The Nation Newspaper

Tag: SOKOTO

  • FRSC confirms ten dead in Zamfara auto-crash

     

    The Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) in Zamfara has confirmed the death of ten persons in Sunday’s late evening auto-crash in the state.

    Confirming the incident, the Public Relations Officer of the command, Nasiru Ahmed, said the incident occurred on the Sokoto-Gusau road and involved a head-on collision between a Golf car and a truck.

    The accident, he said, was due to over-speeding and loss of control on both sides.

    Ahmed said ten persons died while two other persons sustained injuries and were currently receiving treatment at Yariman Bakura Special Hospital in Gusau.

    He urged drivers to avoid night journeys as a way of reducing crashes on the roads.

    NAN

  • 240,000 out of school children in Zamfara – UNICEF

    The United Nation Children Education Fund (UNICEF) said it had identified 240,560 out-of-school children in three Local Government Areas of the state.

    The affected local government areas are Bukkuyum, Maradun and Zurmi.

    The Chief of UNICEF in charge of Sokoto Field office, Mohameden Fall disclosed this on Friday in Zurmi at the launching of cash transfer disbursement to parents of affected children under the UNICEF’s Educate A Child (EAC) project.

    He said the number was derived from the household mapping and listing of out-of-school children conducted in 2016 through the state Universal Basic Education Board when the number of out-of-school children was identified in the three LGAs.

    “In Bukkuyum, a total of 93,849 out-of-school children were identified with 41,134 males while 52,715 were females.

    “In Maradun 63,943 were identified with 28,963 males and 34,980 females while Zurmi has a total of 82,768 children with 38,286 males and 82,768 females,” he said.

    Fall also noted that the EAC project was bring funded by Qatar Foundation as personal initiative of Sheikh Nasser of Qatar and implemented by UNICEF in collaboration with Sokoto, Kebbi, Katsina and Zamfara state governments.

    According to him, the overall aim of the EAC was to extend the access to quality of basic education for 501, 749 out-of-school children across the four states by 2020.

    “We are targeting to reach out 10,347 in the first phase in Zamfara State, considering the alarming number of out-of-school children in the state.

    “We are calling on the state government to extend this programme to other local government areas,” he said.

    The project was initiated to assist households in sending their children and keeping them in school, in the benefiting communities who will receive an unconditional cash transfer of N8, 000 per child that falls between six and 11 years for the period of two years.

    “Cash transfer is one of the seven strategic interventions under the EAC to enable the government of the target states and UNICEF to reach more out-of-school children,” he said.

    He thanked the state government for the recent award of N1billion contract for school renovation and the release of over N1billion UBE counterpart funding on UNICEF intervention.

    In his remark, the state Commissioner of Budget and Economic Planning, Alhaji Ibrahim Birnin-Magaji thanked the UNICEF and Qatar Foundation for initiating the project.

    Birnin-Magaji said that the project was complementing the state government policy of promoting pupils enrollment and enhancement of basic education in the state.

    He said the state government was ready to continue to partner with the UNICEF and other development partners to improve quality education in the state.

    “The state government is committed to enhance teaching and learning in the state, from 2011 to date, we have renovated over 4,000 classrooms to reduce congestion of pupils.

    “We trained over 8,000 teachers and established 50 ICT centers across the primary and junior secondary schools in the state.

    “These efforts have increased our enrollment drive from 283,000 in 2012 to 600,000 as of now”, he said.

    Birnin-Magaji said the plan was one the ways to recruit more teachers and implement N18, 000 minimum wages for primary and junior secondary school teachers in the state.

    Earlier, the state SUBEB Chairman, Murtala Jangebe Commended the State Government and UNICEF for the project, saying that it would increase the pupils’ enrollment in the state.

    Jangebe said 3,449 children have been selected from the 14 communities to benefit from the assistance of N8, 000 under the project per term, per child.

    “We are disbursing N27 million as first phase to beneficiaries from Alawa, Kadage, and Doka communities from the three LGAs of Bukkuyum, Maradun and Zurmi respectively.

    “In each of the selected LGA, one community was chosen for the flag-off as first phase and we are going to continue with the remaining 11 communities”, he said.

    NAN

  • Sokoto staff census captures 90% – Tambuwal

    Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal has called on civil servants whose biometrics are yet to be captured in the ongoing staff census to ensure they are captured before the end of the exercise.

    Tambuwal made the appeal in Sokoto when a team from the office of the Head of Service enrolled his details into the register of staff already enumerated.

    “Let me say that government has given enough time for all staff to have their biometric data captured. We did this to ensure we have up-to-date record of all our workers.

    “The exercise will enable us have the proper list of staff in the payroll of the Sokoto state government and importantly, it will enable us plan better going forward,” the Governor added.

    Tambuwal said government introduced the exercise in order to have accurate data of the civil servants.

    He said according to the brief he received from the Head of Service, over 90% of civil servants have already been captured.

    He also explained that the present administration will continue to improve the welfare of the civil servants in the state.

    Also speaking, the Head of Service of Sokoto State, Dr. Buhari Bello Kware, said very soon the exercise will be rounded off and thanked the Governor for concern shown to the welfare of the civil servants in the state.

    He said various programs have been introduced by the present administration aimed at improving welfare of the civil servants for effective service delivery.

  • Court remands two men over cruelty to donkey

    A Sokoto Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, ordered the remand of two men, Abdulkarim Muhammad and Ibrahim Ibrahim over alleged cruelty to a donkey.

    The accused persons are facing a two-count charge of criminal conspiracy, riding and neglecting an animal.

    The Chief Magistrate, Nuraddeen Bello, ordered the remand of the accused persons after they pleaded not guilty to the charge.

    Bello adjourned the case until April 24, for hearing.

    Earlier, the prosecutor, Mr Monday Kennedy, told the court that the accused persons, who reside in Tafawa Balewa area Sokoto metropolis, intentionally conspired and rode on a donkey belonging to one Faruk Koko of Mabera area.

    He told the court that the accused persons jointly rode on the donkey to Tamaje area of Sokoto where they handed the exhausted donkey to one Abdulmumin.

    The prosecutor further said that Abdulmumin and the donkey were however knocked down by a car and both sustained injuries.

    He said that the owner of the donkey reported the incident on April 16, at Unguwan Rogo Police Station, Sokoto.

    Kennedy said the offence contravened Sections 97 and 208 of the Penal Code.

    NAN

  • Sokoto: Custom seizes 48 smuggled vehicles

    The Nigeria Customs Service ( NCS ) has seized 48 vehicles with duty paid value of N196.7 million in Sokoto. Nasir Ahmed, the Area Comptroller in charge of Sokoto/Kebbi/Zamfara Area Command, made the disclosure on Tuesday while briefing newsmen on the success recorded by the command in the first quarter of 2018.

    “The NCS based on credible intelligence on Wednesday April 12, with the assistance of the 1 Brigade, Nigeria Army in an operation discovered a location in Sokoto where several vehicles are stored.

    “These vehicles suspected to be smuggled into the country were stored at Rugan Waru Area of Sokoto state.

    “So, officers of NCS acting under the Customs and Excise Management Act, Cap 45, laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2014, during a raid discovered the 48 vehicles.

    “This, involved 20 Lexus GX 470 SUV vehicles and 28 Toyota Avensis vehicles suspected to be smuggled through unapproved routes,” he said.

    He added that the vehicles were immediately moved from the location and deposited at NCS headquarters in Sokoto.

    Read Also: Education at all cost: agony of lame female students in Sokoto varsity

    “We therefore urge the owners to come forward with valid Customs documents because failure to do so, the vehicles will be liable to seizure and subsequent forfeiture to the Federal Government after 30 days.

    “This is in line with the laws of the land. However investigations to ascertain the true owners of these vehicles is presently ongoing,” he added.

    The Comptroller further said that a total of N443.8 million revenue was generated by the command in the first quarter of 2018, higher by 20.3 per cent compared to same period in 2017.

    Ahmed also said that the command in the first quarter seized 2, 298 bags of 50 kg and 23 bags of 25 kg bags of foreign rice with duty paid value worth N41.3 million.

    He also added that 527 jerry cans of 25 kg vegetable oil with duty paid value of N6.6 million was seized by the command during the same period.

    NAN

  • Tambuwal applauds military for tackling insurgency

    The Governor of Sokoto State, Waziri Tambuwal has applauded the efforts of the Nigerian military in the fight against insurgency and Internal Security challenges in the Country.

    Tambuwal who was represented by the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Hon Suleiman Usman SAN and Commissioner for Energy, Hon Bello Mohammed Goronyo gave this commendation at the 2018 West African Social Activities (WASA celebration held on Saturday at 26 Battalion Parade ground, Giginya Barracks, Sokoto. He commended the efforts of the military for being professional and responsive in the discharge of their constitutional duties in the country particularly in the fight against insurgency in the North East and Internal Security challenges in Benue, Taraba, Zamfara and Plateau States.

    He also expressed satisfaction in particular on the efforts of the troops of 1 Brigade, Sokoto in assisting the government to combat security challenges within the State. He stressed that several military operations being undertaken in Tureta, Goronyo, Isa and Sabon Birni Local Governments in the last two years have helped to ensure serious security challenges been faced in other states were not allowed to rear their ugly heads into the State. He however, pledged that the State Government will continue to support the military towards achieving its mandate as their roles in ensuring the protection of territorial integrity of the Country and aiding the civil authority in Internal Security cannot be over emphasized.

    Earlier in his welcome address, the Commander 1 Brigade, Brigadier General Lynus Kennedy Udeagbala stated that WASA is an age-long much cherished Nigerian Army regimental and social tradition that provides opportunity for officers, soldiers and their families to come together to celebrate successes achieved during the outgone year. It further avails the opportunity for a formation or unit to establish start lines and focus for the activities for the New Year.

    WASA is usually conducted in a relax ambience of socialization that often showcases the rich cultural heritage that abounds in our Country. The occasion provides an opportunity for the leadership of a Command to appreciate troops for their contributions to successes achieved by the Command during the outgoing year. It fosters unity, enhance civil – military relations as well as regimentation. Gen Udeagbala thanked the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen TY Buratai and the GOC 1 Division, Maj Gen M Mohammed for their support to the Brigade.

    The Celebration was colourful as guests were thrilled with performances by diverse cultural troupes, tug of war competition and other comic reliefs.

    The occasion was graced by His Eminence Sultan of Sokoto who was represented by Ardon Shuni, Alhaji Mohammed Jabbi Harande, Commander Forward Operation Base, Nigerian Air Force, Gp Capt EE Owei, Zonal Commanding Officer Federal Road Safety Corps, ACM Ayobami Omiyale, Commander, Military Hospital, Sokoto, Lt Col II Amara, Commanding Officer 26 Battalion, Lt Col PO Alimekhena and representatives of Heads of Security Agencies in the State, Captain of Industries as well as the families of officers and soldiers from 26 Battalion, Brigade Garrison and Military Hospital Sokoto.

  • Excitement as varsity investors partner to build hostels

    The protracted accommodation challenges faced by students of Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS) may disappear soon, as the school mulls partnership with private investors to build Halls of Residence.

    The Vice-Chancellor (VC), Prof Abdullahi Zuru, said the school was willing to partner with private organisations and non-governmental organisation, including Tony Elumelu Foundation and United Bank of Africa (UBA), to build hostels in the school.

    He said: “The university management is seeking partnership with the UBA and other private investors to build hostels for the school, which also is part of business strategy.”

    Dean of Students’ Affairs (DSA), Prof A.A. Alieru, told CAMPUSLIFE that the school had opened its doors to allow private investors build affordable hostels in the school, given the challenge of accomodating students.

    The dean said the plan was in line with the Federal Government’s aim to allow private investors partner with tertiary institutions in improving infrastructure.

    He revealed that the school had received letters of interest from various companies, among  which is JAIZ Bank, in building hostels.

    Students expressed excitement, following the revelation.

    A 100-Level Agricultural student, Saliman Abdulateef, hailed the school the development, saying: “It is a good decision by management. I look forward to the period when every student would be accommodated on the campus.”

    Habeeb Orelope, a 100-Level Forestry student, urged the school to make liaise with its partner in making the hostels affordable.

    Kaothar Abdulazeez, a 200-Level Physics student, said the proposed hostel would be a relief to students who paid high cost to get hostels outside the school.

    The Students’ Union president, Ibrahim Sheu Kalgo, pledged the union’s support to the management in alleviating the accommodation challenges facing students.

  • Security in Sokoto, Kaduna, Katsina, Zamfara collaborate to tackle crime

    Security agencies in Sokoto, Katsina, Kaduna and Zamfara states say they are collaborating to tackle criminality in their areas of operation.

    The formations that include; Army, Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps ( NSCDC ) and NDLEA, told the News men that they were conducting joint security operations and sharing intelligence information on criminals to enable them to effectively combat crime.

    The Commissioner of Police in Sokoto State, Mr Murtala Mani, said his command had effective collaboration with all security agencies in the state.

    Mani said through the command’s Spokesman, Cordelia Nwawe, that although the state was largely peaceful, it was working with other agencies on crime mapping and surveillance.

    “We have working synergy with Army, NSCDC, NDLEA, DSS and vigilance groups on tackling incidences of cattle rustling, kidnapping, armed robbery and other crimes.’’

    He said armed robbery, cattle rustling and kidnappings occurred mostly in Raba, Goronyo, Isa and Illela local government areas of the state.

    He, however, said that the cases were being effectively curtailed with combined efforts of other security agencies and communities.

    Also, Mr Babangida Dutsinma, State Commandant of NSDC in the state, said four security agencies were jointly conducting a special operation code-named ‘Operation Harmony’, in areas with high crime records in the state.

    Dutsinma said the NSCDC enjoyed massive support from the Army, Police, the Prisons Service and Immigration Service, using their facilities and officers for the training of its personnel.

    On its part, the police said a joint operation between security agencies in the state had resulted in dismantling many criminal gangs.

    The Spokesman of  the Police Command in the state, DSP Mohammed Shehu, said all the security agencies in the area were partnering to curtail crime.

    Mr David Abi, Commandant of NSCDC in the state, told the News men that the inter agency cooperation shared in the state was “marvellous,’’ adding that they ran “joint patrols with strong sense of patriotism, understanding, discipline and respect for one another.”

    Similarly, the Public Relations Officer of the NSCDC in Kaduna State,Mr Orndiir Terzengwe, said collaboration between the various security agencies had helped to tackle incidences of kidnapping and armed robbery along Kaduna – Abuja Express way, Kaduna- Birnin Gwari Road, Kaduna-Zaria and Kaduna – Jos Road, and within some urban centres across the state.

    “Continuous joint raids of suspected black spots by NDLEA, NSCDC, Police and others, are gradually reducing consumption of hard drugs among youths, which is believed to be largely responsible for youth indulging in different crimes.

    Read Also: USAID partners Sokoto, Bauchi on primary health care

    “In situations where conventional security operatives are not available, vigilance groups’ effect arrest or assist security agencies with information on the whereabouts of suspected criminals, they render intelligence assistance.

    “The Espirit de Corps is commendable but there is need to improve on what is obtainable,’’ Terzengwe.

    Muhktar Aliyu, spokesman of the state Police Command, identified some security breaches in the state to include kidnapping, cattle rustling, armed robbery, activities of thugs and bandits.

    Aliyu said such crimes were being handled through effective joint patrols and operations.

    In Katsina State, the security agencies said they were holding regular meetings under the chairmanship of the Police Commissioner where they were appraising security issues and adopting strategies to confront them.

    Isah Gambo, spokesman of the state police command in the state, said they were conducting joint security patrols and operations, and sharing intelligence information to safeguard lives and property.

    Gambo disclosed that the command had set up a community policing unit to coordinate and set guidelines for communities engaged in providing security for their localities.

    According to him, a community policing committee has been going round the 34 local governments areas and discussing with community leaders on their security challenges with a view to addressing them.

    Sanusi Muazu, the Comptroller, Nigeria Prisons Service in the state, also said that the service had developed a strong synergy with all the security agencies operating in the state.

    Muazu said that they were working with the military, police and other security agencies, sharing intelligence information to ensure full protection of lives and property.

    NAN

  • Tragedy of religion affects our workings for humanity, nation’s unity – Kukah

    Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah of the Sokoto Catholic Diocese on Tuesday said Nigeria is under the challenges of religious tragedy which affects it effort at building hope for the development of humanity and promoting sincerity of purpose for citizens.

    He noted that it was consequential to allow sentiment dictate the  course‎ for humanity in public affairs.

    “Our greatest tragedy today in Nigeria ‎is how we react to or take religious issues.”

    Kukah who spoke on the sidelines shortly after the Diocese observed it’s annual Priestley renewal ‎mass conducted at the Catholic Church on Ahmadu Bello Way, Sokoto said unless Nigerians go by the dictates of what the reflection of the letters in the constitution which guarantees the rights of citizens, the quest for a true Nigerian nation would continue to be a mirage.

    “Today getting into or accessing public ‎office has been trivialised to religion or ethnic. Even promotion or elevation carries such emblem.

    “People must not be made to forfeit their identity. The prejudice in our bureaucracy ‎is visible across climes of our system”, he wondered.

    On Leah Sheribu’s condition for release by her captive, the Catholic Bishop described the victim’s voice as a true quality of upright parental upbringing.

    ” It is an irreversible reflection of her upbringing knowing her background and what her identity is.

    “Is an unquantifiable reasoning from the abducted girl for ably standing her ground for what she worships.

    “Even if you are stealing, you must ask your self that when I steal, will my parents be happy with me. This is because you are reflecting on your parental background and training.”

    He expressed concern over how citizens were exposed to difficulties in the north on religious issues.

    According to him” We have to be humane than promoting sentiments. It does not matter your faith but the circumstance should be first to consider. You must not be a muslim or christian and have to go to mosque ‎or church to get favour or access to Buhari or not.

    “We have to stand for one another‎ and encourage sound parenting “, he declared.

    Kukah noted that anything done home or abroad, spoke of the quality ‎of parenting.

    Meanwhile, this year’s Priestley renewal was performed by a large congregation of catholics which signified a moment of vow taking to continue to serve God in the manner.

    However, unless on health ground where a priest was incapacitated and could not be wheel chaired, everyone must participate latest on Thursday before Easter.

    “After the mass, we have to celebrate at a ceremony”, a member said.

  • USAID partners Sokoto, Bauchi on primary health care

    The United States Agency for International Development ( USAID ) has signed two agreements with Bauchi, Sokoto States and other stakeholders to expand access to quality, affordable health care in the two states.

    A statement by the U.S. Embassy on Monday in Abuja explained that the agreements were aimed at boosting access to quality Primary Health Care services in the two states.

    “USAID Mission Director, Stephen Haykin, joined the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’adu Abubakar, Minister of Health, Isaac Adewole, philanthropists Bill Gates and Aliko Dangote, and governors of Bauchi and Sokoto states by video teleconference to sign the two agreements.

    “Under the four-year addenda to improve routine immunisation and expansion of funding for the Primary Health Care.

    “USAID will provide technical assistance to the Bauchi and Sokoto States Primary Health Care Development agencies to help expand access to routine immunisations and primary health care.

    “While UNICEF will partner with the Gates and Dangote foundations to match the states’ investments in the sectors,’’ the US embassy stated.

    The embassy explained that in return, the Bauchi and Sokoto Governments agreed to earmark 1.8 million dollars to invest in routine immunisation and primary health care in 2018.

    “Under the agreements, both states will incrementally raise their funding contributions in these sectors to become self-sufficient by 2022’’.

    Haykin described the agreements as “new stage” in USAID’s partnerships with Bauchi and Sokoto states, which would adapt its health programming to the needs of the states to help extend life-saving treatment to millions across Nigeria.

    “I applaud the governors’ efforts to improve public health care service delivery in their states, and strongly encourage them to continue working towards optimising their state’s capacity to deliver quality, affordable health services to their constituents,” Haykin said.

    After the ceremony, Gates said, “Vaccinations are phenomenal in their impact because a child that has not been vaccinated is twice likely to die. We can prevent millions of deaths through routine immunisation”.

    NAN