Arewa Youth Consultative Forum Passes Vote of Confidence on Matawalle

By Editor

The Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF) has passed a vote of confidence on Minister  of State Defense Bello Mohammed Matawalle, recognizing him as one of the top-performing ministers in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's cabinet.

A statement signed by AYCF's President General Yerima Shettima commended Matawalle for his exceptional leadership and dedication to upholding the security and defense interests of Nigeria and highlighted his achievements, particularly in international outreach for defense partnership and cooperation, as well as his efforts in combating the prevailing security situation in the country.

The group said Matawalle's visionary leadership has been instrumental in safeguarding the security and defense interests of Nigeria. "His ability to anticipate potential threats and implement proactive measures has earned him widespread acclaim. By prioritizing the safety of the nation, Matawalle has demonstrated his unwavering commitment to the well-being of its citizens."

According to Shettima, one of Matawalle's notable achievements is his successful international outreach for defense partnership and cooperation. Recognizing the importance of collaboration in addressing security challenges, he has actively engaged with foreign counterparts to foster mutual understanding and cooperation. 

Through these efforts, Matawalle has strengthened Nigeria's defense capabilities and enhanced its position on the global stage.

"Matawalle's diplomatic initiatives have resulted in increased military cooperation, intelligence sharing, and joint training exercises with various countries. These partnerships have not only bolstered Nigeria's defense capabilities but have also facilitated the exchange of knowledge and expertise in combating terrorism, insurgency, and other security threats," Shettima said. 

He said Matawalle has made significant strides in successfully combating the prevailing security situation in the North and across Nigeria. Through his leadership, he has enhanced the defense system and military preparedness, ensuring that the nation is well-equipped to tackle security challenges effectively.

"Under Matawalle's guidance, the Nigerian defense forces have undertaken strategic operations to neutralize terrorist groups and criminal elements. These operations have resulted in the rescue of hostages, the recovery of territories previously under the control of insurgents, and the dismantling of their networks. 

Matawalle's proactive approach and commitment to intelligence-led operations have played a crucial role in these successes," he said.

Kebbi International Airport to commence flight operations to Abuja

 

By Editor

Sir Ahmadu Bello International Airport (SABIA), Birnin Kebbi  will commence  flight operation to Abuja with NG Eagle Airline on the 7th of February. 

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

It will be recalled that the Kebbi State International Airport was mong the five airports taken over by the Executive Council of the Federation.

 Idris in his statement said Alhaji Habibu Muhammad Sabi Kamba, Permanent Secretary/General Manager of the airport had earlier issued a statement for commencement of flights operations. 

 The statement reads in parts: "The Hon. Commissioner Ministry of Works and Transport, Hon. Abdullahi Umar Faruk wishes to inform the general public that all is now set for the recommencement of flight operation from Sir Ahmadu Bello International Airport Birnin Kebbi to Abuja from Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2024.

 "The operation will continue every Friday, Saturday and Wednesday of every week. This is in line with the vision and mission of the Executive Governor of Kebbi State, Comrade Dr Nasir Idris, Kauran Gwandu, to better the lives of the people and promote investment opportunities to Kebbi State."

Gov. Idris assents to Bill establishing Commission for People Living with Disability

By Editor

The Kebbi State Governor, Comrade Dr Nasir Idris, Kauran Gwandu has on Tuesday signed into law a Bill establishing a Commission for People Living with Disability (PLWD). 

Speaking while signing the Bill into law at Government House, Birnin Kebbi, the governor appreciated the Speaker, Hon. Muhammad Usman-Ankwai as well as the entire members of Kebbi State House of Assembly for doing a thorough job.

"I always say, the house has done it before and I know they will do it again. This is a clear testimony that the house is the house for people of Kebbi State. It's one thing to have members of the State House of Assembly and it's another thing to have their support and cooperation.

"We have been working harmoniously and I have said it before and I will say it today that I have never regreted working with you, I enjoyed maximum support from the house," he said.

He described the people living with disability "as our brothers and sisters and under my administration I want them to feel a sense of belonging."

The governor said the present government remained a government of the entire people of Kebbi State irrespective of party affiliation.

On cordial working relationship existing between the state executive and the legislative arm, Gov. Idris recalled that over 70 per cent of the members were his people ever since before he joined politics, "that is why I don't find it difficult when I send any Bill to the house."

Gov. Idris appreciated the people of Kebbi for the show of love to welcome him back home after his victory at the Supreme Court, adding that the crowd of people that converged at the Sir Ahmadu Bello International Airport to receive him was the first of its kind because it had never happened before in the history of Kebbi State.

He urged the people of the state to keep the good spirit up and support all policies and programmes of the state government to enable the present administration deliver the desired dividends of democracy to the people.

"People have shown us love and togetherness, this indicates that people have confidence in this administration," he noted.

Gov. Idris said litigation had come and gone and "what remains now is governance, justice and fairness to all, we have started and In Sha Allah we shall continue. All of us here owned this administration because we have laboured for it and we got it by the grace of God Almighty."

He promised to do his best to ensure that Koko to Zuru road is concealed because the company (contractor) doesn't have the capacity, adding that the state government had made their case before the federal government and it pledged to revoke the contract.

The governor, however, pleaded with the federal government to allow Kebbi State Government to execute the contract so that it could be repaid at a later period, insisting that even if it demands collecting loan from anywhere to construct the road he would do so.

Idris then promised to award a new contract for the construction of five kilometre road in Argungu in line with his administration's determination to transform all the four Emirates of the state.

Earlier, the Speaker, Hon. Muhammad Usman-Ankwai told the governor that his triumph at the Supreme Court "not only significes a triumph of justice but also a triumph for the will of people of Kebbi State.

"Through your tireless efforts and unwavering determination, you demonstrated that democracy is alive in Kebbi State. Your victory is a testimony to the power of persiverence and believe in democratic process."

He urged the governor not to relent in his efforts to impact on countless individuals and groups, bring positive transformation to Kebbi State, promote peace and unity and to ensure that all citizens of Kebbi were treated in fairness and equity.

The speaker observed that the signed Bill would no doubt positively impact on the lives of people living with disability and give them a sense of belonging.

Gov Uba Sani Vows Swift Justice against Bandits in Wake of Brutal Attacks

 

From Editor

In the wake of brutal and heart-wrenching assaults on various areas across Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani, the Governor of Kaduna has vehemently pledged an unyielding pursuit of swift justice against the perpetrators behind the recent spate of bandit attacks.

In a wave of ruthless assaults, bandits reportedly struck multiple areas within Kaduna State, leaving a grim aftermath of casualties, abductions, and injuries. The Dokan Karji general area of Kauru LGA and other spots in Gefe general area of Kajuru LGA fell victim to these appalling attacks, resulting in tragic loss of life, kidnappings, and numerous injuries.

Expressing vehement condemnation, Senator Uba Sani, the Governor of Kaduna State, decried the savagery perpetrated by these assailants, asserting that such barbarism has no place in a civilized society. 

Highlighting the destructive intentions behind these acts, the government emphasized the bandits' aim to derail the hard-earned progress in rebuilding trust, fostering unity, and revitalizing conflict-affected communities within the state.

 Undeterred by these malevolent schemes, the Governor said Kaduna State remains resolute in its pursuit of sustainable peace and development.

According to the Governor, the Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs, in collaboration with security forces, has been actively engaged in efforts to contain these nefarious forces. Additionally, state government agencies have been mobilized to assess the extent of damages in affected communities and provide immediate relief and support to affected families.

Extending heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and wishing speedy recovery to the injured, the governor also "stands in solidarity with the affected communities during this distressing period. Further action plans and anti-banditry measures are underway, with critical stakeholders in dialogue to address the security concerns, as evidenced by the recent meeting held with representatives from Bishini general area of Kachia LGA.

"The Overseeing Commissioner, Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs has met with the critical stakeholders from Bishini general area of Kachia LGA following bandit attacks along the Kaduna-Niger inter state boundary. Issues highlighted have been noted to form part of the ongoing action in the anti -banditry campaign," the Governor stated.

Governor  Sani, while reaffirming his government's commitment to tackling banditry, reassured the populace of ongoing efforts to safeguard the state's inhabitants and territories.

Kebbi State Gov't. flags-off training of 2,400 teachers

 

From Our Reporter

Kebbi State Government in collaboration with POBITECH Consultancy Service have commenced the training of 2,400 Primary Schools Teachers in the state.

Declaring the training open at Waziri Umaru Federal Polytechnic, Birnin Kebbi, the Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris said his administration had declared revolution in the state education sector.

In a statement by Ahmed Idris, Chief Press Secretary to Kebbi State Governor, the governor  urged teachers, parents, educators, institutions, government at all levels, individuals and organisations and all other stakeholders to join hands with his administration to move the education sector forward.

"Let me use this medium to inform this gathering that am going to give more priority to teachers especially their welfare.

"This administration will also give support and encouragement to  Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE).

"We are going to modify and strengthen its operations to conform with the needs of our society," he assured.

While charging the participants to be committed to the training, Gov. Idris reiterated the readiness of his administration to key into anything that would promote and project the teaching profession.

Earlier, the Rector, Waziri Umaru Federal Polytechnic, Dr. Usman Sani-Tunga commended the Kebbi State Governor for the initiative, describing training and retraining of teachers as the best way to drive the sector to prosperity.

He assured the state government that the institution would do its best to give the trainees sound training using qualified and professional trainers.

The Chairman, Kebbi State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Prof. Suleiman Khalid said the training had been divided into six units, with 400 participants in each unit.

Khalid said the training, which aimed at streamlining the education sector was scheduled to last two weeks, while listing; English language, Mathematics and Pedagogical skills as subjects for the training.

Those in attendance are SSG, HOS,  Commissioners, SA, Accountant General and others.

Gov. Sani, CDS, Makarfi, Agwai, Others attend Southern Kaduna Festival

 

...As Kaduna Governor vows to leave state better than he met it

By our Reporter 

Kaduna state Governor, Mallam Uba Sani, Chief Of Defense Staff, Gen. Christopher Gwabin, Senator Diri Douye from Bayelsa state, Generals Martin Luta Agwai(Rtd), Zamani Lekwot  and former Gov  Ahmed Makarfi have over the weekend gracedthe closing ceremony of Southern Kaduna Festival.

The Festival which was  organized to showcase the rich southern Kaduna  culture also had in attendance lawmakers and other dignitaries from the axis. 

Speaking at the event,  Kaduna state governor, Mallam Uba Sani  promised that his administration will leave kaduna better than the way it was met. 

The governor who made the pledge at the closing ceremony of a 3-day  Southern Kaduna festival (SKFEST) programme in Kafanchan over the weekend said the present administration in Kaduna state wants to leave the state better than the way it met  it. He added that the celebration of the festival was an indication that peace is fast returning to every nook and cranny of the state.

The governor in his speech iterated  that  "Ours is a listening and people oriented administration. Your welfare and security are our top priorities. We have zero tolerance for discrimination, we shall take development to all nooks and crannies of the state. With your support and cooperation, we shall make Kaduna state a model for development  and peaceful coexistence in Nigeria."

According to governor  Sani, "Our diversity is a source of strength and we must harness it to develop our local economies. We are one people and must never allow conflict entrepreneurs  to retard our progress and development. Our administration will not waiver in its commitment to rebuilding trust, addressing our Infrastructure and human capital deficits by bringing succour to the poor and vulnerable and nuilding the gap between the rural and urban areas as well as empowering the youths and women."

He assured that he has flat-off rural drive through road constructions and electrification, stressing that the state government is in strategic discussion with critical stakeholders is on-going.

Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna state, has urged the people of Southern Kaduna to share thoughts during the maiden festival celebrations on developmental challenges facing the people and make further and better remmendations to the government for intervention.

MATAN trains 510 traders on different trades in Kebbi

 

By Editor

The Market Traders Association of Nigeria (MATAN), Kebbi State chapter has trained 510 traders on different trades to boost their capabilities in various businesses.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony and swearing-in of state executive members of MATAN in Birnin Kebbi on Monday, the State Governor, Comrade Dr Nasir Idris promised to assist the association to achieve its set goals.

Gov. Idris commended the association for what he described as a laudable foresight and urged it to sustain the tempo for the benefit of other members.

Earlier in an opening remark, the Kebbi State Commissioner for Commerce, Alhaji Usman Ladan-Dakingari appreciated the governor for supporting the association both morally and financially.

He encouraged the new executive members to focus attention on what would bring unity among members and support the growth of Kebbi State.

On his part, the Chairman, All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, Alhaji Abubakar Muhammad-Kanna appealed to the marketers to consider the possibility of reducing the prices of goods and food items in view of the fact that "fasting is approaching."

The chairman also urged them to extend helping hands to the less-privileged as well as downtrodden "to attract the mercies of our creator."