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Author: Amen Gajira

  • Southern Kaduna youth forum commits to peace building, civic participation

  • Kaduna: 6 students drown on way home after JSSC exams

     

    Drowning
    By Amen Gajira
    Ribang (Kaduna State), June 26, 2024 (NAN) Six students of Government Secondary School, Fadan Chawai, Kauru Local Government in Kaduna State, drowned on their way home after writing the Junior Secondary School Certificate Examination (JSSE), on Wednesday.
    The students, all from Ribang community, were on their way back home after writing the ongoing JSSC examination when the tragedy occurred.
    Mr Ishaya Chingali, community leader in Chawai and  Vice President of the Southern Kaduna Peoples Union (SOKAPU), said that 11 students entered the river linking Ribang community and Fadan Chawai.
    “Six of them drowned, five survived,” Chingali told the News Agency of Nigeria(NAN).
    He said that four bodies had been recovered while the search for the remaining two was still ongoing.
    “They tried to cross the river to the other side like they have done severally.
    “Unfortunately, six of them drowned in the process,” he said.
    Mr Yohanna Gwall, President of the Ribang Development Association, gave the names of the deceased to include Manasseh Monday, Musa John, Pius David, David Danlami, Yahuza Audu and Monday Ayuba.
    “It is really sad; a tragedy has befallen our community. Their parents won’t see them again. Their siblings and friends won’t play with them again.
    “They just left with their dreams and aspirations at their prime,” he fumed.
    When contacted, Mr Bashir Dawaki, Chairman of Kauru Local Government, said that he had directed security agencies to get a detailed report of what happened.
    “I’m on my way to the place, but I have directed the security agencies to carry out a thorough investigation and get back to me.
    “So, I cannot say much right now until I am properly briefed,” he said.
    In a statement, Mr Tabara Kato, SOKAPU President, condoled families of the deceased school children and Ribang community over the unfortunate incident.
    Kato called on government and all relevant security agencies to come to the aid of rural communities by fixing roads and bridges that link up other communities to avert a recurrence.
    Kauru Local Government is a generally rural setting with its inhabitants trekking long distances to schools, markets and even farms.
    Worst hit are those in Chawai Chiefdom, a very rich agrarian community hugely disadvantaged by the acute dearth of roads and other basic facilities.
    Findings reveal that school children miss classes for weeks when the rivers and streams get filled up during the rainy season.
    The deceased school children opted to dare the river so as not to miss their examination and the unexpected happened. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    AMEN/ACA/ETS
    ==============
    Edited by Chidinma Agu and Ephraims Sheyin

  • NGO trains Kaduna communities on conflict sensitivity, peace building

     

    Conflict
    By Amen Gajira

    Kafanchan (Kaduna) June 24, 2024 (NAN) Global Peace Development (GPD), an NGO has trained members of Dangoma and Goska communities in Jema’a Local Government Area of Kaduna State on conflict sensitivity and peace building.

     

    Mr Ebruke Esike, Executive Director of GPD, while speaking at the training on Monday in Kafanchan, said it was organised with support from International Alert.

    He said that the training was to build the capacity of community leaders and torch bearers to manage and resolve conflicts.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that relations between the two communities have been strained in recent times.

     

    Esike said that conflict as a natural phenomenon was inevitable and should never result in violence.

     

    “Conflict is inevitable and happens because of the way we perceive things, but ought not to result in violence.

     

    “So, today we will look at the conflict tree, the conflict mapping, the stakeholder analysis and the problem solution tree amongst others,” he said.

     

    He said that the training was crucial and would ensure mitigation and prevention of conflicts in the two communities.

     

    NAN reports that the community members were trained on types, causes and prevention of conflict as well as dialogue and reconciliation amongst others.

     

    The NGO also brokered a peace deal between the two communities after a dialogue at the event, with the peace agreement to be signed at a later date.

     

    Some of the participants –  Amina Musa and Dahilo Yakubu, commended the organisers for the workshop, and pledged to cascade the training to others.

     

    They said that a number of Kaduna communities were increasingly realising the need for peace and to sheath their swords. (NAN)

     

    AMEN/CEO/IU

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    Edited by Chidi Opara / Isaac Ukpoju

     

  • Chief of Moro’a buried in Manchok, Kukah says life exemplary

     

    Burial
    By Amen Gajira
    Manchok (Kaduna State), June 22, 2024 (NAN) Tears and tributes poured on Saturday in Manchok, Kaura Local Government in Kaduna State, when the remains of the late Chief of Moroa, Mr Tagwai Sambo, were laid to rest.
    The first class traditional ruler was 88 and had spent 58 years on the throne when his death was announced on June 15.
    In her tribute at the funeral, the Deputy Governor of Kaduna State, Dr Hadiza Balarabe, stated that Sambo served the state with extraordinary integrity and compassion.
    She added that the late Chief worked tirelessly to promote peace in his domain and beyond.
    “He was not only a custodian of tradition but a beacon of peace. His immeasurable contributions to our dear state will remain indelible in our hearts.
    “His legacies will endure in the minds of those who knew him.”
    Also in her tribute, wife of the deceased, Alisabatu Sambo, described her late husband as a humble man who always put the needs of others before his own.
    “His life was a beautiful journey, marked by the love he gave and the lives he touched.
    “As we honour his memory, I find solace in the incredible moments we shared and the profound impact he had on our lives,” she added.
    She said her husband taught her the true meaning of contentment and love.
    Also speaking, Sen. Sunday Katung, said Sambo led his people with the fear of God, dedication and courage.
    Katung stressed that he would be remembered for his laudable contributions to the growth and development of Kaduna State.
    For Bishop Mathew Kukah, Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Sambo lived an exemplary life.
    Kukah appealed to the young people of Southern Kaduna to honour the late Chief’s memory by sustaining his legacy of love, peace, faith and unwavering principles.
    On his part, former Gov. Ahmed Makarfi, said the late Chief was a leader whose life had been about the people and peaceful co-existence among them.
    Makarfi explained that Sambo was an epitome of decency, comportment, calm and peaceful mien who performed creditably in all of his responsibilities.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Sambo was born on Dec. 24, 1936 and ascended the throne at the age of 30 in 1966.
    Until his appointment, he was the Commissioner of Works and Housing in the North Regional Government. (NAN) www.nannews.ng
    AMEN/ETS
    =========

  • Anniversary: Lawmaker empowers 60 constituents with N30m in Kaduna

    Anniversary: Lawmaker empowers 60 constituents with N30m in Kaduna
    Achievements
    By Amen Gajira
    Kafanchan (Kaduna State) June 20, 2024 (NAN) Rep. Dan Amos (PDP/Kaduna), has empowered 60 of his constituents with N30 million as part of gestures to mark his one year in office.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the beneficiaries are expected to use the monies as seed funds to grow their small-scale businesses.
    Amos, who represents Jema’a and Sanga Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, assured his constituents of more effective representation.
    He also revealed his achievements in his first year to include the award of scholarship to 200 students in tertiary institutions and the construction of a fully-equipped vocational and technical secondary school.
    Others include the distribution of 1400 bags of fertilizer, grinding and sewing machines as well as the drilling of 80 boreholes and rehabilitation of existing ones across the constituency.
    On infrastructure, Amos said he had embarked on the repair of roads, construction of a stadium in Sanga Local Government Area, provision of electricity and solar-powered lights.
    Amos expressed gratitude to God and the people of the constituency for giving him the opportunity to serve and promised to not let them down.
    In a message, the Deputy Governor of the state, Dr Hadiza Balarabe, represented by Mr Martins Galadima, commended the lawmaker for performing creditably in his first year in office.
    Earlier, the Chairman of the occasion and former Deputy Governor of the state, Amb. Nuhu Bajoga, had applauded Amos for exceeding all expectations and encouraged him to sustain the tempo. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    AMEN/BRM
    =============
    Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

  • Sen. Katung mourns late  Chief of Moro’a

    Condolence

    By Amen Gajira

    Manchok, June 16, 2024 (NAN) Sen. Sunday Katung (PDP Kaduna South), on Sunday, sympathised with the family of late Malam Tagwai Sambo, Chief of Moro’a, in Kaura  Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

    Sambo, a first-class traditional ruler died peacefully in his sleep on Friday at 88, and had spent 58 years on the throne.

    Katung, during a condolence visit to the family in Manchok, described Sambo’s demise as a huge loss to the nation.

    The senator, who was accompanied by Rep. Daniel Amos (PDP- Jema’a/Sanga), disclosed that the late traditional leader was a great pillar of support to him.

    He said: “Baba was a great pillar to me and for that, I am here to pay my last respect and appreciate him for being a great support to me.

    “May his soul rest in peace.”

    He added that Sambo had contributed immensely to the growth and development of not only Moro’a Chiefdom, but the entire Southern Kaduna.

    “He had lived a very productive life and represented the virtues of truth, service and honesty in his 58 years on the throne.

    “Baba’s leadership and goodwill attracted enormous development to the chiefdom and positivity impacted the lives of his people.

    “The country has lost one of its longest-reigning traditional monarchs whose contributions to the promotion of unity and peaceful coexistence among Nigerians cannot be forgotten for years to come.

    “Baba was a true leader; he was an upright person and God fearing. The only thing we can do to keep his name alive is to emulate his peaceful legacy,” the senator said.

    While consoling the wife of the late monarch, Mrs Alisabatu Sambo, the senator urged the family to be comforted in the fact that late Sambo lived for God and humanity.

    Responding, the Secretary of the Moro’a Traditional Council, Mr Emmanuel Musa, thanked the senator and his entourage for the condolence visit.

    Musa also thanked the Senator for sponsoring a bill for the establishment of the Federal University of Applied Sciences, to be sited in the Chiefdom.

    He pointed out that the move, if successful, would bring growth and development not only to Moro’a Chiefdom, but the entire Kaduna State. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    AMEN/FDY

    ==========

    Edited by Philip Yatai

  • Chief of Moroa dies after 58 years on throne

     

    Death
    By Amen Gajira
    Kafanchan (Kaduna) June 16, 2024 (NAN) Mr Tagwai Sambo, the Chief of Moroa in Kaura Local Government Area of Kaduna State, is dead.
    Sambo’s demise was announced on Saturday in Manchok by the Palace Secretary, Mr Iliya Avong.
    The first class traditional ruler was 88 and had spent 58 years on the throne.
    “Baba died peacefully in his sleep,” Avong told the News Agency of Nigeria(NAN).
    Avong added that the traditional ruler had had some health challenges since 2020.
    NAN reports that Sambo was born on Dec. 24, 1936 and ascended the throne at 30 in 1966.
    Until his appointment, he was the Commissioner for Works and Housing in the then North Regional Government. (NAN)
    AMEN/ETS
    ==========

  • Unemployed man jailed 3 years for receiving stolen train batteries

    Unemployed man jailed 3 years for receiving stolen train batteries

    Sentence
    By Amen Gajira
    Kafanchan (Kaduna State) June 13, 2024 (NAN) A Magistrates’ Court in Kafanchan, Kaduna State on Thursday, sentenced a 40-year-old unemployed man, Chibuzo Emmanuel, to three years imprisonment for receiving stolen train batteries and cylinder.
    The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corp (NSCDC)  charged Emmanuel alongside Adamu Danbaba, 52,  with theft and receiving stolen property.
    The NSCDC prosecutor, Mr Marcus Audu, told the court that a complaint was made at the corp’s office by the Nigeria Railway Corporation, North Central District Kafanchan, on May 13.
    Audu stated that Danbaba, a railway staff member, stole two train batteries and 12kg cylinder from his office and sold them to Emmanuel  for N24, 000.
    The offence, he noted, contravened the provisions of sections 271 and 302 of the Kaduna State Penal Code Law.
    When the charge was read to the defendants, Emmanuel pleaded guilty and begged the court for leniency while Danbaba denied the charge against him.
    The prosecutor prayed the court to try Emmanuel summarily and asked for another date to call witnesses to prove the case against Danbaba.
    In his ruling, magistrate Michael Bawa sentenced Emmanuel to three years imprisonment and ordered that Danbaba should be remanded.
    Bawa adjourned the case until June 24 for hearing. (NAN)
    AMEN/SH
    =========
    edited by Sadiya Hamza

  • Rep. Magaji distributes 10,000 bags of fertiliser to constituents

    Distribution
    By Amen Gajira
    Zangon Kataf (Kaduna State), June 8, 2024 (NAN) Mr Amos Magaji, a member of the House of Representatives, on Saturday commenced the distribution of 10,000 bags of fertiliser to farmers in his Zango-Kataf/Jaba constituency in Kaduna State.
    Magaji, while flagging off the exercise in Kwoi and Zonkwa simultaneously, tasked the farmers to diversify their farming engagements instead of focusing on ginger production.
    “Diversifying crop production will reduce the chances of incurring collosal losses in the event of an outbreak of disease as was the case with ginger last year.
    “Beneficiaries of the fertilizer cut across party, religious, and ethnic lines; I appeal to all to make the most of the commodity to pave the way for bumper harvest this year,” he said.
    Magaji particularly cautioned against the diversion of the product to other purposes other than the one intended.
    He thanked PDP members for sustaining the party in the area, describing the feat as heartwarming.
    In their separate remarks, PDP chairmen in Jaba and Zango Kataf Local Government Areas, Messrs Jonathan Gyam and Samuel Basa respectively, applauded the lawmaker for coming to the aid of the farmers.
    They described the gesture as timely, considering the current economic hardship faced by the people.
    They called on other well meaning individuals and organisations to emulate the lawmaker in providing succour to vulnerable members of the society.
    Some of the beneficiaries from the two local government areas appreciated the lawmaker for standing in the gap as they look to step up farming activities and improve their livelihood.
    Others who spoke, prayed God to replenish the lawmaker’s pockets and grant him the strength to sustain the kindness. (NAN)
    AMEN/ETS
    ==========

  • Rep. sponsors cancer screening for 2,000 women, girls in Kaduna

    Rep. sponsors cancer screening for 2,000 women, girls in Kaduna
    Screening
    By Amen Gajira
    Kafanchan (Kaduna State)  June 6, 2024 (NAN) Rep. Daniel Amos (APC-Kaduna) has sponsored breast and cervical cancer screening for no fever than 2,000 women and girls in his constituency.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Amos represents Jema’a/ Sanga Federal Constituency.
    The screening was preceded by a road walk in Kafanchan to raise awareness on breast and cervical cancer.
    Speaking at the event, Amos said that the exercise was part of his sustained efforts to improve the health and well-being of his constituents.
    “I am committed to issues concerning the health and well-being of the members of my constituency, particularly women and girls.
    “Good health is very important because you have to be healthy to be able to do anything for yourself or others,” he said.
    While urging the women not to see cancer as a death sentence, the lawmaker said that all detected cases that have not reached an advanced stage would be treated.
    Earlier, the leader of the screening team, Rahap Elisha, said that the essence of the campaign was to raise awareness and encourage younger girls to get screened for early detection, as it was the key to survival.
    In her remarks, the Commissioner, Kafanchan Municipal Authority, Phoebe Yayi, lauded Amos for the invaluable initiative.
    Yayi called on other well meaning individuals and organisations to emulate the lawmaker. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    AMEN/FON/BRM
    ===============
    Edited by Florence Onuegbu/Bashir Rabe Mani