in Taraba State’s Gashaka Local Government Area received tools, training, and business equipment including agro-processing machines, sewing machines, and hairdressing kits.

    He further highlighted broader achievements of the ANI-NPS partnership, including the vaccination of over 100,000 cattle and the recruitment and training of more than 70 local youths as park rangers efforts that simultaneously bolster conservation and strengthen community engagement.

    Adamawa Commissioner for Women’s Affairs, Mrs. Nedo Kafulto, praised ANI Foundation’s commitment to uplifting women, describing the Women’s Centre as a “transformative step” for both the local community and the wider state.

    Read Also: NGO empowers 450 Adamawa, Taraba women with soft loans

    Conservator of Gashaka Gumti National Park, Amos D. Hamman, explained that ANI’s partnership with the park, which began in 2017, has focused on creating sustainable livelihoods around protected areas, ultimately fostering stronger appreciation and protection of natural resources.

    Senior Strategic Adviser of ANI Foundation, Dr. George Okeyoyin, stressed the crucial role women play in conservation efforts. “Effective conservation must respect and incorporate the contributions of women,” he said.

    Managing Director and CEO of ROSHAN Renewable Energy, Happy Amos, said ANI’s implementing partner, disclosed that the women’s savings and loan groups in Toungo have collectively saved over N30 million within a year.

    Rather than providing direct cash handouts, the initiative, according to her, offers low-interest loans tailored to participants’ needs, promoting sustainable economic empowerment.

    One of the recipients, Grace Emmanuel, told reporters that the support had enabled her to start a thriving business and support her family.

    Also, another participant, Florence Dauda, expressed pride in the community’s progress: “We used to envy the women at Gashaka, but today, we are proud to showcase our own products, thanks to ANI Foundation’s empowerment initiative.”

    ANI Foundation stressed that by empowering women, it not only fights poverty but also promotes peacebuilding and strengthens family structures  as empowered women are better positioned to uplift their families and communities.

  • NEDC launches maternal, child health, eye care outreach in Adamawa

    NEDC launches maternal, child health, eye care outreach in Adamawa

    The North East Development Commission (NEDC) has launched a maternal and child health, along with eye care outreach programme in Adamawa State, as part of a broader initiative covering all six states under its jurisdiction.

    The medical outreach, held in partnership with the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), was officially flagged off on Thursday in Girei Local Government Area, where the eye care segment of the programme is currently ongoing.

    At the Cottage Hospital in Girei, NMA doctors are providing consultations and treatments. Speaking to journalists, the Acting Chairman of the NMA in Adamawa, Dr. Nathaniel Noel, said thousands of patients with eye conditions are expected to benefit from the programme. 

    He added that the team anticipates conducting hundreds of surgeries and distributing free medical supplies and eyeglasses.

    Dr. Noel also highlighted the maternal and child health component, noting that pregnant women will receive Mama Kits provided by the NEDC.

    “This is a life-saving kit essential for women during childbirth. It includes vital medications and consumables required during labour,” he explained.

    Read Also: Adamawa assures fairness as over 60,000 apply for 4,000 civil service jobs

    Representing the NEDC Managing Director, Mohammed Alkali, at the event, Dr. Batulu Mohammed, Head of Sanitation and Health Matters at the Commission, said the outreach is being replicated across all six states under the NEDC’s mandate.

    “This initiative recognises that many people cannot access or afford hospital care. The Commission is bringing healthcare directly to the communities,” she said.

    “We take required services to the doorstep of the people. This is what is happening today, so that even those in hard-to-reach areas can benefit.”

    In his welcome speech, the Executive Chairman of Girei Local Government, Hon Adamu Umar, said he was overwhelmed that the NEDC would choose Girei for the exercise.

  • Adamawa assures fairness as over 60,000 apply for 4,000 civil service jobs

    Adamawa assures fairness as over 60,000 apply for 4,000 civil service jobs

    The Adamawa state government has assured citizens of a transparent and fair recruitment process, as over 60,000 people have applied for 4,000 newly declared vacancies in the state civil service within just four days.

    Speaking during a media parley in Yola, aides to Governor Ahmadu Fintiri urged the public not to panic over the overwhelming response, assuring that the recruitment exercise will be based strictly on merit.

    The assurance follows an announcement by the Permanent Secretary of the Adamawa State Civil Service Commission, Abubakar Maiha, who revealed that the application portal had recorded 61,951 submissions as of Saturday, May 3.

    During the First Quarter 2025 Media Parley, the governor’s principal special assistant on media and Communications, George Kushi, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fairness and transparency.

    He encouraged applicants and citizens to trust the recruitment process, noting that the large volume of applications would not compromise the integrity of the exercise.

    “We understand the expectations of our people, and we are committed to ensuring that the limited job slots go to the most qualified candidates,” Kushi said.

    Read Also: Adamawa govt assures of fair play in Fufore chairmanship controversy

    “There is no need to panic,” Kushi said, advising interested citizens yet to apply to go ahead and do so.

    Kushi highlighted other efforts by the government in the time under review to get the people gainfully engaged, including the launch of digital skills training for 100,000 individuals; training of 1,000 citizens annually in solar power installation; and training of 10,000 youths on other skills.

    Kushi included the coronation of five chiefs and two emirs and the flag-off of the famous Jimeta Shopping Complex construction as among the notable projects of the government so far in 2025.

  • Adamawa civil service overstretched, ill-equipped, says NLC

    Adamawa civil service overstretched, ill-equipped, says NLC

    The Adamawa State chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) stated that the state civil service is overstretched and inadequately equipped.

    The state NLC Chairman, Emmanuel Fashe, raised this concern on Thursday at the Mahmud Ribadu Square in Yola, during this year’s Labour Day celebrations, urging the government to expedite necessary actions to address the issue.

    He advocated for an adequate workforce with the necessary tools to provide high-quality service, while also commending Governor Ahmadu Fintiri for the timely payment of salaries to the available workers.

    The Nation reports that the NLC Chairman addressed these concerns at a time when the Adamawa State Civil Service Commission is in the process of recruiting additional personnel.

    The Commission opened a portal to facilitate this at the start of the week, specifically on Monday, April 28, 2025.

    Read Also: Ibas, NLC resolve key labour issues in Rivers

    The state Deputy Governor, Professor Kaletapwa Farauta, who represented the governor at the May Day celebration, highlighted the recruitment initiative, noting that further measures would be implemented to motivate the civil service.

    “We are mindful of the depletion of the civil service as a result of the massive retirement of workers who have reached the time for retirement. Consequently, the government has lifted the embargo on employment and the state Service Commission has opened a portal to recruit qualified graduates to fill the critical vacancies,” she said.

  • Adamawa Poly shut down as students protest electricity, water scarcity

    Adamawa Poly shut down as students protest electricity, water scarcity

    The management of Adamawa State Polytechnic, Yola (SPY), has shut down the institution and ordered all students to vacate the campus.

    The decision came on Monday afternoon following a protest by students over prolonged electricity outages, which have also caused a severe water shortage.

    Earlier in the day, boarding students at the main campus in Jimeta gathered in large numbers, demanding the immediate restoration of power by the Yola Electricity Distribution Company (YEDC).

     The students blocked all entrances to the campus, insisting that no academic or administrative activities take place.

    Read Also: Adamawa: Borrong agog as Mbula king hosts Nnoma-Jihar National Day

    As of the time of this report, shortly after 3 p.m. on Monday, there were no reports of damage to school property.

    Despite the peaceful nature of the protest, the polytechnic’s management announced the closure of the school for one week to address the students’ grievances.

    In a statement signed by the Acting Registrar, Mr. Simawa Ayuba, students were directed to vacate the hostels and the school premises immediately.