NAWOJ pledges support to new Commissioner for Information

 

By Editor

The National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Kebbi State chapter has pledged loyalty and support to the new Commissioner for Information and Culture in the state, Alhaji Yakubu Ahmed towards taking the state to greater heights of development.

The State Chairperson, NAWOJ, Hajiya Hassana Koko made this known when she led a delegation of the association's members on a courtesy visit on the commissioner in his office in Birnin Kebbi.

Ahmed Idris, Chief Press Secretary to Kebbi State Governor made this known in a statement. 

She said the essence of the visit was to congratulate the new appointee and to extend a hand of friendship to him in support of developmental agenda of the present administration.

The chairperson assured that the union would do its best in supporting and publicising government policies and programmes.

Koko "As members of fourth estate of the realm, we are ready to extend all the necessary support and cooperation to you to enable you succeed. I have no doubt that you will deliver the goods successfully."

In a related development, the Fulani Students' Association, School of Nursing Sciences, Birnin Kebbi under the leadership of its Chairman, Malam Abubakar Bello Amadu also paid a congratulatory visit on the commissioner.

The chairman said they were in his office to show solidarity and to consolidate on the existing relationship between the association and the ministry.

He pledged the readiness of the entire members of the association to support not only the commissioner but also the incumbent government in the state.

Responding, the commissioner,  Alhaji Yakubu Ahmed assured the two associations of his willingness to partner with them to achieve the set goals and objectives of the present administration in the state.

Ahmed appealed to all and sundry to rally round the present administration at all levels to enable them effectively deliver dividends of democracy and bring the desired change.

We'll support local film producers, kannywood, entertainers in North - BOI

 By Editor

Bank of Industry has reiterated its support  for local film producers,  Kannywood and other northern entertainer  in the North, asking them to come forward for funding.  

Dr. Dahiru Bala, the Northwest  regional manager of BOI made the pledge in  kaduna, at the closing ceremony of  6th Kaduna International Film Festival event, where notable northern actors like , Ali Nuhu, Frances Duru and Rabiu Rikadawa among other popular creatives in neigbouring african countries  bag lifetime recognition award for their works.

He described the creative industry as a multibillion dollar industry of great interest and  concern to BOI, as it has the capability to so empower people,  stimulate jobs, grow the nation's economy.

According to Dr. Bala, "We have supported alot of them in kannywood in kano and i also try to encourage other creative industries in Kaduna, Abuja and other places to come forward for funding. BOI is a national bank and in as much as it is a national bank, we want to spread our support in the country. So those in the north and nigeria at large will be supported."

Fielding questions from pressmen at the retreat, , the founder and Executive Director of Kaduna International Film Festival, Audu Isreal Kashim identified said north is lagging behind in the the entertainment industry, but creative minds in the regionare not resting on their oars.

He identified communication barrier, lack of funding,  non-exposure and rich network as part of challenges and setbacks to the northern film industry.  

He howver pledgrd that " we will not relent despite all the setbacks we and  challenges  we encounter in the industry.

The Kaduna International Film festival  platform  is adress this challenges. That's why we have to bring in some dignitaries and key personalities that are keen to help us achive what we want to achieve in making the industry in the north go far.

 

"There are poeple who canmot communicate and they feel shy when ever they are outside. We need to help such people. There are countries that do movies that sells in their local languages so language should not be a barrier. 

Even though English is the most widely used language, we need to encourage those who can not speak but are doing well." He said.

Gov. Idris seeks support from all to take Kebbi to next level of development

 

By Editor

The Kebbi State Governor, Comrade Dr Nasir Idris (Kauran Gwandu) has appealed to all and sundry to rally round the present administration in the state in its quest to take the state to next level of development.

Alhaji Ahmed Idris, Chief Press Secretary to the governor made this known in a statement issued to Newsmen in Birnin Kebbi on Sunday.

The chief press secretary quoted the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Yakubu Bala-Tafida as making the plea in a message to the entire people of the state on behalf of the governor.

The message, he said, was in comemmoration of 32 years of existence of Kebbi State which was created on 27th August, 1991.

While congratulating the government and good people of the state for attaining 32 years of existence, Gov. Idtis assured that the present administration was fully determined to bring positive development to the state.

The governor reminded the people of the excellent developmental projects being executed by his administration in less than 100 days in office and assured that it was just the begining of a new dawn in the state.

He enjoined the people to continuously pray for peace to reign across the state, observing that peace was critical to meaningful development of any society.

Dr Idris assured the people that the present administration under his watch had alraedy initiated a very good plan on how to transform Kebbi to be at par with other developed states in Nigeria. 

He, however, assured that his administration was keenly interested in advice, suggestions as well as constructive criticism that would move the state forward, "as together we shall make Kebbi a great state envy of all."

Yauri Emir lauds Tinubu, Gov. Idris for appointing Sununu Education Minister, Bala-Tafida SSG

 

By Our Reporter

The Emir of Yauri Dr. Zayyanu Abdullahi has lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Gov. Nasir Idris of Kebbi for appointing Dr. Yusuf Sununu as Hon. Minister of State for Education and Alhaji Yakubu Bala-Tafida as Secretary to the State Government (SSG).

The Emir also applauded the appointment of six other illustrious sons of the emirate by the state government.

He stated this on Saturday at a reception organised in honour of the Hon. Minister, SSG and six others held at Yauri Town Hall in Yauri Local Government Area.

In a statement  by Ahmed Idris, Chief Press Secretary to Kebbi State Governor, he daid the Royal Father described the appointment as an achievement that would bring rapid growth and development of not only Yauri emirate but also the state and the nation at large.

He said the recent appointments had given the emirate and its people a sense of belonging, honour and dignity.

"Now we have a Minister, SSG, Permanent Secretary, members House of Assembly, Special Advisers and commissioners, so, we have every reason to thank God Almighty. All we pray is unity among all members of the emirate irrespective of ethnicity, tribe or political leaning.

"I urge you people to continue to respect your elders most especially the traditional institutions who are the custodian of our culture and tradition who are always at your service," he said.

The Royal father thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima as well as the Chief of Staff to the president for considering his son to be part of the cabinet.

The reception which was organised by Yauri Emirate Council in collaboration with Yauri Emirate Development Association aimed at fostering unity and enhancing cordial relationship amongst the people of the area.

In his remarks, the Hon. Minister of State for Education Dr. Yusuf Sununu thanked the Emir and the entire people of Yauri Emirate for organising the reception in his honour.

He promised that he would never disappoint his emirate and his people, assuring that he would discharge his duties diligently towards bringing positive growth and development to education sector and the nation at large.

Also speaking, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Yakubu Bala-Tafida appreciated the Emir for ensuring unity, peace and development in the emirate.

He commended the efforts of Kebbi State Governor, Comerade Dr. Nasir Idris for supporting the people of Yauri emirate in anything that would propel development of the area.

Those in attendance are; Head of Service, Alhaji Safiyanu Garba-Bena, MD HYPPADIC, Alhaji Abubakar Sadiq-Yelwa, former Commissioner of Works, Alhaji Abubakar Chika-Ladan, MD Labana Rice Mills, Alhaji Abdullahi Zuru, APC State Chairman, Alhaji Abubakar Kana Zuru and APC Youth Leader, Atiku B. Zauro.

Other are; APC chieftain, Alhaji Sani Zauro, SA Special Duties, Shafiu Zauro, Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Alhaji Ahmed Idris, Executive Secretary, Primary Health care Agency, Dr. Abubakar Kaoje and former member, House of Representatives, Hon. Bello Rilisco among others.

Awards were presented to the eight celebrants including the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Information and Culture, Buhari Sa'idu-Wara

End.

Jagun-Jagun Piracy: Save our industry from collapsing, film maker beg FG

By Editor

As a pirates begins the sales of an abridged version of blockbuster movie, titled Jagun-Jagun, recently produced by Femi Adeboyo on the street, at the rate of N250 to  N500 per copy, the founder and Executive Director of Kaduna International Film Festival, Audu Isreal Kashim has called on the Federal Government to save the million dollar film industry from collapsing.  

Speaking at the 6th Kaduna International Film Festival event themed; 'Globalization of Film And Its Impact On The World,' Kashim urged the government to go tough on pirates and copyright infringers, as movie producers are running at lose. 

"We need government to come to our rescue. We spend millions on film production and we need to make our money back. The laws protecting creativity is under the copyright commission and they need to add more sanctions to those who are found wanting in this copyright infringement.  Once there is strong infringment penalty, it will help."

In his opening remarks,  Kashim who  called on government at all levels to  support the film industry and film festival organizers so that the rich culture of Nigeria can be projected to the world, also  identified  tourism as of the key sector that grows a nation's  GDP,  citing Dubai as an example of nations with tourist attraction.

The Director General of Nigerian Copyright Commission, Dr John Atseyin who was present at the event said the copyright act is now enriched with stiffer sanctions against intellectual property theft, to protect creators.

Represented by Mrs susan Bashorun, Director Nigerian Copyright Commission kaduna, the Diretor General of NCC said "the new copyright act is very rich. The penalty has been upgraded. Gone are the days when a pirate will be asked to pay one N1000 and there in the court, he will throw the N1000  and work away. No the penalty is high now.

"We have an online unit in our operation office called OCI, what this particular section does is to investigate online content. We cannot on our own start lokling for online content if you dont come and report the theft. Then after investigation by OCI, when there is need or prima facie, they will set up a casw file and take you to court.

"For every copy infringrd is 10,000 and then the imprisonment is not 3 months anymore. It is five years. It is not business as usual anymore. And them the judges have been trained on matters concerning this issues.

"To the evil doers, its no longer business as usual. The slegde hammer of law will fall on you. If you are high and mighty, you have to face the law," the DG said.

Kaduna Gov’s COS, Kila Denies Staying In Hotel To Incure Bills

 

..Says Reports False, Mischievous

 By Our Reporter

The Chief of Staff, to the Kaduna State Governor, Mohammed Sani Kila has denied to have been accosted by the management of a hotel for refusing to pay outstanding bills.

The denial followed a report alleging that the Chief of Staff had slept in a hotel for weeks without paying the bills.

A statement from the office of the COS and signed by Ibrahim Aliyu Giwa described the report as false, malicious, and puerile.

“For clarity, we won’t have dignified the purveyors of the thus patently false and malicious story with any response, stressing this puerile story was not only false but also misleading and mischievous.

” The story was intended to impugn and smear the character, integrity, and reputation of the Chief of Staff.

” To bolster and lend credence to the half-truths and outright lies against the Chief of Staff, it was maliciously reported that he boasted of his willingness to take drastic measures against the hotel and management, including a possible retraction of the story over request for payment of outstanding bills he was alleged to have incurred.

” For emphasis, it is pertinent at this juncture to state that the chief of staff has neither stayed nor slept in the hotel as insinuated in the mischievous story.

“The Chief of Staff resides in his house in Kaduna, noting the hotel was secured for temporary accommodation of the newly appointed members of staff before the processing of the payment of their accommodation allowances. It is trite to state that this was a statutory right of the first twenty-eight (28) days for public servants and the hotel management is familiar with government procedures of processing payment and patiently pursuing their claims.

Adding, ” The mischief maker, cashing in on a chance of knowledge of this transaction was only a meddlesome interloper. His effort to create mischief and make a mountain out of a molehill has hit the concrete wall of truth.

“There was no doubt the author deliberately set out to mislead, misinform, and discredit the effort of the Chief of Staff to pursue the open and transparent governance policy of HE Governor Uba Sani”.

The statement therefore called on members of the public to disregard and discountenance such outright fabricated story.

 

Zaria Mosque Collapse: Ear Care Centre's CMD condoles victims' families, Zazzau Emirate

  

By Our Reporter

 The management of the National Ear Care Centre, Kaduna, on Thursday, condoled with the Zazzau Emirate Council, following the collapsed of the 150-year-old Zaria Central Mosque which claimed no fewer than 12 lives and seven other Muslims faithful injured. 

 It will be recall that a section of the 150-year-old mosque collapsed around 4pm on Friday while worshippers were praying Since the incident on August 11, 2023, many had throoged to commiserate with the Zazzau Emirate Council as well as families of victims of the collapsed Mosque in the ancient city of Zaria. 

 Among the early callers were the state governor, Senator Uba Sani where in donated over N8m to families of the deceased as well as those that sustained injuries during the incident.

 The Chief Medical Director of the National Ear Care Centre, Dr Mustapha Abubakar Yaro, leading other management team, paid a condolence visit to the Emir of Zazzau, Ambassador Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, on Thursday in the ancient city of Zaria, Kaduna State. 

 Also in the team that accompanied the CMD are: The Head of Clinical Services, Dr Shaheed B Nasir, Director Administration of the Center, Malam Aliyu Rani, the Public Relations officer, Malam Ahamed Tahir, Personal Assistant to the Medical Director, Muhktar S Nuhu, and Special Assistant to the Medical Director Malama Maryam Ibrahim. 

 The CMD expressed grief over the collapse mosque, describing the incident as tragic. 

 Yaro also prayed for the families that lost the lives as well as prayed for speedy recovery of those who sustained injuries during the unfortunate incident.

 According to him, "It is with deep sorrow that we learned about the collapse of a part of the mosque, resulting in the loss of precious lives and leaving several others injured. 

 "In the same vein, the Management tender its condolence to his Highness on the passing away of Alhaji Tukur Yero and Sarkin Shanun Zazzau, Alhaji Salisu Muhammadu May Allah SWT grant them Jannatul Firdausi. Amen. "May He grant strength and patience to the families of the deceased, and may He grant complete healing to those who are recovering from their injuries." 

 In his remarks, the Emir of Zazzau, who is also the Chairman of the Kaduna State Traditional Council, thanked the Chief Medical Director and his team for the visit and standing by the people of the Emirate, the state and the Muslim Ummah(community) during the triying periods. Bamalli also commended the National Ear Care Centre for its outstanding work and quest to save lives.