Kano set to host major education recovery conference

  

By Editor

The Kano State Government, with the support of the United Kingdom’s Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO) in Nigeria and Arewa Consultative Forum, is set to convene an education recovery conference on 10th and 11th of July, 2024. The conference featuring thought leaders, political actors, diplomats, educators, private sector players, advocates and policymakers, will focus on addressing significant education sector challenges in Kano State.

 

The education conference has as its theme “Repositioning Education in Kano State: Navigating the Path to Excellence”. It is designed to address critical challenges on education access and equity, chart a reform pathway and foster partnerships in transforming education in the state. During the two-day event, stakeholders will work together to identify sustainable and scalable solutions that will reposition and improve the education sector in Kano State, ensuring sustainable access to quality education for all.

 

The education sector in Kano State, like many parts of Nigeria, faces critical issues that hinder its progress. Currently, there are over 9 million out-of-school children in Nigeria, and Kano State contributes significantly to this figure as the most populous northern state of Nigeria, hence, tackling challenges in Kano is essential to the ‘Education for Renewed Hope Agenda’.

 

In recent times, the Kano State Government has demonstrated willingness to tackle educational challenges head on. Earlier in June, the Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, declared a state of emergency in the education sector due to the significant decay in both educational quality and infrastructure.

 

“Our administration has commenced a total overhaul, focusing on academic and infrastructure development”, he said, outlining plans for the extensive renovation of all primary and junior secondary schools in the state, soft loans for teachers, initiatives to promote girl-child education and many other interventions. Soon after, his statements were followed by the approval of funds to the 44 local government areas in Kano for the renovation of classrooms and construction of new ones across the state.

 

The Kano aspiration is an ambitious roadmap to kickstart the journey to quality and accessible education in the state.  Through the proposed conference, the government will be creating a platform for technical deliberations on education access, quality, and equity in the state. There will be keynote speeches, lead paper presentation, plenaries and breakout sessions, all carefully structured to address different areas of challenges, using an interactive and inclusive approa

Kidnap Of Journalists, Family Members Unacceptable Says AYCF

By Editor

The leadership of the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF) has described as unacceptable the targeted kidnap of two Kaduna Journalists and some of their family members.

The President General of the forum Alhaji Yerima Shettima in a statement issued on Monday condemned the kidnap in the strongest terms and demanded their immediate release by their abductors.

Shettima noted that the saddened news of the kidnap of Alhaji Abdulgafar Alabelewe of Nations newspaper, his wife and two children alongside Alhaji Abdulraheem Aodu is very disheartening and worrisome.

He called on relevant government authorities and security agencies to swing into serious action and ensure their safe release.

Shettima also called on spirited individuals to intensify prayers for their safe release.

" The news of the kidnap of two Kaduna based journalists Abdulgafar Alabelewe and Abdulraheem Aodu of blueprint newspaper and some of their family members is very shocking and worrisome and totally unacceptable.

"Journalists shouldn't be target of kidnap because they are very key sector of the society providing needed information for growth and development of the society.

" I wish to appeal to government and security agencies to intensify efforts to see to their safe release and ensure an end is put to this kind of barbaric incidence.

" I also call for prayers for their safe release and for them to be reunited with their families, and also for quick recovery for the wife of Abdulraheem who was initially kidnapped and dumped in the bush due to her health condition".

He said, he shared in the present trauma the members of the pen profession are passing through now because of their colleagues in captivity and further urged them to continue to pray with the assurance that they will be released soon 

ENDS

Civil Society Group Urges President Tinubu to Reveal Findings on High-Profile EFCC Corruption Cases

By Editor

As the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) comes under attack with plans by some persons to stage a nationwide protest against the Commission, the Coalition of Civil Society Organisations Against Corruption has asked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to make public findings on the investigation into some high profile cases.

This according to them has become necessary as the EFCC has accused some persons currently under investigation of inciting youths and the general public using social and mainstream media to poison the minds of Nigerians against the Commission for daring to investigate their criminal enterprises.

In a tersely worded press release signed and made available to journalists in Abuja by its Convener Bashir Babatunde Abdulganiu, the group maintained that, Nigerians need to know the outcome of some high profile cases under investigation by the EFCC.

According to the release, "Nigerians deserve to know the outcome of some high profile corruption cases currently under investigation by the EFCC especially now that the Commission is crying foul over the attempts by some miscreants to stage a public protest against the Commission.

 

"The investigation into the allegations of corruption leveled against the suspended Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Beta Edu and that of Yahaya Bello, the fugitive ex Governor of Kogi State needs to be made public for us to ascertain with certainty those behind the stage managed protests against the EFCC".

The Coalition expressed worry that nothing has been heard about the investigation into the allegations against Beta Edu even as the embattled ex Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation is already hinting at the possibility of retuning to power even as there are accusing fingers pointing at her possible complicity in the ongoing onslaught against the EFCC.

"It's been six months since President Bola Tinubu dramatically removed Edu from office amidst allegations of a cumulative ₦3 billion scandal and other unwholesome activities, yet the nation remains in the dark about the outcome of the subsequent investigation.

"With the EFCC pointing accusing fingers at some Nigerians under investigation for it's current predicament, it is imperative to ask what exactly become of her investigation and how does it fit into the present puzzle. Could she and other persons under the EFCC radar be staging a subtle attack on the Commission in a bid to discredit it and save face?", the release queried.

The right groups unanimously urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to do everything in his power to protect his legacy by making the findings on some of these investigations public to authenticate his fight against corruption and fill the vacancy created by the suspended Ministers within 7 days.

"As Nigerians, we need to know what's happening because the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation has the potential to eradicate the suffering and hardships Nigerian citizens are currently passing through. It will be a big blow on the credibility of this administration if Nigerians are perpetually kept in the dark over sensitive issues like this.

"It is even worrisome that we have be inundated with rumours to the effect that Dr. Beta Edu is already telling her close allies that she has a close relationship with the President and as such, there's no cause for alarm. If she is reinstated then it means her claim is right and Mr. President is making a caricature of the fight against corruption", the statement ended.

Betta Edu and her likes do not deserve to be reconsidered for any political appointment even at the ward levels not to talk of state or federal, the president has the duty to prove to the entire world that; he is against corruption at any rate and since distance his administration from people like her and her co-travellers.

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.