Author: Mohammed Bababusu

N-HYPPADEC reviews flood resettlement centre’s contract in Niger
N-HYPPADEC reviews flood resettlement centre’s contract in Niger
Resettlement
By Mohammed Baba Busu
Minna, June 28, 2024 (NAN) The National Hydro Power Producing Areas Development Commission (N- HYPPADEC), says it has reviewed by 100 per cent, the contract for the building and reconstruction of Muregi resettlement centre for flood victims in Mokwa.
Its Managing Director, Alhaji Abubakar Sadiq-Yelwa, disclosed this during his inspection visit to the site to ascertain the level of work and compliance.
He described the job as ”satisfactory, but a little slow”.
According to him, the settlement will actualise the decades of dream by the victims of the flood disaster in the area
He explained that the review became necessary due to the escalating prices of building materials for the expected 200 units of 2-bedroom flats, out of which 120 units were ongoing, with 82 at between 60 and 80 per cent completion.
According to him, the cost of each building now stands at N12 million from the initial N6million.
Sadiq-Yelwa stressed that none of the contractors was being owed by the commission, saying that they were happy with the review and that was why they remained on the site.
The managing director stated that the target was to ensure the completion of the edifice for occupation by the beneficiaries considering NIMET’s and other agencies warning of likely flooding this year.
Sadiq-Yelwa also promised to renovate the residence of the District Head and the Mosque, provide a health facility and a block of classrooms when the buildings were occupied.
He said that the Bida Emirate, Local Government Area and the State Government would be duly informed so as to facilitate smooth allocations to the benefiting communities.
Sadiq-Yelwa stated that the commission’s concern in improving the lives of the people would not be compromised as a preventive and intervention agency.
He stressed that 60 of such housing units would be constructed in Ketso, 50 units in Shiroro with 30 already ongoing, adding that 100 were targeted but for insecurity affecting the projects.
Sadiq Yelwa maintained that 40 of such houses had been completed in Kwara, 40 in Kebbi and 30 in Benue, respectively.
While charging the benefiting communities to take full ownership of the projects, he enjoined them to ensure effective maintenance, sustainability and usage.
He regretted that several lives, properties like houses, livestock and farmlands were lost through annual flooding before the establishment of N-HYPPADEC.
The managing director said that the losses had drastically reduced due to proactive measures, especially the construction of drainages in Koton-Karfe in Kogi and Benue, to avert perennial flooding.”
Sadiq Yelwa, therefore, called on the Federal Government to dredge River Niger to end flooding.
He also called for the completion of the Baro Port.
He said that the projects would improve the Nigerian economy and generate massive employment opportunities.
The Coordinator in charge of the centre, Mr Mohammed Muregi, expressed satisfaction with the intervention of the commission, describing it as overwhelming and sequel to the concern and commitment of the managing director.
He also commended the standard and quality of work done so far that had changed the narrative of providing a permanent home for the people of the community. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
BAB/BRM
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Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani
June 28, 2024
Bago calls for review of hajj operations
Bago calls for review of Hajj operations
Hajj
By Mohammed Baba Busu
Niger, June 23, 2024 (NAN) Gov. Umaru Bago of Niger has called for the review of activities of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON)
This is contained in a statement signed by Bologi Ibrahim, the Chief Press Secretary to the governor in Minna on Sunday.
Bago made the call in an interview with newsmen in Mecca, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to assess this year’s Hajj operation.
He expressed concern over the way NAHCON turned itself to an operator of Hajj activities instead of playing regulatory roles.
The governor who recounted the hitches pilgrims encountered, described the 2024 Hajj exercise as a failure.
He suggested that Hajj operation should be private sector-driven for effective and efficient service delivery.
Bago said that he will lead a Committee of state governors to meet relevant authorities for a review of the commission.
“Let the private sector drive Hajj operations, NAHCON should be a regulator at the centre.
“I am leading a committee of Governors to the Nigeria Governor’s Forum, from there we go to the NEC.
“I will propose this motion and we will send a bill to the National Assembly where this issue of NAHCON would be reviewed.
“NAHCON is not helping matters, our Federal Government is too big to be worried about Hajj operations, these are supposed to be local government issues and not even State issues”, Bago said.
He said that the state governments should be able to organise pilgrimage, and engage agents from the private as it is done in other countries.
He called of for the probe of N90 billion subsidy paid by the Federal government for the Hajj operations.
The governor said that in spite the subsidy, some states including Niger still paid some billions of naira for the exercise.
He alleged that pilgrims were given only 400 dollars to take care of themselves for about 40 days, inspite the payment of N8 million by each pilgrim.
Bago said that the N90 billion would have made more impact if shared to states.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
BAB/JPE
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Edited by Joseph Edeh
June 23, 2024
Eid-el Kabir: Pray for nation’s economic recovery – CAN urges Nigerians

Prayers
By Mohammed Baba Busu
Minna, June 16, 2024 (NAN) Most Rev. Bulus Yohanna, Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Niger State Chapter, on Sunday urges Nigerians to pray fervently for the fast recovery of the nation’s economy.
The CAN chairman made the call in his congratulatory message issued in Minna to the Muslim community on the occasion of Eid-el Kabir on Sunday.
Yohanna said that the price of commodities especially foodstuffs in the market nowadays called for intensive and fervent prayers for God’s divine intervention.
“This is why I am urging muslim faithful in Niger and Nigeria as a whole to use the Eid-el Kabir period for sober reflection and prayer for peace, unity, and economic recovery.
“I hereby appeal to Muslims to pray for the country’s challenges to be overcome.
“We should, as Nigerians, be encouraged and have hope in God for the transformation of the country,” he said.
He commended the Niger State government’s efforts to address security and economic issues.
According to him, there’s need for continued tolerance, synergy, and cooperation among government, agencies and citizens toward overcoming the challenges.
The chairman also called for improved healthcare, youth and women empowerment, investment in education, and addressing socio-economic challenges.
He, however, wished the Muslim community a peaceful and joyous Eid-el Kabir celebration. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
BAB/MNA
Edited by Maureen Atuonwu
June 16, 2024
Etsu Nupe seeks emulation of Prophet Ibrahim’s good virtues
Etsu Nupe seeks emulation of Prophet Ibrahim’s good virtues
Emulation
By Mohammed Baba Busu
Bida (Niger), June 16, 2024 (NAN) Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, the Etsu Nupe and Chairman, Niger Council of Traditional Rulers, has urged the Muslims to emulate Prophet Ibrahim’s good virtues as they celebrate the Eid-el Kabir.
According to the Etsu Nupe, these lofty virtues include sacrifice, obedience and submissiveness to the will of Allah, in order to be successful in the worldly life and the hereafter.
He made the appeal in his Sallah message to the Muslim community in his domain and Nigerians in general to mark the celebration at the Eid praying ground in Bida on Sunday.
Abubakar said, “Today’s celebration is a commemoration of total submissiveness and obedience to the will of Allah, as exemplified by Prophet Ibrahim and Ismail.
“It is also a lesson on the virtue of keeping our promises to Allah and to our fellow men.
“Prophet Ibrahim made a vow to sacrifice his son to Allah, and when it was time to fulfill the promise, he didn’t back out. That is a strong virtue worthy of emulation.
“It was in appreciation of that gesture that Allah converted what would have been a human sacrifice to that of a sheep.’’
The traditional ruler advised the Muslims to shun societal ills and to always endeavour to do good.
“Societal ills like bribery, corruption, drunkenness and gambling do not do any good to man, society, or the Muslim faithful, hence all believers are enjoined to avoid them,” Abubakar admonished.
He implored Muslims in his domain and the country at large to reflect on the significance of the celebration, which bordered on encouraging piety, sacrifice and love, without which, according to him, no state or society could advance.
Abubakar appealed to the wealthy individuals in the country to assist the poor to enable all and sundry celebrate Eid-el Kabir with a relative ease.
He said, “God has endowed wealth on people not for themselves and their immediate families, but for the benefit of entire society.
“The socio-economic predicament that we are facing requires such assistance from well-to-do individuals in the country.”
Abubakar charged the Muslim faithful to pray to God to assist President Bola Tinubu, other elected and appointed leaders to overcome both the current economic meltdown and security challenges bedeviling the country.
The leader advised his people to always monitor the movements of their children, to stem the habit of drug abuse that was rampant among the youths
“With fervent and ceaseless prayers by the adherents of the two major religions in the country, I am sure we will witness the peaceful conduct of general elections in the country,” he added.
The royal father also prayed for a successful Hajj and safe return of all the pilgrims currently in Saudi Arabia.(NAN)(www.nannewsngr.com)
BAB/BRM
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Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani
June 16, 2024
Gov Bago salutes Abdulsalam at 82
Felicitation
By Mohammed Baba Busu
Niger, June 12, 2024, (NAN) Gov. Umar Bago of Niger has congratulated Nigeria’s former Head of State, and Chairman of the National Peace Committee, Retired Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar on his 82nd birthday.
This is contained in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim and made available to newsmen in Minna on Wednesday.
The governor joined family members, friends, and associates of the retired Gen. Abubakar in celebrating the milestone.
He described the former Head of State as an epitome of unity, and a patriotic elder statesman, who has made significant contributions to the growth and stability of the nation and the West African sub-region at large .
Bago noted with delight that the celebrant has exuded great patriotism and historic roles by ensuring smooth transition from Military to Civilian rule in 1999, thereby laying the solid foundation of democracy in Nigeria.
He commended Abubakar for being consistent in placing national interest far above his personal ambition for the greater good of the nation.
He said that the reputation the celebrant had earned as a peacemaker and nation builder would remain invaluable in the democratic history of not only Nigeria but Africa as a continent.
The governor noted that the leadership and statesmanship of the retired Nigerian Army General had left an indelible mark on Nigeria, and commended him for his service to the country and commitment to peace and unity, which he said, has been an inspiration to many .
Bago then prayed to God to grant the celebrant robust health, increase his wisdom and strength to continue to serve humanity.(NAN)(www.nannewsngr.com)
BAB/IU
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Edited by Isaac Ukpoju
June 12, 2024
Attorney urges youths, women to acquire digital skills
Attorney urges youths, women to acquire digital skills
Youths
By Mohammed Baba Busu
Suleja (Niger), June 12, 2024 (NAN) A legal luminary, Dr Ogwu Onoja (SAN), has urged youths, women and other Nigerians to acquire digital skills to boost national development.
He listed the skills to include digital marketing, data analytics and cyber security.
According to him, this is to enable them to contribute positively to the development of the society.
Onoja made the call at the graduation ceremony/ inauguration of an Internship and Business Pitching event organized by Ubelle Neo Cloud Consortium in Suleja on Tuesday.
He said that the knowledge and skills the graduates have acquired would open doors to new opportunities and challenges.
“As they embark on their internships and present their business pitches, I am confident that they will make significant contributions to their respective fields,” he said.
Onoja said that the skills the youths have learnt were not just for their personal growth, but for the betterment of the nation.
” You are the torchbearers of the digital revolution, and it is up to you to use your knowledge and skills to make a positive impact,” he said.
Onoja said the event was to celebrate the achievements of the graduates who have successfully completed their digital skills training.
” The skills they have acquired in Digital Marketing, Data Analytics, and Cyber Security are not just relevant, but essential in today’s digital age,” he said
The don commended the firm for its unwavering commitment to fostering digital skills in Niger and Nigeria in general.
” The initiation of this programme by Ubelle Nigeria Limited and Neo Cloud Technologies is a testament to their commitment to fostering digital skills.
“Their efforts, supported by The World Bank, are indeed commendable.
“This initiative is not just about imparting skills, but about creating a generation of digital leaders who will shape the future of our nation,” the eminent Lawyer said.
Onoja congratulated all the graduates on their success, adding, ” May the skills you have learned guide you in your future endeavors.
“Remember, the key to success is to keep learning and keep evolving. The world is full of opportunities and it is up to you to seize them.” (NAN) (www.nannewsngr.com)
BAB/BRM
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Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani
June 12, 2024
Group trains 460 youths, women on digital skills in Niger

Training
By Mohammed Baba Busu
Suleja (Niger), June 11, 2024 (NAN) A group, Ubelle/Neo Cloud Consortium, has trained 450 indigent youths and women on digital skills in Niger.
Dr Ali Johnson-Onoja, Managing Director of the firm stated this at the graduation ceremony for the Digital Skill training and inauguration of an internship business pitching programme in Suleja on Tuesday.
Johnson-Onoja said that the training, which included digital marketing, data analysis and cyber security was done in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Education under its Innovation Development and Effectiveness in the Acquisition of Skills (IDEAS) project.
He explained that the beneficiaries were selected from amongst the more than 900 young people who indicated interest when the programme began in December 2023.
Johnson-Onoja said that the graduands have been equipped with the tools and knowledge necessary to thrive in the digital age.
The managing director said that the Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Education, had launched the World Bank-supported IDEAS project to enhance the country’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) system.
He said: “this initiative aims to improve skills acquisition by involving industry stakeholders and attracting private sector resources to the formal training system.
“The programme focuses on inclusivity, welcoming individuals of all genders, backgrounds, and physical abilities.
“It aims to provide participants with holistic preparation for entry-level job opportunities through hands-on training and internships aligned with industry standards.
“Ubelle Nigeria Limited and Neo Cloud Technologies Consortium were among the 14 private sector organisations selected as grantees of the Innovation Grant Funding (IGF) under the IDEAS Project to pioneer implementation of the project in November 2023.
“Our is currently being implemented at the Fabsi Institute of Entrepreneurship in Suleja “.
Johnson-Onoja said that the aim was to equip the eligible youths, especially women, the physically-challenged and the vulnerable, with digital skills training and certification.
“We believe that this is an important project that needs national and international attention to expand its scope, empower our youths and entrepreneurship,” he said.
He explained that the trainers have obtained various certificates in the basic, intermediary and advance categories from internationally recognised certification bodies.
Johnson-Onoja said that the graduands would be mentored into getting jobs in the evolving digital market place and as well make many of them self-employed individuals, business owners and entrepreneurs
“We live in a time where digital literacy is not just an advantage but a necessity. This is in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President Bola Tinubu’s administration, ” he added.
In his remarks, Mallam Muhammad Awwal- Ibrahim, the Emir of Suleja, represented by Alh. Dalhatu Adamu, Makama Zazzau, Suleja, and District Head of Magajiya, commended the organisers for bringing the programme to his domain.
He appealed to other NGOs and philanthropists to bring more of such programmes to his Emirate.
The emir urged the beneficiaries to judiciously use the skills acquired for themselves and for the benefit of others in the society.

He warned them against deploying the skills for criminal activities in the cyber space that would endanger their lives.
Mr Olarinoye Shedrack, one of the graduands, commended the organisers for the opportunity.
He promised that they would use the skills to improve their lives and support the socioeconomic development of Niger and the country in general.(NAN)
BAB/IU
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Edited by Isaac Ukpoju
June 11, 2024
Tinubu’s horse wins Bida horse racing tournament
Racing
By Mohammed Baba Busu
Bida, (Niger) June 3, 2024 (NAN) President Bola Tinubu’s horse, named “Renewed Hope”, retained its title of the fastest horse in Africa after winning the 2024 edition of the horse racing tournament in Bida.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the tournament was organised by the Horse Racing Federation of Nigeria.
The same horse that topped the winners’ list at the 2022 and 2023 editions of the competition, had been the defending champion in the last three years.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of the event, Gov. Mohammed Umaru-Bago of Niger, congratulated the president’s horse for taking the first position at the competition
Bago said he was elated with the unity of purpose that the federation had brought through the organisation of the event that ended on Sunday in the state.
The governor also commended the Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, Coordinator and National Coordinator of the federation (Sarkin Dawaki Nupe), for their support in sustaining the annual horse racing in Bida.
In his remarks, the Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, said efforts would be intensified to strengthen the cultural norms and values of the people through sports.
According to the Etsu Nupe, who is also the Chairman, Niger Council of Traditional Rulers, it is necessary to prevent the cultures and traditions from going extinct.
”The race, which is traditional in nature, further provided an opportunity for the display of cultures as various cultural activities were on display,” the Etsu Nupe added.
Abubakar, who described horse racing as a historic event, expressed joy that it was fast gaining acceptance in the emirate.
He called on the residents to take full advantage of the economic opportunities of horse racing, especially as the riders from other states and countries participated.
He explained that the sport was not only unique but portrayed that animals could be controlled.
The Etsu Nupe acknowledged the diligent planning and execution of the event, saying, ”it encourages sportsmanship and bolsters unity of the country, Africa and the world.
He said, ”This event also boosts the socio-economic development of Bida, Niger and Nigeria as a whole. We will sustain this enviable feat.
”We are happy that this is the fourth edition of this event and it has been successful. The next edition holds in Kaduna on June 26, In sha Allahu.”
Also, the Emir of Lafiagi Kwara, Alhaji Mohammed Kudu-Kawu, described the event as a veritable tool for uniting various traditional institutions.
He described horse racing as one of the age-long pastimes and rich cultural heritages of the people, commending the Etsu Nupe and the Sarkin Dawakin for a successful outing.
The emir also acknowledged the increasing acceptability of horse racing in the country and the world, saying that it was also becoming more profitable for the investors.
A traditional ruler from Umuahia, Abia, Eze Sheikh Abdulfatai Chima-Eze, the Emetoma III, emphasised that the tournament was promoting national unity and excitement.
The Coordinator, National Horse Racing Federation of Nigeria, Sarkin Dawaki Nupe, Alhaji Abubakar Mustapha-Bida, said that more measures were being taken to domesticate the competition in all parts of Nigeria.
Mustapha-Bida, who is also the Chairman, New Niger Development Project, said that the event was organised as part of the commemoration of the one year anniversary of President Bola Tinubu.
He said the event had ”Renewed Hope’ as its theme.
Mustapha-Bida stated that they had introduced the ”division system” in the event to be on par with the extant global best practices in horse racing.
”Nigeria is taking a led in the horse racing in the committee of nations in Africa, we are very happy to be part of history and to have pushed to ensure that these has become a reality.
”We have five countries participating, they are Cameroon, Chad, Niger, Burkina Faso and Mali.
”These are our national partners during racing events in Nigeria, it is like an exchange programme.
”They come to race with us and then we go there to race with them in their different countries,” Sarkin Dawaki Nupe added.
He said that the Renewed Hope was also expected to defend the title in subsequent races in Kaduna and Kano in June and July respectively.
Six Toyota vehicles were presented to the winners of various categories of race.
The winner of the second positions got N700,000 each winners of the third and fourth positions received N500,000 and N300,000 respectively.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
BAB/DOE
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Edited by Dianabasi Effiong
June 3, 2024
Clergy seeks measures to reduce hardship of Nigerians

Clergy seeks measures to reduce hardship of Nigerians
Hardship
By Mohammed Baba Busu
Mokwa (Niger) June 2, 2024 (NAN) The Bishop of Anglican Communion, Kutigi Diocese in Lavun Local Government Area of Niger, RT. Rev Jeremiah Ndana-Kolo, has called for more measures to reduce the current hardship faced by Nigerians.
The Bishop stated this at the end of this year’s three-day Synod held at St. John’s Anglican Church, Mokwa in Niger on Sunday.
”Nigerians can no longer afford the prices of foodstuffs and other essential commodities in the markets,” he said.
Also speaking, the Administrator of the Diocese, Rev. Solomon Gana, expressed gratitude for God’s mercies that kept them together to another session of the 2024 Synod,
In his sermon on Friday, the first day of the Synod, the administrator admonished Christians to imbibe the historical background of Christianity.
In his goodwill message, the Bishop of Bida Diocese, Jonah Kolo, commended the Bishop of Kutigi for making this year’s Synod successful a historic moment as part of activities to enhance the work of God.
The communique issued at the end of the first session of the fifth Synod signed by Bishop Jeremiah Ndana-Kolo, reiterated the need for the government to redouble efforts to urgently combat insecurity.
He listed the crimes to include banditry and kidnappings.
The Synod asked Christians to be content with whatever they have, Love God with all their hearts and strength and to as well love their neighbours as themselves in spite of the economic hardship.
The communique also urged the government to be more proactive in curtailing all forms of insecurity.
It commended Gov. Umar Bago for his exceptional attention to youth employment, agriculture and infrastructural development across the state.
It also extolled the efforts he is putting in place to curtail insecurity particularly youth restiveness.
It, however, urged the Christians faithful to double their efforts in spreading the gospel to inculcate the habit of Godliness in the human race.
The Synod added that Christians were not only to confess their faith but to put it to practice no matter the life challenges.
The theme of this year’s synod was: “Confession of Faith and its Confirmation”.
It also witnessed the widows’ end of the year thanksgiving and awards to some distinguished personalities.
Those honored included Mr James Bake-Tetengi, recently appointed a Permanent Secretary, and Princess Rachel Yisa, who was recently given a political appointment by the Niger Government.
Also honoured were six eminent personalities who celebrated their 70 years, and who have contributed immensely to the growth of Christianity in the Diocese.
Twenty eight House of Clergy and 37 House of Laity graced the 3-day annual event held at the St John’s Anglican Church, Mokwa.(NAN)(www.nannewsngr.com)
BAB/BRM
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Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

June 2, 2024
Bago slashes registration fees of Abdulkadir Kure varsity by 50%
Bago slashes registration fees of Abdulkadir Kure varsity by 50%
Fees
By Mohammed Baba Busu
Minna, June 2, 2024 (NAN), Gov. Umaru Bago of Niger has approved a 50 per cent reduction of the registration fees of all the students studying in Abdulkadir Kure University, Minna.
This largesse was part of his efforts to ease the burden on parents following the removal of fuel subsidy.
The Pro- Chancellor University disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Minna on Saturday.
Yahaya-Kuta explained that the governor said the gesture was aimed at alleviating the compounding financial hardships on parents.
According to him, the decision would reduce the effect of the current economic hardship on the students and their parents who are suffering from the consequences of the fuel subsidy removal.
Yahaya-Kuta further stated that all the students studying regular courses in the institution were to enjoy the total relief of a fifty per cent reduction in the registration fees in the ongoing 2023/2024 academic session.
While congratulating the students, parents, and the people of Niger on the development, the governor hoped that the beneficiaries and entire people of the state would lend their unflinching support and cooperation to the present administration.
He said, “Governor Bago implored the beneficiaries of the government’s kind gesture to reciprocate it by being more committed to their studies for the development of the state and humanity at large.” (NAN)(www.nannewsngr.com)
BAB/BRM
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Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani
June 2, 2024