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Tag: Sokoto State

  • Bafarawa seeks Obasanjo’s support over presidential bid

    Former governor of Sokoto State, Alhaji Attahiru Bafarawa, on Sunday visited former President Olusegun Obasanjo to seek his (Obasanjo) blessings over his presidential ambition in 2019.

    Bafarawa, who led a delegation of his campaign group to Obasanjo in Abeokuta, told the elder statesman that the visit was to seek his “prayers, advice and support”.

    Bafarawa described Obasanjo as his leader and mentor, attributing his success as Sokoto State governor between 1999 and 2007 to advices from the former president.

    He explained that based on Obasanjo’s advice on savings, he left about N11.8 billion in Sokoto State treasury when he left office in 2007.

    The former governor recalled that Obasanjo visited Sokoto State 14 times to commission various projects, adding that he also replicated an all-inclusive government ran by the former president at the Federal  level.

    Bafarawa hailed Obasanjo for his continued interventions at critical stages of the nation’s history, noting that many Nigerians had misunderstood the intentions of the elder statesman.

    He specifically commended the former president for laying the foundation for the crusade against corruption, saying that nobody can successfully lay claim to fighting corruption without recourse to what Obasanjo had done.

    Responding, Obasanjo noted that “Nigeria can be better than what it is now” and pledged his support for any step to lift it up.

    “My own strong belief is that Nigeria deserves better than we have now and we can get better than what we have.

    “I believe the task of moving Nigeria to an enviable height is a collective responsibility and if we fail to act together as we ought to, the nation will not be where it is supposed to be in 2019,” he said.

    The former president recalled his role during Nigeria’s civil war between 1966 and 1970 as well as his travail in prison. “I have made sacrifices for Nigeria and will continue to do so,” he said.

    The elder statesman called for more attention to the welfare of the less-privileged Nigerians and increased educational development, particularly, in the North-East geographical location of the nation to end insurgency.

    He called for new strategies to fix Nigeria, adding that: “we have continued to tread on the old path”.

    Obasanjo advised Bafarawa to strengthen the leadership qualities he identified in him (Bafarawa), including humility, diligence, selflessness and openness.

    The former president also prayed for God’s guidance and support for Bafarawa’s presidential ambition.

  • Defection: Group urges Tambuwal to resign

    A Group of ‘Concerned Citizens of Sokoto State has urged Gov. Aminu Tambuwal to resign his position as governor following his defection to Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from  All Progressive Congress (APC).

    Addressing newsmen on Sunday, the group Coordinator, Alhaji Abubakar Abdullahi, described Tambuwal’s exit from APC as a betrayal of the people’s mandate given him in the  2015 general elections.

    Abdullahi said Tambuwal’s  election was not because of his popularity among the by people but because of the circumstances that PDP led Nigeria into then and   the contributions of Sen. Aliyu Wamakko and President Muhammad Buhari.

    “We are speaking on behalf of Sokoto people that we are totally against Tambuwal’s decision to join PDP and we want him to immediately return our mandate by resigning his position as governor,’’ Abdullahi said.

    He called for an investigation into the alleged bribery of 18 lawmakers to join PDP with Tambuwal and sponsorship of people from the 23 local government areas to attend the Aug. 1 event at which the governor defected.

    The coordinator called on Tambuwal to either confirm or deny the allegations, including the claim that the governor spent five million naira on each of the local government to transport people to the event.

    He added that the group would begin educating people to recall any lawmaker that followed Tambuwal’s actions, while decrying that Nigerians Constitution should accommodate recall process of elected governor.

    Abdullahi described Tambuwal’s comments on Federal Government not executing any project in Sokoto as misleading.

    He listed the establishment of 8 Division of Nigerian Army, N8.7 billion FGN/CBN Intervention programnme in agriculture among others as Buhari’s good work to Sokoto people.

    Abdullahi also urged Tambuwal to account for N18.3 billion Paris Club refunds and N10.09 Salary/Pension arrears settlement facilities given by the Federal Government.

    He traced the history of Tambuwal’s emergence as Speaker House of Representatives, his governorship contest with his brother Sen. Umaru Dahiru-Tambuwal and support he enjoyed from Sen. Aliyu Wamakko.

    Others in attendance at the conference were Retired Squadron Leader, Aminu Bala-Sokoto, Alhaji Abubakar Gidan-Bango, Alhaji Usman Hassan and Alhaji Mu’azu Maigwanjo among others.

  • 2019: What will Tambuwal do?

    As the preparation for 2019 General Election gathers momentum in All Progressives Congress, following the threat posed by the R-APC and the recent alliance, there is confusion in Sokoto State over Governor Aminu Tambuwal’s next political move, reports Assistant Editor, Dare Odufowokan

    FOLLOWING the emergence of the Reformed All Progressives Congress (R-APC), peopled by some members of the defunct nPDP block in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and  its participation in a coalition of political parties and groups, led by the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), as part of efforts to stop the reelection of President Muhammadu Buhari in 2019, the political future of a number of APC chieftains is now shrouded in uncertainty.

    While a good number of the R-APC chieftains have made it clear that they are headed out of the ruling party, strong indications continue to emerge that some leaders of the nPDP might not leave the APC, contrary to expectations. Many reasons, ranging from the ongoing effort by the Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led National Reconciliation Committee, to personal and group political considerations, among others, have been adduced for this.

    Not surprisingly, one of the nPDP leaders whose political future remains uncertain is the Governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Tambuwal. Leaders of the APC in Sokoto State, as well as the governor’s crowd of supporters and political associates are anxiously waiting for him to give an inkling of what he is planning to do as regards the R-APC and its defection plan as the 2019 general election draws nearer.

    Aside the R-APC issue, the people of Sokoto State are also uncertain about the next political aspiration of their current governor. While many gubernatorial aspirants, especially within the opposition parties, are currently traversing the length and breadth of the state in preparation for the next governorship election in the northwestern state, the people are daily inundated with talks of Tambuwal being interested in either the governorship of the state or the presidency of the country in 2019.

    While there have been speculations that Tambuwal intends to defect to the PDP where he would vie for that party’s presidential ticket and possibly mount a challenge against President Buhari and the APC in 2019, many of his close political associates back home in Sokoto State have declared his intention to stay put in the APC come what may. A good number of them are even optimistic that Tambuwal will remain in the APC and seek reelection as governor.

    Those expressing confidence that the former House of Representatives Speaker is on his way out of the ruling party have been analyzing some perceived political moves of his, like the visit last year to Delta State where he met with Governors Okowa (Delta) and Nyesom Wike (Rivers); a similar visit to Abia, another PDP state, as well as the most recent visit to Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State in company of Senate Presdient Bukola Saraki.

    Tambuwal described Wike as “Ekwueme” (promise-keeper) of Rivers State and said, “it only takes a leader with vision, passion and commitment to come up with this idea and implement it”. He said Wike’s projects were tailored to the needs of the people and in accordance with modern governance. Expectedly, reports had it that the Sokoto Governor had endorsed Wike, a PDP chieftain, for second term as governor.

    These dalliances and romances with the opposition, so close to a general election, coupled with the fact that unlike some of his APC colleagues like Abdulai Ganduje (Kano), Nasir El-rufai (Kaduna) and Aminu Masari (Katsina), he is not very visible in the ongoing nationwide political stampede to declare Buhari as the only credible candidate the APC can put forward in 2019, are reasons why Tambuwal’s supporters in Sokoto are uncertain about what to expect from him.

    Confusion

    Pulling the lid off the confusion that currently pervades the political firmament of the state, a group of politicians within the ruling party, had few weeks back, given the governor a 48-hour ultimatum to declare his stand on President Buhari’s 2019 ambition and also tell members of the party whether he will be seeking re-election as governor in 2019 or not.

    The Adalci Buhari Saka group said Tambuwal must declare whether he is with President Buhari or not. The group also threatened further actions against the governor if his intention on the matter is not made known within the given time. Leaders and members of the group, who are also APC chieftains, had also accused the governor of anti-party activities.

    “We don’t understand his romance with the leading members of the opposition PDP which was widely publicized. He has a strong relationship with Governor Wike who is the perceived leader of the modern PDP and the national chairman of the party. He visits them and they come and visit him in Sokoto as well. We will do all that is necessary if Tambuwal does not state his position within the slated ultimatum,” spokesperson of the group, Bashar Lawal, said.

    On the contrary, arguing that he would stay put in the ruling party, the state chapter of the APC allayed whatever fear the people of the state, especially supporters of the governor and the ruling party, might be nursing in a recent press statement that assured all and sundry that Tambuwal remains the only person to be supported by the party for the governorship seat in 2019.

    While insisting no contender can match Tambuwal in 2019, the APC said with the governor as its candidate, it will take out other parties in Sokoto State before the next general election. The new chairman of the party in the state, Isa Sadiq Achida, said there was no political party in Sokoto other than the ruling APC and that if there was any it would be eliminated before the election. He said the party is still intact and waxing stronger , adding that they would win all elective positions in the state.

    According to the party boss, a former Commissioner in Tambuwal’s administration and one of his closest aides, APC will field the governor again as no candidate could match his quality in the next election because of his outstanding achievements. He said the governor had cleared liabilities amounting to billions of naira. “He settled gratuities and pensions of retired civil servants and severe allowances of local government employees,” he said.

    But another chieftain of the APC in the state, Alhaji Dahiru Yusuf Yabo, insisted that Tambuwal has some games up his sleeves ahead of the 2019 general election. According to the 2011 governorship aspirant of the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) in the state, the governor is currently working against the interest of President Buhari and the APC.

    “We know him as a governor under the platform of APC but it has been reported widely that he is romancing some personalities from outside his party, particularly those in PDP. There are speculations that he (Tambuwal) was among the people who funded the new leadership of PDP and his frequent visit to Rivers State, which is literally the PDP headquarters and where the party national chairman comes from.

    “We are also aware about his deep and close relationship with the governor of Rivers State. Being old folks in politics, we can read along the lines and understand the movements of any politician, especially toward an election time. With what is happening now at the National Assembly, one can see clearly too that there are a lot of apprehensions.  “Also, knowing the relationship of Governor Tambuwal with the Speaker of the House of Representatives who everybody knows he galvanised support for, to become the Speaker, we knew he must have an influence on the current happenings in the National Assembly. All these things put together, we felt we are even helping him to clear the air on some public misconceptions about his personality and political moves toward 2019,” he said.

    Face off with Wammako?

    To further compound the uncertainty surrounding Tambuwal’s next political action, there are talks about a rift between him and his political godfather and former governor of the state, Senator Aliyu Wamakko. Sources within the state even claimed the crisis between the two associates may have led to the recent dissolution of the State Executive Council (SEC).

    The dissolved cabinet, according to party sources, comprised of supporters of both Tambuwal and Wammako supporters. Tambuwal sacked all members of the cabinet after two weeks of alleged political brickbats between him and his predecessor. Though the rift has been on for a while now, it allegedly blew open at the national convention of the APC where Abubakar Makama Mainasara, a known ally of Wammako’s ran against Inuwa Abdulkadir, an ally of the governor.

    Few days after the face-off at the convention the two camps traded words over an rally held in the state capital by party members to protest against Wammako. While the Senator’s people alleged that the rally was sponsored by the state government to embarrass the former governor, Tambuwal’s camp denied any hand in it and accused those making the allegations of whipping up crisis within the party.

    Announcing the sack of the cabinet, a statement by the Director–General, Media and Public Affairs, to the Governor, Mallam Abubakar Abu Shekara, said: “The Governor of Sokoto State,  Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, has dissolved the Sokoto State Executive Council with immediate effect. The dissolution is aimed at restructuring and re-strategising the cabinet for optimum efficiency and service delivery to the good people of Sokoto State.

    “While thanking members of the Council for the dedication, sacrifice and loyalty to the administration, the governor  expressed appreciation to the people for cooperating with and supporting the outgoing members of the council towards achieving the successes recorded. The commissioners would hand over the affairs of their respective ministries to the Permanent Secretaries.”

    But sources within the party claimed the dissolution is aimed at easing out Wammako’s men from the government as Tambuwal prepares to dump the APC for the PDP in the coming weeks. “The dissolution is just the first step in a number of moves that will end with the defection of the governor and his men to the PDP. Even the leadership of the party will go with them.

    “Or why do you think he ensured the emergence of this aide as the chairman of the party in the state? Leaders of the party are very much aware of what is going on and we are working round the clock to prepare ourselves for the inevitable. But one thing you can all see is that we made more than enough sacrifice to prevail on the governor not to leave the party,” our source, a former Commissioner in the state, said.

    However, the new Publicity Secretary of the party, Honourable Yusuf Ilaris, said there is nothing in the story that claims the governor and his predecessor are at war. According to him, the APC in the state is united and stronger. He accused mischief makers of trying to create crisis for the ruling party at all cost so as to satisfy some pre-planned evil intentions.

    Ilaris added Tambuwal and Senator Wamakko,  leaders of the party in the state, were not only united but working tirelessly for the success of the party in the coming elections at all levels. He insisted that with the leaders united and the party more popular in the state than ever before, Tambuwal will easily win reelection in 2019 on the platform of the party.

    Before the national convention, Wamakko had also cautioned those who he said are ceaselessly trying to sow seeds of discord between him and his successor. “Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal and I are one and the same, contrary to the machinations of some doubting Thomases. The respect my younger brother, the governor is according me is unparalleled. I am truly and sincerely very grateful to him for this and I am highly cherishing his enviable gestures,” he said back then.

    But observers of the politics of the state say it is not clear if Wammako will say the same of his relationship with the Sokoto governor today. Many are even recalling a recent statement credited to the former governor that he will not be dumping the APC like some other nPDP chieftains to mean that he has parted ways with Tambuwal, who, up till this moment, is yet to denounce the defection plot. The question for now is still, “what will Tambuwal do?

  • Senate decries killing of 40 people in Sokoto

    The Senate on Thursday decried the gruesome killing of over 40 people by bandits in Sokoto State on Monday.

    The condemnation of the killing followed the adoption of a motion on “Gruesome killing of 40 people in Sokoto State by armed bandits.”

    The upper chamber resolved to urge the Federal Government to mandate the Air Force and the Police helicopter division to embark on surveillance of Sokoto, Zamfara and Kebbi State with the view of identifying locations and hideouts of the bandits and deal with them decisively;

    It also urged the Inspector General of Police (lGP) through the commissioner of Police in the three states to set up a special squad to mop up the zone in order to get rid of the armed bandits.

    It called for synergy between the Department of State Service, the Police and the armed forces with the view of sharing intelligence and strategies to embark upon in getting rid of the armed bandits;;

    The motion was sponsored by Senators Adamu Aliero (Kebbi Central) and Senator Aliyu Wamakko (Sokoto North)

    Aliero in his lead debate noted with sadness the gruesome and unprecedented killing of innocent and defenseless people in Sokoto by armed bandits on Monday morning at Dogonyero in Candi District in Raba Local government Area of Sokoto State.

    He expressed concerned that “these armed bandits are operating in Zamfara forest where they carry nefarious and barbaric killing of innocent people over a period of two years.”

    Read Also: Buhari condemns bandit attack in Sokoto

    He said that the bandits moved with motorcycles that carry up to three people numbering about thirty motorcycles in all, meaning that the armed bandits were up to 90;

    Aliero expressed worry that “the armed bandits sent two people to the village to buy food for them and the villagers observed that the emissaries were armed and they were interrogated by the villagers and found to be armed bandits similar to the ones operating in Zamfara. The villagers apprehended and executed the two emissaries.”

    He further noted that “the armed bandits sent advance notice to the villagers that they were coming to retaliate the killing of their people.”

    He said “The Chairman of the local government and the village head alerted the law enforcement agencies on this notice of the bandits. Security was provided for a period of 5days after which they were withdrawn, immediately the security agencies were withdrawn, the armed bandits moved in and started killing indiscriminately using A1017 riffles. The situation now is that most of the villagers have left their homes out of fear and so many are still stranded in the bush, not to mention the injured ones still at the hospital and others rendered homeless.”

    Most of the senators who contributed to the motion asked the Federal Government to take steps to protect lives and property in the country.

  • Buhari condemns bandit attack in Sokoto

    …Vows to protect Nigerians

     

    President Muhammadu Buhari has condemned the killing of several people, including a district head, in and around the village of Gandi in Rabah local government of Sokoto State by bandits.

    The President, in a statement by the Senior Special Assistant on Media and publicity, Garba Shehu, said “This wanton violence against innocent people won’t be tolerated by this government, and we are working round the clock to identify the people sponsoring these heartless attacks.

    “It is curious why any group of mass murderers would be targeting and killing innocent people for no just reason.

    Read Also:Buhari, Ramaphosa to discuss killing of Nigerians in South Africa

    “Make no mistake about it, my administration remains committed to security as one its core objectives, and any attempt to test our will by any group of anarchists and trouble makers will be met with equal force”, he warned further.

    President Buhari assured Nigerians that “identifying and defeating these callous killers is receiving priority from this administration, and we shall spare no effort in tracing the root of this evil, especially their sources of funding and arms.”

    He promised that although these hit and run gangs of mass murderers are using unconventional tacts, they will eventually be defeated.

    The President also warned that “this administration will not allow any  group of barbarians and criminals hold the country hostage and  destroy life without consequences.”

    “I wish to assure all Nigerians that their security is receiving the greatest attention from this administration and there is no compromise in this commitment. I appeal for your patience while my security teams crack their brains to put an end to this horrendous violence”, Buhari added.

    The President extended his condolences to the government, families of the victims and the people of Sokoto State at large over what he called “this incredible losses of lives at the hands of these enemies of humanity.”

    He assured that the Federal Government will give all possible assistance to the state in dealing with the tragic incident.

  • Stop pretending, everything is wrong with Nigeria – Tambuwal to leaders

    Sokoto state Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal of Sokoto state on Saturday voiced out, urging leaders at all levels to accept responsibility rather than continue to pretend that all was well with our nation.

    According to him, “everything is wrong with our nation and we must as a matter of urgency rise to the challenges.”

    Similarly, while commenting on security situation resulting to the incessant killings in the country, Tambuwal said it has justified their calls for state police.

    According to him, state Governors have to evolve and be allowed some measures of control of security personnel in their respective states.

    The APC governor however, frowned at and described it as unacceptable that a Governor would call the Commissioner of police over an important security issue but his call would be ignored.

    “Whether we like it or not there is seeming justification for state police and there is seeming justification for state government to have some measures of control over security personnel. You call police Commissioner and that call is ignored is unfortunate and unacceptable,” he said

    Read Also: Tambuwal seeks lasting peace in Zamfara

    Tambuwal who spoke while declaring the National Executive Council meeting of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) open in Sokoto also called on President Muhammadu Buhari to do something about the serving chiefs and their mode of operations.

    “Because providing security rely squarely on government, particularly, federal government. We must call a spade by its name. The President has to do the needful. We have qualified people who can bring fresh ideas,” he said

    The Governor however, cautioned journalists against writing things that would further worsen the current security situation in the country.

    “Because the situation in the country calls for caution,” he said

    In his remarks, the national President of NUJ, Abdulwaheed Odusile said traditional and past leaders should desist from fanning the ember of hatred in the country.

    “They should mind what the say and media should also be mindful of what they write,” he cautioned.

    He urges Nigerians to learn to live in peace with one another and not to resort to violence in settling their differences.

    Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko who was represented at the event by Isa Galadanchi admonished media practioners to see their profession as a sacred duty between them and God, hence they should shun bias and unprofessional conduct capable of causing disunity in the nation.

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  • MARYAM MAIRO TAMBUWAL gives to women and children

    FOR Hajia Mairo Tambuwal, this is no better time to put smiles on the faces of women in Sokoto State. In order to ensure that child and maternal mortality is drastically reduced, if not eliminated, the governor, Aminu Tambuwal, and his wife recently flagged off the Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn child, Adolescent Health Plus Nutrition (RMNCAH+N) in the state.

    The couple also inaugurated the revitalised primary health care and birth right labour room at Gagi town, Sokoto south local government area.

    It will be recalled that the wife of the president and founder of Future Assured, Mrs. Aisha Buhari, has encouraged wives of governors to make commitment towards championing the improvement of RMNCAH+N in Nigeria.

    It was in line with this commitment that the Sokoto State’s first lady, who is also the Sokoto State RMNCAH+N champion, initiated the flag off of the programme, which is designed to cover the 23 local government areas of Sokoto State.

    The governor’s wife attributed the successful turnout of the event to God. She also expressed her gratitude to her husband, who in spite of his tight schedule attended the memorable event.

    Hajia Tanbuwal also announced to the gathering the distribution of over 2000 mobile phones to community-based healthcare volunteers in the state, to enhance sensitisation and social mobilisation activities.

  • Sokoto inaugurates upgraded General Hospital

    Sokoto State has launched a general hospital it rehabilitated at the cost of N286 million.

    A former governor of the state Senator Aliyu Wamakko inaugurated the Silame General Hospital, saying the health sector is crucial to the overall well-being of the people.

    Wamakko, chair of the Northern Senators Forum, praised the state government led by Governor Aminu Tambuwal for rehabilitating and upgrading the hospital.

    The ceremony was part of events marking the 2018 Democracy Day in the state, as well the third year anniversary of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) government of Governor Tambuwal.

    Senator Wamakko who is the immediate past governor of the state, said, “The health facility will go a long way in further improving the health status of the people of the area. The essence of every government is to meet the yearnings and aspirations of the governed, while the health sector is crucial in this direction. I am extremely delighted to be part of this epoch-making event and I must commend the state government for this feat.’’

    Wamakko, the chairman, Senate Committee on Basic and Secondary Education, said what the state government did for the people of the area was in line with the principles fairness in governance.

    He further lauded Governor Tambuwal for sustaining the peace he inherited, noting that the state remains the most peaceful in Nigeria.

    Governor Tambuwal said that his administration was fully committed to providing efficient health services to the people of the state.

    The governor also promised that, the state government will leave no stone unturned in addressing the problems of the state, especially in the health sector.

    Governor Tambuwal maintained that the health sector has inseparable links to all the sectors of human endeavours. In the same vein, the governor appealed to the people of the area to use the facility judiciously, visit the hospital, allow their wives to attend antenatal clinics, as well as ensure that their children are fully immunised.

    The state Commissioner for Health, Dr Balarabe Shehu Kakale said that with the inauguration of the hospital, all the 23 local governments in the state now have fully functional General Hospitals.

    According to Kakale, Silame Local Government was the only one lacking a General Hospital and only had an upgraded Primary Health Centre.

    He disclosed that the hospital was fully equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including consulting rooms, admission wards, labour room and a laboratory, among others.

    The Chairman of the local government, Alhaji Abubakar Umaru Dantama, pledged that the health facility would be used judiciously by the people.

     

  • Sokoto University matriculates 2,150 for 2017/2018 session

    No fewer than 2,150‎ newly admitted students into various degree programmes for the 2017/2018 academic session were weekend matriculated by the authorities of the Sokoto state University, Sokoto with a call on them by the Vice Chancellor, Professor Sani Muhammad Dangoggo to abide by the rules governing the operations of the institution.

    The matriculation ceremony is the 5th in series since the establishment of the university built with the vision” to become a world- class‎ institution that produces globally competitive graduates who can advance economic development and are prepared to meet the challenges of time”

    According to Professor Dangoggo, the newly inducted students were admitted across three faculties for various degree programmes out of 6, 723 candidates who applied to the institution.

    The faculties include: Arts and Social Sciences, Education and Sciences respectively.

    He explained that the university has 18 Departments with 23 academic programmes with 18 duly accredited and 5 with interim accreditation in addition to the Centers for Entrepreneurial Studies, Mathematical Sciences and for the study of Sokoto Caliphate accordingly. The Vice Chancellor further remarked that the newly admitted students should count themselves lucky for securing admission into what he described as “this citadel” of learning.

    “Indeed, getting admission into this young, but promising university is not an easy task considering the number of applicants”‎, pointed out.

    Professor Dangoggo in the same vein, urged the newly admitted students to take their studies serious, stressing that degrees were only awarded for hard work and dedicated students.

    “You are also to be worthy in character‎ and endeavour to shun all vices and unethical conducts as cultism, examination malpractice, indecent dressing, drug abuse and reckless driving”, he warned.

    Similarly, the Vice Chancellor rolled out the university’s modest achievements to include the articulation of staff training and development programme for 380 teaching and non-teaching staff sponsored to attend conferences and workshops as well study fellowship through TETFund and University interventions for national and international studies respectively.

    The Vice Chancellor however, expressed gratitude and appreciation to Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal for his administrations untiring support and priority to the growth and development of the university in pursuit of academic excellence and worthy character attainment.

    Also, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman, Governing Board of the University, Barr. Inuwa Abdulkadir noted with excitement the progress being ‎experienced by the university in stemming it’s strides for academic excellence.

    He advised the newly students ‎to endeavor to justify their parents support by working hard and conducting themselves within the premise of the rules and regulations of the institution.

    “I urge you to dedicate your selves to our studies and shun acts capable of affecting the pursuit of your ‎programmes”, he said.

    Alhaji Abubakar Muhammad Dan Shehu who represented the Sokoto state Commissioner for Higher Education‎ told the students remain resilient and committed to the ideals and principles of discipline to enable them excel at the end of their studies.

  • UNICEF: Enrollment in Niger, Sokoto, increase by 61.8%

     

    The Cash Transfer Programme ( CTP ) of the United Nations Children’s Fund ( UNICEF ) has increased enrolment of girls in schools in Niger and Sokoto states by 61.8 per cent.

    The organisation said the programme has also reached 23, 000 girls in both states.

    Chief of Education, UNICEF Nigeria, Terry Durnnian, said this at a briefing to launch a report titled: “Impact Evaluation of UNICEF Nigeria Girls’ Education Project Phase 3 ( GEP3 ) Cash Transfer Programme in Niger and Sokoto states” in Abuja on Thursday.

    A breakdown of the report showed that enrolment by girls in Niger state had increased by 29.4 per cent while that of Sokoto state stood at 32.4 per cent.

    The CTP is being implemented in Niger, Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara states.

    It provides 665 under-privileged girls the opportunity to enroll and also remain in schools.

    Mr. Durnnian said: “I am delighted to be here today to talk about one of our education interventions that has successfully managed to remove some of these barriers and given more girls and boys in Sokoto, Niger, Kebbi and Zamfara states an opportunity to go to school and stay in school.

    “Children living in rural areas have less of a chance of going to school than those living in urban areas. Most of these children are girls; girls who never went to school from the beginning, and girls who have to drop out due to social and cultural reasons.

    “The programme is specifically designed to address the poverty-related reasons preventing children to enroll and stay in school. It gives families an opportunity to cover direct and opportunity costs related to their children’s-especially girls’ education. These costs include cost of uniforms, textbooks, learning materials and the lost benefit that the family will miss from the child’s contribution to the family income by going to school.

    “I am delighted to tell you that to date more than 23, 000 girls have benefitted from the programme in Niger and Sokoto states. The girls’ enrolment rate has increased by 29.4% in Niger and 32.4% in Sokoto. Both state governments have continued to rollout the programme and are successfully reaching more children.

    “In Kebbi and Zamfara states, the programme has started. We have already reached out to close to 11, 000 girls and boys with the first cash transfer payment.”

    He said UNICEF is committed to ensure that children in Nigeria enjoyed quality education.

    Durnnian identified poverty as one of the reasons why children stay away from school.

    “In Nigeria, more than 10 million children are out of school. Most of these children are girls and in the northern part of the country.

    “There are several reasons why these children are not in school. Often, children from the poorest families are more likely to be out of school than the ones from wealthier households. Children living in rural areas also have less chance of going to school than those growing up in cities.

    “Some girls are forced to marry. Some boys must work to help their families survive financially. These are just few examples.

    “When asked, parents and guardians cite poverty-related reasons as the most important, determining factor why their children are not in school.

    “We at UNICEF are dedicated to ensure all children can enjoy their right to a quality education, from early learning opportunities that lay the groundwork for success in school, all the way through secondary school.

    “Quality education equips children to succeed in school, perform productive work, take care of themselves and lead fulfilling lives,” he added.