The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Jigawa

  • Jigawa awards 22km road

    The Jigawa State government has awarded the Gujungu/Kaugama road, a 22km feeder road, for construction at N889,273 million.
    Commissioner of Works and Transport Aminu Usman Yakubu stated this after the Executive Council meeting yesterday.
    According to him, the road will link 18 major towns and villages.
    Usman said the contract, awarded to IGEE Construction Company limited, is expected to be completed in six months.

  • Toad sellers make brisk business in Jigawa

    Toad sellers make brisk business in Jigawa

    Toad sellers are recording high sales in Hadejia, Jigawa, due to the growing demand of the aquatic animals, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports.

    Toad is an amphibian animal with a drier and less smooth skin that lives on land but breeds in water. It is a frog family with long back legs for jumping.

    Toads are of different species and not all are eatable or good for human consumption, as some of it produced dangerous poison.

    Althouh it is not on the popular menu in the north, but it is in high demand in some communities in central and southern parts of the country.

    A NAN check at the Hadejia market showed that toad sellers were making brisk businesses due to a significant increase in the demand for the animals.

    A big stick, which contains about 20 toads, was being sold for N1, 000 and a small size-stick with 10 toads attracts N450.

    Traders at the market described the trade as lucrative in view of the growing market.

    Alhaji Haruna Shuaibu, a dealer, said that he was making good sales due to the rise in the demand of toads.

    Shuaibu explained that the demand had surpassed the supply, adding that the animals were very rare in the dry season.

    “Toad trade is good; it attracted many people due to its lucrative nature.

    “Buyers are coming to the market from other states to buy.

    “They preferred dried toads, but some buy fresh ones,” he said.

    According to him, traders at the market transport hundreds of sticks of toads to other parts of the country on weekly basis.

    Zakari Hadi, a toad hunter, said that he was making between N2, 000 and N3, 000 from the sales of toads, adding that this enables him to meet his basic financial needs.

    Hadi said that he used nets to trap and catch the toads, adding that the animals were available at ponds in the area.

    He explained that toads are of different species, which were categorised into those that are poisonous and those that are edible.

    He said toad hunting was hectic because it requires skills to enable one identify the type of toad to catch.

    “We catch toads in waters and sometimes we dig them out from the mud on the river bank.

    “The toads are arranged on a stick and spread in the open for days to dry,” he added.

    Another trader, Mr Sam Akiboh, said that he used to come to the market from Benue to buy toads.

    Akiboh said it was in high demand in his area due to its good taste  and low  price.

    “I make about N20, 000 gains from the sales of toads weekly”.

    Miss Phoebe John and Gabriel Tondo, who corroborated Akiboh, said they made good savings from toad’s trade.

    They called on the government to adopt measures to encourage toad farming.

    NAN reports that the Jigawa Government had in 2000 introduced commercial toad farming but the programme was abandoned by the successive administration.

    The programme was designed to accelerate toad production for export, provided job opportunities and boost state’s revenue base.
    Hadejia was selected as a pilot producing area due to the abundance of fish, toads and other aquatic species found in Hadejia River.

     

  • Army move to secure nation’s borders

    Army move to secure nation’s borders

    The Nigerian Army, on Friday, inaugurated a Forward Operation Base (FOB) at Daura in Katsina State, as part of the measures to secure the nation’s borders with neighbouring countries.

    The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, who inaugurated the FOB, said the sighting of the facility in Daura followed the “Order of Battle” approved by the Army Council in 2016.

    “It is part of the re-organisation in the Nigerian Army. In 2016, the Army Council approved the new order of battle.

    “This is part of the order of battle of the Nigerian Army to have an FOB in this place – Daura.

    “So it is the overall review of the deployment and the strategic consideration of the Nigerian army and the military; in taking care of strategic locations by deploying such facility here,” Buratai.

    Asked if there was any threat at the Daura axis, the army chief said: “Well, that is the analysis”.

    “You know, this Boko Haram terrorist group has been moving all over the place, especially along the borders. So, it is part of the consideration, it is part of the threat analysis”.

    According to Buratai, there is the need to take care of the border areas right from the Lake Chad through Yobe, Jigawa, Kano, Katsina, up to Sokoto.

    He said that the establishment of the FOB was part of the strategic consideration, based on threat analysis, adding that more of such facility would be set up in the North East.

     

  • Jigawa to distribute 5, 000 hand pumps, tube wells to farmers

    The Jigawa Government on Wednesday, said it would make available 5, 000 water pumps and tube wells in farmlands to check perennial water scarcity experienced by farmers in the state.

    The state deputy governor, Alhaji Ibrahim Hassan, made this disclosure at the inauguration of a weed clearance exercise in Kirikasamma, Jigawa.

    Hassan said the State Government had worked out modalities to construct tube wells in the 5, 000 hectares of farmlands to encourage irrigation agriculture.

    He stated that one water pump and a tube well would be provided in each hectare of the farmlands.

    “Farmers are experiencing water scarcity due to the blockage of channels by typher grass on Hadejia River.

    “The grass prevented water from flowing into farmlands as a result of which the plants wilted,” he said.

    Hassan said that the tube wells and water pumps would be provided to the farmers to address the problem and encourage production.

    He disclosed that arrangements were underway to open up additional 5, 000 hectares of lands to expand the scope of the rice and wheat cultivation programme.

    “We have reached an advanced stage in talks with the Federal Government; we will clear blocked channels, construct new ones and open up more lands to farmers.

    “This is to provide lands for cultivation and enhance effective utilisation of water and agricultural resources”.

    Hassan said the State Government had adopted proactive measures to enhance farmer support services, processing, to add value to the produce and encourage farmer enterprising skills.

    The deputy governor lauded the community leaders for mobilising participation in agriculture, adding that the trend would encourage food production and enhance wealth creation in the society.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Hadejia valley project was initiated by the Federal Government in the 1980s to encourage irrigation activities, enhance fishery and water supply to communities.

    However, only 5, 000 out of the projected 25, 000 hectares of farmlands had been developed under the project.

    The greater part of the river was ravaged by typher grass, which affected irrigation activities.

     

  • CBN, Lee Group, Jigawa to partner on sugar production

    Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele yesterday in Dutse, Jigawa State said the apex bank is ready to partner with the Lee Group and Jigawa State government to ensure the establishment of a mulch-billion naira white refined sugar cane factory that will generate N60 billion yearlyy in the state.
    Emefiele who spoke during the foundation laying ceremony of 12, 000 hectres of land in Garin Chiroma in Gagarawa Local Government Area of the state, however, regretted that Nigeria spends over $100 million yearly for the importation of sugar which can be grown in the country.
    “Nigeria today spends over $100 million importing sugar in the country whereas we can grow sugar Nigeria,” he lamented.
    He commended the Lee Group for investing in sugar production in Nigeria, saying “by this initiative, you have helped in joining the Federal Government of Nigeria towards ensuring that we achieve our goal of diversifying away our economy from oil into a very important sector which is called agriculture.
    “You have touched the heart of Nigerians; you have touched the heart of the president; you have touched the heart of the Federal Government because through the clarion call of the president, you have answered that call and I can assure you that you will receive the needed support from the government.
    “On our part as the Central Bank of Nigeria, I appeal to you to come over to us in the Central Bank, whatever support you need to get this project on ground, so that in the next couple of months we can come back and launch the programme, that support I assure you today, you will get from Central Bank of Nigeria.”
    Emefiele said sugar production is part of CBN’s core aspect of the anchor-borrower programme, while commending the Lee Group and Jigawa state government to have keyed into large-scale sugar production.
    He added that the CBN has concluded plans to support small farmers who are into sugar cane farming. “We will support not only Lee Group; we will also support other little farmers that are involved in sugar-cane planting so that as the farmers plant your sugar-cane, the Lee Group can also buy them off the farmers.

    “Through that means, we have provided jobs for our people; and we have increased the wealth of our people. That is the anchor programme of the Federal Government and I want to thank all of you for being here today,” he said.

    The CBN Governor who hailed Governor Muhammad Badaru Abubakar for investing in agriculture said, “Jigawa state is doing its best; even using its own little resources to support the efforts of the Federal Government in the anchor-borrower programme for rice.
    “Only a couple of months ago, we were here in Jigawa state to see the harvesting of rice, today we have seen a foundation laying ceremony for a 12, 000 hectres of land for growing sugar-cane. I congratulate you Governor Badaru and I can only assure you that whatever support you need from Central Bank of Nigeria, you will get from us.”
    Speaking at the occasion, Governor Badaru described the factory as an industrial complex which is designed to generate an all-year round employment, with over 15, 000 workforce, just as 12 settlements have already been relocated and compensated.
    The Minister of Agriculture, Chief Audu Ogbe noted that cultivation of sugar, rice, wheat, milk formed part of the 2017 budget in the agriculture sector as crops to be used in generating foreign exchange, adding that, “we cannot survive from continuous importation of these products. Our youths are suffering from unemployment, but the jobs are in the farms and not in the ministries. Our plan is to create millionaire farmers in the country.”

  • BREAKING: Police arrest former Jigawa governor

    BREAKING: Police arrest former Jigawa governor

    The police in Kano on Sunday arrested the immediate past governor of Jigawa, Alhaji Sule Lamido.

    A reliable source told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Kano that Lamido was arrested for allegedly inciting his supporters to stop the conduct of state’s upcoming local council polls.

    NAN reports that the arrest of Lamido may be connected with a programme aired on one of the Kano local radio stations.

    Lamido was alleged to have directed his supporters, during the programme, to ensure that they win the Local Governments elections by all means.

    The former governor was said to have been arrested at his Sharada Kano residence in the early hours of Sunday by the Zonal Investigative Bureau unit of Zone One Command of the Nigeria Police in Kano.

    When NAN visited the headquarters of Zone one located along BUK road, the former governor was still being held by the police who are yet to make any official statement on the issue.

    However, when contacted, the Public Relations officer, Zone 1, DSP Sambo Sokoto confirmed Lamido’s arrest.

    He said: “Yes I was told that the former governor was invited at Zone 1, but I was trying to get the details when you called me now, ” Sokoto said.

    He said that more details of the arrest would be issued to the press soon.

  • Malammadori LG constructs 45 toilets in schools

    The Malammadori Local Government Council of Jigawa on Saturday said it has constructed 45 pit toilets in schools to reduce open defecation and enhance sanitation among students.

    The Coordinator, Water and Sanitation programme in the council, Malam Babandi Saleh stated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Malammadori.

    Saleh said that a 15-block of three improved toilets each was constructed in some selected basic and post basic schools to check open defecation.

    He explained that seven hand pumps were also provided in the schools to promote personal hygiene under its hand-wash campaign.

    Saleh disclosed that the projects were executed in collaboration with the UNICEF.

    The coordinator added that the council was also sensitizing the people on the dangers associated with open defecation.

    “We carried out awareness campaigns at different wards on the need for people to embrace personal hygiene, sanitation and promote waste management in the society”.

    According to him, the council also carried out waste and drains clearance exercise in the area to reduce cases of flooding.

    He called on members of the public to shun open defecation and keep a clean environment to protect themselves against diseases.

     

  • Jigawa intensifies efforts to combat outbreak of CSM

    The Jigawa government has intensified efforts to combat any  outbreak of Cebrospinal Meningitis (CSM) across the state,  Deputy Governor Ibrahim Hadejia has said.

    Hadejia told newsmen on Friday that the state government had concluded plans and acquired enough drugs in case of outbreak of meningitis.

    The deputy governor said that the state government had also commenced public enlightenment campaign on the prevention of the disease.

    He advised the people to avoid sleeping in crowded rooms and to always live their doors and windows open to allow for enough ventilation.

    Hadejia urged the people to report any sign of outbreak of meningitis to the nearest health facility close to them for necessary action.

    He said that meningitis is associated with hot period and therefore urged the people not to engage in self-medication, but report any sickness to the nearest hospital for prompt medical attention.

  • Police assure Jigawa residents of adequate security during Easter

    The Police Command in Jigawa has assured residents of the state of adequate security before, during and after the Easter.

    The command’s Spokesman, Mr Abdu Jinjiri gave the assurance in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Dutse on Friday.

    “The Commissioner of Police has also directed all the Divisional Police Officers in the 27 local government areas of the state to intensify patrols in their respective areas,” he said.

    Jinjiri said the command had taken proactive measures to ensure a hitch-free and peaceful celebration in the state.

    According to him, the command has also increased its patrol teams on major roads in order to maintain law and order before, during and after the festive period.

    “All of our Safer Highway Patrol vehicles have been deployed to all nooks and crannies of the state to monitor the festivity against any security threat,” he said.

    The spokesman said that adequate personnel would be stationed at churches, children parks and recreational centres as well as other places of public interest.

    He added that some security officials would also be on duty at strategic locations, including suspected flash spots to protect lives and properties.

    Jinjiri also said that Mobile and Conventional Police personnel had been put on standby at the command’s headquarters in case of any emergency.

    According to him, the command has already issued Operational Order to all its divisions and units concerning the celebration.

    He, therefore, advised people to cooperate with all security personnel for a peaceful celebration.

    Jinjiri also urged members of the public to be vigilant and report any suspicious movement to the nearest security formation within their localities.

  • Teacher nabbed for burning company’s vehicle

    The Police in Jigawa on Tuesday arrested a 20-year-old teacher for allegedly burning a Volkswagen Bus belonging to company in Dutse Local Government Area of the state.

    The police Spokesman, Mr Jinjiri Abdu, confirmed the arrest to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Dutse.

    Abdu said the suspect, (Names withheld), a junior secondary school teacher, allegedly used petrol and matches and set the bus ablaze.

    He explained that the vehicle belonged to a company called Skin Defense, producers of medicated soap in Kano State.

    He said the suspect committed the offence on April 10 in Kwaimawa village when the company’s representative was conducting sales promo for a medicated soap in the village.

    “The suspect burnt the bus after his mother participated in the promo and won a body lotion.

    “The mother later demanded that the lotion be replaced with wrapper or N500, but the company declined.

    “After the bus moved to another place, this man went and brought petrol and matches which he allegedly used to set the bus ablaze.

    “And there were items worth N1 million that got burnt in the bus, and both the bus and items were valued at N1.5 million,” the police spokesman said.

    He said investigation into the matter had commenced after which the suspect would be charged to court.