The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Governor Aminu Tambuwal

  • Sokoto spends N3b on scholarship in three years

    The Sokoto State government says it has expended over N3 billion on scholarship from 2015 to date.

    The Executive Chairman, Sokoto State Scholarship Board, Altine Shehu Kajiji , told journalists the money was spent in paying tuition fees, accommodation, feeding and pocket money for over 400 indigenous students studying abroad.

    He said part of the money was also used to settle registration fees and allowances of 18,000 local students.

    Addressing 31 students billed to study Medicine in Sudan and their parents, Kajiji assured the students they would lack anything during their period of study.  He also shared what they should expect during their stay.

    He said the state government was working towards securing scholarship for 200 students from some universities in China.

    Some of the parents expressed appreciation to the government for selecting their wards for the training.

    They also praised Governor Aminu Tambuwal and Kajiji, for ensuring that the beneficiaries were selected on merit without any political interference.

  • Tambuwal inaugurates 80kw solar electricity project

    Tambuwal inaugurates 80kw solar electricity project

    Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal has inaugurated the 80kw solar mini-grid electricity project which will provide uninterrupted power supply to Kurdula community in Gudu Local Government Area.

    Malam Imam Imam, the Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the Governor, said this in a statement issued in Sokoto on Sunday.

    The statement quoted Tambuwal as saying at the inauguration that more than 500 households made up of 4,000 residents would enjoy enhanced access to electricity supply.

    “Today’s event marks the beginning of a great collaborative effort toward ensuring sustainable growth through renewable energy sector development.

    “It has now become absolutely necessary to take advantage of the ongoing renewable energy effort to ensure self-sufficiency in energy for economic development.

    “Mini grid powered by renewable sources is the best option for us to expand electricity access in the rural areas where the national grid is not available,” the statement quoted Tambuwal as saying.

    He added that his administration will continue to work closely with all stakeholders to expand areas of cooperation for the benefit of the citizenry.

    Tambuwal, however, urged community leaders and residents to ensure adequate security for equipment.

    He said the project was a key component of his administration’s rural development initiative being co-funded by the European Union and jointly implemented by the Federal Ministry of Power, Works and Housing and the German International Development Agency.

    The German Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Dietmar Kreusel, had expressed optimism that the introduction of solar mini grid would expand access to electricity not just in Kurdula, but in other areas of the country.

    The European Union Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mr Ketil Karlsen, said that over 1.5 billion people globally lacked access to electricity.

    He also noted that many Nigerians do not have access to cheap, affordable and steady electricity.

    Minister of State for Power, Works and Housing Alhaji Sulaiman Zarma said the Federal Government was ready to work with partners on energy solutions.

    He said the Kurdula mini grid electricity project was one of the six currently supported by Nigerian Energy Support Programme in six states of the federation.

  • Dangote, Otedola, others converge on Abuja for Dogara @ 50

    Dangote, Otedola, others converge on Abuja for Dogara @ 50

    The busy roads of Abuja parted like the Red Sea last Sunday as the blue blood of high society converged on the capital city for the beginning of the golden jubilee celebration of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Aminu Dogara.

    The spectacle of a hundred thunderclaps would hardly compare to the majesty on display as power brokers vied with dons and doyens of the private sector for bragging rights in a novelty football match that kicked off the birthday festivities. It was a sight to behold as deities among men huffed, puffed and whooped like mere mortals, while other deep-pocket spectators momentarily lost their heads to the rush of the occasion.

    On hand to chair the august event was the Chairman of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, ably assisted by the likes of Forte Oil boss Femi Otedola, Sam Iwuajoku and Oscar Onyema. Also in attendance were Senate President Bukola Saraki and Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal, among others. The proceeds of the novelty match will be channelled into helping internally displaced persons in the Northeast.

  • Buhari to visit Sokoto Saturday

    Buhari to visit Sokoto Saturday

    President Muhammadu Buhari is due in Sokoto Saturday on a day working visit.

    Malam Imam Imam, spokesman for Governor Aminu Tambuwal, said the President will, among other things, inspect and inaugurate some developmental projects.

    These include the inauguration of the 500-housing estate at Kalambaina-Sokoto.

    The project was initiated by former Governor Aliyu Wamakko and completed by Tambuwal.

    The houses will be sold to civil servants in the state, to further reduce housing deficit in the state.

    President Buhari will also attend  a durbar as part of the 10th anniversay of the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar 111.

    Vice President Yemi Osinbajo had, on Thursday in Sokoto, declared open an International Symposium on the Sokoto Caliphate.

    The Speakers at the Symposium included a Professor Emeritus from the University College, London, Prof. Murray Last.

  • Niger Delta crisis requires political solution – Tambuwal

    Niger Delta crisis requires political solution – Tambuwal

    The crisis in the Niger Delta region requires more of political solution than military, Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State said on Tuesday.

    Tambuwal made the remark in Sokoto when he hosted participants of Course 25 of the National Defence College, who were on study tour of the state.

    “The crisis in the Niger Delta is one that requires more political engagement by all stakeholders.

    ‘“Rather than use military might, we should lay much emphasis on engaging all parties in a dialogue.

    “The militants especially, must seize the initiative to restore peace in the region and ensure socioeconomic stability,” the governor said.

    He further said that the ability of the country to rise up to current challenges would ultimately define the true worth of its leadership.

    Tambuwal added: “Every country of the world is facing some form of challenges

    “What is important is the ability of the leadership to rally round, discuss and engage all stakeholders to come to a peaceful resolution of such issues.”

    Tambuwal commended the Nigerian military and other security services for their efforts in ensuring internal security.

    He said the successes recorded in the fight against Boko Haram should inspire them to look for solutions to the challenges of kidnapping and armed robbery bedeviling other parts of the country.

    “President Muhammadu Buhari has good intentions for the country, Nigerians should support his efforts and embrace peace at all times.”

    On the theme of the tour, which is `Enhancing food security for national development: the role of state governments,’ Tambuwal said Sokoto had embraced modern agriculture.

    “In the recent past, we have embraced many cash crops because of the need to diversify.

    “In Sokoto today, we are leading producers of crops like millet, rice, sorghum, onions, tomatoes, cowpea and variety of vegetables.

    “From next farming season, we are including sesame among crops to be cultivated because of its economic value,” he added.

    In his remarks, leader of the team, Prof. Istifanus Zabade, said the participants were made up of Nigerians and their counterparts from other countries.

    He stated that they were required to study cultural, social and political environment of chosen localities, to broaden their knowledge base of all sections of the country. 

  • Tambuwal lauds turnout of voters at council elections

    Tambuwal lauds turnout of voters at council elections

    Governor Aminu Tambawal of Sokoto State on Saturday expressed satisfaction with the high turnout of voters in the ongoing local government elections across the state.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Tambuwal made the comment, while speaking with journalists at Kofar Ajiya polling unit, shortly after casting his vote.

    He said that the state government had provided a level playing ground for the voters to elect their leaders in a peaceful atmosphere.

    The governor commended the efforts of the state independent electoral commission to organise hitch-free elections across the state, citing the availability electoral materials at all polling centres as a plus.

    Tambuwal, however, urged the residents to continue to live in peace with one another so as to promote socio-economic and political stability of the state and the country at large.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that there was an impressive turnout of women in most of the polling stations visited.

    Mr Aliyu Faruk, the Presiding Officer at Kalgama polling unit, told NAN that about 109 voters had so far been accredited.

    He said that all the party agents and security personnel also collaborated to ensure peaceful, hitch-free election.

    At Kofar Ajiya polling station, Isa Hamid, the Presiding Officer, said that the electoral commission had provided all the basic materials that were needed for the smooth conduct of the exercise.

    “We have accredited 156 voters as at 11.02 a.m. and you can see that the voter turnout is quite impressive,’’ he added.

    NAN also reports that shops at various parts of the local government were open for business, while motorcycles operators were also seen at strategic locations waiting for customers.

  • Tambuwal dissolves 23 LG caretaker committees

    Tambuwal dissolves 23 LG caretaker committees

    Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State on Thursday approved the immediate dissolution of the 23 local government caretaker committees in the state.

    Similarly, all the secretaries of the councils were relieved of their appointments.

    This is contained in a statement by the Governor’s spokesman, Imam Imam, made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Sokoto.

    The statement said Directors of Personnel Management in the councils were directed to take over the leadership of their local governments.

    Meanwhile,  Tambuwal has approved the appointment of Prof. Bashir Garba as the new Secretary to the State Government (SSG).

    Until his new appointment, Bashir was the Rector of the state polytechnic.

    Born on June 6, 1966 in Minanata area of Sokoto, Garba holds a Ph.D in Applied Chemistry, Msc in Applied Organic Chemistry, PGD in Management and Bsc in Applied Chemistry.

    He attended Magajin Rafi Primary School, Sokoto, from 1973 to 1979; Government Secondary Technical School, Talata Mafara, from 1979 to 1984; Usmanu Danfodio University, Sokoto and University of Jos.

    The new SSG served as the Director of Sokoto Energy Research Centre of the Usmanu Danfodio University between 1999 and 2005.

    Tambuwal also appointed Alhaji Abdullahi Danko as the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Public Affairs, and Hajiya Aisha Musa Maina as SSA on New Media.

    Danko, was a former Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Sokoto State council.

    Until his appointment, he was the Director of News in Rima Radio, Sokoto.

    Hajiya Aisha is the current State Chairperson of the National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Sokoto State Chapter.