The Nation Newspaper

Tag: SOKOTO

  • N101m goods seized in Sokoto

    Hard drugs, rice, cooking oil and clothing materials were among goods impounded by the Sokoto State command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) since the beginning of the year. The Deputy Comptroller of the command in charge of Enforcement, Investigations and Inspection, Saka Yunusa, put the value of the goods at N101 million. Yunusa told reporters in Sokoto that the items were seized between January and December.

    He explained that the seizures were made in the three states under the command, which include Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara.

    According to him, the area command had secured ten convictions during the same period under review.

    “There are also seven suspects in custody in the command, who are undergoing various stages of prosecution,” he added.

    Yunusa further commended the officers and men of the command.

    “All the officers who recorded these seizures would soon be rewarded through promotions by the customs headquarters,” he said.

    “The officers and men of the service nationwide are fully committed to the religious implementation of the federal government’s fiscal policies,” he added.

    While acknowledging that Nigeria’s borders were porous, Yunusa said that the officers and men were committed to taming the menace of smuggling activities in the country.

    “The management of the service is committed to stopping the menace,” he said.

     

  • 464 pilgrims escape death at Sokoto airport

    464 pilgrims escape death at Sokoto airport

    •Aircraft makes emergency landing

    A crash was averted yesterday at the Sultan Abubakar International Airport, Sokoto, as a Max Airline aircraft was forced to make an emergency landing about 2:40am.

    The aircraft was conveying 464 pilgrims, including Hajj officials from Sokoto and Zamfara states.

    The incidence is the second after a Kabo Airline aircraft escaped a similar crash at the beginning of this year’s Hajj exercise.

    The aircraft hovered for about 20 minutes, after three attempts, before landing.

    On board were Zamfara Deputy Governor and the state Amirul Hajj, Ibrahim Wakkala as well as other state officials.

    Also on board were the Sokoto State Amirul Hajj, Jubril Gada and the Chairman of the State Pilgrims Welfare Agency, Muntari Maigona.

    The aircraft was said to be carrying the last batch of pilgrims from the zone, comprising those from Sokoto and Zamfara states.

    A passenger, Faruku Umar, said: “The aircraft was supposed to have landed at 2.40am but it could not do so until around 3am.

    “It was only able to land after making two futile attempts and it landed during the third attempt, but with difficulty.

    “We all knew that there was a problem and it was a harrowing experience. We were, however, prayerful.”

    The airport’s Acting Manager, Madu Bukar, said: “We mobilised all the fire engines and other facilities and personnel required during an emergency landing.

    “Luckily, the aircraft landed without any hitch and there was no damage to any airport facility.

    “All the passengers were thereafter safely evacuated and as I am speaking to you now, the aircraft is parked at the airport.”

  • Special sanitation programme coming in Sokoto

    The Sokoto North Local Government Area of Sokoto State said it would introduce a special sanitation exercise to keep its environment clean, it’s Chairman, Alhaji Abdullahi Hassan, has said.

    Hassan told journalists in Sokoto that the exercise became necessary because of heaps of refuse in various parts of Sokoto metropolis and environs.

    “This exercise will be in Sokoto North and South, Kware, Wamakko, Bodinga and Dange/Shuni.

    “Residents are on daily basis generating tonnes of waste constituting menace to the environment,’’ he said.

    Hassan said that the exercise, which would be sustained for several weeks, would focus on the clearing the ‘mountain’ of refuse.

    “This is part of our modest efforts to complement the programme of the state Ministry of Environment and its agencies in ridding the city of filth.

    “When we do this, we will be keeping communicable diseases at bay, especially now that the harmattan season is setting in,’’ he said.

    He said that the exercise would also target areas he called “hot spots”, like Runjin-Sambo, Gidan-Igwai, Federal Low Cost, Gandu, Kwanni, old market and other adjoining areas.

    The chairman solicited the support of the residents to ensure the success of the exercise.

     

  • Sokoto loses 70-year-old pilgrim

    Sokoto loses 70-year-old pilgrim

    The death of a 70-year-old, Ahmadu Achida from Wurno Local Government Area of Sokoto State, has tempered the excitement of the state’s pilgrims after the Aliyu Wamakko administration donated N56m to the Holy Land visitors.

    The septuagenarian died at Muna two days after observing the Arafat, the chairman of the Publicity Committee of the state’s 2013 delegation, Labaran Dundaye, told Newsextra in a telephone interview.

    Dundaye, who is also the chairman of the Sokoto State council of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), said the deceased died after a brief illness.

    “The incident took place at Muna, near Makkah, two days after the Arafat, after Achida complained of minor body pains and other discomforts,” he said.

    “Shortly after, he was confirmed dead. So far, he was the only pilgrim from the state who died during this year’s hajj.

    “His remains have since been buried by the Saudi authorities at Makkah, after a funeral prayer at the Grand Mosque, the Ka’abah.

    “The family of the deceased have been informed about his demise,” he said.

    Dundaye said that the remaining pilgrims were hale and hearty.

    The governor’s donation did much to lift the spirits of the pilgrims but the death brought considerable despair.

    The state has 6,170 pilgrims in this year’s hajj.

    The state’s publicity committee sub-chairman on the 2013 hajj, Dundaye, said the donation was announced by the leader of the delegation (Amirul Hajj), Senator Jubril Gada, in Makkah.

    Dundaye said: “Wamakko made the donation when he visited the office of the state’s Pilgrim’s Welfare Agency, Makkah,” he added.

    Dundaye said each of the 6,170 pilgrims got 200 Saudi Riyals, equivalent of about N 9,000.

    “The gesture was an annual exercise being extended to the state’s pilgrims by Wamakko to alleviate their sufferings and to assist the beneficiaries to augment their usually-exhausted basic travelling allowances.

    “The distribution of the money was done between October 17 and 18, and all the pilgrims had received their shares,” he said.

    Accordingly, Wamakko was quoted as commending the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) for making excellent arrangements which helped in ensuring the success of the 2013 Hajj exercise.

    “Nigeria has made good arrangements in this direction and the pilgrims had prayed for sustainable peace and unity of the country during the hajj.

    “There is no compromise about the unity and peace of Nigeria, and these fervent prayers would be sustained even after the current hajj exercise,” Wamakko was further quoted.

    The governor, according to Dundaye, also commended the state’s Pilgrims’ Welfare Agency, members of the hajj delegation and the state’s pilgrims for exhibiting a high sense of commitment and patriotism.

    Governor Wamakko had also performed the just-concluded hajj exercise as the special guest of the Saudi Arabian authorities.

    The leader of the state’s delegation, Senator Jubril Gada and the chairman of the Pilgrims’ Welfare Agency, Alhaji Muntari Maigona, all attributed the success of their assignment to the unwavering commitment, support and cooperation of Wamakko to the welfare and comfort of the pilgrims.

    However, the annual hajj exercise has been concluded after the 3-day symbolic stoning of the devil at Jamrat, Muna, between 10th Zul-Hijjah to 12th Zul-Hijjah.

  • Sokoto to demolish illegal structures

    The Sokoto State government is to embark on the demolition of illegal structures in Sokoto City and it environs.

    The Chairman of the State Committee on Sanitation, Removal of Illegal Structures and Beautification of Sokoto City, Squadron Leader Aminu Bala (rtd), stated this in an interview with journalists in Sokoto.

    He said that some illegal structures that were demolished by government about two months ago, had resurfaced.

    Bala listed areas to be affected by the exercise as Ahmadu Bello Way, Kano road, Sultan Abubakar road, Abuja road, and the western bye-pass.

    “The Sokoto State Government is therefore set to commence the demolition exercise in Sokoto City and its environs, from Sept. 30, and no illegal structure will be spared.

    “The aim of the massive exercise is to ensure that buildings are erected with the permission of all the regulatory agencies of the government.

    “This is also to ensure that we restore all structures to be in tune with the original master plan of the city.

    “ We have given the owners of the affected structures several notices and they had repeatedly ignored such notices.

    “ What remains now is for us to swing into action and pull down these structures, both commercial and residential,” he said.

    He appealed to the residents of the city to support and cooperate with the committee, to ensure the success of the exercise.

    On the issue of sanitation, Bala said a mobile court, headed by a Magistrate, had been re-introduced to prosecute all offenders summarily.

    He said the court began operations on September 28, having been moribund for about 12 years.

     

  • Sokoto warns on border market fraudsters

    Sokoto warns on border market fraudsters

    Beware of fraudsters at the border!

    That was the alert the Sokoto State government sent out to residents of the state who may have cause to visit the Illela International border market for business. The facility is currently being built but crooks are said to be about seeking prey.

    The international market is earmarked for construction at the cost of N33 billion.

    The warning was contained in a statement issued and made available to reporters in Sokoto by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Commerce, Industries and Tourism, Alhaji Garba Sarkin-Kudu.

    Sarkin-Kudu said: “The Ministry has observed with dismay the illicit and illegal act of some persons and organised groups collecting funds from innocent contractors under false pretences to secure contracts for them in the construction of the market.”

    He said the public should note that “This Ministry and other stakeholders of this important project are not party to such illegal act.

    “The public would be properly notified as soon as the process of awarding contracts on the construction of the border market commences.”

    The statement stressed that any person or organisation in the state, other parts of Nigeria or the world who gives money to any person or organisation in the name of the registration or contract award will have themselves to blame.

    The statement further advised members of the public to contact the office of  the state Commissioner of Commerce, Industries and Tourism, Alhaji Aliyu Shehu Achida, for any enquiries about the market.

  • Sultan advocates sustainable peace in Nigeria

    The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, on Thursday advocated for sustainable peace in Nigeria and its universities.

    Abubakar made the remark when, Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha, the Vice Chancellor, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, visited him in Sokoto.
    According to him, sustainable peace is very crucial to realisation of Nigeria’s scientific, technological and socio-economic development.
    “Without peace, there won’t be any chance for development, and this will be disastrous for Nigeria and the world,’’ the sultan said.
    The sultan also said that a tranquil of peace in the universities and other institutions would impact positively on the training of quality manpower for the nation.
    “If this is not ensured, the opposite will be the case and the county would continue to lag behind.’’
    Mustapha, in his speech, told the Sultan that the visit was aimed at congratulating the monarch on his 57th birthday. “We are here to pay our respect to you as our chancellor and a committed leader whose penchant for sustainable peace and unity in Nigeria is unparalleled,’’ Mustapha said.
     

  • Embrace APC for change, Bafarawa urges Sokoto

    Former Sokoto State governor, Attahiru Bafarawa, yesterday called on the people of the state to embrace the All Progressive Congress (APC) for accelerated development.

    He spoke at the launch of the party.

    Bafarawa, who was besieged by scores of party supporters and brown-waving loyalists said: “This gathering is a signal and prelude in defense of the cause of the party for Sokoto State.”

    The APC leader added: “We will domesticate the party by ushering in good leaders with positive political sense of direction, institute morality and ensure progress.”

    He promised to “lead with every sense of humility, understanding and fair-mind for all to contribute to the spread of its acceptance across the 23 councils in the state.”

    He said APC is a political platform built on truth, honesty and sincerity of purpose with a view to meeting the yearnings and aspirations of Nigerians.

    He maintained that the era of promoting and encouraging political vendetta, intimidation and discord was over, adding that” we want to ensure absolute politics of issues and progress among our members.”

    He added: “Our symbol ‘broom’ is not for sweeping but it represents unity, progress and change for all.

    “The party’s political wheel is strengthened and all inclusive for politics of transformation and independence.”

    Bafarawa said he is determined to restructure the state in terms of socio-economic transformation.

     

  • Hajj: Agency to bar female pilgrims with over 3 months pregnancy

    Prospective female pilgrims from Sokoto state who are more than three months pregnant will be barred from performing this year’s pilgrimage to Mecca, an official has said.

    The Chairman, Sokoto State Pilgrims’ Welfare Agency, Alhaji Muntari Maigona, disclosed this in Sokoto on Wednesday during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

    He said the agency had commenced medical screening of prospective pilgrims to ensure that women who were more than three months pregnant are not allowed to perform the pilgrimage.

    Maigona said the decision was taken after the agency held a meeting recently with hajj officials from the state’s 23 local government areas (LGAs) and other stakeholders.

    “There was an agreement at the meeting that any woman who is more than three months pregnant may face some difficulties during the rigorous exercise.

    “The decision was taken to safeguard the lives of pregnant women and their unborn babies,” he said.

    The chairman said a medical team would soon travel round the state to conduct the screening.

    Maigona added that members of the various sub-committees established by the agency to conduct the 2013 pilgrimage were also going round the 23 LGAs to ensure the success of the exercise.

  • Sokoto earmarks over N1.6bn for projects

    Sokoto State has earmarked N772 million for the construction of a concrete-cast parameter walls to ensure better security at the Government House.

    The Commissioner for Information, AlhajiDanladiBako, stated this last week shortly after the state Executive Council meeting.

    He said the construction work, which will also include two befitting car parks on both sides of the entrance gate to the Government House,is expected to be completed in four months.

    Bako also disclosed that N85 million has been approved by the council for the construction, renovation and expansion of parts of Nagarta College, Sokoto.

    He explained: “The works include the rehabilitation of the Magajin Rafi House, seven classrooms destroyed by windstorm and expansion and conversion of workshop building to a befitting conference hall with appreciable seating capacity with a completion period of four months.”

    The Commissioner for Solid Mineral, DahiruMaishanu, said the administration has awarded contract for the rehabilitation and renovation of the dilapidated GSS Wauru in Gada Local Government of the state.

    According to him, the scope of work contracted at the sum of N78.9 million includes repairs and renovation of blocks of classrooms, eastern and northern sides of the school.

    Also for rehabilitation and expansion are: GSS More in Kware LG and Army Day Secondary School, Sokoto at the cost of N65.8 million and N120.3 million.

    The Commissioner for Health, Alhaji Ahmed Aliyu, said the state government had approved the construction of modern General Hospital each at Kware and Dange/Shuni local governments at the cost of N172.2 million respectively.

    According to him the contracts will be due for completion within nine months.

    Aliyu also disclosed that contract for the construction of a storey building with classrooms and library facilities at the College of Nursing and Midwifery, Sokoto has been awarded at the cost of N148.57 million.

    “The contract is expected to be completed in five months while work for the construction of male and female wards as well as borehole at Illela the General Hospital has been awarded by the state government at the cost of N118.17 million to be completed within a period of six months,” he stated.