Author: Ishaq Zaki

Forum lauds Yari for uniting APC in Zamfara
Forum lauds Yari for uniting APC in Zamfara
Commendation
By Ishaq Zaki
Gusau, June 28, 2024 (NAN) The All Progressive Congress (APC) Unity and Reconciliation Forum in Zamfara has commended Sen. Abdul’aziz Yari (APC-Zamfara) for promoting unity, peace and stability in the party in the state.
The forum’s Chairman, Alhaji Mande Umar, made the commendation while speaking with newsmen in Gusau on Thursday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Yari represents Zamfara West Senatorial District in the Senate.
Umar said that the forum mobilized over 500 prominent Islamic scholars in the state to conduct a two-day special prayers for Yari to mark his bne-year anniversary in the Senate.
“On behalf of the entire leadership and members of APC unity and reconciliation forum in the state, we appreciate Sen Yari for his kind support to the peace of the state, not only his constituency.
“We laud him for promoting unity, peace and stability in the state APC chapter.
“Considering that, this forum organized a two-day special prayer for Allah to continue to guide Sen Yari to celebrate his one-year anniversary as Senator for Zamfara West Senatorial district,” Umar explained.
According to him, as APC supporters, it is necessary to pray for Yari considering his kind gesture to the teaming APC faithful across the state”.
Umar said, “We remain grateful for his efforts to keep APC as one family since he left office as the Executive Governor of the state.
“Yari has graciously maintained cordial and mature relationships with his state constituents all the time despite his numerous schedules.
“We remain grateful for his efforts to keep APC as one family since he leaves office as executive Governor of the state.” (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
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Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani
June 28, 2024
Zamfara Govt. lauds NGO for promoting peace building
Peace
By Ishaq Zaki–
Gusau, June 26, 2024 (NAN) The Zamfara Government on Wednesday commended “International Alert” an NGO, for promoting peace building activities in the state.
The Attorney- General of the state and Commissioner for Justice, Abdul’aziz Sani, SAN, stated this in Gusau at a one-day workshop on increasing access to local justice.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the training was organized by the NGO.
The International Alert is implementing a project tagged “Promoting Stability, Access to Justice and Accountability in the North-West region of the country”, implemented in Kaduna State and Zamfara.
The workshop was themed: ‘Strengthening local/informal legal system through the Use of Alternative Dispute Resolution’.
The participants of the training included community dialogue facilitators, representatives from MDAs, Security Agencies, NGOs, CSOs among.
The commissioner, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Musa Bukkuyum, described the training as `a welcome development’.
He said that access to justice and alternative dispute resolution were in line with Gov. Dauda Lawal’s policy to achieve peace in the state.
The commissioner urged the public to embrace alternative resolutions such as mediation in addressing dispute in their respective communities
“Many cases can be resolved through mediation without going to court.
“Recently, the state ministry of justice established a small claims court with a view of resolving minor cases without going to court.
“The present administration in the state under Gov. Dauda Lawal will continue to support the International Alert and other partners towards achieving their desired goals for the development of the state,’’ he added.
Sani called on all the stakeholders to continue to support the state government’s programmes towards achieving peace building, stability and conflict prevention.
Also speaking, the Country Director of the NGO, Mr Paul Nyulaku, said the workshop is part of activities of the project in the state to promote peace, stability and access to justice.
Nyulaku, represented by the Programme Manager of the NGO, Mr Sunday Jimoh, said that the workshop was aimed at building the capacity and skills of the participants on how to resolve disputes while promoting human rights and respect for statutory laws.
“This workshop will focus on communication skills, qualities of a mediator and basic concepts as it relates to dispute resolution,’’ Nyulaku explained.

In a welcome address, the Chairman of Voluntary Aid Initiative (VAI),a Zamfara-based CSO, Mr Musa Umar, appreciated the support and cooperation from the stakeholders to the various activities of the NGO aimed at achieving peace in the state. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
IZ/OIF/BRM
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Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo/Bashir Rabe Mani

June 26, 2024
SGBV: NGO trains 60 persons on Psychological First Aid in Zamfara
Training
By Ishaq Zaki
Gusau, June 24, 2024 (NAN) The International Alert, an NGO, has commenced a two-day training on Psychological First Aid (PFA) for Sexual Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) first responders in Zamfara.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the NGO is implementing a project tagged “Promoting Stability, Access to Justice and Accountability in North West region of the country”, implemented in Kaduna and Zamfara.
No fewer than 60 participants of the training were drowned from four communities in Tsafe and Birnin-Magaji local government areas of the state.
The communities are Tsafe, Bilbis, Birnin-Magaji and Nasarawa-Godel.
The Country Director of the NGO, Mr Paul Nyulaku, said the training is aimed at equipping participants with essential skills to effectively address SGBV cases in their various communities.
Nyulaku, who was represented by the Programme Manager of the NGO, Mr Sunday Jimoh, emphasised the importance of fostering stability and accountability, especially in handling SGBV cases.
He said “this training specifically targets female participants from the four communities.
“The training is expected to empower responders to deliver psychological first aid to SGBV victims, while ensuring they receive the necessary support and justice.”
He urged participants to give proper attention to the training to enhance their capacity for critical psychological support.
Dr Nafisa Maradun, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, commended International Alert for supporting the fight against SGBV in the state.
Maradun, Represented by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Dr Habibu Yelwa, stressed the need for collaborative effort by stakeholders to provide care and protection to SGBV survivors.
The commissioner expressed the state government’s commitment toward supporting the NGO and other partners for enhanced justice, peace and stability.
She said the state government under Gov. Dauda Lawal, would continue to collaborate with partners in developing the state.
Earlier, the Executive Director of Zamfara-based Civil Society Organisation, Musa Umar, expressed delight over the success of various programmes conducted by the organisation with support from International Alert.
Umar appealed to the state government to collaborate with more partners to address challenges on health, education and human development. (NAN)(www.nan.news.ng)
IZ/MAM/HA
Edited by Modupe Adeloye/Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu
June 24, 2024
Maternal deaths: 950,000 women at risk in Zamfara
Maternal deaths: 950,000 women at risk in Zamfara
Training
By Ishaq Zaki
Gusau, June 24, 2024 (NAN) The Commissioner for Health in Zamfara, Dr Aisha Anka, says no fewer than 950,000 women in the state are on high risk of maternal deaths.
Anka said this in Gusau on Monday at the opening ceremony of a five-day workshop on preventable maternal deaths, for health workers in the state.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the training, is being organised by a Non Governmental organization (NGO), Health for Life and Development Foundation in collaboration with the State Ministry of Health and Hospital Services Management Board.
The training is being supported by the United Nations Population Fund.
The Commissioner, who was represented by the Executive Secretary, State Hospital Services Management Board, Mr Mustafa Marafa, described the training as very key.
According to the Commissioner, statistics credit Nigeria as having recorded 14 per cent of the total maternal death globally.
She noted that the Northern Nigeria including Zamfara had a record of 70 per cent of maternal deaths in Nigeria.
Anka explained that the 50 nurses and midwives attending the training were selected from different health facilities across the state.
“The workshop signifies government’s commitment to improve maternal health in the state.
“This training is aimed at ensuring safe delivery of babies across all health facilities in the state.
“The participants were carefully selected, they are nurses and midwives incharge of labour rooms in the health facilities across the state”, she said.
“As we are all aware, that Gov. Dauda Lawal declared a state of emergency on health sector and the state government embarked on total renovation of health facilities across the state.
“This training is part of the government’s commitment to promote capacity, manpower and skills of our health workers across the state”, she explained.
Earlier, the Executive Director Health for Life and Development Foundation, Dr Abubakar Danladi said the training was organised based on the realization of an increase in maternal mortality in the state.
“This training is to ensure that our health workers are well equipped to handle health cases related to maternal deaths.
“This is for capacity building of our nurses and midwives on management of direct and indirect causes of preventable maternal deaths.
“Part of the mandate of this training is for participants to cascade the skills they will acquire to their respective health facilities”, he explained.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
IZ/KOO/YGA
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Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa/Gabriel Yough
June 24, 2024
NGO sensitises 180 Zamfara residents on accessing justice
NGO sensitises 180 Zamfara residents on accessing justice

Sensitisation

By Ishaq Zaki
Gusau, June 23, 2024 (NAN) A Zamfara-based NGO, Voluntary Aid Initiative (VAI), has sensitised 180 residents of Zamfara communities on how to address barriers on access to justice.
The Project Officer to the NGO, Mr Buhari Ya’u, disclosed this to newsmen in Gusau on Sunday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the sensitisation programme was themed: “Awareness and Advocacy Campaign program for increased access to Justice aimed at addressing the identified the barriers on access to Justice”
Moriki said the sensitisation took place in Tsafe, Bilbis, Birnin-Magaji and Nasarawa-Godel communities under Birnin Magaji and Tsafe Local Government Areas of the state, respectively.
“The sensitisation was conducted in collaboration with International Alert under a Project Promoting Stability, Access to Justice and Accountability in North West,” he added.
According to him, the Country Director of International Alert, Paul Nyulaku, supervised the sensitisation programme.
Nyulaku was represented by the National Project Manager, Mr Sunday Jimoh, accompanied by the National Gender Equity and Social Inclusion Officer of the NGO, Mrs Fatima Inusa.
He commended the targeted communities for their active participation that ensured the success of the project in the state.
“You know, the International Alert is implementing a project entitled: “Promoting Stability, Access to Justice and Accountability’ in Zamfara and Kaduna States.
“The project aimed at inclusive participation of community groups in alternative dispute resolution to reduce the prevalence of community-level violence.
“The project also aims at providing marginalised groups, especially women with opportunities and platforms to make their voices heard and advocate for their concerns.
“This project is also to create a favourable environment for women and other vulnerable groups by dealing with prevalent sexual and gender-based violence.” Nyulaku explained.
A total of 180 participants were drawn from across the four communities including religious and community leaders, youths, women groups, people with disability and minority groups among others.
He said, “You know, in each of the four communities we selected 30 women and 20 men who participated in the sensitisation program”.
“The participants were sensitized on how to address barriers and other challenges hindering access to justice with a view of reducing Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV) in the society.
“We are hopeful that our participants were willing and ready to cascade all the messages to their respective communities,” Nyulaku added.
He appealed to the stakeholders to work as a team to sensitise other community members on how to seek for justice especially on issues related to SGBV, among others.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani
June 23, 2024
Community petitions Lawal over alleged usurpation of grazing areas, properties
Community petitions Lawal over alleged usurpation of grazing areas, properties
Petition
By Ishaq Zaki
Gusau, June, 23, 2024 (NAN) Residents of Bungudu Local Government Area in Zamfara have petitioned the state government over the alleged usurpation of grazing areas, private farmlands and public buildings by its Sole Administrator, Nura Abdullahi.
The petition letter issued to newsmen in Gusau on Sunday, dated June, 21, 2024, written by lawyers to the petitioners “Pearls and Falls Law Firm (Jama’are Chambers), signed by Mr Julius Anthony, was addressed to Gov. Dauda Lawal.
It said, ”We act as solicitors to the following citizens, Lawali Mainasara and Bello Umar, Buhari Sani and Murtala Tukur and 67-yr-old Umaru Ali-Danhayi.
“Other community members include, a 75-yr-old Mallam Jahiru Aliyu, Mustapha Rabiu, Anas Bala, Jamilu Umar, Jamilu Hashimu and Nasiru Umar from (Kwatarkwashi Community Enlightenment Forum).
“Your Excellency, it is on this ground that our clients deemed it expedient to bring the petition against the current leadership of Bungudu LGA.
”It is for the deliberate usurpation of grazing areas, private farmlands and public buildings with impunity and the allocation of the same to self and cronies,” the petition further alleged.
According to it, the designated grazing areas (Hurumi and Burtali), private farmlands and public buildings under Bungudu LGA were literally confiscated and allegedly allocated to self and cronies.
‘The petition added, ‘This was done without a just cause and the attendant consequences of exhibiting such reprehensible laxity to the security situation bedeviling the State.
“In Damba grazing area, Hurumi and Burtali that have for long been used by the herders and indeed cattle owners and their descendants in that community for the rearing of their cattle which were usurped by the Sole Administrator.
”Defiance to the fact of the same is tantamount to heating the polity, in spite of the fact that protestation and a plea for replacement were to no avail. Same in Kwahwa and Kekun wake (Danhayi).”
It also alleged that in Kwatarkwashi town , the sole administrator sold four units of houses to the local governement.
The petition said, “In Bungudu town, there is an alleged plan to sell the public house built about 20 years ago currently being used by the Staff of Bungudu General Hospital.
“It may interest you to know that some of these issues as highlighted, have hitherto been the bane of herder-farmer clashes that had garnered notoriety throughout the state and the economic well-being of the people negatively impacted.”
When contacted, the acting Sole Administrator of the Council, Alhaji Kabiru Mainasara, described the petition as baseless.
“As I am speaking to you, I have received a copy of that petition and all the contents in the petition letter are not true.
”The petitioners acted on ignorance, we are the government, we know the value of due process in governance, we cannot act out of law and order,” he said.
Mainasara urged the public to seek information on any issue especially government’s processes before taking any decision.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
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Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani
June 23, 2024
Security: Army trains digital citizens in Zamfara
Security: Army trains digital citizens in Zamfara
Seminar
By Ishaq Zaki

Gusau, June. 13, 2024 (NAN) The Nigerian Army has organised a one-day seminar for social media handlers, bloggers and influencers in Zamfara to enhance national security through responsive use.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 34th edition of the seminar was held in Gusau and was tagged “Enhancing National Security through the Responsible Use of Social Media”.
Declaring the seminar open, Maj.-Gen. Godwin Mutkut, General Officer Commander, 8 Division, said it was part of the Nigerian Army’s engagement with critical media stakeholders to fight the spread of fake news.
Mutkut, who is the Force Commander, Joint Task Force for North-West, Operation Hadarin Daji (OPHD), said that was in the face of rising insecurity in the country.
He also said that the seminar was part of the Nigerian Army transformation’s drive to interact and interface more with the Nigerian citizens.
The GOC assured of continuous resilience and commitment from the Nigerian Army in collaboration with other security agencies in fighting banditry and other criminal elements in the country.
“I appreciate the Civil-Military Affairs for choosing Gusau under the 8 Division of the Nigerian Army to conduct this seminar.
“I urge the participants to be fully engaged and ensure proper understanding of various lectures and presentations during the seminar so as to have better understanding.
“I have no doubt that this seminar will enhance the understanding of our social media influencers, bloggers, print, online, and media on responsible use of social media,” he said.
Mutkut appreciated the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, for his exceptional leadership to the Nigerian Army.
In his remarks, Gov. Dauda Lawal commended the Nigerian Army for her proactive engagement with the various stakeholders particularly the social media users.
Lawal, represented by the State Commissioner for Youths, Sports and Development, Alhaji Tasi’u Musa, said that the efforts by the Nigerian Army in tackling the challenges posed by social media and enhancing national security were truly commendable.
“In Zamfara, we are highly aware of the complex and multi-dimensional security challenges facing our nation.
“We have witnessed numerous incidents where fake news disseminated by some unpatriotic individuals led to coordinated attacks on our security forces by armed bandits,” he said.
The governor urged the participants to use the social media platforms responsibly and support security operatives with a view to achieving sustainable peace.
“I urge you to apply the knowledge you will gather from this seminar to you daily lives.
“As good citizens, you should use social media to promote unity, peace and stability,” the governor charged.
Earlier, the Chief of Civil-Military Affairs, Maj.-Gen. Nosakhare Ugbo, said the seminar was aimed at acquainting the social media influencers, bloggers, print, online, and mainstream media practitioners with the Nigerian Army activities.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
IZ/DCO/BRM
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Edited by Deborah Coker/Bashir Rabe Mani

June 13, 2024
Zamfara Govt. partners USAID to enhance agriculture
Zamfara Govt. partners USAID to enhance agriculture
Agriculture
By Ishaq Zaki
Gusau, June 11, 2022 (NAN) The Zamfara Government has given an assurance that its partnership with the USAID-funded project, “Policy Support for Economic Growth”, will enhance agricultural production in the state.
The Commissioner for Agriculture, Alhaji Haruna-Ya’u Gamji, gave the assurance in Gusau on Tuesday when the project officials visited the state.
Gamji described the visit as a welcome development, saying that it was in line with the present administration’s policy to enhance agriculture.
“You know in Zamfara, farming is our pride.
“About 90 per cent of Zamfara people are farmers.
“Therefore, agriculture is one of the top priorities in the agenda of Gov. Dauda Lawal’s administration.
“As earlier discussed, we are ever ready to partner with you to enhance farming activities in the state,” Gamji said.
He promised the State Government’s commitment to participating fully in the project, considering its impact on agricultural value chain and general economic growth of the state.
Earlier, the Leader of the delegation, Prof. Oyinkan Tasie, said the project aimed at encouraging agricultural policy process.
“The USAID is implementing this project in six states across the country, including Zamfara.
“We interact with stakeholders, we want to see how we can make women groups and people with disability, among others, more productive in agriculture,” Tasie said.
He also said that the delegation was interested in farmers’ challenges and how they could expand their access to market.
“We want to know more about farmers’ challenges of access to funds and storage.
“We want see that Zamfara agricultural products have access to the global market,” Tasie said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
IZ/CEO/USO
Edited by Chidi Opara/Sam Oditah

June 11, 2024
Matawalle donates 4,860 rams, N390m to APC stalwarts in Zamfara
aMatawalle donates 4,860 rams, N390m to APC stalwarts in Zamfara
Sallah
By Ishaq Zaki

Gusau, June 11, 2024 (NAN) The Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Matawalle, has donated 4,860 rams and N390million to the All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders, stakeholders and less-privileged families in Zamfara.
This is contained in a statement on Tuesday by the State APC Publicity Secretary, Malam Yusuf Idris.
The rams as well as the cash were donated to the beneficiaries ahead of the 2024 Eid-el-Kabir festival, which comes up on Sunday.
According to Idris, the former governor’s annual largesse would be shared among various categories of beneficiaries across the state.
He added that the gesture was aimed at assisting APC members, stakeholders and the vulnerable households to celebrate the Eid-el-Kabir festivals in a happy mood.
“The beneficiaries include the members of the State Working Committee of the APC as well as the party’s executives at the local government and ward levels across all the 14 local government areas of the state.
“Other beneficiaries also include party elders, youths, women groups, Islamic scholars, less-privileged persons, orphans and the needy as well as party members throughout the state.
“Other categories of beneficiaries are former Commissioners, Special Advisers, Directors- General, Senior Special Assistants, Special Assistants, Permanent Commissioners and Board members.
“Similarly, a total of 140 persons selected from the 14 local government areas of the state will receive N100,000 each to support them to perform sacrifices during the Eid-el-Kabir,” Idris said.
He further said that the Sallah gesture was also extended to the APC stakeholders in the North-West geopolitical zone. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
IZ/DCO/BRM
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Edited by Deborah Coker/Bashir Rabe Mani

June 11, 2024
Zamfara Govt. cautions residents against indiscriminate tree felling
Zamfara Govt. cautions residents against indiscriminate tree felling
Environment
By Ishaq Zaki
Gusau Jun. 10, 2024 (NAN) The Zamfara Government has cautioned the residents of the state against the indiscriminate cutting down of trees so as to prevent environmental challenges.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, Garba Dauran, gave the warning in Gusau on Monday at an event to commemorate the 2024 World Environment Day.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event
with a theme ‘Land Restoration, Desertification and Drought Resilience’, was organized by the ministry in collaboration with UNICEF.
“As we all know, among the major challenges to our environment today are pollution, overpopulation, land degradation and deforestation.
“Other challenges include waste management, flood, erosion, greenhouse effect global warming and climate change.
“These challenges are multi-sectoral in nature comprising: Environment, agriculture and water resources,” Dauran said.
According to him, one of the major challenges to the environment sector now is the rampant felling down of trees.
“I am therefore calling on the residents of the state to avoid illegal cutting of trees.
“The state government under Gov. Dauda Lawal has established a forest management agency for afforestation and reforestation activities aimed at addressing environmental challenges.
“Addressing environmental challenges is a responsibility of all, not government alone, therefore, all hands must be on deck for proper solutions to various environmental challenges,”Dauran explained.
In his remarks, the representative of UNICEF Sokoto Field Office, Mr Kabir Safana, assured its sustained support to ensure proper environmental management.
“UNICEF will continue to partner with the state government to implement strategies towards addressing various environmental challenges,” Safana said.
The Programme Manager, State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWATSAN), Alhaji Sani Gurbinbore, said that the event was organised to raise public awareness about the various challenges directly affecting the environment.
Gurbinbore commended the various stakeholders who participated in the event, adding that addressing environmental issues was the responsibility of all.
Earlier, while presenting a paper titled ‘Land Restoration’, Dr Al’amin Tsafe, from the Federal University, Gusau, highlighted the effects of over population, land use and other human practices resulting in environmental degradation and the loss of soil nutrients.
Tsafe urged the government and other relevant stakeholders to promote climate-smart agriculture, renewable energy and tree planting activities to provide lasting solutions to the environmental challenges.
The event was attended by various stakeholders including representatives from government agencies, traditional rulers, NGOs, CSOs and the media, among others. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
IZ/OJI/BRM
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Edited by Maureen Ojinaka/Bashir Rabe Mani

June 11, 2024