Kebbi Gov orders immediate payment of leave grants to workers

 

By Our Reporter

Kebbi State Governor, Comrade Dr Nasir Idris has ordered the immediate payment of annual leave grants to all categories of workers in the state.

He gave the order while receiving the leadership of Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Kebbi chapter, who paid him a courtesy visit at Government House in Birnin Kebbi.

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

Signing the order in th presence of the union leaders, the governor instructed that payment should commence by tommorow Wednesday, insisting that all categories of workers from State, Local Government and Local Government Education Authorities (LGEAs) must be paid a uniform of 10 per cent of annual pay.

He lamented that as an insider, he knew that previous administrations used to pay seven to eight per cent to some categories of workers while only few gets 10 per cent.

On palliative, Idris admitted that nobody could deny the fact that "people are hungry", assuring that he "is a member of predential committee" which had already roll out modalities on how to cushion the effect of fuel subsidy removal.

The governor said he had so far received N2 billion from the N5 billion promised by the Federal Government and assured that Kebbi and its 21 Local Government Councils would add between N3.5 and N4 billion to buy grains for onward distribution to cushion the effects of fuel subsidy removal.

Idris assured the union that NLC would be given its fair share separately for onward distribution to its members, advising, "I don't want you to assume but believe that this is your government."

He reminded them that the present administration had already started projects that have direct bearing to the lives of the common people, adding that a work to give the state capital a befitting outlook just like any other state capital in the country was on course. 

The governor told the workers that his government was in talks with Innoson Motors Nig. Ltd. on vehicle procurement for state transport services to subsidise the cost of transportation in the state.

Earlier, the NLC Chairman in Kebbi, Alhaji Murtala Usman said they were in Government House to brief the governor on issues regarding the union's nationwide strike.

He, however, confirmed that the state government had already engaged the union leadership in dialogue, saying, "we have been in discussion with government delegation under the Secretary to the State Government (SSG)."

Usman stressed the need for government to look into the possibility of reducing work days arising from subsidy removal and create other alternatives to ameliorate workers plights.

The labour leader commended the governor for initiating different developmental projects to transform the state and encouraged him to sustain the tempo for the common good of all. 

Why Tinubu should appoint Yerima Shettima Yerima as minister in his cabinet -Group

  

 

By Our Reporter

Call for apppointment of the leader of Arewa Youth Consultative Forum, ( AYCF)  Yerima Shettima as a minister has gained momentum as another group, the Progressive Young Leaders Assembly  urged president Bola Ahmed Tinubu to select him as minister under his cabinet.  

In statement by Chairman of the group, Abubakar Kurawa, he said Shettima's appointment will compliment and solidify president Tinubu's evidence of inclusion of youth in his government. 

 

According to the group, "We have followed very closely the debate about the need for the Federal Government under President Bola Tinubu to open a window of opportunity for access to ministerial office for the young ones. We understand that the President has developed a special framework in the distribution of political office to reflect, among others, intelligent young people with patriotic zeal.

"It is in view of this that we join other compatriots  to urge President Tinubu to consider Alhaji Yerima Shettima of the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum( AYCF) for the ministerial slot of Kaduna State."

They explained that  Shettima deserved the ministerial appointment because he once defended democracy by sending the military back to barracks, "the result of which is the democratic dispensation we are currently enjoying.

While describing the AYCF leader as Nigerian who has built political bridges across North and South in a tireless effort to promote brotherhood and purposeful development of the country, they added that Shettima has been leading advocate of the active participation of the Nigerian youth in modern governance.

"Alhaji Shettima has been a promoter of economic empowerment of the youth as a strategy for reducing the spread of crimes in the society

"He has built an enviable name as a philanthropist and symbol of empowering the poor in the country through creation of voluntary platforms for orientation of the youth towards economic self-reliance

"He has unapologetically an advocate of dialogue as a tool for addressing national challenges, especially on the political arena for peace and stability.

"With the few reasons above and a lot more, we have total support for the consideration of Alhaji Yerima Shettima as Nigeria's Minister from Kaduna State, in order to further boost the Renewed Hope mantra of President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC)," he said.

TY Buratai Foundation Chairman Bags Gombe Emir's Chieftaincy Title As Walin Arewa

By Lekan Ola

The Chairman, TY Buratai Humanity Care Foundation,  Ibrahim Dahiru Danfulani (Sadaukin Garkuwan Keffi) has been conferred with a chieftaincy title, Walin Arewa   and also honoured with Peace Ambassador Award by Arewar Mu Duniyar Mu Association at Gombe Emir's Palace.

The Arewar Mu Duniyar Mu Association, under the supervision of His Royal Highness, the Emir of Gombe, Alhaji Dr Abubakar Shehu Abubakar III ably represented by Ajiyan Gombe conferred the title on the Chairman on Saturday  August  26, 2023, which is a day set aside to mark International Hausa Day at the Emir's Palace Gombe.

Acknowledging the title, Danfulani thanked the Emir of Gombe for setting up, recognizing and uplifting the Hausa Culture by remembering the International Hausa Day in style.

The chairman also said, “I thank my leader, the Grand Patron of TY Buratai Humanity Care Foundation, His Excellency Amb (Lt Gen Rtd) Tukur Yusufu Buratai CFR, Garkuwan Keffi, Betaran Biu for setting me to the part of humanitarian activities in which I was recognized and also I thank my friend and brother, Engr Hassan Mohammed (Sarkin Yakin Garkuwan Keffi, Matawallen Arewa) who  stood for the success of event.

“Today again, I am conferred with Walin Arewa in addition to my title as Sadaukin Garkuwan Keffi which was conferred on me by my leader, a former Chief of Army Staff (COAS), His Excellency, Tukur Buratai Garkuwan Keffi  and I have once again, been honoured with Peace Ambassador Award by Arewar Mu Duniyar Mu," he said.

Our correspondent reports that others who were also are turbaned,  include, Amb Muhammad Musa (Jawa Maga Yakin Arewa), Amb Ado Alh Hussaini as Makaman Arewa, Amb Dr Mohammed Jibrin Mohammed as Turakin Arewa, Amb Ali Alh Audu as Dan Buram Arewa and  a host of other dignitaries

Kebbi gov mourns 3 people killed by flood in Dakingari, donates N40m

 

By Our Reporter

Kebbi State Governor, Dr Nasir Idris, Kauran Gwandu has condoled with the families of three persons killed by flood at Dakingari Headquarters of Suru Local Government Area of the state.

In a statement by Ahmed Idris, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, he said the governor also donated N40 million  to the flood victims.

Condoling the family members at Dakingari on Monday, the governor advised members of the affected families as well as the Local Government Council to accept the will of God in good faith.

The governor also sympathised with others who sustained injuries and those whose houses were affected.

He donated Forty Million Naira (N40 million) to the victims with an instruction that the deceased families should be given Five Hundred Thousand Naira (N500,000) each.

He directed the council chairman to set up a committee to honestly distribute the money to the affected victims.

He assured that the state government through the Ministry of Works in collaboration with the Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy would work toward finding a lasting solution to the menace.

According to him, the best way to tackle the lingering problem is to construct a channel at the flood prone areas that will facilitate free flow of water into rivers.

The flood had affected 315 houses in the area.

Responding, the Chairman, Suru Local Government, Alhaji Muhammad Lawal-Suru appreciated the governor for the visit as well as timely intervention.

He assured the governor that the money as well as all palliatives related to the flood would be judiciously distributed. 

Malam Jafaru Aliero, the Lamido of Dakingari thanked the governor, confirming that the flood had remained an annual event in the area.

Aliero assured that the community had made several efforts during the previous administration to find a lasting solution to the problem but to no avail.

He, however, expressed joy with the quick intervention of the governor and his determination to put an end to their lingering plight. 

Similarly, the governor had a stop over att Rijiya maikabbi village in Dandi Local Government Area to sypatguse with flood victims where he donated Ten Million Naira (N10m) to the victims.

Those in attendance are Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Yakubu Bala-Tafida, Head of Service, Alhaji Safiyanu Garba-Bena, Hon. Commissioners, Special Advisers and other key stakeholders.

 

Emir of Gwandu tasks new Commissioners on diligence, hard work

 

By Editor

The Emir of Gwandu, Rtd. Maj.-Gen. Iliyasu Bashar has tasked the newly sworn-in Commissioners in Kebbi State to be diligent and work hard in support of developmental stride of the new administration in the state.

He stated this when he received the new commissioners under the leadership of Hon. Commissioner for Information and Culture, Alhaji Yakubu Ahmed, with other commissioners under Gwandu Emirate who paid homage on him at Abdullahi Fodio Palace in Birnin Kebbi on Friday.

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

The Royal Father, who is also the Chairman, Kebbi State Council of Chiefs, urged the newly commissioners to justify the confidence reposed in them by actively contributing their quota to the development of the state through hard work, selflessness, dedication and patriotism.

While congratulating and showering blessings on the members of the new State Executive Council, the traditional ruler expressed optimism that they would not disappoint the people of the state.

The emir prayed for a blissful and successful tenure ahead and urged them to work for the collective good of Kebbi State.

Earlier, the leader of the delegation and the Commissioner for Information and Culture, Alhaji Yakubu Ahmed said they were in the place to seek royal blessings and advice.

"As a father to all, we need your blessings, moral support and advice to be able to carry out our duties diligently," he said. 

CAMAC takes SGBV sensitization to Orphanage home in kaduna

By Editor

 As part of campaign to impact the younger generation with knowledge of Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV) in Nigeria, Center for Media Advocacy for Mother and Child (CAMAC), on Thursday organized a sensitization meeting for children in Zion in Christ Orphanage Home, Kamazou, Kaduna.

Zion in Christ, was founded in 2020 by Bilhatu Vou Dung, popularly known as "Mummy Zion". The orphanage currently has 28 children within the age bracket of 8months and 17years who were mostly orphaned by attacks on different communities in Plateau State.

Addressing the children on how to identify Red flags of SGBV, Program Officer of CAMAC, Christiana Saidu, told them not to ever allow anyone take advantage of because they are special children.

According to her, their body is so special and everything in it must be seen and treated as private, which means nobody is permitted to touch them for whatever reasons.

She said in any case someone touches any part of their body in school or anywhere else, they should immediately report the person to their teachers and also report the person to their mother (mummy zion) when they get home.

She noted that, issue of sexual abuse is no longer about girls alone but that there's need for both boys and girls to take note of people who would want to play with them by touching any part of their body.

"You have 5 parts of your body that are private and you should never allow anyone to touch them. They are; your mouth, chest, tommy, and under your pant. Your body belong to you and it's private, don't share it and don't ever allow anybody touch it. Those doing it have a way of luring children into it.

"If any adult asked you to come and watch movie in their phone dont go because after watching they will want to teach you what you have watched. Always remember to report such people if you don't want them to ruin your future.

"We want you to go back to school with this knowledge so that if you see them happen just know that they are trying to violate you or anyone around you, so don't keep quiet.

"No body should touch your mouth with their mouth, your chest is private and if anybody touches it, report them. The thing under your pant is private no one is allowed to touch or go there at all, cover it very well at all time, no one should see it no matter what. Guild your mind also don't allow any wrong thoughts to go through it, allow only things that are godly.

"When you report them you don't only save yourself, you will save a whole lot of children who might be victims of those evil people. Love yourself the way God love you and don't allow any of your friends to make you believe you would have been better if you are the other sex." Christiana said. 

On his part, Executive Director of CAMAC, Alex Uangbaoje urged the children to focus on their studies and never give attention to anything that will distract them because their mother (mummy zion) is working tirelessly to give them the best education.

He cautioned them to also be mindful of adults in their community who would want to send them to buy things like cigarettes, alcohol and any substances that are harmful, saying “if you agree to help them buy, one day they will teach you how to use them and am sure you are good children and will not want to do that.

“Don’t make friends with anyone who will steal from their parents and share with you, such person is a thief, avoid them.”

Responding on behalf of the children, 17years old Glory Pam, thank the team for visiting them, noting that the message will help them on how to always keep and care for their body.

"We thank you so much for educating and encouraging us today and we pray that God will bless your work, I promise that the next time you will visit us, we will share our testimonies of how we use our knowledge." She said.

In her appreciation message, Founder of the Home, said the impact of the sensitization would be felt for a long time because it is the first time any organization would talk about the topic to the children.

According to Mummy Zion, "of a truth, this came timely. And it is with gladness we say thank you. You have blessed the children and the Lord will bless you. The Lord will replenish your energy and crown your efforts. For all the good that you did, you shall receive uncountable blessings.

"The board of directors, staffs and children of Zion In Christ Orphanage sends their warmest appreciation to CAMAC for impacting to the lives of our children with rich teaching relating to their sexuality and how to keep their self from being polluted. Thank you once again. We love you and there is nothing you can do about it. We hope to see you again."

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.