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Author: Bamalli Abbas

  • Hisbah seizes 142 cartons of alcohol in Katsina

    Hisbah seizes 142 cartons of alcohol in Katsina

     

    Alcohol

     

    By Abbas Bamalli

     

     

    Katsina, June 29, 2024 (NAN) The Katsina State Hisbah Board has seized about 142 cartons of alcohol intended for delivery to Daura Local Government Area of the state.

     

    The Hisbah Commander in the state, Dr Aminu Usman, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Katsina on Saturday.

     

    According to Usman, the alcohol was seized on Monday during a city-wide patrol “to eradicate immoral behaviours and indiscipline”.

     

    The Hisbah commander explained that the operation led to the interception of the vehicle carrying the cartons of alcohol along the state’s ring road.

     

    “This task was supervised by Malam Nafi’u Ma’azu-Akilu, who ensured the items were transported to the board’s headquarters for further investigation.

     

    “In a related development, the board also arraigned two women, for the fourth time, on charges of  loitering and immoral conduct.

     

    “The women, Fatima Umar (Yargata) and Raliya Isah (Yar Ruma), are both approximately 24 years old,” the Hisbah commander disclosed.

     

    Usman said thatt in spite of previous warnings and counseling, the girls failed to reform their behaviour, leading to their arraignment before a Sharia Court.

     

    According to him, the girls pleaded guilty and were ordered to be remanded in the correctional facility until Thursday  for further trial.

     

    He called on parents, teachers, and community leaders to intensify efforts at instilling discipline and good morals among the youths.

     

    The commander also appealed to them to continue to support the board in maintaining good morals to restore values in their communities. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    AABS/OJI/BRM

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    Edited by Maureen Ojinaka/Bashir Rabe Mani

  • NGO unveils campaign to protect, promote freedom of religion, beliefs

    NGO unveils campaign to protect, promote freedom of religion, beliefs

     

    Campaign

    By Abbas Bamalli

    Katsina, June 28, 2024 (NAN) A Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), Search For Common Ground (SFCG), in partnership with the Legal Aid Council has began a campaign to promote, protect freedom of religion and belief in Nigeria.

    Speaking at the unveiling the campaign in Katsina, Hajiya Amina Umar, the Deputy Coordinator of the Northwest zone of the SFCG,  said theproject aims to promote the rights of all Nigerians to freely practice their religion or belief hinged on their fundamental human rights.

    “It’s a constitutional right for each and every citizen to exercise his/her religion without interference, or any sort of discrimination because of differences in understanding, religion or belief,” she said.

    Umar said the initiative is supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, and executed through the Youth Inter-Faith dialogue and higher level advocacy meeting.

    She further explained that the collaborative effort addresses emerging conflicts related to freedom of religion belief violations, and enhances public understanding of interfaith dynamics.

    “As part of this endeavour, we will be engaging with youths from prominent higher institutions in Katsina state to facilitate dialogues on misconceptions and beliefs among different faiths.

    “The aim is to create awareness as well as educate the public on the human rights to religious freedom and the need to stop violations along religious lines.

    Umar pointed out the mission of the NGO was to transform the way the world deals with conflict, away from adversarial approaches and toward cooperative solutions.

    “We believe that conflict is inevitable, but violence is not. Conflict is a natural result of human diversity. When we deal with conflict adversarial, it generates polarisation and violence.

    “When we collaborate, conflict catalyzes positive changes. Our vision is a world where cooperation is the norm where differences stimulate social progress, rather than precipitate violence.”

    Also speaking, Alhaji Abdulrazaq Abdullahi, the village head of Unguwar Kofar Marusa welcomed the campaign in the state.

    Abdullahi said such a project will remind the public to respect each other’s religion or belief without interference or discrimination as provided by the constitution. (NAN)

    AABS/SH

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    edited by Sadiya Hamza

     

  • Katsina State recorded reduction in out-of-school children, says UNICEF

    Katsina State recorded reduction in out-of-school children, says  UNICEF

     

    Children

    by Abbas Bamalli

    Katsina, June 28, 2024 (NAN) The United Nations Children’s Funds (UNICEF) says the rate of Out-of-school children in Katsina State has reduced from 36.9 per cent to 35.5 per cent in the last eight years.

    Mr Rahma Farah, the UNICEF’s Chief of  Kano Field Office made this known during a Media Dialogue organised in Katsina by UNICEF in collaboration with the Katsina Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education.

    Farah said the success was recorded as a resu;t of collaboration between the state government, UNICEF and other partners.

    “The number of out-of-school children has been high, with 536,122 children, but it is progressively reducing over the last eight years from 36.9 per cent in 2016 to 35.5 per cent in 2021 Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS).

    “It has been projected that the rate will reduce to 30 per cent by 2024 if commitments to education and investments are sustained by the government.

    “Primary school completion rate in Katsina state averages at 62.5 per cent compared to the national average of 73.1 per cent, and 56.1 per cent for the northwest respectively.

    “Senior Secondary School Completion rates are low, with only 32 per cent of children enrolled completing their education MICS 2021,” he said.

    Farah pointed out that it was important to note that Katsina has a positive gender parity index of one at primary level, meaning there are nearly equal numbers of girls and boys in primary school, and the transition rates can be more encouraging than they are now.

    According to him, the transition rate to secondary school in Katsina state stands at 69.5 per cent lower than the national average of 84 per cent and the northwest average of 70 per cent, with fewer girls transitioning to secondary school than boys.

    “Only 9.2 per cent, and 13.3 per cent of children in grade-3 were able to demonstrate reading and numeracy skills respectively in Katsina state compared to the national average of 26.8 and 25.3 in reading and numeracy skills respectively.

    “To mitigate against the declining state of education in terms of access, participation and quality of learning outcomes, UNICEF, and partners supported the state and governments in the Northwest to reprioritise investments in education.

    ”This has resulted in increased financing to education, increase 96720k the number of newly recruited teachers, provides over 100,000 social cash transfers to keep children from the poorest families in school, and also enrolled over 123,575 learners, boys and girls, on the Nigeria Learning Passport platform in the last two year

    “It also led to the creation of 500 community learning hubs in 10 frontline Local Government Areas, engaged radio stations to broadcast radio learning programmes and provision of solar radios and memory sticks in support of alternative learning solutions,” he said.

    Farah said that UNICEF and other partners also supported the government to launch a strategy that provides equal opportunities to all children to enroll, participate, transition and complete school by children in Frontline areas.

    He added that the state was supported to create an enabling environment for a second chance education for girls through Re-Entry guidelines that provide opportunities for pregnant and married girls to re-enroll and complete their education.

    He said that UNICEF would like to engage the media as equal partners in education development and ensure that every parent, community, traditional and religious leader is aware of the government of Katsina and its partners’ priorities.

    UNICEF distributed 2,760 radio devices to local communities affected by insecurity to ensure easy access to learning for children in the areas. (NAN)

    AABS/YMU/SH

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    Edited by Yakubu Uba/Sadiya Hamza

     

     

     

     

  • Katsina Govt. inaugurates 500 capacity youth development centre

    Katsina Govt. inaugurates 500 capacity youth development centre

    Youth
    By Abbas Bamalli
    Katsina, June 26, 2024 (NAN) The Katsina State Government has inaugurated a 500 capacity remodeled Industrial Development Centre (IDC) for youths in the state.

    Speaking at the event on Wednesday in Katsina, Gov. Dikko Radda, said the facility would serve as a centre for youth development.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event, which coincided with the World Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Day, witnessed the launch of the maiden edition of the Katsina SME Clinics and Fair.

    According to the governor, the facility is a Public Private Partnership initiative between the State Government and Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN).

    “I would particularly like to express our deep appreciation to SMEDAN for providing the space and fostering a collaborative relationship towards the establishment of this Shared Facility Centre.

    “The purpose of remodeling the IDC with a functional Shared Facility Centre is to reiterate our commitment to fostering an environment where MSMEs and local artisans can thrive.

    “This centre has now been equipped with modern tools and machinery that are often beyond the financial reach of individual artisans.

    “This will enable them to produce higher quality products more efficiently and compete effectively in the market,” the governor said.

    He further said that the centre would also provide a platform for enhancing skills and knowledge by training and learning new techniques, and staying updated with industry trends.

    He said that based on the report of their cluster mapping, the government intended to extend such a common facility to the remaining two senatorial districts in the state as soon as possible.

    He said: “The remodeled IDC common facility centre is for tailoring, leather works, packaging, ICT and other crafts.

    “This represents a significant step forward in our mission to empower our local artisans and boost the creative economy of the state towards attaining our broad socio-economic development objectives.

    “Our administration has acknowledged the important role our artisans and craftsmen play in institutionalising the desired change needed to remove our youths off the streets.

    “That is why we are not only investing heavily in building and upscaling their skills and capacity but providing shared facilities for them to optimise their productions.”

    Speaking at the event through his Deputy Chief of Staff, Sen. Ibrahim Hassan-Hadejia, Vice President Kashim Shettima commended the efforts of the State Government for the initiative.

    “It is indeed heartwarming to come across a state that understands the critical nature and impact of SMSMEs to the local economy and the positive impact that they have on job creation and value addition to the agricultural sector, which is the mainstay of Katsina and other neighbouring states.

    “Of course, this is no surprise coming from a governor, whose tenure as SMEDAN Director-General, was the most impactful in terms of programme adaptation, suitability and innovation and heralded the advent of fit-for-purpose initiative.

    “I had no doubt that Radda will bring the same focus on data acquisition and monitoring and evaluation that he embedded in SMEDAN to his projects in Katsina State,” Shettima said. (NAN)

    AABS/ISHO/USO
    Edited by Yinusa Ishola/Sam Oditah

     

  • We’re working to reduce medical tourism – Reps

     

    Tourism

    By Abbas Bamalli

    0803

    Katsina, June 25, 2024 (NAN) The House of Representatives committee on Health institutions, says it is working towards ensuring that the rate of foreign medical tourism by Nigerians is reduced.

    The Chairman of the committee, Mr Amos Magaji, who led members of the committee disclosed this on Tuesday during an oversight visit to the Federal Teaching Hospital, Katsina.

    According to him, the committee is doing its best to see that all the needed facilities, structures, workforce, and other necessary things are provided.

    Magaji, representing Zango Kataf/Jaba Federal constituency of Kaduna State, said that the inspection of the health facilities was to know their conditions and ways to improve them for effective healthcare delivery in the state.

    “One of the visions of the 10th National Assembly is to reduce medical tourism by ensuring that we reposition Nigeria’s healthcare sector.

    “The aim is to make healthcare services affordable and accessible, especially in tertiary healthcare in Nigeria. In doing that, there are things we will address immediately and there are things we will address later.

    “It is quite unfortunate that the government will spend a large amount on personnel costs of N14 billion, and you now have probably a capital project of N2 billion.

    “If the government is spending N14 billion, we should be able to see maybe N20 billion for capital projects,” he said.

    The chairman of the committee also called on the hospital management to always consider the federal character in their employment and appointment.

    “We are also working to end any issues of the National Health Insurance (NHIS) decapitation,” he said.

    He congratulated the hospital for its conversion from Federal Medical Centre to Teaching Hospital, hoping that it would not just change its nomenclature, but also translate into great transformation to fulfill its core mandates of training, research and providing services to the people of Katsina.

    Earlier, the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the hospital, Dr Suleiman Bello said the hospital had carried out several capital projects in the last five years.

    According to Bello, they have modern equipment and we will train consultants and specialists for quality healthcare delivery. (NAN)

    AABS/MNA

    Edited by Maureen Atuonwu

  • We won’t allow insecurity to define our region – Radda

    We won’t allow insecurity to define our region – Radda

     

    Insecurity

    By Abbas Bamalli

     

    Katsina, June 24, 2024 (NAN) Gov. Dikko Radda of Katsina State says the North-West Governor’s Forum will not allow insecurity to define the region.

    The Governor said this at the opening of a two-day North-West Peace and Security Summit in Katsina on Monday, with the theme: ‘Regional Cooperation for Securing Lives and Livelihoods in NorthWest Nigeria’.

    He added, “Banditry has cast a shadow over our communities. It has disrupted lives, stifled economic activities and instilled fear among our people.

    “We cannot allow this menace to define our region. As leaders, we must adopt a multifaceted approach that includes robust intelligence gathering, community policing, and deploying advanced security technologies.

    “Furthermore, we must enhance the capacity of our national security forces through continuous improvements and adequate resources.

    “To effectively combat banditry, we need to strengthen our intelligence networks.”

    According to Radda, this means improving the region’s surveillance systems, investing in modern technology such as drones as well as satellite imagery and enhancing coordination among various security agencies.

    He pointed out that the leaders must also establish more efficient communication channels to ensure timely responses to threats.

    “However, addressing banditry is not solely the responsibility of our security agencies.

    ‘We must engage with local communities, traditional rulers, and religious leaders to foster a culture of cooperation and trust,”Radda said.

    He added that community engagement was crucial in gathering actionable intelligence and building resilience against criminal activities.

    “Most states in the region have already established community security initiatives where local outfits work hand in hand with formal security forces to protect their communities.

    “In Katsina, we launched the Community Watch Corps, Zamfara and Sokoto states have equally launched successful programmes, while Kaduna already had an existing programme in place.

    “Most states in the region have now established full-fledged ministries for internal security and have made security a focal part of their administrative duties at the state level.

    “In addition, we must address the root causes of banditry, which often stem from economic deprivation and lack of opportunities,” Radda said.

    He revealed that vocational training, job opportunities, and support for small and medium-sized enterprises could  help divert vulnerable individuals from criminal activities.

    The governor said, “Our region has the potential to be the nation’s breadbasket, yet we face significant challenges in achieving food security.”

    According to Radda, the path to peace, security, and prosperity for the Northwest lies in their hands, therefore they must act with urgency, determination, and unity of purpose.

    “Let us build a region where every citizen can live in peace, agriculture thrives, socio-economic justice prevails, and poverty is a thing of the past,” Radda appealed. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    AABS/CHOM/BRM

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    Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Bashir Rabe Mani

     

     

  • KTSG ready for maiden North-West peace, security summit 

    KTSG ready for maiden North-West peace, security summit

    Summit

    By Abbas Bamalli

     

    Katsina, June 22, 2024 (NAN) The Katsina State Government has expressed its readiness to host the maiden two-day Peace and Security Summit for the North-West region scheduled for between June 24 and June 25.

    The state’s Commissioner for Information and Culture, Dr Bala Salisu-Zango, disclosed this while briefing newsmen in Katsina on Saturday.

    According to him, the summit is organised by the North-West Governors’ Forum, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

    He added that the event would be the first ever peace and security summit for regional cooperation for securing lives and livelihoods.

    Salisu-Zango explained, “As you may be aware, our state and the region have been facing numerous security challenges in recent times.

    He said, “In response, the North-West Governors’ Forum, in collaboration with the UNDP, is set to host the summit in the state from June 24 to 25, 2024.

    “This landmark event, the first of its kind in the region, will bring together stakeholders, experts, Governors from the region and key partners to discuss and find solutions to address the pressing security challenges facing the area.”

    The commissioner described the summit as timely, saying that it came at a crucial moment for the region as it faces mounting security challenges.

    According to Bala-Znago, in recent years, there has been a marked increase in incidents of banditry, terrorism and communal conflicts.

    “These issues have had devastating consequences for the local population, resulting in significant loss of life, severe disruption to livelihoods and widespread destruction of property.

    “This underscores the urgent need for coordinated action and solutions to restore peace and stability to the region, comprising Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Jigawa, Sokoto and Zamfara States.

    “Under the theme, “Regional Cooperation for Securing Lives and Livelihoods”, the summit aims to explore solutions to ongoing insecurity, focusing on promoting peace and stability while strengthening cooperation among state governments to tackle these complex issues.

    “UNDP’s journey to address insecurity in the Northwest region began in January 2024 with a peace and security workshop organized in collaboration with the Katsina State Government.

    “By bringing together key stakeholders, this summit is expected to serve as a platform for meaningful dialogue and action, leading to concrete strategies for enhancing peace and security in the region,” he said.

    Bala-Zango added that discussions at the summit would explore sustainable approaches to advancing food security and fostering sustainable livelihoods.

    He added that the summit would examine how different regional actors can support and enhance regional cooperation as well as integrated solutions for the region’s future development. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    AABS/ISHO/BRM

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    Edited by Yinusa Ishola/Bashir Rabe Mani

  • Eid-el Kabir: Sen Danmarke supports journalists, widows, orphans in Katsina

    Eid-el Kabir: Sen Danmarke supports journalists, widows, orphans in Katsina

     

    Support

    By Abbas Bamalli

    Katsina, June 16, 2024 (NAN) Journalists, widows and orphans on Sunday received cash and other gifts offered by Sen. Lado Danmarke, the PDP governorship candidate in the 2023 governorship election in Katsina State.

    The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports that the gesture was to enable them celebrate the Eid-el Kabir festival with their families.

    NAN reports that the gesture was extended to the physically challenged, politicians and many other less privileged individuals and groups in the state.

    Speaking to newsmen shortly after distributing the largesse, Danmarke said that the gesture was meant to cushion the effect of the current economic realities and give the beneficiaries a sense of belonging.

    “The cash assistance is to enable them celebrate Eid-el Kabir with ease.

    “The harsh economic realities are biting many in the society. Inflation is at a very high level. I felt compelled to reach out,” he said.

    He advised the beneficiaries to use the money wisely, and cautioned them against sinking everything into the Sallah festivity.

    “They should be prudent and invest part of the money; that could help them long after the Sallah,” he said.

    The senator also spoke on the activities of his Foundation.

    “We have commenced the payment of registration fees for candidates seeking to write the National Examination Council (NECO)-organised senior secondary school certificate examination across the three senatorial zones of the state.

    “The gesture is to bring relief to parents and enable the students pursue their education,” he said.

    Some beneficiaries of the Sallah assistance, who spoke with NAN, said that Danmarke’s intervention was timely, in view of the current economic hardship.

    They thanked the philanthropist for the assistance which, they said, would provide some relief to them. (NAN)www.nannews.ng

    AABS/ETS

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  • Education: Katsina State Govt inaugurates community transition committees

    Education: Katsina State Govt inaugurates community transition committees

     

     

    Committees

    By Abbas Bamalli

    Katsina, June 14, 2024 (NAN) The Katsina State Government has inaugurated community school transition monitors’ committees to ensure the transition of students from primary to secondary schools.

    The transition is from primary to Junior Secondary School (JSS), from JSS to Senior Secondary level (SSS).

    Speaking at the inauguration in Kankara, Hajiya Hadiza Aminu, one of the facilitators said the terms and references of the committee include to identify barriers hindering smooth transition from one level of education to another level and develop strategies to minimise and to eradicate the barriers.

    The two-day exercise which held on in Kankara, Baure and Kafur local government areas was supported by UNICEF’s Kano field office, through its REACH project.

    Other terms of reference, she said, include to conduct sensitisation campaigns to create awareness on the need for continuous schooling for students, especially girls. Constant monitoring and mentoring of the students within and outside the school.

    Others are to conduct a headcount of students every term, keep  proper records and to develop action plan for monitoring and mentoring of the students.

    The facilitator said every child has a right to education.

    ”There is a law that provides jail term for parents who deny their children access to education,” he said.

    She also said that as part of efforts to provide children with quality education in rural areas, about 50 communities were provided with access to a radio learning hub.

    According to her, it is a programme to provide children with access to quality education, especially for Internally Displaced People (IDPs).

    Also speaking, Hajiya Hadiza Ahmed, another facilitator, appealed to stakeholders to sensitise communities on the importance of education, especially among female children.

    She called on the SBMC leaders, mothers association, religious, community and traditional leaders to do the needful towards promoting education in their areas.

    NAN reports that stakeholders at the event mostly attributed the low enrollment in school to poverty and insecurity among other factors.

    Alhaji Haruna Mani, a representative of Jama’atul Izalatil Bidi’a Wa’iqamatu Sunna (JIBWIS), called on government to return the school feeding.

    This, he said, will lead to improved number of enrollment.

    According to him, they are doing everything possible during gatherings to enlighten the public on the importance of education. (NAN)
    AABS/SH

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    edited by Sadiya Hamza

  • Katsina Hisbah shuts down hotel for allegedly lodging underage girls

    Katsina Hisbah shuts down hotel for allegedly lodging underage girls

    Hisbah
    By Abbas Bamalli

    Katsina, June 14 (NAN) The Katsina State Hisbah Board has ordered the immediate closure of New Palace Hotel, located within the metropolis, over  allegations of corrupting the morals of underaged girls.

    Dr Aminu Usman (Abu Ammar), the Hisbah Commander General in the state confirmed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Katsina.

    He said the hotel was found to be violating an agreement earlier reached with hoteliers across the state.

    “The hotel violated the board’s regulations by allowing underage girls to stay at the premises.

    “The board discovered that two underage girls were lodged in the same room during a recent inspection, which contravenes the hisbah laws.

    “This is the second time such an offence was committed at the New Palace Hotel, inspite of previous warnings by the board and a promise by the hotel’s management to stop such incidents.”

    He added that during a collaborative meeting with hotel managers across the state, they agreed that no hotel would accommodate underage children.

    “Due to the hotel’s failure to comply with the board’s regulations and meet the stipulated conditions, we have decided to shut it down with immediate effect.

    “We remain committed to enforcing reforms and instilling discipline that aligns with the religious and cultural values of the state under the rule of law to ensure lasting peace,” the commander said. (NAN)
    AABS/SH

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    edited by Sadiya Hamza