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Tag: Minna

  • VIOs cause tanker accident in Minna

    Two Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIO) in Minna have caused a tanker accident injuring the driver and his boy.

    A struggle for the steering of the tanker caused the tanker which was filled with water to overturn at the eastern bypass in front of the Nigeria Customs Service office in Minna.

    One of the Officers was said to have jumped on the driver’s side of the tanker and started struggling for the steering with the driver which led to both losing control of the tanker.

    The other one was in hot pursuit with a motorcycle belonging to the VIO office.

    Eyewitnesses said that the driver and the VIO officer had been struggling with the steering from the Minna City gate however the reason why the officer had to jump into the tanker remains unknown.

    The driver and his boy sustained serious injuries when the tanker overturned while the VIO officer sustained minor injury.

    The victims were left unchecked as the VIO whisked their man who sustained injury in their van leaving bystanders to rescue the victims.

    The victims were taken to the IBB Specialist Hospital.

    The action of the Vehicle Inspection Officers angered tanker drivers who used their trucks to block the road preventing movement for hours demanding for the presence of government before they leave the road.

    Speaking to The Nation, the Discipline Officer of Water Tankers Association in Minna, Mohammed Musa lamented over what he termed ‘the overzealousness of the VIOs in Minna’.

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    He said that they (water tankers drivers) are harassed at will by the officers who demand money from them, “despite the fact that we pay tax to the state government through the water board.”

    “We blocked the road because we want the VIOs and government to come and tell us why the VIOs continually disturb us when we are carrying out our business.

    “They disturb us for minute issues just to give us problem. We want the government to warn the VIOs to leave us alone. If they have any problem with any of our drivers, they can trace the driver to our association office or the water board instead of struggling with the steering with them.”

    It took the presence of the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transportation, Dr. Abdullahi Imam and the Police to quell the tempers of the tanker drivers before they willingly took their trucks off the road.

    The Permanent Secretary promised to take up the bills of the two injured persons and instructed that a young van come to toll the tanker away at the expense of the state government.

  • Trailer overturns, injures pregnant woman, two others

    A trailer conveying fruits and vegetables to Lagos has overturned in Minna leaving a pregnant woman and two other persons injured.

    This is coming a week after a trailer with tomatoes overturned at the Minna city gate.

    The truck was said to be coming from Plateau state heading to Lagos after dropping some of its customers in Minna.

    An eyewitness report that the pregnant woman was trying to cross over to the other side of the road when she was hit by bags of goods adding that the other men who were injured were hit while on motorcycle after the trailer tumbled at the roundabout.

    Read Also: Falana seeks removal of trailers from Apapa road

    The Driver of the trailer, Mallam Isah Kuta said the overturn was caused by the afternoon rain stressing that he was not speeding, “I am happy nobody died”.

    The victims were taken to the Minna General Hospital for medical attention by officers of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).

     

  • Victims of Niger market fire get relief materials

    The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has distributed relief materials worth millions of naira to about 862 victims of Minna and Bida market fire disasters.

    The Bida and Minna fire disasters occurred in February 2018 and January 2019 where traders lost millions to the fire incidents.

    The relief materials distributed include roofing sheets, cements, ceiling boards and nails.

    The flag off distribution for Bida market fire was done in Bida local government area while the relief materials for Minna market fire were distributed to the victims at the Abdulkadir Kure ultra- modern market Minna.

    READ ALSO: NEMA distributes materials to bandit attack victims in Kwara

    The NEMA Head of Operation in Charge of Niger and Kwara, Mrs. Lydia Wagami, said the federal government was concerned on the effect of the fire to the government the people which is the reason for the relief materials.

    “The relief materials show the Federal government is concerned about the plight of the shop owners who lost their goods, hence government provides relief materials to cushion the effects of the disaster,” she said.

    The Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, Etsu Nupe, who received the relief materials on behalf of the victims for distribution, commended the gesture and called on government to support the victims with cash as capital for their businesses.

    He added that the government has planned to reconstruct the market to make it more befitting for business activities to strive.

    The victims whose shops were burnt down in the Minna Market during the distribution appreciated the federal government for the gesture.

    They said it will go a long way to help them in getting their business up.

    One of the most affected victims, Mr. Chima Sylva, thanked the federal government for the relief materials and said that the gesture will assist him to roof his shops that were burnt.

    Malam Mustapha Mohammed commended the Federal government and said that the intervention would cushion the effects of the disaster.

  • Partnership vital to my success, says FUT MINNA’s best

    Miss Esther Ayobami emerged the Best Graduating Student at the 28th convocation of the Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUTMINNA), Niger State. In this interview with ABDULSALAM MAHMUD, Miss Ayobami who studied Mechanical Engineering with 4.76 CGPA, reveals the secrets of her success. According to her, association with brilliant minds was key to catapulting her to the zenith.

    You emerged FUTMINNA’s best graduating student. How do you feel coming tops?

    Graduating with a First Class is not a mean achievement! Like every other student, I steadfastly prayed and worked very hard to be celebrated as the best graduating student, someday. But, I was absolutely over the moon when I got to know, just few days to the convocation that I emerged outstanding in the 2017/2018 academic session. I am still overjoyed and proud of my truly profound accomplishment.

    How did your success begin?

    I have been on First Class grade right from 100-Level. I started with 5.0 cgpa (Cumulative Grade Point Average) in first semester, and had 4.85 after the second semester of my first year in school. By 200-Level second semester, I had 4.84. By 300-Level, my GCPA increased to 4.86. At the end of my 400-Level and 500-Level first semester, I had 4.88 and 4.87 as CGPA. I eventually graduated with 4.76 as my final CGPA. All through my study, I had only 4 “Bs” and 2 “Cs” in my results. The rest were A.

    Engineering is considered to be very challenging, especially for females. How did you weather the storm?

    I dare say that Engineering is, perhaps, the simplest field of study. It is not as difficult as people consider it to be. Although it may be intellectually-tasking, due to the ‘crazy’ calculation in some courses, it is simple if one knows the basic concepts and formula, otherwise, the claim that it is difficult, if I would say, is just a myth.

    Describe your reading time-table or programme

    I read very often. I study my books and read each course immediately after lectures. Unlike most students, I don’t practise what is commonly known as ‘Till-Daybreak’ or TDB. Though I study my materials every evening before going to bed. To help me properly assimilate and retain what I studied, I tutor my colleagues. I also answer past questions of my courses.

    Most First Class students are not known to be very social. Are you an exception?

    Right from the outset, I had plans to fully experience and also enjoy the social life in school. I didn’t think it should all be about books, hence I wasn’t extremely studious. As a socialite, I attended a couple of parties organised by students’ groups on campus. I partook in several drama programmes organised by FUTMINNA student-members of the Redeemed Christian Fellowship (RCF). During weekends I visit my friends staying off-campus and also watch movies during my leisure hours. Besides, I actively participated in students’ unionism, though I lost the SUG Vice-Presidential election, which I contested in my 200-Level.

    You are a combination of brain and beauty. How did you resist the overtures of male students?

    Yes, I was able to, and it was very much easy for me. Since I know it will be difficult to effectively combine love relationship and studies, I strongly resisted the overtures made to me by males. In fact, I don’t waste much time in telling them ‘hell, no’. However, there are those who I accepted as friends, and later co-opted them into my religious fellowship. So, for me, my studies always take the lead position, and then others follow.

    Tell us about your memorable days in school.

    Each time I checked my semester results, realising that I still maintained my First Class grade are days which have remain unforgettable for me. Coaching my contemporaries and other students during tutorial sessions are days which I will also cherish. My joy was also indescribable on the day I received a certificate of academic excellence both from my department and faculty in my 500-level. But the greatest moment for me was when I was called up to the podium as the ‘Best Graduating Student’ during the convocation.

    Do you have plans to acquire higher academic degrees very soon?

    Certainly, I do!

    Right now, I am planning to proceed for my masters abroad. There, I intend to major in Artificial Intelligence. If my plan works out, I see myself leading a research team someday. A team that will apply advanced engineering technology to solve man’s problem.

    Any advice for those still in the university system?

    First, every student must resolve to be hardworking, serious and dedicated to their academic pursuit. They should put their studies above every other thing they wish to do in school. They should avoid missing lectures. They should also seek further explanations on areas they seem to have challenge in their studies from more knowledgeable colleagues.

    More importantly, they should associate more with brilliant students. Let them learn to surround themselves with bright and gifted people. While in school, my friends were practically the best in their departments. I also had lecturers as friends and mentors, who helped me to attain the feat I just recorded in school. I will implore my juniors to do same. And, lastly, they shouldn’t forget to seek divine assistance and guidance. It is very important.

  • FUTMinna lecturer exhibits mobile science lab in Kaduna

    An academic staff in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the Federal University of Technology (FUT), Minna, Mr. Lawal Sadiq, has invented a multi-functional mobile teaching laboratory for science teachers in secondary schools across the country.

    Speaking in Kaduna, at the workshop on the use of the mobile laboratory for secondary schools in Kaduna State, Prof Moses Olutoye, who represented the Vice Chancellor of FUTMINNA, Prof Abdullahi Bala, expressed satisfaction and excitement about the importance of the equipment.

    He said: “We have brought this equipment for the benefit of students in Kaduna. It was 100 per cent made in Nigeria. It was a product of a research in our university.

    “When this project was in incubation, we protected it so it could  not be duplicated in any part of the world. We believe in technology for development. This is a project from FUT that has now been commercialised for the good of the students.

    “The students who are the end users will benefit tremendously. The equipment has taken the place of conventional laboratories where you spend a lot of money to set up. WAEC or NECO can no longer tell you that you cannot do science subject because there is a no laboratory. This equipment itself is laboratory”.

    Also speaking, Director, Sabon Tasha Zonal Education Office, Mr. Joshua Ayuba, who represented Kaduna State Commissioner of Education, Science and Technology, said: “We are thankful to the VC for this occasion. The lack of effective utilisation of appropriate methods of teaching is another factor that affects learning outcome in our schools.

    “I want to thank the inventor of these instructional materials for the scientific ideas and innovation he put together as a device which will be used to promote science and technology”

    He advised young scientists and technologists to work hard towards improving the innovation in quest for new technology devices.

    “This government will continue to partner with any inventor to uplift the teaching of science and technology in the state,” he added.

    Earlier, Director, FUTMIN Ventures, a subsidiary of the Federal University of Technology, Aminu Mohammed Ashafa, said:  “For us as a university, we have been at the forefront of novel researches that are not just meant for staff promotion rather for the provision of solutions to societal challenges with the sole aim of advancing the fortunes of the society and the world at large.

    “This project is just one of the many inventions by our faculty member aimed at making the teaching of science subjects easier for teachers and for the students to comprehend with ease based on its hands-on methodological approach with practical and well tested style of teaching delivery.

    “This training is in line with the core mandate of tertiary institutions all over the world which centres on teaching, research and community services. I am glad to inform this gathering that the Federal University of Technology, Minna under the able leadership of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof.  Abdullahi Bala  is  desirous  and  committed  to  the  promotion  of harmonious relationship between the town and gown.

    “Science education is very important to the development of any nation; that is why nations must take it very serious from basic, secondary and tertiary institutions of learning. Considerable research has shown that many of the advanced nations were able to achieve so much in science and technology because of science education.

  • 2019: IDPs won’t vote in Niger – INEC

    The Resident Electoral Commissioner in Niger state, Professor Sam Egwu has disclosed that there will be no Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) voting in Niger state because INEC does not recognize any IDP camp in the state.

    Egwu stated this while interacting with newsmen at the Niger state INEC office in Minna.

    He declared that INEC did not include Niger state among the states captured for IDP voting adding that no preparation had been done to that aspect.

    “IDP voting will not take place in Niger state. We have never recorded any official IDP camp in the state, so none has been recognized so far. Those who were said to be displaced have returned back to their homes where they can vote. ”

    Read Also: INEC commences deployment of sensitive, non-sensitive materials to states

    The Resident Electoral Commissioner then said that only 6,436 out of 22,839 who requested for transfer of Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) had collected their PVC calling on others to ensure they collect their PVC before the close of collection by INEC.

    He added that there are over 2.39 million eligible voters in Niger state who are expected to vote on the forthcoming elections.

    He declared the preparedness of INEC in the state to conduct the forthcoming elections adding that they are gradually overcoming the logistical challenges they envisage may crop up.

  • Mission builds orthopaedic ward

    In order to provide assistance for those in need of artificial limbs, the Leprosy Mission (TLM) Nigeria, an international Christian non-governmental organisation (NGO), has constructed a new orthopaedic ward in Minna, the Niger State capital, reports JUSTINA ASISHANA

    In its commitment to provide assistance for those in need of artificial limbs, the Leprosy Mission (TLM) Nigeria has constructed a new orthopaedic ward in Minna, the Niger State capital.

    The Leprosy Mission is an international Christian non-governmental organisation (NGO) that serves the needs of people affected by leprosy ailment. It also provides practical support for people with leprosy-related problems.

    It works in partnership with communities, governments and other agencies. The orthopaedic ward was established to meet the needs of people with orthopaedic cases and to render services to people with these cases in order to lessen the tendency of their travelling from far distances to access medical care.

    The Mission, whose primary concern is treatment of people suffering from leprosy, also manufactures artificial limbs for people with fractures resulting from road crashes.

    The nine-room facility has an orthopaedic construction workshop which will meet the needs of many patients.

    Speaking at the inauguration of the new orthopaedic ward at The Leprosy Mission (TLM) in Minna, the National Director TLM, Dr. Sunday Udoh said the Mission had fitted limbs for no fewer than 170 patients, including injured soldiers during the course of fighting Boko Haram insurgents and accident victims. He added that more will be done with the construction of the workshop and wards.

    “For the past one year, we have fitted over 150 limbs for different disabilities. Some of our clients include some members of the Nigerian Army who sent injured soldiers who were fighting the Boko Haram insurgents and also accident victims.

    “The fitting is very affordable compared to when patients travel abroad or visit some other health facilities in the country,” he said.

    Dr Udoh also said the orthopaedic ward was constructed in order to address the need of clients who travel from far distances to access medical services.

    “The TLM Nigeria Orthopedic Ward is a one-stop shop to enable clients a place where they can access our services without going through the stress of looking for hotel or transportation from town to the centre.  Most of our clients spend minimum of 10 days to get these fittings, especially as they have to go through pre-and post-fitting physiotherapy sessions,” he said.

    The Director of Rehabilitation from the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Nkem Onwukwe praised the Leprosy Mission Nigeria for its commitment toward improving mobility of people who are struggling with one form of orthopaedic situations or the other.

    She noted that the TLM Orthopaedic Ward will give relief to Nigerians who struggle to get limbs imported to the country at exorbitant prices, saying the Ministry of Women Affairs is partnering with the Mission on the production of assistive devices for people with disabilities.

    She stated that Nigeria is committed to ensuring that the provisions of the United Nations (UN) Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities are implemented. We are working to ensuring access by PWDs and members of staff working with them and also encouraging entities that produce mobility aids, devices and assistive technologies.

    “Disability is complex phenomenon and issues of personal mobility of people with disabilities ought to be tailored towards the specific category of individual disability. I appreciate TLM Nigeria for its efforts in the production of assistive technologies such as above and below knee prosthetics, moulded shoes, elephant booth and orthosis, among others,” she said.

    Also speaking, member of Trustee of the Leprosy Global Fellowship, Dr. Shem Zagbayi Nuhu said the idea was conceived and approved by the Leprosy Mission of England and Wales.

    “Raising funds for support is a major challenge in Nigeria for people living with disabilities and leprosy and the project runs into millions of naira”, he said.

    Dr. Nuhu, who incidentally was born at the TLM, Minna in 1957, urged Nigerians not to treat affected persons with disdain, saying “it can lead to psychological trauma.”

    A beneficiary of the services of The Leprosy Mission Orthopaedic Workshop, Valda Martins said the fittings made by the Mission are world-class as she had not had cause to go abroad for fittings since she began exploring their services.

    She urged people with disabilities not to shy away from using fittings as it does not reduce them in anyway, even as she called for a better treatment for people with disabilities.

    “Fittings do not reduce you and having a disability is nothing bad. People with disabilities should not be treated with disdain rather; they should be given preference and treated well,” she said.

     

  • Our future is not in the hands of retired Generals – Oshiomole

    National Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Adams Oshiomole has declared that the retired Generals and former Heads of States are against the re-election of President Muhammadu Buhari.

    Just as he said that the future of Nigeria is not in the hands of retired Generals but in the hands of the general masses.

    The APC National Chairman stated this on Saturday in Minna during the APC Presidential Campaign held at the Trade Fair complex.

    Oshomole said that there is a plan to replay what occurred when Buhari Was The military Head of State and was removed due to his strict anti-corruption strategies.

    “Many of the retired Generals are ganging up against President Buhari, that he will not do eight years while they did more than eight years.

    Read Also: Oshiomole, Osibanjo to receive decampees from PDP

    “I remember they did it before it the past but this time, the plan will not work. The future of Nigeria is not in the hands of retired generals or former heads of state. It is in the hands of the general people.”

    The APC Chieftain then alleged that Atiku is working with Obasanjo to rig the elections as they did before, “everywhere PDP goes, they are saying the elections will be rigged. We need to play those videos of where Obasanjo and Atiku said that election must be won do or die by PDP. ”

    He further said that APC do not need to rig any election as they remain a firm believer of one man, one vote, “we remain a firm believer of one man, one vote, one woman, one vote and one former head of state, one vote.”

    President Buhari in his address urged the people of Niger state to vote for him and APC all the way promising to complete all the road networks across the state.

    In his address, the Niger state APC Chairman, Engineer Jibril Imam promised the President that the state will give him 101 per cent of its vote.

  • Osinbajo’s visit: Police ready to provide security in Niger

    The Police Command in Niger is fully ready to provide adequate security before, during and after Vice President Yemi Osinbajo’s visit to the state on Saturday, Jan. 12.

    The Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Dibal Yakadi, made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Minna on Friday.

    Yakadi said that an effective operational order on how to provide security at each of the places that the Vice President was expected to visit had since been issued to the officers deployed for that purpose.

    He said that the command had taken concrete security measures to ensure a peaceful visit.

    ‘’We have mobilised sufficient armed personnel to provide security cover for our Vice President before, during and after the visit,’’ Yakadi said.

    The commissioner also said that the command had already embarked on “Operation Show Force’’ with other security agencies to show our preparedness for the visit.

    He explained that the measures were aimed at giving the residents of the state the opportunity to welcome the Vice President without any security threat.

    The commissioner advised leaders of political parties in the state to impress it on their supporters to shun all forms of violence and thuggery before, during and after the Vice President’s visit.

    Read Also: Police declare 12 more wanted over Alkali’s death

    Yakadi said: “We will not tolerate any act capable of bringing confusion before, during and after the visit.’’

    He warned that any person or groups found wanting would be arrested and prosecuted.

    The commissioner said that during the Vice President’s visit, the TraderMoni Scheme of the Federal Government would be introduced to traders at Gwari and Tunga markets in the metropolis.

    According to him, the visit will also afford the Vice President the opportunity to flag off the All Progressives Congress (APC) Governorship campaign.

    NAN reports that the Federal Government’s TraderMoni scheme is a collateral-free loan to traders, that ranges from N10,000 to N50,000, depending on how well the borrowers are able to make repayments.

  • Black first Friday for Minna traders

    Traders at the Kure Ultra-modern Market in Minna, the Niger State capital, started the new year started on a bad note. Fire gutted about 70 shops and burnt goods worth more than N700 million. JUSTINA ASISHANA reports

    For traders of the Kure Ultra-modern Market in Minna, the new year started on a bad note. Fire gutted about 70 shops and burnt goods worth more than N700 million.

    The inferno on the first Friday in the year was a rude shock to the traders at a time the market was just kicking up from the Christmas and New Year break. It was a black Friday, especially for traders of clothing materials, palm oil and groundnut oil.

    Chima Sylvia Njokwu, a trader in female and children wears, shoes and bags whose two shops were affected, said he was just returning to Minna with his family after spending the Christmas in his village when he heard the news about the fire.

    “I was on my way coming back after spending Christmas in the village when I heard the news of the fire. I was told all electricity has been out off and my mind was put to rest. After three hours, I received another call that my shop was burning. I fainted right away and was revived with water. I was the one driving, I could not drive again. The people around where I parked found someone to drive me down to Minna.”

    Njokwu said he had goods worth over N10 million, including the money in his safebox. They all got burnt in the inferno.

    He said in pidgin: “Pin dem no even fit commot from this shop; I am still dazed, still thinking it is a dream. I returned from abroad last year and my goods which I brought there arrived during Christmas and we have not even sold everything. Where will I start from?”

    Njokwu asked for help from government and well-meaning individuals as he has family to feed and clothe.

    Mrs. Samson Ezeagu, a trader in lace materials, wrappers and head ties, who also doubles as a tailor, lost goods worth N1.5 million to the fire.

    “I was at home when my neighbour called me and told me that our line was burning but before I got here, nothing was remaining, I could not rescue any of my goods neither could I rescue either of my three machines or the clothes I collected from customers to sew.”

    The inferno, The Nation learnt, began at 6 am on January 6 when a tea and noodles seller popularly cake ‘Mai Shayi’ left his stove on and went for an early morning prayers leaving the fire unattended to.

    It took some hours before men of the fire service were able to contain the raging fire from consuming shops. Another part of the market was ignited at about 11 am. This started from a locked shop. It took additional two hours before the fire was put out.

    The fire, which started from the line where palm oil was sold, extended to the clothing and cosmetic line. Many traders tried to rescue their goods from the fire while sympathisers were trying to console others affected and threatening to jump into the fire to rescue what was left in their shops.

    Salisu Mohammed said he lost N60 million to the fire. He wondered how he would feed his family and pay his creditors.

    “We lost a lot in this fire. I could not rescue anything from my shop but I know that that is the way God wants it this year. We need help. I have lost over N60 millon in this fire. I want help because I do not know how to go about it. I don’t know what the family will eat. I need help and nothing else.”

    The Chairman of the Kure Market, Alhaji Yusuf Mohammed, was one of the affected traders who lost the most to the inferno. Mohammed, who is one of the major dealers of palm oil and groundnut oil, said he had just brought in a trailer load of oil the night before the incident.

    “I cannot say the quantum of the loss because I just received a trailer load of oil and there were a lot of gallons of oil in the shop before the order of trailer. My records books also got burnt in the shop and I have not yet settled down to take stock.

    “The sad thing is that half of these goods were brought on credit; now we have to think of of how to pay back because there is no explanation we will give that the supplier will accept.”

    He called on government to  help the traders.

    “We plead with government to assist us either in cash or kind because this is where we feed our families. Today, we have nothing because we could not rescue anything from the fire,” he said.

    In 2016, fire gutted a part of the market containing 48 shops. Traders selling textiles, sewing materials and sewing machines were affected.

    Governor Abubakar Sani Bello described the incident as unfortunate, adding that the government would investigate the cause  to militate against future occurrences.

    He called on the traders, especially those wh cook inside the market, to be more cautious. He said the situatiion would be reviewed for possible  palliative to cushion the effect of their losses.

    “It will be a long time for the traders to recover but we will see what we can do to help them. The government will assist in the way it can to reduce the hardship and pains of the incident.” he said.