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Tag: Katsina

  • Katsina offers psychosocial support to women drug addicts

    Katsina offers psychosocial support to women drug addicts

    Katsina State Government said it will offer psychosocial support to women and youth involved in drug abuse in the state.

    Commissioner of Women Affairs, Hajiya Zainab Musa-Musawa, said on yesterday in Katsina.

    “We want to see how the government can help the addicts by talking to them, empowering them and giving them some form of psychosocial support,” she said.

    The commissioner told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the government has been collaborating with the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in addressing the menace of drug and substance abuse by women in the state.

    Musa-Musawa added that her ministry has designed a strategic roadmap to be unveiled within the first quarter of the year which would squarely check the illicit practice.

    “We would embark on advocacy campaigns on the dangers of drug abuse especially among the women, some Non-Governmental Organisations campaigning against drug abuse have already indicated interest to partner with us in this crusade.

    Read Also: Katsina to hold LG poll in February 2025

    “We would soon pay a visit to the NDLEA rehabilitation center with a view to see the quantum of young ladies undergoing rehabilitation therapy in the agency.

    “We want to see how the government can help the addicts by talking to them, empowering them and by giving them some form of psychosocial support,” she said.

    The commissioner lamented how a woman who is expected to be a mirror and school to her children would resort to the ugly trend of abusing or trafficking drugs and other illicit substances capable of ruining her future.

    “We would counsel them, empower them, so that when they get back to their families they would be engaged in productive ventures.

    “This year, our focus is on the fight against drug abuse as one of the key areas we intend to venture into and deliver our women out of the woods,” Musa-Musawa said.

  • Katsina to hold LG poll in February 2025

    Katsina to hold LG poll in February 2025

    The Katsina State Independent Electoral Commission (KTSIEC), has slated Feb. 15, 2025 for the conduct of the state local government councils election.

    Alhaji Lawal Alhassan, the Chairman, KTSIEC, stated this in Katsina on Wednesday when he addressed stakeholders.

    Alhassan said that the announcement was in compliance with the provisions of Section 197 of the 1999 Constitution.

    “And also, it’s in compliance with the Section 28 of the electoral Act 2022 as amended and the state electoral law, 2022 as amended and other relevant laws.

    “We therefore, officially announced that Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025 has been slated for the conduct of the local government council election in the state.

    “The notice will commence from today, Feb. 14, 2024 to Feb. 15, 2025, which gives 365 days as in accordance with section 28 of electoral Act 2022 as amended,” he said.

    He said that candidates from all registered political parties were free to contest for the post of the Chairmanship and Councillorship at the election.

    ‘’Interested candidates are free to contest after meeting all the requirements, as contained in the election guidelines,’’ he said.

    Read Also: Banditry, rising insecurity: Katsina people must defend themselves, says Dikko Radda

    He said that the guidelines would be provided to all political parties and stakeholders for guidance and compliance.

    “The guidelines and Time-Table will be distributed in due course. Only candidates sponsored by the registered political parties will be allowed to contest in the election.

    “The commission urges stakeholders, particularly the political parties to comply and adhere to the laws and guidelines governing the conduct of the election in the state.

    “The commission further urges the political parties, media, NGOs, CSOs and other interested persons and groups to give adequate publicity, enlightenment and sensitisation to electorate to come out in masse to elect their leaders of their choice,” he said.

    He also appealed to security agencies in the state to provide adequate coverage throughout the process, especially in frontline areas.

    “We also urge citizens in the state to be law abiding and shun any violence during the process,” he said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the last local council election was held on April 11, 2022. (NAN)

  • Banditry, rising insecurity: Katsina people must defend themselves, says Dikko Radda

    Banditry, rising insecurity: Katsina people must defend themselves, says Dikko Radda

    Governor Dikko Umar Radda of Katsina has urged the state’s residents to take proactive measures in defending themselves against the increasing insecurity and banditry attacks rather than solely relying on government intervention.

    Radda made this plea on Friday, February 9, at the Government House in Katsina during an extensive emergency security meeting.

    Highlighting the pressing need to address the surge in insecurity, food shortages, and poverty within the state, Radda emphasized the necessity for immediate action.

    The meeting saw the attendance of security chiefs, leaders of paramilitary agencies, and prominent traditional rulers from Katsina and Daura, alongside senior government officials.

    He said: “This meeting was called to review the security situation as well as rising poverty and food scarcity in the state.

    ”We must review the security situation in the state, take action to find a solution, and address these challenges. Apart from insecurity, there are other challenges like the rising cost of food and hunger amongst the population.

    Read Also: Banditry: Governor Radda calls for vigilance

    ”Government is fully prepared to assist any community that organises themselves in their respective areas through training and the provision of logistics.”

    The governor further stated that the state government is contemplating setting up taskforce that will stem rising food prices and insecurity in the state.

    He assured the people that the state government would think and act fast rather than wait for the riots that happened in Kano and Nigeria State to extend to Katsina state

  • Katsina Govt. to spend N74.5bn on road projects — Commissioner

    Katsina Govt. to spend N74.5bn on road projects — Commissioner

    The Katsina State Executive Council has approved the release of N74.5 billion for construction of additional township roads in the metropolis.

    The state’s Commissioner for Works, Housing and Transport, Mr Sani Magaji-Ingawa, disclosed this while addressing newsmen on the outcome of the Council’s resolutions in Katsina on Monday.

    Ingawa said the project included construction of the eastern bypass, stretching from Dutsin-ma road to Kano road, passing through Daura road and terminating at Yandaki village in Kaita Local Government area.

    He added that the project involved dualisation of the Katsina Central Mosque road through Kofar-Marusa to Kiddies roundabout which terminates at WTC roundabout.

    “Another area to be dualised is the Yandaki-Shinkafi to Kofar-Sauri road in the metropolis,” he said.

    The commissioner said another project was the extension of the dual carriageway from Airport Junction to the proposed bye-pass along Daura road.

    Read Also: It’s time for state police, says Katsina governor

    Other projects are the extension of the dual carriageway from Barhin Estate to the proposed bye-pass along Mani road and dualisation of Water Board Roundabout through Kofar-Sauri to Katsina Central Mosque.

    He added that the road behind Central Police Station to kofar kaura underpass would also be dualised.

    According to him, the projects have been awarded to the China Civil Engineering Construction Company (CCECC) with expected completion period of 24 months.

    He explained that the contracts for the projects were awarded under the State Urban Renewal Project, saying it would significantly improve urban infrastructure and boost business activities. (NAN)

  • Armed bandits attack military camp in Katsina, loot houses, destroy vehicles, others

    Armed bandits attack military camp in Katsina, loot houses, destroy vehicles, others

    A heavily armed bandit gang wielding sophisticated weapons including AK-47 rifles, has attacked a joint military camp at Nahuta village in Batsari Local Government Area of Katsina.

    According to Channels TV, the attack was reportedly carried out at about 11:30 pm on Sunday, January 14.

    A security source from the camp disclosed the details of the incident to Channels Television on Monday.

    The hoodlums destroyed vehicles and some valuables during the assault, the source confirmed.

    Although no life was lost, the source explained that the personnel attached to the camp succeeded in repelling the attack even though the bandits outweighed them.

    Read Also: Radda mourns seven dead Katsina accident victims

    He said: “The bandits outweighed us and invaded the camp where they set ablaze our vehicles and property because there was no reinforcement throughout the encounter.”

    It was gathered that after the attack on the military camp, the bandits proceeded to invade Nahuta town.

    They burgled shops, broke into houses, and made off with properties and domestic animals, with the value of the looted items estimated to be in millions of naira.

    But as of the time of this report, security agencies are yet to make an official comment on the latest bandit attack in the North-Western state.

  • 258 suspected armed robbers, 369 rapists arrested in 2023 in Katsina

    258 suspected armed robbers, 369 rapists arrested in 2023 in Katsina

    The Police Command in Katsina State has recorded 938 criminal cases and arrested no fewer than 1, 627 suspected criminals in 2023, the Commissioner of Police (CP), Mr Aliyu Abubakar-Musa, has said.

    Abubakar-Musa, who made this known at a news conference in Katsina, said that out of the figure, 855 cases were charged to court.

    The CP explained that among the suspects arrested were 258 for armed robbery, 64 kidnappers, 176 over murder, and 369 for rape and sodomy, and others for offences.

    Abubakar-Musa further said that the police succeeded in neutralising 17 suspected kidnappers and rescuing 171 victims in 2023.

    According to him, the police also rescued 67 human trafficking victims during the period under review.

    He added that the command recovered 12 AK 47 rifles, 1, 500 live ammunition, over 700 rustled livestock, 12 vehicles and 17 phones.

    Others, he said, were illicit drugs and substances including 568 sachet of D5 tablets, 23 packets of Exzole tablets, 411 packets of Rebozel tablets, five packs of Diezole tablet and quantum of Indian hemp.

    Read Also: Katsina introduces new inter-state tax, haulage fee

    “More work needs to be done starting from this moment; it is very imperative to warn unrepentant criminals to either surrender or risk arrest.”

     The CP commended journalists for their enormous cooperation that led to the successes recorded by the command.

    “You have genuinely and passionately exhibited friendship and collaboration towards consolidating the relative peace and security in the state through your fair and balance reportage of the command activities.

    “The fight against crime and criminality is so dynamic and demanding, but I urge you to continue to project the diligent and good work of the command and other security agencies to the general public,” he added.

    Abubakar-Musa thanked the people of the state for their unflinching support, understanding and cooperation to the command.

    “I wish to also call for the maximum support of all and sundry toward assisting security agencies in the state as we cannot do it alone,” he added.

  • Katsina introduces new inter-state tax, haulage fee

    Katsina introduces new inter-state tax, haulage fee

    The Katsina State Government has officially issued a new order titled the Inter-State Road Tax Sticker (ISRTS) and Single Haulage Fee (SHF) Order ‘1’.

    The governor’s new order was announced in a statement issued by Malam Ibrahim Kaula, the Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to Radda, and made available to newsmen in Katsina.

    According to him, the move, effective from December 22, is an exercise of powers vested by Section 5 (2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended).

    He said: “The order may be referred to as the ISRTS and SHF Order ‘1’.

    “New rates of inters-state haulage fee have been established within the state, emphasising some adjustments: Vendor increased to N7,500 from N3,500, integrator increased to N4,000 from N1,000, and enforcement increased to N1,500 from N1,000.

    Read Also: Katsina vows to prosecute illegal miners

    “On SHF rates, Consultant is now implemented at N1,500 from N0.00, Vendor Loading/Offload was also adjusted, while Pick-Up Van introduced at N4,000 rate from N0.00 rate.”

    According to Radda, new rate for Pick-Up Non-Heavy was introduced at N5,500 from N0.00 rate, heavy duty 6/8 tyres, set at N8,000, from N0.00 rate, and luxury buses increased to N10,000 from N5,500 rate.

    He also said charges for 12/14 tyres and equivalent vehicles were increased to N19,000 from N11,000, while 18 tyres and above at N25,000 from N16,000 old rate.

    Radda underscored the significance of the adjustments, aiming to sustain effective interstate haulage operations within Katsina State.

    “These measures are aligned with the state’s commitment to fostering efficient transportation while ensuring a fair and sustainable economic environment,” the governor said.

  • Katsina goes tough on violence against women

    Katsina goes tough on violence against women

    The Katsina State Government went tough on perpetrators of gender abuse and violence against women in the state by establishing special courts for gender based violence, GBV, and child abuse related cases

    The Nation recalled that the establishment of the court followed the enactment of the violence against person’s prohibition, VAPP, Act and the Child Protection Law which has been signed into law by Governor Umar Dikko Radda

    The Chief Judge of Katsina State, Justice Musa Danladi Abubakar, who announced the setting up of the court, after Governor Dikko Umaru Radda had ceremonially assented to the law and inaugurated a ‘Steering Committee’, held at the Banquet Hall of the Katsina Government House, also commended the governor’s leadership and commitment to human rights and Justice

    Danladi acknowledged the importance of not only enacting strong laws but also ensuring their effective implementation through dedicated enforcement mechanisms.

    He said’:” the Quran’s clear provisions for protecting women and children, is clear. The frequent disregard for fundamental rights of women and Children can no longer be ignored’.

    Read Also: Katsina vows to prosecute illegal miners

    ‘’The newly established courts represents pivotal steps towards upholding human rights and we have confidence in their ability to address GBV and child abuse with sensitivity and swiftness’’.

    Highlighting the urgency of action, the Chief Judge cited recent distressing incidents, including a high-profile assault on a lawyer’s wife.

    To combat such occurrences, he unveiled a dedicated hotline for reporting violence across the state.

    Still drawing on Quranic teachings, the Chief Judge underscored the sanctity of all life and the collective responsibility to safeguard it.

    He applauded the Governor’s proactive approach by creating a steering committee to oversee the implementation of the laws.

    He urged all stakeholders, including religious leaders, community members, and law enforcement agencies, to actively participate in enforcing those crucial protections.

  • Katsina vows to prosecute illegal miners

    Katsina vows to prosecute illegal miners

    The Katsina State Government said any individual found engaging in illegal mining activities in the state will be prosecuted.

    The state Deputy Governor, Alhaji Faruq Jobe, gave the warning during an inspection of the Dabar-hajia mining site at Rafin-gora, in Danja Local Government Area of the state.

    According to him, the state government had previously instructed all miners to submit their documents for scrutiny and consideration but some have failed to do so.

    He further reiterated the state government’s commitment to organising and regulating mining activities within the state to ensure compliance with established regulatory laws.

    “The government remains dedicated to fostering responsible and regulating mining practices for the benefit of all stakeholders,” he assured.

    Read Also: Prioritise your health, strengthen bonds with loved ones, God – First Lady tells elderly Nigerians

    Chairman of Katsina Solid Minerals Mines and Processors Cooperative Society in Danja, Alhaji Dahiru Dan-Kande, informed Jobe, that mining activities were suspended since 2017 when their licences expired.

    He added that those currently operating at the site were doing so independently, saying there is substantial gold and coal deposits at the location.

    Dan-Kande further appealed to the state government to regulate mining activities, by providing machines for efficient discovery.

  • TCN to boost power in Kano, Katsina, Dutse

    TCN to boost power in Kano, Katsina, Dutse

    The Kano region of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN)  is to boost power transmission next year.

    General Manager of the region  Bashir Mohammed Gote made the promise while briefing journalists in Kano on the completed and ongoing power projects in the region.

     The region which covers Kano, Katsina and Dutse transmission substations, has a capacity of 600MVA at 330kV and 1295MVA at 132kV level. It is expected to rise to 1200MVA at 330kV and 1800MVA at 132kV next year.

    Gote said: “The region currently has a capacity of 600MVA at 330kV level and 1295MVA at 132kV level. With the ongoing transmission, rehabilitation and expansion programs across the nation, some projects are sited in some of the transmission substations in the region. Some of the projects have been completed this year while some are ongoing.

     “We are constructing 2x150mva 330/132kv and 2x60mva 132/33kV transmission stations at Rimin Zakara Kano. The substation is the second 330/132kV transmission station in Kano. It was completed early this year without a line.

    Read Also: NCDC denies fresh outbreak of COVID-19 in Benue

     “The station is expected to get supply from Kumbotso before the construction of the quad line from Kaduna, but the right of way issue between Kumbotso and Rimin Zakara must be addressed before the line will be completed.

     “The installed 150MVA 330/132kV power transformer at Kumbotso was commissioned last month (November) by house engineers. The installation and commissioning of this transformer has brought up the capacity of the substation to 750MVA.

     “There is also ongoing construction of a 330kV line from Kaduna to Rimin Zakara. The line was supposed to serve as the second 330kV line to Kano, having the capacity to carry 2000MV.

    “Installation of 40MVA 132/33kV mobile power transformer at Jamaare transmission substation is ongoing. This is a new transmission substation where a mobile power transformer was proposed at Jamaare on the Dutse – Azare 132kV line. The station when completed will relieve the Azare transmission substation.

    “Construction of 2×40MVA 132/33kv transmission substation at Walalambe, which began in 2009 will soon be completed it will relieve the transmission station. 

     “When the projects are all done, we expect to have improvement from 600MVA at 330kV and 1200MVA at 330kV by 2024. Similarly, we expect to have improvement from 1295MVA at 132kV and 1800MVA at 132kV.”