Commission to assist Kebbi access N83.2bn to boost rice production

 

From Our Reporter

The Fiscal Efficiency and Budget Committee under Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission has promised to assist the Kebbi State Government to access N83.2 billion Development of Natural Resources Fund to boost rice production in the state.

Chief Press Secretary to Kebbi state  governor,  Ahmed Idris made this known in a statement.

He said the Committee Chairman, Alhaji Adamu Shettima Yuguda-Dibal gave the assirance when he led members of the committee on a courtesy call to Kebbi State Governor, Comrade Dr Nasir Idiris, Kauran Gwandu at Government House, Birnin Kebbi.

He said: "His committee will ensure fairness and equity in making sound recommendations of Kebbi Sltate request to access the sum of N83,285,000,000 from the 1.68 per cent Development of Natural Resources Fund, which the state will use to develop its agricultural sector, mineral resources and tourism. 

"I want to use this medium to appreciate the efforts of the State Governor, Dr Nasir idiris, Kauran Gwandu by coming up with blueprint to harness the abounant 

natural resources deposit in the state."

Responding, the governor thanked them for the visit and expressed optimism that the committee would do justice to the request forwarded by the state.

The governor said the state executive arrived at a decision to apply for the fund to develop its agricultural sector, which remained the main stay of the state, in addition to mining sector as well as people empowerment, particularly the youth.

Kebbi gov. signs 13 Bills into law, seeks assembly support to boost IGR

 

By Editor

 Kebbi State Governor, Dr Nasir idiris has signed into law 13 Bills passed by the State House of Assembly and sought for their support to improve the state's Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).

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

The Chief Press Secretary  said Governor Idris appreciated members of the state assembly under the leadership of the speaker for their hard work and speedy passage of the bills.

He said the present administration believed in the "Rule of Law" and assured the readiness of the executive to implement the bills.

"May I at this juncture urge the house to assist the executive in improving the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) in the state," he pleaded.

Speaking earlier the Speaker of the State Assembly, Hon. Muhammad Usman commended the governor for his efforts to develop the state within a short period of time.

 He assured the governor of the state assembly's readiness to support and cooperate with the executive arm for efficient and effective performance.

Kebbi hov. swears-in Vice Chairman as new Council Chairman, Maiyama

By Editor 

The Kebbi State Governor, Comrade Dr Nasir Idris has sworn-in the Vice Chairman, Alhaji Aramu Aliyu-Liba as the new Council Chairman of Maiyama Local Government Area of the state following the demise of his predecessor, late Zayyanu Mohammed Bello.

The late chairman passed away on Thursday following a brief illness at the Usmanu Danfodio Teaching Hospital (UDUT), Sokoto. 

The oath of office and allegiance was administered by Justice Hassan Kuwa at Government House, Birnin Kebbi, the state capital.

Speaking at the occasion, Gov. idris urged the new chairman to work hard for the development of Maiyama local government and the state in general and assured him of the state government's readiness to support and assist the local government council for effective performance.

The occasion was attended by the State Deputy Governor, Sen. Umar abubakar Tafida, Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Yakubu Bala-Tafida, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Muhammad Usman-Zuru, members of the State Executive Council and State Assembly members as well as some local government council chairmen.

Rep member, Amos, offers free medical services to 1000 Kaduna citizens

 

By Editor

No fewer than 1000 persons have so far benefitted from the five-day free medical outreach sponsored by a member of the House of Representatives, Mr. Daniel Amos.

Mr. Amos who represents the Jama'a/Sanga Federal Constituency at the National Assembly, pledged to continue with the free medical outreach for the vulnerable members of the society till eternity.

While flagging off the outreach at the Sir Patrick Yakowa General Hospital, Kafanchan, in Jama'a local government area, the Lawmaker, who sits as Chairman, of the House of Representatives committee on House Services, said the free medical outreach was aimed at improving the well-being of people, especially the vulnerable members of the society.

According to him, "Investments in health care, education,n, and social protection are not just good for the individuals who directly benefit from it, but also good for the society's growth and political stability."

He said the exercise is part of the burning desire to put smiles on the faces of his people, especially the less privileged who find it difficult to meet the daily demands of life.

"The free medical health care being offered today was born out of my passion and commitment to put smiles on the faces of many people who are daily suffering in silence with their health condition. 

“The major objective for the outreach is to bring healthcare services closer to the people at the community level at no cost. A lot of people with one underlying ailment or the other are dying in silence because they can’t afford the exorbitant hospital bill," he added.

The Lawmaker assured of his commitment to continue with the free medical outreach "as long as I am alive.

"This free medical outreach which is its second edition in less than one year, is going to continue as long as I am alive. It would even continue even after I am gone. It will be transformed into a foundation. It means that this free medical outreach will continue until we cannot find someone to reach out to."

According to the lawmaker, the gesture was the beginning of the fulfillment of his campaign promises.

 "During the campaigns, I pledge to provide free medical health care service every year to vulnerable members of our constituency and beyond.

Our correspondent gathered that the five-day free medical program, which was organized in collaboration with Graceland Health Care Development Foundation, paid particular attention to free medical surgeries, issuance of eyeglasses, and eye surgeries, aside from general medical services.

The lawmaker, who thanked Graceland Health Care Foundation for the collaboration, appealed to the people to continue to keep the peace to pave the way for meaningful development.

In his remark, the Senator representing Kaduna South Senatorial District, Sunday Marshall Katung, who was represented by Mr. Yohanna Allahmagani congratulated Mr. Amos for achieving the feat and urged all to maximally support him to attend more.

Earlier, the People's Democratic Party Chairman, of  Jemaa Local Government area, Mr. Nathaniel Bawa, hailed Mr. Amos for investing in the health of the people and described it as heartwarming.

Giving royal blessings to the exercise on behalf of other traditional rulers, the Chief of Godogodo, Reverend Habila Sa'idu, described the gesture as "uncommon".

The Medical exercise has 5 centers, comprising Kagoma, Kafanchan, Gidan Waya, Fadan Karshi, and Gwantu.

END

Southern Kaduna to honour Lekwot, Agwai, Kukah, Makarfi, ex-Gov Yakowa, others

 

....Deputy Gov. says diversity is source of enrichment, progress

By Editor

 Southern Kaduna is honouring the former Military Administrator of old Rivers State, Major-General Zamani Lekwot (retd),  former Chief of Defence State, General Martin Luther Agwai (retd), the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Dr Matthew Hassan Kukah, former Governor of Kaduna State, Ahmed Makarfi, and others for  the enormous impact they made as past and present leaders in the zone, which had brought about development, peace, unity, good governance, sense of belonging and cooperation in the region. 

The region is also honouring the late Governor of Kaduna State, Ibrahim Yakowa who died in a helicopter crash in December 2013 posthumous award will be given to

The former leaders of the region will be honored at the maiden Southern Kaduna Festival which which commenced yesterday in Kafanchan, Kaduna, 

In his welcome address, Chairman Central Planning Committee of the festival, Rear Admiral Ferguson Bobai (rtd) said, the festival is a cornucopia of delightful experiences, beckoning on people to indulge in its irresistible splendor.

“From colloquium that will stimulate your ambiance, to enchanting musical performances that will transport you to another realm, SKFEST 2023 promises to be a tapestry of unforgettable memories.”

He said the festival which is aimed at showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Southern Kaduna through traditional dances, captivating beauty pageant, mouthwatering culinary delights. sports, fascinating game of archery and traditional wrestling, will unite the people of the region.

In her remarks, Kaduna State Deputy Governor, Dr. Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe urged people to consider diversity of culture in the region as strength and source of enrichment that has the power to propel Kaduna state and Nigeria towards a brighter and more prosperous future.

The Deputy Governor who declared the 3-day festival open at the Kafanchan Township Stadium on Thursday said, the festival is a wonderful opportunity to showcase the rich cultural heritage of Southern Kaduna and promote intercultural exchange among the people of Southern Kaduna, and between Southern Kaduna and other cultural groups in Kaduna and Nigeria at large.

Dr Balarabe who was represented by the Administrator of Kafanchan Municipal Authority, Mrs Phoebe Sukai Yayi said, no community or region can exist in isolation, adding that, presently, there are myriad factors that bind people across the globe, with humanity serving as the ultimate common thread. 

She said, Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani believes that all lives matter, and this should be their standpoint in Southern Kaduna. “We must respect each other in the region and those outside of it, regardless of differences in backgrounds.

“In a world that often emphasizes our differences, events such as this provide us with an invaluable opportunity to recognize and celebrate our shared humanity. I would like to take this moment to encourage all participants, spectators, and stakeholders present to embrace the spirit of unity and respect for one another.

“Let us recognize that diversity is not a challenge but a strength, a source of enrichment that has the power to propel us towards a brighter and more prosperous future. This is why I find the theme of this year's celebration, "Experience Unity, Celebrate Cultures," very appropriate. It will serve as a testament to the rich diversity and harmonious coexistence in Southern Kaduna.

“The goals of this festival are not merely confined to the realms of entertainment and sports but extend far beyond, aiming to foster and promote inter-relations and exchanges between the people of Southern Kaduna and other cultural groups within the state and across Nigeria. This pursuit of inclusivity is paramount, given the large number of ethnic groups in this area. The festival will also provide us with the opportunity to tell our story, explaining where we come from and where we hope to go.

“As we revel in the festivities and partake in the various activities, let us keep in mind the collective interests of Southern Kaduna. Our strength lies in our ability to come together, appreciate our differences, and work towards a shared vision of progress and prosperity,” she said.

The festival which will close on Saturday, is expected to have Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, his Bayelsa State counterpart, Senator Douye Diri, Speaker House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, Senator Sunday Marshal Katung, Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa and other dignitaries in attendance.

Kebbi: Maiyama Council Chairman dies at 47

 

By Editor

 Kebbi State Government has announced the death of Hon. Zayyanu Muhammad-Bello, the Executive Chairman of Maiyama Local Government Area.

The deceased died at the early hours of Thursday morning at Usman Danfodio University Teaching Hospital (UDUTH), Sokoto, after a procterated Illness. 

In a statement by Chief Press Secretary to the state's governor, Ahmed Idris, he said "The Kebbi State Government wishes to use this medium to extend its condolences to the immediate family and the entire people of Maiyama Local Government Area.

"We pray to Almighty Allah to forgive all his shortcomings and grant him Jannatul Firdaus," he said.

The late council chairman left behind two wives and three children.

Coalition Of South South Youth Groups Accuse Zamfara Govt Of Plots To Undermine EFCC, Judiciary

 

By Editor

The Coalition of South-South Youth Groups has expressed deep concerned about recent developments involving the planned sponsorship of groups by the government of Zamfara State to undermine the credibility of government institutions, including the EFCC and the Judiciary.

The groups aais such actions are unacceptable and detrimental to the democratic values we hold dear.

"It has come to our attention that certain entities linked to the Zamfara State government, are planning on engaging in activities that aim to tarnish the reputation of key institutions crucial to the rule of law. Such attempts to blackmail the government threatens the foundation of our democratic system.

The statement was signed by Comrade Israel Uwejeyan National Coordinator (Niger Delta Youth Congress) Prince Brozie Utomodo National President 

South south  Youth Forum, Barr. Preye Oporomo Convener South-south Youth Vanguard and Mr. Valentine Ugboli 

National Coordinator Niger Delta Movement for Youth Empowerment.

The coalition said, "in the light of these disturbing allegations, we call upon His Excellency, the Governor of Zamfara State, to immediately desist from any involvement in sponsoring clandestine groups that engage in activities meant to undermine the integrity of our national institutions. We believe in the importance of upholding the principles of transparency, accountability, and respect for the rule of law.

"It is essential for leaders to focus on fostering an environment of trust, collaboration, and adherence to legal and ethical standards. Any perception of interference or manipulation can erode public confidence and hinder the effectiveness of government institutions in ensuring justice and combating corruption.

"1It is imperative that the EFCC and the judiciary remains steadfast and focused on its mandate, regardless of external pressures or attempts to hinder its operations. We believe in the importance of a robust and independent judiciary and anti-corruption agency  to foster Justice, transparency, accountability, and the overall well-being of our society.

"The leadership and members of the Coalition of South south Youth Groups are poised to meticulously monitor the activities of unscrupulous individuals aiming to use South south Youths to Blackmail certain individuals and Government institutions. We adamantly affirm our commitment to thwart any nefarious attempts to manipulate or exploit our energetic youths for the purposes of fomenting chaos or contriving issues under the veiled guise of any deceptive agenda.

The coalition therefore urged the Department of State Services (DSS) to intensify its scrutiny of the activities of the Zamfara State government to ensure that it operates within the bounds of the law. The DSS plays a crucial role in safeguarding the nation's security and must be vigilant in monitoring any actions that may compromise the stability and fairness of our democratic system.