NITDA Alerts Nigerians on Petya Ransomware Attack

The management of National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) would like to bring to the attention of Nigerians on another deadly cyber-attack, similar to the recent ‘WannaCry’ attack. This attack, called ‘Petya’ ransomware or ‘GoldenEye’, not only encrypts files but also encrypts hard drives, rendering entire computer system inaccessible.

The attack has paralysed businesses across the world and is spreading quickly with reports indicating that countries affected so far include Ukraine, Denmark, Russia, the UK, Germany, France, Italy, Poland and the USA. The malware is spreading using a vulnerability in Microsoft Windows that was patched in March 2017 — the same bug that was exploited by the WannaCry ransomware.

While our CERRT team are working round the clock along with other stakeholders to come up with effective defence mechanism for the Nigerian cyberspace, we are calling on Network Administrators in the public and private sectors as well as individuals to take the following measures recommended during the recent WannaCry attack:
• isolate the system from your network to prevent the threat from further spreading;
• remove the system from Network; and
• do not use flash/pen drive, external drives on the System to copy files to other systems.

As a general precautionary measure and as the security of systems is our collective responsibility, we would like to recommend that individuals and organisations should:
• regularly update their operating systems with the latest patches;
• regularly update their software applications with latest patches;
• turnoff unnecessary/unneeded features;
• avoid downloading and opening unsolicited files and attachments;
• adjust security software to scan compressed or archived files; and
• avoid indiscriminate use wireless connections, such as Bluetooth or infrared ports.

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) is an Agency under the Federal Ministry of Communications. The Agency was created in April 2001 to implement the Nigerian Information Technology Policy and co-ordinate general IT development and regulation in the country. Specifically, Section 6(j) of the Act mandates NITDA to advise the Government on ways of promoting the development of information technology in Nigeria including introducing appropriate information technology legislations and ways of enhancing national security and the vibrancy of the industry.

We therefore call on all citizens, especially critical stakeholders in the IT industry, to support NITDA in this onerous task by always following best practices as well as being proactive in the way information and systems are handled. These will help in minimizing risks of attacks as well as possible loss of vital information.

Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, FBCS
Director General/CEO
National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA)
Corporate Headquarters, Abuja
28th June, 2017

Buhari Is Not On Life Support, Recovering Strong – APC

The Chairman of the All Progressive Congress (APC) has said that the President Muhammadu Buhari is recovering strong and not on life support.

According to Mr Oyegun,“The reports we have from the doctors are very good, he is recovering very strongly” he added.

This is following the statement by the Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, that the President does not only have voice impairment, he has been on life-support since June 6, 2017, at a West-End, London Hospital.”

The governor also claimed that the wife of the President, Mrs Aisha Buhari, was not allowed to see him during her last visit to the UK.

Adamawa APC nominates Babachir’s replacement

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Adamawa State has nominated Mustapha Salihu as Babachir David Lawal’s replacement in the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party.
Babachir’s position as the Party’s National Vice Chairman (North-East) has remained vacant since August 2015 following his appointment as Secretary to Government of the Federation (SGF) by President Muhammadu Buhari.
In a letter addressed to the National Chairman of the party, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, the Adamawa chapter of the APC forwarded Salihu’s name for the position of National Vice Chairman (North East) of the Party pending ratification by a convention.
The letter was co-signed by the governor of Adamawa state, Bindow Jibrilla, the state chairman of the party, Ibrahim Bilal, and the APC secretary in the state, Sa’idu Naira.

NAF COMMENCES DAILY FEEDING OF SCHOOL CHILDREN IN IDP CAMPS

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has commenced the daily feeding of school children at the camps for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Dalori and Bama, as part of its renewed efforts to promote primary school education among disadvantaged pupils. At the simultaneous flag-off of the feeding programme at both camps on 28 June 2017, the NAF Chief of Medical Services, Air Vice Marshal Saleh Shinkafi, who represented the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), stated that the programme would entail the provision one meal daily to five hundred school children each from both Dalori and Bama IDP camps. Accordingly, a total of thousand children daily would benefit from the programme every day for the next six to eight months. He further stated that the CAS, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, mooted the idea of the school feeding scheme so as to reduce malnutrition among the pupils in order to give them the opportunity to live and also go to school. According to him, the programme, which could be extended depending on the availability of resources, would provide assistance and succour to the children and complement the efforts of the Federal and State Governments.

Police sergeant killed, several injured in Gombe communal clash

The police in Gombe have said one of their personnel, Abdul Mohammed, a sergeant, was killed on Tuesday during a clash between the Kufai and Lakshikoldok communities in Billiri and Shongom Local Government Areas of the state.
The State Commissioner of Police, Austin Iwar, who disclosed this at a press conference in Gombe, the state capital on Thursday, also said several members of the two communities were injured and properties worth millions of naira destroyed during the clash.
He also said many indigenes of the areas had been rendered homeless as a result of the incident.
The communal hostilities have lasted for over last 30 years, and often occurs during rainy season.
Mr. Iwar said the police had taken control of the area though it was yet to make any arrest in order not to escalate the crisis, which resulted from a lingering land dispute.

Oshiomhole: Babangida owes Nigerians apology

All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain Adams Oshiomhole said yesterday that former Military President and restructuring advocate General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida owes the nation an apology for helping to bring it to its present level.
Oshiomhole also said that the clamour for diversification of the economy cannot succeed unless it begins with the oil and gas sector which, he said, employs about 40 percent of the working population.
The former Edo State governor, who was represented by the General Secretary of the National Union of Textile, Garment and Tailoring Workers, Comrade Issa Aremu, at the 5th Triennial Delegates Conference of the Petroleum And Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) in Abuja, said it was under the Babangida regime that “the economy was restructured” and the naira devalued.
The former National President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), who was the guest speaker, spoke on the theme: “Emerging trends in the oil and gas industry and impacts on Labour Movement in Nigeria’’.

Many Of Those Calling For Restructuring Are Opportunists, Irresponsible – El-Rufai

The Kaduna State Governor, El-Rufai has described recent calls for the restructuring of Nigeria as political opportunism and irresponsibility.

El-Rufai, while speaking on Channels TV’s Sunrise Daily said President Buhari’s administration has done far more in practical terms than past administrations and that many of those calling for a restructuring rather see it as a means of opportunism.

He stated that some of the practical steps taken towards restructuring included the fact that state governors are now more than ever, involved in economic policy making at the national level.

According to him, things that have always been hidden from state governments are now much more open as they are now more involved in investigations of finances of the excess crude account, among other things.

Osinbajo approves appointment of 14 chief executives of tertiary health institutions

The Acting President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, has approved the appointment of 14 Chief Medical Directors and Medical Directors in Teaching Hospitals, Federal Medical Centres and Specialists Hospital in the country.

This was contained in an approval letter signed by the Deputy Chief of Staff to the Acting President and addressed to the Minister of Health, Professor Isaac Adewole.

The appointment which takes immediate effect of 4 years tenure is in two categories. Five of the appointees will be serving their second and final term while the remaining nine will be serving their first tenure

NAF 001, PRESIDENTIAL AIRCRAFT IS AT THE SERVICE OF THE PRESIDENT - GARBA SHEHU

The Presidency is constrained to decry criticisms, mostly on social media, on the retention in London of the Presidential Aircraft, NAF 001 as mostly informed by lack of understanding of protocol around foreign trips by Heads of State all over the world.

It is important to state that for reasons of protocol, national security, diplomacy and prestige, there is no world leader who travels abroad and is left without plans for immediate return or possible evacuation.

From operational point of view, this country’s Armed Forces as represented by the Nigeria Air Force are not to abandon their Commander-In-Chief in whichever circumstance he is. This is a standard operating procedure.

We have also read claims about outrageous fees allegedly paid by Nigeria. The published amounts are totally untrue. Aircraft conveying heads of state all over the world usually enjoy waivers even where payments for parking are differentiated by aircraft categories.

We been assured that where the waiver is not granted, payment will not exceed £1,000, which is a quarter of the amount being peddled.

For the avoidance of doubt, this President is not the first to have a presidential aircraft standing by for him, as he will certainly not be the last.  All past Heads of this country have had this privilege, and the part that surprises the most is that leaders who in the past travelled with three Nigerian aircraft did not suffer this trenchant criticism.

We appeal to Nigerians to ignore opposition campaign aimed at derailing this administration's big plans for the country.

This is a government that is constructing the Second Niger Bridge, the Mambila Power Plant, the East-West and the North-South standard gauge railway lines.

We are a government that has saved this country an annual loss of two trillion Naira from fraudulent petroleum subsidy schemes by influential citizens and their children, and rid the public service of about 50,000 ghost workers.

The Buhari administration certainly deserves a chance.

GARBA SHEHU
Special Senior Assistant to the President
(Media & Publicity)
June 29, 2017.

Finding Mr Right Chapter 9

Read the previous episodes here 
I got back from Dubai five days later, with my man. Now that’s the sweetest thing to say. Me, Oyin omo Clegg that left Lagos manless, am returning with a man, and a heck hunk of a man.

 I wish I would run into that Moroti again now, so I could smugly answer all her snide questions, but fate would not have it so. And you know, the sweetest thing about Yomi is that all through our stay in Dubai, he didn’t ask for sex (even though I was hoping he would #evilgrin#).

 He wanted to prove to me that it was not just a holiday/business trip fling he wanted. So he told me that we would save the real deal (yes, there were other things I shall keep only to myself) until much later. 

Finding Mr Right Chapter 10

Read the previous episodes here 
And so Oyin Clegg broke out of her depression. Not exactly getting her groove back yet o. And she’s happy, a man might have finally killed the dragon to come rescue her from the dungeon of singleness with his sweetness.

See me o, as Ossy is making me wax lyrical. Me that called in sick at work that morning was in a cab enroute the airport, looking all fly, omo toh badt gaan. I wore my favorite jeans, one that made men turn around and take a second look at my behind, and a chiffon top with a hat to match and my very tech specs.

I surveyed myself before my mirror for a few minutes. If you can have a tummy like mine at 35 without body magic and lipo, then you are one of the chosen few (some of you will say shebi I haven’t had kids yet, but darris your consign).

Finding Mr Right Chapter 8

I could not even drink myself to sleep that night. No alcohol could numb my pain and I spent a large part of the night re-enacting the evening in my head and adding all sorts of evil things I should have done to Femi as he left.

 I could not pull myself together to go to work the next day and quickly sent an sms to my boss to allow me take the day off. I stumbled around my house in just my underwear, picking things up, arranging things. 

PDP commiserates with family of late Suntai, People and government of Taraba state

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has described the late former governor of Taraba, Mr Danbaba Suntai, as an outstanding and professional man. Dr. Cairo Ojougboh, the Deputy PDP National Chairman in Sen. Ali Modu Sheriff’s faction, said this on Wednesday. “We are proud of late Suntai. He left his profession and became a politician in order to bring quality to governance. “This, he exhibited, while in office until the unfortunate plane crash incident.“

FG approved N2.6bn for NAHCON headquaters

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved N2.6 billion for the purchase of Abuja Metro Plaza to serve as the Corporate Headquarters of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).The chairman of NAHCON, Malam Abdullahi Mukhtar, confirmed the approval in a statement he issued in Abuja on Wednesday.

According to him, the approval was given at the weekly FEC meetingchaired by the Acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo at the State House, Abuja, on Wednesday. “The approval was granted consequent upon the commission’s ability to raise the sum of N2 billion out of the N2.4 billion of the agreed price."

Five Suicide Bombers Die In Failed Attack On Maiduguri

Five suicide bombers on Tuesday night attempted to attack Mammanti village, around Jiddari Polo area of the Maiduguri metropolis.

Soldiers in conjunction with the Civilian Joint Task Force Jiddari Polo found the dead bodies of the suicide bombers when a loud explosion was heard while on patrol.

According to the Civilian JTF, during the patrol, dead bodies of five suicide bombers, two male and three females were discovered about four Kilometers ahead of Mammanti village. One of the bodies was mutilated following a detonated Improvised Explosive Device while others were still fresh with injuries and IEDs strapped on their bodies.

The Civilian JTF also disclosed their target was supposedly Maiduguri Metropolis, but one of the IEDS exploded which killed all five suicide bombers before they could infiltrate thetown.

DSS, EFCC, ICPC and other agents raid Namadi Sambo's Kaduna home

The police and men of Directorate of state security service (DSS) as well operatives of Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC) yesterday raided the residence of former Vice president Namadi Sambo on No. 1 Alimi road in Kaduna.

The operatives arrived the expansive residence of the former vice president a few minutes after 3:00 pm and were inside the premises till around 5:30 pm when they left. They were heavily armed and came in three vehicles: A white coloured Coaster bus, a Toyota Hilux van and a dark coloured Toyota Corolla car. The white bus had an eagle insignia on it but with no inscription identifying which of the agencies it belonged to.The Corolla was parked outside as the operatives numbering up to ten conducted the search within the residence while the others of waited outside

Danbaba Suntai Former Taraba Governor, is dead

​Former Gov. Danbaba Suntai of Taraba, who was  involved in a plane crash in October 2012 has died in Houston, Florida, in the United States on Wednesday. Mr Emmanuel Bello, Senior Special Assistant to Gov. Darius Ishaku on Public Affairs confirmed the incident to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on telephone on Wednesday.

NAN reports that Suntai, 56, has since the plane crash been receiving treatment in hospitals across the world. Bello said information on when the remains of the former governor would be conveyed back to Nigeria would be released later. 

( NAN)

Nigerian Army Buried Two FallenHeroes Killed in Borno, Arrest Boko Haram Terrorist

UPDATE ON OPERATION LAFIYA DOLE WEDNESDAY 28TH JUNE 2017

TROOPS ARREST BOKO HARAM TERRORIST IN BUNI GARI

Troops of 27 Task Force Brigade deployed at Buni Gari have arrested another suspected Boko Haram terrorist, Isah Garba aged 20 years while on perimetre patrol on 25th June 2017. Preliminary investigation was initially difficult as he was found to be under influence of heavy dosage of drugs. He has since stabilized and making useful statement.

TROOPS RECOVER AND DESTROY IED
Troops of 29 Task Force Brigade while on patrol on 28th June 2017, along Wajiro-Mallam Kuramti cattle route discovered an IED planted by suspected Boko Haram terrorists. The EOD team safely removed and detonated it.

Kaduna state governments terminates the appointment of 124 (KASTELEA) Marshals due to misconducts

The Board & Management of Kaduna State Traffic Law Enforcement Authority (KASTELEA) has announced the termination of appointment of 124 employees (Marshals) as a result of various misconducts that do not conform to the ideals and the policies of the State Government.
Some of the Marshals were found wanting for extortion whiles others absconded from their duty posts.
Out of the 124 Marshals, one(1) was outrightly dismissed from service for extortion, another one for gross misconduct ,while 122 Marshals were relieved of their appointment for absconding from their duty posts.

​UNIMAID Will Remain Open Despite Attacks – Management

UNIMAID Will Remain Open Despite Attacks – Management

The management of the University of Maiduguri has said official activities will continue at the institution despite the attack by three suicide bombers.

“Following an emergency meeting at which management reviewed the situation, it was decided that all official activities should continue uninterrupted,” a statement signed by the Director, Unimaid Radio/Public Relations, Professor Danjuma Gambo, for the Vice-Chancellor read in part.

“Management also reassures the university community and other stakeholders that the university will continue to ensure the protection of lives and property on campus.”

According to the management, the latest suicide attack on the institution occurred on Sunday between 10:19 pm and 2:45 am.

It added that the attack was carried out by one male and two female suicide bombers.

It said the first attack was carried out by a male bomber at the office of the Rapid Response Squad of the Security Division.

When the bomber detonated his device, four security personnel were injured and one of them, a female died on the way to the hospital.

The statement added, “The second bomber, who found her way into the Centre for Entrepreneurship and Enterprise Development, detonated her device and died on the spot. The third bomber was intercepted by vigilant security operatives behind the Works Department where she also detonated her device and died alone.”

After the blasts, the management said officials of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the State Emergency Agency as well as security operatives in the university evacuated the corpses of the bombers.

It thanked the security and emergency agencies for their role protecting the university community and commended the host community and the media for their support.

Unity of Nigeria: Governor Wike, Rivers leaders visit Sultan

In futherance of the quest  to promote the  unity  of the country, Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike on Tuesday  led prominent Rivers political leaders and First Class Traditional Rulers to pay a Sallah visit to the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa'ad Abubakar III.

Governor Wike and his entourage were received at the Sokoto International Airport  by the Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal from where they  proceeded in a motorcade to the Palace of the Sultan.

At the Sultan's Palace, Governor Wike  received a royal welcome as leaders of the Sultanate and Traditional Rulers lined amidst music and dance to celebrate  his arrival.

Speaking at the Palace, Governor Wike declared that the people  of Rivers State believe in the  unity of the country, noting that they will continue to work for the  country to stay united.

He said: "Rivers State  believes in the oneness of this country.  We believe  in the unity of the country and we will do everything possible to the  preach the unity of Nigeria.

"All countries have one challenge  or the other, but what is important is dialogue to find ways to resolve those challenges.  For the unity of Nigeria, there is  no going back ".

He said irrespective of religious differences,  all Nigerians  must ensure that they  work for the unity of the country.

He described the Sultan as a Traditional Ruler who believes and  works for the unity of Nigeria. 

Governor Wike thanked the Sultan of Sokoto for participating in the Rivers Golden Jubilee and always supporting the Rivers State.

Responding, the Sultan of Sokoto and President General of the Nigeria Council of Islamic Affairs, Alhaji Sa'ad Abubakar  called for dialogue  in the resolutions  of the challenges facing  the  nation.

He called on elder statemen across the country to call their people to order for the country to live in peace and attract development.

He said: "We shall continue to work for the unity of this country.  This shows that we are one family in Nigeria.  We serve our creator by serving humanity".

Speaking further, he said: " I was very pleased to see what is going on Rivers State in terms of construction and projects."

While urging Governor Wike  to sustain  his developmental  projects, he charged political leaders to remain committed to projects delivery  as that will attract the goodwill of the people.  He said leaders who work for their  people will always be defended by their constituents.

In his remarks, Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal described the visit as historic and relevant  to the unity of the country.

He said: "Governor Wike is here to express that we are  all believers in the  unity of this country ".

Governor Wike was accompanied for the  Sallah Visit by Former Rivers State Governor, Sir Celestine Omehia, Former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt Hon. Austin Opara, Former Acting National Chairman of PDP, Prince Uche Secondus, Former NBA President, Chief Onueze Okocha, Former Minister of Sports, Dr Tammy Danagogo, Administrator of Greater Port Harcourt City Development Authority, Ambassador Desmond Akawor, Federal Commissioner of the Federal Civil Service Commission, Evangelist Hope Ikiriko, Mr Sokipiri Graham-Douglas, Prince Emma Anyanwu and Former Attorney General of Rivers State, Hon Frank Ohwor.

Also on Governor Wike's entourage were three traditional rulers: Chairman of the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers and Amayanabo of Opobo Kingdom, King Dandeson Jaja, Amayanabo of Abonnema, King Gbobo Disrael Bob-Manuel and the Oda of Abua, King Kalley Obunge.

Simeon Nwakaudu,

Special Assistant to the Rivers State Governor, Electronic Media.

27th June, 2017.

Benue 2019: Run, Samuel Ortom Run Again! By Elijah Fave

When I put u the product for sale in the public domain recenty  going by the billboard (in picture here) mounted at the entrance of the IBB Square Makurdi, I was nearly lynched.

I took time to explain myself and verily, many believed me that I am a true progressive from the APP, ANPP, AC, ACN and now APC and will never succumb to a plate of pottage no matter how hungry.

The response was that we will be labouring in vain no matter the level of marketing my party (APC) will do to  the candidacy of Samuel Ortom who they call a petty thief and that we have a rotten product and liability that will not fly.

I was confronted with details of how Samuel Ortom has traded out Benue state and it will take close to 40 years to upset the debt burden running well over N60billion within a span of two years.

One of the discussants referred me to the administration Blue Print tagged: Our Collective Vision for a Better Benue where Samuel Ortom, according to him, lied that with N200 billion in four years, he will turn Benue state to a better place to be.

I was better informed of how Samuel Ortom dumped Guma in connivance with the press who sang praised without tangible projects on the ground.

According to my informants, Ortom is now stealing and pilfering the Benue treasury  blind with the collaboration of the church.

Homogous amount of money from the monthly federation accruals, local and international borrowings, the Bailout and Internally Generated Revenue, I was told, has been diverted to the Oracle Business Conglomerate located at the Industrial Layout along Makrdi-Naka road while the state suffers.

I was also told of how the man messed up the Ministry of Aviation where he was privileged to oversee the ministry and how he has insisted that a host of old and expired women who had an affiliation with him are compensated as local government chairpersons.

The consensus was that APC should not concede the 2019 governorship ticket to an non-performing person like Ortom who will go buying governorship forms from the Ahmadu Sherrif led PDP, SDP, APGA, DPN and the host of other political parties like he did in 2015.

I also reasoned with the current.

My advice to the leadership and membership of the ORIGINAL APC therefore is that we should start the process of searching for a credible governorship alternative ahead of 2019 because, with a sharp Card-Reader, Samuel Ortom will NOT sell.

Elijah Fave is an original member of the APC and writes from Mbakyor ward, Kwande LGA, Benue State.

He can be reached on: 08099124299

NULGE: Only 14 out of 36 States Do Not owe our workers salaries

... FCT, 22 States owe as much as 16 months salaries

Only fourteen out Nigeria's 36 States do not owe salaries of local government workers, President of the National Union of Local Government Employees, Ibrahim Khaleel.

The President listed Borno and 13 other States as the only States paying salaries of local government workers in Nigeria and not owing as at June, 2017 which is to end in three days time.

The President listed 23 other States that owe workers as much as 16 months salaries.

According to Kaheel, Bayelsa state was leading in indebtedness to local council workers with between 10 to 16 months, followed by Kogi between seven to 15 months; Delta State eight to 14 months.

“Kaduna 12 months;  Oyo three to 11 months; Edo 10 months; Abia five to nine months;  Kwara two to nine months; Benue nine months and Nasarawa seven months.

“Ondo, Ekiti, Imo with six months; Zanfara have not implementing minimum wage, Adamawa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Ebonyi, Plateau owing four months, Taraba and FCT three months.

“While Osun state has been paying half salaries for 24 months and few staff were owed few months in Enugu,” he said.

The union noted that Ekiti has refused to remit union dues for the past nine months and Ogun has not also remitted its deduction for seven months.

The national president also said that 700 staff members were owed between one to three months in Cross River State.

He called on the governors of the states to offset the salaries and other allowances of local government workers with the second tranche of the Paris Loan Refund released to them.

He said that failure to do so, the union would be forced to mobilised and shut down all local government councils in the country.

Khaleel called on the state governors not to divert or tamper with the second tranche of Paris Club Loan refund but use it to offset the entitlement of the workers.

He, however, said the union was aware that some state governors were already claiming that the amount released was not in conformity with the published figure.

“We want to state in strong term that no governor should either divert or tamper with the fund.

“This should be an avenue where the backlog of arrears of salaries owed the Local Government workers and some other welfare packages should be settled.

“Such as leave bonus, arrears of promotion benefits, arrears of annual increment and non implementation of minimum wage most especially in Zamfara State are resolved and paid.

“We, therefore, use this medium to appeal passionately to the State Governors to use this 2nd Tranche of Paris club loan refund to clear the backlog arrears of outstanding salaries.

“This is in order to ameliorate the untold hardship they are currently passing through due to this ugly situation,” he said.

He added that the union will not tolerate a situation where any state governor will hide under any guise to deny Local Government workers their legitimate salaries and allowances.

Khaleed commended the 14 states including Lagos, Ogun, Kano, Katsina, Jigawa, Sokoto, Kebbi, Bauchi, Borno, Yobe, Gombe, Cross River, Niger and Anambra that were up to day in the entitlement of local government workers.

By NAN (page 3 of Daily Trust).
(NAN)

NULGE threatens nation-wide strike as 23 states owe LG workers 1-16 months salaries

​A total of 23 states are presently owing their local government workers monthly salaries ranging between one to 16 months; a diligently computed local government staff salaries indebtedness in Nigeria has revealed.

Against this background, Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), has warned state governors not to divert or tamper with the second tranche of Paris Club Loan refund; which has just been released to them by the Federal Government for that purpose. Rather, NULGE appealed passionately to the state governors to use the second tranche of Paris Club loan refund to clear the backlog arrears of outstanding salaries owed local government workers across thecountry.

Failure to do this would force the union vowed to  mobilise its teeming members and shut down all the Local Governments across the Country. The most affected states are Bayelsa  owing between 10 to 16 months; Kogi between seven to 15 months; Delta State eight to 14 months; Kaduna 12 months;  Oyo three to 11 months; Edo 10 months; Abia five to nine months;  Kwara two to nine months; Benue nine months and Nasarawa seven months.Others are: Ondo, Ekiti, Imo with six months; Zamfara (not implementing minimum wage), Adamawa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Ebonyi, Plateau owing four months; Taraba and FCT three months; while Osun State has been paying half salaries for 24 months and few staff are owed few months in Enugu.

While Ekiti State has refused to remit union deduction for nine months, Ogun State has not also remitted its deduction for seven months and about 700 staff are owed for between one to three months in Cross River State.

Lagos, Ogun, Kano, Katsina, Jigawa, Sokoto, Kebbi, Bauchi, Borno, Yobe, Gombe, Cross River, Niger and Anambra are the 14 states that are not owing their local government workers. While drawing attention of Nigerians to the level of this indebtedness to local government workers in various states, NULGE said the just released second tranche of Paris club loan refund to the state government should be used to pay the debts.

NULGE President Comrade Ibrahim Khaleel, warned the governors against diverting the money, as it has been brought to the notice of the union that some state governors were already  claiming that the amount released was not in conformity with the published figure. Khaleel said “We want to state in strong terms that no governor should either divert or tamper with the fund. 

This should be an avenue where the backlog of arrears of salaries owed the local government workers and some other welfare packages such as leave bonus, arrears of promotion benefit, arrears of annual increment and non implementation of minimum wage most especially in Zamfara State; are resolved and paid. “We therefore use this medium to appeal passionately to the state governors to use this second tranche of Paris Club loan refund to clear the backlog arrears of outstanding salaries owed local government workers across the country in order to ameliorate the untold hardship they are currently passing through due to this ugly situation. ”On the strike threat, the NULGE President said “We want to make it categorically clear that our union will not tolerate a situation where any state governor will hide under any guise to deny local Government workers their legitimate salaries and allowances.
“In view of the above, NULGE will not hesitate to mobilize our teeming members and shut down all the local governments across the country if the governors attempt to divert the fund meant for the payment of arrears of salaries and other entitlements. A word is enough for the wise.”Khaleel commended the state governors that have paid Local Government staff salaries up to date in their various states.

Education levy: Sokoto targets N1bn annually from workers’ salaries

​

Over N1 billion is being targeted annually as education levy to be deducted from the salaries of public servants in Sokoto State. Governor Aminu Tambuwal said yesterday that civil servants on grade levels 1 to 6 were to pay one per cent of their basic salaries, those on 7 to 12 would pay one and a half percent and those on levels 13 to 16 would pay two per cent. He said during the inauguration of  a 27-man Education Revitalization and Strengthening Committee at the 2017 Annual General Meeting of the Sokoto Education Development Trust Fund (SEDTF) yesterday that the  high-powered committee under the chairmanship of the Sultan of Sokoto, was set up as part of measures being implemented under the declaration of the state of emergency on the education sector.

The Governor added that it was also part of the proactive strategies by the state government to revive education in the state following some disturbing statistics that the state still lagged behind in education. In a remark, the Sultan, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, assured that the committee would discharge its assignment without fear or favour. The Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the fund, Alhaji Shehu Shagari, who spoke through Madawakin Gwandu, Alhaji Idris Kokomo expressed the fund’s commitment to its mandate.

Governor Masari Frees 61 inmates

Governor Aminu Bello Masari of Katsina state has personally paid the fines for 61 prison inmates in the state, thereby enabling them to regain their freedom and celebrate the Eid-el-Fitr with their family and the rest of the society.

The total amount paid by the Governor is N3,666,000 (Three Million, Six Hundred and Sixty Six Thousand Naira).

The inmates were drawn from various prisons across the state, with 13 each from Katsina and Funtua, nine from Daura, seven from Dutsinma, four each from Kankia and Jibia and three each from Malumfashi and Mani.

Signed,

Abdu Labaran Malumfashi,

SSA Media.

Jonathan on economy: 'Nobody wants to go and invest where you are not too sure of the security of your workers, facilities'

​Former President, Goodluck Jonathan, has said that no president “can ‎do magic” if there is so much tension in the land. Jonathan also said one of the major challenges bedevilling Nigeria was threats by terror ‎groups ‎and other allied bodies.

Speaking at his Abuja residence when the PDP Former Ministers’ Forum ‎paid him Eid-el-Fitr visit, Jonathan said what improved the economy was confidence and what made investors to have confidence was peace.  “No president can do magic if there is so much tension in the land because immediately there is asense of insecurity in any country, investors go back, and when investors go back, of course, your economy will doom. “Nobody wants to go and invest where you are not too sure of the security of your workers, facilities and so on. 

We should all pray and work towards peace; that is the only way as a nation we can grow our economy,” he said. The former president congratulated Muslim brothers and sisters ‎on the occasion of the Eid-el-Fitr‎, saying the period was a challenging one. 

A former Minister of Aviation, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, a former Minister of Special Duties, Alhaji Tanimu Kabiru Turaki, and the spokesman of the Senator Ahmed Makarfi-led National Caretaker Committee of the PDP were in attendance. 

Similarly, former Minister of Information, Labaran Maku, who dumped the PDP for the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) prior to the 2015 general elections‎, was also in attendance.

DailyTrust

ASUU vows to resist increase in varsity tuition fees

No fewer than 38 universities across the country have increased their tuition fees as a result of poor funding by the federal and state governments. Chairman of Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, University of Ibadan Chapter, Dr Deji Omole, made this known in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja, yesterday.

The statement which assessed the two years of President Muhammadu Buhari in office, lamented that the current government had made Nigerians poorer. Omole said public education was not taken seriously because most children of the rich and those in high offices do not attend school in Nigeria. He said: “The latest increment might be attributed to poor funding by the federal and state governments as ASUU poorly rated the President Muhammadu Buhari in the area of funding of university education.“ ASUU also noted that it would be difficult for any Nigeria university to effectively compete globally with the inadequate allocation of budgetary funding as prescribed by UNESCO to fund education.’’ It was learned that the University of Lagos, UNILAG, which was paying N14,500 would now pay N63, 500 as tuition fees.Other institutions that increased their fees include, Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), from N27,000 to N41,000; University of Nigeria (UNN), from N60,450 to N66,950; Obafemi Awolowo University, from N19,700 to N55,700.

Others are Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), from N20,100 to N65,920; Bayero University, Kano, from N26,000 to N40,000; University of Abuja, from N39,300 to N42,300 and Usman Danfodiyo University, from N32,000 to N41,000.National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), from N36,000 to N41,000; University of Benin (UNIBEN), from N12, 000 to N49,500; University of Ilorin, from N16, 000 to N75,000 and Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), from N13, 560 to N83,940.

Also in the list are: Federal University, Minna (FUTMINNA), from N20,000 to N37,000; University of Calabar, from N30,500 to N42,750 and University of Uyo, from N71, 000 to N84, 250. 

Federal College of Education (Technical), Akoka, from N16,000 to N40,000; Osun varsity, from N95,000 to N135,500; Anambra State University, from N76,000 to N139, 000 and Lagos State University, from N96,750 to N158,250. Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida University, Lapai, from N25,000 to N52,000; Imo State University, from N120,000 to N150,000; Plateau State University, from N50,000 to N100,000 and Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, from N57,000 to N75,000.

Others are: Ibadan Polytechnics, from N30,000 to N50,000; Abia Polytechnics, from N56,550 to N61,000; Auchi Polytechnic, from N14, 800 to N28,000 and Ondo State University of Science and Technology, Okitipupa, from N70,000 to N80,000. Enugu State University of Science and Technology, N104,900 to N124,900; Kwara Polytechnic, Ilorin, from N28,000 to N44,000; Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), from N65,000 to N72,500 and Tai Solarin University of Education, from N66,500 to N76,500. Afe Babalola University, from N675,000 to N1,075,000; Igbinedion, from N540,000 to N820,000; Crawford University, from N400,000 to N600,000 and Redeemers University, from N545,000 to N605,000.Also in the list are Covenant University, from N774, 500 to N814, 500 and Benson Idahosa University, from N284, 300 to N1, 150,000.

Meanwhile, ASUU, through Biodun Ogunyemi, has vowed that the union would resist any attempt to increase tuition fees in the country’s public universities. He also said ASUU could go on strike, if government failed to meetits demand on adequate funding ofinstitutions and payment of salaries. Ogunyemi, who gave the hint in an exclusive chat with online portal, Premium Times, said the union would not accept any increase in fees by state or federal governments. “We will not tolerate any attempt toincrease tuition fee, we are againsttelling people to pay more, even the current fees, we are still fighting them, we as a body have always stood against fee increment and we will continue to stand against it,” he said.

The union leader spoke against thebackdrop of reports of a possible increase in tuition fees in universities by the federal government.According to him, ASUU has been engaging the federal government since November 2016 on issues rocking the university system.He said:  “The truth is there are lotsof issues rocking the system. We have made our position known to the federal government; we have also written to state governments who have refused to give subvention to their universities. “Some of them cannot sustain one university and they go on to establish two or three, compounding the issues.“We have given the government till June ending to attend to our needs.  If the government does notcall us by June ending, we will convey a meeting to take our position. “However, we are trying to engage the government but if they don’t invite us to a meeting before June ending, we will still take our position on whether we are going on strike or not.“But that will not be like early July but middle or late July, that is if they don’t heed to our demands, which includes payment of salaries, funding, research and lotsmore.”Asked if ASUU would initiate a meeting with the federal government, he said “we will not initiate any meeting if they don’t call us, we can’t initiate meeting.” He added that the feedback received from the petitions written to the government would determine whether there would be strike or not.

Two Nigerian policemen killed in Shiroro LGA, Niger state

Two policemen, an Inspector and a Sergeant, have been reportedly killed in Allawa village, Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State.

They were killed  on Sunday by criminals based in the village  when the policemen were on official duty to the community. It was alleged that some criminals in the area had been declared wanted by Niger and Kaduna Police Commands.

Members of the notorious gang, said to be headed by a wanted criminal, is allegedly responsible for the kidnap of seven persons from a Mosque in the village recently recently. 

After a tip-off, Niger State Police Command, Sunday, sent a team to the village to effect the arrest of suspects. But they were attacked, with Inspector Alfa Idris and Sergeant Joseph Peter, murdered. National Police Cap Earlier, two members of the gang, linked to the kidnap of the seven persons, had been arrested by the Police and had given useful information, which led the Police to storm the village with a five-manteam, including the deceased.

According to a source, immediately the policemen arrived the village, members of the gang attacked the team.Inspector Alfa Idris sustained injuries and was rushed to the Kagara Hospital, where he allegedly bled to death. LIt was alleged that Inspector Idris bled to death after some military men, believed to be from “Special Force” stormed the hospital and arrested five ppoliceman policema. 

The hospital staff were alleged to have fled their duty posts on sighting the military men, leaving Inspector Alfa Idris to bleed to death. Spokesman of the state Police Command, DSP Bala Elkana, confirmed the story, noting that the Nigerian Army authorities in Minna had ordered for the release of the other arrested policemen.He said investigations on the matter were still on, adding that those involved in the act will be brought to book.

Finance Minister Adeosun denies hate tweet against Igbos

The Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, has denied ever insulting the Igbo people as reflected in a tweet. In the said hate tweet against Ndigbo which showed a verified handle, @HMKemiAdeosun, it wrote, “Ï’m happy that Igbos are gradually becoming insignificant in Nigeria financial system & before the End of 2023, igbos will be insignifican in South east & Nigeria in general.”

But the minister, through her own verified tweeter handle, @HMKemiAdeosun, that looks just the same with the fake one denied the tweet, saying there is a “fake Twitter post circulating in my name, suggesting that I said something derogatory about Igbos. Kindly disregard it. “It’s nothing but a shoddy attempt to photoshop a hateful statement onto my Twitter handle. I did not say or tweet any such thing. Thank you.’’ Also on her Facebook page, she said: “It has come to my attention that there’s a fake Twitter post circulating in my name, suggesting that I said something derogatory about Igbos. Kindly disregard it. Alleged hate tweet from Finance Minister, Kemi Adeosun “It’s nothing but a shoddy attempt to photoshop a hateful statement onto my Twitter handle. I did not say or tweet any such thing. “Every part of Nigeria is important to our financial system and our Economy, and as a Government we will support ALL to achieve their full potential.” Meanwhile, some tweeter users have condemned the hate tweet in various tweets. A user, @iamtenseven, in a tweet tagging @HMKemiAdeosun asked, “I thought your staff said you don’t have a twitter account? Is this Kemi Adeosun, Nigeria’s Finance minister or a parody account? But the minister replied, “.@HMKemiAdeosun is the Hon. Minister’s genuine handle. The unauthorized account you’re referring to is @MrsKemiAdeosun, & it’s been shut down Another user, @ChykeBaba, while equally tagging @HMKemiAdeosun, tweeted, “We were also told this was a parody account. What do we believe now?” And the Finance Ministers verified hand, @HMKemiAdeosun, replied saying, “@HMKemiAdeosun is the Hon Minister’s genuine handle. The unauthorized account you’re referring to is @MrsKemiAdeosun, & it’s been shut down”

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Operation LAFIYA DOLE Commanders Celebrates Eid-El-Ftr Celebration With Wounded Soldiers

The Acting General Officer Commanding (GOC), 7 Division of the Nigerian Army, Brig Gen  Ibrahim Manu Yusuf has urged troops of Operation LAFIYA DOLE fighting insurgency in the North East  to hasten up and clear the remnants of Boko Harm terrorists (BHT) in the ongoing  final onslaught against the terrorists. The Acting GOC made this remarks during the EID EL Fitr celebration with wounded soldiers at 7 Division Medical Services and Hospital (DMSH).

He commended officers and soldiers for their dedication and loyalty in discharge of their constitutional role. On the wounded, he described them as heroes of the war and pillars of the Nigerian Nation while praying for their quick recovery “You are fighting a just cause and God will always be by your side’’. The GOC who was accompanied by the Ag GOC 8 Division, Brig Gen Steveson Olabanji thanked the 7 DMSH  Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Ndidi Onuchukwu for the luncheon initiative with the wounded soldiers and promised to always support the victims of the war.

Earlier in his opening remark, the Commander 7 DMSH congratulated the muslim faithful for successful completion of Ramadan fasting and prayed that the Almighty Allah to Open doors of blessing on Nigeria and all who participated in the spiritual exercise.

The Eid El Fitr celebration was attended by the Commander  37 Artlllery Brigade, Brig Gen Boniface Sinjen, Commander 47 Engineer Brigade, Brig Gen Joseph Chima, Commander 57 Signal Brigade, Brig Gen Gbemiga Adesina,  the Chief of Staff  7 Division Brig Gen John Ochai and the Commander 8 Military Intelligence Brigade, Brig Gen Aliyu Sambo.

UNIMAID attacks: Shettima Approves N50m for 27km Trenches, Allowances to Special Guards

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... Holds security meeting in VC's office

... Varsity seeks N2.8 billion from FG to erect fence 

Governor Kashim Shettima on Monday assessed different scenes of multiple suicide attacks in the eastern part of University of Maiduguri following which he approved the immediate release of N50m for ongoing digging of trenches behind the University which covers 27 kilometres, through which Boko Haram insurgents have been accessing the school in the dead of the night. 

The Governor had two weeks ago mobilized caterpillars to start the digging as a way of responding to previous attacks. Shettima announced that he was releasing fifty million not only to fund the digging exercise but also to support payment of allowances to special guards drawn from local vigilantes who are to work with the military in policing porous areas. 

The trenches are being designed to make it impossible for insurgents to drive into the University and also create difficulty for insurgents to cross on foot while the military will take advantage of being at the top to neutralize insurgents.

Shettima said even though the University is a Federal institution, it was also part of Borno Government’s responsibility to intervene in securing lives and preventing the desire of insurgents to force the close down of the school. 

Acting Vice Chancellor, Aliyu Shugaba who conducted Shettima round the scenes was elated by the Governor’s intervention. He revealed that the University has since put up a request of N2.8 billion naira to enable it fund the erection of perimeter fence round the exposed portions of the school. 

The Governor later went into the Vice Chancellor's office and presided over a security meeting that was attended by the Garrison Commander of the 7th Division of the Nigerian Army, the Commissioner of Police and those in charge of internal security at the University. During the closed door meeting, measures where taken to increase number of armed security persons to be deployed for policing of the porous areas. The meeting agreed to contribute armed personnel from the Army, local vigilante, guards with the University in addition to erecting additional points for distance surveillance and night vision surveillance gadgets. 

Borno Police Commissioner, Damian Chukwu gave assurance that surveillance will be increased by the police. 

The University of Maiduguri has come under occasional suicide attacks from the insurgents. ‎Sunday night's, carried out by seven suicide attackers was the fifth in series happening in recent times. The attackers were mostly women who blew themselves up. 

The University is currently on break with students expected to be home in the next four months. It is hoped that security should improve before their return.

NGO treats 5,600 lead poison victims in Zamfara, Niger

​The Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), an International humanitarian Non GovernmentalOrganization (NGO), said it had treated 5,600 victims of lead poison in Zamfara and Niger. The NGO is also known as Doctors Without Borders. The remaining 100 were treated in Niger.

 Dr. Simba Tirima, Deputy Head of Mission, Operational Center Amsterdam, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja that the victims in the two states received drugs distributed by the organisation. “It is a bit tricky to estimate how much was spent for treating the affected people because we also deal with other diseases apart from lead poisoning at the same time.“ I will say the cost implication for their treatments is worth millions of dollars; one drug administered per person costs about three dollars and a patient takes up to six drugs per day,” he said.

He explained that the poison was due to environmental contamination from artisanal gold mining, adding that in 2010, eight villages were affected in Zamfara. He said that 5,500 people, including old and young, were affected in the eight villages in Zamfara, adding that in June 2010 the NGO took measures to avoid more deaths. He said as at end of May, about 430 out of 5, 500 affected victims in Zamfara remained in the treatment programme. “We treated both old and young ones; while the state government sponsored the remediation of all contaminated areas.In Niger, he said two villages, including Unguwar Magiro and Unguwar Kawo in Rafi Local Government Area were affected by contamination from artisanal gold mining in April 2016.

He said that MSF treated the lead poison victims and facilitated the remediation of the affected areas in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment to ensure children were no longer exposed to the contaminant.He noted that children were mostly affected because of their sensitivity to lead poison, adding that the poison had the capacity to damage children’s memories and bodies in ways that would not be discovered easily. He said effects of lead poison could pose dangers on children in future, adding that they could have problems of kidney failure, aggressive nature, among others if MSF had not given adequate attention on time.He said a workable safer mining programme for artisanal miners would be best way to sustain, reduce and prevent lead poisoning associated with artisanal gold mining in Nigeria.

NAN reports that no fewer than 400 children in Zamfara and 30 children in Niger were reported dead from lead poisoning in 2010. Lead  comes from the dust created by rock-ore gold mining activities; the dust settles on the ground in compounds and it gets inside the children through the mouth.Lead poisoning could be entirely prevented by stopping exposure to the poison, but difficult to treat once the poison is inside the body. Treatment does not cure lead poisoning, it helps some poison to leave the body more quickly than it will naturally; therefore, preventing further damage or death.

(NAN)

Borno State Governor Shettima Apologises To Civil Servants Over Unpaid Salaries, Explain Delay

​The Borno state governor, Kashim Shettima has apologised to civil servants in the state over the government’s inability to pay salaries before the Eid celebrations.

The governor stated this at the Government House on return from Ranat Square Maiduguri where he joined hundreds of worshippers for the Eid Fitri prayers marking the end of this year’s Ramadan season. The governor noted that salaries are very important to workers in the state especially now that Borno has become a purely civil service state owing to the activities of insurgents in farming communities.

According to him, the payment of salaries was stalled by technical hitches occasioned by the new system of payment since the biometric exercise was introduced. Only those on table payment were successfully paid before the Eid celebrations. The governor also revealed that there is food insecurity in the state as a result of stoppage of farming activities in most farming communities in the state.

The 15 metric tonnes of food items allocated to the state by the Federal Government would go a long way in addressing the problem, Shettima says. 

Meanwhile, worshippers observed the Eid prayers under local vigilante and civil security watch to avoid infiltration by bad elements in a suicide mission. The Borno state Police command had earlier placed a ban on vehicular movement until the Eid prayers were over. Residents complied with the directive, walking to the closest Eid grounds to their home to be part of the celebrations.

There was a massive turnout in most prayer grounds within the capital city, with the Rabat Square filled to capacity despite recent happenings in parts of the state.

Kebbi State Ministry of Women Affairs Distributes Food Items and Other Relief Materials For Eid-il-fitr Celebration

The Kebbi State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development under the asministration of His Excellency, Governor Abubakar Atiku Bagudu in a bid to support citizens has distributed food items and other relief materials to the less privileged in Kebbi State.

The items as described by the Permanent Secretary, Hajia Dikko distributed to less privileged families including fabrics and made-in-Kebbi rice is in line with celebrations of the end of Ramadan and the muslim holiday Eid-il-fitr.

The Permanent Secretary called on all people in society to continue to support the growth and development of women and children, peace and stability in Kebbi State.

Office of the SSA New Media
Kebbi State

Wife of the president, Aisha Buhari thanks Nigerians for praying for her husband

​The wife of the president, Aisha Muhammadu Buhari, on Sunday thanked all Nigerians for praying for her husband who is currently on a follow-up consultation with his doctors in London.

Mrs Buhari, who observed Eid-l-fitr prayer at the Guards Brigade Mambika Barracks Abuja, also thanked citizens for praying for the country. She also called on them to imbibe the spirit of love, compassion and unity which, she noted, are the basic lessons of Ramadan.

Her spokesman, Suleiman Haruna, quoted her as appealing to all Nigerians to show a true sense of patriotism to foster national cohesion. This, according to Mrs Buhari, will ensure that Nigeria attains the greatness for which it was destined.

Kano state governments installed N2bn state of the art hospital equipments

​Kano state government has purchased N2.8 billion worth high-tech equipment for its newly constructed Giginyu Specialist Hospital. The equipment includes a 1. 5 Tesla Magnetic Resonance Imaging, MRI machine, purchased at the cost of about N500m.

This equipment is the first of its kind to be installed in any public hospital in Nigeria, a statement from the government house, signed by Aminu K. Yassar, indicated. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a non-invasive imaging technology often used for disease detection, diagnosis, and treatment monitoring. It is globally accepted that today, the standard for MRI in a clinical setting is a 1.5 Tesla (Magnetic field strength) facility.

Speaking during a visit to monitor installation of the appliances, the state governor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje explained that his administration decided to invest in the project to reduce the medical tourism and its impact on the society. “We are so committed to making our health sector strong, to reduce medical tourism and to save human lives. With these facilities, people do not have to travel aboard for treatment” he said. Governor Ganduje said when the hospital commences operation, it will serve both rich and poor Nigerians, adding that medical personnel to be deployed to the place would undergo training to ensure efficient management of the equipment. “The medical personnel who will work here must be trained and fully committed  so that the investment we are making here will last for a long time”, he emphasized.

Conducting the governor round, the state Commissioner for Health, Dr Kabiru Ibrahim Getso, explained that installation of the facilities would be completed within the next few weeks, adding that some professional had been engaged to train local health workers on how to handle the special the equipment.“ With the facilities installed here, even doctors from teaching hospitals in this part of the country can benefit in terms of training and research”, the commissioner added. Appliances being installed at the Giginyu hospital include CT scan machine, Digital X-Ray machine, mammography machine, fluoroscopy machine, Ultra sound HD Machine, Dialysis equipment and intensivecare unit digital beds among others.

Gov. Ibrahim Gaidam, his deputy, APC National Secretary among others at Eid-El-Ftr ground in Yobe

Peaceful, Merry Eid in Yobe State

H.E Gov. Ibrahim Gaidam, his deputy Engr. Abubakar D. Ali, National Secretary of the APC Hon. Mai Mala Buni, senior government functionaries and heads of law enforcement were among thousands of Muslim faithful who observed the Eid prayers at the Yobe Mosque and Islamic Centre Damaturu, led by Ustaz Hudu Muhammad.

Across Yobe State, the Eid prayers were observed in a calm and serene atmosphere, sign that peace had taken hold in the state after the disruptions caused by Boko Haram violence.

After the Eid prayers, H.E Gov. Gaidam hosted guests to a reception at the Government House, Damaturu where prayers were again offered for the peace and prosperity of the nation and for speedy recovery for President Muhammadu Buhari, who is currently receiving medical attention in London in the United Kingdom.

El-Rufai sallah message as he celebrates Eid-el-fitr with the people of Kauru LGA, Kaduna

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Governor Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai with his Chief of Staff and Political Adviser performed Eid-el-fitr prayers at Kauru Local Government this morning.

Sallah Message from Malam Nasir El-Rufai, Governor of Kaduna State, June 2017

 

In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful, I wish to congratulate our Muslim community on the successful conclusion of the month of Ramadan. In the last few weeks, many of us have fasted, prayed and reflected on the lessons of faith.

 

As we celebrate the conclusion of fasting, we pray for Allah to bless our Country and bless our State. We ask for the Almighty’s protection over our land, and all our peoples.

 

The discipline of obeisance and the generosity inherent in the observance of Ramadan are values that we should exhibit and practice in our daily lives.

 

The intense practice of faith over the past month should have taught us anew humility and respect for others. The Giver of faith is also the Author of creation. The Almighty did not create a monolith. Our world is full of the wonders of diversity. Let us embrace and rejoice in a common humanity, upholding peace and harmony in all our communities.

 

As we celebrate, let us do so in moderation. Let us remember our leader, President Muhammadu Buhari in our prayers.