Northern Forum backs Prof. Imam's led administration as NBAIS Registrar

 

.... Solicits support from relevant stakeholders for maximum impact

By Our Reporter

Group under the aegis of Concerned Northern Forum, (CNF) has called on relevant stakeholders to support the Registrar, National Board for Arabic and Islamic Studies, (NBAIS) Prof. Imam Yahuza Suleiman. 

The Forum in a press statement issued to newsmen in Kaduna on Thursday, through it's Spokesperson, Comrade Abdulsalam Mohamed Kazeem, said with his track record  of commitment to life's assignment, the Forum is confident that he will lead the board towards achieving its goals and ambitions in the nearest future.

While calling on NBAIS staff, students, other affiliate institutions, and the broader public to offer their support and cooperation to Prof Yahuza's led management, Kazeem noted that there is need for them to give him time so he can focus and address any pending issue within the board rather than causing unnecessary distractions.

He disclosed that, "Concerned Northern Forum,(CNF) a leading advocacy group for Educational, Infrastructural and Socio-economic advancement in the North and Nigeria at large, is issuing a rallying call to stakeholders and members of the public to support the leadership of the National Board for Arabic and Islamic Studies (NBAIS) under the capable guidance of Professor Imam Yahuza Suleiman. 

"We believe that Prof Imam's distinguished academic career and expertise makes him well-equipped to address the challenges faced by the board and drive it towards greater success.

"Prof Imam Yahuza Suleiman is a highly respected academic renowned for his exceptional contributions to the field of Arabic and Islamic studies. His vast knowledge, experience, and leadership qualities leave no doubt that he is the right person to navigate the complexities of the NBAIS. With his dedication and commitment, we are confident that Prof Imam will lead the board towards achieving its goals and ambitions.

"Concerned Northern Forum would like to extend a special appeal to any aggrieved staff members and the general public to afford Prof Imam a little time to engage with the appropriate authorities regarding pending staff matters, at this time he needs no distractions.

"Change in leadership can bring about necessary adjustments, and we believe that Prof Imam is committed to addressing any outstanding issues in a fair and equitable manner. By working together and extending trust in his leadership, we can help create an environment conducive for progress and meaningful transformation within the NBAIS.

"We condemned in-totality the  petition submitted against the board by some attention seekers regarding what we describe as a privilege, and not a right at any rate, we believe it's high time those behind this distractive agenda approach the registrar and its entire management politely and not by any form of blackmail, the current leadership of the Board have a trade mark of long outstanding history of fairness to all Nigerians In-  respective of their colour, region and background.

"We encourage all stakeholders, including NBAIS staff, students, and other affiliate institutions, and the broader public, to offer their support and cooperation to Prof Imam Yahuza Suleiman lead management. By uniting behind his leadership, we can collectively enhance the quality and effectiveness of Arabic and Islamic studies in our nation, fostering an environment that promotes academic excellence and contributes to the growth and development of our society and country." He said.

Kebbi gov moves to revive mining activities, woo investors

 

By our Reporter

In a determined effort to diversify economy and  woo investors to the state, the Kebbi State governor, Dr Nasir Idris has carried out an inspection of mining sites at Warrah and Birnin Yauri in Ngaski and Yauri local government areas of the state. 

Speaking over the weekend during the tour, the governor said that it was part of efforts to revive mining activities in the respective areas apart from diversifying the revenue base of the state.

He noted with satisfaction that Kebbi State has multiple sources of revenue besides farming, hence it remained one of the major contributors to national food security.

The governor said: “The present administration is ready to holistically revive mining activities in the state to attract investors and also boost the internally generated revenue of the state.

“I want to use this medium to charge the youth engaged in the mining activities to be law-abiding and to ensure that any newcomer to the area is identified by community leaders to avoid any criminal tendencies”, Alhaji Ahmed Idris, Chief Press Secretary to the governor quotes him as saying at the occasion.  

Conducting the governor round the area, the Chairman, Ngaski Local Government Area, Alhaji Abdullahi Buhari-Warrah said that mining activities had been going on in the area for a very long time.  He, however, said that some miners have abandoned the business.

The chairman expressed delight that the new administration under governor Idris  was ready to revive and formalise the business in the areas.

Buhari-Warrah assured the governor that the council was ready to extend all the necessary support to what he described as gigantic efforts to diversify the state’s IGR. 

Those in attendance are Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Yakubu Bala Tafida; Commissioner for Finance, Alhaji Abubakar Chika;  Commissioner for Solid Minerals and Mine  Development, Haliru Mohammed Wasagu; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Kuderate Shuaibu; Special Adviser on Mine, chairman of Yauri and Shanga local government areas. 

Buratai Foundation mourns victims of Zaria mosque collapse, visit Emir, family members

By Azeez Salau

The Tukur Yusuf  Buratai Humanity Foundation has expressed sadness following the collapse of the 150-year-old Zaria Central Mosque in the ancient city of Zaria in Kaduna State which claimed live of 12 persons last week Friday, while observing evening prayer.

The foundation who went on a condolence visit to the emir of Zazzau's palace and  houses of the victims of the mosque collapse to  sympathize with them described the incident as traggic.

 Chairman of the foundation, Ibrahim Dahiru Danfulani  commended the Zazzau Emirate Council's  resilience and unity in the face of such adversity, noting that "It is through the collective efforts of individuals and organizations like ours that we can rebuild and heal together." 

He said, "On behalf of the TY Buratai Humanity Care Foundation, I write to express our deepest condolences and heartfelt sympathies to you and the entire Zazzau Emirate over the tragic incident of the mosque building collapse during the Asr prayer. We were deeply saddened to learn about the loss of  lives and the injuries sustained by several individuals.

"The TY Buratai Humanity Care Foundation was established to honor the exemplary humanitarian efforts of the former Chief of Army Staff, His Excellency Amb (Lt Gen Rtd) Tukur Yusufu Buratai CFR, Betaran Biu, Garkuwan Keffi. 

"Our foundation’s mission is to assist the underprivileged, orphans, and widows, while also recognizing community contributions that positively impact people’s lives.

"We understand that this unfortunate incident has caused immense grief and distress within the Zazzau Emirate. Our foundation would like to extend our visit to families of the deased  for condolence and also visit the injured in the hospital.

"Furthermore, we would like to express our admiration for the resilience and unity of the Zazzau Emirate community in the face of such adversity. It is through the collective efforts of individuals and organizations like ours that we can rebuild and heal together."

He added, "Once again, please accept our deepest condolences and know that our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the deceased and the injured. We will remain in close contact with your Emirate to discuss the most effective ways in which we can extend our future projects.

"The foundation also commiserate with the Zazzau Emirate over last night attack by unknown gunmen that claimed 2 lives

"After the Emir palace the foundation visited deceased individual residents and later visited the injured in the various hospitals."

Etsu Nupe is a pillar of national unity --Kebbi gov

 

 

By our Editor

Kebbi Governor Dr Nasir Idris, on Thursday described the Etsu Nupe, Dr Yahaya Abubakar as a pillar of national unity.

The governor made this known while receiving a delegation from the Emir on a courtesy at Government House, Birnin Kebbi.

In  statement by Ahmed Idris, the  Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, he said the delegation were in Kebbi State to thank the governor for appointing a Nupe man, Alhaji Ahmed Idris from Niger State as his Chief Press Secretary (CPS).

The governor said: "Nationally, when you talk of Etsu Nupe, people will say that yes, he is a good man, a philanthropist, an Emir that always work to see that North and Nigeria stay as one family.

"We have no reason whatsoever not to thank the Emir for giving us his son to come and serve with us here in Kebbi and we have not regretted working with him. Ahmed is a true seasoned journalist to the core, a Journalist without sentiment and a journalist who knew the job. 

"Ahmed Idris is a Nigerlite and Kebbi is his second home, I knew him in the past 30 years, I worked with him as my best man when I was Chairman, Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) and also Chairman of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Kebbi State."

The governor recalled that the history of Gwandu in Kebbi State and Bida in Niger State was an old and lasting history that boardered around boundary sharing, cross-marriage and cross-business among others.

Idris revealed that Gov. bago of Niger State had been his close friend, adding that they share so many things in common for the benefits of the two states.

Earlier, the leader of the delegation and Jakadan Labaran Nupe, Alhaji Muhammad Baba-Busu said they were in Kebbi to convey the message of His Royal Highness, the Etsu of Nupe to the governor and people of Kebbi.

He said the Emir was highly elated for finding his subject worthy of the position of Chief Press Secretary in Kebbi, assuring that the appointee would never disappoint the governor and the state at large.

Baba-Bussu used the medium to commend the governor for starting in a very sound footing towards bringing positive transformation to the state, assuring that all Nupe people would continuously pray for the governor to effectively deliver the dividends of democracy to all. 

End

Southern Kaduna group urges senate to confirm el-Rufai as minister, want Tinubu's intervention

 

....Says state citizens united behind El-Rufai 

By Alabi O. Abdul

Southern Kaduna Muslim Ummah Development Association, (SOKAMUDA) has urged the National Assembly to confirm former kaduna state governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai as a minister, considering his selfless service to Kaduna state and the nation in general. 

In a statement by Bala Adamu, the national Chairman and Shuaibu Zubairu, the Secretary of the group, they called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to use his good offices to intervene in esuring that El-Rufai's confirmation, especially against the background of his enormous contributions of to success of the APC as well as promotion of democratic development in the country.

While stating that the three senators representing kaduna at the hallowed chamber supported the former governor's nomination as minister, regardless of party diffrences, the group said: "we wish to equivocally register our displeasure and sadness over the recent developments that are ongoing at the National Assembly, Abuja on the screening of Ministerial nominees by Mr. President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as regards the nominee from Kaduna State, Mallam Nasiru Ahmad Elrufai, and the inability of red chamber to recommend him after duly screening him, where he was asked to take bow and leave.

"We in the SOKAMUDA are left in total disbelief over the turn of events where his name was withheld under the excuse that it was awaiting security clearance, when it is a known criterion that his name along with all others couldn’t have reached the red chambers without formally passing through the rigorous screening of all security mechanisms.

 

"The Southern Kaduna Muslim Ummah Development Association, (SOKAMUDA), being the umbrella platform that coordinates and brings together all Muslim Associations, from the Southern Senatorial Zone of the state, have been thrown into confusion and dilemma to the reasons making the rounds in both print and electronic media as to the reason(s), that prompted the unexpected development, where his name was withheld. 

"From what transpired on the floor of the senate on the day Mallam Nasiru Ahmad Elrufai was screened, a senator from Kogi State raised a plea that he was in possession of a petition from Southern Kaduna against the nominee, praying that he is allowed to read it, which was stood down and requested the nominee to take a bow and go by the Senate President was anything to go by, demonstrated a sign of neutrality by the Senate President, on frivolous and vindictive attitude of by some few individuals that has denied the zone any meaningful development from time immemorial. 

"The above assertions and other narratives making the rounds in electronic, print and social media cannot be the basis for denying Kaduna State of this astute, firm, and a purposeful leader per excellence, who believe in the corporate unity of this nation. Its our informed view that narrow and unsubstantiated views including claims of closure of Almajiri schools cannot be the basis for not confirming Mallam El-Rufai.

"As a testimony to his selfless service to Kaduna and the nation in general, the three senators from Kaduna State who are in the opposing party unanimously endorsed the nomination of Mallam Nasiru Elrufai. 

"We wonder how senator from Kogi State, outside the north west zone, roused and claimed to be in possession of a weighty petition against Mallam Nasiru Ahmad Elrufai, whose contents was not disclosed to the senate nor the general public. Notwithstanding, Mallam Nasiru Elrufai was prepared to respond on the said petition, unfortunately, the senate president said that the issue of the petition should be put on hold, requesting the nominee to take a bow and go!

"In his proven track record of unity promotion, Malam Nasir Elrufai's past achievements bear testimony to his ability to promote unity and national cohesiveness. His initiatives have fostered an inclusive society, bringing together diverse communities for the greater good of not only Kaduna state but our nation in general. During his tenure as the governor of Kaduna, he ran an inclusive administration where citizenship all Nigerians was prioritised. It is this good governance and broad minded policies that endeared Mallam Elrufai to the people of Kaduna State," the group said.

Northern consensus urges, ECOWAS, Tinubu to use diplomacy approach

By Our Reporter

A Group under the auspice Northern Consensus Movement NCM has called on the Economic Community of West African States and its Chairman Nigeria  President Bola  Ahmed Tinubu to rethink and withdraw the planned agenda of a military attack on the Niger Republic.

The  President of NCM Dr  Awwal Abdullahi Aliyu asserted this during a press  Conference held in Kaduna yesterday. 

According to him Nigeria and Niger Republic are like sisters, as initially there is strong bounding between both countries in terms of Religion, Culture, and Marital affairs. The decision of military attack can lead to civil war. States with land, Borders with Niger that will be on the firing line are Sokoto, Kano, Katsina, kebbi, Jigawa, Yobe, and Borno.

He added that President  Tinubu Nigeria in his capacity as the present Chairman of the ECOWAS has been putting all efforts towards resolving the ongoing issue in the Niger Republic by making several different consultations and also appointing delegations towards bringing an end to the conflict in that country.

Dr. Aliyu said his group believes that Diplomacy is superior to threats or the use of force that may be difficult or impossible to implement.

He opined that preventing coups is not by sanctions and threats, but by addressing the leadership deficit and corruption, curtailing negative external pressure as well as building credible institutions to provide for the needs of the people.

"The Northern Consensus Movement NCM is worried about the President's request of the Senate, seeking implementation of the 7-point resolution against Niger Republic, some of which involves military action, cutting off the electricity supply to Niger Republic, etc. but does the President know the implications of these resolutions, we doubt.

"Now the United Nations UN has given ECOWAS the green light to intervene militarily in the Niger Republic if within one week the new military administration in that country does not restore Presidential power to the ousted former President. 

"We heard that Burkina Faso, Guinea, and Mali are ready to respond in any way deemed fit.

"We imagine a situation when these countries decided to start targeting each of the ECOWAS countries involved in the attack, we fear that especially Nigeria will be the major target. 

"We have over one hundred thousand IDPs in Diffa alone in the Niger Republic for over 10 years now unresolved. So, Nigeria can't afford to support any military joint operations of ECOWAS, especially in terms of its financial implications.

"We are also reminding Mr. President, that the North West Region that gave him the highest vote of over 5 million, during his election, which makes him the President of Nigeria today, will be swallowed first if the war takes place.

The Northern Consensus Movement (NCM) supports a peaceful and diplomatic resolution of the Imbroglio. 

"We commend the Nigerian Senate for taking exception to the use of military action until possible options mentioned are exhausted. We fear that the resulting consequences will be casualties among the innocent citizens, who go about their daily businesses will be most affected. 

"We believe that Diplomacy is superior to threats or the use of force that may be difficult or impossible to implement. Preventing coups is not by sanctions and threats, but by addressing the leadership deficit and corruption, curtailing negative external pressure as well as building credible institutions to provide for the needs of the people. " He said

Food security: Kebbi partners IRFDP on rice, fish production

 

By Our Reporter

As part of effort to boost food security in the country, Kebbi State has partnered  with Integrated Rice and Fish Diversification project (IRFDP) for improvement of rice and fish productions.

Speaking while receiving IRFDP team who paid him a courtesy call, in Birnin Kebbi Kebbi State Governor, Dr. Nasir Idris, said agriculture is among priorities of his administration, he assure them of the state government's commitment towards the success of the project.

This was made known in a  statement signed by Rabiu Sani Saleh, Information Officer to Kebbi States' Secretary General,  SSG's Office.

 

The Governor who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Bala Tafidan Yauri also implore the "IRFDP team to expand the programs to cover all the 21 local governments in the state."

Speaking earlier, the Team Leader, Prof.Emmanuel Ajayi said the project  with Kebbi and Ebonyi states was launched with the view of diversifying agriculture particularly rice and fish farming.

Prof.Emanuel Ajayi informed that, IRFDP as a project that gains it support from USAID in collaboration with University of Ibadan, Usmanu Danfodio University Sokoto and partners was all about integrating fish with rice production.

He said, the project chose Kebbi as leading state in rice and fish production in the country,  followed by Ebonyi state. According him, the project was also aimed at improving food security in the country.

Prof.Ajayi mentioned that, under the project stakeholders in the state were already trained on the diversification of rice and fish farming using technology.

He then sought the state government support and cooperation towards achieving the set objective of the project.,

In attendance were the Head of service Alhaji Sufiyanu Garba Bena,Permanent secretaries Cabinet and political affairs, Ministry of Animal health Husbandry and Fisheries. Directors of the Ministry, Special adviser on  political and power among Others.