The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Gombe State

  • A spiritual coalition takes on violence against kids

    A spiritual coalition takes on violence against kids

    From child soldiers to sex slaves and forced labourers, minors have long suffered in the hands of unscrupulous individuals. That is why a group of churches has started a campaign in Gombe State to stop the violence, reports VINCENT OHONBAMU

    t is not a pretty picture. Children are manipulated or forced by some cold-hearted individuals to pick up guns and fight on the frontline. Some are bought. They spend a length of time satisfying the unwholesome sexual appetite of their buyers. Others are simply purchased to do hard work, and cannot say they are tired, hungry or want to go to school.

    This is violence against children or VAC. A coalition of churches under the aegis of Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN) cannot endure it anymore.

    They are appealing to the government and virtually everyone else to help fight the vice and save children from those who manipulate and abuse them. CCN is calling on governments to scale up their priorities on children, rather than pay them lip service or push them to the background.

    The National President of CCN, Reverend Fubara Fubara-Manuel spoke in Gombe while presenting the council’s reasons for taking on violence against children in Nigeria.

    “We regret this as Christians and affirm, rather, that care for these children is no mere addition to our creeds, but an essential dimension to our being and calling as people of God,” said Fubara-Manuel who was represented by the state chairman of CCN, VenerableAmos Chijioke.

    He condemned extremists who in the name of religion use children for suicide missions, or as sex slaves, or force them into early  marriage, or sell them.

    Venerable Chijioke said the state campaign would be pioneered from Balanga and Kwami local government areas before moving up to other places.

    He said the world is full of shameless people who rape infants and children, adding that parents too are at fault for not making sufficient arrangements for the girl-child.

    Chijioke bemoaned policies that tend to give men a false sense of superiority over women and children, leading men to discriminate against women on the basis of gender. He said such mindsets are no longer tolerable.

    “It is in this context,” he said, “that we have come together as Christians to sensitise on the evil of VAC and do all in our power to end it.”

    The week-long activities which began with a press conference include, also featured an advocacy visit community leaders in Kwami Local Government Area, a workshop for church denominational leaders, rally in Gombe metropolis, workshop at Talasse in Balanga council and in Gelengu in Balanga local government. There was also a sermon in a church.

    CCN comprises 14 denominations of churches, seven of which in Gombe.

     

  • Lottery fund donates to Gombe schools

    Lottery fund donates to Gombe schools

    The National Lottery Trust Fund (NLTF) has donated sports equipment to 54 primary schools in Gombe State. The equipment donated are for basketball, badminton, football, handball, high jump, judo, athletics and volleyball.

    The chief executive of NLTF Mr Habu Ahmed said the gesture was a follow-up to a similar one by the Vice President Yemi Osinbanjo who distributed sports equipment to 2,000 public primary schools nationwide on May 20.

    He said, “While urging you to put the equipment to good use in your schools, you must ensure the safekeeping of the equipment so that they do not get stolen, as we have already alerted security agencies to apprehend any culprit who diverts these Federal Government materials.

    “We don’t want to see any of these items in any market in Gombe State because they are not for sale. They are meant for the development of sports in the state. If you notice that the equipment is not in your school, ask your teachers: where is our sports equipment?”

    Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo who was represented by his Deputy, Charles Iliya, reinforced the warning, adding that the administration will not accept any act that will compromise the proper development of its children.

  • Sustain prevailing peace in Gombe – Dankwambo appeals

    Sustain prevailing peace in Gombe – Dankwambo appeals

    Gov. Ibrahim Dankwambo of Gombe State has appealed to traditional and religious leaders, and entire people of the state to sustain the prevailing peace being enjoyed in the state.

    Dankwambo spoke on Friday in Gombe, during a sallah reception at Government House, shortly after he returned from the Eid praying ground.

    “Peace is the prerequisite for the socio-economic development of our dear state and the country at large, hence the need to sustain it.

    “Shun act capable of disrupting our peaceful co-existence, I assure you government will not abandon its primary responsibility of protecting lives and property,” he said.

    He expressed his appreciation to the people for supporting his administration to implement viable policies and programmes aimed at improving the living standard of the people.

    “Let me reassure the good people of Gombe State that we will not rest on our oars in providing socio-economic infrastructure for the transformation of our dear state,” he said.

    The governor also urged the people to pray for safe return of Nigerians who were in Saudi Arabia on holy pilgrimage.

  • APC appeals to INEC to conduct credible by-election in Gombe

    APC appeals to INEC to conduct credible by-election in Gombe

    All Progressives Congress (APC) Gombe State Chapter, has appealed to the Independent National Electoral  Commission (INEC) to conduct free, fair and credible by-election in Dukku North Constituency.

    The election is billed for Aug. 19

    The interim chairman of the party in the state, Alhaji Idi Gubana, made the appeal on Friday in Gombe while speaking with newsmen.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the seat became vacant due to the death of Gambo Kabade of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who died in June 2017.

    “We are asking INEC to conduct free, fair and credible election.

    “The security agencies should ensure nobody snatch ballot box and every eligible voter should be allowed to vote for the candidate of his choice” Gubana said.

    The chairman said the party is prepared for and confident its candidate would win the election as Dukku North is APC catchment area.

    He said that members of the party   appreciated the security arrangements put in place for the election and urged the security agencies to maintan them on Election Day.

    “So far we appreciated the security arrangement made by the Commissioner of Police and the sister security agencies.

    “We were told that each polling unit will have not less than five security personnel.

    “We hope that security operatives posted to polling the units will ensure that the election is conducted credibly and nobody should be denied to cast his or her votes,” he said.

    Gubana called on supporters of the party to come out and vote for the party’s candidate and be peaceful before, during and after the election.

  • 2017 Hajj: NAHCON begins transportation of holy water for pilgrims

    2017 Hajj: NAHCON begins transportation of holy water for pilgrims

    The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has commenced the transportation of Zamzam (Holy Water) for 2017 Pilgrims to Nigeria from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

    The Head of Media of NAHCON, Malam Uba Mana made this known in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN ), on Sunday in Abuja.

    Mana said that the measure was part of the determination of the commission to make Hajj a hassle free exercise for the Nigerian Pilgrims.

    According to him, the first consignment of the water had been delivered in Gombe State by Saudi Arabian designate Airline, Flynas Airline.

    He explained that the policy of bringing Zamzam for pilgrims was meant to ease the difficulties faced by Nigeria Pilgrims in coming home with Zamzam water during Hajj.

    “This policy guarantees every pilgrim to collect 5 litres of Zamzam on arrival from Saudi Arabia back to Nigeria.

    “Each and every Nigeria Pilgrims will be given one 5kg of Zamzam water at their various transit camps across the Country on their arrival from Saudi Arabia, ” he said.

    The head of media said that the issue of carrying Zamzam water along with Pilgrims’ excess luggage had been a major factor that prolong the length and time of conducting screening for Nigeria Pilgrims during their return Journey from Hajj.

    He recalled that during the 2016 Hajj, NAHCON pioneer the system of shipping Zamzam water back to Nigeria before the arrival of Pilgrims from the Holy Land.

    “In 2016, the Commission transported 68,000 numbers of Zamzam water before the completion of transportation of pilgrims from Nigeria to Saudi Arabia.”

    On the ongoing transportation of pilgrins to Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Mana said over 17,000 pilgrims from nine States have so far been transported to the Kingdom by the Commission.

  • NYSC deploys 2,000 corps members to Gombe

    NYSC deploys 2,000 corps members to Gombe

    The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) says it has posted 2,000 corps members to Gombe State for the 2017 batch ‘A’ stream II service year.

    NYSC spokesperson in Gombe State, Margaret Dakama, said in a statement that the orientation course would hold from July 26 to Aug. 15.

    “In Gombe State, about 2,000 prospective corps members are expected to report at the NYSC Temporary Orientation Camp at Amada Science Technical College for the orientation exercise,” Dakama said.

    She advised the corps members to report to camp on time as the registration and verification would end by midnight of July 27.

    The NYSC also urged residents to accord the corps members with necessary assistance in directing them to the orientation camp.

  • Open defecation: Gombe to introduce mobile courts to prosecute offenders

    Open defecation: Gombe to introduce mobile courts to prosecute offenders

    The Gombe State Government says it will introduce mobile courts to prosecute those who contravene its environmental laws, to curb open defecation and other offences.

    Hajiya Sa’adatu Da’af, the Commissioner for Environment and Forest Resources, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Gombe on Friday that the court was to improve sanitation in the state.

    The commissioner said that the ministry also planned to re-introduce the use of environmental sanitary inspectors who would work with the court.

    She said that environmental laws were not lacking in the state but the challenge had been inadequate manpower.

    According to her, the court will go a long way in bringing an end to open defecation in Gombe metropolis and environs.

    “We want to come out with more ways on how to completely stop the practice.” she said.

    Da’af said that the state would construct more Ventilated Improved Pit (VIP) latrines in public places like markets and motor parks to put an end to open defecation.

    The commissioner decried the arbitrary dumping of tyres in drains and roadsides by vulcanisers, and deforestation arising from felling of trees for firewood.

    She said that the government would also resuscitate the monthly environmental sanitation exercise soon as part of the measures to improve sanitation in the state.

    “We will make sure that we do not leave any stone unturned. We want a clean environment for healthy living,” Da’af said.

  • Wheat farmers harvest 9,000 tons in Gombe

    Wheat farmers harvest 9,000 tons in Gombe

    The Chairman, Wheat Farmers Association in Gombe State, Mr Batari Dauda, said 9,000 tons of wheat were harvested in 2016/2017 farming season in the state.

    Dauda, who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Gombe on Monday, said 1,200 registered farmers cultivated 2,000 hectares of land across the state.

    The chairman described the yield as fairly good, but added that the initial target was cultivate 10,000 hectares of land across the state.

    He said the cultivation was limited by lack of quality seeds and farming implements.

    “Most of the farmers said the seed they secured was plantable material, that is seed that was planted for over five years.

    “This results to deterioration in terms of quality because the yield will not be good.

    “Initially Lake Chad Research Institute brought us foundation seed, but the problem we have with them is that the seed is not sufficient, he said.

    Dauda said those that were able to plant the crop early realized three to four tons on each hectare while those that planted late, realized between one and two tons per hectare.

    “This is because the temperature has to be low before planting wheat.

    “It does not grow during the rainy season, it can only be planted between first and last week of November.

    “Therefore, a farmer must cultivate his land in October and wait for November to plant and harvest in March,” he explained.

    The chairman said farmers had no problem getting market for the produce because the association had signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Nigeria Millers Association.

    “They became our off takers; in fact what we are producing is not even enough for them.

    “Apart from them, there are local end users, those that want to turn wheat into bread and other things,” Dauda said.

  • Gombe promises to implement N56, 000 minimum wage

    Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo of Gombe State, has assured the state civil servants that his government would immediately implement the proposed N56, 000 national minimum wage, if the Federal Government approves it.

    Dankwambo gave the assurance at the commemoration of 2017 Workers’ Day in Gombe on Monday.

    The governor was represented by his deputy, Mr Charles Iliya, who is also acting Governor.

    ‘’As soon as the Federal Government approves the new minimum wage, our administration will implement it within the limit of our resources.’’

    He, however, called on the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Nigerians to be resilient and support government efforts aimed at moving the country out of current economic recession.
    “Our administration accords top priority to the welfare of civil servants whose selfless service contributed immensely to the socio-economy development of our dear state.’’

    Earlier in his remarks, Mr Aliyu Kamara, the State Chairman, NLC, appealed to the Federal Government to as a matter of urgency approve the new minimum wage submitted by the Technical Committee.

    He said that approval of the new minimum wage became necessary, considering the current economic recession and the attendant high cost of goods and services in the country.
    Kamara also appealed to state government to consider all issues presented to it during the interactive session held between labour leaders and government.

    He noted that this year theme entitled, “Labour Relations in Economic Recession an Appraisal’’ could not have come at a better time, considering the numerous challenges facing Nigerian workers.

    Kamara, however, commended the state government for prompt payment of salaries and allowances of civil servants, employment and the release of N2 billion for the payment of gratuities to retirees.

    Also in his remarks, Dr Daniel Musa, the State’s Head of Service, called on the workers to continue supporting government to move the state forward.

    Musa assured the workers that with the authentic data of the civil servants, identification cards with pin number would soon be issued to civil servants.

    He expressed optimism that the effort would improve the service and detect lazy workers.

  • Gombe Corps members laud D-G’s initiative on skills acquisition

    Corps members serving in Gombe State have lauded the initiatives of Brig-Gen. Suleiman Kazaure, Director General of the National Youth Service Corp (NYSC) in equipping them with skills that would enable them become self-reliant after their service year.

    Some of them, who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Gombe, said they were particularly happy with the decision to establish Skills Acquisition and Vocational Centers in each of the six geo-political zones of the country.

    Mr Justin Nicholag, a Corps member, said that the initiative would enable them fulfill their desire to gainfully engage themselves, instead of roaming streets in search of white collar jobs that were not available.

    He said they were trained in many trades during their orientation course at the camp, giving them the opportunity of knowing a lot that could help them in the future.
    “Before now, I was thinking of graduating and securing a white collar job, but inside the camp, I was trained in so many trades which I have decided to venture into after my service year, especially the agro-allied field,” he said.
    Miss Atigolo Timeyin, another corps member, also commended the D-G for establishing the projects in the country, adding that with such initiative, the NYSC scheme would have positive impact on the lives of Corps members after completion of service.
    “I am very pleased that this development is unfolding during my time; with the skills acquired, we have option of gainfully ‘employing ourselves’ if there is nobody to employ us, especially now that white collar jobs are very scarce,” she said.
    Also speaking to NAN, Aishatu Gaya said the Skills Acquisition centers would contribute positively for them to be independent after service.
    Gaya advised her colleagues to make the best use of the opportunity provided by being serious in learning trades.

    In her contribution, Miss Comfort Samuel said that the D-G’s initiative would not only help Corps members, but also their parents and communities.

    “Any serious Corps member should be able to pick something that he or she can rely on after the service year.

    “By so doing, we will not become liabilities to our parents or relations or the society in general, after completing our service,” she said.
    For Miss Elizabeth Christopher, “the idea will help the Corps members to be more creative than they used to be,” and therefore urged facilitators to be dedicated to the cause for the programme was introduced.

    NAN reports that on Thursday, Kauzaure inspected the NYSC Integrated Skills Acquisition and Vocational Centre for the North- East zone in Lafiawo town of Gombe state.