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Author: Awayi Kuje

  • Nasarawa lawmaker disburses N20m to 130 constituents, inaugurates scholarship c’ttee

    Nasarawa lawmaker disburses N20m to 130 constituents, inaugurates scholarship c’ttee

    Scholarship
    By Awayi Kuje
    Obi (Nasarawa State) June 30, 2024 (NAN) The Minority Leader of the Nasarawa House of Assembly,  Luka Iliya Zhekaba, on Sunday, disbursed N20 million as palliative to 130 members of his constituency.

    In a speech at the event held at Duduguru, Obi Local Government Area (LGA), Zhekaba said that the gesture was intended to cushion the effect of the prevailing economic hardship in the country.

    He also hoped that the cash gift would help to improve the people’s standard of living.

    The lawmaker, representing Obi 2 State Constituency, also inaugurated a committee “to fashion out the modalities for the disbursement of scholarships to students” in his constituency.

    He said: “Everybody knows what is going on in the country today.

    “We know the prevailing economic situation in the country today.

    “Whoever says that it is well in the country, he did not tell the truth.

    “I organised this programme in order to distribute palliative to cushion the harsh effect of the prevailing economic situation in the country,” he said.

    Zhekaba, a PDP chieftain, said that some people got N100,000, while others got N50,000.

    He promised to continue to implement measures that would help to ensure improved standard of living in the constituency.

    He said: “I will continue to do my best for my people by keying into different policies and programmes that will have direct bearing on your lives.

    “What I am after is to ensure better and improved standard of living for the people of my constituency.”

    The lawmaker urged those, who have yet to benefit from his gesture, to be patient, saying that he would sustain his people-oriented programmes.

    He thanked his constituents for their continued support and urged them not to rest on their oars.

    He further admonished the constituency and other parts of the state to “continue to live in unity, peace and tolerate one another, irrespective of our differences and political affiliations”.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was attended by the Speaker of the House, Mr Danladi Jatau, other members and PDP chieftains in the constituency.

    In a brief remark, Jatau commended Zhekaba for giving out cash as palliative to the people of his constituency.

    He said that the gesture would not only improve the standard of living of the beneficiaries but also boost the socio-economic activities of the constituency.

    “I want to appreciate Hon. Luka Iliya Zhekaba for what he has been doing for the people of his constituency.

    “Hon. Zhekaba is an outspoken and hard working member.

    “He is up and doing in ensuring the development of his constituency and state at large,” the speaker said.

    Also, the PDP Chairman Obi LGA, Mr Jeremiah Joseph, and PDP Duglu Ward Chairman, Mr Augustine Agwale, thanked the lawmaker for always coming to the aid of his people.

    They said that they were proud of his quality representation of his constituency in the House.

    They assured him of their support to succeed at all times. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    AKW/USO
    Edited by Sam Oditah

     

     

     

  • Lawmaker seeks boundary demarcation between Nasarawa, Benue to curb clashes

  • PCRC will support Police, others to tackle  insecurity in Nasarawa – Chairman

    Insecurity

    By Awayi Kuje

    Lafia, June 26, 2024 ( NAN) The Nasarawa State chapter of the Police Community Relations Committee ( PCRC), has promised to support the Police and other security agencies toward tackling all forms of security challenges confronting parts of the state.

    Its Chairman in the state, Mr David Abuluya, said this on Wednesday in Lafia.

    Abuluya spoke during a townhall on strengthening community policing in Nigeria, with the theme ”Community Policing: Building a Safer Nigeria Together.”

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was organised by the Ministry of Police Affairs.

    Abuluya, who is the proprietor, Nacabs Polytechnic, Akwanga, said that effective partnership with the security agencies would promote lasting peace in the state

    ” It will also bring speedy development to Nasarawa state, North-Central Nigeria and the country at large.

    “So, we will support the police and other security agencies to promote peace and unity at all levels,” he said

    The PCRC chairman promised to create awareness on the gains of peaceful coexistence toward the growth and development of the state.

    Abuluya urged residents of the state to provide useful information to the police, adding that such move would enable prompt response in distress moments.

    He promised to initiate policies and programmes that would promote peaceful coexistence in all parts of the state.

    NAN reports that Abuluya was presented with an award by the ministry of police affairs for his dedication and commitment toward a peaceful society.( NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    AKW/AZA

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    Edited by Polycarp Auta

  • Nasarawa killings: Lawmaker calls for calm, peaceful co-existence 

    Nasarawa killings: Lawmaker calls for calm, peaceful co-existence
    Killings
    By Awayi Kuje
    Lafia, June 26, 2024 ( NAB) Mr Mohammed Omadefu, member, Nasarawa State House of Assembly (APC- Keana), has called for calm among his people over Tuesday’s killing of some farmers in his constituency.
    Omadefu, who is also the Chairman, House Committee on Environment, made the call while speaking with newsmen in Lafia on Wednesday.
    He said that the call for the people of his constituency to remain calm and not to take the law into their hands has become necessary.
    “Due to the importance of peace and unity to the overall development of the area and the State at large,” Omadefu said.
    The lawmaker said the state government and other relevant authorities have taken up the matter and were on top of the situation.
    Omadefu said, ” I condemn in totality the lingering killings of innocent souls of Keana sons, who are genuine farmers to earn a living but were shot down to death in their farms yesterday
    ” This act of carnage is worrisome and stands condemned especially at this farming period.
    “And when the government is putting up all necessary measures towards sustainable peace and development in the State.”
    He commiserated with the families of those who were killed and affected by the incident.
    ” Security agencies are on top of the situation to fetch out the perpetrators and bring normalcy to my dear constituency
    ” May the souls of the departed rest in peace,” he added, wishing those receiving treatment a quick recovery.
    The lawmaker urged the people of his constituency to continue to live in peace and tolerate one another irrespective of their affiliations.
    ” I want to use this medium to call on all the people of Keana and other people of the state to continue to live in peace and tolerate one another irrespective of their differences
    ” As peace is the requirement for the development of any society, peace is priceless and non negotiable, let embrace it all,” Omadefu urged.
    The News Agency of Nigeria recalls that on Tuesday, gunmen killed some farmers numbering about three in Keana LG.  ( NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    AKW/BRM
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    Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

  • Gov Sule commiserates with ex-deputy Gov Agara over wife’s death

     

    Condolence

    By Awayi Kuje

    Lafia, June 26, 2024 (NAN) Gov. Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State, has commiserated with former Deputy Governor of the state, Silas Agara over the death of his wife, Mrs Jummai Agara.

    Sule, in a statement he personally signed and made available to newsmen on Wednesday in Lafia, urged the former deputy to take solace in God over the unfortunate incident.

    “I am saddened by the news of the demise of Mrs Jummai Agara, the beloved wife of our former Deputy Governor, His Excellency Silas Agara.

    “The loss of life anyway is painful even more so is the death of a partner who had provided support, care and love to her family and wherever she found herself.

    “She will be sorely missed,” Sule said.

    The governor also prayed God to forgive the shortcomings and for the repose of the soul of ex-deputy governor’s wife.

    “I, on behalf of my family and the good  people of our state whole heartedly commiserate with His Excellency Silas Agara and the rest of the family.

    “Sir, I urge you to take solace in the fond memories and the worthy life Jummai lived.

    “My condolences to the entire people of Akwanga Local Government Area in particular and the state as a whole,” he said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that late Mrs Agara died on June 25, 2024, at a hospital in Abuja following a protracted illness. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    AKW/FAT/IU
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    Edited by Fatima Sule Abdullahi/ Isaac Ukpoju

  • NDLEA arrests 150 drug trafficking suspects in Nasarawa State

     

    Arrests

    By Awayi Kuje

    Lafia, June 26, 2024 (NAN) National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), says it arrested 150 suspected drugs traffickers in Nasarawa State between July 2023 and June 2024.

    Mr Peter Onche-Odaudu, State Commander of NDLEA in Nasarawa made the disclosure at the grand finale of a week-long event to mark the 2024 United Nations International Day Against Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, on Wednesday in Lafia.

    Onche-Odaudu said that the suspects comprised of 144 males and six females, while 7,148.95 kilogrammes of illicit drugs were seized within the period under review.

    According to the commander, the over seven tons of exhibit seized were made up of 7,037.2kg of Indian hemp, 0.011kg of Cocaine, 0.185kg of Methamphetamine and 111.53kg of sundry psychotropic substances.

    “A very significant arrest and seizure is that of 4,037kg of Indian hemp in one fell swoop on Sunday, February 4, 2024.

    “This remains the single highest seizure of drugs in the history of the drug war in Nasarawa State. The suspects arrested and the 40-footer truck seized are being prosecuted and forfeited respectively,” he said.

    The NDLEA commander in the state also noted that within the period, 117 suspects were convicted and given various jail terms at the Federal High Court, Lafia.

    He said that the Command, through its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign, sensitised no fewer than 46,802 persons – 27,033 males and 19,769 females in schools, communities, workplaces and motor parks across the state.

    “As part of our rehabilitation programme, Eight male clients were taken into our facility, counseled and rehabilitated, 752 arrested suspects, who were obvious drug user, were given brief counselling interventions and released to their families,” he said.

    Onche-Odaudu noted that the theme for 2024 drugs day commemoration, “The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention”, was instructive as it tallied with the ideal of UN to prioritise prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation over punishment and incarceration.

    He attributed the feat recorded by Command in the drug war in the state to the support from Governor Abdullahi Sule, his wife, Silifat Sule, as well as the encouragement from the Chairman/ Chief Executive Officer of the Agency, Retired Brig.-Gen. Muhammed Buba Marwa and other stakeholders in the state.

    The NDLEA boss in the state also appreciated officers and men of the Command for their bravery and commitment to the fight against drug abuse and illicit trafficking, which he said had yielded tremendous results in the state.

    Onche-Odaudu, however, said that the Command was grappling with daunting challenges of lack of operational vehicles and other logistics.

    “Also paucity of funds to run the Command and particularly to procure credible intelligence on the activities of drug dealers, from our confidential Informant or ‘whistleblowers’ in more common parlance, continue to be a cog in our wheel,” he said.

    In her remarks, Hajiya Silifat Sule, wife of Nasarawa governor and Special Guest at the event, pledged her commitment and support to NDLEA in the fight against drug abuse and illicit trafficking.

    Sule said as a mother, should could not fold her arms an watch the youth waste their lives to drugs.(NAN)

    AKW/IU

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    Edited by Isaac Ukpoju

  • Lawmaker distributes 1,200 bags of fertilizer, cash to constituents in Nasarawa

    Lawmaker distributes 1,200 bags of fertilizer, cash to constituents in Nasarawa
    Fertilizer
    By Awayi Kuje
    Akwanga ( Nasarawa State) June 10, 2024 ( NAN) Mr  Larry Ven – Bawa, member representing Akwanga North constituency at the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, has distributed 1,200 bags of NPK fertilizer to boost agricultural yield of the people of his constituency.
    The lawmaker said that he has also distributed cash ranging from N1million, N500,000 and N50,000 each to his Campaign Council, Value Addition Media Team, Campaign Coordinators, delegates and supporters in order to improve  their standard of living.
    Ven-Bawa, the Chief Whip of the House made this known during the inauguration  of his 2nd Annual Value Addition Agricultural Empowerment Scheme and Cash Reward For Excellence in Andaha, Akwanga LGA.
    According to him, in this rainy season, it is time that farmers go to the farm to plant crops and dress them.
    “Value Addition demands that I should take advantage of the season by providing bags of fertilizer for the farmers so that their economic status will be enhanced and food shortage will be a thing of the past.
    ” Today’s programme is made up of two events, The Agricultural Empowerment Scheme and Cash Reward For Excellence.
    ” I have the mandate to liberate Akwanga North Constituency from the shackles of misrule, misrepresentation and under-performance
    ” In order to accomplish the mandate, I have come out with a working and guiding document known as  ‘Value Addition’, It has become my identity,” he said.
    Ven-Bawa said that the financial ‘Reward for Excellence’ was for the people who stood by him, Kwantamania and Gov. Abdullahi Sule, in the primary and general elections.
    ” These categories of people are my Campaign Council, Coordinators, Value Addition Media Team, Value Addition Placard Association and delegates that voted for me during the primary election
    ” The exercise is an expression of my gratitude to them for the sacrifices that they made for our sake, all in all for today’s programme I spent almost N50 million,” he said.
    Ven – Bawa assured of continuous sound representation at the state legislature and
     appreciated Sule for the numerous projects executed in his constituency and the state at large.
    The lawmaker called on the people of his constituency to continue to support the governor to succeed.
    On his part, Mr  Danladi Jatau, the Speaker of the assembly commended Ven-Bawa for providing the fertilizers to the people of his constituency.
    Jatau said that the gesture would go a long way in boosting agricultural production in the constituency and the state at large.
    The speaker appreciated  Sule for the good working relationship and assured him of the 7th assembly’s maximum support for him to succeed.
    The speaker urged the people of Akwanga North constituency to continue to pray and support Sule and Hon. Larry to succeed.
    Earlier,  Isa Andaha, the Chairman of Akwanga Local Government Area thanked Sule for the distribution of tractors to the people of the state.
    He said that the governor’s gesture would boost food security in the state, assuring him of his peoples’ resolve to continue to support him to succeed.
    Andaha, however, appealed to the state government to construct the Andaha road network. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    AKW/BRM
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    Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

  •  Sule plans to construct underpass, link roads in Akwanga LGA

  • Nasarawa lawmaker donates vehicles, inaugurates projects to mark first anniversary

    Anniversary
    By Awayi Kuje
    Lafia, June 8, 2024 (NAN) Mr Solomon Akwashiki (SDP-Lafia Central), member, Nasarawa State House of Assembly, on Saturday in Lafia, donated 12 vehicles to his constituents and inaugurated some  borehole projects to mark his one year in office.
    The lawmaker also doled out N10,000 each to 500 indigent women at the event as part of efforts to cushion the hardship on them.
    Speaking at the event, Gov. Abdullahi Sule extolled the lawmaker for initiating various projects and programmes, which had direct bearing on the lives of the people.
    Represented by his deputy, Dr Emmanuel Akabe, the governor scored Akwashiki’s performance high and
    urged other elected representatives to emulate him.
    He also appreciated the lawmaker  for keying into the state government’s development programmes.
    ” Nasarawa State is our project, it is a project for everybody as we must come together to develop the state,” he said
    Sule lauded the Speaker and members of the 7th Assembly for operating as one united assembly irrespective of political party difference and giving the state government the needed support to succeed.
    He encouraged the people to continue to maintain peace being enjoyed in the State.
    Also Speaking, Mr Danladi Jatau, the Speaker, Nasarawa State House of Assembly said that Akwashiki had  made him and the entire Assembly proud through his legislative duties and commitment to his constituency.
    ” Today is a great day in the history of the Assembly as Solomon Akwashiki is giving out dividends of democracy to his people
    ” Akwashiki is doing well and I am proud of his quality representation,” he said.
    He urged him not to relent in providing the much needed dividends of democracy to his constituents.
    The speaker also solicited for the prayers and support of all and sundry to enable the 7th Assembly and Gov. Sule to succeed.
    “Members of the 7th Assembly have the capacity to deliver and are giving back to their people what the people expected from them.
    ” What we want is prayers and support  of the people of the state in order to succeed,” he said
    Jatau appreciated Gov. Sule for the good working relationship between the legislative and executive arms in the state and called for its sustenance.
    In their separate remarks, Sen Aliyu Ahmed Wadada (SDP- Nasarawa West), Rep Abubakar Sarki-Dahiru (SDP-Lafia/Obi),  Mr Aliyu Bello, the State APC Chairman, Hajiya Silifat Sule, wife of the governor, and Mr Danlami Musa, SDP Chairman, Nasarawa State,  all appreciated the lawmaker for touching the lives of his constituents through meaningful programmes and projects.
    They urged Akwashiki not to relent in improving on the standard of living of his constituents.
    On his part, Akwashiki, who is also the Minority Whip of the House said that he  was committed to improving the standard of living of his constituents, hence the provision of infrastructure and other programmes.
    He promised to do more for his constituency and the state to justify the confidence reposed in him by their mandate.
    The lawmaker appreciated all dignitaries for honouring him with their presence at the event and wished them safe journey to their various destinations.( NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    AKW/IU
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    Edited by Isaac Ukpoju

  • Nasarawa Assembly to partner Executive to retrofit General Hospitals

    Nasarawa Assembly to partner Executive to retrofit General Hospitals

    By Awayi Kuje
    Hospitals
    Lafia, June 6, ( 2024) The Nasarawa House of Assembly Committee on Health says the legialature is poised to collaborate with the executive to retrofit all the General Hospitals in the state.

    The Chairman of the committee, Mr Larry Ven-Bawa, said this on Thursday, when the members undertook an inspection tour of General Hospitals at Awe, Keana and Doma.

    Ven-Bawa said that the committee was impressed with the structures and equipment they saw at the facilities.

    He commended Gov. Abdullahi Sule for the appreciable stride made in the health sector and promised that the house would give him all the necessary legislative support to do more.

    “His Excellency, Gov. Sule has a special interest in healthcare service delivery.

    “We will give him all the necessary support to succeed in the interest of the health of our people,” he said.

    Ven-Bawa urged the hospital workers to double their commitment and dedication to their duties.

    He said, “I want to urge you to reciprocate His Excellency’s gesture by being dedicated to your duties at all times,” he said.

    The lawmaker further commended the authorities of the Hospitals Management Board, those of the General Hospitals and workers for their commitment and hardwork in ensuring that the people receive the best healthcare services.

    “The committee has seen commitment in the board and the managements of the hospitals in the discharge of their responsibilities.

    “We commend you for that and urge you to do more,” he said.

    Responding, the Chief Medical Director, State Hospital Management Board, Dr Egba Edego, thanked the committee for its commitment to the development of the health sector in the state.

    Edego said that the General Hospitals in the 13 Local Government Areas of the state were receiving massive transformation due to effective synergy between the Executive and the Legislature.

    He thanked the governor for the upgrading of the general hospitals, in terms of both the structures and modern equipment which, he said, had gone a long way in advancing the operations of the facilities.

    He, however,  expresses concern over the alleged encroachment on the hospitals’ lands.

    He, therefore, appealed for the committee’s quick intervention to checkmate the phenomenon.

    According to him, the encroachment has seriously affected five of the 17 General Hospitals in the state. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    AKW/USO
    Edited by Sam Oditah