The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Nasiru El-Rufa’i

  • U.S. Ambassador visits Kaduna, sues for peaceful guber poll

    The United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Stuart Symington, has called for peaceful gubernatorial election in Kaduna State on Saturday, March 9.

    The US envoy stated this on Monday in Kaduna in an interview shortly after a meeting with Gov. Nasiru El-Rufa’i.

    The ambassador said he was in Kaduna again with the simple message of reminding citizens to remain peaceful after the Governorship and State House of Assembly elections.

    He stressed that what is required ”when the election is over and people look back on it, is saying things akin to joy and love.”

    Symington said that democracy was more than just about elections but its aftermath.

    “Just like the slogan said by people in different ways, ‘vote don’t fight or elections are not war,” he stressed.

    Read Also: FG moves to discourage young Nigerians from migration

     

    He added that election was a partnership which should not just be between people and government but people and each other, saying that its the community that binds the State or Nation as one.

    In a separate interview, Gov. Nasiru El-Rufa’i said though the upcoming elections were on local issues, the ambassador’s message of peace was enduring.

    El-Rufa’i urged the people to disappoint the nay sayers by conducting themselves peacefully during the Saturday Gubernatorial and State Assembly elections.

    He thanked the people for their peaceful conduct during the Presidential and National Assembly elections in the state, despite series of conflicts before the polls.

    The governor appealed for calm before, during and after the polls, and urged the people to emphasise on their common humanity rather than some primordial considerations.

    El-Rufa’i also urged the electorate to come out in their numbers on Saturday and vote peacefully.

    The governor also prayed for God’s best candidate who will take Kaduna to the path of development and progress, to win the election. (NAN)

  • El-Rufai inaugurates Dialysis center in Kaduna

    Governor Nasiru El-Rufai of Kaduna State on Wednesday inaugurated the multi million naira Dialysis Center at Yusuf Dantsoho Memorial Hospital, Kaduna.

    The centre was donated by Tudun Wada community under the auspices of Yusuf Dantsho Hospital Support Initiative.

    El-Rufai expressed appreciation for the initiative and assured that the state government would continue to support the center.

    “Kaduna state government will continue to support the center to ensure that the initiative is sustained. I promise to support the Center with equipment when the need arises.

    “I appreciate the efforts of Tudun Wada community in ensuring that the center is built and I pray Allah to reward you abundantly,” he said.

    The governor donated one million naira to the Yusuf Dantsho support initiative.

    The state’s Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Hafsat Baba commended the initiative, saying it would go a long way in assisting the less-privileged in the society.

    In her remarks, Hajiya Rabiatu Rinchat, a member of the Board of Trustees of the group, commended the efforts of the community towards ensuring the success of the Center.

    “This is very a giant stride because issues of kidney problems has become of great concern in the society, because it’s a capital intensive treatment.

    “I urge the people of Tudun Wada community to continue to give your support to the center, by contributing a token of N50 weekly.

    Read Also: El-Rufai urges CJN Onnoghen to resign

    “The contribution will go a long way in reducing cost for the poor people who are suffering from kidney diseases.”

    Mrs Esther Muazu, another member of the board, said the group came up with the idea to assist the less privileged members of the society who cannot afford to pay for dialysis.

    Muazu stressed the need for citizens to reduce over dependence on government, as government cannot do it alone.

    “We have to stand up and assist ourselves and wherever we fall short, government will come in and support us,” she said.

    Dr Yusuf Nadabo, Chairman Yusuf Dantsoho Committee of Friends, said the initiative was as a result of mobilizing and enlightening the people on need to be assisting themselves and stop over dependence on government.

    “Having mobilized the community, we realised that there is a need to establish an NGO with board of trustees and management.

    “The contribution of Alhaji Muktar Monrovia who bought dialysis machines worth N15 million, contributed immensely to the success of this center.

    “Nine dialysis machines were commissioned so that the ordinary man can access the facility at an affordable amount.

    “You should not relent in contributing the N50 continuously because with it, a lot of money will be generated,’’ he said.

    He called on other wealthy individuals to emulate the donor of the machines for an improved living standard for the people.

    The Renal Center was named Hajiya Amina Ahmad Morovia Renal Center, the late mother of Alhaji Muktar Morovia, who died as a result of kidney problem.

    NAN

     

  • El-Rufai task students on ethical behaviour, good values

    Gov. Nasiru El-Rufai of Kaduna State on Sunday, tasked students on ethical behaviour and promoting good values that would enhance national growth and development.

    The governor stated this while speaking as Special Guest at the Speech and Prize Giving Day of UMRABS School, Tudun Jukun, Zaria, Kaduna State.

    El-Rufa’i , who was represented by Sheik Jamilu Albani, Special Assistant to the governor on Islamic Organisations, said good attitude in life is necessary for individual and societal development.

    The governor lauded the efforts of UMRABS for inculcating producing students that have excellent attitudinal values, but lamented that some private schools were shirking in their responsibility of inculcating good values and qualitative education of their students.

    The governor urged parents to stop sending their children to higher institutions in places with nobody to be serve as their guardian.

    “Doing so is negatively affecting the behaviour and education of some of the children,” he noted.

    Presenting a paper entitled: “Good Education and Moral upbringing”, the Guest Speaker, Malam Kabir Musa stressed the need for proper upbringing of children to ensure good future for them and the nation.

    Musa, who is the Director, Mu’az Bn Jabal Foundation Zaria, identified mosque as the first place of administration in Islam.

    He explained that during the time of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) the mosque also served as place for teaching, learning, judgement and administration among others.

    In his speech, the Director of the school, Dr Isa Sa’idu said the main objectives of citing the school was to give students Islamic and western education.

    Sa’idu said the school had brought in new innovation in the way students write their final examinations.

    “As the tradition demands in Nigeria, some parents prefer to send their children to where they call ‘miracle centres’ to enable them get the requirement into universities.

    “Here, we don’t do that, a student has to work hard and earn the requirement himself without any assistance from anybody, this is our principle and it works.

    “Any of our students that gets good grades, it is as a result of his/her hard work. We are now graduating the third set of secondary school leavers.

    “As I am talking to you now we have no fewer than 15 students in Ahmadu Bello University and Bayero University, Kano and they are maintaining higher CGPA of first class or second class upper,” he assured.

    The director appealed to government to consider the possibility of providing assistance to private schools to enable them cut down the school fees charged parents.

    “If government can come in and assist us, like in the area of salary, if it can pay half of our salaries, we can reduce our school fees.

    “Government can also assist by supplying some materials being used in schools to ease some problems,” he said.

  • NBA pledges support in tackling corruption, insecurity

    The Nigerian Bar Association, Barnawa branch, Kaduna has called on its members to collaborate with government to proffer solutions to the key vices militating against the peaceful coexistence in the Country.

    The branch Chairman, Mr Napoleon Idenala, made the call at the branch maiden opening ceremony of the 2018 Law Week on Monday in Kaduna.

    Idenala said this year’s theme, “curbing corruption and insecurity in Nigeria: socio-economic, legal and political perspectives’ is apt because it re-echoes one of the cardinal responsibilities of government.

    “For it is only by sharing in this responsibility with the government, that the common man can have absolute confidence in the rule of law and justice in our courts,’’ he said.

    The Chairman said the theme was chosen to afford participants an opportunity to consider, review and proffer solutions to the key vices militating against the peaceful coexistence in the country.

    He therefore urged all participants to contribute to the fight against corruption and elimination of insecurity in all ramifications across the Country.

    In his goodwill message, Joseph Dauda SAN, noted that ordinary Nigerians were the greatest victims of corruption which hindered economic growth and deprived them of essential services.

    “The role of legal practitioners in the eradication of corruption from our National psyche is crucial and critical, therefore, lawyers should play a unique and sensitive role in all agencies and institutions that are statutorily vested with the fight against corruption,’’ he added.

    Earlier in his address, the Kaduna State Governor, Nasiru El-Rufai mentioned that government had partnered the Military authorities to establish training and formation centres in forests across the state to curb armed banditry and robbery.

    “Curbing corruption and insecurity are two of the three major crux of this administration and therefore, government at all levels will always welcome these types of gatherings.

    “This can be accepted by equally opening of doors to receive all the suggestions and the outcome of all the brainstorming in shaping our policies and strategies.

    “Corruption and insecurity are two major setbacks to the development of this country because no nation thrives economically when these challenges have taken dominance.

    “When there is corruption, the economic activities that are supposed to ignite development will be minimal and the country’s resources end up in the hands of a very few and consequently, creating a huge number of unemployed populace involved in crimes such as robbery, kidnapping, banditry.’’

    El-Rufai who was represented by his Deputy, Bala Bantex, noted that government would collaborate with the Bar Association to fight corruption and insecurity in the State.

    He urged them to support government with useful information that would help secure the state.

    The Barnawa branch of the NBA, inaugurated in November 2015 is holding its maiden law week and dinner from  April 13 to April 17,  in Kaduna.

     

  • El-Rufai performs ceremony for 600 mass housing units

    Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasiru El-Rufai, on Wednesday performed the ground breaking ceremony of 600 housing units and a world class shopping mall in Kaduna.

    The governor, while laying the blocks in Kaduna Millennium City, said that the investment was a Public Private Partnership anchored by the Kaduna State Investment Promotion Agency ( KADIPA ).

    He said that all the APC governors were trying to reduce housing deficit, hence the need for the low and medium housing projects.

    According to El-Rufai, government would provide infrastructure such as water, electricity and police post among others at the project site.

    “I want to appeal to the communities to cooperate with the developers because every development creates job for people residing there,” he stated.

    The governor assured the developers of government effort to protect their interest by deploying security agencies to the communities.

    “We hope within the next one year, we will return to commission these projects, even though we have been assured that the shopping mall would be completed by June’’.

    Read Also: El-Rufai’s fire versus Labour’s fury

    Earlier, the Executive Secretary, KADIPA, Mrs Umma Aboki, said government was confident that the developers have the capacity to deliver 3, 000 houses in the next five years.

    “In a similar vein, we are vigorously working with developers of market and neighbourhood centres to improve the shopping experience of Kaduna residents in ensuring that all our markets are properly planned with ample access and exist points.

    “At KADIPA, we are committed to providing first class service and an enabling environment to support serious investors in this and many other priority sectors,” she emphasised.

    She assured investors that the government has put in place measures for ease of doing business.

    “We are committed to ensuring that the times taken to start businesses are reduced to the barest minimum through streamlining of all processes and removing bottle necks at all levels.”

    The News men reports that the ground breaking ceremony was performed at four locations with different partners expected to invest in separate projects.

    NAN

  • Agriculture: Kaduna targets 10,000 youth, releases 50,000 fertiliser

    The Kaduna State Government says 10,000 young farmers in the state would be empowered to boost production in Maize, Rice, Soybeans and Poultry in the 2018 crop season.

    Gov Nasiru El-Rufai made the disclosure in a message to the flag-off of the 2018 fertilizer sales, held on Thursday in Turunku, Igabi Local Government area.

    The Newsmen reports that the state in partnership with Flour Mills of Nigeria and TAK Agricultural Solution would offer 50,000 metric tons of NPK fertiliser to farmers at  N5, 500 per bag this season.

    El-Rufai represented was at the event by the Commissioner for Agriculture and Forestry, Daniel Manzo-Maigari.

    “The state is collaborating with Central Bank of Nigeria ( CBN ) in the implementation of Accelerated Agricultural Development Scheme, where more than 10,000 farmers mostly youth are targeted to be empowered in production of maize, rice, soybeans and poultry.

    “The state is also working closely with multinational agencies and the private partners such as DFID,  Synergos,FAO, OCP Africa,  GIZ,  USAID, TAK Agro,  and WACOT to revolutionize agriculture  in the state,” he said.

    El-Rufai noted that although the state has comparative advantage in agriculture, the sector had been neglected with very little or no investment, especially in the provision of vital inputs to farmers.

    “The present government has made the issue of providing quality and affordable inputs to the state farmers a top priority.

    “The subsector is dominated mostly by wet season farming and some irrigation based production.

    “Most farmers currently produce cereal crops such as maize, sorghum, millet and rice during the rainy season.

    Read Also:  Agriculture living up to our expectation as jobs creator – Buhari

    “Also not in doubt is the fact that Kaduna state is the largest producer of maize, ginger and tomato in Nigeria, exporting substantial quantities to other states.

    “Therefore any intervention aimed at enhancing production and to arrest post harvest losses will ultimately increase farmers’ productivity and income,” the governor said.

    According to him, the government would continue to facilitate availability and accessibility of fertilizer across the state.

    “The state government will continue to support the growth of the agricultural sector which is the mainstay of our economy through the provision of inputs such as fertilizer, improved seeds, agrochemicals and machineries.’’

    He disclosed that the state Fertilizer Blending Plant set up in collaboration with OCP Africa, a Moroccan company, will be inaugurated on May 1.

    The governor said his administration had established a 350km shelter belt across five local governments of Ikara, Makarfi, Kudan, Giwa and Birnin Gwari to arrest desertification.

    He assured farmers of adequate security during the farming season, as of recent the farmers were forced to abandon their farms due to incessant kidnapping.

    Earlier, the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Aminu Shagali, represented by the Chairman, House Committee on Agriculture, Kasimu Iliyasawa said the committee would monitor the fertiliser sales in their constituencies to ensure that the commodity gets to actual farmers.

    The speaker urged administrators of local councils to ensure that the fertiliser get to farmers in good time.

    NAN

  • Kaduna State Ministry calls for increased sensitisation on Child Protection

    Kaduna State Ministry calls for increased sensitisation on Child Protection

    The Kaduna State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development have advocated more awareness and sensitisation on the new Child Protection Law.

    The Commissioner in charge of the ministry, Hajiya Hafsat Baba, made the call in an interview with the News men on Thursday in Kaduna.

    The news men reports that the bill was passed by the State House of Assembly on Wednesday.

    The News men report that the Kaduna State House of Assembly had on Wednesday passed the Child Protection Bill after about 18 months of rigorous scrutiny, criticisms and debates.

    Baba said that with the passage of the bill, people, especially at the community level, needed to be sensitised about it.

    She said that the new law was aimed at protecting the welfare and safety of children across the state, hence, the need for awareness campaign.

    “With passage of the bill into law, children will have unhindered access and right to education and justice in cases of violation of their rights, which maybe rape, trafficking, amongst others.

    “The next line of action is for us to create more awareness and sensitise people so as to remove misconceptions so that children can take their parents to court,’’ Baba said.

    Read Also: NGO supports 1,847 orphans and children in Kaduna

    The commissioner said that if parents were properly educated and informed about the law, children who had been raped or assaulted would have justice in the long run.

    “We believe that with this law, both the judiciary will have a document to work on and justice can be done for our children and all that are concerned,’’ Baba said.

    She said that the law would protect every child, irrespective of their social status in the society.

    The commissioner added that all children have the right to life, education, protection and conducive environment.

    She commended Gov. Nasiru El-Rufa’i of Kaduna State, the civil societies, media and members of the State Assembly for their efforts in establishing the law.

    Baba said that the lawmakers had made history for the state.

    “This is a giant stride for Kaduna State. We are taking the lead and I hope other states will emulate us,’’ the commissioner said.

    Recounting the 18 months of struggle for the passage of the bill, she said that a lot of consultations were made with inputs from religious, traditional leaders, civil societies and the public.

    Baba added that series of public presentations where people gave their views were also held.

    The news men reports that the Chairman, House Committee on Women and Social Development, Haliru Dangana, had told newsmen that the aim of the law was to curb the atrocities being committed in the state through child trafficking.

    Dangana, after the passage of the bill on Wednesday, said that child trafficking had become a huge money-making venture for some people.

    NAN

     

  • El-Rufai worries over rising security challenges in Northern region

    El-Rufai worries over rising security challenges in Northern region

    Gov. Nasiru El-Rufa’i of Kaduna State has described insecurity in the northern region as a major challenge that requires the involvement of the region’s leaders for solution.

    He said this on Tuesday while receiving an entourage of the Zamfara Council of Chiefs on a courtesy call in his office.

    The delegation was led by its Chairman, the Emir of Anka, Alhaji Attahiru Ahmad.

    El-Rufai described the prevailing insecurity in the region as a menace that required a combined effort to solve with active involvement of traditional rulers.

    The Kaduna governor also called on journalists to continue to be objective and ethical in their reportage of events in the region, as well as shun reports that fan the embers of hate in the country.

    Read Also: El-Rufai orders supply of drug for malnourished children

    Ahmad who led the delegation had in an address lamented over incessant cases of kidnappings, cattle rustling, banditry among others in Zamfara and the entire northern region.

    He said there was need to re-strategise security agencies’ efforts toward fighting the menace.

    The Emir appealed to the governor to fully involve royal fathers in the security council of the state to curtail the menace.

    He said their convergence on Kaduna was for a conference aimed at finding lasting solution to the security threat bedeviling the entire region and pleaded for support from northern governors.

     NAN

  • Illegal migration: El-Rufa’i seeks involvement of Governors’ Forum 

    Illegal migration: El-Rufa’i seeks involvement of Governors’ Forum 

    Gov. Nasiru El-Rufa’i of Kaduna State on Wednesday cautioned the youths against migrating illegally out of the country, saying rather, they should remain, work hard and build bright future for themselves.

    The governor, who made the remark when he received officials of NYSC and PAIGAS who paid him a courtesy visit in his office, said the campaign instituted by the two on illegal migration was laudable.

    He asked them to extend the campaign to the Nigerian Governors Forum, to accelerate engagement with the youths and help address the menace.

    “Illegal migration is an unusual type of brain drain with several devastating effects synonymous with modern day slavery.

    “The youth population in Nigeria nurture the wrong impression that Europe and the West are greener, whereas, unknown to them. the condition of living there is hard, unsympathetic and devoid of community life that accommodates the interest of one another.”

    Read Also: Buhari has clear plans to end herders / farmers clashes  El-Rufa’i

    The governor, therefore, advised the youths to liberate themselves from “erroneous sense of entitlement, work hard, acquire necessary knowledge, experience, get involved and seize political authority” as practiced worldwide.

    He pledged to partner with the NYSC and PAIGAS in this respect.

    El-Rufa’i assured  the state government would provide additional hostel accommodation and upgrade of facilities at the NYSC Orientation camp in Kaduna.

    Earlier, Amb. Martin Uhomoibhi, the President, Pan-African Institute for Global Affairs and Strategy (PAIGAS), said the group consists of former Nigerians envoys and other imminent Nigerians who are committing themselves to this cause.

    “We have decided to use our wealth of experience and resources to sensitize corps members on the dangers
    associated with illegal migration.”

    Uhomoibhi expressed appreciation to the NYSC Director General, Brig. Gen Suleiman Kazaure for accommodating PAIGAS to reach out to serving corps members, as the bulk of illegal migrants were graduates.

    NAN

  • Communities raise alarm over cracks in Kaduna dam

    Communities raise alarm over cracks in Kaduna dam

    Six communities around Kangimi Dam in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State have called on the state government to quickly repair the damaged walls of the dam to avert imminent disaster.

    The communities in a statement said the walls of the dam had developed cracks after a thunder hit the site in October 2017.

    The statement signed by Malam Usman Jikan-Mudi, said thousands of communities living in the area now live in perpetual fear that the dam may burst at any time.

    “If you look at the place where the thunder struck, you will see clearly that water is coming out, some grasses are growing up from the cracked wall and once it is not tackled we are scared of what will follow.’’

    He listed the villages as, Gobirawa, Ruhogi, Barkonu, Cikaji, Unguwar Yamman Likoro and Girkawa.

    “There are thousands of people that are residing with their families in those villages, we are really afraid of what will happen when the dam breaks.

    “We are worried about the situation and are living in fear; we are scared of what will happen to everyone in this area.’’

    “Kangimi dam is the largest dam in the state and has many links to many  rivers and is the source of water for the state.’’

    Jikan-Mudi said the communities had written series of letters to the state Ministry of Water Resources and the Water Board without response.

    “It seems as if they don’t care about the lives of the people that are residing around the dam.

    “The volume of water in the dam is very high presently and it is advisable for the authorities concerned to start gradual release of the water.

    “We are begging the state government to come to our rescue.’’

    Also, the ward head of Gobirawa, Malam Umaru Gobirawa, said: “We are living in a critical situation and that is why we are calling on NEMA, SEMA, the Red Cross, and other humanitarian agencies, to intervene before we are washed away.

    “They should compel government to take quick action before it is too late.’’

    Responding, Alhaji Sa’idu Adamu, Councillor on Information and Communication Strategy to Gov. Nasiru El-Rufa’i, assured that the state government would respond swiftly to avert the impending disaster.

    “The governor will be intimated on the situation and I assure the communities that government is going to look into the situation and tackle it swiftly before any damage is done.’’

    NAN