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Author: ahmed kaigama

  • Commission sensitises Bauchi community leaders to consumer rights

    Partnership 

    By Ahmed Kaigama 

    Bauchi, June 26, 2024 (NAN) The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has called for closer collaboration with community leaders to enhance awareness creation on consumer rights in Bauchi State.

    The Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Commission, Dr Adamu Abdullahi stated this during a sensitisation exercise organised for stakeholders, community and religious leaders, on Wednesday  in Bauchi.

    According to him, the FCCPC, as a federal government agency is established under the FCCPC Act 2018, to promote and protect consumers’ interest in the growing competitive market.

    “There is need for the agency to partner and sensitise the community leaders which include traditional and religious leaders and other stakeholders on its mandate.

    “We have the belief and confidence community leaders are close to the people that is why we feel it is imperative to embark on this sensitisation to acquaint you with our activities.

    “The collaboration would help the commission carry out its functions effectively because is expected of you to step down the sensitisation to the people,” he said.

    Abdullahi reitetrated commitment of the commission to ensure fair and competitive marketplace for all Nigerians. 

    The commission, he said encouraged consumers to report suspected price gouging and other unfair trade practices, adding that it would work with stakeholders to identify and remove unnecessary barriers to entry in various sectors, combat price fixing and dismantle cartels.

    “We will engage in advocacy and public awareness campaigns to raise awareness about price gouging and other unfair trade practices and provide guidance on identifying and reporting such practices”.

    The Emir of Bauchi, Dr Rilwanu Adamu, who was represented by Aliyu Lame, the District Head of Lame, said the traditional institutions would support the commission to achieve its mandate.

    Also speaking, Mr Abraham Damina, the Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the state, pledged support to the commission.

    Similarly, Uztaz Tijjani, the Secretary of the Bauchi State Sharia Commission, promised to sensitise their people to the activities of the commission. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    MAK/RSA

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    Edited by Rabiu Sani-Ali

  • Drop your arms, embrace dialogue – COAS advises agitators, others

    Drop your arms, embrace dialogue – COAS advises agitators, others

    Arms

    By Ahmed Kaigama

    Bauchi, June 26, 2024 (NAN) The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja has advised Nigerians bearing arms against the country to drop their arms, seek dialogue and other reasonable means to address grievances.

    He made the call in Bauchi on Wednesday during the inauguration of the newly constructed Nigerian Army Armoured Corps Headquarters complex, reunion and pulling out parade of some retired senior officers.

    Lagbaja said that it was only in a peaceful atmosphere that the economy of any country could thrive, hence the need for all to embrace peace.

    “My appeal to Nigerians who have taken up arms against the state is that they see reason that it is only in an atmosphere of peace that people can experience progress and all those things that they deserve from the government, the states, can be realised.

    “I appeal to them that they should drop their arms, seek dialogue and other means through which grievances can be addressed,” he said.

    Lagbaja also sezed the occasion to charge the troops to continue to remain disciplined, dedicated and committed to the task that the army has been charged with.

    He urged the officers and men of the Nigerian Army not to relent, adding “regardless of the challenges that we face in all the theatres, they must continue to remain resolute till we accomplish peace and security in the nation”.

    The COAS explained that his presence in Bauchi was also to interact with the troops as they formed the backbone of the fighting force as well as the bedrock of the things the Nigerian Army do.

    He said that all challenges raised by the troops ranging from promotion, non-payment of salary, personnels accounts domiciled in  Heritage bank, participation in peacekeeping among others, would be addressed in no distant time.

    “Most especially, those challenges that border on their pay and allowances and that’s why I asked them to send messages directly to me because it is of utmost importance to me and they will be addressed,” the COAS assured.

    Also speaking, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alh. Sa’ad Abubakar III, urged the Nigerian Army not to allow tribalism into their affairs, stressing that it could divide the army and the country at large.

    “You are in the military now and so many things have been geared towards where you come from, who is a Muslim, who is a Christian, who is Hausa, Igbo and Yoruba in the country.

    “We never knew these things so many years ago.

    “Please, don’t allow this thing to creep into the army for that would be the one thing that will divide the army and even the country,” he said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that other projects inaugurated by the Chief of Army Staff included the newly constructed Nigerian Army Armoured Corps Fire Service Station and Nigerian Army Armoured Corps Filling Station.

    Also lined up as part of activities during the visit of the COAS to Bauchi is the pulling out of 11 senior officers of the Armoured Corps, comprised of seven Major Generals and four Brigadier Generals. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    MAK/AOS
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    Edited by Bayo Sekoni

    08067034532

  • Police arrest man for allegedly defrauding businessman of N120m in Bauchi

    Police arrest man for allegedly defrauding businessman of N120m in Bauchi

     

    Arrest 

    By Ahmed Kaigama 

    Bauchi, June 26, 2024 (NAN) The Police Command in Bauchi State has arrested a 35-year-old man, who allegedly defrauded an unidentified businessman in the state of N120 million.

    Briefing newsmen on Wednesday in Bauchi, the Command’s Spokesman, SP Ahmed Wakil, said that the command had made significant breakthrough in the case by arresting the suspect.

    “The arrest stems from a complaint filed on April 1, 2024, regarding suspicious withdrawals totalling N2,068,000 from the complainant’s business bank account,” he said.

    Wakil said that following the complaint, the Commissioner of Police (CP), Mr Auwal Musa,  directed the State Intelligence Department to promptly investigate the case. 

    “Their meticulous efforts revealed that the suspect had unlawfully withdrawn a significant amount of N120 million from the complainant’s bank account.

    “During interrogation, the suspect admitted to betraying the trust of his neighbor, the complainant, with whom he had shared a market space for over fifteen years,” he said.

    Wakil further said the suspect disclosed that a friend he had met at Federal Polytechnic Bauchi in 2011, convinced him that he could make money by accessing the wealthy individual’s phone.

    “Exploiting the complainant’s trust, the suspect deceitfully borrowed his phone, allowing his accomplice to install financial applications such as Opay and MoneyPoint on it. 

    “This access enabled them to transfer the funds to different bank accounts on various occasions,” the police spokeman said.

    Wakil said that some of the exhibits recovered from the suspect include, eight tricycles (Keke Napep), N35,000,000 in cash, and two uncompleted buildings.

    Other items are sixty bags of cooking charcoal, thirty bags of fertilizer, two  motorcycles and two industrial sewing machines.

    He said that the suspect’s sudden wealth and change in lifestyle led to suspicion, and when questioned by his uncle and girlfriend, attributed his fortune to engagement in online trading.

    Wakil said that upon the completion of investigation the suspect would be prosecuted in court.

    He advised the public to remain vigilant and ensure the security of their financial platforms.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng) 

    MAK/EBI/AOS 

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    Edited by Benson Iziama/Bayo Sekoni

     

     

     

  • Cattle breeders association advocates modern rearing techniques

    Cattle breeders association advocates modern rearing techniques 

    Cattle 

    By Ahmed Kaigama 

    Bauchi, June 24, 2024 (NAN) The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), has urged pastoralists to adopt modern rearing techniques to boost livestock production.

    The President of the association, Baba Othman-Ngelzarma, said this during the inauguration of the elected executives of the association, on Monday in Bauchi.

    He tasked cattle breeders to embrace good livestock management practices such as improved breeding, healthcare and feeding methods.

    Othman-Ngelzarma said the association was geared towards effective modernisation to encourage productivity, improve animal health and check conflict triggered by traditional grazing practices 

    The chairman enjoined the herdsmen to sensitise their wards to the importance of practicing sustainable agriculture, and stressed the need for sound programmess to equip them with livestock management and entrepreneurial skills.

    This, he said, would create opportunities for self-sufficiency and reduce attraction of alternative livelihoods that might lead to conflicts and insecurity.

    Othman-Ngelzarma said the association was working towards improving veterinary services and education standard, disease prevention and enhance access to quality clean water and feeds. 

    He tasked the inaugurated officials to foster unity and work towar6d ensuring proper upbringing of the younger ones.

    Also speaking, Mohammed Kabir, the inaugurated chairman of the association, promised to provide quality leadership to promote unity among its members. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    MAK/BEKl/RSA

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    Edited by AbdulFatai Beki/Rabiu Sani-Ali

  • 3 Division inter-brigade competition begins in Bauchi 

    3 Division inter-brigade competition begins in Bauchi 

    Competition

    By Ahmed Kaigama

    Bauchi, June 24, 2024 (NAN) The 3 Division Nigerian Army on Monday commenced the 2024 Inter-Brigade competition for Warrant Officers (WOs) and Senior Non-Commissioned Officers (SNCOs) in Bauchi.

    Brig.-Gen. Emmanuel Egbe, Commander, 33 Artillery Brigade, declaring the competition opened, said it aimed to enhance physical fitness, firing skills, encourage esprit-de-corps among the troops and improve the standard of battle readiness.

    Egbe said that the competition was between the 6 formations in the division, which included 6 brigade Taraba, 23 brigade, Yola, 33 Artillery Brigade, Bauchi, 43 Division Engineers, Jos, 53 Signals brigade, Jos and 3 Division Garrison, Jos.

    According to him, the competition will feature drill combat swimming, map reading and navigation, shooting competition as well as combat run and obstacle crossing.

    He said that the competition, which was being organised under the guidance and direction of the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 3 Division and Commander Operation Safe Haven, Maj.-Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar was in line with the command philosophy of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja.

    ”This Philosophy is to Transform the Nigerian Army into a well-trained, Equipped and Highly Motivated Force Towards Achieving our Constitutional Responsibilities within a Joint Environment.

    ”I have made all necessary arrangements to provide participants with the needed environment to make them comfortable to compete in the spirit of sportsmanship in 33 Artillery Brigade,’’he said.

    Egbe urged the umpire of the competition to be fair to all participants, so that at the end, the best would emerge.

    He appreciated the GOC, and the Commander Operation Safe Haven for choosing the Brigade to host the competition.

    He also appreciated the Chief of Army Staff for his support, interest and commitment to ensure officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army train in a competitive manner.

    In a remark, Alhaji Abdulhamid Bununu, Bauchi State Commissioner for Internal security appreciated the Nigeria Military for securing the nation.

    He assured them that the administration of Gov. Bala Mohammed would continue to support security agencies for their doggedness in keeping the country safe. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    MAK/DCO/AMM

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    Edited by Deborah Coker and Abiemwense Moru

     

     

  • Expert suggests preventive tips to combat Cholera

    Cholera 

    By Ahmed Kaigama 

    Bauchi, June 24, 2024 (NAN) A Bauchi-based public health expert, Dr Hassan Musa has cautioned the people against constructing toilets near water points to curb cholera outbreak.

    Musa said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on Monday in Bauchi.

    Cholera is an acute diarrheal infection caused by eating food or water contaminated with the bacteria called vibrio cholerae.

    He said that it was imperative to provide a distance of about 30 meters between latrine and water source to to guard against transmission of the bacteria.

    The medical expert said the distance between a water source and latrine is important in reducing the risk of transferring pathogens between feces and food by flies.

    “These pathogens are major causes of infectious diarrhea and intestinal worm infections.

    “Pit latrines are a low-cost method of separating feces from people. A pit should be built in a reasonable distance from the house. 

    “Therefore, the distance from wells or surface water should be at least 20-30 meters to decrease the risk of ground water pollution,” he said.

    Musa also cautioned against defecating and indiscriminate dumping of diapers in places that could be transfer into food and water sources.

    “We need to clear drains, especially during the rainy season when the water table below is gradually coming up. 

    “It would get to a point where blocked drains might contaminate the surface water with the water below,” he said

    He further advised people to imbibe good sanitation habits and get vaccinated against the disease,  and ensure that food and sources of water are safe for consumption.

    The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) report that the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has declared an upsurge of cholera cases since the onset of the rainy season in the country. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    MAK/RSA

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    Edited by Rabiu Sani-Ali

  • Bauchi engages stakeholders to revive sports festival

    Sports

    By Ahmed Kaigama

    Bauchi, June 23, 2024 (NAN) The Bauchi government has trained 100 local sports officers, coaches, referees and organising secretaries in its bid to revive sports festival in the state.

    Mr Mohammed Salis, Commissioner for Youths and Sports Development, stated this at the inauguration of a three-day training exercise for stakeholders on Sunday in Bauchi.

    Represented by Nasiru Usman, the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Salis said the exercise would equip the participants with skills to explore new talents and encourage sport development.

    “Bauchi state is known for its vibrant cultural heritage and natural beauty, and also harbors a deep rooted passion for sports.

    “The implementation of refresher course stands as a pivotal strategy to explores the potential benefits and implications of such courses on the sporting landscape of the state,” he said.

    According to Salis, athletes can improve their performances through updated training methods, and coaches can learn new strategies for effective team management and development.

    Also speaking, Mr Ibrahim Kashim, Secretary to the State Government (SSG), lauded the contributions of the stakeholders towards repositioning the sports in the state.

    Ibrahim,who was represented by Mr Hashimu Kumbala, said that sports festival transcends its role as a mere athletic competition rather a powerful mechanism for talent discovery and social enrichment as well as foster unity in the society.

    “By harnessing the spirit of sportsmanship and cultural celebration, the state not only cultivates future athletes but also strengthens its social fabric, paving the way for a more interconnected and prosperous future.

    “The state government’s continuous support and expansion of sports festival exemplifies the transformative impact of sports on the society making significant strides towards a more inclusive and harmonious community,” he said.

    Mr Usman Danbala, the Director, Bauchi State Sports Council, said the state did not organised sports festival in the last 42 years.

    He said the state government accorded premium to the capacity building of sports stakeholders to revive sporting events at the grassroots.

    According to him, refresher courses provide the participants with current information and insights to enhance their understanding for effective sport management.

    “In sports, staying update with the latest trends, rules and technologies is crucial”. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    MAK/RSA
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    Edited by Rabiu Sani-Ali

  • Don advocates community forests to mitigate carbon dioxide emissions

    Forest

    By Ahmed Kaigama

    Bauchi, June 20, 2024 (NAN) Dr Rashida Bala, an Agronomist with Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi, has called for the establishment of community forests to mitigate carbon dioxide emissions and climate change.

    Bala gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Bauchi.

    She said community forests, managed and owned collectively by local communities, would play a crucial role in global efforts to mitigate climate change.

    “Community forests facilitate the growth of trees, which absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere through photosynthesis.

    “This process stores carbon in biomass, including trunks, branches, leave, and roots.

    “As trees mature, they continue to sequester carbon, acting as long-term carbon sinks.’’

    The academic said that the stored carbon remained locked away even after trees were harvested depending on the forest management practices.

    Bala said that community forests often prevented deforestation and degradation by providing economic incentives for local communities to preserve their natural resources sustainably.

    “Their sustainable management not only enhances carbon storage but also supports local economies and fosters community resilience.

    “Continued support for community-based initiatives and policies that empower local communities in forest management is essential for achieving global climate goals.’’

    She reiterated the importance of tree planting in maintaining a healthy environment.

    “Trees play a crucial role in human, animal, and crop survival.

    “They help reduce the intensity of solar radiation; encourage biodiversity; improve microclimate and improve human eye and mental health,’’ she said.

    Bala called on governments to promote policies that recognised and supported community forests tenure rights and sustainable management practices.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

     

    MAK/DE/CJ/

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    Edited by Dorcas Jonah and  Chijioke Okoronkwo

     

     

     

     

  • Group partners Bauchi Govt to improve healthcare outcomes 

    Healthcare

    By Ahmed Kaigama

    Bauchi, June 19, 2024 (NAN) A consortium, Health System Strengthening Cluster, says it is collaborating with Bauchi State Government to improve healthcare outcomes in the state.

     

    The Cluster Team Lead, Hajiya Asmau Yahaya, said this during an advocacy visit to the state Ministries of Health, Budget, Economic Planning, Multilateral Coordination and the Primary Health Care Board on Wednesday in Bauchi.

     

    Yahaya said that the group was working on a project – Improved Quality Healthcare Service Delivery through Integrated Supportive Supervision (ISS), to improve healthcare outcomes in the state.

     

    She said that the partnership was to strengthen the state’s ISS with a view to improving healthcare services budget lines.

     

    She advocated for the creation of an ISS technical working group and the establishment of a private sector engagement unit in primary healthcare centres in three urban local government areas of the state.

     

    Yahaya said that the consortium comprised six Civil Society Organisations across the country vis: Life Transformation for Africa (LIFT4AFRICA), Council for Affirmative Action (COFA), and She Alert Care Foundation.

     

    Others, she said, are the Bauchi State Network of Civil Societies (BASNEC), Women with Integrity and Development Initiative (WDIDI) and Better Life Restoration Initiative (BERI).

     

    Speaking, Mr Stephen Wudelwe, a member of the consortium, solicited the support of the ministry of budget for an adequate allocation of funds in the health sector.

     

    In his remarks, Dr Adamu Sambo, the State Commissioner for Health, called for more community engagements to enable people have access to quality healthcare services across the state.

     

    He said that communities have a vital role to play in ensuring improved healthcare service delivery.

     

    Sambo assured of the ministry’s readiness to collaborate with the partners to assist the government in improving the healthcare outcomes in the state.

     

    Also, Dr Rilwanu Mohammed, Chairman, Primary Health Care Development Board, pledged to work with the group to improve healthcare delivery.

     

    Alh. Jibrin Yusuf, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Budget and Planning, appreciated the consortium for the initiative to improve health care services in the state

     

    He urged the group to advocate budget increment and releases from the line ministries for easy allocation of funds. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    MAK/CEO/IU

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    Edited by Chidi Opara / Isaac Ukpoju

  • Expert advocates for zero-tillage agriculture to conserve soil

    Expert advocates for zero-tillage agriculture to conserve soil

    Desertification

    By Ahmed Kaigama

    Bauchi, June 17, 2024 (NAN) An Agronomist, Dr Ilyasu Gital, has advocated for zero-tillage agriculture to conserve soil, prevent desertification and increase yield per unit area of land.

    Gital made the appeal in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Bauchi.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that June 17 is a day set aside to mark the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought annually.

    The day is also set aside to raise awareness on desertification and drought and promote solutions to curb the challenges.

    For 2024, the theme for the day is: “United for Land. Our Legacy. Our Future”.

    The theme highlights the importance of collective actions to preserve the planet’s land resources for future generations.

    Gital said that the theme for this year’s World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought was well articulated and addressed current deficiencies.

    “A united call to action against desertification and drought is the only solution to these problems.

    “Deforestation and land degradation are the major areas where farmers contribute to drought and desertification.

    “Our plea is to urge farmers to stop these ugly practices that harm the environment,” he said.

    On his part, Dr. Ibrahim Kabir, the Bauchi State Project Coordinator, Agro Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscape (ACReSAL), said that Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN) was achievable.

    Kabir stressed that LDN was achievable through problem solving, strong community involvement and cooperation at all levels.

    According to him, desertification and drought are among the key environmental challenges the world faces today, particularly in semi-arid zones.

    “The Northern part of Nigeria suffers more from desertification and drought than other parts of the country,” he said.

    Kabir added that the ACReSAL Project was determined to increase awareness and promote actions to restore degraded lands.

    “We are also keen to improve resilience to drought, and highlight the future role of land stewardship in ensuring the stability and prosperity of millions of people in Nigeria,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng) 

    MAK/COF

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    Edited by Christiana Fadare