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Tag: Yusuf Abdullahi Ata

  • Govt to train, provide jobs for artisans

    Govt to train, provide jobs for artisans

    Minister of State, Housing and Urban Development Development, Yusuf Abdullahi Ata has said the Federal Government is willing to train and provide job opportunities for the Nigerian youths by promoting the National Artisans Skills Acquisition Programme (NASAP).

    He stated this, when he received a delegation from the University of Uyo Centre for Skills Acquisition and Rural Development led by its Director, Ambassador Ernest Essien.

    Ata told the delegation that the Ministry is willing to partner with the Centre to train and equip Nigerians with skills and resources to bridge the Labour gap in the country.

    “We are going to continue to interact with you so that we work on areas of common ground.

    “The Ministry will assist you as we factor your needs into our 2026 budget so that we can provide all the necessary assistance and support to carry out this project,” he said.

    He also commended the Center for their comprehensive skills development and acquisition programmes which he said was in alignment with the Ministry’s NASAP programme, aimed at bridging skilled persons in the labour market.

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    In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Shuaib Belgore said the Centre’s youth skills and development programmes aligns with the Ministry’s NASAP’s initiative in facilitating and achieving the mandate of providing mass and affordable housing and infrastructural development, stressing that both parties will find a common ground to work together.

    Earlier, the Director of the Center, who led the delegation, Amb Ernest Essien told the Minister that their visit was to seek partnership with the Ministry on skill acquisition and job creation in Nigeria and in particular Akwa-Ibom State.

    He commended the Federal Government and the Ministry for boosting job creation by training Nigerians from all walks of life on various skills and support to compete in the labour market.

    The Director noted that the Ministry’s mandate was to provide mass housing to citizens and build infrastructure across the country, a feat he reckons will require huge skilled manpower to carry out this task.

    “The Ministry of Housing and Urban Development is focusing on housing and infrastructural expansion and needs skilled and reliable workforce towards its national projects and that is where we are coming in.

    “We are proposing to come in to create that skilled workforce through tertiary artisan students. This is to ensure that graduates are certified and ready to contribute to the Ministry’s goal.

    “We appreciate and commend the Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development for initiating to train and digitally certify and integrate ten thousand construction artisans annually with job over a three-year period.”

  • Minister organises prayers for Tinubu in Kano

    Minister organises prayers for Tinubu in Kano

    Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Yusuf Abdullahi Ata, has organised prayers for President Bola Tinubu fir his 73rd birthday

    The prayer sessions were held on Friday and Saturday in Fagge Local Government Area of Kano State.

    The event was attended by the Minister, Islamic clerics (Ulamas), party members and youths, all gathered to seek God’s blessings for the president.

    A former Kano Speaker Rt. Hon. Ata expressed  gratitude to Almighty Allah (God) for granting Tinubu another year of life and leadership.

    He prayed for Tinubu’s long life, sound mind, and strength to continue steering Nigeria towards greater heights.

    While speaking to journalists, the Minister said: “We are asking Allah for divine wisdom, strength, and guidance upon the president as he leads with vision and determination.”

    Ata, joined by other Muslim leaders, further prayed for the president’s good health and the courage to make bold decisions that will bring peace, progress and prosperity to the nation.

    He reassured the youth at the gathering of Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to addressing their concerns.

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    He said: “President Tinubu is a visionary leader, a statesman of exceptional courage, and a patriot deeply committed to the progress of our nation through the efforts and contributions of our great Nigerian youths.”

    He urged young Nigerians to draw inspiration from the president’s decades-long dedication to selfless service.

    The Minister, also highlighted Tinubu’s journey from a pro-democracy activist to becoming senator, transformational Lagos Governor and the President, emphasising the resilience and determination that have defined his leadership.

    He underscored the administration’s bold economic reforms aimed at stabilising the economy, improving infrastructure and fostering a conducive environment for investment.

    He lauded the president’s commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda, which he said, prioritises job creation, agricultural expansion, improved healthcare, and enhanced security for Nigerians.

  • Minister calls for peaceful Sallah celebration in Kano

    Minister calls for peaceful Sallah celebration in Kano

    •Group raises alarm over plan to cause chaos

    Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Yusuf Abdullahi Ata, yesterday called for a peaceful Sallah celebration in Kano State in spite of the ongoing emirship tussle between Aminu Ado Bayero and Muhammadu Sanusi II.

    The minister made the appeal upon his arrival at the Aminu Kano International Airport from Saudi Arabia, where he had performed the Umrah (lesser Hajj).

    Ata was warmly received by a large crowd of fans and well-wishers across the state, particularly members of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    The minister reassured Kano people of President Bola Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to ensuring the security and well-being of all Nigerians.

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    He emphasized that national security remains a top priority for the administration and urged all stakeholders to work towards maintaining peace in the state.

    The minister called on the National Security Adviser (NSA) Mal. Nuhu Ribadu as well as key stakeholders and political figures in Kano, to act swiftly and ensure that selfish interests do not incite chaos in the state during the Sallah celebration.

    He warned against attempts by people who want to exploit the emirship dispute for personal or political gains, stating that the federal government will not fold its arms and allow the situation wears ugly head before taking action.

    Meanwhile, the Kano Concerned Citizens, a non-governmental organization, has alerted residents of Kano State of a potential unrest during the upcoming Sallah festivities.

    The group alleged the there is a deliberate plan aimed at inciting discord in the state.

    According to its chairman, Halliru Baba, “this conflict appears to be an orchestrated effort to diminish the authority of the state governor for political gains”, arguing that such actions are detrimental not only to Kan o State but also threaten the stability of the Northern region and Nigeria as a whole.

    He reassured the public that all events would proceed peacefully, highlighting Emir Ado Bayero’s enduring reputation as a humble and peace-loving leader who remains closely connected to the people of Kano.

    Hon. Ata called on the Kano State Government, led by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, to exercise caution and refrain from politicizing public safety.

    The NGO emphasized that maintaining peace in Kano is paramount, especially during festive periods like Sallah, which are meant for celebration and unity among citizens.

  • Kano deputy Gov. petitions Police over alleged threat to life

    Barely 24 hours after the dramatic impeachment of the Kano State Speaker, Hon Yusuf Abdullahi Ata, the State’s Deputy Governor, Professor Hafiz Abubakar, last night alleged threat to his life, as well as plans to impeach him.

    Also, the Deputy Chairman of Gabasawa Local Government, Hassan Wiazi Gabasawa, last night confirmed that he has dumped the All Progressive Congress (APC) for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    Apart from that, he said he has resigned as the Deputy Chairman of the Local Government, adding that the action was to enable him to fully pitch his tent, with Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, who recently dumped the APC for the (PDP).

    To this end, Professor Hafiz Abubakar has petitioned the Police and the State Security Service (SSS), over what he described as threat to his life, as well as plans to impeach him.

    In the petition, addressed to the Kano State Police Commissioner, Rabiu Yusuf, copied to the Assistant Inspector-General in Charge of Zone One and the State Director of SSS, the Deputy Governor, prayed for the deployment of a lot more Security operatives around him.

    Among others, he accused the State Government of disbursing funds to mobilize youths from the 44 Local Government Areas of the State to protest against his continued stay in office, without either resigning or face impeachment.

    A loyalist to Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the Deputy Governor has for quite some time being at loggerheads, with the State Governor, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje for pitching his tent, with Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso in the political impasse in the State.

    Read Also: Kano Speaker impeached

    In another development, a one-time Kano State Governor and the former Minister of Education, Malam Ibrahim Shekarau, said he and Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso have resolved their differences, so as to collaborate, toward actualizing victory for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the State.

    Besides confirming the resolution of his age-long dispute, with Kwankwaso, he also confirmed his widely reported closed door meeting, with Kwankwaso, assuring his preparedness to partner, with the latter, who recently decamped from the ruling party to the PDP.

    He urged party members in the State to always exercise patience, as well as cooperate, with the party leaders, so as to actualize his ambition of winning the 2019 General election.

    Similarly, the PDP in Kano has dismissed reports, insinuating that the Presidency and the leadership of the APC are lobbying the former Kano State Governor, Malam Ibrahim Shekarau to the ruling party, so as to weaken the influence of Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso ahead of the 2019 General elections.

    In his reaction to the development, the spokesman of the PDP in Kano, Alhaji Musa Dan Birini, described the report, as not only misleading but mischievous.

    According to him, Malam Shekarau has his both feet in the PDP, stressing that he has no intention of joining any political party.

    ”It is false, as it is a rumour created by someone. We are going to probe and find out, who concocted the report because Sarduana of Kano is still, with the PDP, alongside all his supporters in Kano. So, we are not happy, with the fake news been circulated in Kano. We will reject it. At this juncture, I am call calling on members of the public to always confirm their source of information, so as not rely on mischievous news.”

    Reacting to the envisaged looming crisis between Shekarau and Senator Kwankwaso, over who owns the control of the PDP structure in Kano State, the Spokesman said, Ambassador Aminu Bashir Wali remains the leader of the party.

    He allegedly described the APC-led Government as an empty Government and to democracy, emphasizing that the party lacks the capacity to win the 2019 General elections, considering the current challenges of lack of employment opportunities and insecurity.

    ”Our PDP leader is Ambassador Aminu Bashir Wali, as everybody knows that he is a well known leader. The decision of who would be the leader between Shekarau and Kwankwaso is still pending but what is more important is that we want the movement to continue, as they are both leaders to us. Our priority for now is to take over Government in 2019 from the undemocratic party that has failed to add value to human life in the country. We will ensure that democracy stands as it was in 1999.”

    Meanwhile, the just impeached Speaker of the Kano State House of Assembly, Hon Yusuf Abdullahi Ata has accepted his impeachment in good fate, saying it was premeditated by God Almighty.

    According to Ata, the allegations against him were far from the truth, describing them as malicious, purposely fabricated, so as to tarnish his image.

    ”I have been doing everything humanly possible to give a sense of belonging to the entire members of the House, including the Kwankwasiyya group members, including the only PDP lawmaker in the House. He challenged all those, who accused him of embezzlement to explain to the general public how the offence was committed.

    However, he said he is convinced that the unfolding development at the House was divinely predetermined by the Supreme Creator and therefore accepting the outcome in good fate, and wished the new leadership well in their endeavour to take the House to another level.

  • We are still with APC – Kano lawmakers

    Members of the Kano State House of Assembly on Thursday reiterated their unflinching support and loyalty to the All Progressive Congress (APC).

    The Speaker of the House, Yusuf Abdullahi Ata, stated this while dispelling rumour of defection of some APC members to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    He said the Assembly has 40 members from the 44 local government areas in the state and 33 of those members are loyal to Governor Abdullahi Ganduje and President Muhammadu Buhari.

    He said six members who are staunch followers of former governor Rabiu Kwankwaso as well as one PDP member who clinched the mandate through the Supreme Court judgement “are still with us.”

     

     

  • lmpeachment Saga: Kano Assembly gets new Principal Officers

    The kano state House of Assembly has appointed new principal officers, following moves by 24 aggrieved members to impeach the incumbent speaker Yusuf Abdullahi Ata.

    Speaking to reporters on Wednesday at his personal residence, he said, ” following the intervention. of the state Governor Abdullahi umar Ganduje over the saga,certain changes have occurred with regards to the leadership of house.”

    Ata said the six positions of the principal officers of the House has been distributed among the two factional parties.

    He said,”Ata remains as the speaker, the deputy Speaker Hamisu Ibrahim chiidari has been replaced by the former speaker Kabiru Alhassan Rurum, the majority leader Abdulaziz Garba gafasa has been replaced by Mohammad bello butu butu.

    Others affected were the chief whip labaran Abdul madari, was replaced by BAFFA BABBA Danagundi, the majority whip Kabiru Hassan Dashi was also replaced by Ayuba Labaran Kabo, while Sunusi bataiya emerges as the new deputy majority leader.

    Speaker Ata said the decision was taken to allow peace to reign in the Assembly.

    He added that the house would conduct a special session on Thursday to formalise the agreed decision.

  • Kano speaker’s impeachment fails

    …Two principal officers removed

     

    The move by the Kano State House of Assembly to impeach the speaker, Yusuf Abdullahi Ata on Tuesday failed to be actualized, as 24 aggrieved members could not meet the required 27 signatories to form the 2/3 majority to impeach the speaker.

    However, the 24 aggrieved members of the State Assembly, who stormed the assembly complex to announce the immediate removal of two principal officers, the chief whip, Hon. Labaran Abdul Madari (warawa constituency) and deputy majority leader, Hon. Muhammad Bello Butu-Butu (Rimin Gado/Tofa constitutency), to pave way for the eventual impeachment of the speaker, Yusuf Abdullahi Ata.

    However, the state house of assembly which is still under siege, when the convoy of the members, led by the former speaker, Alhassan Rurum arrived at about 11:00 am, swung into action in their attempt to gain entrance into the complex, but were barred from gaining access by stern-looking security operatives.

    The situation prompted the former speaker, Rurum who engaged the security agents in an argument over why they would be barred from performing their constitutional rights of sitting.

    An argument then ensued, in which the commissioner of police, through a telephone conversation with the former speaker, instructed the security men to allow the members to address the press outside the assembly complex.

    The spokesperson of the aggrieved members Alhassan Rurum, said “we are still gathering momentum in ensuring that we get the required members as such ‘no retreat no surrender’.

    “We have removed the two principal officers, that is the chief whip and the deputy majority leader. We have gotten the required number of signatories, 24, to that effect as such we have simple majority.”

    “we have therefore replaced them with the following members of the House, Hon. Abdullahi Iliyasu Yaryasa (Tudun Wada Constituency) as chief whip, while Hon. Ayuba Labaran Durum (Kabo constituency) as new deputy majority whip.

    “We also reaffirmed the appointment of Hon. Abdulaziz Garba Gafasa (Ajingi constituency) to continue as the majority leader and made Hon Kabiru Dashi to be deputy majority leader.”

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    According to the spokesperson, “as law abiding citizens and the representatives of the people of Kano State, we have gathered here to do what we deemed necessary to remove the speaker of the House. You would recall that there was allegations leveled against me when I was a speaker which led to my honorable resignation to enable the House carryout it’s investigations.

    “That led to the emergence of Atta as the new speaker. And recently there have been calls for the impeachment of Atta as the speaker. These we have gathered here today, but as you can see the assembly complex is been barricaded by the Police and men of the civil defense Corps.

    “To impeach the speaker, we need 27 out of the 40 members of the House of the assembly to do that, so far so good, we have 24 members whom have endorsed for the impeachment of the speaker. That is below the number needed but with that number we can impeach other Principal officers and we hereby announce the impeachment of the Honorable Labaran Abdul representing Warawa constituency as the chief whip of the assembly, as well as honorable Muhammad Bello Butu-butu, deputy majority leader and honorable Iliyasu.

    “And we have unanimously agreed that Honorable Abudullahi Iliyasu Riyasa of Tudun Wada assume the seat of the chief whip while Ayuba Labaran from Kabo is to act as the new Deputy Majority Whip, Right Honorable Abdulaziz Garba former speaker to continue as the majority leader while honorable Kabiru Dashi Kiru is now the Deputy majority leader.

    “Although we are not in the assembly complex, but we are within its premises. As law abiding citizens we won’t engage the security men. The speaker Abdullahi Atta came into the assembly last night and took away the Mace. But that wouldn’t stop us from carrying out our statutory duties as you can see we have provided another Mace”.

    It could be recalled that the embattled speaker has been accused of incompetence, financial embezzlement and localizing the proceedings of the Assembly as well as not carrying other members along.

  • Armed policemen take over Kano State Assembly Complex

     

    The Kano State House of Assembly has been sealed off  by Police, following alleged moves to impeach the speaker, Abdullahi Yusuf Ata by some members of the house.

    However,  sources close to the House who confided with this reporter said that as at Sunday night, 21 lawmakers have duly signed in support of the impeachment of the speaker.
    It was further  confirmed that already the principal officers of the house have been impeached  having got the 21 lawmakers’ signatures for their impeachment.
    “The principal officers have already been impeached by the signatures of 21 lawmakers. All what we need now is   only six members to meet the requirement of 2/3 to impeach the speaker without delay, “
    On why the lawmakers resolved to impeach the leaders of the house, the source said, “The reasons are many but the major one is incompetence. The speaker has virtually localised the house.”
    “We cannot sit until after 2pm and even at that things are not moving as expected. We cannot just continue like that because we are representing our constituencies.”
    Reacting to the impeachment move, the speaker of the House of Assembly, Ata, noted that as Muslim, who believe in destiny, he will accept his impeachment in good faith. 
     
    Ata, who spoke to newsmen said, the attempt by some members of the house to impeach him has nothing g to do with competence as alleged.
     
    He said “In anything there is starting and ending point. If Allah Has designed it that my time is off, nobody will extend it by a second. And if it is not time, nobody can remove me from office, that is my belief.
     
    “My happiness is that I didn’t not steal anybody’s money. So,  if today, they remove me from office, I will leave, but nobody will accuse me of stealing. I have a constituency that I am representing.
    However, the fierce-looking policemen have laid siege to the house, as both the exit and entrance of the house was under lock and key.
    The move to seal the house, according to sources, was to possibly avert the impeachment of the speaker, as members has been forced to proceed on one month recess.
    It would be recalled that Abdullahi Ata succeeded Alhaji Kabiru Alhasssan Rurum, who resigned from office around June last year following an allegation of corruption against him.

     

    Read Also: Police seal off Kano Assembly over impeachment plot

    “The Kano State House of Assembly under the leadership of Rt Hon Yusuf Abdullahi Ata, the Speaker, have adjourned its plenary session from today Monday May 14, 2018 till the end of June 2018.

    “The Adjournment is to allow members prepare for the month of Ramadan and Idil-Fitr.

    “The Speaker enjoined the members and the general public to make good use of the holy month in praying for forgiveness and progress of Kano State and Nigeria at large, “said the statement signed by its Director of Press, Ali Bala Kofar Kudu.