Thursday 30 November 2017

Emir Sanusi Attributes Quest For Illegal Migration To Poverty, Unemployment


The Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi II, has attributed the excessive quest by Nigerian youths to engage in illegal migration to poverty and unemployment.
The Emir made the remark on Thursday in Kano when the President and members of Pan African Institute for Global Affairs and Strategy (PAIGAS) paid him a courtesy visit.
According to him, the hunger to move across the shores of this country in an elusive search for greener pasture abroad can be effectively tackled when viable alternatives are made available to engage youths.

FRSC records 105 road crashes, 49 deaths in nine months in Jigawa


The Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Jigawa,Mr Angus Ibezim, on Wednesday said 105 road crashes were recorded in the state between January and September. Ibezim disclosed this during the Ember Months Sensitisation campaign in Dutse with the theme: “Right To Life On The Highway Non Negotiable”.

World Bank trains 1300 Kano farmers on addressing agronomic problems


One thousand three hundred Kano State farmers received training on measures to adopt in addressing agronomic problems as a way of improving agricultural practices in the state under World Bank’s Transforming Irrigation Management in Nigeria (TRIMMING) project.

Why Kaduna Government reduced LG Staff to below 7000


The Kaduna state government yesterday explained reason for the ongoing local government restructuring, saying the disengagement of 4,042 council workers is to take away redundancy, enhance effective delivery and as well strengthen the LG system to carry out developmental projects. 
The commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Jafaru Sani told newsmen in Kaduna yesterday that 3,159 out of the 4,042 had been retired while the remaining 893 had their jobs terminated. He explained that the retired staff would be paid their November salary as well as three months salary in lieu of notice while their pension would be worked out by the pension administrators.

Buhari to Nigerians: I’ll need your vote in future


President Muhammadu Buhari has hinted that he may run again.
Buhari dropped the hint jokingly while interacting with the Nigerian community in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire, even though he did not say if he would run in 2019 when the next presidential election is due.
The President is in Abidjan for the 5th European Union-African Union (EU-AU) Summit.

JNI wants Kaduna State Govt. to establish HIV/AIDS centres in LGAs


The Jama,atul Nasirul Islam (JNI) Kaduna chapter has appealed to the state Government to establislish more HIV/Aids centers across the 23 local governments to reduce the high rate of the scourage in rural areas.

The chairman of JNI in the state, Alhaji Jafaru Makarfi made the call at a news conference in kaduna on Wednesday.

Wednesday 29 November 2017

AfDB gives Nigeria $250m to fix North East


President of the African Development Bank (AfDB) Akinwumi Adesina has said that the continental bank has released $250 million for the construction and rehabilitation of the Northeast of Nigeria, destroyed by the Boko Haram insurgents.
The president said that the AfDB has constructed a big building behind the Yar’Adua Centre started in 2016 and completed.
He said it is the first of such building by AfDB outside its Abidjan headquarters which he will want President Muhammadu Buhari to commission.

Eid-El-Maulud: FG Declares Friday Public Holiday


THE Federal Government has declared Friday, 1st December, 2017 as public holiday to mark the Eid-El-Maulud Celebration.

A statement by Engr Abubakar Magaji, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, in Abuja on Wednesday, stated that the Minister of Interior, Lt Gen. (Rtd) Abdulrahman Bello Dambazau, announced the public holiday on behalf of the Federal Government. 

Malami Tasks Media On Fact-based Reporting


Attorney General of the Federation and minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami has challenged media practitioners to stick to facts in their reportage and ensure that they refrain from spreading information from unverified sources. “You should try to do your work with all sense of professionalism and ethics that guide your noble profession,” the AGF said while addressing participants from government, media and civil society organisations at the Open Government Partnership Media Dialogue with the theme: “Advancing Good Governance and Open Society Through Information Sharing” in Abuja.

Nigeria, Niger Republic Launch New Trade Route In Sokoto



Many years after it was conceived, the Zamfara-Sokoto-Kebbi-Tahoua cross border trade route has finally become a reality with its official launch in Sokoto Tuesday.
The event, which held in Sokoto Government House, had in attendance Governors Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu of Sokoto and Kebbi states, as well as Abdulrahman Musa of Tahoua region of Niger Republic.
In his remarks, Tambuwal said the launching of the trade corridor is another landmark achievement of the Nigeria-Niger Joint Commission, who aim is to ensure growth and economic development of the two countries.

Libya slave trade: Nigeria to evacuate citizens – Buhari


…As ambassador seek help to prosecute human traffickers
…5,000 Nigerians evacuated from Libya in six months – Dabiri-Erewa 
…Jobs, stable power supply will keep them home – Nigerian community 
From: Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abidjan, Cote d’ Ivoire
President Muhammadu Buhari, in Abidjan, Cote d’ Ivoire, has finally spoken on the vexed issue of allegations that hundreds of African refugees and migrants passing through Libya were being bought and sold to modern-day slave markets.

Buhari writes Senate, seeks confirmation of 10 members of CCB


President Muhammadu Buhari has written the Senate seeking confirmation of 10 nominees as members of the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB).
One of the appointees is being touted as chairman of the Bureau.
In a letter read by the Senate President Bukola Saraki, President Buhari is seeking expeditious confirmation of the nominees.

Buhari writes Senate, seeks confirmation of 10 members of CCB


President Muhammadu Buhari has written the Senate seeking confirmation of 10 nominees as members of the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB).
One of the appointees is being touted as chairman of the Bureau.
In a letter read by the Senate President Bukola Saraki, President Buhari is seeking expeditious confirmation of the nominees.

Buhari Ordered AGF Malami To Meet With Me, Ensure My Reinstatement


By Kemi Busari

The embattled former chairman of the Presidential Pension Task Team, Abdulrasheed Maina, on Tuesday said his reinstatement started with a meeting with the Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, as ordered by President Muhammadu Buhari.

In a video aired by Channels TV on Monday, Mr. Maina, wanted for alleged corruption, explained how the current administration held meetings with him and returned him to the civil service.

His secret reinstatement, exposed in October by PREMIUM TIMES, outraged Nigerians and raised questions about the Buhari administration’s seriousness about tackling corruption.

Badaru Presents N134.17bn Jigawa Budget For 2018


The Governor of Jigawa State Alhaji Muhammad Badaru Abubakar has presented a budget proposal of N134. 17 billion to the state House of Assembly for the 2018 fiscal year..
Speaking while making a presentation of the 2018 appropriation bill tagged: ‘The Budget of Sustained Economic Growth and Social Transformation', Governor Badaru said it is aimed to be a continuation of the previous budget in order to achieve synergy and realism in the State's short to medium plans and objectives.
Governor Muhammad Badaru Abubakar has presented the 2018 Appropriation Bill to the state house of Assembly.

Maternal And Newborn Child Health Week Flagged Off In Rukubolo, Yauri Alongside Distribution Of Hospital Equipment



Wife of Kebbi State governor Her Excellency Dr Zainab Shinkafi Bagudu was in Yauri and Ngaski LGAs of Kebbi State on Monday 27th of November 2017. She was there to perform the ceremonial flag off of the biannual MNCH-N week. She also formally handed over hospital equipment which had earlier been commissioned by His Excellency Governor Atiku Bagudu to Rukubolo primary health care center and Wara General Hospital, Ngaski.

FRC Commends ATBUTH On New Ultra Modern Trauma Centre In Bauchi


The Fiscal Responsibility Commission(FRC) has commended the foresight of the management of the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital(ATBUTH), Baluchi, for prioritising the second phase of the trauma centre to accommodate more casualties and other patients.
The North- East team leader of the commission, Alhaji Mohammed Zailani, stated this on Tuesday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria( NAN) after inspecting the ongoing projects at ATBUTH in Bauchi.

FG Will Tackle Violent Extremism - Minister



The Federal Government has come up with a comprehensive strategy to tackle violent extremism across thecountry, the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has said.
Speaking during a visit to the offices of the Leadership newspaper in Abuja on Tuesday, the Minister said the strategy was contained in a document, entitled 'Policy Framework and National Action Plan for Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism', which was launched by President Muhammadu Buhari in Abuja on Tuesday.

Tuesday 28 November 2017

Atiku: Tsunami may hit APC in Senate, Reps


The defection of former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is threatening the balance of power within the National Assembly as sources confirmed that a tsunami is expected in the chambers in the weeks to come. Members who are knowledgeable about the developments confirmed that the Atiku factor had loomed large within the two chambers of the National Assembly since the inception of the 8th Assembly in June 2015.

I won’t leave APC with Atiku ― Governor Jubrila Bindow


ADAMAWA state governor, Jubrila Bindow, has dismissed insinuation that he would dump the All Progressive Congress (APC) following in the footsteps of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar considered to be his benefactor.
Speaking to State House correspondents after meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari alongside his Borno state counterpart, Kashim Shettima on Tuesday, he said as a founding member of the ruling party, he intended to stay put in the APC despite Waziri Adamawa’s exit.

Kaduna Teachers’ Competency Test: The Untold Story



Recently, Kaduna State Governor was quoted saying about 21,780 out of 33,000 Kaduna State teachers failed primary four test conducted by the state government to know the ability of the teachers. Questions were drawn from different areas with only that of religious knowledge teachers set focusing ontheir subjects.

Senate Stops Planned Commissioning of 215 MW Kaduna Power Plant


  • orders suspension of planned commissioning

The Senate Joint Committee on Gas and Power, Steel Development and Metallurgy has kicked against the Ministry of Power, Works and Housing’s plan to run the 215 megawatts Kaduna Power Plant on diesel, instead of Liquified Natural Gas (LNG), which it said is a cheaper alternative.

Masari Calls for Better Regulation of ICT, Telecoms, Social Media


I Governor Aminu Bello Masari of Katsina State has advocated stricter regulation of the ICT and telecom sectors to guard against cyber-crimes, abuse of social media, and other activities that could threaten national security.
Masari made the call when he received the National Council on Communications led by the Minister of Communictations, Mr. Adebayo Shitu.

Oba of Benin in Sokoto, Says Traditional Institutions Will Support FG to Stabilise Nigeria


The Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, monday said the traditional institutions would support the federal government in harnessing the benefits of cultural ethos to keep Nigeria as one indivisible country.
He also stated that the unity and peaceful coexistence of this country depend largely on traditional institutions because of their closeness to the people.

Nigeria Needs Courageous Leadership, Says Saraki


The Senate President, Senator Bukola Saraki, has said what the country needs to resolve challenges of statehood afflicting it are leaders with the courage to do what is right and to stand firm on it.
He said beyond the clamour for restructuring and reform of the country, there is the need to first do things that will promote unity and oneness among the people.

Zamfara State Governor appoints 3 DG, 27 Special Assistants


The Governor of Zamfara State , Abdoulaziz Yari Abubakar on Monday, approved the appointment of three Directors General and 27 new Special Assistants (SSAs)

Prisons Service Sacks 8 Officers For Smuggling Of Prohibited Items Into Prison Yards


The Nigeria Prisons Service (NPS) has sacked eight junior officers for various acts of indiscipline including smuggling of prohibited items into prison yards for inmates.
Spokesman of the NPS, Mr Francis Enobore, disclosed this in a statement on Monday in Abuja.
Enobore said the smuggled items included cell phones, marijuana and other intoxicating substances.

Troops Capture Boko Haram Terrorist, Neutralize Many and Recover Weapons



Troops of 202 Battalion of 21 Brigade Nigerian Army in Conjunction with elements of Mobile Strike Teams (MSTs) on Operations LAFIYA DOLE, in furtherance of clearance and blockade Operation DEEP PUNCH 2, on Saturday 25th November 2017, cleared Boko Haram terrorists' enclaves in Abusuriwa, Newchina, Bonzon, Usmanari, Goyayeri, Shitimari, Gashimari, Awaram amongst other villages in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State.

Niger: APC chairmen reject car gifts


The frosty relationship between the Niger State Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello and the 25 council chairmen of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) party in the state came to the fore in Minna recently when the party chairmen rejected the car gift to them by the governor.
The “embarrassing” decision by the party chairman has continued to dominate discussions around political landscape in the state, Daily Sun investigations reveal.

FIRS rakes in N3.2tr in 10 months, says Tunde Fowler


Agency shuts firms in Lagos, Port Harcourt over tax debt
The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has generated N3.233 trillion in 10 months. The amount is 79.35 per cent of the agency’s collection target for this year, its Executive Chairman Tunde Fowler said yesterday.
He spoke at an interactive session on the review of 2018–2020 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP), organised by the House of Representatives Committee on Finance and Appropriations.

Buhari jokes about Atiku’s defection


President to Oyegun: my sympathy
President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday trivialised former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s defection from the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Atiku, who is widely expected to join the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), plans to seek the opposition party’s presidential ticket to run in 2019.

Pay salary arrears before Christmas, Buhari orders governors


Approves payment of Paris Club refund balance
From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
President Muhammadu Buhari has succumbed to pressure by state governors and has instructed that 50 per cent balance of the Paris Club Debt refund be paid to them.
This was even as the governors have agreed to deploy the refund to pay workers’ salaries,  in time for the yuletide celebrations.
The governor, however, said they would clear the arrears, on the condition that the refund gets to them before the yueltide.

Monday 27 November 2017

ICPC to dock Maryam Sanda’s mother, Maimuna over fraud


The Independent Corrupt Practices and other related Offences Commission (ICPC) has finalized plans to arraign Maimuna Aliyu, mother of Maryam Sanda recently charged over killing her husband Bilyaminu Bello. The ICPC on Monday said it is due to arraign Maimuna Aliyu, former Executive Director of Aso Savings and Loans Ltd as well as dropped nominee for Board Member of ICPC.
A statement from the spokesperson of the Commission, Rasheedat Okoduwa  said, “the arraignment is set to take place on Tuesday 28th November 2017 before Justice M. A Nasir of High Court 16 Jabi, Abuja.”

NITDA, EFCC collaborate on IT projects clearance

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) says it is collaborating with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to ensure that Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) comply with the clearance of Information Technology projects procurement.
Director-General of NITDA, Dr. Isa Pantami, said this in a statement signed by Mrs Hadiza Umar, Head, Corporate Affairs and External Relations, in Abuja. “In an effort to strengthen the IT Projects clearance process, Dr Isa Pantami, the Director General sought for the support of the EFCC. “This is to sustain its fight against corrupt practices in IT procurements of Government Ministries,

Atiku Abubakar set to meet Olusegun Obasanjo

Days after the resignation of the former Vice-President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar left, from the All Progressives Congress (APC), the aide of Atiku has confirmed that his boss has not ruled out the possibility of holding talks with, President Olusegun Obasanjo, in pursuit of his political ambition.
Atiku’s Media Adviser, Mazi Paul Ibe, stated this on behalf of his principal during a telephone interview with one of our correspondents in Abuja on Sunday.
Ibe explained that Atiku, a master of consensus building, would not discountenance the importance of carrying everyone along.

Herdsman nabbed, arraigned, remanded for raping pregnant housewife


A herdsman, Umaru Easyam, has been arraigned before a Makurdi Magistrate’s Court by the Benue State Police Command for allegedly raping a pregnant housewife(name withheld), in Gwer West Local Government Area of the state.
The accused, who claimed to come from Tse-Ikyer Mbakyoondo village, was arrested by officials of the Civilian Joint Task Force/Livestock Guards when he tried to flee after allegedly committing the act.

Shettima visits Borno Agency, briefed on 45 CSDP, GDP targets


Governor Kashim Shettima has paid a visit to the newly established Borno State Community and Social Development Agency (BOCSDA).
Received by the General Manager, Hon. Chiroma Usman, the Governor took an assessment tour round the agency, inspecting the offices and facilities.
Earlier, the General Manager of the BOCSDA, Hon. Usman Chiroma had adequately briefed the Governor on the activities of the Agency from last August when it was established to date in collaboration with the World Bank - The 2nd & 3rd Quarter Implementation Progress Report.
He explained the Deliverables, Management and Administrative issues (Poverty Map, Meetings held, Trainings held, & other activities), Capacity and Partnerships (Sensitization of LGAs, Various Trainings, LGAs supporting their communities, Communities supported by their LGAs, and Grouos Supported by their LGAs).

Boko Haram kills three soldiers, wounds six in Borno


Buhari receives progress report on 106 freed Chibok girlsA Boko Haram raid on a military base in Magumeri of Borno State on Saturday has claimed three soldiers. 
The insurgents wounded six others.The Deputy Director Public Relations of 8 Task Force Division, Col Timothy Antigha disclosed this on Sunday in a statement in Maiduguri. He said the insurgents, were repelled by troops stationed at the various military posts around the council headquarters of Magumeri Local Government Area.

Buhari inaugurates Minimum Wage panel


President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday inaugurated the Tripartite National Minimum Wage Committee at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Noting that the last minimum wage instrument has expired, he said that the government’s move now is to ensure a fair and decent living wage for the Nigerian workers.
He said “You are all aware that during the period following the increase in Petrol Pump Price in May 2016, a Technical Committee was established to examine and make recommendations to Government on the measures to be adopted to cushion the envisaged painful effects of the increase on workers and the Nigerian populace at large.

Sunday 26 November 2017

Minister Solicits Incentives For Creative, Tourism Investors In Jigawa


The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has urged Jigawa Government to give incentives to creative and tourism investors to explore the rich cultural potential of the state.
The minister made the call in Dutse at a Gala night hosted in his honour by Gov. Badaru Abubakar to mark the end of the 9th National Council on Tourism, Culture and National Orientation held in the state.
The 9th edition of the Council with the theme, ” Tourism and Culture as Panacea for Nigeria’s Economic Recovery’’ was organised by the Federal Ministry of Information and Culture and hosted by Jigawa Government.

Archbishop Kaigama: 'Why I am attracted to Borno Governor, Shettima' ‎

The President, Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama says he is attracted to the qualities in Governor of Borno State, Kashim Shettima because he has proved not to be "‎narrow minded and myopic" but rather one who is broad and  fair to adherents of all religious groups as being testified by Christian leaders from all denominations living in Borno.

Kaigama Stated this in Maiduguri when he led Bishops to pay courtesy call on Governor Shettima. The Catholic Bishops’ Conference was on empathy visit to Borno to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Maiduguri catholic diocese (1966 to 2016).

"I have met Governor Shettima at different Fora, and I must say I have been very much attracted to his personality. He is ‎not the narrow minded and myopic kind of leader. He is a leader whose vision is broad and whose hands are large enough to embrace every body.‎ He is also very humble. I told His Eminence, the Cardinal that in some places we go, we have to wait for two hours or three in-order to meet some government personalities but in Borno State, the Governor was the one receiving us and bringing us in. We ‎came from different parts of Nigeria, and we are Catholic Bishops.
It is our tradition to meet always, to interact, to pray, and to express solidarity with ourselves and those who are in need. We are a voice for the people. Our voice is a prophetic voice. We see where things are good, we say it so. Where things are bad, we say it so. This is our mission and today we are in Borno State. We are truly overwhelmed with what we have seen. I can tell you we are already convinced that  Borno State is on a very high level gear of progress. ‎They say seeing is believing. We have come, we have seen, and we are convinced there’s a lot of good happenings here. Despite all the negative stories about terrorist attacks and so on, there are determined people on ground who have a capable leader in the person of the Governor determined to forge ahead, to inspire peaceful coexistence to encourage people to transcend the temporary obstacles in order that they can build a very solid and vibrant State. We are witnesses, and I can tell you we shall go from here to Lagos to Ibadan to Onitsha to Calabar to Lokoja to Abuja to tell this story" Archbishop Kaigama said.

‎Earlier, the ‎Archbishop of Maiduguri Diocese, Bishop Oliver  Dashe had in his introductory comments, spoke of how Governor Shettima has been rebuilding churches destroyed by Boko Haram in Borno State, supporting activities of Christian bodies for all denominations and being fair to Christians in the affairs of Government the same way he is fair to the more populated Muslim community. ‎

“I want to tell you all (Archbishops) that Governor Kashim Shettima has been a father to all of us. Under his regime, we are experiencing fantastic relationship between the government and Christians in this State.
The Governor makes sure he carries everybody along as far as his administration is concerned" Archbishop Dashe said.

Governor Shettima thanked the Archbishops for standing by the people of Borno State through thick and thin. He noted as a leader, he has obligation to be fair to everyone living in Borno irrespective of religious beliefs, ethnicity and from where anyone comes from. ‎

Established in 1958, ‎the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, CBCN, is the organ of unity for Archbishops and bishops of the 54 ecclesiastical jurisdictions under the Catholic Church in Nigeria.

Ortom: Miyetti Allah’s Threats Won’t Stop Anti-grazing Law in Benue


Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom on Saturday hinted that the Fulani Socio-cultural group, Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore’s constant threat won’t stop the state’s stand against open grazing prohibition in the state. Ortom noted that the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law has come to stay and its implementation is ongoing without hitches.

Jonathan to Atiku: Beg Obasanjo, get PDP ticket


Lamido, Shekarau, Dankwambo, others may not step down 
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has one more hurdle to cross in his secret deal with some stalwarts of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led by ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, The nation can authoritatively report.
It was learnt yesterday that Jonathan said Atiku must beg or apologize to ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo to get the 2019 presidential ticket of the PDP on a platter of gold.

Borno PDP crisis ends, new state exco elected


THE crisis rocking the Borno State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), may have been resolved as the party, on Saturday, held its state congress during which new executive members that would pilot the affairs of the party for the next four years were elected. The congress was held at the state secretariat of the PDP in Gombe, yesterday under a peaceful atmosphere.

APC Is Planning To Sabotage Our National Convention – PDP Alleges


The PDP has accused the APC of plotting to sabotage its upcoming National Convention
The opposition party blamed the APC for the speculated ‘parallel convention’; accusing the ruling party of using the idea to create divisions in the PDP – 
The party also accused the APC of arresting, intimidating and harassing its top members including former SGF Pius Anyim and ex-Governor Abubakar Danladi, as a means to create an atmosphere of fear – The PDP called on its members to use its open door policy to discuss any grievances, as it warned that it would not give room to anyone to sabotage its convention The All Progressives Congress (APC) has been accused by the Peoples

Kano State has monthly salary bill of 9bn – Ganduje


The Kano State Government has N9 billion salary bill monthly. Gov. Abdullahi Ganduje said this in Kano on Friday at the second day of the NDIC workshop for financial journalists.

He said that in spite of the huge salary bill, which he said, was more than some three states combined, the state had never failed to pay the salaries monthly.

NGO Trains Security Personnel For Plateau LG Polls


A Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) is training security personnel on how best to conduct themselves securing elections, as Plateau prepares for Local Government elections.
Mr Nelson Ananze, Acting Executive Director, Community Action for Popular Participation (CAPP), said that the two-day training in Jos, was to help security personnel to be professional in their conducts before, during and after elections.