The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Bida

  • NiMet predicts cloudy, thundery, rainy weather for Monday

    NiMet predicts cloudy, thundery, rainy weather for Monday

    The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted cloudy weather conditions over the Central States of the country on Monday.

    NiMet’s Weather Outlook by its Central Forecast Office in Abuja on Sunday also predicted day and night temperatures of 25 to 36 and 16 to 25 degrees Celsius, respectively.

    According to NiMet there will be prospects of localised thunderstorms over Jos, Kaduna, Minna, Bida and Yola axis in the afternoon and evening hours.

    The agency predicted increase morning cloudiness over the southern states with chances of localised rain over Lagos and Calabar with day and night temperatures of 31 to 35 and 21 to 25 degrees Celsius, respectively.

    NiMet also predicted prospects of localised thunderstorms over Ado Ekiti, Oshogbo, Abeokuta, Owerri, Awka, Abakaliki, and Port Harcourt during the evening and night period.

    According to NiMet, northern states will experience partly cloudy conditions with day and night temperatures of 38 to 40 and 24 to 26 degrees Celsius, respectively.

    “ Influx of moisture laden winds observed over the entire country is expected to result in an increase in weather activities over most part of the country in the next 24 hours,’’ NiMet predicted.

  • Varsity ‘discovers crude oil’ in Bida River Basin

    Researchers at the Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB) University Research Institute, Lapai in Niger State, say they have discovered crude oil in the Bida River Basin in Niger State.
    The institute’s Director, Prof. Nuhu Obaje, stated this at an exposition of raw materials and locally made products held in Lagos Saturday.
    Obaje said the university had notified the federal government and relevant agencies of the find and that the discovery was made using new technologies invented by the institute which made crude oil discovery and drilling “quicker”.
    The institute, he added, had also invented technology to convert water lily to bio-gas and another that reduces pollution in coal.
    He said: “We have technology that finds crude oil faster. We found crude oil at Bida River Basin and we used our technology to locate more areas. We have communicated it to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), the state government and soon, the drilling machine will muster to site.
    “They will use our research and produce oil faster and in abundance. Already, Niger State Governor, Bello Sani, has written to The Presidency. We are aware that they have acted on it. The ball is in the NNPC’s court because we are waiting for them, although the response has been good so far.”
    On the exploration of solid mineral deposits he said: “We are hoping that solid minerals and agriculture will compliment crude oil as we are keying into the Federal Government’s policy of diversification.
    “We are here on the vision of our Vice Chancellor, which is to develop research at IBB University. We have moved to another level of application, innovation and domestication. We are here to demonstrate the researches we have been doing over the years.
    “We have developed a new technology of using clean coal for electricity generation, smokeless fuel production and power generation.
    “We are using clean coals to stop the generation of fumes that are dangerous, so that people can use it without it being injurious to their health.
    “Ordinarily, coal emits green house gases that affect the climate but at IBB University Research Centre, we have had that dangerous part of the coals removed.”
    Also speaking, Deputy Director, Dr. Naomi Dadi-Mamud said they were using oil and dead plants to generate bio-gas.
    She said: “My research on bio-gas renewable technology was to convert such invasive plants on water bodies, like water lilies, to something useful.

  • Bida Poly appeals for police presence

    Bida Poly appeals for police presence

    The Federal Polytechnic, Bida in Niger, has appealed for a police post to complement management’s efforts at securing the institution.

    Its Rector, Dr Abubakar Dzukogi, made the appeal in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on Wednesday in Bida.

    “We have officially notified the authorities about our request; we are optimistic that our request will be granted,” he said.

    He said that the population of the students had gone past 15,000, and emphasised the need to improve the security situation in view of recent developments in the country.

    The Rector explained that more security personnel were required to tackle internal and external security challenges.

    ‘‘We often have cases of cultism, burglary and phone snatching; very often, too, we have miscreants coming into the institution. We need to check such evils.’’

  • Islamic preacher who married 86 wives dies in Niger

    Islamic preacher who married 86 wives dies in Niger

    Alhaji Mohammed Abubakar Masaba, the controversial Islamic preacher and super polygamist, who married 86 wives, is dead.

    He was aged 93.

    His Personal Assistant, Alhaji Mutairu Salawudeen Bello, who confirmed Masaba’s death, said that the preacher died in his residence in Bida, Niger State, on Saturday, after a brief illness.

    “From Allah we come, to Him we shall all return; we announce the death of Alhaji Mohammed Abubakar Bello Masaba this afternoon. He was aged 93, and died after a brief illness,” Bello told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), in a telephone interview.

    A sobbing Bello told NAN that his boss would be buried at 10 a.m. on Sunday, Jan 29.

    He said that the preacher had a premonition of his death and prepared for it.

    “Baba (Masaba), told us that his time was up; he personally told me that he had completed his divine assignment and was ready to meet his creator.

    “He also told us to remain dedicated to the cause of Islam and urged us never to deviate from his teachings on righteousness, piety and total submission to the will of Allah.

    “He warned us to shun adultery but said that we should marry our women because it is ‘Hallal’ (right), before Allah,” Bello said. ( NAN)

  • Bida agog as Etsu Nupe honours IGP Idris, others

    Bida agog as Etsu Nupe honours IGP Idris, others

    Three men and a boy french-kissed, romanced and inserted live snakes inside their boxers as they danced to the cheering of an amazed crowd. With them were another magical group using very sharp swords, knives on their bodies with no sign of injury.

    These were some of the performance at the palace of the Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar  on Saturday, where hundreds of dignitaries from across the country converged for the monarch’s 13th anniversary/civic reception in honour of the Inspector General of Police  (IGP) Ibrahim Idris and other illustrious Nupe indigenes.

    Idris was also honoured at his hometown, Kutigi on Sunday as his kinsmen gave him souvenirs, such as handfans, mats and fabric with his name inscribed on them.

    At the ceremonies were the Governors of Cross River and Edo State, Prof. Ben Ayade and Godwin Obaseki; Niger State Deputy Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Ketso; Chairman, Police Service Commission  (PSC) IGP Mike Okiro  (rtd); former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Idris Kutigi; former IGP Suleiman Abba; Former Deputy Governor, Niger State, Mohammed Ibeto, the Olukpoti of Ikpoti-Ekiti, James Oladipupo; Prof. Ibrahim Adamu Kolo; former Sports Minister, Alhaji Sani Ndanusa, Pro-Chancellor, IBB University, Alhaji Mohammed Kodo Santuraki and Chairman, All Progressives Congress’ (APC), Kano State, Prince Abdulahi Abbas.

    Others include Deputy Inspector Generals of Police (DIG) Maigari Dikko, Joshak Habila, HM Dagala, SL Gambo, Assistant Inspector-Generals of Police (AIG) Lawal Shehu and Ali Amodu (rtd.); Commissioners of Police (CP) Rabiu Yusuf, Emmanuel Amore, Kabiru Muazu, Alikali Shaba, Zaki Mohammed and UU Shehu, as well as traditional rulers from the Eastern and Southern parts of the country.

    Aside the snake and knife dancers, the Nupe masquerades, Ndakogbaya, costumed like a plan

    stone, marvelled the guests with its performance, just as warriors exhibited their skills. There was also a group of fishermen, who left the invitees in awe after a live fish was ‘caught’ on the stage which had no water.

    Thanking the President for appointing Idris, Niger State Governor, Abubakar Bello urged youths to eschew violence.

    Bello who was represented by his deputy, Ketso appealed to the youths to shun alcohol, noting that it could influence them to act negatively.

    He also tasked them to pray for IGP Idris, the state and the nation at large for peace and stability, assuring that the government would do all within its power to deliver democratic dividends.

    Okiro: I was invited by the Etsu Nupe for his 13th anniversary on the throne. We are here to celebrate with his highness and then receive one of our own, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris.

    Ayade who commended the Etsu for introducing the Nupe Foundation ICT Centre, noted that such initiatives would advance knowledge and drive development.

    He said: “I am particularly pleased with the ICT project by the Etsu Nupe, which is knowledge based and the future of the world. This is a lesson for us as Governors, to recognise the fact that autonomous based communities and ethnic nationalities are veritable channels to programme a better future for our youths and next generation.

    “I think Niger State is very qualified to start up their own carnival because they have diverse cultural heritage. I believe the time has come for them to start thinking of a cultural carnival of some sort. I have seen that the Nupe people have very wonderful culture that we, the people of Cross River would have to learn. I confirmed that the Nupe people are predominantly warriors when I watched the dance and different performances. The people of Cross River State are very proud to identify with the IGP.”

    Obaseki described the event as remarkable, colourful and significant, adding that the Nupe Kingdom, like Benin, has strongly rooted ancient cultures.

    He said: “On the part of the Etsu Nupe, I see a very determined king who is making conscious efforts to take his people to the path of development. He is our friend and father in Edo State and he also honoured my predecessor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole with the title of Tafida Rayan Kasan Nupe.

    “Culture is a very powerful unifying tool for national integration, but some people misuse it and use it to divide us. Nigeria has always been one united family, which is an almmaga of different cultures.

    Kodo said it was a well-deserved honour, noting that IGP Idris has a striking humility.

    An overwhelmed Idris thanked his people for the honour, noting that their prayers and blessing saw him through life.

    He said: “It is always good to be back home. I am your child and I am here by God’s grace. It is your blessing and prayers that has kept me all the while.

    “As we mark the 674th annual Gani festival, it is clear that the festival is as old as Kutigi itself. Let this mark the beginning of cultural rebirth. Our youths must embrace cosmopolitan nature and embrace people from different places for peace and economic prosperity. Let us be our brother’s keeper and avoid acts that could lead to break down of law and order.”

  • FMC Bida to install N152.5M CT scan machine

    The Federal Medical Center (FMC), Bida has disclosed that plans have been concluded for the installation of a Computerized Thermography (CT) Scan machine to ease procedures for operations of patients and other related illnesses.

    The Medical Director of the Centre, Dr Mohammad Aminu Usman, who disclosed this while speaking to newsmen in Bida said that three consultants on radiology are already in place for the operation of the machine.

    Usman said that the CT Scan machine along with its installation and training of workers as well configuration of the room would gulp N152.5 million.

    The Medical Director stated that all the facilities and systems in the center are in good working condition adding that there are no high rates of neonatal and infant mortality.

    Debunking a social media report purportedly written by one of its doctors, which states that the system in the Federal Medical Center have worsened in the last two weeks leading to high rates of death cases, Usman described the article by the unknown doctor as malicious which is meant to damage the image of the hospital.

    He stated that though there may have been dropped in power supply in Bida, the medical center runs its activities on alternate power supply using its generator contrary to the claims by the doctor that doctors bring along small generators to light up certain parts of the hospital.

    “The management of Federal Medical Center Bida is up and doing and the facilities are working perfectly well. We produce our own water, we have an oxygen plant and the center have never lacked oxygen. Despite the problem of power supply, we have gone extra miles to provide our clientele the best services.”

    Usman said that claims that the hospital should be renamed a mortuary because of the high rate of death cases was malicious and false adding that in the past few weeks, the hospital has conducted 15 successful surgeries despite its constraints.

    The Head of Neonatal Unit said that the unit recorded four deaths out of 30 admitted patients in June adding that the deaths were not due to lack of oxygen, light or negligence.

    She said that the birth of babies who weighed less than one kilogram were not handled properly and they were brought in very critical conditions.

    In the article written by the doctor who refused to state his name, the doctor blamed the management for the problems experienced in the Medical Center adding that his pockets and diverts internally generated funds.

    He claimed that in the past two weeks, the hospital has been in darkness as there is no power to charge devices, pump water and oxygen, a situation which makes doctors in the hospital to bring along small generators for their shifts.

    Dr. Usman Aminu said that the center has not been able to identify the writer of the article.

  • Rector seeks end to Degree/HND dichotomy

    Rector seeks end to Degree/HND dichotomy

    The Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Bida, Dr. Abubakar Abdul Dzukogi has stated that the Degree and Higher National Diploma (HND) dichotomy has not helped in addressing the unemployment level in the country.

    According to him, the discrimination between graduands of universities and polytechnics is unnecessary adding that emphasis should be placed on performance and skills and not certificate.

    The Rector made this appeal during the pre-convocation press briefing to mark the activities of the 14th Convocation ceremony in Bida on Tuesday.

    He said that graduates from polytechnic are those who move the economy forward as they surpass the university graduates in performance and skills.

    “The dichotomy between graduates from the universities and polytechnics is unnecessary. I am sure that this would soon dawn on us in Nigeria especially with the high unemployment level we have in this country.

    “The issue we are talking about is not about cramming but the ability to perform what have been taught.”

    Dzukogi appealed to government and all employers of labor to remove the difference and test every applicant according to the course they read, “I appeal to government and all employers of labor to do something about this dichotomy. There should be no difference between institutions; everyone should be given a fair playing ground.”

    The Rector further said that the polytechnic will be convocating 24, 279 graduands made up of 16, 362 National Diploma and 7,917 Higher National Diploma adding that the institution had not held convocation for eight years due to lack of funds.

    He added N7 million have been expended for the procurement of non-personalized certificates from the Nigeria Minting and Printing Company to enable all certificates to be prepared for collection after the convocation.

    Dzukogi then expressed his determination to do operate within extant laws, instill discipline among staff and students and do things in line with international best practices.

  • Youths dismiss zoning arrangement for Niger Reps seat

    A group of youth from Gbako and Katcha Local Government Areas of Niger State has stated that aspirants from Bida Local Government Area have never respected the zoning arrangement purportedly reached by the three local government areas in the Bida /Katcha /Gbako Federal Constituency.

    The position of the youth group comes on the heels of a claim by a group in Bida that the next House of Representatives member should come from Bida.

    The group of youths from Gbako and Katcha in a statement signed by Mohammed Kowangi, explained that when Barr. Peter Ndalikali Jiya from Gbako contested and won in 1999, there was an aspirant from Bida in person of Muhammad Awwal Bida.

    In 2003, they said two aspirants Barr Bida and Hon Ibrahim Babbanna Mustapha contested against Ndalikali.

    Kowangi further explained that in 2007when Hon Isah Bello from Katcha vied for the office, there were aspirants from Bida.

    The same scenario, he said, played out in 2011, an indication that the Bida area has never respected the rotation agreement.

    The group maintained “zoning in a political party is a gentleman agreement and not a constitutional issue”.

    It added even if it ever existed, zoning has always been violated by Bida Local Government Area.

    The youth said the resolution reached at a Sunday where the incumbent House of Representative member, Hon Abdulmalik Cheche and others were excluded from the race cannot be binding on all PDP members.

  • Fed Poly, Bida matriculates 3,146

    THE Federal Polytechnic, Bida has matriculated over 3,000 students for National and Higher National Diploma programmes for the 2012/2013 academic year.

    Administering the oath on the students, the Rector of the institution, Abdullahi Sule, warned the new intake not to get involved in any act capable of expulsion from the school. The Rector warned that the institution would not hesitate to summarily expel any student found involved in any of the vices in compliance with the Federal Government prohibition of secret societies in schools since 1979.

    Congratulating them, Sule, who was represented by his deputy, Dr. Abubakar Zukogi, told them that the management of the institution exhibits zero tolerance to any form of vices or anti-social activities such as cultism, examination malpractice and drug abuse.

    Sule also warned the teaching staff that the ban on sale of handouts still subsists,

    ‘’Sale of handouts in any form is banned and it is not mandatory for any student to buy handout. Students are advised to report any staff who violates this directive to their respective heads of department or the Dean of Student Affairs.’’

    The National President, National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Comrade Lanre Gbadebo also advised the new students to be conscious of the fact that they were in the school primarily for academic pursuit and shun any act inimical to their primary purpose.