The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Kaduna

  • Idowu-Fearon to head Kaduna Peace Commission

    Idowu-Fearon to head Kaduna Peace Commission

    Foremost Anglican Cleric, Most Reverend Dr. Josiah Idowu-Fearon is to head the Kaduna State Peace Commission. The nomination of the former Archbishop of Kaduna was announced today in Kaduna.

    A statement, signed by the Senior Special Assistant to Governor El-Rufai on Media and Publicity, Samuel Aruwan disclosed that Governor El-Rufai has forwarded the names of four persons to constitute the leadership of the Peace Commission.

    The law establishing the commission was recently passed into law by the Kaduna State House of Assembly.

    According to the statement, “Governor Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai has sent nominations for membership of the Peace Commission to the Kaduna State House of Assembly. Malam Nasir El-Rufai nominated the Most Reverend Josiah Idowu-Fearon as chairman and Priscilla Yachat Ankut as executive vice-chairman/chief executive. Dr. Saleh Bashayi Momale and HajiyaKhadijah Hawaja Gambo are nominated as permanent commissioners.

    “Dr. Josiah Idowu-Fearon is the Secretary-General of the worldwide Anglican Communion, based in the United Kingdom. He is the immediate past Archbishop of the Kaduna Archdiocese of the Anglican Church, and also a former Bishop of Sokoto.

    “Idowu-Fearon is a household name in peace advocacy and inter-religious harmony in Nigeria. He established the Kaduna Center for the Study of Christian-Muslim Relations. He holds degrees in theology, sociology, Arabic and Islamic studies from universities in Nigeria, the United Kingdom and the Kingdom of Jordan.

    “Ankut is an expert in democratic governance, with specific experience in human rights, inclusive political processes, justice sector reform, conflict prevention and peace building. Her country experience spans South Africa, Gambia, Rwanda, Malawi and Nigeria where she has supported democratisation processes in various capacities. Ankut worked with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Malawi as the Technical Specialist in Democratic Accountability where she supported the Government of Malawi to develop a robust democratic governance sector strategy as part of its reform agenda.

    In Nigeria, she works with the Nigeria Stability and Reconciliation Programme (NSRP), DFID’s largest peace-building support programme, where she has successfully facilitated dialogue and reconciliation in communities affected by violent conflict across the country. She holds an LL.M from the University of Pretoria, South Africa. She studied law at the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.

    “Dr. Momale is a development Geographer at the Centre for Dryland Agriculture, Bayero University, Kano. He holds a doctorate degree in Geography. He is a former Executive Director of The Pastoral Resolve, a non-governmental organization working in the areas of pastoralists’ education, conflict management and pastoral resource development in Nigeria.

    “Hajiya Gambo is a gender rights activist, social entrepreneur and conflict resolution expert active in Plateau and neighboring states. She has been involved in several peace initiatives facilitated by the Geneva-based Center for Humanitarian Dialogue (HD).”

  • Peaceful celebration in Kaduna

    Peaceful celebration in Kaduna

    …as El-Rufai, JNI call for prayers for Nigeria

    The celebration of the Eid-el-Kabir in Kaduna State yesterday was very peaceful, with the governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, reassuring that his government would deliver comprehensive development of the state.

    This was also as the apex Islamic body in the North, the Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI called on the Muslim faithful to intensify prayers for the nation against all manner of misfortunes as well as for the good health of President Muhammadu Buhari.

    Governor El-Rufai, who attended the Eid prayers in Birnin-Gwari, addressed thousands of citizens, saying his administration was vigorously pursuing comprehensive development in the state.

    He also said there would be no going back on the administration’s resolve to achieve concrete development for the people.

    Accompanied by members of the House of Representatives and the Kaduna State House of Assembly, commissioners, executive members of the All Progressives Congress and his aides, El-Rufai was received by the Emir of Birnin Gwari, Alhaji Zubair Jibril Maigwari II, at the Birnin Gwari Eid Praying Ground.

    In his remarks at the palace, Governor El-Rufai said: “I am grateful for all your support for the administration, and there is no going back on pursuing cogent development for the betterment of our citizens. You gave us this mandate and we will not fail.

    “I heard your complaint regarding security. Like you know, we are working hard with the security agencies and by the special grace of God, we will see the end of this.

    “Aside the military and police action in Birnin Gwari, which we are collaborating with the security agencies, the state government supports the local government with funds to strengthen security of life and property.

    “I noted your complaints and we will continue to do all that is necessary to beef up security.

    “We are also going to establish a campus of Kaduna State University here in Birnin Gwari.

    “We are still waiting to hear from Federal Government over the Kaduna-Birnin Gwari Road. If we don’t hear from them at the end of the rainy season, we will do something tangible aside other ongoing road projects of the state in the local government.

    “I am assuring you once again that there is no going back on actualizing cogent development of our entire state. We are a focused and people-oriented government with clear developmental agenda.”

    In his address, the Emir, Alhaji Zubair Jibril Maigwari II thanked the Kaduna State Government for its commitment to addressing the security challenges and to promote development initiatives meant for the betterment of the citizenry.

    Meanwhile, the JNI, in a statement signed by its Secretary-General, Dr. Khalid Abubakar Aliyu, said: “With ample gratitude to Allah (SWT) for His guidance and blessings, Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), under the leadership of His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, CFR, mni, the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General, JNI, felicitates with the Nigerian Muslim Ummah, for being among those privileged by Allah (SWT) to witness yet another Eid-el-Adha, a historic period of offering sacrifice and spiritual elevation.

    “Indeed, Muslims are urged to bear in mind the lessons entrenched therein, as they engage in offering the sacrifice which are summed up as follows: Muslims’ conviction in their Lord and the singular lesson in the act of sacrifice.

    “Furthermore, we are being reminded through this act of worship that trials are part of life. It doesn’t matter one’s position, prestige and/or affiliation. What is important is how Muslims react to such trials.

    “Thus we are here reminded to be positive by submitting to the will of Allah, the Most High, the way Prophet Ibrahim (PBUH) reacted when asked to offer his child for sacrifice, and whom we are urged to emulate, as taught by our Noble Prophet (PBUH).

    “Our hope therefore, remains expiation of our sins in order to acquire the forgiveness of Allah (SWT).

    “Therefore JNI uses this medium to call on the Ummah to eschew rancour and bitterness, be forgiving, responsible in all undertakings and avoid anything capable of attracting Allah’s anger in the present circumstance we found ourselves.

    “We equally call on the Ummah to be steadfast in promoting the message and virtues of Islam in this celebrated period.”

  • FLAVOUR THRILLS KADUNA RESIDENTS

    POPULAR highlife crooner and Glo brand ambassador, Chinedu Okoli, popularly known as Flavour N’abania, was the star attraction at the Kaduna edition of the flagship show of the telecommunications company, the Glo Mega Music Nationwide Tour, held recently at the Castle Event Centre.

    Flavour, who put up an exceptionally brilliant performance at the night of fun, dazzled the crowd to the extent that they requested him to pull off his shirt so that they could behold his famous “six packs”.

    Other artistes who performed at the show were Marvin Records diva, Di’Ja, Flavour, Phyno, Timaya and Olamide.

    The show was anchored by two Nollywood damsels, Uche Jombo and Ebube Nwagbo. It also drew a huge crowd of fun lovers from the city and the neighbouring towns and villages.

    The opening delight for the night of complete entertainment was the performance by the various budding stars in the city, with the Arewa singer, Classiq, distinguishing himself among the lot.

    Marvin Records female vocalist, Di’Ja, formally opened the evening of fun.  Taking advantage of her Northern Nigeria ancestry, Di’Ja connected seamlessly with the audience. She was a sight to behold on stage as she introduced her performance with flawless Hausa diction to the admiration of the crowd which responded in good measure.

    Immediately after, the other three Glo brand ambassadors, Chibuzor Nelson Azubike, a.k.a. Phyno; the Egberi Papa 1 of Bayelsa, Inetimi Alfred Odon (Timaya), and Olamide Adedeji, the Shakitibobo master, were unleashed on the crowd. The trio took the show to the next level with dazzling performances.

    Veteran actors, Victor Osuagwu, Patience Ozokwor, a.k.a. Mama G, and Richard Mofe-Damijo, were the celebrity guests along with Sani Danja. Danja later on took to the stage to give the audience good music.

     

  • Di’ja leads artistes to Kaduna for Salah extravaganza

    Di’ja leads artistes to Kaduna for Salah extravaganza

    Alphatainment Nigeria Limited has concluded plans to treat residents of Kaduna state to a groove tagged Sallah Extravaganza.

    Put together in collaboration with NAF Club Kaduna, organisers say that the event will see Mavin Record artiste, Di’ja as the star attraction while Baba Kingi and his afro dancers will be on hand to also thrill guests with his scintillating reenactment of the Afrobeat legend, Fela.

    Other artistes scheduled to perform at the show are Ibrahim Baba the Funkiest Mallam, Bishop Talk, Alizee, Youngest Oldman. It will also feature other side attractions from notable comedians, musical acts, journey of the dance train from the 60’s to 2017, presentation of awards and a host of others.

    According to the CEO of Alphatainment Nigeria limited, Solomon Nda-Isaiah, the event is put together to celebrate Sallah as well as to bring youths together to preach oneness, togetherness, love and to foster unity amongst all.

    “This is the second show we are holding in Kaduna in just two months and we believe that this will be better and bigger as our partners have really showed support. It’s going to be the best of the best, to me showbiz is inborn it has been part of me since I was born and bred in Kaduna. I started showbiz in the crocodile city and I am back here to give my Kada City the best show they would ever see. I will ensure the people will experience more and more of this. It’s going to be great and 100 per cent groovy,” Nda-Isaiah explained.

    The event is supported by Leadership Newspapers, Glo, Arik Air, and Invicta FM 98.9.

  • Arewa suspends Kaduna declaration(Pics)

    Arewa suspends Kaduna declaration(Pics)

    L-R: Chairman Arewa Youth Consultative Forum, Shettima Yerima; Member of the Coalition, Nasfura Asher; Spokesman Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG), Mr. Abdullazeez Suleiman; and Borno State Governor, Kashim Shettima during a world press conference on the suspension of the Kaduna declaration by CNG in Abuja, yesterday. Photo: Femi Ojo

     

    L-R: Spokesman Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG), Mr. Abdullazeez Suleiman; Borno State Governor, Kashim Shettima, Former minister of Agriculture, Alh Zango Daura and Sen. Kabiru Gaya during a world press conference on the suspension of the Kaduna declaration by CNG in Abuja, yesterday. Photo; Femi Ojo

     

    L-R: Igbo leaders, Eze Ndigbo Niger State, Ngozi Nahiwe; Eze Ndigbo Kano Dr, Boniface Ibekwe; President General Igbo Delegate Assembly Chief Chi Nwogu; and Linus Okoroegbe, during a world press conference on the suspension of the Kaduna declaration by CNG in Abuja, yesterday. Photo: Femi Ojo

  • $15m lifeline coming for Kaduna Textile

    The New Nigeria Development Company (NNDC) is partnering Sur International Textile (SIT), a Turkish firm, to invest $15 million to reactivate the collapsed Kaduna Textile Company.

    NNDC Group Managing Director Dr Ahmed Musa made this known to reporters, shortly after a meeting with the Turkish business delegation at the NNDC’s head office in Kaduna.

    Musa said the NNDC and SIT would invest the amount to revitalise the textile company. According to the proposal, the Turkish firm will provide 35 per cent of the amount, the Federal Government, 45 per cent, and KTL will give 20 per cent.

    Musa said in the short term, the KTL would produce uniforms for the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Police and other paramilitary agencies in the country, and across West African.

    He said revamping the KTL would boost Kaduna State economy and create employment for the unemployed within and outside the state.

    “We held a private meeting with a team of delegation from Turkey. They want to invest in Kaduna Textile and turn it around. In summary, they want to start producing military and paramilitary uniforms for members of the Nigerian Armed Forces,” Musa said.

    According to him, the project is a laudable one that will boost the state economy and increase its revenue drive while creating massive employment. “We have been able to attract investors into the state,” he added.

    The NNDC’s Executive Director, Investments, Alhaji Abdullahi Ali-Gombe, said the agreement would revamp the textile firm owned by the 19 northern states.

    Besides boosting the economy, when operational, the firm will go into the production of military and paramilitary garments.

    Ali-Gombe, who is also the Chairman, Restructuring Committee of the KTL, said: “We cannot say tentatively when this will take off. We are hoping very soon.”

    The Kaduna Textile Limited, established in 1957, operated a large integrated textile mill, producing various kinds of garments.

    The company started operation in November 1957, spinning the country’s cotton. In 1961, it began the production of finished garments.

    The firm was financed by the Northern Nigeria Regional Marketing Board and the region’s development corporation and was managed by an expatriate firm, David Whitehead & Sons. It was closed down in 2000 following various financial crises and inadequate power supply.

  • Thunderstorms, cloudy weather to prevail on Wednesday – NiMet

    Thunderstorms, cloudy weather to prevail on Wednesday – NiMet

    The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted morning thunderstorms over the Central states on Wednesday with isolated thunderstorms over Bauchi, Jos, Kaduna, Mambila Plateau, Bida, Ilorin, Lafia and Abuja later in the day.

    NiMet’s Weather Outlook by its Central Forecast Office (CFO) on Tuesday in Abuja also predicted day and night temperatures of 26 to 30 and 16 to 24 degrees Celsius respectively.

    The agency predicted that Southern states would experience cloudy conditions over the southwestern cities with prospects of isolated rains over the Southeast during the morning hours.

    It also predicted prospects of rains over the region in the afternoon and evening hours with day and night temperatures of 27 to 30 and 21 to 24 degrees Celsius respectively.

    According to NiMet, Northern states will experience morning cloudy conditions over Sokoto, Yelwa and Gusau with prospects of isolated thunderstorms over Katsina, Kano and the Northeastern region.

    “During the afternoon period, Northeast and parts of Northwest Sokoto, Kebbi and Kano will experience isolated thunderstorms in the afternoon with day and night temperatures of 29 to 30 and 21 to 22 degrees Celsius respectively.

    “Increased atmospheric instability leading to buildup of weather systems over the Country is expected to enhance rainfall activities within the next 24 hours,’’ NiMet predicted.

     

  • Pro-President’s youths hold rally in Kaduna

    Pro-President’s youths hold rally in Kaduna

    Hundreds of youths yesterday held a peaceful rally in support of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration in Kaduna State.

    The youths, drawn from various states in the Northern region, asked the President to ignore the call for his resignation.

    The spokesman for the group, Ibrahim Garkuwa, said they were happy with the manner which President Buhari’s administration has governed the country in the last two years.

    A member of the group, Mohammed Sani, noted that in spite of repeated attempts to portray the present administration as not performing, “the President has achieved far better than his predecessors”.

    The group insisted that Buhari has fulfilled his campaign promises to Nigerians, especially in the areas of anti-corruption fight and security despite the challenges he met on ground.

    They described those calling for his resignation as the country’s enemies, who were not happy with the successes recorded by his administration in ridding Nigeria of corruption.

    The group maintained that the President has not violated the Constitution to warrant the call for his resignation after he had properly handed over to Acting President Yemi Osinbajo.

    After taking the rally to the Government House in Kaduna, Commissioner for Stakeholders Affairs Shehu Balarabe addressed the youths on behalf of Governor Nasir El-Rufai.

     

  • Girls must be given equal opportunities as boys, says El-Rufa’i  

    Girls must be given equal opportunities as boys, says El-Rufa’i  

    Gov. Nasiru El-Rufai of Kaduna State, on Thursday said girls must be given equal opportunities as boys to go to school and contribute more meaningfully to societal growth.

    The governor told newsmen in Kaduna after receiving 18-year-old Nkechinyero Chidi-Ogbolu, author of the book ‘Tales of an Uber Minor in College,’ that education was key to success.

    He described the author as a great source of inspiration, and urged young people not to waste their time on the street but aspire for greatness at all times.

    “I want every girl in Kaduna state to see and emulate or even exceed her; that is why for me her visit is very important.

    “It is an example of what we can achieve if we give our girls the same opportunity that we give our boys  in Africa, particularly in the Northern part of Nigeria, where girls do not get same opportunity to get educated as boys,’’ he said.

    El-Rufai noted that some of the kids have been left to hawk on the street instead of going to school, adding, “that is what we are trying to work on now in Kaduna and Northern Nigeria in general.’’

    He said that as part of the effort, his administration had invested heavily in reviving the education sector for better performance.

    The governor disclosed that a total of 78,000 units of classroom furniture had been distributed to public schools in the state since his assumption of office.

    “We find out that more than half of our children seat on the floor, and we have to accelerate the process of providing furniture in our primary and secondary schools.’’

    He stressed that the government still needed to do more to fully equip the schools.

    “We still have long way to go and we will continue within the limited resource we have, until we make public schools as good as private schools.

    “We are trying to get all our primary schools to have library, so that we put books in those primary schools and also encourage the formation of writing and literary clubs in our primary and secondary schools,’’ El-Rufai added.

    The governor urged Non Governmental Organisations to go into public schools and encourage creative writing, so as to expose the talents that abound locally.

  • Why insecurity is escalating – Buratai

    Why insecurity is escalating – Buratai

    The Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen. Tukur Buratai on Saturday blamed the security challenges confronting Nigeria on poor upbringing of the children.

    General Buratai stated this at the Passing Out Parade (POP) of the Nigerian Military School (NMS) boys, in Zaria, Kaduna State on Saturday.

    They Chief of Army Staff who was represented by the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 1 Mechanised Division of the Nigerian Army, Kaduna, Maj-Gen. Adeniyi Oyebade however said that, all hands must be on deck to ensure proper training and upbringing of Nigerian children, believing that such will reduce to the barest minimal, security threats against the country.

    According to him, “The escalating level of insecurity in the country has much to do with the level of training our children are exposed to from the beginning.

    “Having an institution that will ensure that children are inculcated with a high level of discipline, knowledge and patriotism is what all stakeholders in the Nigerian project should encourage,” he pleaded.

    Buratai assured that the Army on its part would continue to ensure that all training schools in the Nigerian Army were provided with the basic facilities towards excellence and proficiency.

    The Army Boss said he had given directive that deliberate efforts be taken for the purpose of repositioning all Command Schools in line with standards established by NMS.

    He recalled that the NMS was established 63 years ago to provide middle level manpower that would take over for the departing British non-commission officers at independence.

    “The school had undoubtedly produced seasoned military officers of repute and highly experienced technocrats that are contributing positively to the development of Nigeria.

    “It was in recognition of the contribution of the ex-boys to national development and upholding the dream and vision of the founding fathers of the school that I directed the resumption of military training suspended in the school in 2011.

    “I am delighted that the Commandant and his team had worked assiduously to ensure that the passing out boys were given the requisite training to serve their fatherland,” he noted.

    While urging the graduating boys to be good ambassadors of the school and the Nigerian Army, Buratai charged them to always exhibit high sense of discipline, commitment and patriotism wherever they go.

    Highlight of the occasion was the awards and cash gift of N250, 000 to each of the four award-winners who distinguished themselves during 2016/2017 academic session.