Retired General Jeremiah Aliyu Faransa, Chairman of the Special Taskforce Committee on Environmental Protection, Public Safety and Prohibition of Deforestation, has taken decisive action against illegal mining activities in Taraba State. In a bold move, General Faransa set fire to a mining camp in Akwana village, located in the Wukari Local Government Area. This action follows the recent issuance of an Executive Order by Governor Agbu Kefas, which bans all mining activities in the state. The Executive Order aims to curb environmental degradation and protect public safety. Despite repeated warnings, the mining camp in Akwana village continued to operate illegally.…
Author: Hassan Haruna
The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) has called on President Bola Tinubu to reassess his economic advisers and tax regime committees, whose counsels have led to policies that have plunged Nigeria into an economic crisis. CNG expressed concern over the general economic atmosphere, warning that it portends imminent danger. Addressing journalists on Friday in Abuja, the National Coordinator of CNG, Comrade Jamilu Charanchi, highlighted that the group has observed the inflationary trends creating horrible and traumatic economic consequences. He said the current inflation has led to huge losses on investments, disruption of business activities, and an increase in poverty and…
The Kano Friends of the Hospital Group has announced the donation of over N10 million to the victims of the recent mosque attack in Kano. In a statement released on Friday, the leader of the group, Dr. Bature AbdulAziz, detailed the efforts and support extended to the affected community. Dr. AbdulAziz expressed gratitude to various prominent figures, including Aliko Dangote, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, for their support and sympathies. He noted that many individuals and organizations had contributed generously to aid those impacted by the tragic event, which resulted in the deaths of 23…
The Niger State Command of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has ramped up security measures and fortified patrols across border posts within the state. This action follows a directive from the comptroller General of the NIS, Kemi Nana Nandap, instructing state and zonal commands to increase their patrol activities in border towns to prevent the influx of notorious terrorists who recently escaped from prison in the neighboring Republic of Niger. According to a memo from the comptroller General, all Immigration formations in border communities across their respective states and zones have been ordered to stay vigilant and monitor for any…
The Borno State Government has announced a partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) to tackle the severe malnutrition crisis affecting the state. The government has pledged $100,000 to this initiative, matching the same amount contributed by UNICEF. This collaboration aims to address the critical issue of malnutrition among children under the age of five and pregnant and lactating women through the provision of Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF). The announcement was made by Tushar Rane, UNICEF’s Chief of Borno Field Office, during the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Borno government in Maiduguri, on Friday. Rane…
Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia announced that his administration is prepared to implement the Federal Government-approved minimum wage of N70,000 for state workers. During a press briefing in Makurdi on Friday, Governor Alia made this declaration, emphasizing that his administration is committed to making necessary adjustments to ensure the effective functioning of the state’s systems. Governor Alia highlighted the pivotal role of civil servants, describing them as the essential driving force of the government that deserves encouragement and support. He acknowledged the challenges posed by the current harsh economic conditions, which have led to stagnation in various sectors. However, he…
The Taraba State government has announced its plan to distribute grants to 18,000 youths across the state in a bid to alleviate poverty. This was disclosed by Habu Philip, the state Commissioner for Cooperatives and Poverty Alleviation, during a press briefing in Jalingo, marking his one-year anniversary in office. Commissioner Philip highlighted that the Ministry had previously disbursed grants to 3,000 youths, following Governor Agbu Kefas’ approval for the initiative. The governor has now approved the expansion of this program to reach an additional 18,000 youths, with the disbursements expected to commence in a few weeks. “I want to sincerely…
The Kano State government on Thursday began distributing N1 billion worth of free fertilizers to smallholder farmers across the state. Governor Abba Yusuf, who presided over the distribution ceremony at the Government House in Kano, said that this initiative fulfills a key campaign promise to enhance livelihoods by investing in agribusiness. During his campaign for the 2023 elections, Governor Yusuf pledged to drive agricultural transformation by providing high-quality and affordable agricultural inputs. This commitment was detailed in his 70-page blueprint titled “My Commitment for Kano.” The governor explained that the N1 billion worth of NPK fertilizers would be distributed free…
Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago on Thursday presented vehicles to several key figures and organizations in the state. This includes High Court judges, security chiefs, student unions, the Chairman of the Imam Forum, and the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the state. Governor Bago described this gesture as part of his administration’s broader efforts to ensure that those who hold significant responsibilities benefit from governance. He explained that the vehicles are intended for the personal use of these individuals, aiming to encourage and enable them to serve the community and humanity better. The Governor appreciated…
Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State has called on citizens to reconsider participating in the planned protests slated for August 1, which are being organized in response to the current hardships faced in the country. The governor made this appeal on Wednesday during a meeting with stakeholders and security agencies at the Multi-purpose Hall of the Maiduguri Government House. In his address, Governor Zulum acknowledged the significant hike in food and commodity prices but emphasized that these hardships were temporary. He reassured the public that the government, at all levels, is actively working to alleviate these difficulties. Governor Zulum…
Suspected killers of the traditional ruler of the Koro community in Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara were arraigned on Thursday at the State High Court. the charges against them include kidnapping and culpable homicide. According to the report, on the night of February 1, 2024, gunmen believed to be kidnappers invaded the palace of the Olukoro of Koro. They killed Oba Peter Segun Aremu and kidnapped his wife and two other individuals. The traditional ruler, a retired army general, was reportedly shot dead in his palace by unknown assailants, who then abducted his wife and two others. The suspects—Godwin…
The Borno Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Mr Usman Tar has called upon journalists and media organizations to move beyond past depictions of the state and begin to report on its current realities. He made this appeal during a two-day workshop titled “Addressing Patterns of Violence, Injustice and Criminality in Nigeria,” held in Abuja on Wednesday. The event was organized by International Alert Nigeria with the support of the Borno State Ministry of Information and Internal Security. According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the Commissioner emphasized that the media should stop portraying Borno based on historical events…
Sokoto State University (SSU) and Cape Coast Technical University Ghana (CCTU) have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at promoting academic advancement and collaboration between the two institutions. According to a statement released by SSU’s information officer, Zayyanu Shehu, on Wednesday, the signing ceremony took place on Tuesday, July 16, 2024, at the SSU Senate Chamber. The MoU outlines a framework for various collaborative initiatives, including staff exchange, research collaborations, innovation projects, and student exchange programmes. The statement emphasized that the implementation of these programmes would commence upon the completion of all necessary regulatory requirements as stipulated by…
In a significant move to bolster the judicial system in Kogi State, Governor Alhaji Ahmed Ododo swore in ten new judges on Wednesday. The ceremony took place in Lokoja, where the Governor emphasized the importance of adhering to the rules and regulations of the judiciary to ensure the administration of justice for the people of the state. The newly appointed judges include four for the High Court of Justice, five for the Sharia Court of Appeal, and one for the Customary Court of Appeal. Governor Ododo, in his address, underscored the critical role of the judiciary as the last hope…
The Bauchi State Independent Electoral Commission (BASIEC) has set August 19, 2024, as the date for local government elections within the state. This announcement was made by the commission’s chairman, Alhaji Ahmad Makama, during a press conference held on Tuesday in Bauchi. In his address, Alhaji Makama emphasized that all necessary preparations have been finalized to ensure that the upcoming elections are conducted in a free and fair manner. He assured the public of the commission’s dedication to upholding the principles of credibility and transparency throughout the electoral process. Makama urged the citizens of Bauchi State to actively participate in…
The mother of famous Hausa musician Dauda Adamu, known as Rarara, Mrs. Hajiya Hauwa’u Adamu has been released from captivity. The singer announced her release via his verified Instagram handle on Wednesday morning. He did not disclose whether any ransom was paid to secure her freedom. The 75-year-old woman was kidnapped in late June by suspected terrorists in Katsina State. A family source revealed that the kidnappers initially demanded a ransom of N1 billion. “They contacted the family using a phone they had taken from a woman during the abduction. Initially, they demanded N1 billion, but after a brief discussion…
Stakeholders in Borno State recently convened to address the ongoing strained civil-military relations that have arisen after years of Boko Haram insurgency. The two-day dialogue, titled “Regional Dissemination Workshop on Security Dynamics, Solutions, and Civil-Military Relationship in Borno State,” was held in Maiduguri on Tuesday. Organized by Clean Foundation and International Alert with support from Open Society Africa, the meeting aimed to foster dialogue and cooperation between security forces and civilians, promoting mutual understanding and trust. Mr. Gad-shamaki Peter, Executive Director of the Cleen Foundation, highlighted that the discussions focused on addressing the various challenges and tensions resulting from the…
The President of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Comrade Olatunji Akeem, honored Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa State with the title of “the most Labour-friendly governor in Nigeria.” In a ceremony held in Yola, on Tuesday. This award was bestowed in recognition of Governor Fintiri’s consistent efforts to support labor rights and his implementation of the N30,000 minimum wage across all levels of government employees in the state. Comrade Akeem highlighted that Governor Fintiri was the first to ensure that both state and local government workers received the N30,000 minimum wage. This achievement set a precedent…
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Students’ Engagements, Sunday Asefon, has called for comprehensive medical care for students injured in the recent school building collapse in Jos, the capital of Plateau State. During a solidarity visit, Asefon paid tribute to those who lost their lives in the tragic incident, describing their sudden departure as both saddening and mournful. The collapse resulted in at least 22 deaths and left 132 individuals injured at a primary and secondary school academy in the Busa-Buji community, located in the Jos North Local Government Area. In a related development, Asefon has previously advocated…
The Kano State Government has officially charged the former Commissioner for Local Governments, Murtala Sule Garo, along with several others, in connection with the alleged diversion of N24 billion intended for local government funds. Garo, who served two terms as commissioner for the Ministry for Local Government under the administration of Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, was also the deputy gubernatorial candidate for the All Progressive Congress (APC) in the 2023 general elections. The formal charge was announced in a Facebook post on Tuesday by Ibrahim Adam, the Personal Assistant to the Governor of Kano State. The case, registered under Charge No.…
A new Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) conversion workshop in Ilorin, Kwara State commissioned as part of a presidential initiative on May 29, 2024, by Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, is slated to commence full operations by the end of this month. The workshop, managed by Rolling Energy, has faced delays due to the unavailability of necessary kits and ongoing construction work at its location in the Post Office area of Ilorin. In a conversation with the management of Rolling Energy, the head technician, Ismail Abdulahi Olalekan, revealed that the workshop has already converted 20 government vehicles in Kwara State to be CNG-compliant.…
The Jigawa State Government has allocated N3.3 billion for loans to its civil servants under its Agricultural Support Programme. Governor Umar Namadi announced the disbursement of these loans during a ceremony on Monday in Dutse, the state capital. The event took place at the premises of the state’s Agricultural Distribution Company (JASCO). Governor Namadi explained that the initiative aims to address food security, provide economic empowerment, and improve the lives of civil servants in the state. “This program supports participating civil servants in feeding their families and provides them with additional means of livelihood,” Governor Namadi said. “It is part…
Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri charged the 21 newly-elected local government council chairmen and 226 councillors across Adamawa State to uphold their responsibilities to their constituents with dedication and integrity, on Monday. The governor delivered this directive during the swearing-in ceremony held in Yola, the capital of Adamawa State. Governor Fintiri commended the citizens of Adamawa for their overwhelming support for the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which was evident from the substantial votes the party received in the recent council elections. He praised the electorate for their trust and confidence in the PDP, attributing the party’s success to the commitment…
Senator Pam Mwadkon Dachungyang, representing Plateau North Senatorial District in the National Assembly, has called on the relevant authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the recent collapse of a school building at Saint Academy College in Jos. This tragic incident resulted in the loss of 22 students’ lives and left many others with severe injuries. In his address to news reporters following his visit to the injured at various hospitals in the state capital on Monday, Senator Dachungyang emphasized the need for strict adherence to construction rules and regulations to prevent such disasters in the future. He noted that…
Mohammed Ali Jajari, the leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the 2023 gubernatorial candidate in Borno State, has issued a passionate appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Babagana Umara Zulum. He urges them to move beyond mere rhetoric and take substantial actions to combat the ongoing insecurity and alleviate the suffering of the people in Borno State. In a press statement released in Maiduguri on Monday, Jajari voiced his deep concern over the persistent threats of Boko Haram, kidnapping, and banditry that continue to plague the state, despite government claims of having disrupted and dismantled these…
Senator Sunday Karimi, representing Kogi West and Chairman of the Senate Services Committee, has pledged that the National Assembly will ensure that state governments comply fully with the Supreme Court’s judgment granting financial autonomy to Nigeria’s 774 Local Government Areas. Speaking to the press in Abuja on Saturday, Senator Karimi also promised that the National Assembly would address and amend the constitution to tackle contentious issues related to the matter. Senator Karimi highlighted the importance of transferring the responsibility for conducting local council elections from state electoral bodies to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). He emphasized that this transfer…
Niger’s military reported a significant incident at Koutoukale prison, located near Niamey, on July 11. Following a mutiny, a large number of inmates, including insurgent terrorists, managed to escape from the facility. Koutoukale prison is known for housing militants who have long targeted Niger and its neighboring countries. In response to the escape, the military swiftly mobilized forces and managed to recapture many of the escapees, although the exact number of those recaptured has not been disclosed. Among the fleeing inmates, three were described by army officials as armed terrorists. These three were killed during the pursuit. The military continues…
Over 200 members of the People Democratic Party (PDP) from Guni ward in Munya local government area of Niger State defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), on Saturday. Despite the security challenges in the area, a significant number of people came out to be officially received into the APC by the state commissioner for Land and Survey, Maurice Bello Magaji, along with several local government party chieftains. The defectors included prominent figures such as the Munya LG PDP Chairman, popularly known as Osama, and ward party executives from Guni. They were led by Abdullahi Mohammed Ricco, a former…
The Kwara State Governor, Mallam Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, has allocated N32.6 million to support Kwara State indigenes affected by the recent fire at Dosumu market in Lagos State. The cheque, amounting to N32.6 million, was presented at the office of the General Manager of the Kwara State Social Investment Programme (KWASSIP), Dr. Tejidini Abdulwasiu Olayinka, over the weekend. The Chairman of the Committee designated to receive the fund, Mallam Abdulganiyu Sebutu, expressed his profound gratitude for the financial assistance. Mallam Sebutu, speaking on behalf of the affected traders, described the governor’s action as “unprecedented magnanimity.” He emphasized that the governor’s support…
In Nigeria, the poor masses are preparing for massive protests across the country, especially in the northern region, due to the severe hardships and insecurity they face. Nigerians are grappling with serious issues like hunger, insecurity, lack of electricity, poor leadership, and rampant corruption. In response, they are planning protests in both the southern and northern regions, hoping to bring about positive change. The question arises: Can these protests yield the desired outcomes from the government? And if so, how? Nigeria has witnessed various protests in the past, both in the north and the south. For example, in 2011, following…
