Kebbi AGILE project suspended due to fraud, award of N8.8bn without gov's conscent --CPS

 

Kebbi AGILE project suspended due to fraud, award of N8.8bn without gov's conscent --CPS

By Editor

Ahmed Idris, the Chief Press Secretary to Kebbi State Governor,Nasir Idris has said that the state suspended the Adolescence Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) project over the involvement of three key officials of the project in fraudulent practices 

 culpable of undermining the purpose of the innitiative.

CPS Idris said part of the fraud perpetrated by the officers, whom were sacked by the previous administration includes processing the award of contract to the tune of N8.8 billion with neither the consent of the Governor nor significant compliance to Due Process.

He added that the World Bank was equally informed of the unhealthy development and their subsequent suspension so as to enable an unimpeded investigation.

In a statement issued by Idris, reacting to an open letter written by Ahmed Umar and  published by Kebbi Trust, titled: "Kebbi State Education Sector At Verge Of Total Collapse As World Bank Set To Divert Approved Fund Earmarked For Kebbi AGILE Project To Sokoto State," he said the state state is aware of significant achievements recorded by Agile project, but there are some loopholes in the initiative that need to be corrected in consonance witht the new administrative's mandate. 

 

He noted in the statement that the AGILE funds from World Bank are not grant but recoverable loan from Kebbi  state resources, and such,  "We therefore have the obligation to ensure prudent utilization of such meagre resources."

According to Idris, "I am to refer to an open letter by one Ahmed Umar published by Kebbi Trust and to clarify insinuations made by the writer in respect of the above

"For the avoidance of doubt Adolescence Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) is indeed a project inherited from the former Administration and is geared towards improving the quality of Education of the adolescent girls. It is significant to note that three key functionaries of this project were involved in fraudulent practices culpable of undermining the purpose for which Adolescence Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) was introduced and the officers were accordingly suspended by the former Administration. The World Bank was equally informed of the unhealthy development and their subsequent suspension so as to enable an unimpeded investigation. A committee was thus, constituted by the former Administration to address the situation.

" Indeed, the act of serious misconduct perpetuated by the officers is to the extent of processing the award of contract to the tune Eight Billion, Eight Hundred and Eighty Seven Million, Nine Hundred and Eighty Six Thousand, Three Hundred and Thirty Two Naira, Twenty Seven Kobo (N8,887,986,332.27) with neither the consent of the Governor nor significant compliance to Due Process.

" In the prevailing circumstances, I am to affirm that the AGILE project and its operation has not been tempered with and AGILE as a programme is still subsisting in Kebbi State. The suspension of the officers is therefore, without prejudice to the sustainability and performance of the AGILE project.

"Furthermore, Government is determined to consolidate the gains of AGILE projects (even though AGILE is only a complementary outfit in our strive to improve the educational standard) and to look for more avenues that will seek to improve the quality of education and the Girl Child in specific terms.

"It will not be out of place to mention that Kebbi State is in the hands of teachers and as teachers we are committed to improving the educational standard of Kebbi State.

" We are not unmindful of the fact that Adolescence Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) project in Kebbi State had attained significant level of accomplishment but with major infractions for which we are determined to correct in consonance with our mandate.

"Meanwhile, Kebbi State is not averse to any developmental strides and would gladly welcome productive suggestions geared toward improving our status.

" To crown it all, it is pertinent to note that the AGILE funds from World Bank are not grant but recoverable loan from our state resources. We therefore have the obligation to ensure prudent utilization of such meagre resources,"Idris said in statement.

Kebbi targets 70% of animals accross state in annual vaccination campaign

 

From Editor

 Kebbi State Governor,  Dr. Nasir Idris Kauran Gwandu has flagged-off the annual livestock vaccination campaign on CBPP, PPR and NCD in Kebbi State. The campaign is targeted at vaccinating  no fewer than 70 percent of livestock across the state.

The flag-off which took place  at Hutuwa Pastoralist settlement behind Dukku Barack in Birnin-Kebbi was meant to support the Fulani and other livestock breeders across the state, Ahmed Idris, Chief Press Secretary ( CPS) to Kebbi State Governor said in a statement. 

According to the CPS, the Governor  Idris, who was represented by the Acting Permanent Secretary, Ministry for Animal health Husbandry and Fisheries, Dr. Ahmed Umar Ambrusa said that the programme was in collaboration with the Federal Department of Verterinary and Pest Control Services.

The Governor assured the livestock owners of the readiness of his administration to provide them with necessary tools that would improve their livestock business.

While assuring that the gesture would be extanded to the remaining Local Government Areas in the state, Dr Idris said: "Kebbi State is second interms of livestock business, as such the present administration is ready to support farming and other agricultural activities in the state."

In his remarks, the Director in charge of the Vertinary Services, Dr. Ahmed Aliyu Mohammed said that the programme which remained an annual event was targeting no fewer than 70% of livestock across the state.

He urged the fulanis and other livestock business men and women to reciprocate the gesture by extending all the necessary support and cooperation to the present administration in the state and in turn government would also support their business. 

Also speaking, the reprentative of the Chairman, Fulani Association in the state, Abdullahi Bale thanked government for the gesture which according to him is aimed at saving the lives to their animals and boost their business.

"Am going to mobilise and educate my members to bring their cows, goats and other livestock for vaccination," he assured. 

Aliyu as Sokoto gov will improve healthcare, Wamakko assures visiting health workers

 

By editor

Sokoto State All Progressives Congress (APC) leader, Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko has assured that, the party’s governorship candidate, in Sokoto, Ahmad Aliyu will greatly improve health services for the benefit of the people. 

Wamakko gave the assurance on Tuesday while receiving over 2000 members of  the Ahmad Aliyu Medical Aid Association on courtesy call at his Gawon Nama residence.

While thanking the group for the visit, Wamakko, commended them for their commitment towards supporting the provision of quality healthcare services across the state.

Earlier, team leader of the Association, Alhaji Usman Aliyu told the Senator that the group  provides medical support to the people of the state as part of its social responsibility to the people especially those  in the rural areas.

Usman noted despite the limitations in capacity and political will of the government of the day with attendant threats and difficulties being experienced across the state, his group has remained committed in ensuring that it achieve set healthcare improvement objectives.

"The Association has 23 coordinators and over 2000 members across the state who are working round the clock to mobilize support for the APC in the coming elections, " Usman said. 

He explained that the Association is solely an APC support group which is using its resources to purchase assorted medical equipment for its  operations.

He announced Senator Wamakko as a Grand Patron of the Association as a mark of honour  for what he did to the people of the state during his tenure as governor that impacted positively on their health situation.

Usman then pledged that the members of the Association would be strengthen their committed to providing routine medical support to the needy and vulnerable sections of the state.

In separate remarks, Vice Chairman of the Association, Alhaji Ibrahim Yusuf and a Member of its Board of Trustees, Alhaji Shehu Muhammad Tureta informed the Senator that they will not forget his giant strides in the health sector in the state.

They recalled that during Wamakko's regime all the 244 wards in the state had had functional and standard, world class primary healthcare centers fully equipped with facilities and professionals who manned them appropriately.

They pledged to continue working together for the victory of APC at all levels come 2023 elections, adding that,  the choice of Alhaji Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto as APC Gubernatorial flag bearer for the 2023 election was the right decision at the right time.

A statement by Bashar Abubakar, S.A New Media to Senator Wamakko said highlights of the visit was the presentation of medical kits to Wamakko by the leadership of the Association.

Northern Christians tasks Akpabio, Abbas on improving Nigerians' living condition

 

By Reporter

The Northern Christian Youth Professionals (NCYP) has congratulated the former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Sen. Godswill Akpabio and Honarable Tijjani Abbas on thier  election as the Senate President and Speaker  of the 10th National Assembly, appealing to the new legislative leaders to collaborate  with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in improving the living condition of ordinary Nigerians.

In a statment by  the Chairman of NYCP,  Mr Isaac Abrak, he  urged the  newly elected 10th National Assembly leaders to help the country sustain the war against oil subsidy cabals and ensure that the nation's  resources are efficiently managed for the benefit of every citizen. 

According to Abraak, the appointment of the new National Assembly leaders is "an achievement that mark significant milestones in our collective journey towards inclusiveness, unity, and progress in Nigeria.

"The NCYP commends all Senators for their commitment to inclusiveness and the unity of all Nigerians. Their enlightened decision to vote for Senator Akpabio, Senator Jibrin, Speaker Abbas, and Deputy Speaker Kalu demonstrates their recognition of the importance of embracing diversity and working together to promote the common interests of our great nation.

"Senate President Akpabio and Speaker Tajudeen have assumed pivotal roles as part of the legislative arm of government.

" The NCYP urges them to work collaboratively with the executive arm led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to improve the living conditions of all Nigerians. Specifically, we emphasize the importance of sustaining and winning the war against the oil subsidy cabal, ensuring that our resources are efficiently managed for the benefit of every citizen.

"We congratulate Senator Godswill Akpabio, Senator Barau Jibrin, Honorable Tajudeen Abbas, and Honorable Benjamin Kalu once again on their appointments. We believe that their leadership, in tandem with the collective dedication of the Senate and the House, will pave the way for inclusiveness, unity, and progress in Nigeria," Abraak stated.

Kebbi Customs intercepts 104 percels of Indian Hemp, 99 Diazepems, other items

 

By Our Reporter

The Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), Kebbi Area Command, has intercepted contraband items worth N37.820 million, which includes 104 parcels of Indian hemp of laptop size of 1kg each, 99 diazepam tablets and 70 packs of tramadol in the state.

Other items seized by the customs and now handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, (NDLEA) includes 1,275 litres of PMS, 107 bags of foreign rice, 52 Jerry cans of vegetable oil, two vehicles.

Customs Area Controller, Dr. Ben Oramalugo who disclosed this while speaking with newsmen at the command’s headquarters, Birnin Kebbi  said   a middle age indigene of Birnin Kebbi, Suleiman Yusuf was arrested with the items along Kamba-Kyangakai road in the state.

According to the Controller, on Sunday, the 11th June, 2023 based on a tip off from a well meaning citizen about a vehicle conveying offensive goods into the country, the Customs Command’s officers and men swung into action and at about 1005Hrs through stop and search along Kamba-Kyangakwai Road, the officers and men were able to identify the vehicle suspected to be carrying the illegal concealment.

He said after a thorough search and examination, the white vehicle mentioned matches the description of the suspected vehicle with Chassis No:  IHGRC3KEA246069 and fortunately, one hundred and four (104) parcels (laptop size of 1KG each) of cannabis sativa and ninety nine (99) 5mg diazepam tablets was found concealed in the vehicle driven by the suspect of middle age named Suleiman Yusuf (popularly known as Babangida). In a similar event, an abandoned seizure made of 70 packs of tramaking/tramadol (225mg) and 260 diazepam tablets (5mg) was captured on Monday, the 5th of June 2023 at about 1117hrs at Kamba/Rijiyar Maikafi bush path by the same patrol team but no suspect was apprehended.  

"The offensive goods along with the suspect were brought to the Command's Headquarters for further investigation. 

"The items valued at thirty seven million eight hundred and twenty thousand (₦37, 820,000) and the suspect will be handed over to the NDLEA Kebbi State Command for further necessary action.

He noted that "the effect of drugs on particularly our youth cannot be over emphasized. In addition to the harms it inflicts on its direct users ranging from low self esteem, depression, suicidal thoughts and mental health problems, it's also the catalyst for almost all criminal activities our country is plagued with. We therefore cannot fold our arms and watch our youth descend to the lowest ebb of moral decadence."

The controller however maintained that Items seized within the period under review are, "104 parcels of cannabis sativa (Indian hemp) and 99 diazepam tablets (5mg) as mentioned above, 70 packs of Tramaking/Tramadol (225mg) and 260 diazepam tablets (5mg), 107 foreign parboiled rice (50kg), 38 bales of secondhand clothing, 1,275 litres of PMS, 52 jerry can of vegetable oil ,  1 honda accord 2011 and  1 used Opel Vehicle, among others."

He added that "the Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the items stands at sixty four million six hundred and thirteen thousand five hundred and ninety four (₦64, 613, 594)."

I'll consult tradtional rulers, major stakeholders before embarking on project-- Kebbi gov

 

From Editor

The Governor of Kebbi State,  Dr Nasir Idris  has assured that he would consult with traditional rulers and major stakeholders in the state before awarding any contract to avoid misplacement of priority.

He made the disclosure when he received the Emir of Zuru, retired Maj-Gen. Muhammad Sani-Sami on a courtesy visit at Government House, Birnin Kebbi.

The governor said: "We will consult with traditional rulers before embacking on any project to avoid misplacement of priority in project execution.

"We want to execute projects that have direct bearing with people. We don't want a situation where Government will execute a project that is not the priority of people."

Dr Nasir Idris solicited the support and cooperation of all and sundry to be able to bring the desired change across all sectors of the economy.

The governor described Zuru people as hard working individuals who always committed to fetching for themselves.

"Everybody knew that Zuru are not lazy people, they are brave people who always stand on their feet. Farming remained one of their major sources of income but security challenges is dragging the business backward. 

"We will do everything possible to restore peace in Zuru land. The present administration will tackle the issues of insecurity head-on, particularly in Zuru emirate, to enable people not only go back to their farms but also comfortably sleep with their two eyes close," he noted.

Idris assured people of the state that his administration would not victimise anybody for not supporting his gubernatorial ambition during the 2023 general elections.

He said: "As a leader, you stood firm to ensure our victory, yet, we knew some people refused to vote for us. However, being a teacher, I have forgiven everybody including those who voted for us and those who didn't vote for us.

"Everybody should come forward and contribute his quota on ways to move our people and our dear state forward. I have made some promises in your emirate and by the grace of God Almighty we are going fulfil these promises."

While appreciating the Emir for the visit, the governor noted with satisfaction that the monarch was the first traditional ruler in the state to personally pay a congratulatory visit on him.

Earlier, the Emir told the governor that they were in Government House not only for a congratulatory visit but also to re-afirm their solidarity, loyalty and support to the new administration.

The monarch expressed optimism that as a technocrat and a seasoned unionist, he had no doubt that the governor would bring positive changes to the state.

He said: "We believe you will bring to bear your experiences and leadership to build a better and more prosperous Kebbi State to put endless smile on the faces of people of Kebbi given your track records of achievements.

"We hope the issue of insecurity in Zuru emirate, lack of good roads and other infrastructure will be among your priorities when you settle down. The current security situation on the area has been so alarming, our farmers are being chased out of their farmlands." 

End

NYCP backs Akpabio, says Christian Senate President 'll balance power, unite Nigeria

 

 

From Abdul Alabi

The Northern Christian Youth Professional (NCYP) has said that a Southern Christian Senate President would contribute significantly to the balance of power and representation in the highest echelons of government. 

The group argued that the current composition of the Nigerian government, with both the President and Vice President being Muslims, underscores the need for balance and diversity in key leadership positions.

In a terse  statement issued by Isaac Abrak, the NCYP Chairman, he called upon all Senators, particularly those of Northern extraction, to recognize the importance of unity and national cohesion, noting that  Nigeria's strength lies in its ability to embrace its diversity and harness it for the collective development of our great nation.

According to Abrak, appointment would promote religious equity and equality, ensuring that the Christian community's voice is heard and respected.

 He said,  "in the spirit of fostering unity and embracing religious pluralism, we endorse President Tinubu's support of Senator Godwin Akpabio and Senator Barau Jibrin as suitable candidates for the esteemed position of Senate President and Vice President respectively.

"The NCYP firmly believes that a Southern Christian Senate President would contribute significantly to the balance of power and representation in the highest echelons of government. This appointment would promote religious equity and equality, ensuring that the Christian community's voice is heard and respected.

"We call upon all Senators, particularly those of Northern extraction, to recognize the importance of unity and national cohesion. By rallying behind Senator Godwin Akpabio and Senator Barau Jibrin, we can send a powerful message of inclusivity, religious harmony, and shared governance to the entire nation.

"The NCYP encourages all Nigerians, regardless of their religious background, to support this cause and actively engage in the democratic process. We implore citizens to exercise their voting rights responsibly and make informed decisions that align with the values of equity, unity, and progress.

"Our organization remains dedicated to promoting peaceful coexistence and fostering understanding among all religious communities. We firmly believe that Nigeria's strength lies in its ability to embrace its diversity and harness it for the collective development of our great nation.

"The NCYP extends an open invitation to all Nigerians, civil society organizations, and political leaders to join hands in championing a Nigeria that upholds the principles of equity, equality, and unity. Together, we can build a future where all citizens are heard, valued, and respected.

"The Northern Christian Youth Professional (NCYP) remains steadfast in its commitment to promoting fairness and inclusivity within the Nigerian political landscape. As an organization representing the interests of Northern Christian youths, we advocate for the equitable distribution of power and representation among all religious groups.