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Tag: Jigawa

  • One dies, many injured as farmers, herders clash in Jigawa

    One dies, many injured as farmers, herders clash in Jigawa

    One Dauda Kafinta reportedly died in a bloody clash between some farmers and herdsmen in Gululu village of Miga local government area in Jigawa state.

    It was also gathered four others sustained injuries during the crisis on Friday morning. 

    Gululu village head, Malam Muhammad Sarkin -Dori said: “We woke up this morning with a provision shop got broken by suspected thieves in which some residents decided to follow the footpaths of the suspected thieves which led them to the nearby Fulani settlement where the violent clash occurred.

    “Upon seeing the footpath tracers, the herders confronted the people with the shot of bow and arrow after seeing them at their settlement. It’s not yet clear whether the stolen items were recovered there but we have appealed for calm and reported the incident to the security agencies”.

    Sarkin-Dori maintained four villagers from the farmers side were referred to Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital after their initial admission at Jahun General Hospital in the state.

    Read Also: Buhari condoles Jigawa governor over double tragedy

    He said Kafinta, who was declared missing during the melee, was later found dead with bow and arrow injuries. 

    The Nation gathered Jigawa Speaker, Haruna Aliyu,, who represents the area in the Assembly, doused tension when he visited. 

    The lawmaker appealed for calm and caller for police reinforcement to restore law and order.

    Efforts to speak with the Jigawa Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) Mr Lawan Adam, prove abortive. He refused to pick calls put across to him.

  • Jigawa prioritises agriculture for food security, economic growth – Namadi’s adviser

    Jigawa prioritises agriculture for food security, economic growth – Namadi’s adviser

    Dr. Saifullahi Umar, Technical Adviser to Governor Umar Namadi of Jigawa State on Agriculture, has highlighted the state’s significant investments in agriculture aimed at ensuring food security, fostering economic growth, and driving rural development.

    Umar made this known during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday night at the 14th Anniversary and Award Ceremonies of Nigerian NewsDirect in Lagos.

    Representing Jigawa State, Umar was among the top government officials delegated to receive the Governor of the Year Award in Agro-Investments and Security on behalf of Governor Namadi.

    He noted that the award, conferred by Nigerian NewsDirect, validates Namadi’s exemplary leadership and groundbreaking initiatives in revolutionizing the state’s agricultural sector.

    “The efforts of his administration in these sectors and more, resulted to significant advancements in food security, economic growth and rural development.

    “In one year in office, Namadi revitalized agriculture in Jigawa State and Nigeria at large, which resulted in increased access to inputs, thus provided farmers with 240,000 bags (12,000 metric tons) of fertilizer at a 40 per cent subsidy, that made critical inputs more affordable.

    “To improve modern farming, Namadi introduced 360 tractors, 70 combined harvesters, 150 planters, and assorted implements to promote large-scale mechanized agriculture,” Umar said.

    According to him, in an effort to expand mechanisation services, the government established the Jigawa State Farm Mechanisation Service Company and 60 Farm Service Centers, to provide accessible and affordable mechanization services.

    The adviser said that the governor had made a huge investment in enhanced human capital with training of 30 young people in the International Master Tractor Technician Programme and developed a skilled workforce for modern agriculture.

    “In an aim to boost wheat production in Jigawa, Namadi supported the cultivation of 55,000 hectares of wheat through the provision of improved seeds, fertilizers and agrochemicals, increasing local production.

    “To further strengthen Extension Services in Jigawa, 1,435 Extension Agents were recruited and another 300 Community Animal Health Extension workers, to provide farmers with vital knowledge and support.

    “The administration promoted Sustainable Agriculture by constructing five solar-powered vegetable centers, to demonstrate and disseminate innovative and environmentally friendly farming techniques.

    “Namadi’s provided support to 8,813 workers through the Jigawa Workers Agricultural Support Scheme, while 41,290 vulnerable women and youths were supported to promote inclusion,” he said.

    He said in order to promote economic growth, the administration created 1,100 millionaires, under the Rice Millionaire Project, which showcased the potential of agriculture for income generation and poverty reduction.

    He added: “In maintaining Livestock Health, the administration saw to the vaccinating of 565,000 tropical livestock, to prevent disease outbreaks and enhance productivity.

    “In one year of inception, artisanal bodies were restocked with 90,000 fingerlings to boost fish stocks and improve livelihoods for fishing communities.

    “Namadi administration also invested in Women Economic Empowerment thus provided microcredit to 1,720 women through “the Goat Microcredit Scheme,” thus enabling them to establish and expand their own businesses.”

    He added that another achievement of the Namadi’s administration was the Enhanced Water Resource Management, where 10 dams were Redesigned to improve irrigation infrastructure and ensure water availability for agriculture, increasing resilience to climate change.

    According to him, since peace and security remain a priority, the governor is enforcing security measures to create a safe and conducive environment for agricultural activities and promoted peaceful coexistence between farmers and herders.

    He noted that through the remodeling of the Jigawa State Agricultural Institute, the governor has been supporting agricultural innovation, research and development in agriculture.

    He added that Namadi propagated 250,000 date palm seedlings to establish a large-scale Date Palm Plantation to diversifying agricultural production and create new economic opportunities. 

    Meanwhile, Namadi, who was represented by Malam Bala Ibrahim, the Secretary to the State Government to receive the award, said he was pleased with the recognition and happy his contributions to the development of his state and the people were being acknowledged.

    The governor, who dispatched top government functionaries ,including two commissioners and three technical advisers to receive the award, said that he was highly elated with the recognition of his investments in agriculture, security, education and health for the benefit of the people.

    Namadi said that the award would serve as an inspiration to do more and work for the betterment of the people.

  • 25-year-old police constable’s wife welcomes triplets after years of waiting in Jigawa

    25-year-old police constable’s wife welcomes triplets after years of waiting in Jigawa

    Fiddausi Muhammad, the 25-year-old wife of a police constable, has delivered triplets—a boy and two girls—via cesarean section at Dutse General Hospital in Jigawa state. 

    This marks her first pregnancy after years of waiting to conceive in her marriage. 

    When visited by our reporter at the hospital, Fiddausi, who had been resuscitated and was already breastfeeding her newborns, expressed profound gratitude to Allah for the blessing. 

    “I thank Allah for His mercy, favours, and blessings. I pray for His support and guidance in raising them,” she said from her hospital bed. 

    “I don’t know I was carried triplets. I have a normal pregnancy. During my antenatal visit to the hospital, a scan was conducted and discovered it was a twin. But by the Glory of God when in delivered it is triplets,” she added.

    Read Also: Jigawa Speaker returns 8,000 out-of-school children back to school

    Also speaking, Dayyabi Muhammad, the father of the new babies said: “This is a moment of both celebration, surprise and challenge.

    “It is a celebration being three children at a go at the time some may be desperate on even one. And it is challenging to look at the present economic difficulties. The situation brings significant financial responsibilities, especially in a country grappling with economic challenges”.

    “The cost of providing adequate nutritional food for the mother to provide exclusive breastfeeding as medically recommended to three children at this cost of life is really challenging and then day-to-day expenses, healthcare, and education for three newborns simultaneously can be overwhelming for families with limited income.”

    He therefore called on the Jigawa state governor, Umar Namadi, his wife and compassionate individuals to support them in caring for their children.

    “The economic reality of raising triplets and twins at the same time in Nigeria cannot be ignored. With rising inflation, the costs of diapers, baby formula, and medical care are overwhelming for many families, particularly those in lower income,” he said.

  • 12 die in Abia, Jigawa road accidents

    12 die in Abia, Jigawa road accidents

    Police Command in Jigawa has confirmed 10 people dead in an accident that occurred at Yanfari village in Taura Local Government Area of the state.

    The command’s Spokesperson, Mr Lawal Shiisu, said that a Toyota Hummer bus, marked HDJ 631 YDD, conveying 11 passengers from Kano to Hadejia, hit a parked trailer, marked RGN 180 ZC and somersaulted.

    He said the driver of the bus, along with nine passengers, died on the spot.

    “A police patrol team attached to Taura division raced to the scene and evacuated the corpses to Hadejia General Hospital for medical examinations.

    “The doctor on call certified all the 10 passengers dead, while one passenger was admitted at Majia Primary Health Care Centre and he is responding to treatment,” the police spokesperson said.

    He said the command had launched an investigation into the incident, adding that anyone found guilty would face legal consequences.

    Also in Abia, two yet-to-be identified persons have been reported dead in a fatal auto-crash that occurred along the Enugu-Aba-Port Harcourt Expressway.

    Read Also: Gas central to Nigeria’s economic recovery

    The 18-seater bus had inscriptions on it, indicating that it could have been conveying members of The Church of Christ, a popular church in the state.

    Reports have it that other occupants of the vehicle who sustained other degrees of injuries where rushed to the Federal Medical Center (FMC), Umuahia, the state capital for medical attention.

    According to reports the occupants of the vehicle were heading to Aba from Umuahia when the accident happened.

    Sources said that it happened before a popular mortuary close to Ntigha junction axis of the Enugu-Aba-Port Harcourt Expressway.

    The bus was said to be conveying both passengers and others.

    Reason for the accident could not be ascertained at the time of filing the report.

    It was, however, gathered that the bus skidded off the road and summersaulted several times before it came to a halt.

    It was gathered that one of the passengers was unhurt, as early callers to the scene took other passengers to the FMC, Umuahia to prompt medical attention.

    Attempts to reach officials of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Abia State Command failed as calls through their official line could not go through at the time of filing the report.

    The Church of Christ in Abia were yet to issue official statement on the accident involving the bus with their church’s inscription.

  • Explosion: Jigawa distributes relief materials to 210 affected families

    Explosion: Jigawa distributes relief materials to 210 affected families

    The Jigawa State Emergency Management Agency (JISEMA) has distributed relief materials to the affected families of Majia tanker explosion, which occurred in Taura local government area of the state.

    The items distributed by the agency on Saturday in Majia town include 25kg bags of rice, 25kg bags of millet, cartons of spaghetti, Maggi cube, seasoning, detergents, soap, semolina, gallons of vegetable oil and 110 rubber mats.

    Dr Mairiga Haruna Mairiga, Executive Secretary of the agency, said the materials were donated by the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, the National Emergency Management Agency, and JISEMA.

    Mairiga told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) after the distribution, that the items were distributed to the families of the 210 people affected by the tanker explosion.

    Read Also: Jigawa Senator collaborates with NEXIM Bank on export opportunities

    Some of the beneficiaries who received the items, commended the Federal and State governments as well as wealthy individuals who assisted them since the incidence in October.

    Mr Muhammad Habibu, father to a deceased victim, said the relief materials would assist them at a time that they lost a helper.

    Another beneficiary, Mr Auwal Abdullahi, whose son is on admission at Rashid Shekoni hospital in Dutse, said the materials would reduce the hardship encountered due to the incident.

    They commended JISEMA for coming to their aid and prayed to God to continue guiding the state Governor Umar Namadi, towards the right direction.

    (NAN)

  • Jigawa: Gov. Namadi approves payment of N70,000 minimum wage

    Jigawa: Gov. Namadi approves payment of N70,000 minimum wage

    Gov. Umar Namadi of Jigawa has approved the payment of the new N70,000 National Minimum Wage to workers in the state.

    Mr Sagir Musa, the Commissioner for Information, Youths, Sports and Culture, disclosed this to newsmen in Dutse on Saturday.

    He said that Namadi made the pronouncement on Friday after receiving report from the state’s Minimum Wage Committee led by Muhammad Dagacire, the Head of Service.

    “I’m delighted to shed more light on the announcement made by Gov Umar Namadi earlier yesterday where he expressed the commitment of the state government to implement the new minimum wage recommended by the Federal Government.

    “The Jigawa State Government has earlier set up a committee and the committee has deliberated and came up with advice to the state government where it found necessary to go like any other state to implement the new minimum wage.

    “That was the exact announcement made by the governor yesterday. So we are looking forward to see how the state government will make adequate preparations for the successful implementation of the new minimum wage like other states,” Musa said.

    On the expected date for payment of the new minimum wage, the commissioner said: “The Jigawa workers will soon have the verdict from the committee’s conclusion because this is something that’s new and something that requires adequate preparations and the government has to do a lot in order to ensure successful implementation.

    “I cannot give you a precise date, but I’m sure that government will soon announce as it works assiduously to implement it,”.

    He however, called on workers in the state to reciprocate the gesture by dedicating themselves to duty as to whom much is given much is expected.

    (NAN)

  • Jigawa backs out of States’ suit against EFCC, ICPC

    Jigawa backs out of States’ suit against EFCC, ICPC

    Jigawa Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice Bello Abdulkadir Fanini said the State Government has backed out from a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC).

    He stated this while briefing newsmen on the ministry’s success in the third quarter of 2024. 

    According to the Attorney General: “The case of AG Kogi and AG of the federation SC/CV/178/2023. Let me at this juncture announce that the Jigawa State Government has withdrawn from this case pending at the supreme court of Nigeria. A notice of  withdrawal was since been signed by my humble self and sent to the chief registrar of the supreme court”.

    Read Also: Jigawa: FG presents food items, relief materials to victims of tanker explosion, as death toll rises to 182

    The Commissioner of Justice further informed  no person is in detention among the 403 persons arrested in connection with the August protest and destruction of properties in the State.

    Fanini emphasised also said the department of civil litigation successfully handled two case of the State independent Electoral Commission on the just- concluded Local councils election. 

  • Jigawa: FG presents food items, relief materials to victims of tanker explosion, as death toll rises to 182

    Jigawa: FG presents food items, relief materials to victims of tanker explosion, as death toll rises to 182

    The federal government has donated food items, mats, blankets, children’s clothes and charcoal stoves worth millions of Naira to victims of the recent Jigawa petrol tanker explosion.

    Presenting the items to the Jigawa State government, the National Commission for Refugees, Migrant and Instantly Display Persons (NCFRMI), Honorable Tijjani Aliyu Ahmad said he and his entourage were in the state to commiserate with the governor, government and people of Jigawa State over last week’s incident, which has so far claimed about 200 lives, injured many and destroyed unquantifiable items.

    Ahmad noted: “We are here to express our deepest sympathy on behalf of the National Commission for Refugee, Migrant and Instantly Display Persons (NCFRMI) and the entire federal government regarding the tragic tanker incident that occurred in Majiya of Taura local area in the state”.

    The National Commission added: “Your Excellency, these incidents has devastated the people of Jigawa State. And not only this one that just occurred; we have been here earlier over flood disaster.

    Read Also: Niger approves N80,000 as minimum wage

    “As you are aware, the National Commission for Refugee, Migrant and Instantly Display Persons (NCFRMI) is an agency of the federal government with the mandate to coordinate national actions for the protections, assistance and provisions of durable solutions to person of concern that is IDPs, refugees, migrant, asylums seekers, returnees and stateless persons.”

    Ahmad maintained: “Our mandate to ensure durable solutions through returning to ancestral land, local interventions or resettlement, supported by essential services like education, healthcare and livelihood.

    “In line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which is central to our efforts to rebuild a stronger and more resilient Nigeria, NCFRMI is committed to ensuring peace and stability, especially for persons of concern in Jigawa State through impactful intervention”.

    The items presented include: 200 bags of 25kg rice, 100 bags of 25kg millet, 200 cartons of Spaghetti, 200 bags of Semovita and 50 cartons of seasoning.

  • Jigawa and harvest of avoidable tragedies

    Jigawa and harvest of avoidable tragedies

    Sir: Nigeria’s season of accidents has continued with the harvest of deaths bringing about a rapidly growing pile of corpses.

    Weeks after a boat packed full of people sank in the Gbajibo river in Niger State, dragging more than 100 people to their deaths by drowning, the death ship has since moved to Jigawa State where it recently claimed about 167 people. According to reports, on October 15, a tanker exploded in Majiya, Jigawa State, killing at least 170 people, leaving about 70 others with varying degrees of injury. Many of the victims were caught by explosions as they scooped fuel from the tanker.

    The tragedy which has thrown a country already in jeopardy into more misery and sorrow is simply imponderable. Its far-reaching implications mean that for a very long time, the community, the state, and Nigeria as a whole will be counting losses.

    The country may still be mourning, but in the face of these recurring accidents which are extracting an incalculable toll from Nigeria and Nigerians, there is no better time to question the government as well as Nigerians about how seriously they take issues of personal and public safety.

    Where exactly do Nigerians and their government stand on the issues of personal and public safety? Experience shows that it is when personal safety is given high priority that an invulnerable bubble of public safety is built.

    What does safety to the everyday Nigerian who refuses to use their seatbelt while driving or as a passenger in a vehicle? How about those who deliberately or drunkenly drive recklessly on roads riddled with death traps, while ever ready to reel out their years of driving as a rapid defence against those who would call out their suicidal folly?

    How serious about safety is the person who dumps trash into water channels, knowing that clogged water channels during heavy rainfall could bring about catastrophic flooding?

    Read Also: A timeline of Nigeria’s national grid collapses in 2024

    In the days when Covid-19 bit hard, many Nigerians, encouraged by some defiant but ignorant state governors, refused to observe safety measures and protocols, endangering themselves and others.

    How many Nigerians do everything possible to stay safe? How many wait for the government which is customarily reactionary to do for them what they cannot do for themselves?

    What were people doing scooping fuel from the tanker when they knew that the likelihood of devastating explosions was very high?

    Experience shows that Nigerians do not learn from experience and that, just like the government, they don’t take treat issues of safety with the seriousness it deserves.

    Usually, it is until a tragedy occurs that measures are taken.

    The most dangerous thing about breaches of personal and public safety protocols is that there is often no time left for the primary parties to learn lessons. Death, which characteristically arrives with finality in such situations typically, leaves those directly involved dead and cold, long before they are able to glean any lessons from their mistakes.

    The government must do more at all levels to drive home the imperative of personal and public safety. Nigerians should be constantly educated and re-educated on the dangers of their recklessness.

    Beyond education, there must be severe sanctions for defaulters who endanger not only themselves but others. Safety protocols must always be enforced and insisted upon. While it is true that accidents happen, the regularity in Nigeria is frankly disturbing.

    These tragedies which are evenly spread over the country also show that many people do not value their lives enough. The risks they often take show their disregard for themselves and others rather than any calculation on their part.

    Many of them feel that they have no part to play in their safety, while others feel that they may as well do as they wish since death is everyone’s final destination at the end of the day.

    There are others still who cling on to superstition and religion to argue that it is not their responsibility to be safe.

    The tragedy in Jigawa should serve as an eye-opener. But before another boat mishap, or building collapse or tanker explosion, Nigeria must resolve and react in a manner that shows that it will no longer tolerate these avoidable tragedies.

    •Ike Willie-Nwobu,Ikewilly9@gmail.com

  • Tanker explosion: Death toll rises to 171 in Jigawa

    Tanker explosion: Death toll rises to 171 in Jigawa

    Jigawa State Governor, Malam Umar Namadi, has said that the death toll from the petrol tanker explosion has risen to 171.

    The governor revealed this while receiving members of the House of Representatives. He also noted that those injured are receiving treatment in various hospitals.

    Governor Namadi emphasized that the state government has taken full responsibility for the medical care of the victims, describing the incident as a severe tragedy from God.

     “We are praying for His mercy,” he added.

    Read Also: Nigeria has become burial ground for policies, says Obasanjo

    Speaking to news men shortly after the governor’s meeting the member representing Birninkudu/Buji federal constituency, Hon Adamu Yakubu (PDP), he expressed shock on the number of deceased.

    Hon. Adamu Yakubu said: “It is really shocking, because there is no an accident any where that consumes over 100 lives of people at once. Even during the Boko Haram crises there is no incident where when over 100 people died”.

    He commended the state governor and government for support and assistance to the victims and families of the deceased person, “this is real concern and commitment by the governor to his people.

    Hon. Adamu Yakubu (PDP) “we now came, condoled and sympathized with the families, relatives, of the deceased and victims, governor and the entire people in the state over the lost and incident”.