The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Nasarawa

  • NBBF donates food items to orphanage

    NBBF donates food items to orphanage

    The Tijani Umar-led board of the Nigeria Basketball Federation ( NBBF ) has donated foodstuffs, detergents, toiletries and beverages to the Nasarawa Orphanage Home in Kano.

    Umar told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Kaduna that the gesture was part of the board’s philosophy of reaching out to the less-privileged.

    He said that the items were jointly purchased by the federation’s board members, comprising past and present basketball players and technical officials.

    Umar, on behalf of the NBBF said the Community Outreach Service was part of the board’s activities in the ongoing Kwese Premier Basketball League Final 8 Championship at the Indoor Hall of the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kano.

    “Today, we identify with the less-privileged to show that we care and willing to support them to aspire and become great in life.

    “This is important to us because we want to contribute to their lives and encourage as well as motivate them to look up to these players and aspire to be like them.

    “Life is all about give and take and we really appreciate and thank the management of the home for taking care of the children.”

    He said the items were delivered to the orphanage by D’Tigers player and Captain of Mark Mentors Abuja, Stanley Gumut.

    Umar pledged more gifts to the orphanage as the board was planning to build a basketball court for the home.

    “We plan to return to the home and build a basketball court, so that they can be motivated and develop interest in basketball.”

    Hajiya Lauriya Sagir, while receiving the items on behalf of the Kano State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development and the management of the home, described the visit as hope for the children.

    “Today, the children see these players as role models and it has given them hope in life to aspire for a better future.”

  • Nasarawa warns against epidemic

    Nasarawa warns against epidemic

    The Nasarawa State Government has warned residents that indiscriminate dumping of refuse and building of illegal structures along water ways could cause flooding and epidemic.

    The state Commissioner for Information, Alhaji Abdulhamid Kwara, gave the warning on Thursday during a sensitisation campaign on the effects of flooding organised by the ministry for residents of Karu Local Government Area of the state.

    Kwara said that flood has several health implications on human lives and the environment and the best remedy is prevention.

    He said that the campaign was to educate and enlighten residents on the dangers of flooding as well as to advise them to avoid dumping of refuse along water ways.

    The commissioner called for change of attitude among the people involved in indiscriminate dumping of refuse to avoid flooding.

    “The Nasarawa State Government under Gov. Tanko Al-Makura’s administration is doing its best in keeping the environment clean, hence the need for the sensitisation campaign so as to educate the people on the dangers of flooding to the society.

    “It is also the responsibility of everybody to complement government efforts by keeping his or her environment clean because it is often said that a healthy nation is a wealthy nation.

    “It is on this note that the government and stakeholders are always advising the people on the need to maintain personal and environmental hygiene in the interest of their lives and for the overall development of the society.

    “I want to use this medium to appeal to the people of the state in general to avoid indiscriminate dumping of refuse on drainages, building of structures along water ways considering its health implication on human lives and to avoid flooding,” he said.

    According to him, dumping of refuse in gutters, markets and other public places indiscriminately could also lead to the spread of communicable disease and be a breeding ground for mosquitoes.

    Kwara also urged the residents to keep their dustbins tightly and to cover it at all times as debris from uncovered dustbins goes straight into gutters.

    The commissioner restated the commitment of the ministry to continue to initiate good policies and programmes that have direct impact on the lives of the people.

    The Esu Karu, Mr Luka Baba, promised to mobilise other traditional rulers in his domain to ensure the success of the exercise.

    The first class traditional ruler commended the state government for adopting the measures to sensitise residents on the effects of flooding and called for its sustenance.

     

  • Driver remanded for break-in, theft of church drums

    Driver remanded for break-in, theft of church drums

    A Mararaba Grade 1 Area Court in Aso Pada, Nasarawa State, on Friday remanded a 27-year-old driver, Ishaq Bala, in Keffi Prison, for allegedly breaking into a church and stealing drums.

    The accused, who resides at Mararaba, is standing trial on a three-count charge of criminal conspiracy, housebreaking and theft.

    Although the accused denied the charges, the judge, Mr. Albert Maga, ordered his remand and adjourned ruling on his bail application until Aug. 31.

    Earlier, Police Prosecutor Agabi Auta told the court that a pastor, Habila Dasat, of Cocin Church, Base 4, Aku-Village, Mararaba, had on Aug.15, lodged a complaint against the accused at the ‘A’ Divisional Police Station.

    Auta alleged that at 9.40 p.m., the accused and three others, now at large, broke into the church through the fence and stole a set of drums and some iron rods.

    “The security guard was able to get hold of the accused, while the others ran away; the stolen items were recovered from him.”

    The offences contravened Sections 97, 288 and 347 of the Penal Code.

     

  • Nasarawa after Al-Makura

    SIR: Governor Umaru Tanko Al-Makura of Nasarawa State assumed leadership of the state in 2011 with huge expectations from the people to address the challenges confronting them. It is a fact that no government can satisfactorily provide the needs of the people without creating other challenges. It is also a fact that nobody can rule without guilt.

    Al-Makura has had his “human nature” manifested in his actions while administering the state. However, even his critics acknowledge his efforts in nearly all sectors of the state. The energy, passion and commitment he deployed in administering the state in the last six years are impeccable. In spite of his numerous “shortcomings”, many of the projects he initiated, particularly, the roads he constructed has opened up many areas and communities; increased business activities as well as the value of land and properties especially in the state capital.

    As 2018 is fast approaching, Al-Makura appears set like nearly all Nigerian politicians to aspire for available political position to stay relevant, influential and powerful in the politics of the state and the nation at large. Nearly every machinery has been set for him to run for a seat in the Senate to represent the Southern Senatorial District of the state.

    What this means is that in a couple of months to come, Al-Makura will likely not be seen deploying the kind of energy he does in awarding and inspecting on-going contracts and projects. He is likely to be seen engaging in activities that will help him actualize his dream of becoming a senator. Therefore, his time is as good as gone!

    What the people of Nasarawa State should concern themselves with right now is how to dispassionately hunt for that individual that will match and even surpass the energy, passion and commitment Al-Makura has deployed in the last six years in administering the state.

    As it is expected, many politicians are lining up to take over Al-Makura’s job either by being around him or standing in opposition to him. However, none has appeared with a clear blueprint of how he/she hopes to steer the ship of the state in sustaining an improvement in the living conditions of majority of the people.

    Many of those tipped for the job are either fronted on the basis of ethnicity, religion, geographical location and “closeness” to Al-Makura, among other reasons. Al-Makura himself has deliberately refused to allow the general public to know who he desires to succeed him.

    Nasarawa State needs a leader that can consolidate on the efforts made so far to boost rice and sugar production in the agricultural sector to empower a large section of the population of the state that are engaged in the sector. The state needs a leader that will initiate and dispassionately monitor plans and programmes that will ensure that local farmers in the state benefit adequately from the agricultural sector.

    The state needs a leader that will recruit members of his team based on their commitment and disposition to good governance- not one that will merely satisfy patronage, ethnic, religious and regional sentiments.

    Nasarawa needs a leader that will come to mobilize the human and material resources in the state to deliberately cause prosperity in the lives of the people.

     

    • Azige, Louis Machue,

    Lafia, Nasarawa State.

  • NSCDC arrests motorcycle-snatching syndicate in Nasarawa

    NSCDC arrests motorcycle-snatching syndicate in Nasarawa

    The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Command in Nasarawa State said it arrested a syndicate that specialised in snatching motorcycles from commercial riders in Lafia and its environs.

    The state’s Commandant, Mr Lawan Bashir-Kano, told newsmen on Friday in Lafia that two suspected members of the gang were arrested by the command through  collaboration with neighbourhood vigilance groups.

    He said one 35-year old Abubakar Zakari was arrested on June 20 at Akura village near Lafia with a Bajaj motorcycle allegedly snatched from Isiaka Usman of the same village.

    He added that the suspect had confessed to the crime and disclosed that he and his gang stole over nine other motorcycles recently.

    Lawan-Kano said another suspected member of the gang, Mohammed Idris, 24, was arrested while attempting to steal a motorcycle at New Garage along Makurdi Road in Lafia.

    He noted that Idris was beaten by a mob before being rescued by officers of the command.

    The commandant decried the rampant cases of motorcycle snatching and robbery in Lafia, which caused the death of many commercial riders.

    He, therefore, appealed to the riders to be weary of suspicious-looking passengers they carry and the areas they plied.

    “We are appealing to ‘Okada’ operators to consider their safety first by observing safe working hours,’’ Lawan-Kano said.

    He said the suspects would be prosecuted accordingly after investigation.

  • Rep. distributes fertiliser to Nasarawa farmers

    Rep. distributes fertiliser to Nasarawa farmers

    Rep. Jonathan Gaza, PDP member representing Kokona/Keffi/Karu Federal Constituency, Nasarawa State, has distributed free fertiliser to farmers in his constituency, to boost food production.

    Gaza, flagging off the distribution on Wednesday in Kokona, urged the farmers to use the commodity to boost food production and improve the socioeconomic development of the state.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 600 farmers in the constituency went home with bags of fertiliser during the exercise.

    According to the lawmaker, no society can live comfortably without agriculture.

    “Agriculture is the major source of livelihood of every family and nation, and its importance cannot be overemphasised in the development of any society.

    “Agriculture will not only reduce overdependence on oil, but will also fight youth restiveness, unemployment and other social vices in the society, hence the need for the gesture,” Gaza said.

    The parliamentarian urged the farmers and people of his constituency to continue to support him and the party, to enable them to enjoy more dividends of democracy.

    He urged Nigerians to pray for the peace, unity and progress of Nigeria, stressing that no nation would achieve any meaningful progress without peace.

    Earlier, Mr. Yunana Iliya, former PDP Chairman in the state, commended the lawmaker for the gesture and called for its sustenance.

    He advised other political office holders in the state to emulate the gesture of the lawmaker.

    One of the beneficiaries, Mr. Magaji Alade, who responded on their behalf, thanked the lawmaker for the support.

    He said the commodity would be used for the purpose for which it was meant.

  • FRSC urges officers to improve inter agency collaboration

    FRSC urges officers to improve inter agency collaboration

    The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has urged its personnel to work closely with officers of other security outfits for better inter agency collaboration in fighting crime and criminality.

    Mr. Jonas Agwu, the Assistant Corps Marshall (ACM) and Zonal Commanding Officer (ZCO) of Zone 4 comprising Plateau, Benue and Nasarawa states, gave the charge on Tuesday in Lafia during familiarisation visit of the command in Nasarawa State.

    Agwu, who was recently appointed as ZCO of Zone 4 was in the state to familiarise with officers of the various commands in the state.

    He said cooperation and team work with other security outfits would go a long way to fight criminality in the country, especially along Nigerian highways used by some criminals to move from one city to the other to perpetuate dastardly acts.

    He added that “we want to build very strong inter agency synergy. I believe I can build on what I have met on ground here. We have decided to make it a priority for everyone to know that no one can achieve success alone. We need support cooperation from others to achieve our goals.

    “For instance, sometimes you see crashes occur in the deep night but because we are not armed, you need back up to assist you. These kind of situations and many more is why we are harping on strong inter agency collaboration.”

    The zonal commanding officer also said that the FRSC was seriously considering capacity training for its officers and those of other security outfits to share ideas and better understand each other’s mandates for effective service delivery.

    He said “capacity training will be a strong point where we bring in resource persons from some of these agencies who will help my men understand other security outfits better. We can also engage in joint road blocks and collaborations to achieve our mutual objectives.

    “Whether it is police, the army, civil defence or road safety, we are all working for the good of the state and the country​at large. We must make it a priority.”

    Agwu revealed that the FRSC would continue to use advocacy and public enlightenment to reach out to motorists and the public on issues bordering on road safety and regulations.

    He warned officers against complacency at work and urged them to imbibe family values like openness, unity, oneness, dedication and commitment to achieve the set objectives of the command.

    “We are families because we are in the same sector command and in the same state. Team work will guide us. That is why we need your contribution and support. Try and make this sector command the best in Zone 4. I also urge you to be at peace with the people of the state,” He said.

  • Foundation to offer free medical treatment to 3,000 persons in Nasarawa

    Foundation to offer free medical treatment to 3,000 persons in Nasarawa

    John and Friends Healthcare Foundation (JFHF), an NGO, says it would offer free medical treatment to 3,000 people in Nasarawa State.

    John Francis, the Founder of the NGO, announced this on Sunday at the commencement of a two-day free medical outreach at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Akwanga.

    Francis said that one of the aims of the NGO was to assist indigent people in the society by offering them free medical treatments to enable them overcome their health challenges.

    He said the exercise would target at least 3,000 persons from Akwanga Local Government Area and Akun Development Area.

    “The exercise would include testing, counselling and treatment on malaria parasite, hepatitis, B and C, HIV, blood pressure and sugar, and body temperature, among others,” Francis said.

    He also disclosed that the NGO had donated free malaria drugs to all the medical facilities in Akun to help improve on their service delivery to the people.

    Mrs Mary John and Mr Bulus Audu, who spoke on behalf of the beneficiaries, expressed gratitude to the NGO for the gesture, prayed to God to help them to sustain the service and urged others to emulate the foundation.

    The duo also said they would mobilise their people to avail themselves of the exercise.

    They also promised to help in educating residents to adhere to the health advises they were giving.

  • Nasarawa: Striking teachers’ union illegal -Lawmakers

    Nasarawa: Striking teachers’ union illegal -Lawmakers

    The Nasarawa State Assembly has declined teachers’ request to intervene in the ongoing strike, citing the non-registration of their body – the Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools (ASUSS).

    “We actually wanted to intervene on behalf of the teachers; we wanted to make a case for them, but we have found out that their umbrella body – ASUSS – is illegal and unregistered,” Daniel Oga-Ogazi, the Majority Leader, said on Wednesday in Lafia.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the teachers, under the aegis of ASUSS, embarked on an indefinite strike on May 12, to press for improved working conditions.

    Oga-Ogazi, Chairman, House Committee on Education, told newsmen that the law makers wanted to intervene on behalf of the teachers but had to reconsider the move after it found out that ASUSS was not registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission.

    “As lawmakers, we cannot work with an organisation that has no respect for the law.

    “ASUSS is an illegal organisation; we cannot invite them or dabble into their issues. They are not to be considered as an organisation or association.

    “They are not to be considered as a legitimate union of secondary school teachers,” he said.

    He criticised the group for choosing to go on strike when students were writing their National Examination Council (NECO) examination, and described that as “selfish”.

    “There are moral questions the teachers must answer. Is this the best time to abandon the schools?

    “Don’t they know that students are writing external examinations?,” he asked.

    Reacting, ASUSS chairman in Nasarawa State, Gabriel Angbashi, wondered why government was more interested in “chasing shadows” rather than addressing the basic issues of teachers welfare and conducive teaching environment raised by ASUSS.

    He said that ASUSS was given an approval to be registered as a trade union by the Ministry of Labour before the matter was taken to court by the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT).

    “We had floored the NUT at the High Court and Court of Appeal before it decided to go to the Supreme Court whose ruling is still being awaited.

    “In any case, government is not a party to the issue of our legality and should not use that to deny us what is legitimately due to us,” he argued.

  • Policeman shoots wife, maid, kills self in Nasarawa

    Policeman shoots wife, maid, kills self in Nasarawa

    Nasarawa State Police Command said on Sunday that a policeman, Sgt. Thomas Agada, had in the early hours of the day, shot and killed himself at Masaka in Karu Local Government Area of the state.
    The command’s spokesman, DSP Kennedy Idirisu, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lafia that late Agada served at the Police command in the FCT, but resided at Masaka, where the incident occurred.

    Idirisu explained that before killing himself, the deceased had shot and injured his wife and maid at their shop around De Memories Hotel in Masaka.

    He said the wife and maid were currently receiving treatment at the Asokoro General Hospital in the FCT, adding that investigation had begun to ascertain the motive behind the shooting.

    “We cannot say for sure now what could have led to the dastardly act but we believe that the wife, currently being treated would, be of great help to our investigation, once she stabilises,” Idirisu said. (NAN)