The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar

  • Sultan seeks protection of women’s rights

    Sultan seeks protection of women’s rights

    • By Sherifdeen Amusa

    The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, has urged Nigerians to remain resolute in protecting the rights of women and the girl-child.

    Abubakar made the call yesterday during a high-level town hall meeting on promoting peace and security through women’s inclusion and access to justice, in Sokoto.

    The meeting, organised by Global Rights in collaboration with UK International Development and The Kukah Centre, served as a platform for inclusive dialogue on the interlinking issues of peace, justice, and women’s participation in conflict response and recovery.

    Abubakar, represented by the District Head of Gagi, Alhaji Sani Umar, emphasised that Gender-Based Violence (GBV) has become a growing phenomenon that requires an all-inclusive approach, describing it as a grave offense against humanity.

    “We must stand for women. They are our mothers, wives, and daughters. Violating their rights is a violation of humanity, and protecting them is non-negotiable.

    ” It is evidently clear that ending GBV in Sokoto and Nigeria is possible, and the path is clear for all of us.

    “Moreover, women are peacebuilders and community-oriented; they remain the foundation of our brighter future,” he said.

    Abubakar commended the state government for its sustained efforts in including more women in decision-making processes, noting that such initiatives have continued to yield positive results.

    He also appreciated Global Rights and its partners for organising the meeting and urged participants to take full advantage of the opportunity to strengthen the initiative’s success.

    In her remarks, Mrs Abiodun Baiyewu, Executive Director of Global Rights, expressed concern that the North-West region continues to face persistent security challenges.

    “In the face of insecurity and violence, women continue to demonstrate resilience, sustaining families and building communities.

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    “Their experiences and leadership are of immense value, yet they continue to suffer various forms of violence.

    ” Women’s participation in peace and security processes, as well as their access to justice, remain very limited,” she said.

    Baiyewu stressed the need to change societal perceptions about women, urging communities to recognise women as agents of peace, security, and justice.

    She called on the participants to use the dialogue as a platform to promote inclusion, equity, and justice for sustainable peace in the North-West and across Nigeria.

    Also speaking, Mr Cliff Gai, Senior Programme Manager, UK Integrated Security Fund (UK ISF), described the meeting as a strong demonstration of commitment to promoting access to justice in Sokoto and across the country.

    “This gathering is not just a meeting but a strong commitment to promoting community participation in ensuring justice and addressing all forms of violence in our society,” he said.

  • ‘Zero Hunger Initiative will help to achieve food security by 2030’

    Former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Thursday restated commitment of the Zero Hunger Strategic Initiative to end hunger and achieve food security by year 2030.

    The former president made this known on Thursday at the Nigeria Zero Hunger Strategic Forum Meeting in Sokoto State.

    Obasanjo said that initiative, which would spread across the 36 states and Abuja, would work to improve food security through the promotion of sustainable agriculture.

    “It is essentially also to bring us closer to a zero hunger world, rapid economic growth and increase agricultural productivity.

    “At the moment, we are targeting six states. They are Sokoto, Kebbi, Borno, Ogun, Ebonyi and Benue.

    “We are working substantially with our various development partners together to succeed on our target of ending hunger and poverty across the entire country,” he said.

    Obasanjo said that the forum would support, encourage and monitor progress in the six states, adding that the governors of the states had agreed to implement the Zero Hunger Road map.

    “I feel highly honoured to be here in the ancient city of Sokoto, the Seat of the Caliphate.” he said

    In his remarks the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar said agriculture remained the mainstay of the economy.

    Read Also: World Food Day: FG restates commitment to zero hunger

     

    “For the people of Sokoto state, especially our ancestors had laid for us a solid foundation on which sustainable development could have been engineered.

    “Unfortunately, however, farming culture and all associated fortunes were thrown away as a result of the oil boom,” he said.

    Abubakar said that the forum would no doubt serve as impetus which would embolden the government in its desire to implement the agriculture policies.

    Sultan said that in January 2017, history was made when the Federal Government took the initiative by launching the Strategic Plan.

    “The plan was tagged: “Synthesis Report of the Nigeria Zero Hunger Strategic Review’ and the effort is to end hunger and achieve food security by the year 2030.

    Gov. Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal of of Sokoto state, said that strategic plans and programmes had been formulated over the years with an ardent focus on achieving Zero Hunger by 2030.

    Tambuwal said that successive governments had made several attempts to reorient the people and to ensure the restoration of farming values, but very little successes had been recorded.

    “I sincerely believe that with proper commitment and careful planning, the aspirations could be realised; and our state could excel and become a food basket for the nation.

    “Therefore, as responsive communities, we are determined to channel our human and material resources in the most productive ways, particularly through the development of agriculture.

    “Every citizen of our dear nation has the civic responsibility of advancing the course of its development.

    “All hands must therefore be on deck to plan and realise our Zero Hunger desire as outlined by our Zero Hunger Strategic Initiative,” he said.

    Alhaji Bashir Garba, the Chairman, Local Organising Committee of the event, said that the Sokoto State Government under the able leadership of Rt. Hon. Aminu Tambuwal had executed considerable number of projects to boost agriculture in the State.

    Garba, who is also the Secretary to the State Government, said that this ranged from the procurement, distribution of farming implements, assorted fertilisers  to chemicals.

    NAN

  • Sultan, Pro Chancellor, VC, others make case for special funding status for UI

    Sultan, Pro Chancellor, VC, others make case for special funding status for UI

    Eminent Nigerian Friday made case for Nigerian Premier University, the University of Ibadan on why the Federal Government should create a special funding status for the Institution.

    The dignitaries including the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar who is the Chancellor, University of Ibadan, the Pro Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Nde Waklek Joshua, and the Vice Chancellor, Prof Idowu Olayinka all in their separate remarks urged the FG to give special attention to the 69 year old institution, especially in the areas of providing rehabilitations funds and increased allocations.

    The dignitaries spoke at the University’s 69th foundation day ceremony which held at the International Conference Centre, on Friday. The programme which also had in attendance a former president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo amongst other eminent Nigerians also witness the conferment of honourary Doctorate degrees of the University on three deserving individuals.

    At the event, a total of 402 candidates from various disciplines were awarded the Doctor of Philosophy degrees, in addition to one Doctor of Medicine degree. The Faculty of Education leads the pack with 85 graduands, followed by the Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry with 70 graduands, and Faculty of Arts with 61.

    The honorary doctorate degrees were conferred on a foremost linguist, Emeritus Prof Ayo Bamgbose; former Presidential Special Adviser on Petroleum, Dr Emmanuel Egbogah; seventh vice chancellor of the University. Prof Allen Bankole Oyediran; and Chairman, Dubri Oil, and pionering chairman, University of Ibadan Research Foundation, Dr. Chevalier Itsueli.

    According to the dignitaries, an old institution as UI deserves a special attention particularly in the areas of funding noting that such special attention would reposition the University to rank among the first top five universities in Africa and among the first 500 universities in the world.

    Minister of State for Education, Prof Anthony Anwukah, who represented President Muhammadu Buhari, who is the visitor to the institution, promised that goverment would continue to meet its obligations to all its tertiary institutions.

    The Sultan of Sokoto, in his address, said the subvension to UI should be a special one and the highest among all tertiary institution in the country because UI is the country’s premier university. He added that the university should expand its research base and should reach out to individuals that could offer assistance to it.

    The Pro Chancellor, Nde Waklek, who assumed office in May 2017, specially appreciated the “Federal Government for consistent release of fund to run the university and particularly for eliminating ‘shortfall’ in the monthly subvension given to the university. However, ‘our Oliver Twist’ wants more.

    “We appeal to the Federal Government to please ensure that the university’s overhead and capital grants are regularly and promptly released. We also want to appeal to the Federal Government to expedite action on the release of fund for the university 10 Megawatt (10MW) Solar Plant commissioned last year to resolve the energy crisis on campus.” The ground breaking of the university’s 10 Megawatt Solar Plant was performed in October 2016.

    The vice chancellor, Prof. Olayinka, noted that UI “is a pride of our nation and it has active collaboration with over 200 universities all over the world. I wish to renew our plea with Mr. President that the University of Ibadan be given special attention in the form of special rehabilitation funds and increase in allocation that may run for about five years in order for it to compete favourably with top institutions in the world as was the case about 40 years ago.

    “This administration believes that no nation can achieve sustainable development without the enabling environment for sound education for those willing and able to acquire knowledge. The ability of the university to effectively confront this challenge is a function of the quality of administration.

    “On the on-going 10MW/Solar Plant/Independent Power Project (IPP) which I reported during the last convocation, I am happy to report that we have entered into negotiation for another 10MW renewable energy project with another Consortium led by Highland Energy Solution Services Limited and Greenleaf University, United States of America. Both projects, when completed, will guarantee regular supply of up to 20MW electricity at UI disposal.”

    Describing UI as pride of the nation owing to its active collaboration with over 200 universities all over the world, Prof. Olayinka however stressed that the university has continued to play a leading role in teaching and research in the country, adding that it has currently produced a large amount of postgraduates students at the master’s and doctoral level, which he said was critical inputs for most other universities in Nigeria.

  • Union wants FG to address poor wages

    Union wants FG to address poor wages

    Mr Issa Aremu, the General Secretary of National Union of Textile Garment and Tailoring Workers of Nigeria (NUTGTWN), on Tuesday urged Federal Government to hasten implementation of increased workers wages in the country.

    Aremu gave the advice at the NUTGTWN 29th Annual National Education Conference tagged “Labor, Industry and National Unity’’ in Sokoto.

    He urged President Muhammadu Buhari’s government to expand the composition of newly established National Industrial Council to include state governments and labour union representatives, to obtain more inputs.

    He said poor workers’ wages in the country had attracted many bad attitudes on the side of workers while the present composition of council was all high level businessmen who might mainly defend their interests on gain of every transaction.

    The Secretary emphasised the need for increased investment on education and capacity building to improve productivity of Nigerians and advised government to facilitate expansion of Health Insurance Scheme for the benefit of all.

    “Recent signing of executive order of patronising made in Nigeria goods by Federal Government is encouraging as various materials, including official uniforms, were being imported.

    “Government should use 2017 Budget on industrial revolution that will surely facilitate employments and drive the nation in good way as obtained in other developed nations,’’ Aremu said.

    He commended Gov. Aminu Tambuwal for the courage in  reviving ailing industries among northern governors, stressing that his focus on resuscitation of collapsed Kaduna Textiles Ltd. had manifested to plans for establishment of textile industry in Kalambaina in Sokoto State.

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    Also, the National President of NUTGTWN, Mr John Adaji, said the union members contributed in chain value and  added service to real agriculture and manufacturing in Nigerian economy.

    Adaji urged government to address the challenges of unemployment and enjoined unions to support the universal survival of industries through effective implementation of right policies.

    The president said the union would endorse Gov. Tambuwal for any higher political aspiration in view of his commitment to workers’ welfare and interest in industrial growth.

    In their separate remarks, Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar and Biship Mathew Kukah, expressed appreciation over the union’s achievements and their struggle to create more awareness among Nigerians.

    The leaders emphasised the need for more attention and drastic approach on the decay in Nigerian industries,  urging stakeholders to facilitate ways to revive them to their last glory.

    Opening the three-day conference, Tambuwal  Sokoto state government would soon connect its Independent Electric Power Supply to national grid as 100 per cent of the project was completed and test it on three occasions.

    Tambuwal represented by Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Basher Garba, said constant electricity supply was the pillar of every industrial development, noting that government intensified efforts to increase power supply to attract more industries.

    He said Sokoto planned to establish textile and fertilizer industries to fast tract employment generation and utilise abundant agricultural potentialities. (NAN)

  • Sultan declares September 1 as Sallah day

    Sultan declares September 1 as Sallah day

    The Sultan of Sokoto and Chairman Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, has declared Sept. 1, 2017, as Eid-el-Kabir day.

    This is contained in a statement signed by Prof. Sambo Junaidu, the Chairman, Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs to the Sokoto Sultanate Council.

    The statement, made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Sokoto on Wednesday, indicated that the declaration followed the sighting of the new moon of Zulhijja on Tuesday.

    “The advisory committee in conjunction with the National Committee on Moon Sighting received various reports on moon sighting across the country confirming the sighting of the new moon of Zulhijja on Tuesday, Aug. 22, 2017,’’ it said.

    The statement said that following the development, Muslims in Nigeria would observe Friday, Sept. 1, as Sallah day.

    It added that the Sultan felicitates with all Muslims and wished them Allah’s guidance, blessings and protection.

    The statement also quoted Abubakar as urging Muslims to continue to live in peace and engage in continuous prayers for the development and progress of the country and the world at large.

  • Sultan urges FG to probe sources of herdsmen weapons

    Sultan urges FG to probe sources of herdsmen weapons

    The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Saad Abubakar, has advised the Federal Government to probe the sources of weapons used by herdsmen accused of attacking Nigerian communities.

    Abubakar’s advice is contained in his Eid-el Fitr message delivered on Sunday in Sokoto.

    “Real herdsmen do not carry guns; they only move with their cows and sticks.

    “There could be bad eggs among the Fulani, but those carrying arms and perpetrating heinous killings are not herdsmen.

    “Those carrying arms are criminals and should be treated as such.

    “Government should probe the sources of these weapons and take appropriate action so as to minimise these attacks,” he said.

    Abubakar commended government’s measures aimed at combating insurgency in the north-east, and cautioned against complacency as the problem was not over.

    The Sultan urged Nigerians to complement the efforts of the security agencies toward securing the country, pointing out that security was a collective responsibility.

    He praised efforts by the federal and sokoto state governments to restore the lost glories of the educational and agricultural sectors, and called on Nigerians to support such efforts.

    The Sultan urged Muslims to reflect on, and uphold the virtues of the Ramadan fast that included patience, perseverance and brotherliness. (NAN)

  • Eid el-Fitr: Muslims urged to look for new moon Saturday

    Eid el-Fitr: Muslims urged to look for new moon Saturday

    The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, has urged the Muslim Ummah in the country to look for the new Moon of Shawwal on Saturday, June 24.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Sultan made the call in a statement signed by the Chairman, Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Sultanate Council, Sokoto, Prof. Sambo Wali on Thursday.

    ” This is to inform the Muslim Ummah that Saturday, June 24, which is equivalent to 29th day of Ramadan,1438 AH, shall be the day to look for the new Moon of Shawwal, 1438 AH.

    ” Muslims are therefore requested to start looking for the new moon of Shawwal, 1438 AH, Saturday.

    ” They should report its sighting to the nearest District of Village Head, for onward communication to the Sultan,” he said.

    The sultan urged the Muslim Ummah to report the sighting of the new moon to the sultanate council on the following numbers:

    0803-715-7100, 0706-741-6900, 0806-630-3077, 0806-548-0405, 0803-595-7392, 0803-596-5322 and 0803-614-9767.

  • Ramadan: Sultan urges Muslims to look out for new moon

    Ramadan: Sultan urges Muslims to look out for new moon

    The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar 111, has urged Muslim community in the country to be in the lookout for the new moon for the month of Ramadan on May 26.

    Prof. Sambo Wali, the Chairman, Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Sultanate Council, Sokoto, made the call in a statement in Sokoto on Thursday.

    He stated that “this is to inform the Muslim Ummah that Friday, May 26, 2017, is equivalent to 29th day of Sha’aban 1438 AH and shall be the day to look for the new moon of Ramadan 1438 AH.

    “Muslims are, therefore, requested to start looking for the new moon of Ramadan, 1438 AH on Friday.

    “They should report its sighting to the nearest District or Village Head, for onward communication to the Sultan.”

    He urged Muslims to report the sighting of the new moon to the sultan on the following numbers: 0803-715-7100, 0706-741-6900, 0806-630-3077, 0806-548-0405, 0803-595-7392, 0803-596-5322 and 0803-614-9767.

     

  • Rice importation costs Nigeria 2 bn dollars annually- Dangote

    Rice importation costs Nigeria 2 bn dollars annually- Dangote

    Alhaji Aliko Dangote, President of Dangote Groups of Companies, says Nigerians consume over 6.5 million tonnes of rice annually, less than half of which is produced locally.

    Dangote said that on Wednesday during the inauguration of the Dangote Rice Out growers Scheme in Goronyo Local Government Area of Sokoto state.

    He expressed concern that the deficit arising from the importation of rice cost Nigeria over 2 billion dollars per annum.

    He said: “As agriculture remains an important sector in our economy, we plan to produce 1million tonnes of high-quality parboiled rice within the next three years.

    “This is by cultivating about 160,000 hectares of irrigable rice farmland in some selected states, thus making the commodity affordable to ordinary Nigerians.

    “Moreover, the out-growers scheme is committed to creating a significant number of jobs, increasing the incomes of small holder farmers and ensuring food security in the country.

    “This is by providing high-quality seeds, fertiliser and agrochemicals, as well as technical assistance on best agricultural practice to farmers.”

    The Project Director, Dangote Rice Ltd, Mr Robert Coleman said that the Sokoto operation was a demonstration phase meant to familiarise the farming community with the programme.

    “The phase is to familiarise the farming community through the training of extension workers and lead farmers as well as test modern technologies, ‘he said.

    ”In 2017, they will have 25,000 hectares to be cultivated by nearly 50,000 out growers, in addition to 260 jobs expected to be created by the end of the year.”

    Gov. Aminu Tambuwal called on the farmers to respect the agreement signed between the state and Dangote group to ensure that,” all products are directed to the real sectors of need.’’

    ”The coming of Dangote to invest in the state was as a result of the government’s sustained efforts toward inviting prospective investors to the state,” he said.

    Earlier, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, commended President Muhammadu Buhari for diversifying the economy and urged Nigerians to pray for him.

  • Kerry lauds Sultan for promoting religious tolerance

    Kerry lauds Sultan for promoting religious tolerance

    Mr John Kerry, U.S. Secretary of State, on Tuesday in Sokoto, lauded the efforts of the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, for promoting religious tolerance and understanding among Nigerians.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Kerry was speaking during a courtesy visit on the Sultan at his palace.

    He said that the Sultanate Council was building a community of tolerance for peace, progress and political stability in Nigeria.

    He said that the United States would continue to identify itself with the Sultanate in strengthening religious tolerance and understanding among Nigerians.

    He said that being the first secretary of state to visit the seat of the caliphate, all hands should be on deck towards strengthening religious knowledge among Nigerians.

    Sultan Sa’ad Abubakar had earlier expressed delight at the visit.

    He said that the council would continue to promote peaceful coexistence among Nigerians for the overall political growth of the country.

    He explained that religious tolerance and understanding among Nigerians remained the principal objective of the Sultanate in mobilising Nigerians to tolerate one another for peace, progress and political stability of the country.

    Governor Aminu Tambuwal, who accompanied Kerry to the palace, said the state government would continue to strengthen peaceful coexistence among the people, irrespective of religious, tribal and political differences.

    “We don’t discriminate on religious,tribal, ethnic or political affiliations as we accommodate all for peace and harmony, ” he said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Kerry had a closed door meeting with Sultan Sa’ad Abubakar and some leaders of the two major religions.

    Gov. Abdulaziz Yari of Zamfara and Alhaji Inuwa Abdulkadir, Deputy National Chairman of APC North West, were present during the courtesy visit on the Sultan.