The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Gabriel Suswam

  • Suswam seeks partnership with missionaries

    Suswam seeks partnership with missionaries

    Benue State Governor Gabriel Suswam has said genuine partnership between government and missionaries on education matters is necessary, if the nation is to guarantee quality education for the citizens.

    Suswam spoke in Abuja at the retreat and conference of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria.

    He said there was the need for the government to partner the church in the management of schools.

    According to him, such partnership was needed to build an educational system where emphasis would be placed on quality rather than the craving for certificates.

    The governor bemoaned the existence of “miracle centres”, noting that the craving for certificates was responsible for their emergence.

    Suswam said apart from the declining quality of education, the society’s norms and value system were disappearing because of lack of discipline in schools.

    He said his administration collaborated with the Church in the running of schools through grant -in – aids.

    “The missionaries were allowed to appoint their officials.

    “Ours may not be a perfect arrangement but it is a success story for the people.”

    The governor pledged to continue to partner with the four Catholic dioceses in the state-Makurdi, Otukpo, Gboko and Katsina-Ala.

    Suswam identified security, low revenues, incessant strikes, over frivolous demands and the existence of a plethora of industrial unions as some of the challenges of delivering quality education.

  • 20 Tiv farmers killed

    20 Tiv farmers killed

    Twenty more Tiv farmers were killed yesterday by suspected Fulani herdsmen in fresh attacks on Ayilamo, Tombo ward, Gaambe Tiev, home town of Governor Gabriel Suswam of Benue State.

    All the settlements are in Logo Local Government Area of the state.

    Ayilamo, a settlement of over 400 people on the Abinsi/Wukari Highway was razed by the invaders.

    The hoodlums had, earlier on Thursday attacked Tombo ward, setting ablaze Tse Dzungwe.

    The attack spread to Tse Akpam, Adzege, Uzer and Tse Gbeleve settlements on Friday and yesterday.

    The governor was attending the PDP zonal rally in Minna when the herdsmen struck.

    Residents of Ayilamo apparently tipped off of the impending attack had fled such that when the herdsmen came, resistance was not there.

    The houses of Joseph Tsavsar, special adviser to the governor on Special Duties, Moses Audu, PDP organising secretary, Shiaondo Alaaga permanent secretary in the office of the Head of Service and, Uja Emmanuel of The Nation at Ayilamo were burnt.

    The police in Ayilamo had also fled four days before the town was over- run yesterday by the invaders.

    Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) Daniel Ezeala, a DSP, confirmed the incident and said the police are on top of the situation.

  • Suswam seeks new funding model for state varsities

    Suswam seeks new funding model for state varsities

    Benue State Governor Gabriel Suswam, yesterday canvassed fresh funding options for state universities if they must compete in the global knowledge arena as “world class universities”.

    Suswam spoke in Minna, the Niger State capital, as guest lecturer at the Third Biennial Conference of Pro- Chancellors of State Universities. He spoke on the topic “Politics of funding of state universities”.

    He said it was high time the funding challenges of state Universities were addressed as inadequate funding was one of the major factors bedeviling university education in Nigeria since the funding of universities, he argued was as tasking as running a government.

    “For Nigeria to achieve her national goals for development, our university system must  be completely  refocused” he stated, adding the university system should be insulated  from politics for  quality performance.

    Reeling out current data on global ranking of universities, the Governor regretted that in the most recent ranking of universities under the World Education Standards, the best ranked Nigerian university, the University of Benin was  not among the best 1600 universities in the world  since it was ranked a distant 1630 in the world and ranked 18th  best in Africa, noting also that three of the nation’s  first generation universities, the University of Nigeria Nsukka, Obafemi awolowo University and the University of Lagos  were ranked 3, 228, 3,263, and 3,486 while the nation’s premier university, the University of Ibadan  reputed for many firsts in the country was not among the best 3000 universities in the world and ranked 53rd in Africa.

    He said the declining standard of university education had ushered in the unfortunate situation where Nigerians were sending their students and wards to universities in Ghana, Benin, Chad and Sudan.

    In orders to address the funding needs if the universities, Governor Suswam canvassed the enthronement of a Private Public Partnership (PPP) funding model for provision of critical infrastructure like hostels, shopping malls and sports complexes while the universities should imbibe entrepreneurial spirit by investing in such ventures as farms, gift items, water factories, bread factories among others to increase on internally generated revenue.

    He advised Pro- chancellors to explore the possibility of charging tuition fees as a source of improving of the funding needs of the universities while such fees should be charged within a national threshold to be agreed upon by the state universities for uniformity. The governor frowned at a situation where some states established universities out of pride and political expediency without recourse to the critical factor of funding and warned state universities against establishing new faculties and departments without much consideration for staffing and funding.

     

  • CAN protests in Benue

    CAN protests in Benue

    Members of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Benue State staged yesterday a peaceful protest in Makurdi against incessant attacks on farmers by Fulani herdsmen.

    About 7am, the protesters from the 23 local government areas converged on Wurukum roundabout, accompanied by security operatives. They marched on the Government House.

    They rejected the grazing land bill, saying it would cause more damage.

    Led by the Chairman, Bishop Yiman Orkwa, the protesters submitted a letter to Governor Gabriel Suswam for President Goodluck Jonathan.

    The protesters called for the closure of the Makurdi International Cattle Market, saying it is a route for arms importation.

    Suswam praised the protesters and promised to give their letter to the President.

  • Fulani herdsmen invasion: Waku calls for state of emergency in Benue

    Former National Vice Chairman of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), Senator JKN Waku, wants a state of emergency to be declared in Benue State to protect lives and property.

    Speaking to The Nation in reaction to the continued killing of people in the state by people suspected to be Fulani herdsmen, Waku said that only a state of emergency could save the situation from degenerating further.

    He said Governor Gabriel Suswam himself has admitted that the killings are beyond his capacity to tackle.

    Suswam had at the weekend called on the federal government to “do something” on the activities of the nomads that are threatening the economic life of the people of Benue State, adding that “the entire people of Benue are very worried how militias in their thousands are moving freely and causing destructions in the state.”

    Waku said: “The governor, who is supposed to be the chief security officer of the state is nowhere to be seen, having admitted that he tried to quell the killings but his efforts couldn’t yield result.

    “I only read in the national dailies that the situation has overpowered him, as he called on the federal government to do something. What can the federal government do? The president can only declare a state of emergency to protect lives and property before the situation gets out of hand.

    “If this is not done, the people may resort to self defence, which may degenerate.

    “Because that is how civil wars start. When people resort to self defence, it’s a recipe for civil war, which can be avoided.”

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain expressed shock over the President’s silence on the current situation, saying: “The continuous silence of the federal government can be interpreted as an implementation of its strategy to create crisis in the state which they consider is not in favour of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    “We are not sure whether this is part of the implementation of the federal government’s strategy to bring militants and militia into Benue State to carry out its bid and create an impression that the invaders are Fulani herdsmen.”

    Waku said the killings have been ongoing for about three years without any arrest made to bring the perpetrators to book.

    He said that over 5000 people have already been killed by the hoodlums and property estimated in billions of naira destroyed in Guma, Gwer West and other local government areas since the attacks.

    Waku predicted that there would be “terrible starvation” in the near future, not only in Benue but larger parts of the country, since the farmers have fled their farm lands.

    “When the period of starvation comes, it shouldn’t be attributed to a natural disaster because it is sheer negligence on the part of the federal government,” he said.

  • CAN protests Fulani attacks in Benue

    CAN protests Fulani attacks in Benue

    Activities were disrupted yesterday in Makurdi, Benue State, following a protest by the youth wing of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).

    The youths were protesting the incessant killing of farmers by suspected Fulani herdsmen.

    Over 150 protesters marched on the streets, carrying placards which read: “Fulani have killed our families”; “Fulani have set our houses ablaze”; “Fulani have rendered us homeless”.

    They presented a letter at the Government House. Receiving the letter on behalf of Governor Gabriel Suswam, Chief of Staff, Government House, Prof Saint Gbilekaa, praised the youths for their peaceful conduct.

    He said government would find a solution to the crisis.

    Gbilekaa said a meeting with the acting governor, commissioner of police and security agencies showed that most of the attackers come through the Nasarawa State boundary. “Soon the issue would be addressed,” he said.

    Speaking for the protesters, Daniel Danayali said residents were being killed with impunity.

    He said: “Nothing is being done by the government or security agencies.

    ‘’If Fulani herdsmen can easily attack a Makurdi suburb, nobody in the state capital should think he is safe.

    “We call on the government to take steps to protect the people.”

  • Jonathan, Tambuwal, Suswam condole with Mark over sister’s death

    President Goodluck Jonathan, House of Representatives’ Speaker Aminu Tambuwal and Governor Gabriel Suswam of Benue State were among eminent Nigerians at the Otukpo country home of Senate President David Mark for the burial of his younger sister, Mrs. Mary Adakole (nee Mark).

    Chief Press Secretary to the Senate President, Paul Mumeh, in a statement in Abuja, said Jonathan at the requiem Mass at sympathised with Mark and Adakole’s families over the untimely death of their sister and wife who died in an Abuja hospital after child birth.

    The president, who was represented by Ministers of Police Affairs, Caleb Olubolade; Water Resources’ Sarah Ochekpe and Interior Minister Abba Moro, urged the bereaved to take solace in the fact that the late Mary lived an exemplary life and died as a child of God.

    He renewed his pledge to give the health sector priority to save more Nigerians.

    Jonathan urged health professionals to brace up to the challenges of modern health care services in the country.

    Tambuwal enjoined the bereaved to see the passing away of their sister as an act beyond humans, saying that only God knows when a man should be born and die.

    On his part, Suswam expressed sadness over the untimely death of Mary, whom he described as a very promising daughter of the state.

    Senate President David Mark said: “It is sad that I am the one mourning my sister instead of the other way round.”

    He promised to continue championing the crusade to improve health care delivery services so that no woman would die during childbirth.

    Deputy President of the Senate, Ike Ekweremadu, led scores of Senators on a condolence visit to Mark at his Apo residence in Abuja.

    Rev. Father Sylvester Onmoke, who led other priests at the requiem mass preached peace and forgiveness stressing that death is a necessary end that must come when it shall.

    Late Mary Adakole was born on January 17 1978 and committed to mother earth on her birthday, January 17.

  • Let’s be tolerant, Suswam pleads

    Let’s be tolerant, Suswam pleads

    Benue State Governor Gabriel Suswam has called for tolerance and mutual coexistence amopng Nigerians in the New Year.

    The governor urged the people of Benue State to imbibe positive attitudes in the New Year to put the pains of the past behind them and embrace the New Year with an abiding faith in God.

    He said the beginning of a New Year symbolises the opening of new chapters in the lives of the people as they encounter daily life challenges.

    According to him, the recognition of life’s shortcomings can be redeemed with a new resolve and commitment to excellence.

  • Suswam: let’s ensure harmony

    Suswam: let’s ensure harmony

    Benue State Governor Gabriel Suswam yesterday urged the residents to maintain the prevailing peace in the state during the Yuletide season and beyond.

    In a Christmas message in Makurdi, the state capital, Suswam attributed the prevailing peace in the state to “the neighbourly love”, which Christians and followers of other religions have extended to one another.

    He said love should be the foundation of peace, harmony and development in any society, adding that without love there would be no Christmas.

    According to him, it is because God so loved the world that he sent His only son, Jesus Christ, to save humanity from eternal condemnation.

    Suswam urged Christians to be guided by brotherly love as they celebrate Christmas and engage in other activities.

    The governor advised parents, guardians, elders and community leaders, who would be re-uniting with their wards and subjects during the Yuletide, to preach the message love to them.

    He said this would make Benue State and other parts of the country to live in peace.

  • ASUU: Needs Implementation body raises monitoring teams

    ASUU: Needs Implementation body raises monitoring teams

    The NEEDS Assessment Implementation Committee for public universities has constituted monitoring teams to oversee the execution of projects on the campuses of the 59 federal and state universities.

    They are to benefit from the Federal Government’s N100 billion intervention fund.

    The constitution of the monitoring teams was the high point of the meeting which held at the Benue Governor’s Lodge, Asokoro, Abuja.

    The meeting, chaired by Benue State Governor Gabriel Suswam was attended by Minister of State for Education, Nyesom Wike; representatives of the Senate and House of Representatives Committee on Education Senator Atiku Bagudu and Dr Macjohn Nwaobiala, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education, Executive Secretary, National Universities Commission (NUC), and leaders of industrial unions in the university system (NASU, SSANU and NAATS) with the Acting Executive Secretary of TETFund as Secretary.

    Members of the committee include the Minister of Education, Minister of Labour,Senator Atiku Abubakar Bagudu, Hon Jerry Alagbaoso, Permanent Secretary Federal Ministry of Education, Executive Secretary NUC, Chairman Board of TeTFund, Presidents of ASUU, NASU, SSANU and NAATS while Mr.Ifiok Ukim,Head of Legal Services at TeTFund will serve as Secretary.

    The Committee constituted six monitoring teams for the six geo- political zones with responsibility to monitor project implementation in all the universities within the zones.

    The North- Central team which has Hajia Hindat Abdullahi as chairperson will monitor the projects in the zone. Mr Oluwole Oluleye will chair the monitoring committee for northeast zone. The Northwest has Mallam Aliyu Na’Iya, Acting Executive Secretary of TeTFund as Chairman with Prof. Kimse Okoko, Chairman, Committee of Pro- Chancellors as Chairman of Southeast Monitoring Sub-Committee. The Southsouth Team will be led by Mrs Sarah Alade (Deputy Governor, Economic Policy), representative of CBN while the representative of the NNPC, Dr Dan Efebo will chair the Monitoring Team for the Southwest geo- political zone.

    Suswam urged the teams to take the assignment seriously. He described the exercise as a call to national service. The Benue governor appealed to the governing councils of the 59 benefitting universities in the first phase of the intervention programme to expedite action on their procurement processes so that the actual work on the projects will begin in earnest.

    The Federal Government had last month disbursed N100billion to the public universities in a bold move to redress the serious infrastructural deficit in the university system.