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NGF Ready To Repatriate Almajiri Children To Own States
The Kebbi State Governor, Dr Abubakar Bagudu has said that all the Northern states have been mandated to take steps to return Almajiri children to their states of origin.
Bagudu explained that the repatriation of these children was part of concerted efforts by the Northern governors, the Federal Government and other stakeholders to curtail the spread of the novel Coronavirus infectious disease (COVID-19) in the area.
The governor, who disclosed this in Birnin Kebbi while interacting with the State Task Force on Covid-19 at the Kebbi Medical Centre, Kalgo, yesterday, said that the resolutions were reached at the meeting of the Northern Governors’ Forum (NGF) in Kaduna on Tuesday.
He explained that some of the Almijiri children from the state have since been returned to Kebbi from Kaduna State, adding that “some states have already started implementing this decision by taking back such Almijiri children to their own states of origin.
“I do believe that all the states in the region would soon commence the repatriation and this is for the common good of the states and Nigeria in general.”
Bagudu also expressed happiness that the state has remained COVID-19 free, and assured that “Insha Allahu, it would remain so.”
He, however, cautioned against complacency in the face of the state’s current COVID-19 negative status.
Bagudu maintained that efforts are in gear to collaborate with the management of the National Youths Service Corps (NYSC) in the state to convert the orientation camp in Dakingari to an isolation centre as directed by the Federal Government, while promising that the state will do what is necessary to improve the camp to serve as a befitting facility.
The governor added that the Presidential Flood Committee had availed the Internally Displaced Camp at Kalgo for the state to use as an isolation centre or quarantine facility in case the need arises for its use.
“This is in addition to the ones already designated by the Task Force on Covid-19 at Kalgo Medical Centre as an isolation camp and fully functional Intensive Care Unit (ICU) for COVID-19 victims.
“The Task Force has also identified and dedicated ward at the Federal Medical Centre, Birnin Kebbi, and Sir Yahaya Memorial Hospital, also in Birnin Kebbi, as additional facilities for COVID-19,” he said.
Bagudu told Task Force members that the Federal Government, in its efforts to ensure that testing is taking place in all the states of the federation, has taken steps to convert and upgrade the ‘gene’ machines used for tuberculosis to test for the Coronavirus.
According to him, the Kebbi State Government has four gene machines at Zuru, Kamba, Yauri and Argungu, in addition to the one at Federal Medical Centre, Birnin Kebbi, and that the Federal Government was engaging manufacturers to upgrade them.
He urged task force members to take advantage of the Ramadan fasting period to engage religious leaders so that they can educate people on the necessary measures to take against the spread of COVID-19.
The Commissioner for Health and the Chairman of the State Task Force on COVID-19, Jafar Muhammed, enumerated some of the activities of the task force since inception to include sensitisation campaigns, designation of Isolation centres at Kebbi Medical Centre, Kalgo and Sir Yahaya Memorial Hospital, Birnin Kebbi, meeting traditional leaders and religious leaders, leaders of trade unions, women groups and youth groups on advocacy for personal hygiene, social distancing and environmental cleanliness.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has tasked troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD to dominate the battlespace and intensify offensive operations against kidnappers, bandits and other criminal elements in the North Central region.
Shaibu gave the directive yesterday during his maiden operational visit to the Headquarters, Joint Task Force North Central (JTF-NC), at Sobi Barracks, Ilorin.
This is contained in a statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, in Abuja, yesterday.
Shaibu said the Nigerian Army would remain resolute in its constitutional responsibility of safeguarding lives and property, stressing that troops must sustain pressure to decisively deny criminal elements freedom of action.
He assured personnel of continued deployment of combat enablers and operational resources to enhance clearance operations and dismantle criminal hideouts across Kwara and Niger states.
The COAS reaffirmed his commitment to troop welfare, noting that improved welfare remained critical to sustaining morale, operational effectiveness and combat readiness.
He urged the troops to remain disciplined, professional and loyal to the Constitution and the democratically elected government.
Earlier, the Theatre Commander, JTF-NC Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD, Maj.-Gen. Yakubu Yahaya, commended the COAS for his strategic leadership and support.
Yahaya assured that troops would remain committed and steadfast in restoring peace and stability in the region.
The Nigerian Navy says it is expanding training and infrastructure to address emerging security threats and strengthen operational efficiency across formations and units nationwide.
The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, spoke during the inauguration of projects at the Nigerian Navy Basic Training School (NNBTS) in Onne, Rivers as part of activities marking the Nigerian Navy’s 70th anniversary.
Abbas, represented by the Flag Officer Commanding, Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC), Rear Adm. Ebiobowei Zipele, said the projects reflected significant progress made by the navy since its establishment in 1956 from the British Royal Navy.
“Training and infrastructure have improved significantly to meet contemporary security challenges and fulfil the navy’s constitutional responsibilities.”
According to him, the anniversary provides the navy an opportunity to reflect on its achievements and contributions over the past seven decades.
Projects inaugurated included a remodelled female trainees’ hostel accommodating more than 500 occupants and an expanded golf course upgraded from one to nine holes.
Others were the NNBTS fuel dump, Chief Boatswain’s Mate House, renovated pharmacy department and a new theatre block at the Naval Medical Centre, Onne.
Abbas described the new theatre as a major milestone for the navy’s medical services.
“Previously, injured personnel requiring surgeries were referred outside the facility.
“With this theatre, surgeries can now be conducted within the base.’’
He added that a 30KVA inverter had also been installed to guarantee uninterrupted electricity supply at the training school.
The naval chief assured officers, ratings and trainees that the navy leadership remained committed to their welfare and wellbeing.
“These infrastructure upgrades show the commitment of the Chief of Naval Staff to addressing operational and welfare challenges promptly,” he said.
In addition, NAVTRAC distributed educational materials to pupils of Community Primary Schools One and Two, Ogale, in Ebubu-Eleme area of Rivers.
Items distributed included exercise books, school bags and other writing materials as part of the navy’s civil-military engagement initiative.
Zipele said the outreach was designed to strengthen relations between the navy and host communities while supporting children’s education.
“Education remains critical to national growth and youth empowerment. Some of these pupils may eventually serve in the Nigerian Navy,” he said.
He noted that the initiative demonstrated the navy’s commitment to educational development, peace, security and sustainable community relations.
Zipele urged the pupils to remain disciplined, focused and committed to their studies while embracing patriotism, integrity and hard work.
He thanked the Ebubu community for its continued support for the naval training command headquarters and the navy.
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