Author: Muhammad Bello

50,000 families benefit from Eid-el Kabir sacrifices in Sokoto
Sacrifices

By Muhammad Nasir

Sokoto, June 27, 2024 (NAN) No fewer than 50,000 families benefited from the Sokoto State Zakkat and Endowment Commission’s sacrifices during the recent Eid-El Kabir festival in the state.

Malam Lawal Maidoki, the Chairman of the commission, announced this at a press briefing in Sokoto on Thursday.

Maidoki stated that the gesture was part of the commission’s annual effort to ease economic hardship in the community.

“The udhiyya for the year 1445 AH was conducted in collaboration with the Sulaimaniyya Humanitarian Relief Association and Darul Erkam Foundation Turkey,” he said.

Maidoki said that the Sulaimaniyya Humanitarian Relief Association initially planned to slaughter 2,000 bulls, but due to logistical challenges, they ended up with 1,394 bulls and 35 camels.

“Beneficiaries of the udhiyya included Juma’at mosques, Islamic organizations, human rights groups, NGOs, and Ministries Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

“Others included 87 districts, 134 Ramadan feeding centers, Qur’anic schools, orphanages, correctional centers, IDPs, and hospitals.

“Additionally, the Darul Erkam Foundation slaughtered 500 bulls at various centers, benefiting 6,000 people. Alhamdulillah, over 50,000 families have benefited from the 2024 Eid-El Kabir udhiyya,” he added.

Maidoki commended Gov. Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto State for his immense support in ensuring the success of the exercise and thanked the Sultan for his fatherly advice and blessings.

He also acknowledged the efforts of security personnel for maintaining a peaceful atmosphere during the programme and commended the commission’s staff for their sacrifice and hard work. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani
June 27, 2024
FG set to boost livestock business, strengthen PPP drive
Livestock
By Muhammad Nasir
Sokoto, June 26, 2024 (NAN) The Federal Government has embraced the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) initiative to enhance productive and commercially-viable livestock production, aiming to boost the economy.
Mr Sanusi Abubakar, National Coordinator of the L-PRES World Bank Project in Nigeria, made the assertion during a tour and assessment exercise in Sokoto State on Wednesday.
L–PRES is a six-year project with a ‘Project Development Objective (PDO)’ to improve livestock productivity, resilience, and commercialization of selected value chains.
Abubakar stated that the PPP drive aimed to encourage, boost, and sustain entrepreneurial activities within the livestock sector of agriculture.
“The Federal Government is committed to the responsive implementation of its plans. This visit is to assess the state’s preparedness in achieving the project’s objectives,” he said.
He emphasised that the government’s commitment included ensuring an enhanced PPP drive for reliable and profitable utilisation of key drivers and components.
“Today, we visited the state’s modern abattoir and dairy plant, among other critical facilities.
”We learnt about their production capacities through various stages of the process, from start to finish.
“I assure you that we are determined to strengthen both the quantity and quality of production through sustained intervention,” Abubakar explained.
He further said that Sokoto state has reached stage two of the positive driver, allowing L-PRES to advance its mission.
Abubakar highlighted that finance remained a crucial component of the project and assured that access to funding would be facilitated for those in the business.
He commended Gov. Ahmed Aliyu for his efforts in repositioning all aspects of agriculture for viability.
Earlier, Malam Abdullahi Mijinyawa, the State Chairman of the Livestock and Butchers’ Association, extolled the L-PRES intervention in the state.
He said that more cows, camels, and meat would be produced in larger quantities for both commercial and local consumption, including by-products.
Mijinyawa added that their members have the capacity to meet public demand, adding, “modern abattoir facilities and installations are available to fast-track production levels.
“All we need is sustained intervention to enhance the business for economic prosperity in our state and beyond.” (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
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Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Bashir Rabe Mani

June 26, 2024
Sokoto Assembly: No Bill to dethrone Sultan, only to strengthen Institution

Dethronement

By Muhammad Nasir

Sokoto, June 25, 2024 (NAN) The Sokoto State House of Assembly on Tuesday clarified that the lawmakers have received no bill before them seeking to dethrone the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar.
According to the house, the bill before them only seeks to strengthen the activities of the Sultanate Council of Sokoto.

Alhaji Bello Idris (APC – Gwadabawa North), the House Majority Leader, made this assertion while addressing journalists after the assembly’s plenary session.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that upon resuming from its one-month recess, the assembly deliberated on three Executive Bills.

They included a Bill for a Law to Further Amend the Sokoto State Local Government Law, 2008, to Provide for the Tenure of Local Government Council and for Related Matters.

The second one was a Bill for a Law to Repeal the Sokoto State Prohibition of Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities Law No. 1 of 2021.

The third one was a Bill for a Law to Provide for the Establishment of the State Tenancy Control and Safety of Persons Agency.”

Idris emphasised that the current state administration highly values and respects the Sultan and the Sultanate Council and it was committed to protecting the dignity of the revered institution.

“A Bill to dethrone the Sultan for what crime? This could not and will never happen.

“We at the State Assembly have not received any law attempting to remove the Sultan but instead to strengthen his powers, guard, protect, and promote the institution,” he explained.

The house leader urged the public to disregard any reports of an attempt to dethrone the Sultan, describing such information as a mischievous act.

NAN also reports that the three Bills have since passed the second reading at the plenary and have been referred to the House Committees on Local Government, Social Welfare and Human Rights, and Donor Agencies, respectively. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani
June 25, 2024
2024 World Drug Day: NDLEA in Sokoto State commits to curbing challenges
2024 World Drug Day: NDLEA in Sokoto State commits to curbing challenges
NDLEA
By Muhammad Nasir
Sokoto, June 24, 2024 (NAN) The National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Sokoto State Command, has reaffirmed commitment to address the myriad of drug-related security challenges in the state.
The agency’s Commander in the state, Mr Adamu Iro, gave the assurance during a news conference to
commemorate the 2024 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking in Sokoto on Monday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the day is annunally observed on June 26 as a global reminder to the urgent need to combat drug abuse and illicit trafficking.
Established by the UN in 1987, the day is also to strengthen action and cooperation to achieve the goal of an international society free of drug abuse, thorough comprehension of the social, economic and health consequences of drug use.
This 2024 edition of the global observance id “The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention.”
The Sokoto commander, therefore, said “NDLEA is fully engaged with renewed vigour to support government efforts in tackling the insecurity affecting not only Sokoto but Nigeria as a whole.
“In Sokoto State, the successes we have recorded so far are directly linked to our awareness of the state’s security challenges.
‘“We firmly believe that there is a connection between drug abuse and crimes such as banditry and kidnapping.”
He warned those allowing their premises to be used for drug trade and consumption, adding that such properties would be investigated and possibly forfeited to the Federal Government.
Iro emphasised that under the leadership of Retired Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa, the NDLEA had undergone significant transformation to address drug-related challenges.
“This is evident in the increased arrests, seizures, convictions, sensitisation programmes, strategic restructuring and partnerships, which garnered national, regional and international recognition and commendation,” he said.
He highlighted the importance of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, saying that the day’s objective is to strengthen action and cooperation to achieve a world free of drug abuse.
He urged husbands to monitor their wives and children to ensure that they were not influenced by individuals involved in drug abuse.
He called on the state government to resuscitate the Drug Control Committee in Sokoto, emphasising that the state was lagging in this area.
The commander appealed to stakeholders to see themselves as NDLEA ambassadors in the fight against drug abuse.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng.com)
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Edited by Deborah Coker/Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

June 24, 2024
Eid-El-Kabir: Sultan felicitates Nigerians, urges greater commitment to farming

Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, the Sultan of Sokoto.

Eid-el Kabir

By Muhammad Nasir
Sokoto, June 16, 2024 (NAN) Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, the Sultan of Sokoto and President General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), has extended his felicitations to Nigerian Muslims on the occasion of Eid-el Kabir.

In his Sallah message on Sunday, Abubakar urged Nigerians to commit more to farming as a means to alleviate societal economic hardship and address the high cost of living in the country.

“We are fully aware that the leaders in the country are doing their best to ease the hardship, but more needs to be done.

“Our people, particularly in the North, are in a very difficult situation. Therefore, leaders need to do more in tackling the current challenges,” he said.

The Sultan further urged farmers to make the most of the rainy season to ensure sufficient food production to meet societal demand.

“We should all go back to farming and produce food because doing so will ease our condition and boost the country’s economy,” he advised.

Abubakar also called on Muslims to continue praying for the leaders, emphasising that only prayers could support the desired needs of any society.

He appreciated the security agencies in the country for their sustained dedication to ensuring the safety of all citizens.

The Sultan applauded Gov. Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto State for his commitment to supporting the less-privileged in the state and urged the people to continue living peacefully with one another.

He thanked the Muslim community for the continued dedication to propagating the true essence of Islam, and urged them to have full faith that the country’s challenges would soon be over.

He also prayed for the safe return of the pilgrims in Saudi Arabia, urging them to pray for Nigeria and its leaders. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani
June 16, 2024
SOSG moves to address farmer-herder clashes
Clashes

By Muhammad Nasir

Sokoto June 12, 2024 (NAN) The Sokoto State Government on Wednesday inaugurated a 28-member committee to revive measures aimed at addressing the recurring farmer-herder clashes in the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the committee, led by the state Commissioner for Animals and Fisheries Development, Alhaji Aliyu Tureta, has representatives from various sectors such as security agencies, traditional rulers, farmers and herders.

Originally established in 1990, the committee has been revived through the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES).

In his remarks, Tureta explained that the measure was aimed at promoting peaceful coexistence among the stakeholders and ensuring a productive working relationship between the beneficiaries.

“This committee was established in 1990 but has not been functioning as expected, leading to the frequent communal clashes between farmers and herders in some parts of our state.

“Reducing conflicts between farmers and herders is crucial to boosting livestock production in our domain,” Tureta said.

He added that the symbiotic relationship between herders and farmers cannot be overemphasised.

“While herders provide meat and milk, farmers supply food for livestock. Therefore, bringing them together is essential for the mutual development of all parties involved,” he stressed.

Also speaking at the event, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar and President General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), commended the ministry and the L-PRES Project for reviving the committee.

Represented by Dr Jabbi Kilgori, the District Head of Kilgori, Abubakar emphasised the importance of harmonious cooperation between farmers and herders. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani a
June 12, 2024
Sultan directs Muslims to look for Crescent of Dhul-Hijjah 1445 AH from Thursday
Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, the Sultan of Sokoto and President General Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA)
Dhul-Hijjah
By Muhammad Nasir
Sokoto June 5, 2024 (NAN) Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General, Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), has directed the Muslim Ummah to look out for the crescent of Dhul-Hijjah 1445 AH from Thursday.
Abubakar made the call in a statement signed by Prof. Sambo Janaidu, the Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs of the Sultanate Council, Sokoto, on Wednesday.
He stated that “this is to inform the Muslim Ummah that Thursday, June 6, which is equivalent to the 29th day of Dhul-Qidah 1445 AH, shall be the day to look for the new moon of Dhul-Hijjah 1445 AH.
“Muslims are, therefore, requested to start looking for the new moon of Dhul-Hijjah on Thursday and report its sighting to the nearest District or Village Head for onward communication to the Sultan.”
The Sultan prayed Allah to continue to support Muslims in the discharge of their religious duties.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Dhul-Hijjah, the 12th and final month in the Islamic calendar, is one of the four sacred months in Islam during which Muslims across the world perform pilgrimage (Hajj) and celebrate the Eid-El-Kabir festival.
During the month, Muslim pilgrims from around the world congregate in Mecca to perform Hajj, which begins on the eighth, and celebrate Eid-El-Kabir from the 10th to the 13th of Dhul-Hijjah. (NAN) (www.nannews.com)
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Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa/Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

June 5, 2024
NDLEA arrests 65-yr-old for allegedly dealing in illicit drugs

Suspect arrested by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Sokoto State
NDLEA arrests 65-yr-old for allegedly dealing in illicit drugs
Arrest
By Muhammad Nasir
Sokoto June 4, 2024 (NAN) The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Sokoto State has arrested 65-year-old Musa Arzika for allegedly being in possession of 12.7 kg of Cannabis Sativa (otherwiswe called marijuana) and 12 grammes of tramadol.
The State NDLEA Commander,
Mr Adamu Iro, disclosed this during an interactive session with journalists in Sokoto on Tuesday.
Iro said that the suspect was arrested within the stronghold of bandits during Monday’s operation by the command’s operatives, supported by men of the Nigerian Army.
He said that Arzika, who has partial hearing impairment, was arrested at his residence in Gada Local Government Area of the state.
“The main concern is the age of the suspect and the area where he was arrested, which is known to be a bandit stronghold in the state.
“We cannot ignore the fact that most of these suspects are the ones supplying bandits with dangerous substances that aid their notorious activities.
“Today, we face significant security challenges in Sokoto and we are all aware that bandits have renewed their attacks on innocent citizens.
“It is clear that drug abuse and banditry are intertwined as drugs play a vital role in such activities,” he said.
The state NDLEA boss further described the suspect as a “long-time drug baron and dealer, partially deaf.
“However, despite his condition, he has continued to engage in illegal activities,” Iro said.
He further said that the suspect had been on the command’s radar, and had provided useful information regarding his activities and methods.
“We are confident that this arrest will significantly reduce the incidents of banditry in the area,” he said.
Iro urged the people of the state to continue to assist the security agencies with useful and timely information in their efforts toward ensuring a safe and secure environment for all. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
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Edited by Idowu Ariwodola/Sam Oditah

June 4, 2024