Nation

THE STATES

Published

14 years ago

October 18, 2010

Adamawa

The Adamawa State Government has approved N873.4 million for the renovation of its secondary schools.

The Commissioner for Information and Culture, Alhaji Musa Bubakar, told newsmen in Yola on Wednesday that the decision was taken last week at the state’s executive council meeting.

He said the project would be executed in selected schools in the three senatorial zones of the state including Government Secondary School, Mayo Belwa and Government Day Secondary School, Banjiram in Guyuk local government area.

The commissioner said the executive council had also approved the immediate release of N48.9 million for the implementation of the “Access To Education Programme,” launched by the Vice-President, Namadi Sambo, early in the year.

Bauchi

The Bauchi State Agency for the Control of HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, Leprosy and Malaria (BACATMA), is to train 20 doctors from private and public hospitals on new guidelines for the treatment of malaria.

The Chairman of BACATMA, Dr Rilwanu Mohammed, made the plan known on Wednesday in Bauchi during an opening ceremony of a two-day workshop, organised by the agency in Yankari.

Mohammed said that 60 per cent of deaths in Nigeria were caused by malaria.

He said that patent medicine dealers in the 20 local government areas of the state would also be trained by the agency on the appropriate dosage of drugs for the control of the disease and prevention.

Benue

The Benue State Government has concluded plans to recruit 1,000 teachers in all academic disciplines to enhance the quality of education in the state.

Mr Benjamin Ashaver, the state’s Commissioner for Education said on Thursday in Makurdi at a news conference said the Benue State Teaching Service Board (BTSB), had been given the go ahead to handle the recruitment.

“The gesture is to minimise the shortage of manpower, to be precise shortage of teachers in secondary schools in the state, the recruitment will commence this October”, he stated.

On promotion of teachers in the state, Ashaver said that those who met the conditions for promotion had been promoted while others were being processed.

Borno

Governor Ali Sheriff of Borno State on Thursday ordered the immediate completion of the fencing and renovation of the permanent site of the NYSC orientation camp in the state.

Sheriff gave the directive in Maiduguri at the passing out ceremony of 2009 Batch “C” Corps members.

He disclosed that the state government would construct additional hostel blocks for corps members before the end of the life of his administration.

The governor, who was represented by Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Amb. Ahmed Jidda, lauded the corps members for their effort toward the development of the state.

FCT

Senator Kolawole Bajomo, (PDP-Ogun West), has called for the construction of more dams, to check the inflow of water into Ogun River and Lagoons.

Bajomo made the call on Thursday in Abuja, while briefing newsmen on the flood in some communities in Ogun and Lagos, which displaced inhabitants and destroyed farmlands.

He called on the Ministry of Water Resources to come out with the design and location of small dams in the adjourning areas, to control the inflow of water.

Gombe

The Gombe State Government is to spend N118.36 million as subsidy for the accommodation of 2,500 pilgrims in Mecca, Saudi Arabia.

The Executive Secretary of the State Muslims Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Umar Abdulsalam, told newsmen in Gombe on Wednesday that the government would subsidise each pilgrim with 1,076 Saudi Riyals (N47,344).

He said the 2,500 intending pilgrims comprised 1,510 males and 1,003 females, to be accompanied by 13 officials.

Jigawa

Jigawa State House of Assembly has approved N2 billion for the implementation of a new salary structure for workers in the state service.

The Deputy Speaker of the House, Alhaji Inuwa Udi, told newsmen in Dutse on Wednesday that the legislature approved the salary structure based on a supplementary budget of N3.96 sent by the executive arm of the government.

Udi said that the payment of the salary would take effect from October, adding that the salary structure was agreed between the government and Nigeria Labour Congress.

He said all provisions in the supplementary budget would be funded with money from the federation allocation with some adjustments.

Katsina

Governor Ibrahim Shema of Katsina State has commended the Federal Government for awarding the contract for the installation of 10 megawatts Windmill in the area.

The contract was awarded in June 2009 at N492 million.

Shema made the commendation on Thursday in Rimi village while inspecting equipment at the project site, located in Rimi local government area.

He said that when completed, the project would not only boost power supply to the state, but also enhance the socio-economic status of the benefiting communities.

Kogi

The Speaker of Kogi State House of Assembly, Chief Clarence Olafemi, on Thursday in Lokoja inaugurated 25 House Standing Committees for the 2010/2011 legislative year.

Inaugurating the committees on the floor of the House at a plenary session, Olafemi said the committees were to perform oversight functions of the House in the various ministries, departments and agencies.

He asked the chairmen and members of the committees to ensure proper conduct of government activities in the various ministries, departments and agencies under them, especially as the current political dispensation was on its last lap.

Lagos

The police in Lagos on Thursday arraigned a 34-year-old driver, Abudlkareem Suleh, for allegedly stealing a Toyota Corolla car belonging to his employer, Leadway Assurance Ltd.

Suleh, charged before an Ebute Meta Magistrate’s Court, pleaded not guilty to the two-count charge of conspiracy and stealing.

The prosecutor, Insp. Eshiet Eshiet, submitted that the accused stole the saloon car with registration No. FF 123 KRD, worth N2.5 million, on September 15 at Bode Thomas St., Surulere, Lagos.

He told the court that Suleh made away with the car when he was sent on an errand by his boss.

Osun

Six lives and property worth about N253.4 million were lost to fire outbreaks in Osun State between January and September.

The state Director of Fire Service, Mr Timothew Ogunje, made the announcement in Osogbo on Thursday in an

interview with newsmen.

He said that 155 persons were rescued, while property worth more than N48 billion were salvaged in fire incidents during the period.

He attributed the success recorded by the department to the six newly acquired vehicles, which enhanced its operations and facilitated quick responses to emergencies.

Plateau

A 75-year-old grandfather, Mr John Davou, has dragged his 20-year-old proposed wife, Hope Joseph, to a Hwolshe Area Court in Jos over alleged cheating and deceit.

Davou, who lodged a direct criminal complaint, told the court that his estranged lover collected the sum of N63,655. after promising to marry him.

“She deceived me with a fake promise to marry me and collected a lot of money from me,” he told the court.

Sokoto

National President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Ayodele Oritsejafor, has urged the media to mobilise the people to actively participate in the electoral process.

Oritsejafor told newsmen in Sokoto on Wednesday that such mobilisation would ensure that all Nigerians contributed to the much needed transparent, free and fair elections in 2011.

He said the 2011 elections are too significant to be left to go the way of past elections, which led the country to the current situation it found itself.

Yobe

The League for Human Rights has alleged that forceful and early marriages are still practised in Yobe State.

Mrs Tamwakat Golit, the Project Coordinator of the League, told newsmen in Damaturu on Thursday that such marriages usually made the girls not to complete their education.

She claimed that in spite of the campaign for free and compulsory basic education by the state government, girls in the villages still suffered forceful and early marriages.

Zamfara

The Zamfara State House of Assembly has announced the death of Alhaji Saidu Bawa Bagega, member representing Anka constituency.

Alhaji Bature Umar Sambo, the Speaker, said in a statement in Gusau on Thursday that Bagega died after a brief illness in Gusau.

Bagega died at the age of 44. Sambo, who prayed for the repose of the soul of the deceased, described the late member as a pillar in the Assembly.

Nation

Yahaya Bello: Senator Hails EFCC’s Probe Of N80.2bn Fraud

Published

2 days ago

April 29, 2024

The Tide

Senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has commended the efforts by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC) to apprehend and prosecute the immediate past governors of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, over an alleged N80.2 billion fraud.
This is just as she also hailed the EFCC chairman, Ola Olukoyede, for ceding 14 properties that were initially forfeited to the federal government to the government and people of Enugu State.
Reacting to Bello’s excuse for not honouring the EFCC’s invitation, the lawmaker emphasized the need for the commission to investigate other corrupt public officials to avoid the impression that their actions against former governor were meant to witch hunt him.
In a now-viral video, the EFCC chairman had claimed Belloh told him that a female senator (name withheld) allegedly gathered journalists to humiliate him anytime he was at the agency’s Abuja office for interrogation.
“I called Yahaya Bello, as a serving governor, to come to my office to clear himself. I shouldn’t have done that. But he said because a certain senator had planted over 100 journalists in my office, he would not come.
“I told him that he would be allowed to use my private gate to give him a cover, but he said my men should come to his village to interrogate him,” Olukoyede was quoted as saying.
But Senator Natasha in a statement signed by her Chief Press Secretary, Arogbonlo Israel and issued at the weekend in Abuja, reminded Yahaya Bello of the importance of respecting Nigeria’s laws and constitution, given his former position as the chief security officer of Kogi.
“I was surprised to hear that Yahaya Bello evaded the invitation from the EFCC, despite having served as Kogi’s former chief security officer. As a former governor, he should understand the importance of respecting Nigeria’s laws and constitution.
“It’s a well-known fact that ‘he who comes into equity must come with clean hands’. As such, I advise him to honour the invitation and clear his name while he still has the chance.
“I’d also like to take this moment to appreciate the diligence of the EFCC in handling the case so far. No Nigerian is above the law, and therefore the agency must see this case through to the end if they are to gain the trust of both Nigerians and the international community in the fight against corruption,” she said.

Nation

Senate Frowns Over Continued Depreciation Of Naira

Published

2 days ago

April 29, 2024

The Tide

Worried over the latest depreciation of the Naira against major foreign currencies, the Senate through its Committee on Finance, has stated that the Legislature is exploring a range of policy options to mitigate the impact of Naira depreciation and foster economic stability in the country.
These, according to the committee, in a statement signed by its chairman, Senator Sani Musa (APC Niger East) and released yesterday, includes robust oversight of fiscal policies, engagement with key stakeholders, and the formulation of targeted interventions to support key sectors of the economy.
Senator Musa said the statement became necessary “to address the current state of the economy and the need for concerted efforts at tackling the instability and continuous depreciation of the Naira.”
This is even as he hoped that the “economic managers will adhere strictly to the norms and standards set by this administration to ensure that we achieve the desired outcomes in taking Nigeria to its economic growth and prosperity”, pledging the support of the National Assembly to the executive arm of government to achieve the set goals.
He, however, urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and resilient as they navigate these uncertain times, saying “together, we can overcome the challenges facing our economy and chart a path towards prosperity for all.”
The statement titled: “State of the Nation Economy and Naira Depreciation’, reads “The Nigerian economy is facing significant challenges, exacerbated by both internal and external factors.

“Despite efforts to stabilize and bolster economic growth, the numerous initiatives and bold but necessary steps and policy decisions taken by President Bola Tinubu, the persistent depreciation of the Naira against major foreign currencies has become a pressing concern.

“The recent depreciation of the Naira underscores the need for proactive measures to safeguard the stability and resilience of our currency.

“The Senate Committee on Finance is closely monitoring the situation and is committed to working collaboratively with relevant stakeholders to implement effective policies and strategies.

“It is imperative that we address the root causes of Naira depreciation, including but not limited to fluctuations in global oil prices, fiscal deficits, and structural imbalances in the economy.”

Nation

WIW: Banigo Advocates Legislative Impetus

Published

2 days ago

April 29, 2024

The Tide

The Senator, representing Rivers West Senatorial District at National Assembly Sen.Dr. Ipalibo Harry Banigo has advocated for legislative backings to enforce immunisation as a pre-condition for admission into nursing, primary and secondary schools in Nigeria.
Banigo made the assertion recently in a statement to commemorate this year’s week-long immunisation campaign in line with the World Health Organisation advocacy.
Banigo, a Harvard-trained Public Health personnel, explained that such legislation would strengthen the National Immunisation Policy in the administration of vaccines, saves lives, helps in the child normal growth, prevents serious illness and disabilities such as poliomyelitis .
The former Deputy Governor of Rivers State who is also the Chairman, Senate Committee on Health (Secondary and Tertiary), noted that Nigeria must attain at least, 90 percent vaccine coverage for all childhood and adolescence; stressing that a fully vaccinated child should have received BCG, Mussels and three doses of DTP and Polio .
She emphasised the need for collective efforts by stakeholders in the campaign against preventable diseases .
The theme for this year’s World Immunisation Week is “Humanly Possible: Saving Lives Through Immunisation” while the national theme is “Vaccine Works For All”.