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Tag: Silas Agara

  • FG gives loans, starter packs to 5,532 NDE trainees

    FG gives loans, starter packs to 5,532 NDE trainees

    The Federal Government has resettled 5,532 beneficiaries who completed their training under the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) through the Renewed Hope Employment Initiative nationwide, providing them with soft loans, starter tools, and equipment to kick-start their businesses.

    The Director – General of NDE, Silas Agara, disclosed that in the last three months, the agency has successfully trained 33,692 unemployed Nigerian youths, women, and Persons Living with Disabilities in various demand-driven skills, including vocational skills training, entrepreneurship, and business management.

    He explained that the Renewed Hope Employment Initiative is built on three core pillars: Skills development – Providing training and mentorship opportunities to equip unskilled and unemployed persons; resettlement packages – Offering loan facilities, access to finance, and starter packs and job creation – Collaborating with local businesses, entrepreneurs, and stakeholders to create job opportunities, stimulate innovation, and drive economic growth.

    Agara said this during the disbursement of the resettlement tools, equipment, and soft loans to beneficiaries on Tuesday in Abuja.

    “Today marks a significant milestone in our collective efforts to address unemployment and promote economic development. This initiative underscores our commitment to creating a brighter future for all, where everyone has access to meaningful work and opportunities for growth,” Agara stated.

    He assured beneficiaries that the NDE remains committed to supporting them as they establish their businesses, urging them to take full advantage of the opportunity to drive economic growth and development.

    Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, who disbursed the resettlement tools, equipment, and soft loans to beneficiaries, described the initiative as evidence to the current administration’s commitment to improving the lives of Nigerians, particularly youths and vulnerable groups.

    She said the beneficiaries were fortunate to be among those empowered with financial support and essential equipment, as many others trained by the NDE are yet to be resettled due to financial constraints.

    The minister said: “The employment creation program we are celebrating today was meticulously designed to equip thousands of unemployed Nigerians with practical skills in various trades and vocations.

    Read Also: FG to link social register to NIN for humanitarian crisis

    “Through the dedication of the NDE, these beneficiaries have undergone rigorous training, acquiring skills that will enable them to become self-reliant and productive members of society.

    “Training alone is not enough. To translate these skills into sustainable and decent livelihoods, beneficiaries must be supported with the necessary tools, equipment, and financial resources to kick-start their ventures. This is why today’s resettlement exercise is a crucial milestone in our collective journey toward economic empowerment.”

    While appealing to philanthropists, corporate organisations, and development partners to assist the NDE in ensuring trained beneficiaries are fully resettled, the Minister urged recipients to seize the opportunity and make the most of their skills and resources to build sustainable businesses, create jobs for others, and contribute to national economic growth.

    “As a government, we will continue to support and expand initiatives that create employment, reduce poverty, and build a prosperous future for all Nigerians,” she added.

  • NDE committed to tackling unemployment, says DG

    NDE committed to tackling unemployment, says DG

    The Director General (DG), National Directorate of Employment (NDE), Silas Agara, has said the agency was committed to tackling unemployment in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.

    Agara stated this during NDE’s Special Day at the 46th Kaduna International Trade Fair themed “Promoting Efficiency in Manufacturing, Agriculture and Trade through Digital Transformation”.

    The Renewed Hope Initiative aims to engage 93,731 unskilled and unemployed individuals across the country.

    According to Agara, the NDE was providing a platform for beneficiaries of its skills acquisition programmes to showcase their products and services in order to promote economic growth and employment, adding that the agency was launching a mobile application to connect Nigerians with services provided by its trained beneficiaries.

    Its participation in the Trade Fair, Agara said, was expected to provide opportunities for budding entrepreneurs to interact with professionals in the international business community, promoting economic empowerment. 

    Read Also: Abdulhamid chairs WTO’s committee

    KADCCIMA President, Ishaya Idi, commended the NDE for its continuous participation in the fair, which has significantly contributed to the growth of SME’s and has provided tools for Nigerians to become self-reliant.

    The Kaduna International Trade Fair is a major platform for business owners to gain exposure and access to the business world.

     The NDE’s participation is a testament to its commitment to promoting self-employment creation and economic growth.

  • Tears at mass burial for victims of Nasarawa killings

    It was harvest of tears and anger as victims of the recent Nasarawa killings were laid to rest in Kochum-Numa village of Akwanga local government area of Nasarawa State.

    A total of 16 out of the 17 victims of the attack were committed to mother earth after the performance of Christian rites.

    One of the deceased, believed to be a Muslim, was buried according to Islamic rites on Monday, a day after the mass killings.

    The mass burial, which was held around noon after the deceased bodies were moved from the Akwanga General Hospital mortuary to the village for final internment, was a moment of grief for family members, relatives, friends and other sympathisers.

    They wept profusely over the untimely departure of their loved ones.

    No fewer than 17 persons were gruesomely massacred on Sunday night when suspected herdsmen opened fire on them in Kochum-Numa village in Akwanga local government area while they were holding a naming ceremony.

    Nasarawa

    Several others, too, were wounded and are currently receiving treatment at different hospitals across the state.

    Governor Umaru Tanko Al-Makura who visited the Chun Mada, His Royal Highness, Samson Gamu Yare, at his palace in Akwanga on Wednesday before he was led to the Akwanga General Hospital where most of the deceased bodies were being kept, sympathised with families of the victims and the entire Mada nation.

    READ ALSO: Man kidnapped on his wedding day in Nasarawa

    He pledged his administration’s commitment to fishing out the perpetrators of the dastardly act within days.

    Al-Makura, who was accompanied by his deputy, Silas Agara, some top government officials and security chiefs, pleaded with the affected people to remain calm while the law enforcement agencies carry out investigations and possible arrest of the culprits.

    Speaking after the burial, the Chun Mada, HRH Gamu Yare, said the Mada nation has put off its annual cultural festival, the Nzeh Mada, billed to be held this week till further notice.

    The monarch also directed his subjects to ensure that all social activities terminate by 6pm until nerves are calm and normalcy restored.

  • I have not been endorsed by Al Makura for 2019 – Silas Agara

    I have not been endorsed by Al Makura for 2019 – Silas Agara

    Mr Silas Agara, the Deputy Governor of Nasarawa State, says he has not been endorsed by Gov. Umaru Al Makura as his successor in 2019.

    Agara, in a statement issued in Lafia on Monday by his media aide, Mr Godspower Ede, dismissed the reported endorsement as “speculative journalism.’’

    “The attention of the deputy governor has been drawn to a publication in a newspaper captioned:  “2019: Al Makura gives nod to deputy.

    “He would have ignored the publication for what it is – speculative journalism– but for the damage the story is capable of doing to the excellent relationship existing between him and his hardworking principal.

    Read also:  Gov. Al-makura to renovate more schools in 2017

    “For the avoidance of doubt,  Al Makura has never given such nod or endorsement to his deputy to succeed him and any such insinuation should be dismissed as a figment of the writer’s imagination,” he said.

    “The governor as the father of the entire All Progressives  Congress ( APC ) members in the state  appreciates the aspirations of some members to succeed him and treats them equally without giving any slightest hint of having a favourite.

    “Knowing the antecedents of Al Makura as a champion of the promotion of rule of law and due process, the deputy governor is at a loss  over the intentions of the writer,’’ he added.

    NAN

  • Dalung urged national federations to start preparations for Tokyo 2020 Olympics

    Dalung urged national federations to start preparations for Tokyo 2020 Olympics

    Solomon Dalung, Minister of Youths and Sports, has urged national sports federations to commence preparations ahead of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics in order to achieve success.

    Dalung who spoke at the closing ceremony of the 2017 National Karate Open Championship in Abuja said sports federations hoping to win laurels at the 2020 Olympics must commence preparations early.

    Represented by Tayo Oreweme, the Director of the Sports Ministry’s Federation and Elite Athletes Department ( FEAD ), the minister noted that the Tokyo Games would be karate’s first Olympic outing.

    “This will be the first time karate will feature at the Games, hence the need to commence preparations and be part of that history,’’ he said.

    Dalung said it was important that preparation should commence immediately in view of the need for the Karate Federation of Nigeria to have its athletes qualify for the Games.

    “I hope that the federation’s technical team has been able to identify high-profile athletes from this championship who will be nurtured to stardom to win medals at the Olympics.

    “To qualify for the Olympics, all hands must be on deck.

    “I want to encourage the federation to spread its tentacles, to get to the corporate and private organisations, as well as the World Karate Federation, for financial and technical support which will ensure successful outings at the qualifying competitions,” he said.

    Dalung also called on the national federations to concentrate more on constant organisation of zonal and national competitions for all age categories.

    “This is what will help you to identify and nurture potential athletes to represent Nigeria at international competitions,’’ the minister said.

    Earlier, President of the federation, Silas Agara, had said karate was becoming a global sport capable of building bridges of love, friendship and cooperation among nations.

    “It is for this reason that its inclusion in the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games has come to us as a positive development.

    “It is my hope and expectation that all stakeholders, athletes, coaches, referees, administrators and sponsors will strive to make our collective dream come true in our determination to place our country on the map of world recognition.

    “I urge all participants in the national championship to commit themselves to the sport with all sense of patriotism, having in mind that the essence of participating in competitions is not only the euphoria of winning.

    “Have it in mind that there is more fulfillment in the coming together to enhance national integration,’’ he said.

    Agara restated the federation’s resolve to open up opportunities for all athletes, regardless of gender, class or age, in order to enable sportsmen and women realise their aspirations.

    He promised to ensure equal development and promotion of karate in the 36 states of the federation and the FCT through sustained courses, seminars, competitions and provision of access to facilities.

    Agara said no stone would be left unturned as the federation sets out to identify athletes who possess the needed potential for the 2020 Olympics.

    NAN reports that FCT and Lagos won gold in the kata female and male team events respectively.

    NAN

  • Nasarawa scraps customary court of appeal

    Nasarawa scraps customary court of appeal

    The Nasarawa State Government on Monday announced the merging of the state’s Customary of Appeal with the High Court.

    Gov. Umaru Al-Makura announced the merger during the retirement and valedictory court session in honour of Justice Jibril Idrisu, the President of the state Customary Court of Appeal.

    Al-Makura, who was represented by his Deputy, Silas Agara, said the decision was based on the advice of the National Judicial Council ( NJC ).

    “Government has observed that over the years, the Customary Court of Appeal has continued to record less number of cases.

    “And this recurrent experience at the court is below the average numbers of cases to be disposed in any judicial year and is equally below the national standard,” he added.

    Al-Makura said that “in view of this ugly experience,’’ NJC had written to the state government in 2016 on the need to merge the court with the state high court.

    He added that based on the advice by NJC, “the government had to take this painful decision of merging Customary Court of Appeal with the state’s High Court.’’

    He said the government has set up a committee chaired by the Commissioner of Justice and Attorney-General, Yusuf Shehu, to work out the modalities for the merger and summit its report in two weeks.

    “The committee would work out plans to transfer the remaining Judge of the Customary Court and other staff of the court to High Court and place them in the appropriate positions,” he added.

    He said that the government would initiate a process of repealing the law establishing the court and amend the High Court law to accommodate the development.

    Earlier, the retired judge appealed to the state government to allow the court to continue to operate due to customary issues in the state.

    Idrisu, who noted that each state had its challenges, said that other states still have their customary court operating.

    NAN

  • Dangote Group disburses N850m compensation for sugar refinery project

    Dangote Group disburses N850m compensation for sugar refinery project

    Dangote Group has commenced the disbursement of more than N850 million, as compensation to land owners affected by its sugar refinery project in Tunga, Awe Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 60,000 hectares was acquired by the group for the construction of the refinery.

    Deputy Governor of the state, Silas Agara, who disbursed the funds to the beneficiaries on Thursday in Lafia, cautioned against impersonation and any act that would scuttle the project.

    He said that government would sanction anyone sabotaging the effort, and assured that all those whose land were taken would be duly compensated.

    Agara said the sugar refinery project was a rare privilege that would turn around the economic fortune of the community and state at large.

    He lauded the community for their peaceful disposition since the acquisition of their farmlands and called for more cooperation for the success of the project.

    Mohammed Ibrahim-Shuaibu, tradition ruler of the area, commended the Dangote Group for the compensation, explaining that names of the beneficiaries were compiled by a committee that included members of the community.

    Ibrahim-Shuaibu assured the company of the community’s full support and cooperation, for the take off and smooth operation of the sugar refinery.

  • Distribute pre-paid meters to electricity customers, says Nasarawa Govt

    Distribute pre-paid meters to electricity customers, says Nasarawa Govt

    The Nasarawa State Government on Saturday called on the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) to distribute pre-paid meters to all electricity customers in the state.

    The State’s Deputy Governor, Mr Silas Agara, made the call at a Town Hall meeting organised by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) in Lafia.

    Agara, represented by Mr Mohammed Wada, the Commissioner for Works and Transports, said that customers were short-changed through overbilling, estimated billing, among others.

    “The only way the customers will be satisfied is when they have pre-paid meters and sure that they only pay for electricity consumed.

    “The state government has donated land and offered to facilitate the installation of a 3000 KVA transformer in Lafia.

    “If the transformer is installed, it will go a long way in addressing the poor electricity supply in the state,’’ he said.

    Also, Moses Arigu, the NERC Commissioner in charge of Consumers Affairs, assured electricity consumers of the commission’s determination to ensure that distribution companies adhere to the operational guidelines.

    “The commission has concluded plans to open an office in Lafia for the consumers to channel their complaints for redress,’’ he said.

    In his remarks, Christian Chime, the Acting Regional Manager of AEDC, apologised to electricity customers, for the problems they were going through due to poor electricity supply.

    Chime said that the company had taken their complaints and would soon address them to ensure improved electricity supply.

    He said that the company would embark on massive instillation of pre-paid meters in the state, urging the customers not to pay for its installation.

    Some of the customers, who spoke at the event, had complained about poor electricity supply in the state and total absence of electricity for more than three months in some areas.

  • Nasarawa pays N500m for World Bank programme

    Nasarawa state government has paid its counter fund of N500 million to the World Bank for participation in the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project. (NEWMAP)

    The state Deputy Governor, Mr. Silas Agara, made the disclosure on Tuesday in Lafia during a meeting with members of the steering committee for the project.

    He explained that the World Bank assisted programme was aimed at tackling gully erosion as well as the challenges of watershed management facing most states in Nigeria.

    He said that Nasarawa is one of the 18 states in Nigeria currently benefiting from the project.

    Agara added that execution of NEWMAP would go a long way to address the challenges of erosion and environmental degradation in parts of the state.

    He said the government was committed to putting measures in place to curb erosion, soil degradation and other adverse effects of climate change plaguing the state.

    The deputy governor lauded the efforts of the federal government to avert environmental hazards through programmes such as NEWMAP.

    He expressed the willingness of the government to partner the federal government and other relevant agencies in this direction.

    He said that the meeting would ensure that the execution of the project in the state was in conformity with the national development plan.

    He added that the meeting would also approve the annual work plan for the project.

    Agara said the meeting would also provide guidelines for the operations of members of the technical committee for the project.

    He added that the meeting would also deliberate and resolve conflict that might arise in the affected communities.

    The Commissioner for Environment and Solid minerals, Mr. Gabriel Aka’aka, who chairs the committee, assured that members would work assiduously to ensure success of the project.

     

  •  Gov. Al-makura to renovate more schools in 2017  

     Gov. Al-makura to renovate more schools in 2017  

     

    Gov.Tanko Al-Makura of Nasarawa State says the state government will build and renovate more primary and secondary schools before the end of 2017.

    Al-makura made the promise in Garaku, the headquarters of Kokona Local Government Area of the state at the 34th enthronement anniversary of Dr Sylvester Ayih as the Abaga Toni of Toni Chiefdom.

    He expressed the optimism that the promise would translate to improvement in the standard of education in the state.

    Al-Makura, represented by his Deputy, Mr Silas Agara, described 2017 as a year of transformation, stressing that “we are going to double the numbers of schools that were renovated in 2016.’’

    He congratulated the monarch on his anniversary and for his wealth of experience in ensuring peace and unity in Gwandara nation, the state and the country at large.

    The Governor also commended the monarch for his contribution to the development of the education sector in the state.

    “I urge all of us to pray for God’s guidance, protection and long life for the paramount rulers as they are custodians of people’s culture, tradition and peace.

    “The state government will embark on massive construction of schools in 2017.

    ‘’What we have done and achieved so far which have imparted on the lives of our children and other citizens is a tip of an ice berg.

    ‘‘Also, the bridges and culverts that you have seen is a tip of an ice berg as you are going to see the renovation of more culverts, more roads and more clinics, among others

    “This is aimed at connecting rural communities and to improve on the health of the people,” he said.

    He also said his administration had transformed the education, agriculture, economic, health, judicial, commercial among other sectors.

    According to him, the effort is toward fighting poverty, hunger, unemployment as well as boosting the socio-economic development of the state.

    Al-Makura urged the people of the state in particular and Nigerians in general to continue to pray for and support President Muhammadu Buhari and other leaders to enable them to succeed.

    The Governor reiterated his administration’s continued commitment to policies and programmes with direct bearing on the lives of people of the state.

    He, therefore, solicited the people’s support to enable him succeed.

    Earlier, Mr Musa Namo, the Chairman, Interim Management Committee of the council, said that the programme was organised to thank God for the life of the monarch.

    He thanked God for protecting and guiding the monarch and making Ayih to clock 34 years on throne.

    He promised that the council would continue to partner with the traditional institution to promote peace and development in the state.

    Responding, Ayih also thanked God for making him alive to celebrate his 34 years on throne.

    He said that he would continue to preach peace to his subjects and Nigerians at large for the overall development of the country.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the occasion brought together politicians, traditional rulers, religious leaders.

    Sen. Abdullahi Adamu, the first Executive Governor of the state, Rep. Jonathan Gaza, among others also made the list of dignitaries at the occasion.