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Author: Habibu Harisu

  • Sokoto varsity gets full courses accreditation 

    Sokoto varsity gets full courses accreditation
    Accreditation
    By Habibu Harisu
    Sokoto, June 21, 2024 (NAN) The National Universities Commission (NUC), has accreditated 18 undergraduate degree programmes in the Sokoto State University (SSU).
    This is contained in a statement issued by the University’s Public Relations Officer, Malam Zayyanu Shehu, on Friday in Sokoto.
    Shehu said the full accreditation status covered all the 18 courses undertaken by the university after an intensive exercise conducted by NUC.
    He said the summary of result was signed by the commission’s Acting Director of Accreditation, Mr Abraham Chundusu, on behalf the Executive Secretary of the Commission and presented to the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Bashir Garba.
    ” The programmes that obtained full accreditation status comprised Computer Science, Biochemistry, Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and Microbiology.
    ” Others are Economics, Political Science, Sociology, Arabic, Hausa, History, and Islamic Studies, Education Computer Science, Education Mathematics, Education Physics, Education Biology, and Education Chemistry, ” Shehu said.
    According to him, while commenting on the result of the accreditation, the SSU Vice Chancellor, Prof. Bashir Garba, expressed the institution’s warm appreciation to the Commission for the outcomes of the exercise.
    He added that Garba assured that the University would remain committed in attaining academic standard to continue meeting all the NUC requirements for global ranking.
    “Indeed, this achievement underscores the University’s commitment to academic excellence and its dedication to meeting the highest standards set by the NUC.
    ” Scoring full accreditation status for all the programmes presented to the NUC required commitment and dedication,” Shehu quoted Prof. Garba as saying.
    He reiterated  the institution’s readiness to invest more resources for the accreditation of 60 other undergraduate and postgraduate courses that would be due for accreditation soon.
    He commended Gov. Ahmad Aliyu of Sokoto state and Sen. Aliyu Wamakko on their support and commitments to the university’s progress.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the NUC accreditation team had visited the University between October and November 2023 to assess the quality and content of 18 courses that were due for accreditation, out of the 78 undergraduate and postgraduate programmes offered by the institution.(NAN)
    HMH/SOA
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    Edited by Oluwole Sogunle

  • Sokoto education board tasks students on spelling, pronunciation skills

    Skills

    By Habibu Harisu

    Sokoto, June 20, 2024 (NAN) Alhaji Ahmad Muhammad, the Executive Chairman, Sokoto State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), has urged students to take steps towards improving their spelling and pronunciation skills.

    Muhammad made call on Thursday in Sokoto at the end of a quiz and spelling competition organised by SUBEB with support from United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF).

    Represented by the Director Administration, Alhaji Tukur Abdullahi, Muhammad said it was important for students to learn how to spell and pronounce words properly.

    “School children should learn these two important skills early, these skills will help them as they move up their academic and working careers,” he said.

    The chairman commended UNICEF for investing resources in the academic upbringing of children, saying,”this investment will help them to excell as they grow”

    Also speaking, a UNICEF Education Specialist, Mr Francis Elisha, said that the exercise was to make school children to begin early to learn spelling and pronunciation skills.

    “The intention is to catch them young, the competition serves as a booster to the children’s educational growth,” he said.

    Elisha said that the exercise was part of activities to mark the 2024 Childrens’ Day Celebration, and assured of UNICEF’s continued readiness to support children academic upbringing.

    “We saw how the participants displayed brilliance during the quiz and spelling competitions, it shows that the future is bright for them.

    “I urge every child to be confident, you must pursue their dreams without fear. Always be willing to correct your errors and develop yourself,” he said.

    He enjoined parents to create a conducive environment for their children to grow, learn and make positive impacts on the society around them.

    Delivering a lecture, Prof. Mustapha Namakka, the Executive Secretary, Sokoto State Female Education Board, commended SUBEB and UNICEF for organising the competition.

    He said that the exercise had given the school children an opportunity to understand the importance of early acquisition of spelling and pronunciation skills.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 68 junior secondary and primary schools participated in the quiz and spelling competition.

    The participants were drawn from schools in Bodinga, Binji, Dange/Shuni and Sokoto North Local Government Areas.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    HMH/AZU

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    Edited by Azubuike Okeh

  • Day of Play: UNICEF seeks holistic approach to child devt

    Day of Play: UNICEF seeks holistic approach to child devt

    Children

    By Habibu Harisu

    Gwadabawa (Sokoto State), June 11, 2024 (NAN) Mr Mqaphelisi Sibanda, an Education Specialist with UNICEF, Sokoto Field Office, on Tuesday urged education stakeholders to ensure a holistic approach to child development.

    Sibanda made the call during the maiden ‘International Day of Play’ celebration at the Sultan Tambari Primary School,.Gwadabawa, Gwadabawa Local Government Area.

    According to him, play is a fundamental aspect of human experience, essential to strong brain development and good activity for learning soft skills.

     

     

    Sibanda said, ” UN convention on child rights emphasises on the rights to play as it recognises the right of the child to rest and leisure, to engage in play as well as recreational activities.

    ” Play is appropriate to the age of children and for them to participate freely in cultural life and arts.

    ” It’s fundamental to children’s physical, social, mental and emotional development and intrinsic to their health and development. ”

    He added that UNICEF collaborated with partners in the  state to celebrate the first-ever international day of play, which marked a significant milestone in child development.

    ” It’s an effort to preserve, promote, and prioritize playing so that all people, especially children can reap the rewards and thrive to their full potential.

    ” Play also to support the development of children’s learning which is an integral part of early childhood education from 0 to 5 years, critical development stage, ” he added.

    In his speech, the School’s Headmaster, Malam Salisu Abubakar, underscored the importance of play, saying that it brings people together, fosters creativity and shapes the minds of the future for the children.

    ” Play is a universal language spoken by all people regardless of age,gender, ethnicity or backgrounds.

    ” It transcends barriers and connects children from different backgrounds to engage in imaginative games and recreational activities, ” Abubakar said.

    The School-Based Management Committee (SBMC) Chairperson, Hajia Kulu Gobir, said that children deserved a robust educational system, comprehensive healthcare, protection from harm and the assurance of their voices being heard and valued.

    Kulu urged all the stakeholders in the country to remember, “every child is a seed that when nurtured, can grow into a tree that provides shade for many generations.’’

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that children were led on different play activities and songs marking the memorable day. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    HMH/BRM

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    Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

     

  • Sokoto: NCS auctions 11,270 L of petrol, intercepts railway tracks

  • Climate Change: Group trains 250 youths on tree planting, adaptation strategies

    Climate Change: Group trains 250 youths on tree planting, adaptation strategies

    Training
    By Habibu Harisu
    Sokoto, June 9, 2024 (NAN) An NGO, Building Blocks for Peace Foundation (BBFORPEACE), says it has trained 250 youths on tree planting, nursing and other climate change adaptation strategies in Illela Local Government Areas of Sokoto State.

    The group’s Programme Officer and Project Team Lead, Mr Gideon Ihuarulam, said this on Sunday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Sokoto.

    Ihuarulam said the organisation was implementing a project tagged
    ”Northwest Climate Peace Hubs”, a climate security approach to conflict prevention in border community.

    He said that the project was working toward preventing conflicts and initiating peace building strategies on addressing impacts of climate change along with associated activities.

    “Climate security project means to neutralise the conflict and insecurity stemming from environmental degradation, desert encroachment, degraded pastures and other impacts of climate change in Northwest Nigeria.

    “The project was borne out of the recognition of the dynamic ways through which the impacts of climate change stimulate conflict and insecurity in the region.

    ”Illela in Sokoto State and Jibia in Katsina State are the focus areas of the project,” Ihuarulam said.

    According to him, the project is  supported by the United Nations Development Programme Nigeria and the Norwegian Embassy in Abuja.

    He further said that three key activities had been identified in the project, including capacity building training for youths on dialogue, mediation, reconciliation and climate action.

    The other, he said, was to establish climate and conflict early warning and early response structures and supporting climate change activists to plant and nurture trees across the LGA.

    Ihuarulam also said that the core objective of the project was to support high risk communities in the region working with youths and women to address climate induced conflicts and adapt to climate change.

    In separate remarks, representatives of UNDP, Mansur Dambuwa and Serifu Lamidi, underscored the importance of the project and called for maximum community support.

    They commended the NGO’s Executive Director, Mr Rafi’u Lawal, for his commitment toward ensuring the success of the project

    Speaking on behalf of the benefiting community, the District Head of Illela, Alhaji Buhari Abdulrahman, lamented the adverse effects of climate change and the insecurity facing the north.

    Abdulrahman thanked the organisation for coming up with the initiative and expressed his community’s readiness to support the project and ensure its sustainability. (NAN)

    HMH/USO
    Edited by Sam Oditah

     

     

  • Sokoto: EFCC seeks synergy with NCS towards corrupt-free society 

    Sokoto: EFCC seeks synergy with NCS towards corrupt-free society
    Corruption
    By Habibu Harisu
    Sokoto, June 8, 2024 (NAN) The Sokoto Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has sought for a robust collaboration with the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) towards ensuring a corrupt-free society.
    This is contained in a statement by the Public Relations Officer, NCS, Sokoto/Zamfara Area Command, Mr Abdullahi Tsafe issued to Newsmen in Sokoto on Saturday.
    Tsafe quoted the EFCC Zonal Director, Mr Nwanneka Nwokike as making the remark when he visited the NCS Area Command Headquarters in Sokoto.
    The zonal director described the existing working relationship between the two organisations as cordial aimed at achieving the statutory mandate of the two agencies.
    ”EFCC shares intelligent gathering and other activities against corruption, therefore, the collaboration should be sustained for maximum benefit.
    ”My visit is to enable the anti-graft agency deliberate with the NCS on how to collectively reduce crimes within our respective jurisdiction,” the director said.
    Responding, the Area Controller, Kamal Muhammad assured the readiness of NCS to sustain the synergy with EFCC which had been existing for years.
    The controller explained that NCS’s mandates included revenue generation, trade facilitation and curbing smuggling.
    He noted that being the gatekeepers of the nation’s borders, NCS collaborate with the EFCC in its fight against financial crimes and ensured numerous arrests.
    Muhammad added that NCS had been in the forefront in supporting the EFCC in its fight against money laundering, financial frauds, embezzlement, human trafficking, piracy, drugs pushing and terrorism among others. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    HMH/KLM
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    Edited by Muhammad Lawal

  • Obasanjo to Govs: Focus more on food security 

    Obasanjo to Govs: Focus more on food security
    Food
    By Habibu Harisu
    Sokoto, June 5, 2024 (NAN) Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has advised state Governors to focus more on food security while calling on them to prioritise policies that enhance people’s well-being.
    Obasanjo gave the charge on Wednesday in Sokoto at the unveiling of 136 housing units purchased at the cost of N1.8 billion by the Sokoto State Government for allocation to low income earners.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the former president was in Sokoto on a two-day visit to unveil projects executed by Gov. Ahmed Aliyu as part of his  one year anniversary.
    Obasanjo described food security as a priority, followed by personal health and security situation, adding,”good feeding enhances health and other productive engagements.”
    He acknowledged the efforts of Aliyu, who he described as a ”leader running a good race in the areas of transportation, road construction, agriculture and housing projects”.
    ”Your strong, energetic and resilient qualities in leadership have made you to get it all within one year.
    “Putting all these in place will surely brighten your chances of seeking a future mandate without stress.”
    Earlier, Aliyu said the idea of coming up with numerous housing projects was to fulfill his campaign promises to deliver human-oriented projects that would improve the welfare and standards of the people in the state.
    Aliyu explained that the state government has set up committees on completing and initiating similar projects across the state.
    They include road constructions, youths and women empowerment, water supply and agricultural inputs for farmers as well as equipping hospitals.
    ” We are determined to continue developing the state for proper repositioning; we shall provide state-of-the-art facilities at all sites including Islamiyya schools, markets and playgrounds, among others,” he said.
    Aliyu said that the houses were acquired from the Federal Government for  the citizens in the state to own based on owner-occupier basis in order to address the growing need for shelter in the state.
    He appreciated the former president for honouring the state’s invitation to be part of history. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    HMH/BRM
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    Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

  • 2024 World Environmental Day:UNICEF, Sokoto Govt. inaugurate climate change committee

    2024 World Environmental Day:UNICEF, Sokoto Govt. inaugurate climate change committee

    Environment
    By Habibu Harisu
    Sokoto, June 5, 2024 (NAN) United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) partnered Sokoto State Government to establish a technical committee on climate change and environmental issues in the state.
    The committee members, led by Commissioner for Environment, Alhaji Nura Tangaza, along with other dignitaries also launched the plantation of one million trees to mark the 2024 World Environment Day (WED).
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that WED is celebrated annually on June 5 to raise  awareness and call for action for the protection of the environment.
    Inaugurating the committee on Wednesday, the Commissioner for Water Resources, Alhaji Yusuf Maccido, commended UNICEF for the support and pledged maximum support for the committee to succeed.
    Maccido described the effects of climate change as devastating to human and environmental progress, stressing the need for collective efforts in tackling the menace.
    The Commissioner for Environment, Alhaji Nura Tangaza, said the committee would assist
    the state government on desirable actions and policies at all levels.
    Tangaza said the committee would also assist the government in addressing the endangered desertification, drought resilience, land restoration programmes, climate change and others.
    According to him, the committee will ensure enlightenment campaigns against dangerous human actions, climate change mitigations and tree plantation, as well as nursing across the state.
    Tangaza said the ministry had earmarked one million trees for schools, institutions, reserves and streets across the state this year.
    He noted that 70 per cent of the trees are economic trees, in recognition of their dual importance to  human lives and urged residents to support the ministry in nursing the trees.
    In his address, UNICEF Wash Officer, Mr Ebri Ibor, underscored the importance of environmental conservation and assured the fund’s support, describing the committee’s inauguration as a landmark achievement.
    Ibor enjoined the committee members to live up to their expectations and channel their findings, suggestings, recommendations to the appropriate places for prompt actions.
    NAN reports that Ibrahim Dankani and Dr Abubakar Gumi from Usmanu Danfodio University Sokoto delivered lectures on environmental challenges, drought resilience and desertification.
    The commissioner for environment launched tree planting campaign at Sultan Maccido Institute of Islamic Studies and premises of Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps NSCDC (NSCDC), Sokoto Command.
    The event witnessed students planting trees at allocated spaces, while Mr Aliyu Gandi, a Deputy State Commandant of NSCDC, assured that tree planted in their headquarters would adequately be protected and nursed. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    HMH/HA
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    Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

  • UNFPA, Sokoto State Govt. repair 1,000 VVF patients in 6 years — Govs. wife

    UNFPA, Sokoto State Govt. repair 1,000 VVF patients in 6 years  — Govs. wife

    VVF
    By Habibu Harisu
    Sokoto, June 4, 2024 (NAN) United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), in collaboration with Sokoto State Government, offered free surgeries to over 1,000 Vesicovaginal Fistula (VVF) patients in the state in six years.
    The wife of the state governor, Hajiya Fatima Ahmad, disclosed the figure during the 2024 Safe Motherhood and Fistula Day celebrations on Tuesday in Sokoto.
    She explained that out of the 1,000 VVF patients who benefitted from the free treatment between 2018 and 2023, 500 women and girls were rehabilitated and
    reintegrated into thier communities.
    She commended UNFPA for leading the global campaign to end VVF, a drive to transform the lives of vulnerable women and girls.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that VVF, also known as fistula,
    is a serious disability that can be experienced by women after childbirth, defined as a hole that develops between the vagina and the bladder, resulting in uncontrollable leaking of urine.
    VVF can be caused by injury to the bladder at the time of gynecologic, urological or other pelvic surgery, and commonly during prolonged labour.
    However,  the condition can be repaired through surgery to close the opening.
    Sometimes, additional procedures are needed to correct the original cause of the problem, such as damage to the bladder. Surgery to correct vesicovaginal fistulas is generally successful.
    The governor’s wife, therefore, reiterated commitment “to end the devastating condition that affects countless women and girls worldwide.
    “Obstetric fistula is not just a medical issue, it is a stark indicator of inequity, poverty, and the failure to uphold the basic rights of women and girls.
    “Fistula, primarily caused by prolonged, obstructed labour without timely medical intervention, leaves women incontinent, often ostracised, and in severe physical and emotional pain.
    “In spite of it being preventable and treatable, more than two million women globally continue to suffer from this condition due to inadequate access to quality maternal healthcare,” she said.
    According to her, this year’s theme, “Breaking the Cycle: Preventing Fistula Worldwide”, underscores the urgent need to address obstetric fistula comprehensively.
    She emphasised equitable access to quality maternal health services, social reintegration, and sustained investment in healthcare systems.
    The UNFPA Programme Officer, Gloria Enueze, said that the Fund focuses on supporting multi-faceted approach to ending Fistula, Family Planing and other healthcare services.
    Enueze noted that the efforts comprised raising awareness, educating communities about fistula and its prevention to reduce stigma and ensure those affected received support.
    Others included improved maternal healthcare by ensuring women accessed
    skilled birth attendants, emergency obstetric care, and quality prenatal and postnatal services.
    According to her, empowering women and girls through strengthening education, economic opportunities, and legal protections will address the root causes of fistula, such as child marriage and Gender-Based Violence (GBV).
    She added that supporting survivors with comprehensive rehabilitation services, including surgical treatment, psychological support and social reintegration programmes have been the focus of UNFPA to tackle the menace.
    for fistula survivors.
    In her address, the Sokoto State Commissioner for Health, Hajiya Asabe Balarabe, assured proactive government collaboration with UNFPA and other donor agencies to enhance peoples’ health and wellbeing.
    Balarabe said the present administration prioritises health sector among its nine-point agenda, and ensured proper allocation in fiscal provisions.
    NAN reports that event featured lecture presentation on family planning, safe child delivery and presentation by Dr Larai Tambuwal, the Executive Secretary, Sokoto State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (SSPHCDA).
    The governor’s wife also donated sanitary items, clothing materials and cash to patients and pledged to provide power generating set to the Maryam Abacha Women and Children’s Hospital Fistula Centre for smooth operations.
    The event also witnessed songs on fistula from survivors, attended by The Challenge Initiative (TCI), Marie Stoppes and other NGOs anchoring Family Planing engagements. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    HMH/HA
    Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

  •  Clerics laud Aliyu for donating 10 buses to religious groups

    Clerics laud Aliyu for donating 10 buses to religious groups

    Vehicles
    By Habibu Harisu
    Sokoto, June 2, 2024 (NAN) Islamic religious groups have commended Gov. Ahmed Aliyu for donating ten new 18-seater buses to them as part of his one year anniversary.
    Sheikh Aminu Sufi, the leader of the Tijaniyya Sufi Movement in the state, on Saturday lauded Aliyu for what he described as an invaluable gesture to the religious groups.
    Sufi, who spoke on behalf of the benefiting groups, expressed excitement over the gesture, which he said would enhance their  activities across the state and beyond.
    He said the effort was an exact replica of the gestures enjoyed during the tenure of  the former Governor of the state, Sen. Aliyu Wamakko.
    Sufi said, ”These efforts have demonstrated Gov. Aliyu’s commitment to religious advancement and educating people on religious rituals.”
    According to him, the Tijaniyya adherents and other religious bodies that benefited from the gesture would ensure the judicious use of the vehicles.
    Sufi also thanked the state government for the training of Mu’azzims (prayer callers),payment of N500,000 monthly stipends for the maintenance of Jum’at Mosques as well as  the provision  of gifts for sallah festivities to their members.
    He added,”These efforts, along with other gestures by the state government had distinguished the present administration from the past governments in the areas of concerns to religious groups’ activities.”
    Inaugurating the vehicles, former Zamfara Governor, Sen. Abdulaziz Yari, described the efforts as ‘distinct’ and enjoined the benefiting groups to properly utilise the vehicles for their routine activities.
    Yari, who also inaugurated 46, 22-seater buses for transportation services in the 23 local government areas of the state explained that the essence of governments was to uplift the socio-economic conditions of the citizenry.
    While commending Aliyu, Yari enjoined him to consider his position as ‘transitional’, which would be remembered by the impact he makes on the citizens.
    Aliyu also launched the distribution of N280 million as Eid-el-Kabir support to Islamic scholars selected from the 244 political wards of the state.
    He said the ongoing efforts, along with others executed by his administration, were aimed at cushioning the difficulties being faced by the citizens after the removal of fuel subsidies.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that former Governor of the state, Alhaji Attahiru Bafarawa, also inaugurated some road projects in the Sokoto metropolis as part of the celebrations.
    Bafarawa said, ”’In spite of being a member of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), i will always acknowledge and support any government with commitment to facilitate developments and improve the people’s well=being.”  (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    HMH/BRM
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    Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani