CCSOCN condemns planned protest against EFCC, vows to resist plot by miscreants

By Editor 

A Coalition of Civil Society Organisations Against Corruption in Nigeria has condemned in strong terms, a plot by some persons to stage a national protest against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

It should be recalled that the EFCC had raised concerns over a planned protest by sponsored goons, loyal to some high individuals being investigated for various financial crimes.

In a strongly worded release signed by its Convener Bashir Babatunde Abdulganiu, a copy of which was sighted by our correspondent, the group vowed to resist plans by miscreants to derail the fight against corruption and the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr President.

According to the release, "we have observed the unfortunate situation where some persons under investigation by the anti-graft agency have resorted to blackmail and incitement on social media and elsewhere in an attempt to stoke up negative sentiments against the EFCC in a bid to sway the opinions of Nigerians against the anti-corruption crusade of this administration.

"This is totally unacceptable and we condemn in strong terms, all those who are directly or remotely connected with this criminal act as nothing on earth will stop Mr. President and the EFCC from logically prosecuting the fight against corruption, cyber crimes and other financial crimes. The is a just fight and there's no hiding place for culprits under this administration".

The Coalition called on security agencies under the coordination of the National Security Adviser (NSA) to act patriotically and ensure no illegal and sponsored protest takes place anywhere in Nigeria, adding that the EFCC does not deserve any distraction right now.

"As a patriot, we have full confidence in the NSA, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu and we urge him to deploy all the resources at his disposal to ensure this staged protest does not happen. We equally salute the courage and dedication of the Armed forces and other security agencies who will certainly act to decimate the hooligans planning to plunge our nation into anarchy", the release added.

While passing a vote of confidence in the EFCC and its Chairman Mr. Ola Olukayode for tirelessly fighting to secure the future and reputation of Nigeria, the group maintained that Nigeria's future will be imperiled if the country further degenerates in its global perception as a den of fraudsters. 

"We hereby pass a massive vote of confidence on the EFCC boss for his dogged and untiring commitment to sanitizing our country. In a country like ours, it is normal for corruption to fight back but we confident that the EFCC will triumph against all falsehood and diversionary tactics employed enemies of the state.

"The number of high profile cases currently under investigation such as that of Dr. Betta Edu, Hadi Sirika and many other APC chieftains including the fugitive Kogi State ex Governor Yahaya Bello will surely be completed regardless of the little setbacks. The EFCC will not be deterred even if its operational capacity threatens some persons", the release noted.

The release concluded by acknowledging the right of citizens to protest in a democracy but urged Nigerians especially youths to "discern carefully to avoid falling prey to criminal elements" as they appealed to parents, guardians and heads of tertiary institutions "to take responsibility in ensuring that their wards are not recruited to be used as cannon fodder in a proxy war against the Commission by vested corrupt interests".

Construction: Northern Forum Urges Nigerians to support Umahi

By Editor

 As the legacy projects fever grips the nation with insinuations in some quarters hinting at exclusion, the Concerned Northern Forum has called on Nigerians, especially northern elites to support the Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as they labour tirelessly to achieve the ambitious renewed hope agenda.

The group made this call while reacting to a motion on the floor of the Senate by the former Governor of Gombe State and Senator representing Gombe Central, Senator Danjuma Goje, alleging that the North East has been excluded from the Renewed Hope road projects across the country.

In a press release signed and made available to journalists in Abuja by its spokesman, Comrade Abdulsalam Moh'd Kazeem, the group empathized with the distinguished Senator and other persons who share his sentiments but maintained that it is too early to complain as the administration is just one year in office with a lot of projects on the drawing board.

The release reads in part, "as northerners, we identify and applaud Senator Goje for his impeccable representation. We are however, constrained to point out that it is too early to complain as it is unrealistic to flood the entire country with projects all at the same time in order not to overwhelm the Ministry of Works in it's oversight functions.

"Aside from that, major legacy projects are currently ongoing in the northern region like the Badagry-Sokoto Superhighway connecting the North West and the Kaduna-Abuja section of the Abuja-Kano-Maiduguri redesigned dual carriageway and many others. Plans are definitely underway to mobilise contractors to site on some parts of the Kano-Maidguri section of the road. It's just a matter of time".

The group therefore called on Senator Goje and other agitators to rather support the President and the Hon. Minister of Works to deliver on the Renewed Hope Agenda, adding that the projects are in phases and there's no way any region will be excluded as the Renewed Hope Agenda is a detailed and pragmatic blueprint for the overall development of Nigeria.

"As core nationalists, there's no way the Minister of Works or Mr. President will exclude the North East from his legacy projects, moreso that it is the home of Nigeria's most trusted and loyal Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima. We must understand that these projects are in phases and it'll get to every region in no distant time as the goal is to holistically develop the whole nation.

"In fact, even without the motion raised by Senator Danjuma Goje, the Ministry of Works has been auditing previous road contracts and plans are already on the way to commence work on the Akwanga-Jos-Adamawa road project that was awarded by the former adminstration of President Muhammadu Buhari in spirit of continuity of governance.

"As a progressive government that listens to the yearnings of Nigerians, the Calabar-Makurdi-Jalingo-Yola-Maiduguri Highway as suggested by the Senator will be given the desired attention at the right time. All that's needed at the moment is patience and an unwavering support for Mr. President's policies and projects", the statement concluded.

Gov. Idris bags Federal Polytechnic Fellowship Award

By Editor

The Kebbi State Governor, Comrade Dr Nasir Idris, Kauran Gwandu has been honoured with a  Honouurary Fellowship Award by the Waziri Umaru Federal Polytechnic Birnin-Kebbi.

Receiving the award on Tuesday, at the 15th  Joint Convocation Ceremony held at the institution's convocation ground, the governor expressed appreciation for the ward, describing it as not only a sign of recognition to him but to the entire people of Kebbi State.

"I really appreciate the management of this institution for this prestigious award, I am the most happiest person at this moment. 

"May I also use this medium to thank the good people of Kebbi State for their patience, understanding, unity and support to my administration which culminated into huge successes,' he said.

In his speech, the Minister of State for Education, Dr Tanko Yusuf Sununu commended the academic board, staff as well as the management of the institution for their outstanding dedication to fostering positive outcomes in both academic and physical realms.

Sununu, who represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, advised the polytechnic to ensure due diligence and shun all forms of corrupt practice in the conduct of affairs of the institution.

The minister also urged the institution management not to relent in its efforts in tailoring all programmes towards national development, while ensuring that "quality is not in anyway compromised."

He disclosed further that the Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Education would construct e-library and ultra-model hostels in the institution to boost the students' learning system.

Sununu then urged the entire students to be of good behaviour, always embrace dialogue rather than confrontation and shun destructive tendencies, "because education is not just for development of knowledge and skills alone but also for building character, discipline and morals."

In his speech, the Executive Secretary, National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), Prof. Idris M. Bugaje also congratulated the management of the institution as well as the graduands for the successful ceremony.

He said the NBTE in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Education has been proactive in enhancing TVET across the country.

"Our initiatives include entrepreneurship promotion, curriculum review and development, open and distance flexible learning, strengthening industry partnerships and quality assurance and accreditation," he said.

Earlier, the institution's Rector, Dr Usman Tunga thanked both the Federal and Kebbi State Government for their outstanding support and cooperation towards achieving the set goals and objectives of the polytechnic.

He noted with satisfaction that his administration was able to complete most of the projects inherited from the previous successive administration of the polytechnic. 

The rector enumerated the completed projects to include; construction and furnishing of 200 capacity lecture theatre for Management Programme, construction and furnishing of 200 capacity lecture theatre for Science and Technology Programme, construction and furnishing of twin lecture theatre hall of 600 capacity for Science and Laboratory among others.

Treat corps members with respect and care, NYSC DG urges staff, others

 

By Editor

The Director General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Brigadier General Yushau Dogara Ahmed has told stakeholders especially the NYSC staff to treat corps members with caution and respect.

The DG who spoke at the opening of the 2024 batch 'B' pre-orientation workshop for NYSC critical stakeholders from the 36 states and Abuja believed that the current crops of young Nigerian graduates should be handled with care.

Speaking on the theme of the workshop which is "Emotional Intelligence: An Indispensable Tool for Successful Orientation Programme" at a hotel in Kaduna, the very senior military officer described emotional intelligence as a concept in psychology that is germane to the scheme activities which revolve around young people.

"The essence is to bring everyone on board that we need to exercise restraint in the way we treat corps members. We must always control our emotions because the youth of today must be treated with all levels of seriousness and caution.

"From the reception, there will be a change in the ways and manners we will receive corps members across our orientation camps.

"We will give them the necessary attention because the essence of the orientation is the corps members themselves. 

"All stakeholders are therefore advised to be patient with them and help them if they have issues", he said

Earlier, the Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani reiterated that the scheme has remained an institution for national integration since its establishment 51 years ago, enhancing the consciousness of youths,  rendering selfless service to the nation during and after their one-year mandatory national service.

Represented by the Commissioner for Human Services and Social Development, Hajiya Rabi Salisu, the Governor applauds the management of the scheme for hosting such workshops from time to time, to examine and strategIse on its operations to continue to meet the challenges of modern times. 

"Such engagements also serve as avenues for evaluating the performance of the scheme in achieving its objectives. 

"May l use this forum to reaffirm the commitment of the Kaduna State Government to the NYSC in our dear state and beyond", he reiterated.

He, however, urged all the workshop participants to utilize the opportunity of this workshop to reinvigorate towards enhancing their performance and achieving optimal productivity at work.

Arewa Youths Back Umahi's Ultimatum to Berger, CCECC

...warns against delays and excuses

By Editor

Arewa youths under the aegis of Concerned Northern Forum (CNF), in keeping with their patriotic duty as watchdogs of good governance and policy reforms, have thrown their weight behind the Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi over the ultimatum given to Julius Berger and China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC).

The Minister had on Saturday, the 29th of June 2024 in Uyo Akwa Ibom State, during a Stakeholders’ Engagement on the alignment of section 3B and 4 of Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, gave marching orders and threatened to terminate the contracts Berger and CCECC if they fail to immediately mobilise to site.

In a strongly worded press release, duly signed and distributed to journalists in Abuja by its spokesman Comrade Abdulsalam Moh'd Kazeem, the group vowed to support the Honourable Minister of Works in ensuring that no company, whether foreign or local can frustrate the gains so far recorded by the present adminstration.

"As a Coalition of over 73 civil rights groups in northern Nigeria with over 5 million registered members, we have a sacred duty to support the federal government's laudable projects policies. It is also our duty to critique and criticize unpopular policies that are against the overall interest of Nigerians.

"It is against this backdrop that we have elected to identify with and support the federal government's laudable projects in the Ministry of Works under the charismatic leadership of Engr. Dave Umahi. It is therefore our firm position that any company working against the actualisation of these projects should kicked out immediately", the release mentioned.

The youth group described Engr  Dave Umahi as an excellent Engineer, patriot and star performer who has has succinctly aligned himself with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, adding that any construction company that's out to frustrate the sterling achievements of the Minister must be replaced forthwith.

The release read in part, "as objective observers, we are worried with the intentional delays and excuses given by Julius Berger and CCECC. The inability to mobilise to site after the release billions of naira to the companies is not just criminal but a deliberate attempt to derail the ongoing infrastructural transformation in the country. 

"We condemn this delay in strong terms and sanction the revocation of their contracts if they fail to act accordingly as this is nothing but an act of sabotage designed to ensure contract inflation using the exchange rate as an excuse. Nigerians cannot tolerate this especially now that Engr. Dave Umahi is ready and desirous to work".

The youths decried the abandonment of the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano road by Julius Berger and the Calabar-Itu road amongst other legacy projects and wondered why the federal government has not taken disciplinary actions against these erring companies.

 

"We have absolute conviction in the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's courage and determination in turning the fortunes of the country around following the robust Renewed Hope Agenda. Companies that are failing to meet their own side of the bargain should be deregistered from the list of contractors and serious companies invited to take over such projects. We shall continue to fight on the part of government to hold these companies accountable", the statement concluded.

Igabi LGA community members promise to sustain ANRIN project, lists successes recorded during intervention

From AbdulGaniyu Alabi, Kaduna 

Community members of Igabi Local Government area in kaduna have promised to sustain the Accelerating Nutrition Results In Nigeria, ANRIN project launched few years ago for the promotion of good health and reduction in mortality rates for mother and children.

The ANRIN project, was implemented by   Society for Family Health, SFH,  a non state actor in Kaduna with the mandate to increase access to and utilization of  integrated community-based base package  of Nutrition services '(BPNS) and Adolescent Health Services (AHS) for children under live ears of age, pregnant and lactating women, and adolescent girls, Igabi. 

Rufai Abdulmumin, District head of Rigachikun who spoke with journalists during the closure of the project in kaduna  said women in his  community  have improved on proper care for their children, hygienic practices and wickedness prevention. 

According him, “Our wives know how to take care of themselves and their environment. They are not usually clean, now they sanitize themselves the house.”


On child spacing, in our area, we have been informing people about childspacing. Even in religion. If you gave birth ensure you raise them well. You can’t be burning children and neglect them . Children are supposed to be in the school but due to the poverty. Don’t give birth to number of. Children you can’t control. 

Lami Adams Abdullahi, Nutrition focal person in Igabi said she  participated fully in addressing severe cases of malnutrition, especially at the community level and facility level, where many intervention are carried out. 

Ask if the ANRIN project has positive   impact on the nutrition of the children, Abdulahi said “ mortality rate has reduced. 

Abdulahi said “This is a program supported by society for family health in collaboration with ARIN project.  
Which a project that supports women from pregnancy to 5 years and adolescents that are married at lower age. Now that the program is rounding up, the stakeholders and communities are taking the ownership. The program should be continue even if the stakeholders are done with their own job
“This is a program that came to support the Igabi LGA in terms of intervention. There are some interventions like Micronutrients and other health related interventions doled out. 

“Adolescents that are married at tender age to help them with child spacing.”

Asked how the ANRIN project helped improve child spacing, she said “We have been paying advocacy visit to influential people, like the emirate and clerics to talk about child spacing and it has been successful. 
As regard regards to the family planing, as the name implies, it is now child spacing. Maybe the language “family planing” we used in those days is very offensive. People don’t like that language and hence they don’t subscribe to initiative. The northerners don’t like been controlled. So we had to look for other name for the program.

“The work was successfull, because the volunteers come from the community. So the acceptability was high.  We listen to the community and address their problems.  The achievement is that some of the beneficiaries come on their own to the PHC

“Most of this in our society, a girl is married at age of 14 or so, form that age they are inexperienced or under spell of mother inlaw, so we build their capacity and stimulate their interest and do sensitization.” 

Asked the population of adolescents  of adolescents receiving the intervention she said “On estimate, 25 percent out of the total of pregnant and married women benefit from the ANRIn and society for family health program.

Regarding change of name from family planning child spacing, she said “Their perception before now was that they think they want to reduce the rate of child birth entirely so, but when we converted it to child spacing, even the religious leader, we told them we have different phisiotopical aspect, we explain in clear terms to them that some ladies who give birth often have problems compared to the one who recovered completely before conceiving another child. 

“We let them understand and it is not threat we are depriving them, we just let them know that they will have enough breast milk.

“Only the name child spacing changed. The birth control strategies adopted under family planing is still intact .  They take the injectable, pills and all. We only focus on each persons reaction to medication to administer family planing strategy that suited them.”

Kebbi State Assembly Denounces PDP’s Allegations on NG-CARES Fund Mismanagement

By Editor

In a strongly worded rejoinder, the Kebbi State House of Assembly has refuted the People's Democratic Party's (PDP) recent allegations of mismanagement and lack of oversight of the NG-CARES fund. The Assembly declared the claims baseless and an attempt to mislead the public.

The controversy began on June 24, 2024, when the PDP’s Kebbi State Chapter issued a press release urging the State House of Assembly to intensify its oversight on the NG-CARES fund. The statement, signed by the PDP Secretary, alleged that funds were being misused and benefiting only a privileged few, based on unspecified reports from within the state.

In response, the Kebbi State House of Assembly emphasized its commitment to transparency and accountability in the management of public funds, including the NG-CARES funds. "The esteemed House of Assembly always ensures the transparent and accountable use of public funds across all government ministries, departments, and agencies," the Assembly stated.

The Assembly criticized the PDP for acting on what it described as "hearsay information without any iota of truth." They highlighted that a comprehensive oversight mechanism is already in place, which includes regular audits and detailed investigations by the Committee on Public Accounts.

"The PDP's press statement is shrouded in speculation and aims to mislead the public. The House of Assembly is working closely with relevant anti-corruption agencies to ensure any case of mismanagement of public funds is dealt with decisively," the Assembly asserted.

The rejoinder also reaffirmed the Assembly's dedication to safeguarding the interests of Kebbi State constituents, assuring the public of continuous updates on their oversight activities. The House of Assembly called on the PDP to seek accurate information from reliable sources before making public allegations.

The statement concluded by reassuring the people of Kebbi State that all ministries, departments, and agencies, including the NG-CARES fund, will continue to be scrutinized to ensure judicious expenditure of public funds.