Abdulhamid Umar Moh'd begs Tinubu to let youths constitute 50% of his cabinet

 

APC youth leader Abdulhamid Umar Moh'd 

By Editor

 As part of effort to ensure effective integration of the young ones into decision-making processes and create a  representative governance structure, the All Progessives Congress, APC Northwest youth leader, Abdulhamid Umar Moh'd has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's to let youth constitute 50 percent of his cabinet.

In a statement by Moh'd, he said  the youths contributed significantly to the victory of the APC at all levels, and they deserve to be included in schemes of governing the country.   "The victory of the APC and president Tinubu is, in part, a result of the youth's concerted efforts and support. Recognizing their contributions would encourage more young individuals to actively participate in politics, thereby creating a more inclusive and representative democracy," he noted.

He argued that apart from  bridging  the generation gap between the government and the youth, the concerns, interests, and aspirations of the young ones  will be adequately represented in the government by having some of them in the cabinet. 

Moh'd reeled who out the contribution of youths  to include active participation and Mobilization added that, the presence of youth in president Tinubu's administration will  inject fresh perspectives and innovative strategies into the campaign process. 

According to him, "the youth of Nigeria showcased an unprecedented level of active participation and mobilization during the 2023 elections. They actively campaigned, organized rallies, and utilized various social media platforms to disseminate information, engage with fellow citizens, and promote the ideals and agenda of the APC. This vibrant and energetic participation demonstrated their dedication and commitment to fostering positive change within the country's political landscape.

" The youth injected fresh perspectives and innovative strategies into the campaign process. With their technologically adept skills, they harnessed the power of digital platforms to reach a wider audience, facilitating meaningful conversations and promoting political discourse. Their ability to adapt to changing circumstances, employ creative campaign tactics, and utilize social media platforms effectively played a crucial role in shaping public opinion and garnering support for the APC and Tinubu.

 "The youth have long been recognized as catalysts for social change. They embody the aspirations and hopes of the nation, advocating for progressive policies and demanding accountability from their leaders. Through their involvement in the APC's electoral journey, they have proven their commitment to transforming Nigeria into a better nation. Their passion, energy, and desire for a brighter future make them deserving of recognition and rewards.

"By actively engaging in the political process, the youth have signaled their determination to shape the country's political landscape. Their votes, opinions, and voices matter greatly, as they represent the future of Nigeria."

He  maintained that  rewarding the youth for their efforts in the APC's victory will foster a sense of empowerment and inclusion as well as  demonstrate that their contributions are valued and appreciated, paving the way for their continued involvement in shaping the nation's future.

"Youths actively contributed to helping  Tinubu  become president can be considered deserving of the position in his administration.

Kebbi Gov't. approves payment of 2023/2024 scholarships for indigenous students

 

By Editor

In his effort to improve the standard of education, the Kebbi State Governor, Dr Nasir Idris has approved the payment of registration fees for 2023/2024 academic session for all verified Kebbi State indigenes studying in Usman Danfodio University Sokoto (UDUS).

This is contained in a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the State Governor Ahmed Idris. 

He said that the approval was to encourage the students get sound education and to ease difficulties faced by parents.

"The present administration is determined to fulfil all its campaign promises, most especially in education, agriculture, health, infrastructure and youth empowerment," he assured. 

The SSG advised all students studying at UDUS to take full advantage of the opportunity by studying hard towards achieving the purpose of being in school.

End

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)."