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Category: News

Buni Approves Employment Of 158 Community Nurses In Yobe

Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe has approved the employment of 158 community nursing graduates of the Shehu Sule College of Nursing and Midwifery, Damaturu.

This is contained in a statement by Buni’s Director-General Press and Media Affairs, Alhaji Mamman Mohammed, in Damaturu on Saturday.

According to Mohammed, the nurses comprised of two sets of the college’s graduates.

He said the governor had also approved the payment of N10,000 monthly allowances to 393 students of the state origin undergoing National Diploma and Basic Midwifery programmes at the college.

The spokesman said 67 of the benefitting students were entitled to 11 months arrears of the allowance, while 326 new students of the college would soon start receiving the allowance.

“Governor Buni urged the newly employed health personnel to be dedicated to serve the people better.

“He charged them to key into the reform programme of the state government to provide efficient, accessible and affordable medical services to the people.

“The Governor also called on the students to study hard to justify the government’s investment in them,” Mohammed said.

10/14/2023
Tinubu Appoints Imam, Agbasi As Chairman, MD Of FERMA

President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of the Governing Board and Management of the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA).

A statement by Presidential spokesman Ajuri Ngelale said this was for a renewable term of four years, in accordance with Section 2(3) of the FERMA Amendment Act, 2007

The board members are:

Chairman of FERMA Board — Engr. Imam Ibrahim Kashim Imam

Managing Director of FERMA — Engr. Chukwuemeka Agbasi

Member (NARTO) — Yusuf Lawal Othman

Member (FMW) — Engr. Ibi Terna Manasseh

Member (FRSC) — ACM Shehu Mohammed

Member (Finance) — Babatunde Daramola-Oniru

Member (South-South) — Hon. Preye Oseke

Member (South-West) — Hon. Oye Ojobe

Member (South-East) — Dr Kenneth Ugbala

Member (North-Central) — Sen. Timothy Adudu

Member (North-East) — Engr. Abubakar Bappa

Member (North-West) — Aminu Adamu Papa

The president urged the new appointees to continue to uphold effective and efficient service delivery in the agency.

He said that the agency was set to play a central role in the sustainable health of growth-enabling infrastructure nationwide.

10/14/2023
Troops Rescue 6 Kidnap Victims, Neutralise One Bandit In Kaduna

The 1 Division Nigerian Army says its troops have rescued six kidnapped victims and one bandit neutralised in Kaduna State.

The acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 1 Division Nigerian Army, Lt.-Col. Musa Yahaya, who confirmed the development in a statement issued in Kaduna, saod that the victims where rescued on Friday.

Yahaya said that the ongoing clearance operation by the troops of the division had continued to yield positive results.

He said, “The troop acted on credible and timely intelligence on the kidnap of 6 persons at Hayin Tsando general area of Maraban Jos, in Igabi Local Government Area of the state.

“The gallant troops quickly mobilized, embarked on a search and rescue operation. The troops made contact with the bandits and criminal elements and a heavy fire fight ensued.

“During the operation, troops successfully rescued six kidnapped victims, captured two AK 47 rifles and neutralized one bandit while others escaped with several degrees of gunshot wounds.

“The General Officer Commanding 1 Division Nigerian Army and Force Commander operation Whirl Punch Maj.- Gen. Valentine Okoro, has commended the troops for their resilience.”

Yahaya also charged them to continue the aggressive tempo until all criminal elements in the division’s ‘Area of Responsibility’ are completely eradicated.

He also appealed to all paramedics to be on lookout for persons with gunshot wounds, report to the Nigerian Army and other sister security services for prompt action.

10/14/2023
Corruption Not Peculiar To Africa – AfDB President

The President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr. Akinwuni Adesina, emphasized that corruption is not a challenge confined solely to the African continent. He made this statement in Abuja on a Saturday.

According to Adesina, the crucial focus should be on enhancing transparency, accountability, and the responsible utilization of public resources worldwide. He cited the global financial crisis of 2008, originating from greed, corruption, and fraud in sectors such as Europe’s financial industry, rather than in Africa.

Adesina stressed that while corruption is not exclusive to Africa, it does exist, making it vital to continually improve transparency, accountability, and resource management.

During his visit to Eritrea, he was informed that the country maintains a remarkable zero percent corruption record, emphasizing the importance of recognizing such positive examples.

Adesina emphasized the AfDB’s commitment to good governance, asserting that public resources should be held accountable by governments and not fall into the wrong hands.

Adesina underlined the importance of transparency in resource acquisition and usage, noting that the AfDB supports good governance through its programs. He acknowledged the issue of illicit capital flows from Africa, primarily driven by multinational corporations, and advocated for increased scrutiny in this area.

Regarding Africa’s position in the global value chain, Adesina lamented the continent’s persistent location at the bottom.

He highlighted the need to add value to Africa’s resources, from oil and gas to minerals, metals, and food, as the path to wealth. He emphasized the importance of proper investment, a conducive governance environment, and appropriate incentives for achieving this transformation.

In support of food security in Africa, Adesina stressed the necessity of self-sufficiency in food production as a foundation for development with pride.

He mentioned the significant capital increase the AfDB received in 2019, enabling the bank to provide emergency support for COVID-19 response and a food production facility to mitigate food crises in Africa.

Adesina addressed the need to restructure the international financial system, particularly focusing on the allocation of Special Drawing Rights (SDRs). He expressed concern that the allocation disproportionately benefited certain countries and called for a more inclusive approach, potentially reallocating unused or surplus SDRs to support development revitalization.

10/14/2023
Again, Rampaging Armed Bandits Kill 3, Abduct Others In Benue

Once again, a group of armed assailants, suspected to be Fulani herdsmen, has carried out a violent attack in Benue State, resulting in the tragic loss of three lives and the abduction of several others.

The incident occurred as innocent victims were en route from Makurdi, the capital of Benue State, to Otukpo, the headquarters of Benue Zone C senatorial district.

The attack took place in Tyolaha, a village situated within the Gwer West Local Government Area of Benue State.

According to Agbo Daniel Adakole, a youth leader who provided insight into the incident to NIGERIAN ANCHOR, the attackers were heavily armed and indiscriminately fired their weapons, resulting in the loss of three lives and numerous injuries. Additionally, there are reports of individuals still missing.

Adakole further disclosed that the perpetrators of this heinous act were armed Fulani herders. The victims primarily consisted of local residents who were traveling on the Benue Links Bus service along the Makurdi-Naka-Otukpo route.

At the time of filing this report, it remains unconfirmed whether the incident has been reported to the Benue State command of the Nigerian Police or if any law enforcement agencies have been alerted for assistance.

These armed bandits have been a persistent threat, targeting and harming both farmers and travelers in the border areas between the Idoma and Tiv-speaking regions of Benue State.

Notably, just two weeks ago, on October 2nd, a gruesome armed attack occurred in the village of Agagbe, close to Tse-Awuna in Gwer LGA, resulting in the loss of three lives.

10/14/2023
FG Plans 50% Subsidy For Wheat Farmers – Minister

The Minister of Agriculture Abubakar Kyari, has disclosed that the Federal Government is giving out 50 per cent subsidy to wheat farmers in the upcoming dry season farming to ensure massive production of the grain in the country.

Kyari spoke to newsmen shortly after inspecting assorted seed wheat productions in Kano on Friday.

“We are fully committed towards massive wheat production in the upcoming dry seasons farming for local and foreign export actions,” he said.

He explained that President Tinubu’s renewed agenda was aimed at making sure that Nigeria secured food production, starting from next Month, with wheat farming taking toll in the dry season farming.

The minister, who was in Kano and Jigawa to supervise the seeds production, expressed satisfaction that the local production was the vital component of the farming.

“Jigawa State has shown a lot of interest in wheat farming by providing 40,000 hectares of land for wheat farming, closing on the 70,000 hectares set aside by the Federal Government to achieve this year,” he said.

The minister explained that the Federal Government was making efforts to have enough seeds that would cover the 70,000 hectares provided for wheat farming.

“The breeder and foundation seeds were checked before it became satisfied to phase out wheat importation before next year’s irrigation farming.

“This is because importation of the wheat is taking a lot of Nigeria’s foreign reserve.

Kyari noted that the Federal Government planned to secure the nation’s food production and be self-sufficient, adding that local production was one way that importation of seeds would completely be stopped.

“In the next 4-5 years with the Programmes set out, Nigeria would completely stop importations of wheat seeds and be self-sufficient with the local production that would enhance food production and security.”

The minister was at the National Wheat Council Ware Houses at Sharada, AA Albasu Grains Company and Alyumna Seeds Production Company.

10/13/2023
Army Conducts Field Training Exercise to Address Insecurity in Akwa Ibom

The 2 Brigade, Nigerian Army on Friday inaugurated Exercise Still Waters III in Essien-Udim Local Government Area in Akwa Ibom, to tackle all forms of security threats in the state.

Brig.-Gen. Ken Chigbu, Commander, 2 Brigade, described the exercise as an annual field training event aimed at bringing together all the security agencies in the state to sharpen their skills on the rudiments of internal security operations.

Chigbu expressed hope that it would provide an opportunity for joint efforts to tackle the emerging security threats in the state especially during yuletide.

He said that the 2 Brigade in collaboration with other sister security agencies in the state have supported the State Government through both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches to effectively tackle the threats be-devilling the state.

According to him, “the event could not have come at a better time than now when there are growing concerns about the several security challenges confronting our dear state and nation at large’’.

The commander said that the brigade, under the leadership of the General Officer Commanding 6 Division Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Jamal Abdussalam was currently undergoing unprecedented changes.

He noted that the brigade and indeed the Division have continued to benefit immensely from the Chief of Army Staff’s Command Philosophy of transforming the Nigerian Army into a well-trained, equipped and highly motivated force.

He thanked the heads of other security agencies for their synergy and support in fighting insecurity in the state as well as the Akwa Ibom Government for the support given to security agencies.

In his remarks, Gov. Umo Eno commended the brigade for collaborating with other security agencies to ensure adequate security in the state especially in the area of intelligence sharing.

Eno represented by his Deputy, Sen. Akon Eyankenyi, also commended the brigade for siting its base in Ikot Afanag, “a volatile area ravaged by the activities of the Eastern Security Network (ESN) of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB)’’.

He said that the presence had restored peace and normalcy in the area and many displaced persons had returned to their communities.

He pledged commitment to deepening cooperation with the brigade to ensure that Akwa Ibom people and other residents enjoy maximum security and maintain its status as one of the most peaceful and secured states in the country.

The highlight of the event were crowd dispersal drills, aerial surveillance/support for the flag-off event by the Nigerian Air Force, presentation of souvenirs and medical outreach.

10/13/2023
SMEDAN Empowers 40 Entrepreneurs With Laptops, ICT Skills

The Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) has trained and empowered 40 entrepreneurs with Information Communication Technology (ICT) and digital skills in Ebonyi.

The Director-General of SMEDAN, Dr Olawale Fasanya, said this during the closing ceremony of a three-day training and empowerment programme held in Abakaliki on Friday.

The programme was targeted at young entrepreneurs to improve micro small and medium enterprises.

Fasanya, who was represented by Mr Chigozie Asochukwu, SMEDAN Coordinator in Ebonyi, said that the importance of ICT in doing business cannot be over-emphasised.

He said the empowerment programme, which was in collaboration with Dole International Company Ltd., was aimed at giving business owners e-commerce know-how to increase their contributions to the nation’s GDP.

He reiterated the agency’s commitment to business growth, urging the beneficiaries to practice what they had learnt.

“This will go a long way in enhancing productivity, customer engagement and give the entrepreneurs a competitive advantage in doing businesses.

“It will help in digital knowledge and tools needed to grow businesses online as well as enable efficient communication, data management and analysis.

“This is a three-day training and the participants were engaged in three module including Google digital skills, digital market fundamental and business formalisation,” Fasanya said.

Mr Njoku Ozoemena, who spoke on behalf of “City Boys Movement”, said the training became necessary to enhance e-commerce in the country.

Ozoemena hailed the Federal Government for putting up the programme and urged the trainees to utilise the knowledge.

One of the beneficiaries, Kelechi Njoku, lauded SMEDAN for exposing them to modern skills for business and pledged to utilise what she had learnt.

The agency later gave laptops to the trainees to enable them promote their businesses.

10/13/2023
Former Nigerian Minister Of Interior Dies

Senator Alh. Dr. Bello Maitama Yusuf, a prominent figure in Nigerian politics and business, and a former minister for internal affairs and commerce, has passed away at the age of 78.

Senator Yusuf, who represented the Jigawa South West constituency as a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, had a long and distinguished political career.

He was first elected in April 1999 and subsequently re-elected in April 2003, earning the trust and support of his constituents over the years.

During his tenure as a minister, Senator Yusuf made significant contributions to the nation. As the minister for internal affairs in 1979 and the minister for commerce in 1982, he played a crucial role in safeguarding Nigeria’s economic interests.

Notably, his efforts as the minister for commerce helped curb the influx of imported goods into Nigeria, which was greatly impacting the country’s foreign reserves.

In his home state of Jigawa, Senator Yusuf was recognized and honoured with the title of “Sardaunan Dutse” in acknowledgment of his outstanding service and contributions to the state.

Furthermore, he was a recipient of the prestigious national honour, the Grand Commander of the Niger (GCON), reflecting the high regard in which he was held by the nation.

10/13/2023
93 Unexploded Bombs Discovered In Lagos Cantonment

The Nigerian Army has confirmed the recovery of a total of ninety-three unexploded ordnance, or bombs, at the Ikeja Military Cantonment located in Lagos.

This significant discovery was made during the ongoing military operation known as ‘Exercise Clean Sweep,’ as announced in an official statement released on Thursday.

The operation, which commenced on Tuesday, October 10, 2023, was initiated with the primary objective of decontaminating the area that had been the epicentre of a devastating bomb explosion back in 2002.

The recovered ordnance varies in terms of their calibre and characteristics, according to the report from the Army. Colonel Abdulrazaq Kazeem, the Director of the Directorate of Explosives Search and Disposal and the Coordinator of Exercise Clean Sweep, provided an update during his first briefing.

He confirmed the retrieval of a total of ninety-three unexploded ordnance from the site up to this point.

Despite prior efforts to clear and dispose of explosives at the site, remnants of unexploded ordnance have continued to be discovered within and around the vicinity of the bomb blast.

This persistent presence poses a significant threat to the safety and security of the Cantonment’s residents and the surrounding environment.

Colonel Kazeem emphasized strict safety measures in handling these explosives, stating, “The moment we reach the maximum limits of explosives within our holding area, such ordinances will be moved to the range. If we get to the explosive limits today, I will move to the range today. We wouldn’t exceed a kilogram above the explosive limits because it is measured in kilograms. At 93, we have not yet reached the limits.”

The Safety Officer, Lt. Col. Oluseyi Oladapo Bamikole, reassured that adequate safety measures had been put in place to protect personnel involved in the recovery efforts.

These measures include demarcations and trained personnel to identify unexploded ordnance before recovery from the site, ensuring the safety of both military personnel and the local community.

10/13/2023