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Tag: Katsina

  • JAMB welcomes application for CBT centers in Katsina

    The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB, on Thursday in Katsina said it will welcome application from qualified business centers willing to establish Computer Based Test centers, CBT, that could be deployed to use in the conduct of unified tertiary matriculation examinations, UTME

    The state coordinator of JAMB, Isyaku Mohammed Kankia told the Nation in an exclusive interview in his office, that the present number of CBT center which he put about 7, is grossly inadequate and cannot take over 25,000 applicants expected to write the UTME exams from the state each year

    He said ‘’the 7 CBT centers presently located as follows: Daura 2,Funtua,Malumfashi and Kusada one each, and Dutsin-Ma 2  ,are grossly inadequate so we invite more qualified applicants for CBT centers to come forward’’

    The JAMB boss further admonished applicants for the UTME exams to embrace the various innovations introduced by the management of the board, especially during registration and processing of applications for admission, to ensure a hitch free admission exercise

    He said ’’intending applicants must during registration, ensure the posses valid email address, functional telephone lines which they can even source from close relatives in case they don’t have. There is no registration by proxy, because of data capturing’’

    ‘’Awaiting results must quickly come forward to upload their results as soon as they were released by the various examination bodies’’

    Reviewing the conducts of the last UTME exercise, especially with the flood gate of complaints particularly from two CBT centers in the state capital, the cordinator adduced some reasons that usually occasioned complaints of missing center numbers and candidates not finding their examination centers to include; mistakes made at the registration points by candidates, poor finger print capturing, and poor profile creation by candidates and re-selling of pin by candidates

    Read Also: Borno gives full scholarship to best JAMB student, Israel Galadima

    Kankia further admitted that some of the challenges facing JAMB in Katsina state include awareness and adequate knowledge of the various innovations and technology introduced by the examination body

    He said ’’we are presently reaching out to relevant stakeholders to create better awareness level on our activities through visits to media houses, schools, traditional rulers and allied agencies. This is because when candidates are well informed about the innovations taking place in JAMB the better for a seamless service delivery’’

    He admonished candidates to discourage second hand information and that when in doubt about the activities of the board ,they should approach the office for clarification

  • NIS arrests suspected human trafficker in Katsina

    The Katsina Area Command of the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) yesterday arrested a suspected human trafficker, Mrs. Asia Rita, at its Jibia-Magama control post.

    The command rescued seven suspected victims of trafficking aged between 11 and 44.

    Addressing reporters in Katsina, the state’s Comptroller of Immigration Joshua Olusola said the suspects are Nigerians.

    The NIS chief said three of them are from Oyo State, two from Lagos and one from Ogun.

    He said the victims had obtained their travel documents from Oyo State, adding that five of them obtained theirs on July 25 and the rest on July 27.

    Olusola said the suspect was in possession of a residence visa of Libya as her passport indicated she is a frequent traveller.

    The Immigration chief also said the command, in the last two months, intercepted two suspected traffickers and rescued 18 victims.

    He added that during a routine patrol, the command intercepted Mohammed Kabir, a Nigerien, with two high-grade cannabis.

    Olusola said the suspect was apprehended as he attempted to cross the Nigerian border to Niger Republic through an illegal route.

    He said: “The suspected victims will be handed over to the service headquarters in Abuja for further interrogation.”

     

  • NIS arrests Human trafficker, rescue seven victims in Katsina

    The Katsina Area command of the Nigerian Immigration Service, NIS, on Tuesday arrested a human trafficker Mrs. Asia Rita, at its Jibia-Magama control post, and rescued 7 suspected victims of human trafficking aged between 11-44 years in Katsina state.

    Speaking during a press briefing, the Comptroller of Immigration in the state, Mr. Joshua Olusola said all of them are Nigerian citizens, with three of them from Oyo state, two from Lagos and one from Ogun states.

    He said all victims had obtained their travel documents from Oyo state, and that five obtained theirs in July 25, and the remaining two, on July 27.

    He said the suspected trafficker was in possession of residence visa of the State of Libya, and that her passport indicated she is a frequent traveler.

    The immigration boss further recalled that the command had from mid last month to date, intercepted two suspected traffickers, and rescued18 suspected victims of human trafficking.

    In addition, he said the command, during a routine patrol, intercepted on Mohammed Kabir, a Nigerien, in possession of two high-grade cannabis.

    He said the suspect was apprehended while trying to cross the Nigeria border to Niger Republic through an illegal route.

    He said’’ the suspected victims will be handed over to the service headquarters in Abuja for further interrogation.”

    He added that the Nigeriens would be handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for “further necessary actions.”

    He however reiterated NIS’s determination to ensure “effective manning of our expansive borders to put an end to the menace of human trafficking to save the innocent Nigerians.”

    Investigation by the Nation had revealed an increasing patronage of the border routes of Jibia and kongola in Katsina state for illicit migrant activities and human trafficking

  • Bauchi, Katsina, Kogi: APC waxing stronger, says Presidency

    The Presidency is celebrating the victories of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in last weekend’s election.

    The APC won senatorial bye-elections in Katsina and Bauchi states and a House of Representatives seat in Kogi State.

    Briefing State House correspondents, the President’s Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, described the victories as an indication that President Muhammadu Buhari and Acting President Yemi Osinbajo have a better chance in next year’s election.

    He also faulted the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for carrying out its actions in a militant manner rather than following laid down procedures.

    Shehu said: “I like to speak to you about the fabulous shows of the APC in Katsina, Bauchi and Kogi, and even to some extent in Cross River states. All of these coming against the background of Ekiti State.

    “It is clear that from election after election, Nigerians are reposing confidence in the Buhari/Osinbajo presidency. Each of these election victories is considered to be epic in nature because none of these elections was an ordinary election.

    “We are happy that we have won and on behalf of the President and the Acting President, we’ll like to say thank you to Nigerians who continue to repose their confidence in the leadership of the APC administration.

    “We also want to thank the leadership of the party at the national level, but equally important, to thank all the party’s apparatchiks deployed to all the campaigns who ensured that all the elections were won handsomely by APC.

    “So, we are expressing our gratitude to everyone for these that had happened and to say that with this increasing confidence reposed in the President and the Acting President, who are determined more than ever before to leave no stone unturned in order to bring the promised change to Nigerians.”

    “For a quick review, maybe one, two, three or four lessons can be taken from the victories that the party has been recording.

    “First of all is to say that these decisive victories are indications that clearly, Nigerians have spoken that President Buhari maintains his momentum. That these victories place Buhari/Osinbajo presidency in very good stead for next year’s election.” he added

    Advising the National Assembly, Shehu said: “It is a statement of the fact that the APC will go into election next year with every confidence that the elections will be won and that Nigerians, by this statement, will also  say that they no longer have time for politics of insult and diversion, mudslinging and ‘monkey dey work, baboon dey chop’ politics of the PDP, and equally important is that these election victories are a clear message to the National Assembly that all that Nigerians are interested in is that the business of government should go on.

    “That Nigerians are saying that they are not interested in the drama; they are not interested in the grammar, the subterfuge and all of the games that are being played in the National Assembly.

    “I think it is appropriate this time to appeal to the National Assembly to be on the same page with the President Muhammadu Buhari administration so that we can deliver on all of these things. There are urgent matters that need to be attended to, including matters of shortfall in money supply for the execution of the budget.”

    Urging the opposition party to desist from operating like a militant organisation, Shehu said: “Secondly, I think that it is not the right attitude for a political party, a so-called opposition leader to conduct their affairs like a militant organisation , a political party cannot be run like a militant organization. If you have disagreement on the outcome of an election, they know the process and they know it because they abused it before. You can see this is the clear difference of the kind of democracy the APC administration is trying to put in place from what they are used to.

    “Willie Obiano of Anambra, same afternoon President Buhari said congratulations and welldone, we were happy we came second in the elections, that is the way it is. We lost a Senate seat in Osun, we didn’t try to bring down the roof, and this that has happened in Cross River, did you hear Adams Oshiomhole say he wanted to shoot people? I think this is the difference we need.”

    Shehu also charged Nigerians who are raising allegations of votes buying during the bye-elections to help the law enforcement agencies with the information.

    “One is to say that bribery of voters or vote buying is an offence in this country, I think that citizens who have evidence regarding this have a duty to report to the law enforcement agencies. This is the way to help the country,” Shehu said.

    The APC also in a statement by its acting publicity secretary Yekini Nabena, said: “The hat-trick victories following weekend’s by-elections for Katsina North; Bauchi South Senatorial seats and the Lokoja/Kogi Federal Constituency House of Representatives seat have again powerfully demonstrated the confidence and trust by our people in the President Muhammadu Buhari administration.

    “While we thank the electorate for coming out enmasse to vote for our candidates in the weekend by-elections, we also congratulate Hon. Ahmed Babba-Kaita (Katsina); Hon. Lawal Yahaya Gumau (Bauchi) and Haruna Isa (Kogi) on their victories.

    “Since assuming office, President Buhari has demonstrated the political will and remains solidly committed to the task of building a new Nigeria in line with the Change Agenda we promised to the electorate and the progressive ideals we stand for.

    “As a political party, we remain genuinely committed to address our challenges, reconcile legitimately aggrieved interests and emerge as a more united and stronger political fighting force as we face General Elections in 2019.

    “Like every other country, we have our challenges, but they are surmountable. We have an administration working day and night to surmount them and put the country on the right pedestal. With the continued cooperation and support of Nigerians, we have good reason to look forward to the future with great hope.”

  • INEC declares APC winner of the Katsina North Senatorial by-election

    The Independent National  Electoral Commission (INEC) in Katsina  state has declared Alhaji Ahmed Babba Kaita of the All Progressives Congress (APC ), as the winner of the bye election conducted in the Katsina North Senatorial District.

    Prof  Hudu Ayuba-Abdullahi the returning officer who announced the result at 4:42 am  in Daura on Sunday said Kaita, a member of the House of Representatives scored 224,607 votes, while his elder brother and a retired customs officer,  Alhaji Kabir Babba Kaita of the Peoples  Democratic Party (PDP)  scored 59,724 votes

    Abdullahi said the total number of registered voters was 864,046.  The number of accredited voters was 308,500.

    According to him, the total votes cast was  294,050, out of which  287,155 votes were counted as valid  and 10,891 rejected.

    The News Agency of Nigeria NAN reports that six political parties contested for the seat, which became vacant after the death of Senator Bukar Mustapha.  Apart from the APC and PDP, the other parties that took part in the election were Democratic Alliance (DA),Green Party of Nigeria (GPN),  Masses Movement of Nigeria(MMN)  and MPN.

    GPN scored 1056, DA  796, MPN  633 and  MMN 343 votes.

    Malam Habibu Suleiman the agent of the PDP who  signed  the results, as declared alleged some irregularities.

    Katsina North  Senatorial District  is the home district of President Muhammadu Buhari, now away to London on a  vacation.

    The APC candidate defeated the PDP candidate in all the 12 local councils that make up the district.

    Here is the Full Result: Council-by-Council

    Daura LG

    No of registered voters – 76559
    No of accredited voters – 23272

    APC – 18436
    DA – 45
    GPN – 566
    MMN – 18
    MPN – 26
    PDP – 3228

    Total valid votes – 22309
    Rejected – 501
    Total votes cast – 22810

    Ingawa LG
    No of registered voters – 76020
    No of accredited voters – 23146

    APC – 17036
    DA – 111
    GPN – 63
    MMN – 44
    MPN – 80
    PDP – 4005

    Total valid votes – 21339
    Rejected – 902
    Total votes cast – 22241

    Dutsi LG

    No of registered voters – 56912
    No of accredited voters – 19007

    APC – 13868
    DA – 31
    GPN – 25
    MMN – 9
    MPN – 31
    PDP – 3930

    Total valid votes – 17894
    Rejected – 465
    Total votes cast – 18359

    Sandamu LG

    No of registered voters – 65445
    No of accredited voters – 25421

    APC – 18834
    DA – 20
    GPN – 11
    MMN – 6
    MPN – 7
    PDP – 4610

    Total valid votes – 23488
    Rejected – 553
    Total votes cast – 24041

    Mani LG

    No of registered voters – 92544
    No of accredited voters – 31048

    APC – 20479
    DA – 127
    GPN – 98
    MMN – 55
    MPN – 113
    PDP – 7017

    Total valid votes – 27889
    Rejected – 1295
    Total votes cast – 29184

    Mashi LG

    No of registered voters – 83663
    No of accredited voters – 32987

    APC – 20927
    DA – 168
    GPN – 82
    MMN – 84
    MPN – 133
    PDP – 8653

    Total valid votes – 300042
    Rejected – 1698
    Total votes cast – 31745

    Zango LG

    No of registered voters – 62378
    No of accredited voters – 18528

    APC – 14175
    DA – 23
    GPN – 34
    MMN – 8
    MPN – 19
    PDP – 3057

    Total valid votes – 17316
    Rejected – 655
    Total votes cast – 17971

    Kankia LG

    No of registered voters – 62196
    No of accredited voters – 23509

    APC – 16653
    DA – 42
    GPN – 27
    MMN – 6
    MPN – 23
    PDP – 5366

    Total valid votes – 22117
    Rejected – 1055
    Total votes cast – 23172

    Baure LG

    No of registered voters – 92346
    No of accredited voters – 36770

    APC – 28271
    DA – 105
    GPN – 46
    MMN – 19
    MPN – 44
    PDP – 5674

    Total valid votes – 34159
    Rejected – 1432
    Total votes cast – 34159

    Kusada LG
    No of registered voters – 51019
    No of accredited voters – 18349

    APC – 12331
    DA – 32
    GPN – 18
    MMN – 20
    MPN – 42
    PDP – 4783

    Total valid votes – 17226
    Rejected – 658
    Total votes cast – 17884

    Bindawa LG

    No of registered voters – 76924
    No of accredited voters – 29584

    APC – 22234
    DA – 43
    GPN – 40
    MMN – 16
    MPN – 63
    PDP – 5549

    Total valid votes – 27945
    Rejected – 1023
    Total votes cast – 28968

    Mai’adua LG

    No of registered voters – 68049
    No of accredited voters – 26869

    APC – 21363
    DA – 49
    GPN – 56
    MMN – 58
    MPN – 52
    PDP – 3852

    Total valid votes – 25430
    Rejected – 654
    Total votes cast – 2608

  • Osinbajo, Tinubu, others storm Daura for APC rally

    Acting President Yemi Osinbajo on Thursday arrived the ancient town of Daura in Katsina state for the All Progressives Congress (APC) grand rally for Saturday’s Katsina North Senatorial District bye-election.

    Osinbajo arrived in Daura at about 12.45 p.m. in company of the Secretary to the Federal Government, Mr Boss Mustapha and Gov. Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State.

    Others, who came with the vice president, were Minister of state for Aviation, Hadi Sirika, Minister of Water Resources, Mr Suleiman Adamu and APC National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinibu, among others.

    Read Also: Osinbajo, Tinubu, others welcome Akpabio to APC

    The acting president was received by the Secretary to the Katsina State Government, Mustapha Inuwa, Commissioners and Heads of Agencies and Parastatals.

    NAN  reports that the popular Kangiwa square, venue of the event was thronged by thousands of people and party loyalists, praising the acting president and chanting “Sai professor mai gaskiya.”

  • NiMet predicts cloudy conditions, thunderstorms, rainfall for Tuesday

    The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted cloudy conditions in most parts of the country with prospects of thunderstorms and rainfall activities on Tuesday.

    NiMet’s Weather Outlook by its Central Forecast Office in Abuja on Monday also predicted thunderstorms and rains over the Northern States of Sokoto, Gusua, Kano, Katsina, Zaria and their environs in the morning hours.

    It said thunderstorms and rains were also anticipated over places like Maiduguri, Nguru and Potiskum later in the day.

    According to the prediction, day and night temperature in the region is expected to be in the range of 29 – 30 degree celsius and 21- 24 degree Celsius respectively.

    Read Also: NiMet predicts cloudy weather, rain, thunderstorm for Saturday

    NiMet predicts chances of rains over the Central States of Jos, Minna, Southern Kaduna and environs during the morning hours.

    The agency said places like Jos, Lafia, Bauchi and environs were expected to experience thunderstorms and rains during the afternoon and evening hours.

    Day and night temperatures in the region will be in the range of 28-32 degree Celsius and 20 – 24 degree Celsius respectively.

    Cloudy morning is anticipated over the southern states region. Later in the day these conditions are expected to persist with chances of rains over the coastal axis.

    Day and night temperatures are expected to be in the range of 27- 30 degree Celsius and 19-23 degree Celsius respectively,” according to NiMet.

     

    NAN

  • 95% of NYSC members die due to road accident – DG

    The National Youth Service Corp ( NYSC ) says 95 per cent of deaths recorded by serving Corps members is due to road accidents.

    Brig. Gen. Suleiman Kazaure, the Director General of NYSC, said this while addressing corps members observing their orientation camp course in Katsina on Monday.

    “Several serving corps members have been embarking on unnecessary journeys that led to their death.

    “From the records before the Directorate, several corps members have lost their lives, while on fruitless journeys.

    “Several serving corps members had been involved in road accidents due to the poor nature of Nigerian roads.

    “For several years, Nigerian roads are death traps and corps members should only embark on necessary journeys.

    Read Also: NYSC sanctions 15 corps members in Nasarawa

    “I am calling on serving corps members that have concrete reason to travel to always seek the permission of NYSC officials,’’ he said.

    Kazaure called on serving corps members to always patronise government hospitals if they were sick.

    Earlier, the Katsina State NYSC Coordinator, Hajiya Ramatu Sanda, had called on the NYSC management to provide more vehicles to Katsina State office.

    Sanda said that so far, 2, 076 corps members had registered for their orientation in the state and advised them to participate activity in all the orientation programmes.

    She commended the Katsina Government for proving lots of assistance to the state NYSC.

     

    NAN

  • NAF deploys more troops, air assets in Katsina, Zamfara

    The Air Force (NAF) has deployed more troops, air assets, equipment and logistics in Katsina and Zamfara states following directives that additional troops be sent to stop bandits in Northwest.

    A statement by the spokesperson, Air Vice Marshal Olatokunbo Adesanya, said the deployment started with NAF’s C-130H transporting logistics in preparation for Operation Diran Mikiya for the area.

    The statement reads: “In compliance with President Muhammadu Buhari’s directives, the Air Force has deployed additional troops and air assets, with necessary ground support, equipment and logistics, to Katsina and Gusau Zamfara States, to support the anti-armed banditry operations in the Northwest.

    “The deployment began on July 29 July with the NAF C-130H aircraft airlifting required logistics in preparation for Operation Diran Mikiya, which started July 31. The air operation is to seek out, pursue and destroy elements engaged in banditry in the states.

    “After launching the Operation, the Air Officer Commanding (AOC), Special Operations Command (SOC), Air Vice Marshal Samson Akpasa, said fighter aircrafts, helicopter gunships and Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) platforms, with necessary equipment and personnel, had been deployed.”

  • Masari swears-in new Head of Service

    Gov. Aminu Masari of Katsina state has sworn-in Alhaji Idris Tune, as the new Head of Service (HOS) in the state.
    Tune succeeded Alhaji Garba Sanda, who retired after reaching retirement age recently.

    Speaking at the occasion, Masari said his administration would continue to give staff development a top priority because civil servants are the engine room of government.

    He said government abolished the tenure policy introduced by the previous administration to give civil servants room for development as well as enable them to contribute to the development of the state.

    Masari stressed the need for cooperation between the middle and senior civil servants in the state to enhance service delivery.

    Read Also: Masari seeks support for security agencies

    He advised the new HOS to tap from the experiences of his predecessors to enable him attain the desired goal.

    The governor also urged him to discharge his duty with fairness and justice.

    Tune was born on 1963 in Ingawa Local Government Area (LGA) of the state.

    He started his civil service career in 1988, and was appointed Permanent Secretary in 2008.