The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Kaduna

  • NLC President leads protest against sack of teachers in Kaduna

    NLC President leads protest against sack of teachers in Kaduna

    ….assembly properties vandalised by protesters – Speaker

     

    The Nigeria Labour Congress ( NLC ), President, Comrade Ayuba Wabba on Wednesday led workers on streets protest in Kaduna State capital, against plan by the state government to sack 21,780 teachers.

    Meanwhile, the protest which terminated at the state House of Assembly left some properties within the assembly complex destroyed.

    The protesting workers demanded that, the government should rescind its decision or have the entire labour force to contend with.

    Marching and singing anti government song along major roads in the state capital, and carrying placards with various inscriptions, the workers asked the Kaduna state government not to sack the teachers for failing to pass the competency test administered on them sometime in June this year.

    They argued that government has no constitutional powers to organize such exam for teachers, saying only the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN) has the mandate to do so.

    They also gave the state government two weeks to cancel the planned dismissal of teachers, or they will embark on an indefinite strike.

    Addressing the workers, Mr, Waba assured them that the leadership of the NLC will support them and ensure that they get what they deserve from the state government.

    The Nation gathered that, the protest was jointly organised by the state chapters of Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) and National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE).

    It was also gathered that, NULGE and NUT leaders from 18 states in the North came in solidarity with their colleagues in Kaduna.

    The local government employees, were said to be protesting against the planned sack of about 4000 of their members.

    While the protest was going on in the city center, hundreds of school children were said to have been mobilised at Mararaban Rido where they blocked Kachia road, leaving commuters plying the Kaduna – Kachia road stranded for a long period.

    However, the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Hon. Aminu Abdullahi Shagali confirmed the destruction of some assembly properties by the protesting workers.

    The Speaker in his official twitter handle, #Rt. Hon Speaker KADAssembly twitted some photographs and videos of the vandalised properties.

    One of the Speaker’s tweets read that, “The NUT protesters are destroying properties of the Kaduna State House of Assembly.

    “The gate of the Kaduna State House of Assembly was destroyed by the protesters against the sack of unqualified primary school teachers”, the Speaker said.

    The Nation recall that the state chapter of NUT had on Monday issued a two weeks ultimatum to Governor Nasir El-Rufai to rescind his government’s decision to sack the 21,780 primary teachers who failed the competency test or face indefinite strike.

    Primary school pupils had also been used in that past two days to protest that government’s decision.

    Meanwhile, the state government had maintained its resolved to sack the 21,780 teachers who failed the competency test, while it has since commenced process to recruit 25,000 new teachers to replace those to be sacked.

    Read Also: Attention, Kaduna Police Commissioner

  • Kaduna condemns use of pupils for protests

    Kaduna condemns use of pupils for protests

    The Kaduna State government has condemned the use of primary school pupils for protests by teachers who failed the competency test. It vowed not to tolerate the reckless endangerment of minors by adults.

    A statement by Governor Nasir El-Rufai’s spokesman, Samuel Aruwan, lamented that the children, who are victims of bad teachers, are now being used as cannon-fodder by the same teachers. It vowed to take legal measures to punish the wrongdoers.

    The statement described as callous and despicable, the act of involving children in illegal, politically-inspired demonstration.

    The statement read: “The Kaduna State government has received reports of primary school pupils being pushed to the streets, by their unqualified teachers, for illegal protests.

    “The government condemns this wanton disregard for the life and safety of pupils put in care of these unqualified teachers. It is grievous enough that bad teachers have been allowed to imperil the educational future of these children. But for these same teachers to endanger the children by using them to block and lie on highways, illustrates a high level of irresponsibility that no law-governed society can accept.

    “These children are not union members; our pupils are the victims of bad teachers who evidently do not mind making these children cannon-fodder for their desperation. Exposing minors to hazards, and endangering their life and limbs shows that some teachers want to jeopardise the present and future of these children.

    “These irresponsible actions, by these unqualified teachers, at the behest of their union, affront both morality and the law, including the Penal Code and the Young Persons’ Law. Those involved will bear the consequences.

    “The government, hereby, warns everyone to desist from illegal and irresponsible acts. Sound education is not a matter of sentiment. Parents who send their children to public schools have a right to expect decent tuition for their wards. Being poor should not mean that the prospects of their children should be truncated.

    “Nobody will be allowed to play politics with the future of our children, their education and their safety.

    “Government urges parents to be vigilant, report to the relevant authorities any attempt to use their children to threaten law and order.”

     

  • Ethiopian Airlines lands B787-9 in Abuja on Tuesday

    Ethiopian Airlines lands B787-9 in Abuja on Tuesday

    Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s largest airline group, has announced that it would bring its newest Boeing 787-9 plane tagged the “Big Brother“ to Abuja on Tuesday.

    A statement by the Media Consultant, Mr Chukwuemeka Chigozie, on Monday, said the B787-9 was part of its commitment to deliver exceptional service to African market by operating the latest technologically advanced aircraft in the market.

    The airline said that passengers had enjoyed the unique on board features of this latest technology aircraft like the biggest windows in the sky, high ceiling, less noise, distinctive lighting, and higher air humidity.

    According to him, Ethiopian Airlines has always services Abuja with its newest Aircraft.

    “It brought the Dreamliner B787 to Abuja in 2012 and reopened the Abuja Airport this year with the A350 when the Airport was reopened after 6 weeks closure.

    “Ethiopian Airlines has been operating into Nigeria since 1960 and currently flies to 5 cities in Nigeria and it was the only international Airline that flew to Kaduna when Abuja Airport was shut for repairs.

    “Ethiopian becomes the first carrier in Africa to operate the 787-9 and extends a tradition of setting aviation milestones,’’ he said.

    The airline became Africa’s first carrier to fly the 787-8 in 2012, and also introduced the 777-200LR (Longer Range), 777-300ER (Extended Range) and 777 Freighter.

    The 787 Dreamliner was the most innovative and efficient airplane family flying today, and more than 600 Dreamliners had entered commercial services since 2011.

    According to him, Dreamliner has been flying almost 200 million people on more than 560 unique routes around the world, saving an estimated 19 billion pounds of fuel.

    “This comes as ET announced that it will add a 6th weekly service to and from Yaoundé & Libreville effective November 3,’’ he was quoted in the statement.

    NAN

  • 21,780 Kaduna teachers to be disengaged

    •25,000 to be engaged

    The Kaduna State government will disengage 21,780 teachers for incompetency, it was learnt yesterday.

    Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Nasiru Umar, said at a news conference yesterday, that any teacher who failed the primary four test should approach the committee raised to look into their complaints. Their scripts could be re-marked, he added.

    Of the 33,00 primary school teachers who sat for the examination, 21,780 failed.

    However, the Kaduna State Executive Council approved the outcome of the competency test, and directed that 25,000 teachers be recruited.

    Umar explained that applicants must have relevant certificates, including one from the Teachers’ Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN).

    He reiterated that the exercise has no political undertone, saying the government’s concern was to revive education, especially in rural areas.

    Ciroma added that those who failed the test can apply and undergo the recruitment process.

    His words: “Thirty-three thousand primary school teachers sat for the competency tests agreed upon by stakeholders, including Nigeria Union of teachers (NUT). Twenty-one thousand, seven hundred and eighty scored below 75 per cent. We conducted the test because we discovered that schools were in bad shape. Some teachers cannot speak English.

    “We started training them but we discovered they won’t improve. We released names of those who scored 75 and above. Those who failed will get three months’ notice for disengagement. All teachers, including those who failed the test, should resume work tomorrow (today) and wait further directives.

    “Those above five years will be retired, but those below will be disengaged. Those who failed can still apply in the recruitment.

    “We should not bring politics into education; we presented the results to the committee involving the NUT, TRCN and others. The NUT wanted the pass mark to be 60. All stakeholders were involved in the test.”

  • 160 groups agree to pursue peace in southern Kaduna

    160 groups agree to pursue peace in southern Kaduna

    A total of 160 groups in Southern Kaduna on Friday agreed to form committees at community levels to promote peaceful coexistence among various people in the area.

    The groups made the commitment at a workshop on peacebuilding organised Global Peace Foundation (GPF) in Angwar Fari, Kanikon Chiefdom in Jema’a Local Government Area.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the groups comprised of religious and traditional leaders, elders, women and youth, represented by 40 delegates each.

    Communities involved in the search for peace included Goska, Ambam, Bakin Kogi, Tudun Wada, Amere, Angwar Fari, Angwar Baki and Dangoma which had experienced several attacks in the past.

    The Country Director of GPF, Mr Jonh Okon said the workshop was a follow up to series of mediation efforts by the foundation since January.

    “We thank the people for their commitment to peace and express our happiness that since after the peace and reconciliation meeting in June, normalcy has been gradually returning to the communities.

    “GPF is committed to continuing working with you through the ‘One Family under God’ peacebuilding programme to ensure that sustainable and lasting peace returns to the communities, as without sustainable peace, there can be no development.”

    Also, Northern Nigeria Coordinators of the foundation, Sheikh Halliru Maraya and Rev. John Hayab expressed delight that several months of efforts by all stakeholders have resulted in the return of peace to the various communities.

    “Today, we are building on the foundation of the understanding we all had during the peace and reconciliation meetings and training workshops,” they said.

    They reminded the participants of the kind of interdependent and mutually beneficial relationships that existed between the Natives and Fulani in Southern Kaduna over the
    ages.

    The coordinators urged the people to execute community service projects for the good of all, to strengthen the bond of unity and peaceful coexistence among them.

    They also reminded participants that everyone had the fundamental human right to life, ownership of properties, freedom of religion and expression.

    ” This confers on every human being the responsibility of protecting those fundamental human rights not just of him or herself but of others and also living for the greater good.

    “We are very hopeful judging from the way events have unfolded that this chiefdom is on the right path towards achieving sustainable peace because you have accepted to forgive one another, you have accepted to visit one another.”

    Mr Abokie Galadima, a former Chief of Staff to late Governor Patrick Yakowa of Kaduna State expressed happiness with the programme and urged all residents to unite and embrace peace and brotherhood.

    “If they live in peace, then there will be progress, but the government needs to come out and help bring to book those that are giving us sleepless nights,” he added.

    Also, Alhaji Husseini Dembo, a former commissioner in the state, urged the communities to sustain dialogue and avoid anything that would trigger violence.

    “The people are now aware that they are not alone, they now know that there are people out there who care about them, so they should also start caring about themselves,” Dembo said.

    NAN report that the participants in their various groups discussed and outlined several ongoing community engagements to facilitate peacebuilding.

    The engagements include setting up community peace and reconciliation committees, initiating community dialogue meetings, regular dialogue with security agencies, interfaith forum, community group outreach, community sport activities, as well as annual community peace festivals.

  • Our diverse cultures, symbol of unity — el-Rufai

    Our diverse cultures, symbol of unity — el-Rufai

    Gov. Nasir el-Rufai of Kaduna State on Tuesday said the diverse cultures of Nigerians should be seen as symbol of unity and must be used to foster peace and development in the country.

    He stated this at the opening of the 30th National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST) in Kaduna.

    El-Rufai said Nigeria can become an international tourist destination if it harnesses its cultural heritage.

    The governor, who assured participants of warm reception in Kaduna State, said the festival, had been avenue to foster unity, tolerance and peace among Nigerians since inception in 1970.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the festival started with a cultural march past by states.

    Among those participating at the week-long festival tagged ”Nigeria Peace and Unity… Our pride” are Bayelsa, Borno, Delta, Jigawa, Kano, Katsina, Lagos, among others

    The Zazzau Emirate culture was on display on Tuesday as a durbar was staged for visitors.

    The Durbar was led by Wazirin Zazzau team, followed by the Emir’s mounted Troop and foot soldiers.

    The 23 local government areas of Kaduna State also took turn to showcase their cultures.

    Earlier in an opening remark, the Director General, National Council of Arts and Culture, Olusegun Runsewe, said “the festival showed that the country was one.”

    He added that participants from all over the country showed the unity of the country.

    “There cannot be Nigeria without the different nationalities that make up the country, that is why we must all work together to keep the country as one,” he added. (NAN)

  • Hospital to spend N1 bn on equipment, others

    Hospital to spend N1 bn on equipment, others

    Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital, Kaduna plans to spend over N1 billion on new equipments and completion of projects in 2018, its Chief Medical Director, Prof. Abdulkadir Tabari, has said.

    Tabari told newsmen on Monday in Kaduna that the hospital has uncompleted projects spanning over the last five years.

    He said that the focus would be on providing relevant equipment to improve services and to meet accreditation requirements.

    “We are proposing N1 billion for the new projects and N78 million for the ongoing projects,” he said.

    According to the CMD, the new focus is to ensure that the hospital meets its core mandates in teaching and research, providing medical services and medical enterprises.

    Tabari disclosed that the medical center would partner with private organisations to enhance the quality of services offered to the general public and in imparting knowledge to relevant health workers.

    NAN

  • Kaduna community constructs maternity clinic

    Kaduna community constructs maternity clinic

    Gwauro Community in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State has embarked on the building of maternity to stem the high maternal and infant deaths in the area.

    Malam Umar Galadima, head of the community, told newsmen on Monday in Gwauro that lack of access road and hospital had led to the death of several pregnant women and infants in recent times.

    “We have been losing lives of so many pregnant women and children as a result of the distance between our village and near-by towns to access hospital services.

    “We have to travel about 25 to 30 kilometres from this community to locate any hospital outside the town for medical attention.

    “Due to the distance, most pregnant women were left at the mercy of traditional birth attendants.

    “So the seven bedroom maternity clinic we are constructing is to curb maternal and child mortality.

    “We are tired of seeing our women, sisters and mothers dying due to lack of proper healthcare services.

    “The maternity clinic being constructed by the entire community is now at roofing level,” Galadima said.

    He village head disclosed that the area consisting mainly of farmers, has a population of more than 5,000 residents coexisting peacefully for many years.

    He also said that the community require access road to ease their transportation difficulties.

    Malam Saidu Rohugi, another member of the community, called on the state government to complete the clinic project.

    NAN

  • Buhari hails Balarabe Musa’s honesty

    Buhari hails Balarabe Musa’s honesty

    President Muhammadu Buhari has urged politicians and other citizens to emulate Alhaji Balarabe Musa’s virtuous life of honesty, integrity, selflessness and patriotism in order to make Nigeria achieve progress.

    Malam Garba Shehu, the President’s Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, in a statement issued in Abuja on Sunday, said Buhari made the call in a tribute to Balarabe Musa on the occasion of his recently celebrated 81st birthday anniversary.

    Buhari described the former civilian governor of old Kaduna State as a “man of unassailable integrity and untainted record of public service”.

    According to the president, even Musa’s worst enemies and critics cannot dispute his remarkable reputation for integrity and selfless service to the people.

    He said: “Balarabe Musa is one of Nigeria’s brightest stars of integrity and sterling principles.

    “The octogenarian has lived to his reputation by avoiding any conduct associated with corruption and dishonour.’’

    He recalled that his close association with Musa in the Conference of Nigerian Political Parties ( CNPP ) had enabled him “to appreciate the radical politician’s patriotism and his commitment to build strong opposition in the country in order to deepen democracy’’.

    The president also praised Musa’s independent-mindedness, stressing that the principled politician can criticise even his friends, associates and allies when it comes to politics.

    According to him, politics is public service and not an opportunity to amass wealth overnight at the expense of the ordinary people or the voters.

    He prayed that God would continue to bless the elder statesman with better health, more wisdom and longer life in the service of the country.

    Musa, a left-wing Nigerian politician, who was elected Governor of Kaduna State during the Second Republic, said his wish and desire for Nigeria had yet to be fulfilled, 57 years after the nation’s independence.

    He held office between Oct. 1, 1979, and June 23, 1981, when he was impeached.

    Musa said: “Though, I felt great on the attainment of a new age and achievements in life, I would have been more fulfilled, if the country has overcome most of its development challenges.

    “At 81, I will say I feel great and I thank God for everything. But, I am not completely fulfilled because we are yet to have the country of our dreams.

    “We are yet to have a country where there is equity and respect for rights and dignity of all citizens.

    “We are yet to have a country where the governed are good followers and leaders think first think about the people and not the other way round.

    “I desire a better Nigeria where everyone will feel the impact of governance that is my birthday wish for the country.

    NAN

  • UNICEF, Niger sign N600m MoU for 2017 work plan

    UNICEF, Niger sign N600m MoU for 2017 work plan

    The United Nations Children’s Education Fund ( UNICEF ) has signed N600 million Memorandum of Understanding with Niger Government for the 2017 annual work plan.

    Malam Idris Baba, Officer in Charge, UNICEF Kaduna Field Office, dropped the hint on Thursday in Minna.

    He said that it was the last plan of the four-year country programme that UNICEF was running with Niger government and was designed to run from 2014 to 2017.

    Baba said that the four-year plan was part of UNICEF commitment to give intervention and assistance to Niger state government in four key areas.

    He said the areas include; maternal and new born child component, communication for development, basic education and media relations.

    He disclosed that immediately after the 2017 plan, UNICEF will develop a five-year plan with Niger government that would run from 2018 to 2022 to cover another five-year period.

    “We signed one MoU in 2014; one in 2015, one in 2016 and we are signing the last bit of the four-year’s plan in 2017.

    “The plan is meant to guide us to commit ourselves in ensuring that we deliver results to children and women in Niger state.

    “We also use the plan to mark commitment because we share the same goals and vision for children and women of Niger state and to ensure that some amount of money is meant for bettering the lives of women and children in the state,’’ he said.

    Baba, however, commended the state government for its continuous support and for providing enabling environment for UNICEF activities in the state.

    Responding, Bello, commended UNICEF intervention programme in the state, adding that such intervention had impacted positively on the lives of women and children.

    He urged UNICEF to increase its areas of intervention to the development of infrastructures, especially in primary and secondary schools in the state.

    According to him, there was deficit of infrastructure in the educational sector that needed urgent attention from state government and our development partners.

    “There is massive deficit of infrastructure in our public schools. We have spent a lot of money in renovating nine schools, and as government we cannot do it all alone.

    “As state, we will continue to contribute our quota and increase our budget, especially in education sector so as to bridge the gap,’’ he said.

    Bello advised UNICEF to make its area of intervention and activities known in the state by using the media to publicise its activities for people to key in.

    Bello signed the MoU on behalf of the state government, while Baba signed on behalf of UNICEF.

    NAN