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Tag: Kebbi

  • Engage graduates in farming,Taraba Govt urged

    A member of the Taraba Business Community, Alhaji Sani Baba, on Thursday urged Taraba Government to engage graduates in its mechanised farming to check unemployment.

    Baba, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, SBG Global Services, said that graduates of College of Agriculture Jalingo, should be involved in the scheme.

    He gave the advice at an interaction with journalists in Jalingo.

    He said that the state government would set aside large expanse of land for crops and animal production in the three senatorial districts and engage the graduates to work on the farms.

    According to him, portions of the farms can be shared to youths to cultivate different types of crops and government should be ready to buy off from them after harvest to encourage them.

    Read Also:UNILORIN workers, students to get 5,000 hectares for farming

    “Taraba and Rivers Governments can partner to produce rice, cassava and others crops to boost their economy.

    “Today, Lagos and Kebbi are partnering to produce Lake Rice and you can see that the result is wonderful.

    “We need to think beyond oil and find ways of improving our economy,” Baba said.

    He commended the Taraba Green House project, noting that the huge amount of money spent on it could have engaged over 4,000 youths in farming and the result could be far better.

    “The governor can do well to meet the business community and interface with us on how to implement some of his policies, especially those that have to do with empowerment and economy of the state,” Baba said.

    He explained that if agriculture was given its rightful place, Taraba would soon become self-reliant.

  • Kebbi Governor tasks INEC on neutrality

    Kebbi Governor, Alhaji Atiku Bagudu, has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to be neutral and ensure free, fair and credible elections in 2019.

    The governor, made the call when the new Kebbi Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Alhaji Ahmed Bello, paid him a courtesy visit in Birnin Kebbi on Tuesday.

    “Election can only be free and fair if INEC allows electorate to choose their leaders, and remains umpire in doing the right thing required in the election processes,” he added.

    He urged the new REC and INEC not to bow to pressure from politicians to circumvent the process so as to ensure credible, free and fair elections.

    Bagudu called on Bello to trade on the path of neutrality as witnessed in 2015 elections and guard against electoral anomalies.

    “The role played by INEC in 2015 elections minimised court litigations in the country as witnessed in the 2011 elections and preceding ones.

    “We have an unreserved commitment to achieving INEC’s mandate within the confines of the law,” he assured.

    Earlier, the new INEC commissioner, Bello, assured the governor that the commission would conduct free and credible elections in the state.

    “I have come here to formally introduce my self as the new INEC commissioner and seek the cooperation of the state government being a critical stakeholder in the operation of the commission,” he explained.

    He also sought the cooperation of other stakeholders to make the exercise free, fair and credible.

    “Our success will only possible if all the stakeholders cooperate with the INEC, especially the security agencies, political parties, traditional and religious leaders,” he said.

    The REC called on those who had not collected their PVCs to do so, and those who are yet to register to also do so, to enable them exercise their franchise in the 2019 general elections.

  • Kebbi: Massive welcome for retired Customs officer

    After 32 years of service in the Nigeria Customs Service, Alhaji  Bala Abdullahi ( Sadauna Dolekaina) has returned home in  Kebbi to a tumultuous reception by residents.

    The beloved son of the state was received last Sunday by a massive crowd that cut across political party affiliations  in a double lane convoy  all the way from the Birnin  Kebbi International  Airport  to his  home town in  Dolekaina  which is about  two hours’  drive  from  the state capital .

    When asked how  he felt about the reception, the Sadauna Dolekaina  while speaking with newsmen said  ” I feel happy  with tears of joy  rolling down my eye  because  I never  knew that I have a lot of people  who love me like this even  though  am yet to join  any political  party. ”

    The district head of Kamba and Dolekaina,  Alhaji Muhammed Bello Suleiman while receiving Alhaji Abdullahi   congratulated him  for his retirement from service  work and urged  him not to be tired  because the people want him to represent them at  the federal house of Representatives in 2019.

    He thanked the people for the warm reception and urged them to get their voters card.

    He is expected to declare his interest in contesting for the next election on the platform of one of the political parties.

    Alhaji  Abdullahi,  a philanthropist has helped many people in his community through  empowerment programmes , sponsorship of  students to school from secondary up to higher institutions, payment  hospital bills for the aged and less privileged, jobs and  slinking of  boreholes

    Until his retirement, Alhaji Abdullahi ( aka Paris ) was the OC-Operation federal Operation Unit  Zone B of the Nigeria Custom Service.

  • Kebbi commends UNICEF for support in health sector

    The Kebbi State Government in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund ( UNICEF ), have commenced review of challenges and progress made in the last six months of this year in the health sector and sought for more collaboration on advancement on nutrition among the people.

    Governor Atiku Bagudu, while speaking at the meeting said his administration acknowledges efforts of UNICEF in collaborating with the state government to address challenges in the health sector.

    The governor who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, (SSG), Alhaji Babale Umar Yauri said the meeting which was also to interact on the way forward on implantable system which takes cognisance of multiple activities of UNICEF in the state is timely and commendable.

    He said the state Government appreciates the giant strides of UNICEF Chief Field Officer who within the very short time since his assumption in office has demonstrated exemplary leadership quality.

    Commissioner for Budget, Economy and Planning, Alhaji Muhammed Jelani Yauri, in his remarks, disclosed that the state government had resolved that all the Permanent Secretaries, Directors and Commissioners would be fully involved in all the UNICEF activities to ensure that government are carry along on the agency’s activities.

    Jelani noted that the present administration is working hard to implement economic recovery policy of Federal Government by reviving all the domiciled natural resources in the state to increase its Internally Generated Revenue and reduce dependence of state on international donors on health challenges.

    UNICEF Field Officer, Sokoto office Mr. Muhammedeen Fall said that the international agency is committed to supporting the government on challenges faced in health and education stressing, that the meeting was designed to provide solutions to challenges identified, transparency and implementation of agreement reached by stakeholders.

    In his remarks while speaking at the meeting the Commissioner for Health, Alhaji Umar Usman Kambaza, informed the stakeholders that UNICEF has done a lot for the state in the area of immunization and family planning.

    He urged stakeholders to engage in more awareness on the importance of nutrition

  • Kebbi Governor orders mobilization for voters’ registration

    Kebbi State Governor Abubakar Atiku Bagudu has mandated all Commissioners and Local government Chairmen in the state to relocate to their communities for public enlightenment to mobilize eligible voters to register and obtain permanent voters card PVCs for the next election.

    Governor Atiku Bagudu gave the directive when he presided over the stakeholders meeting of All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state which took place at the Presidential Lodge, Birnin Kebbi.

    The meeting resolved that party executive and local government chairmen with back up from the National Orientation Agency should commence action for this purpose immediately in preparation for the 2019 election.

    He promised to provide the necessary support towards the success of the voters’ registration, explaining that the exercise should cover all eligible voters in the state before the closure of the exercise.

    The Governor warned those who are allegedly planning to create disunity among APC members in the state.

    He said the people of kebbi will not compromise the love and support they have for President Muhammadu Buhari led administration , adding that “we are ready to fight them to finish with our PVC ”

    He however reaffirmed the resolution of the people of the state on the adoption of President Buhari as presidential candidate of the APC with a commitment to vote massively for him .come 2019.

    The State Chairman of the APC Alhaji Bala Sani Kangiwa spoke on behalf of the party executives, Alhaji Maigari Abdullahi Dakingari for the members of the state executive council and Alhaji Malami Abdulkadir on behalf of Kebbi Central.

    The Chief of Staff Government House Alhaji Suleiman Muhammad Argungu spoke on behalf of Kebbi North Senatorial District while Alhaji Abdullahi Lamba represented Kebbi South.

    All the speakers in their separate remarks emphasized the importance of unity among party members and the necessity on all stakeholders to mobilize eligible voters to register and obtain their permanent voters card.

    The State Publicity Secretary of APC, Alhaji Sani Dododo thanked members for their loyalty and obedience to the administration, saying that the party is committed to actualizing the election of President Buhari in 2019 and Governor Abubakar Atiku Bagudu for a second term.

  • Kebbi urged to review man-power in the health sector

    The European Union (EU) has urged the Kebbi State Government to increase its budgetary allocation to health and education sectors in order to build the future of the youths and reduce the maternal mortality  rate in the state.

    Minister Counselor and the Head of Cooperation of European, Union Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mr. Kurt Cornelis made this call on Wednesday, in Birnin Kebbi ,  in an interactive session with kebbi  state government and the stakeholders on health sectors.

    Kurt was on an assessment tour alongside the National Primary Health Care Development  Agency, WHO, UNICEF and other partners agencies .

    The aim of the tour was to assess the performance of the government intervention in the state.

    Kurt urged the state government to increase the budget for health and education sectors   in other to meet up with the challenges facing the two sectors.

     “I commended the effort of the Kebbi State Government for utilising the intervention money given to them by the EU. l urge them to do more by improving on the commitment towards achieving the same goals” he added.

    In his remarks the representative of  World Health Organization (WHO) and the head of RMNCH cluster, Dr. Andrew  Mbewe, said they are in Kebbi State to see how far the state has gone on the implementation of the funds released to them.

    He also explained further that WHO has being of assistance to Kebbi State Government most especially on the areas of malaria, nutrition, polio and other related health cases which had show a good positive results.

    Chief of Health on UNICEF, Dr. Sanjana Bhardwaj, also commended the state government for utilising funds given to them on health sectors adding that they are always ready to partner with kebbi state .

    The representative of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency and Director Department of Community Health Services Abuja Dr. Nneka U. Onwu,  assured the Kebbi  government of the federal and EU support on health and other institutions in the state.

    She also called on the government to review the issue of man power, adding  that the only challenge she discovered was lack of staff which is one of the key factors in the health sector.

    While responding, Governor Atiku Bagudu, represented by the Commissioner for Health, Alhaji Umar Kambaza, thanked the EU and other donor agency   for their support.

    He assured of more commitment on the health sector .

  • Kebbi disburses N105m to 200 women groups

    The Kebbi Government has disbursed N105 million to empower 200 women groups in the 21 local government areas of the state.

    Wife of the state governor, Dr Zainab Bagudu, who flagged off the Multi-Purposed Scheme programme for the women in Birnin Kebbi said eight local government would benefit from the scheme from the onset.

    “Women groups from eight local governments will start benefiting in the first phase of the disbursement of cash and empowerment materials.

    “The areas are, Augie, Arewa, Bagudo, Birnin Kebbi, Bunza, Sakaba, Danko/ Wasagu and Ngaski,’’ she said.

    Mrs Bagudu said the initiative was geared towards eradicating poverty amongst the women folk through financial loan assistance to support their businesses.

    According to her, the loan is interest free and aimed at supporting families to cater for the education of their children and uplift their living standard.

    “This is in fulfilment of our earlier pledge to assist women society groups to improve their living standard, as our state government is gender equity government,’’ she said.

    Governor Atiku Bagudu commended the effort of his wife and all those who collaborated with her to make the event successful.

    He said the event was important because it represented the first initiated programme in collaboration with companies to empower women in the state.

    “We hope that when a woman is empowered, the poverty level in the society will drastically reduce,’’ he said.

    Chairperson of the scheme Hajiya Hajara Yusuf, said N30 million was earmarked for cash disbursement while N75 million was for the purchase of empowerment materials for the women groups.

     

  • Kebbi disburses N105m to empower women

    Kebbi State government through the Ministry for Women Affairs in collaboration with Eleganza and P&G Industries have disbursed over N105m including empowerment materials to 200 women groups across the 21 local government areas of the state.

    The programme which is piloted by the wife of Kebbi  State governor, Dr.Zainab Shinkafi  Bagudu covers  Augie, Arewa, Birnin Kebbi, Bunza, Sakaba, Danko Wasagu and Ngaski local government areas in the first phase of the disbursement of cash and empowerment materials.

    Dr  Bagudu said the initiative was geared towards eradicating poverty amongst the women folk through financial assistance to support their business and to be self-reliant.

    “When you empower women, you have empowered a nation for a better for living,” she stated.

    According to her, the interest-free loan is in fulfillment of the state government’s earlier pledge to assist women society groups to improve their standard of living.

    In his remarks, the State Governor, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu commended the efforts of his wife and all those who collaborated to make the event a success.

    He said the event was important because it represented the first program in collaboration with companies to empower women in the State.

    Bagudu said when women are empowered; the poverty level in the society will drastically reduce.

    Chairperson of the state Multi-Purpose Scheme for Women, Hajiya Hajara Yusuf, earlier in her  speech said N30 million was allocated for cash disbursement while the other component of the loan is used the empowerment materials.

    According to her, each of the benefiting woman will receive N15,000 cash .

  • Herdsman kill police inspector in Kebbi

    The Police Command in Kebbi on Thursday confirmed that a suspected herdsman had killed a policeman, Umaru Danladi, at Kaoge in Bagudo Local  Government Area of the state.

    It said the herder, Babuga  Kuaara, had already been arrested for the alleged offence, adding that the policeman was attached to the Kaoje Police Division in Bagudo local government  area.
    Thenationonlineng.net reports  that the suspected herdsman was reported to the police division by a farmer in the area that the herder reared his cows to destroy his farm on Wednesday evening.
    A witness who craved for anonymity, told newsmen on Thursday that ” a police officer attached to Kaoje police division was ordered to go and arrest the herder who was still wandering with his cattle within the area”.
     “The  Police officer who came with his riffle, arrested the suspect, but as he was taking him to the waiting patrol vehicle,the herder drew his machete and stabbed the officer on his neck.
    “We saw the officer groaning in pains and bleeding but he died before we could apply first aid.
    “The herder was overpowered by officers who rushed to the scene,” the witness said.
     The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, DSP Mustapha Suleiman, told Journalists that the suspect had been arrested.
    ” We have arrested the herder, Babuga Kuaara, for killing the officer. He had confessed to the crime and will be prosecuted accordingly, “Suleiman said.

  • FG to take delivery of N10.7bn rice mill Dec 2019

    The Federal Government has said the N10.7 billion integrated rice milling machines procured by the Federal Government will be delivered in December, 2019.

    Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh, disclosed this Monday at the pact signing with MV Agro Engineers, suppliers of the farm equipment, in Abuja.

    Ogbeh explained that the benefiting states would indicate interest as off-takers, make 10 percent down payment and express technical capacity to own and operate a mill.

    The Federal Executive Council (FEC) in April approved N10.7bn for the establishment of 10 new rice mills in the six geopolitical zones.

    The 10 participating states include Kaduna, Anambra, Kogi, Benue, Bayelsa, Niger, and Bauchi. Others are Kebbi, Ogun, Zamfara while the mills are expected to produce 100 tons of rice per day.

    Read Also:Fed Govt to rice millers: we’ll reduce interest rates

    The Bank of Agriculture (BoA) is expected to take over the loan repayment in the next 10 years.

    “As these people arrive, they will install these mills and the BoA will take over the loans repayment over a period of 10 years,” Ogbeh said.

    Asked if the 18 months deadline could be reviewed upward, the minister noted that, “building machines is not cheap. It’s a scientific thing. These people say they may do it faster but we give them 18 months, so there won’t be issues for delays.”

    According to him, there are about 16 existing large rice mills from the already procured 100 mills.

    The minister added that 16 large machines would mill 100 tons of rice paddy daily while others could mill about 300 tons daily.

    “Dangote just brought in 10 milling machines which will produce 1 million tons of rice per annum but there are smaller ones we gave out, about 200 mills of 10 tons and 20 tons per annum operating in villages and small corners equipped with the stoners.

    “We are buying smaller mills and giving them out because the smaller mills produce more rice than the big mills added up but they are scattered all over the country. Virtually every state has small rice mills somewhere, Niger, Bayelsa, Benue, Taraba, Adamawa, Ebonyi, Katsina and Jigawa,” he stated.

    He commended the contractors advising them to supply adequate quality spare parts.

    In his remarks, the Managing Director, Bank of Agriculture, Kabir Mohammed restated commitment to ensure the project is successful while meeting the delivery targets.

    He said the project financing would not be a challenge.

    The Managing Director, Jamu Babba Dan’agundi, leader of the delegation commended the federal government for the gesture.

    He promised to deliver the machines as scheduled.