The Nation Newspaper

Tag: SOKOTO

  • Sokoto sets up displaced persons’ camps

    Sokoto sets up displaced persons’ camps

    Three camps will soon be set up in Sokoto State for its internally-displaced persons.

    The state Director-General Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) Alhaji Hassan Maccido dropped the hint in the capital when he received members of a four-man post-flood health risks assessment committee set up by the Health Minister, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu.

    Maccido said the camps will be spread across the state’s three senatorial zones, adding that “one of [them] will cater for the victims of natural disasters like flood.”

    According to Maccido, the camps will have the entire needed social infrastructure to make life easier and meaningful for the victims of all unforeseen natural disasters.

    He said the planned camps are expected to have all necessary facilities for human habitation and would be replicated in the 23 local government areas of the state in due course.

    Maccido further explained that the aim was to avoid the usual fire brigade approach to disaster management.

    “We need efficient disaster management and response mechanisms in Nigeria,” he added.

    He further stressed the need for timely response to disasters in the country, urging, “We need to learn lessons from developed countries.

    “We should thank God that we don’t have some of the most terrible disasters like cyclones, earthquakes and hurricanes, among others.”

    The SEMA boss said the state government was committed to empowering the agency to discharge its responsibilities effectively.

    Maccido, who acknowledged the efforts being made at ensuring disaster control and management in recent times, commended the Federal Government for setting up the committee and for rising to the challenge of flood disasters in the country.

  • National Bureau of Statistics wrong on Sokoto

    National Bureau of Statistics wrong on Sokoto

    SIR: The National Bureau of Statistics publication ranking Sokoto State at the bottom of development in Nigeria is far from true reflection of the state. The indices of development include state of critical infrastructure and the living standard of the population.

    At the inception of Wamakko administration, aggressive efforts were geared towards renovation and construction of schools across the state which resulted in increase in enrollment of boys and girls into schools. The abolition of discriminatory school fees encouraged more pupils into all schools up to tertiary levels. Governor Wamakko’s administration established a State University that has started admitting students in various faculties completed. The institution has not operated from any temporary site, but stands on its foundation site. Education is a veritable tool of fighting poverty. The youth are now empowered through education. The state has scored high in this direction.

    On the area of health care delivery services, the administration provided necessary facilities and equipment to existing hospitals, motivated the health care workforce. The drug revolving scheme was introduced to afford citizens access to free medical care. New hospitals have been constructed across the state that medical services are now available to the masses. There are free medical services for children 1-5 years and pregnant mothers. More medical personnel have been recruited. More indigenes have been trained or are being trained to meet the manpower needs in the health sub-sector. The state paid fully its counterpart funding to international donor agencies in the health sector.

    Sokoto State is in the front runner of providing grassroots mobile medical surveillance system where well equipped medical vans penetrate every nook and cranny of the state to treat patients free, detect outbreak of diseases and are ready hands to transport critical cases to tertiary institutions in the State capital, Sokoto for adequate treatment.

    Moreover, the first phase of the School of Midwifery at Tambuwal is at advanced stage of completion. This is to complement the efforts of the College of Nursing , Sokoto and School of Health Technology , Gwadabawa to provide manpower needs of the health sub-sector.

    Over 600 roads have been constructed across the state. These roads have opened inter and intra community intercourse which helps in evacuation of farm products to desired markets. The administration has constructed much irrigation farming system which benefits the farmers thereby increased their output. The farmers are busy all year round and so their earning capacity.

    Sokoto State is one of the major beef producers in the country. The administration has provided much grazing reserves for cattle herders. More veterinary hospitals have been constructed with adequate supply of drugs to take care of the health of the animals. The herders testify to relief from animal diseases and good health of their animals that are being transported to other parts of the country. The herders now make more money from their sales which stave off poverty.

    The administration has constructed over 2000 housing units which are being allocated on owner/occupier basis to civil servants. This is in addition to 30-40 houses constructed in each local government. More have been earmarked to be constructed against 2013 fiscal year.

    Through the department of rural roads, rural water and rural electrification so many rural areas are now opened up to modern amenities that cottage industries are springing up everywhere to benefit the youth who now combine farming with commercial activities in the rural areas. Life is much better for young men and women in the rural areas. These are signs of improvement in the standard of living.

    The state government through the Skills Acquisition Programme has trained over 12,000 youths across the state in various trades such as plumbing, electrical fittings, tailoring, carpentry, soap making, brick laying etc. They are equipped, on graduation, with tools and cash to set up their own trade.

    One wonders how the National Bureau of Statistics arrived at its conclusion.

    • Mohammed S. Umar

    Sokoto

  • Day Farouk Lawan cause stir in Sokoto

    FORMER chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Education, Lawan Farouk, aka Mr. Integrity, is still very popular and loved by the talakawa. You would have expected the show of love to take place in his Shanono/Bagwai Federal Constituency, Kano State. Instead, it happened in far away Sokoto State. It was at an award ceremony during the recent convocation of Uthman Dan Fodio University where the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal, was honoured with an honorary doctor of letters. Many House members were present to show their solidarity with the nation’s number four citizen. As both invited guests and members of the public were coming into the venue, Farouk sauntered into the hall and immediately proceedings came to a standstill as members of the public chorused his name. For about five minutes the event was momentarily suspended as the crowd hailed him and clapped – chorusing ‘Farouk, we love you’, ‘you are the man of the people’. He, in turn, waved appreciatively back to the crowd. It took the intervention of the Speaker who waved down the enthusiastic crowd before the event could continue.

  • 27 die in Sokoto road crash

    Twenty-seven people died on Monday in an accident in Sokoto State.

    Eighteen others were reportedly injured.

    But the state Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) confirmed 15 injured persons.

    The accident reportedly occurred on the Ruwa Wuri-Tangaza Road.

    Several cows and sheep were also said to heve died in the accident.

    It was learnt that the driver of the trailer, with registration number (Sokoto) XA 443 SAA, lost control.

    The trailer was heading to Warri, the Delta State capital, from Mano village when it plunged into a river near Masallaci village in Tangaza Local Government.

    It was also learnt that the victims have been buried in Bagida village.

    They were said to be residents of Bagida, Sabiyo, Tinnigere, Ruwa Wuri and Tsoni villages, in Tangaza Local Government.

    FRSC Sector Commander Dr. Umaru Aliyu said: “Our findings showed that the accident occurred due to overloading and speeding. Twenty-seven people died and 15 others were injured.

    “Those injured are receiving treatment at the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital (UDUTH), Sokoto, while the driver of the trailer and his motor boy fled.”

    Aliyu added that the trailer was conveying cows and passengers.

  • Sokoto pensioners demand salary increase

    Sokoto pensioners demand salary increase

    The Nigerian Union of Pensioners (NUP) in Sokoto State has urged the Aliyu Wamako administration to implement the 12.5 per cent and 15 per cent increment of their salaries as obtained in other states of the federation.

    The union is also seeking free medical treatment for its members and families in all the state and local government hospitals as well as the Usmanu Danfodiyo Teaching Hospital, Sokoto.

    Speaking during the Pensioners’ Day in Sokoto, its state chairman, Alhaji Ahmed Muhammad Ciroman Tangaza said pensioners in the state were concerned about the increment as well as free medical services for themselves and families.

    The chairman said granting the moderate demands by the union would fast-track steps for other states to emulate the initiative of Sokoto State government.

    “This will also encourage the Federal Government, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and foreign bodies to practice as well.

    “Such efforts earned Governor Wamakko the NUP-friendly governor award in 2008 by our headquarters,” he recalled.

    However, Alhaji Muhammad said the union was aware of the giant strides made by Wamakko-led administration towards the welfare of its members.

  • Philanthropist helps the needy in Sokoto

    Philanthropist helps the needy in Sokoto

    WITHIN two years of its formation and with a modest membership of 10, the Association of Rice/Onion Farmers, a non-governmental philanthropist organ, has done quite a lot to support the needy in Sokoto State.

    Aliyu Chibuzo, an Igbo Muslim, makes that support possible.

    Chibuzo, who resides in Sokoto and chairs the association, finds fulfilment in identifying with the needy and helping them.

    Recently, he undertook to foot the medical bill of four patients in private and public hospitals in the state capital.

    Chibuzo has already paid the bills of the patients, which amounted to N530,500.

    Three of the patients who were admitted at Sahel Hospital and have been discharged, include Babangida Usman Tambawal, Chibueze and Amina Murtala.

    Garba Aliyu, the fourth patient, however, was still at the Paediatric ward of the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital (UDUTH), as Newsextra went to press. Aliyu’s bill was N150,000.

    Chibuzo has also channelled resources to acquire a piece of land for the construction of a mosque in the Damboa area of the Sokoto metropolis.

    The philanthropist explained that the association has some prominent Sokoto traditional title holders as members, some of them being Alhaji Jibo Mazuga, Dallatun Sokoto,Magaji Sambo Gobirawa, District Head of Sarkin Zamfara, Alhaji Muhammad Ngala, Chief Imam of Sultan Bello Juma’at Mosque, Sokoto, Imam Bello Akwara and former Commissioner of Justice Mr Aliyu Abubakar Sanyinna, a lawyer.

    He commended the state government led by Governor Aliyu Wamakko for ensuring that Sokoto State is secure and united.

    “Wamakko has a human face and has been supportive to those who lost their goods during the fire incident at the Sokoto Central Market,” Chibuzo said.

    He urged both Muslims and Christians in the state to be their brother’s keeper by extending a helping hand to one another especially those in need.

  • Philanthropist helps the needy in Sokoto

    WITHIN two years of its formation and with a modest membership of 10, the Association of Rice/Onion Farmers, a non-governmental philanthropist organ, has done quite a lot to support the needy in Sokoto State.

    Aliyu Chibuzo, an Igbo Muslim, makes that support possible.

    Chibuzo, who resides in Sokoto and chairs the association, finds fulfilment in identifying with the needy and helping them.

    Recently, he undertook to foot the medical bill of four patients in private and public hospitals in the state capital.

    Chibuzo has already paid the bills of the patients, which amounted to N530,500.

    Three of the patients who were admitted at Sahel Hospital and have been discharged, include Babangida Usman Tambawal, Chibueze and Amina Murtala.

    Garba Aliyu, the fourth patient, however, was still at the Paediatric ward of the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital (UDUTH), as Newsextra went to press. Aliyu’s bill was N150,000.

    Chibuzo has also channelled resources to acquire a piece of land for the construction of a mosque in the Damboa area of the Sokoto metropolis.

    The philanthropist explained that the association has some prominent Sokoto traditional title holders as members, some of them being Alhaji Jibo Mazuga, Dallatun Sokoto,Magaji Sambo Gobirawa, District Head of Sarkin Zamfara, Alhaji Muhammad Ngala, Chief Imam of Sultan Bello Juma’at Mosque, Sokoto, Imam Bello Akwara and former Commissioner of Justice Mr Aliyu Abubakar Sanyinna, a lawyer.

    He commended the state government led by Governor Aliyu Wamakko for ensuring that Sokoto State is secure and united.

    “Wamakko has a human face and has been supportive to those who lost their goods during the fire incident at the Sokoto Central Market,” Chibuzo said.

    He urged both Muslims and Christians in the state to be their brother’s keeper by extending a helping hand to one another especially those in need.

     

  • PHCN Official: Sokoto blasts NLC president, Omar, over beating claim

    PHCN Official: Sokoto blasts NLC president, Omar, over beating claim

    THE Sokoto State government has faulted the stand of the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Abdulwaheed Omar, over an alleged assault on a PHCN staff.

    According to it, Omar jumped into the fray without finding out the real cause of the matter.

    Sokoto State governor, Magatakarda Wamako, was alleged to have personally flogged Moses Osigwe, an engineer, and ordered his security aides to do same to Mallam Isyaku Daura and Mallam Nurudeen Muhammed.

    This has made the NLC to issue an ultimatum to the state government to apologise or face industrial action in the state.

    However, the state government through the Senior Special Assistant, Media, Mr Sani Umar has asked the leadership of the NLC to order an investigation into the matter rather than making unguarded statements based on hearsay or approach the law courts for redress.

    The trio was invited to the government house to explain the persistent lack of electricity in Wamako and other towns of the state for several months.

    According to the state government, Osigwe who had given the governor the impression that materials needed for the repairs may take years to come from PHCN’s store in Abuja had allegedly demanded for and received N17million from the state governor.

    “The invitation of the governor was against the backdrop of strident complaints from people across the length and breadth of the state over the lack of electricity. The dismally poor, erratic and near absence of electricity was particularly puzzling in the face of the numerous financial and other material assistance given by the state governor to provide electricity to the citizens,” Umar stressed.

    The state government said the NLC president should, “have been civil enough to order for investigation into the matter, rather than just making unguarded statements based on hearsay. He lied when he said electricity went off during a ceremony. We are talking of someone collecting N17million to restore electricity to Wamakko town but failed to do so and Mr. Abdulwaheed Omar is shielding him from public scrutiny.”

    Umar said the NLC president should be honourable enough as to provide evidence of where the PHCN workers were flogged, and which hospital treated them since he claimed that they were beaten to a state of coma.

    “It is important for the NLC to note that government owes nobody an apology. A fraud has been committed for which a management staff of PHCN is culpable and must be addressed. No amount of blackmail would make us waiver in our determination to seek redress for the people of Sokoto State who were subjected to unnecessary hardship and losses.

    The state government took exceptions to the utterances of the labour leader.

    “It is absolutely disgusting that a person entrusted with the leadership of Nigerian workers could decide to throw caution to the winds and be calling elected governor names. Sokoto people could not have made a mistake by electing Governor Wamakko on three occasions. The governor is of impeccable character and a distinguished gentleman. It is therefore, very uncharitable of the NLC president to suggest otherwise.”

     

  • Ndigbo elect leader in Sokoto

    Ndigbo elect leader in Sokoto

    Ndigbo resident in Sokoto State have chosen a new king from among them.

    He is Chief Ozor Tony Nweke, now known as Eze Igbo III.

    Members of the Sokoto Igbo Council drawn from the five Southeastern states freely elected their new leader.

    Chief Nweke promised to ensure peaceful co-existence, harmony and inter-religious cooperation between the Igbo community and the host state.

    Nweke succeeded Eze Muhammad C. Nwike who died last June 17, 2012 following a brief illness.

    The position of Eze Igbo is open to any Igbo from the five Southeastern states resident in the state.

    Addressing reporters at the Zuru Road NUJ Press Centre, Sokoto, chairman of the council, Chief Elder Stephen Akoma, said Chief Tony Nweke was chosen from three contestants after polling 14 votes against Chief Alfa C. Umeh, a former Special Adviser to former Governor Attahiru Bafarawa on Resident Communities.

    The new Eze beat other contestants who polled nine and three votes.

    “Anyone can be voted to the position, provided the aspirant hails from any of the five states,” said Akoma.

    However, the Nweke will take office immediately.

    The council chair said: “The new Eze Igbo will not assume office until after the final funeral rites are concluded in respect of the departed leader.

    “He remains an Eze Igbo-elect until the one year period of mourning as part of funeral rites when the blessings of Sultan Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III will be sought at his installation,” Akoma said.

    He appealed to Igbo resident in Sokoto to work for peace among themselves as well as in their host communities.

  • Council tasks Jonathan, NASS on PHCN, Sokoto govt feud

    Council tasks Jonathan, NASS on PHCN, Sokoto govt feud

    The Inter-Party Advisory Council of Nigeria, Sokoto State chapter, has called on President Goodluck Jonathan to intervene in the current feud between Governor Aliyu Wamakko and the Power Holding Company of Nigeria.

    The News Agency of Nigeria quoted the chairman of the Council, Alhaji Ahmed Tangaza, as making the call at a news conference in Sokoto on Saturday.

    PHCN has been at logger heads with Wamakko over the alleged assault of one of its staff by the governor.

    Tangaza also appealed to the Senate, the House of Representatives, the National Security Adviser (NSA) and the Minister of Mines and Power to help resolve the matter.

    “Our attention has been drawn to the act of lawlessness and provocation against the law abiding people of the state by PHCN staff operating under the aegis of the National Union of Electricity Employees over a matter that is subjudice.

    “They should intervene and mitigate the unwarranted suffering of the people of Sokoto state by calling PHCN staff to order,’’ Tangaza said.

    He alleged that PHCN had cut off electricity supply to the state on an “unsubstantiated allegation against the governor.”

    “The council hereby condemned this act of lawlessness and urge PHCN to, within 24 hours, restore normal electricity supply to the state.

    “Otherwise, we would be left with no option than going to court to seek redress / compensation,” Tangaza said.

    The council chairman lamented that there were in-patients who were on life support machines in various health centres in the state.

    “Our returning pilgrims are currently using the Sultan Abubakar III international airport for landing.

    “Water supply is currently being hampered and PHCN should not be unmindful of the grave consequences of their actions to the provision of essential services,” Tangaza said.