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Author: aisha gambo

  • Clergy urge KDSG to establish Ministry for Cooperatives

    Clergy urge KDSG to establish Ministry for Cooperatives

    Group photograph of members of the Pastor’s Unity Network Multipurpose Cooperative Society
    Cooperatives
    By Aisha Gambo
    Kaduna, June 29,2024(NAN) The President, Pastor’s Unity Network Multipurpose Cooperative Society, Pastor Mailafiya Jock, has called on the Kaduna State Government to establish a Ministry for Cooperatives.
    The president made the call during the inauguration of the Cooperative Society  at Grace Gospel Land, Unguwan Boro, Kaduna.
    “We humbly advise the state government to establish a Ministry for Cooperatives, headed by a humble and God-fearing individual who shares its vision for a more secure and prosperous Kaduna State.
    “We emphasize that this appointment should not be based on religious, educational, or political affiliations, but rather on the individual’s character, integrity, and commitment to serving the people,” he said.
    According to him, the proposed ministry should be tasked with designing and implementing programmes that address food security, economic empowerment and social cohesion, all of which would help tackle insecurity.
    While speaking on the newly inaugurated cooperatives for Pastors, Jock stated that it would provide financial support and capacity building initiatives to enable them to serve their congregation effectively.
    He added that the cooperative would facilitate access to resources, including funding opportunities, for member empowerment while engaging in community outreach and social initiatives, addressing pressing issues and improving lives.
    Earlier, Bishop Monday Yakunat, the President of Pastor’s Unity Network,Nigeria said the organisation was aimed at improving the lives of the Ministers and Pastors while promoting unity among them.
    He urged the pastors to venture into businesses so as to grow and empower themselves, adding that they should be involved in nation building .
    Representing the state government, the Director, Bureau for Interfaith, Christian Matters, Mr. John Baba, said Gov. Uba Sani wanted the unity of religious leaders, adding, ”he listens to them.”
    He urged the executives of the cooperative to be committed to ensuring they achieve their goals and ensure proper records keeping of all their activities.
    On his part,  the Christian Association of Nigeria(CAN) Secretary, Kaduna State chapter,  Pastor Okunlola Ayobami, said the cooperative would enjoy maximum support from the association as a parental body.
    He commended the network for the job they were doing in uniting pastors in the state, urging them to open the cooperative society to other parts of the state and Nigeria as a whole.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    AMG/BRM
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    Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

  • NTI Director urges staff to acquire entrepreneurial skills

    NTI Director urges staff to acquire entrepreneurial skills
    Skills
    By Aisha Gambo
    Kaduna, June 28, 2024 ( NAN) Prof. Musa Maitafsir, the Director and Chief Executive of the National Teachers’ Institute(NTI), Kaduna, has called on the staff of the Institute to acquire entrepreneurial skills, as a way of augmenting their incomes and supporting themselves.
    Maitafsir, who was represented by the Registrar and Secretary to Council, Hajiya Fatima Abbas-Jega, made the call on Friday at  the ‘Second NTI Teacher Acculturation’ public lecture organised by the Department of Academic Services.
    He said,  “Together, let’s explore how this holistic approach can propel our nation towards greater prosperity and sustainable development.”
    Maitafsir called on the staff to embrace the opportunity and explore its innovative approaches that will have a way for a more secure and prosperous future for them.
    He said the public lecture stood as a testament to the commitment in fostering an educational environment that goes beyond textbooks and traditional methodologies.
    The NTI chief executive described the theme of the public lecture: “Agriculture as a more Productive and Profitable Retirement Plan,” as having significant implications for the future of  education and the well-being of staff.
    Maitafsir added, “Inculcating our civil servants with entrepreneurial skills is not just only a necessity, but strategically imperative for national growth and sustainability.”
    He said the public lecture was about nurturing an entrepreneurial spirit among the staff of the Institute and students as well as the general public, so as to enable them to instill valuable skills in the learners they guide and mentor.
    In his first presentation on ‘Civil Service Reforms,’ the Guest Speaker, Zubairu Abdullahi, said the service has been the most stable arm of government since the colonial period.
    The News Agency of Nigeria ( NAN) reports that Abdullahi is the Director, Special Duties, Office of the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education.
    He highlighted  some key reforms in the service, stating that  the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu was centred on 23 deliverables, which he said NTI under Maitafsir has already queued in, especially in areas of innovation and technology.
    Abdullahi emphasised on capacity building, performance management function as well as IPPIS human resource component and innovation, among other pillars of the reforms.
    He said, “By developing standard operating procedures to track performance of staff, everybody must contribute.”
    Specifically on innovation, the director charged the staff to think outside the box, stating further, ”life is easy if technology is embraced.”
    On prioritising staff welfare as part of the pillars of the reforms, the guest speaker said there was the need for good staff welfare, which will enhance performance.
    He, however, said loyalty was key and therefore called on the staff to support the present administration of Maitafsir.
    In his second paper, ” Agriculture as a more productive and profitable retirement plan,” which is the fulcrum of the public lecture, Abdullahi vividly depicted the economic importance of agriculture in the life of a civil servant.
    He discussed the crop farming component as well as  animal breeding, highlighting the values, modern practices and cultivation of various food crop species that were suitable and profitable in Nigeria.
    The Director, Academic Services Department, Dr Oyedeji Omobola, appreciated what she described as the exceptional leadership of Maitafsir, under whom the Institute has advanced its mission of elevating the standard of teacher education and professional development.
    She acknowledged that NTI was getting to its peak, extolling the unwavering commitment of Maitaafsr to innovation, excellence and the empowerment of educators.
    Omobola said that this has transformed NTI into a beacon of knowledge and growth, appreciating the other management staff for their contribution to the success of the public lecture. ( NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    AMG/
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  • AKK gas pipeline project 90% complete -Minister

    AKK gas pipeline project 90% complete -Minister

    Gas
    By Aisha Gambo
    Kaduna, June 21,2024(NAN) The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, on Friday stated that the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano(AKK) gas pipeline project has reached 90 per cent completion.
    The minister made the disclosure during an inter- ministerial visit to the gas project at River Kaduna HDD crossing site, Kaduna State.
    He stated that the 614 kilometers project has reached a commendable stage in spite of the effect of COVID 19 and the prevailing security challenges in some of the host communities .
    “We have witnessed the tremendous natural gas pipeline project and we have seen the skill and capacity of both the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation(NNPC) and the Chinese Nigeria partnership.
    “I’m sure and I’m convinced that this project in line with the presidential mandate will be completed on time by the first quarter of next year.
    “It should give all Nigerians confidence in our own ability to do our own project, bring partners in to help and grow the economy,” he said.
    On his part the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Mr Ekperikpe Ekpo, said the project was critical for the country as it would help boost the economy.
    He added that the ministry would ensure the timely completion of the project as directed by President Bola Tinubu in order to create job opportunities,revive industries, improve power and generate revenue .
    Ekpo explained that the ministry, in collaboration with NNPC, was working towards expanding the project to other parts of the nation so that every  state would have gas and energy security.
    He expressed optimism that the project would succeed and Nigeria would  be the hub of gas distribution within the sub region and export gas to other countries.
    Earlier,the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammad Idris, stated that it was part of Tinubu’s mandate to complete projects that have positive impacts on the people.
    He said that the project would be delivered in good time and Nigerians would see the benefits shortly.
    Similarly,Gov. Uba Sani, who was represented by his Deputy , Hajiya Hadiza Balarabe, said the gas project would solve the state ‘s power challenge and improve citizens’ standard of living.
    Meanwhile , Mr Howard Wang, Chairma,Brentex CPP Ltd ,  the contractors, said that they directly employed more than 1,925 skilled and sSemi-skilled Nigerian workers for the project.
    He added that they had worked in harmony with more than 240 local communities living along the right way for the project.
    “BCL has enjoyed tremendous support from the Federal Government of Nigeria through the able leadership of NNPC Ltd, without this support we may have had no magic to perform.
    “We also celebrate ourselves, BCL, a consortium of Chinese Government owned companies and a Nigerian local private company that successfully worked together to bring the project to the success it is today”,he said.
    The Group Chief Executive Officer, NNPC Ltd, Mr Mele Kyari, said that the company was committed to delivering the gas pipeline project on time.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    AMG/BRM
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    Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

  • Man docked for allegedly stealing N350,000 worth phones

    Man docked for allegedly stealing N350,000 phones

    Theft
    By Aisha Gambo
    Kaduna, June 20, 2024(NAN) A 30-year-old man, Umar Hassan, on Thursday appeared  before a Shari’a Court sitting at Magajin Gari, Kaduna State, for allegedly stealing two mobile phones worth N350,000.
    The prosecutor, ASP Luka Sadau, said that Hassan was brought to a police station by Mr Yahya Aliyu, the Secretary of Phone Sellers Union, Royal Phone Marketplace, on June 14.
    ” He was earlier reported to the union over alleged phone snatching.
    “The union leaders interrogated him but when they went to pray, he used the opportunity to steal two phones.
    ” He hid the phones and denied taking them but he was searched and the missing phones were retrieved,” the prosecutor said.
    Hassan m, however, pleaded not guilty.
    The Judge, Malam Anas Khalifa, granted him bail on the condition that he should present an iman or the traditional leader of his area of residence, as surety.
    The judge  adjourned  the case until June 27 for trial. (NAN)
    AMG/IGO
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    Edited by Ijeoma Popoola

  • Man jailed 1 year over N1.6m theft

    Man jailed 1 year in over N1.6m theft

    Theft

    By Aisha Gambo

    Kaduna, June 20, 2024 (NAN) A Shari’a Court sitting at Magajin Gari, Kaduna State on Thursday sentenced 42 year-old Nura Yahya to one year in a correctional facility for stealing items worth N1.6 million.

    The Judge, Malam Anas Khalifa, gave the judgment after the accused pleaded guilty to the charge of theft.

    The judge stated that Yahya would pay N1 million compensation to the complainant after serving his one year jail term.

    He, however, gave the accused an option of N100,000 fine, pay N1.6 million compensation to the nominal complainant, Muhammad Sani, and also N20,000 cost of prosecution.

    Earlier, the prosecutor, Insp Abdilmumin Shuaibu, had said that the accused was taken in by the nominal complainant, who is a tanker driver, as an apprentice.

    “On Aug. 25, 2023, he was given custody of a tanker vehicle carrying gas worth N500,000, but he sold the gas and some vehicle parts worth N1.1m.

    “He has refused to mention the people he sold the stolen items to; he insists that he just met them on the road,” he said.

    He prayed the court to compel the accused to pay for the goods and punish him accordingly.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    AMG/AMM

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    Edited by Abiemwense Moru

     

     

     

     

  • Teenagers docked for allegedly stealing Chief Magistrate’s AC

    Teenagers docked for allegedly stealing Chief Magistrate’s AC

    Theft

    By Aisha Gambo

    Kaduna, June 20, 2024 (NAN) Three teenagers on Thursday appeared before a Shari’a court sitting at Magajin Gari, Kaduna State, over alleged criminal conspiracy, house breaking and stealing of split Air Conditioner.

    The prosecutor, Mr Luka Sadau, said the accused were five in number but only three were found, adding that they broke into a chief Magistrate’s house to steal the items.

    The three accused aged 14, 15 and 17, pleaded not guilty to all offenses.

    The Judge, Malam Anas Khalifa, granted bail to the accused on the condition they provide a Muslim cleric or traditional leader of their community as surety.

    The judge adjourned the matter to June 27 for the prosecutor to present witnesses.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    AMG/AMM

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    Edited by Abiemwense Moru

     

  • Eid-el-Kabir: Muslim faithful lament high cost of rams in Kaduna

    Eid-el-Kabir: Muslim faithful lament high cost of rams in Kaduna

    Eid
    By Aisha Gambo
    Kaduna, June 15,2024(NAN) Some Muslim faithful in Kaduna State have lamented the high cost of rams used as sacrifice for the Eid-el-Kabir celebration around the globe.
    The ram sacrifice is an act of worship practiced by the Muslims  to emulate Prophet Abraham (AS) who dreamt that God ordered him to sacrifice his only son Ishmael.
    Abraham agreed to obey God and perform the sacrifice but a ram was sent to him for the sacrifice in place of Ishmael .
    However, due to the economic realities of the country, some residents of the state told  the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the prices of the rams and other animals  had gone high against what obtained in 2023.
    Yahya Zakari, who was seen at the livestockl market in Zango said he came to check the prices of the rams before buying,  adding that he can only afford to buy one ram.
    “I usually buy two rams , one for me and the other  for my father; but this time around, I can only buy for my father. The rams I bought last year at N75,000 is now N130,000,” he said.
    Similarly, a civil servant, Usman Muhammad, said he won’t be able to buy a ram this year as he has other bills to take care of , adding that he hoped  to be able to afford it next year.
    On his part, Mohammad Tijjani, said he bought his ram from his village in Adamawa  as it was cheaper over there.
    Meanwhile, rams and other livestock vendors said the prices of the  rams were fair depending on the customers’ needs.
    Sulaiman Umar , a animal vendor said that the prices of rams at his stand starts from N70,000 and above, adding that the customers were getting rams within their budgets.
    “Most people are assuming the price or getting information from heresay but when you come to buy, you will find a ram within your budget.
    “I urge the people with the means to come to the market themselves and stop believing in  what other people are saying “,he
    NAN reports that in Zango animal market, Tudun Wada area of Kaduna ,a ram costing N1.5 million was displayed for sale.
    Malam Haruna Adams said a customer bargained the ram at N1.2 million but it wasn’t sold to him.(NAN) 9www.nannews.ng)
    AMG/BRM
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    Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

  • Anniversary: 1 year too early to assess Tinubu–Don

  • Kaduna assembly c’ttee on finances of ex-Gov. El-Rufai submits report

    Kaduna assembly c’ttee on finances of ex-Gov. El-Rufai submits report

    Probe
    By Aisha Gambo
    Kaduna, June 5,2024(NAN) The ad- hoc committee set up by the Kaduna State House of Assembly to investigate all the finances, loans and contracts awarded under the former Gov. Nasir El-Rufai has submitted its report to the house.
    The Chairman of the committee,Mr Magaji Danjuma, while reading  the report on Wednesday stated that the committee had discovered evidence of several cases of alleged corruption in the running of the state from  May 2015 to May 2023.
    He said that the committee had also discovered some alleged improper  awards of contracts without due process with some loans collected without the approval of the state assembly.
    While reading the report summary , the Speaker, Dahiru Liman, said that the El-Rufai administration had a total income of N1.49 trillion in the years under review, adding that some of these monies were allegedly misappropriated.
    He added that the Ministry of Finance,  in collaboration with the Kaduna State Inland Revenue Service (KADIRS) reportedly withdrew the sum of N 721.67 million  through the use of ‘unauthorized debit card by a third party’.
    Lima n explained that another N30 billion was siphoned from the state’s internally generated revenue by the ministry of finance with some  officials of  KADIRS, following other questionable transactions found by the committee.
    The speaker explained that the then administration awarded  a contract worth N 510.47 billion and left behind contractor’s, public and consultants’ liabilities.
    Therefore, the committee recommended that the Kaduna Internal Revenue Service to withdraw the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) Account domiciled at Zenith Bank as Security for N20 billion guaranteed in 2023 forthwith.the
    ” And to request the bank to refund all monies deducted on account of the purported illegal guarantee together with the accrued interest thereof.
    ” That, all the Commissioners of Finance of the State from May 29, 2015 to May 29, 2023 be referred to the appropriate law enforcement agencies for thorough investigation”,he said.
    The committee also recommended that
    all the Accountant Generals of the State that served during the years be referred to the appropriate law enforcement Agencies for investigation including KADIRS chairmen.
    Others to be referred to the law enforcement agencies include Ms. Dolapo Popoola, the immediate past Managing Director of AlL KAPSCO and Mr Muyiwa Adekeye, for Special Adviser
    to the governor on Media and Communication.
    Other recommendations were for the current Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) and the current Executive Secretary,State Pension Bureau to step aside for proper investigation.
    The committee stated that all loans obtained by the Kaduna State Government between 29th May, 2015 to 29th May, 2023 obtained without due process were not binding on the state.
     He added that the state government should henceforth stop honouring all obligations arising from them.
    Also some the contractors who have not worked or were overpaid should refund to the state government a total sum of N36.35 billion being monies paid for contracts .(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    AMG/BRM
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    Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

  • NLC strike: Courts, banks shut down in Kaduna

    NLC strike: Courts, banks shut down in Kaduna

    Strike
    By Aisha Gambo
    Kaduna, June 3,2024(NAN) Following the indefinite strike action embarked upon by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) over new national minimum wage, Courts, banks and other government offices have been  closed in Kaduna.

    A News of Nigeria(NAN) Correspondent observed that Federal and State High Courts along with Shari’a Courts have fully complied with the NLC directive.

    Banks were also closed except for ATM terminals while the Federal Secretariat ,Kawo and the state government-owned Secretariat at Independence Way were also shut down.
    A civil servant who pleaded anonymity said the members of the NLC shut the gates to her work place, telling other staffers to go back home.
    She urged the government to expedite action on the new minimum wage to alleviate the suffering of the masses.
    Similarly, Ibrahim Yusuf, a businessman,  urged NLC to accept the Federal Government’s proposal and call off the strike.
    “The labor unions are fighting for the civil servants not for us the business people; minimum wage does not concern us,all we need is for our Naira to regain its value.
    “We want inflation to be reduced drastically so that people can afford to buy what we are selling and our businesses will blossom,” he said.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    AMG/BRM
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    Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani a