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Tag: Sultan of Sokoto

  • Union wants FG to address poor wages

    Union wants FG to address poor wages

    Mr Issa Aremu, the General Secretary of National Union of Textile Garment and Tailoring Workers of Nigeria (NUTGTWN), on Tuesday urged Federal Government to hasten implementation of increased workers wages in the country.

    Aremu gave the advice at the NUTGTWN 29th Annual National Education Conference tagged “Labor, Industry and National Unity’’ in Sokoto.

    He urged President Muhammadu Buhari’s government to expand the composition of newly established National Industrial Council to include state governments and labour union representatives, to obtain more inputs.

    He said poor workers’ wages in the country had attracted many bad attitudes on the side of workers while the present composition of council was all high level businessmen who might mainly defend their interests on gain of every transaction.

    The Secretary emphasised the need for increased investment on education and capacity building to improve productivity of Nigerians and advised government to facilitate expansion of Health Insurance Scheme for the benefit of all.

    “Recent signing of executive order of patronising made in Nigeria goods by Federal Government is encouraging as various materials, including official uniforms, were being imported.

    “Government should use 2017 Budget on industrial revolution that will surely facilitate employments and drive the nation in good way as obtained in other developed nations,’’ Aremu said.

    He commended Gov. Aminu Tambuwal for the courage in  reviving ailing industries among northern governors, stressing that his focus on resuscitation of collapsed Kaduna Textiles Ltd. had manifested to plans for establishment of textile industry in Kalambaina in Sokoto State.

    Read also: Agency raises alarm over 2 emerging cassava diseases

    Also, the National President of NUTGTWN, Mr John Adaji, said the union members contributed in chain value and  added service to real agriculture and manufacturing in Nigerian economy.

    Adaji urged government to address the challenges of unemployment and enjoined unions to support the universal survival of industries through effective implementation of right policies.

    The president said the union would endorse Gov. Tambuwal for any higher political aspiration in view of his commitment to workers’ welfare and interest in industrial growth.

    In their separate remarks, Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar and Biship Mathew Kukah, expressed appreciation over the union’s achievements and their struggle to create more awareness among Nigerians.

    The leaders emphasised the need for more attention and drastic approach on the decay in Nigerian industries,  urging stakeholders to facilitate ways to revive them to their last glory.

    Opening the three-day conference, Tambuwal  Sokoto state government would soon connect its Independent Electric Power Supply to national grid as 100 per cent of the project was completed and test it on three occasions.

    Tambuwal represented by Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Basher Garba, said constant electricity supply was the pillar of every industrial development, noting that government intensified efforts to increase power supply to attract more industries.

    He said Sokoto planned to establish textile and fertilizer industries to fast tract employment generation and utilise abundant agricultural potentialities. (NAN)

  • Sultan of Sokoto denies rumours of poison vaccine

    Sultan of Sokoto denies rumours of poison vaccine

    The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, has dismissed speculations that vaccines for polio and other communicable diseases cause the death of infants.

    The paramount traditional ruler said this during a courtesy visit to Gov. Umaru Al-Makura of Nasarawa State on Tuesday in Lafia.

    He advised politicians to stop politicising issues relating to health care for selfish reasons.

    It was reported that Abubakar III, who is also the President General of Jamaatul Nasril Islam and the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, is in Lafia for the 3rd Quarter Meeting on Polio Eradication Routine Immunisation.

    He expressed displeasure at reports that vaccines for immunisation have been contaminated to poison certain groups of people and followers of certain religion in the country.

    He described the reports as false and warned those spreading the rumours to stop discouraging innocent Nigerians from participating in the immunisation exercise to protect them against polio and other communicable diseases.

    “There are two things we must never politicise and they are health and security issues because they affect everybody irrespective of religious or tribal background.

    “I was so saddened when we heard that the vaccines contain poison to eliminate certain races.

    “We must never play politics with people’s lives. The vaccines are not meant to kill anybody but to protect Nigerians from these communicable diseases.

    “We will never support anything that will hurt anybody. So I urge our politicians and others to stop playing politics with the lives of anybody,” the Sultan appealed.

    He also urged traditional rulers, religious leaders and other well meaning Nigerians to help enlighten others on the vital importance of immunisation to end the endemic status of some communicable diseases in the country.

    On the mandate of the committee, Abubakar III explained that the committee was his vision set up eight years ago to fight polio and other communicable diseases especially in Northern Nigeria.

    Health is the most important thing to human beings. No matter how strong, brilliant and smart you are, if you are not healthy, you are useless.

    “That is why we set up this committee eight years ago to fight polio and other communicable diseases,” he said.

    The Sultan commended the Nasarawa State Government for its enviable contributions to the health sector especially primary healthcare.

    According to him, the contributions of the state government to health care prompted the committee to choose the state for its third quarter meeting.

    “The last meeting we held was around July in Sokoto. It was there we heard of the strides made by the state government in the health sector and decided to hold the next meeting there.

    “We thank the state governor and his able lieutenants for giving us tremendous support,” Abubakar III said.

    Responding, Gov. Al-Makura thanked the Sultan and other members of the committee for choosing the state for the meeting.

    “We are proud and grateful for your advocacy and campaign on health which you have personally embarked on across Nigeria.

    “Your efforts on polio and other communicable diseases are efforts that have saved us from dooms day.

    “We have nothing to give you but appreciation. We cannot thank you enough for your selfless service to the nation.

    “I would like to encourage you to keep up the good work,” the governor said.

    Al-Makura, however, appealed to the committee and state governments in Northern Nigeria to take seriously the threat of Monkey pox so as to prevent it from spreading across the region.

    “We should not take lightly this issue of monkey pox, especially for some of us in the North.

    “I want to assure you we will commence enlightenment and sensitisation of people to take to immunisation.

    “I want to also assure that Nasarawa state will continue to collaborate with this committee in order for it to achieve its objectives,” he said.

    The governor also pledged that the health budget of the state for the remaining lifespan of the current administration would be given adequate attention to tackle health challenges across the state. (NAN)

  • Fidau: Ambode, Sultan, Okunnu, others honour late Chief Imam

    Fidau: Ambode, Sultan, Okunnu, others honour late Chief Imam

    Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, Sultan of Sokoto and President-General, Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Mohammad Sa’ad Abubakar, former Federal Commissioner for Works Alhaji Femi Okunnu and other notable Nigerians eulogised the late Chief Imam of Lagos State, Sheik Garba Akinola Ibrahim.

    At the Eight-Day Fidau (prayer for the deceased) held at Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS), Onikan Lagos on Monday, Ambode called on the Muslim community to keep the memory of the late Chief Imam alive by upholding his legacies, especially on inter-religious and ethnic harmony.

    The governor, who noted that the best honour the Muslim community can give to immortalise the late Chief Imam is to ensure that they uphold his known legacies which, according to him included faithfulness, hard work, religious tolerance, fear of God, love for one’s country, state and community and belief in mutual and peaceful co-existence among people irrespective of their religious inclinations or ethnic background.

    Represented by his deputy, Dr Idiat Oluranti Adebule, Ambode noted that the late Chief Imam was the best example of a detribalised and peace-loving Nigerian, adding that the deceased contributed in no small way to the religious harmony and inter-ethnic peace achieved by his administration.

    While reassuring Muslim community that his administration would not relent in promoting peaceful relationship among people of different tribes and religions, the governor urged the executive council of the Lagos Central Mosque where the late Sheikh Ibrahim was holding forth before his death, to  remain committed to the principles of  love, unity  and   religious harmony.

    He said: “You should not allow the death of the Chief Imam to bring disharmony to the community. You should continue to live together in peace irrespective of your religion or tribe; we should emulate all those virtues of the late Chief Imam and his strict adherence to the doctrines of Islam which clearly showed that Islam is a religion of peace.

    “The state government will continue to miss him for the noble role he had played to promote inter-religious harmony. The late Sheikh Ibrahim was a detribalised Nigerian who used his vast knowledge of his religion to promote peace and unity.’’

    The NSCIA President-General Alhaji Abubakar described the late Chief Imam as a bridge-builder and champion of peaceful co-existence.

    Sultan, whose message was delivered by his Deputy and President, Muslim Ummah of Southwest Nigeria (MUSWEN), Alhaji Sakariyahu  Babalola, said the late Chief Imam was a selfless public servant, astute administrator and a trustworthy leader.

    According to Sultan, the late Imam stood for unity among the Ummah and promoted religious harmony in the country.

    He commiserated with the Lagos State Muslim Community over the Imam’s death, even as he urged them to continue to propagate his ideals.

    Alhaji Okunnu, who is the National President of Ansar-ud-Deen Society of Nigeria (ADSN), said the late Chief Imam’s sermons have had positive impacts on Lagosians.

    He described Sheikh Ibrahim as “a simple man, a personable figure, a wise counsellor, a warm-hearted person and an approachable leader. I found him dedicated to the cause of Islam and humanity.”

    ADSN Chief Missioner Sheikh AbdurRahaman Ahmad admonished Nigerians to face the reality of the purpose of creation and not get carried away by the material things, noting that “-death is inevitable and  life should always be lived  with the fear of God.’’

    Sheikh Habeebullahi Adam of Markaz urged people to always be conscious of life after death as, according to him, every living soul would give accounts of his or her deeds on the Day of Judgment where material things such as gold, houses, cars and love for power will be of no help.

  • Sultan calls for calm as tension escalates in states

    Sultan calls for calm as tension escalates in states

    The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III Friday called for calm as tension heightened   in the country following the faceoff between the military and supporters of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

    The  Sultan Abubakar who doubles as the head of the Nigerian Muslim community,  at a press conference in Kaduna, urged imams in all mosques nationwide to preach peace in their sermons with a view to dousing  tension in the country.

    Represented by the Secretary General of Jaamatul Nasir Islam (JNI) , Dr Khalid Abubakar Aliyu,the Sultan  said  what Nigeria needs  now is for its citizens to unite and join hands with government to address the economic challenges facing the country.

    According to him, while every Nigerian has the right to protest, it must be done within the ambit of the law.

    He asked government to rise up to its responsibility by ensuring the safety of Nigerians nationwide.

    “Nobody should be seen to be above the law”, he said and urged parents and leaders in the country to call youths to order.

    Speaking on the increasing rate of hate speeches in the country, the Sultan urged the federal government to hasten the passage of anti-hate speech law to bring perpetrators to book.

  • Paris Club refund: Buhari decries governors handling

    Paris Club refund: Buhari decries governors handling

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday met with members of the National Council of traditional rulers and decried the way the Paris Club Refund was spent by some state governors.

    The Federal government had on May 4 released details of the second tranche of Paris Club refund to States totalling N243. 795 billion.

    The refund is in respect of over-deductions on Paris Club, London Club Loans and Multilateral debts between 1995-2002.

    The President, who met with the traditional rulers at the new Banquet hall, Presidential Villa, Abuja frowned at the inability of the affected state governments to pay the retirement benefits and outstanding salaries of workers with the payment of the refund.

    “We have to digress this much because I would like to convince you that I’m living with the problems of this country day-by-day, and mostly those of the ordinary people.

    “There are Nigerians that haven’t been paid for six months; there are Nigerians that have not been paid their retirement benefits for years.

    “I’m appealing to the governors, (that was why we voted money, we borrowed money), please make sure anybody under you, pay them because most of them depend on that salary to pay rent, school fees,’’ he said.

    He pledged that his administration would continue to do its best in executing developmental projects to uplift the standard of living of all Nigerians irrespective of their geo-political backgrounds.

    The President noted with delight that the country would be witnessing bumper harvest across the country, this year.

    He said the bumper harvest was as a result of the prayers of Nigerians which was graciously answered by God.

    “We are lucky, last year and this year, the rainy season was good. If it were not good, I’m confiding in you, which country shall I run to? But God answered the prayers of most Nigerians.

    “The rainy season last year was good, this year, from the reports I’m getting, it is good. We thank God for that, only God can do that for us otherwise there would have been lot of problems in this country.

    President Buhari thanked the traditional rulers for their continued prayers and support to the government and urged them not to relent in efforts toward ensuring peace and stability in their respective domains.

    He enjoined them to continue to educate their people on the need to ensure the continued survival of Nigeria as a geo-political entity.

    Earlier in his remarks, the Sultan of Sokoto, Dr Sa’ad Abubakar, said the traditional rulers were in the Presidential Villa to wish the President and the country well and to express their unflinching support for the administration.

    He, however, challenged the President to tight up his belt in the discharge of his responsibilities for the betterment of the country.

    The Sultan reassured that the traditional rulers would continue to pray for the good health of the president as well as peace and prosperity of the country.

    The Sultan also expressed the willingness of the traditional rulers to continue to partner with the government in the fight against corruption and other social vices in the country.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that six traditional rulers, one from each geo-political zone of the country, spoke at the occasion where they reassured the support of their zones for the Buhari administration as well as the continued existence of Nigeria as one country.

    The Lamido of Adamawa, Alhaji Barkindo Mustapha, who spoke on behalf of the North-East traditional rulers, also offered special prayer for God to continue to give the President good health to enable him deliver on his promises to Nigerians.

     

  • Sultan condemns Arewa youths threat to Igbos, Nigeria’s disintegration

    Sultan condemns Arewa youths threat to Igbos, Nigeria’s disintegration

    SULTAN of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III has said that he is never in agreement with or support of any plan or attempt to attack the Igbos in the north.

    According to the reverred monarch” If anybody or group of persons plans negative attack on the Igbos it should be done to him first.”

    Abubakar who made the remark in Sokoto when he recieved the world Igbo union leader, His Imperial Majesty (HIM) Sir Dr. Meshach said he was against the so called ultimatum by the Arewa youths that Igbos should vacate the north by October.

    The religious leader who also commented on the term “Restructuring” pointed out that it does not mean galvanizing or dividing Nigeria, but, simply means making adjustment here and there for equal accommodation to all and sundry in the country.

    He said it was a purposeful agitation for pure equity and fair play; religiously, socially and economically.

    He said the agitation for pulling out by some people or calls for disintegration cannot solve any of the problems facing the country and that dividing it into many parts is not the solution to the mirage of problems bedeviling the nation as this will lead to towns and villages clamouring to become independent.

    Abubakar further said the way forward is round table dialogue, talking humanly not carrying arms or dangerous weapons.

    He maintained ” that will never lead to peace and that he believed there are genuine complaints here and there bordering on marginalization but the way out is by peaceful resolution.”

    The roal father strongly blamed the nation’s politicians for most of the problems being faced by most Nigerians saying “they come to you during campaigns, promise you heaven in your house, air conditions on all roads and milk entering your mouth hourly with out any effort from you and, as soon as they win, Vum Abuja then they starts planning or arranging comfort for themselves while some from rural areas move to state capital with careless abandonment of the voters”, he noted.

    He called on the electorates to ensure their votes go to credible persons seeking political offices.

    ” That is the only way forward even as I condemn all about the quit order, the violence method of agitations for independence, kidnappings, vandalization and hiding under religion to kill through the use of suicide bombing instruments believing that it will lead one to heaven”, which according to him, will only land the person in hell-fire because Islam never teach or preach such act.‎

    Earlier, the world Igbo Union leader, His Imperial Majesty, (HIM), Meshach Ahanta (Gburugburu Igbo Dum), proudly stated that Igbos are the first Nigerian followed by others and that they are not going anywhere from the north as the Arewa youths ordered.

    Meshach who was in company of prominent Igbo Chiefs and men residing in Sokoto paid the Sultan a courtesy call said that he has been going round calling Igbos to know that they cannot leave peacefully in isolation from Nigeria rather they should work towards ensuring proper reintegration, reconstruction as promised by the former head of state, Gen. YakubuGowon and may also includes agitation for creation of more states in the South-East to meet up with other Geopolitical Zones of the country, Nigeria.

  • Sultan declares September 1 as Sallah day

    Sultan declares September 1 as Sallah day

    The Sultan of Sokoto and Chairman Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, has declared Sept. 1, 2017, as Eid-el-Kabir day.

    This is contained in a statement signed by Prof. Sambo Junaidu, the Chairman, Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs to the Sokoto Sultanate Council.

    The statement, made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Sokoto on Wednesday, indicated that the declaration followed the sighting of the new moon of Zulhijja on Tuesday.

    “The advisory committee in conjunction with the National Committee on Moon Sighting received various reports on moon sighting across the country confirming the sighting of the new moon of Zulhijja on Tuesday, Aug. 22, 2017,’’ it said.

    The statement said that following the development, Muslims in Nigeria would observe Friday, Sept. 1, as Sallah day.

    It added that the Sultan felicitates with all Muslims and wished them Allah’s guidance, blessings and protection.

    The statement also quoted Abubakar as urging Muslims to continue to live in peace and engage in continuous prayers for the development and progress of the country and the world at large.

  • New Moon: Sultan directs Muslims to watch from Aug.22

    New Moon: Sultan directs Muslims to watch from Aug.22

    The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, has urged Muslims to watch out for the new moon of Dhulhajj1438AH from Tuesday, Aug. 22.

    The Sultan said this in a statement issued by Prof. Sambo Junaidu, the Chairman, Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Sultanate Council, Sokoto on Saturday.

    “This is to inform the Muslim Ummah that Tuesday, August 22, which is equivalent to the 29th day of Zulki’ida 1438AH, shall be the day to look for the new moon of Dhulhajj.

    “Muslims are therefore requested to start looking for the new moon on Tuesday and report its sighting to the nearest district or village Head for onward communication to the Sultan,’’ he said.

    The Sultan prayed to Allah to help all Muslims in the discharge of their religious duty.

  • Sultan declares polio vaccines safe, Islamic

    Sultan declares polio vaccines safe, Islamic

    Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, yesterday flagged-off the Sub-National Immunisation Plus Days (SIPDs), reiterating that polio and other child-killer diseases vaccines are safe and Islamic.

    Abubakar, who spoke in Wamakko Town, headquarters of Wamakko Local Government of

    Sokoto State, also restated the commitment of Northern Traditional Rulers Committee on Polio and Routine Immunisation towards eradicating polio and other child-killer diseases in the country.

    He added that vaccines for polio and other child-killer diseases like measles, diphtheria, whooping cough and tetanus, among others are safe.

    According to him, “The vaccines have been internationally and medically certified by medical experts and Islamic clerics.

    ” We have also concurred with them, as we will not accept and consent to anything that will harm our children.”

    The revered monarch also appealed to Nigerians to accept the vaccines, routine immunisation, while pregnant women should avail themselves of the various antenatal services available.

    Speaking, Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, commended the federal government,

    the sultan and the development partners for the relentless efforts to eradicate polio and other diseases.

    The governor vowed that the government will continue to support all endeavors for Nigeria to be certified polio-free.

    He said, “The state government is committed to all agreements it has signed on all aspects, including health.

    “That was why the state government allocated sixteen percent of its 2017 budget to the health sector.”

    Accordingly, Tambuwal vowed to redress all the formidable challenges to improve the disturbing health indices in the state.

    In the same vein, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Primary Healthcare and Communicable Diseases, Sen. Mao Ohuabunwa, expressed the resolve of the Senate to see to the removal of Nigeria from the list of polio endemic countries soon.

    Also, the Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Health Services, Mr Chike Okafor, represented by his deputy, Alhaji Mohammed Usman, also promised sustained funding to provide efficient healthcare services to Nigerians.

    Spokesman of the Development Partners, Dr Fiona Braka, said,” WHO and the Global Polio Eradication Initiative partners remain firmly committed to support Sokoto State and the government of Nigeria in revitalising the immunisation program.”

  • Sultan urges FG to probe sources of herdsmen weapons

    Sultan urges FG to probe sources of herdsmen weapons

    The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Saad Abubakar, has advised the Federal Government to probe the sources of weapons used by herdsmen accused of attacking Nigerian communities.

    Abubakar’s advice is contained in his Eid-el Fitr message delivered on Sunday in Sokoto.

    “Real herdsmen do not carry guns; they only move with their cows and sticks.

    “There could be bad eggs among the Fulani, but those carrying arms and perpetrating heinous killings are not herdsmen.

    “Those carrying arms are criminals and should be treated as such.

    “Government should probe the sources of these weapons and take appropriate action so as to minimise these attacks,” he said.

    Abubakar commended government’s measures aimed at combating insurgency in the north-east, and cautioned against complacency as the problem was not over.

    The Sultan urged Nigerians to complement the efforts of the security agencies toward securing the country, pointing out that security was a collective responsibility.

    He praised efforts by the federal and sokoto state governments to restore the lost glories of the educational and agricultural sectors, and called on Nigerians to support such efforts.

    The Sultan urged Muslims to reflect on, and uphold the virtues of the Ramadan fast that included patience, perseverance and brotherliness. (NAN)