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Author: Shuaib Sadiq

  • Ex-Bauchi Governor, Mu’azu, extols Zamfara’s urban road projects

    Ex-Bauchi Governor, Mu’azu, extols Zamfara’s urban road projects
    Inauguration
    By Shuaib Sadiq
    Gusau, June 22,2024 (NAN) Former Bauchi State Governor, Alhaji Adamu Mu’azu has applauded Gov. Dauda Lawal for the execution of quality road projects in Gusau, Zamfara, within his first year in office.
    This is contained in a statement by Suleiman Idris,  Lawal’s media aide and made available to newsmen on Saturday in Gusau.
    Mu’azu, who was also the former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), spoke in Gusau at the unveiling of the various road projects executed under Lawal’s Urban Renewal Programme.
    Mu’azu said he was impressed with the quality of the road projects initiated by Lawal.
    “Today, I stand with a lot of pride and gratitude to Allah for the commendable projects that Gov. Dauda Lawal has undertaken.
    “The remarkable aspect of these roads is that they are of the highest quality by global standards.
    “I can assure you that these are very durable roads because Triacta does not compromise on standards,” Mu’azu said.
    The former Bauchi governor unveiled the Freedom Square to Nasiha Chemist Junction, Freedom Square to the Government House road and the road from Government House to Lalan to Gada Biyu, all in Gusau.
    Speaking at the event, Lawal said that Gusau has begun to assume the status of a state capital after 28 years since Zamfara was created.
    He said, “Indeed, we cannot thank almighty Allah enough for the gift of life and for the opportunity to continue to unveil project after project.
    ”This is not only as a developmental pedestal of our state but as a mark of fulfillment of our promises to the people of Zamfara during the campaigns.
    ”I want to reiterate my commitment to the service of my dear state at all times,” Lawal said.
    According to him, the project was the second in a series of many, adding, “by the time we finish our plans for the urban renewal programme, all of us will be proud to call Gusau our state capital.
    ”Similarly, we will improve all infrastructure across the 14 local government areas of the state.”
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that unveiling of the road projects in Gusau marked the end of the celebration of Lawal’s first anniversary in office.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    SSA/BRM
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    Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

  • Lawal to upgrade Zamfara specialist hospital to teaching facility  

    Lawal to upgrade Zamfara specialist hospital to teaching facility
    Upgrade
    By Shuaib Sadiq
    Gusau, June 23, 2024 (NAN) Gov. Dauda Lawal of Zamfara, says his government is transforming the Specialist Hospital, Gusau to a University Teaching Hospital.
    This is contained in a statement issued by Suleiman Idris, the Governor’s media aide on Friday.
    Lawal stated this at the inauguration of the facility upgrade of the lone state-owned tertiary healthcare institution, code named; ‘Ahmed Sani Yariman Bakura Specialist Hospital’ in Gusau.
    According to him, upgrading the hospital will transform  the facility  to the status of a teaching hospital of the Zamfara University.
     Lawal reassured that the process would improve the referral system for specialized care, increase the healthcare workforce, and enhance service quality, resulting in better health outcomes.
    “We are here today to flag off the remodelling, upgrading, and equipping of Ahmad Sani Yariman Bakura Specialist Hospital, Gusau.
    ” The work will also consist of acquiring medical equipment for the hospital.
    “This project is a follow-up to our declaration of a state of emergency on the State’s health sector after that of education,” Lawal said.
    He said the project was necessitated by the enormous challenges his administration inherited in the sector.
    ” The hospital is in a dire state despite its vital role in providing quality healthcare services to residents and visitors alike.
    ” Many of its structures are in disrepair, indicating an urgent need for attention.
    ” Additionally, the hospital lacks adequate laboratory facilities, hindering the staff’s ability to carry out essential diagnostic procedures effectively,” the governor said.
    Lawal said the aim was to safeguard the health and well-being of both the residents  and healthcare service providers.
    “It will also proactively address, manage, and ultimately control the incidences of both communicable and non-communicable diseases.
    “We intend to have a comprehensive healthcare approach that will encompass a spectrum of essential services.
    “This will include the provision of essential medicines, preventive measures, repositioning of health policies, implementation of protocols on water sanitation and hygiene standards,.
    ” Treatment of health conditions, immunization programs, comprehensive antenatal services, related nutrition intervention as well as strengthening of healthcare financing contributory model, ” he added.
    Lawal  said the components of the remodelling project would include new constructions, expansion and upgrading of the existing structures.
    Others include completion of Doctors’ Quarters, modern  Laboratory Imaging Facilities and a complete Hospital Information Management system, among others.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    SSA/BRM
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    Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

  • FCE Gusau academic staff union suspends 3 months strike

    Strike
    By Shuaib Sadiq
    Gusau, June 20, 2024 (NAN) The College of Education Academic Staff Union, Federal College of Education, Gusau, has suspended its three months old strike.
    The Chairman, Mr Muktar Abdullahi, told newsmen in Gusau on Thursday that strike was suspended after a meeting of members of the union.
    Abdullahi urged members of the union to resume academic activities  immediately.
    He apologized to the students of the institution for the inconveniences caused them during the strike.
    “Let me apologize to our students, I assure you that we shall recover from the long absence of academic activities.
    “Whatever happened should be put behind, we have now resumed full academic activities,” he said.
    The chairman said that the decision to call off the strike was reached unconditionally.
    “Members of the union reached an agreement after the meeting, and we  were able to resolve the issues at stake,” he said.
    It would be recalled that a coalition of Zamfara-based Civil Society groups, recently staged a protest to decry the poor progress of academic activities in the college.
    Spokesman of the coalition, Alhaji Nasiru Garba, said it was unfair for the academic staff union to embark on strike after the appointment of a substantive provost.
    He expressed the commitment of the coalition to support efforts towards repositioning the college for academic excellence.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    SSA/AZU
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    Edited by Azubuike Okeh

  • Keyamo flags off Zamfara Airport project, pledges FG’s support

    Keyamo flags off Zamfara Airport project, pledges FG’s support

    Airport
    By Shuaib Sadiq
    Gusau, June 20, 2024 (NAN) The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo, on Thursday flagged off the construction of Gusau International Airport in Zamfara.

    Speaking at the construction site in Gusau, Keyamo promised to support the state in the actualisation of the project within the 30 months completion period.

    He said that the project, being executed by the Zamfara government, would positively improve the economic development of the state through job creation for the youth.

    The minister described the international airport project as critical to the rejuvenation of economic development in the North West region.

    He applauded Gov Dauda Lawal for embarking on the project, as it was capable of driving the economy of the state.

    Keyamo said the federal government would consider lifting the non-flight zone declared by the Bello Matawalle administration in 2022 at height of insecurity in the state.

    Gov Dauda Lawal, on his part, said
    the state government would ensure the project was completed within the 30 months timeline.

    Lawal said that funds for the project had been set aside to ensure its timely completion.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the project, to be executed by Triacta Nigeria Limited, is at the cost of N62 billion.

    The airport is to be fitted with state-of-the-art facilities including a 3.4-kilometre primary runway suitable for commercial aircraft.

    Others include a modern terminal building with passenger facilities, check-in counters, a waiting area, as well as Customs and Immigration services building.

    It will also have an aircraft control tower, maintenance hanger, fire fighting and rescue station, access roads, among others.(NAN)(www.nannews)
    SSA/SOA
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    Edited by Oluwole Sogunle

  • Zamfara Gov. inaugurates NSCDC agro ranger corps

    Rangers
    Shuaib Sadiq
    Gusau, June 4, 2024( NAN) Gov. Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State on Tuesday inaugurated the Agro Rangers Corps, a unit of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), Zamfara state Command.
    At the inauguration ceremony, which took place at the passing out parade of members of the new corps, the governor reiterated his commitment to the security of lives and property of the people of Zamfara.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports the agro rangers are special marshals of the NSCDC who underwent intensive refresher training.
    “I have the singular honor and privilege to inaugurate these special marshals.
    “I wish you the very best in the discharge of your responsibilities. I pray for Allah’s protection and guidance,” the governor said.0
    Lawal said that the special marshals were trained in preparation for the consolidation operation in the fight against brigandage in Zamfara.
    While commending the NSCDC for the initiative, the governor said: “This comes at a crucial time and aligns with our commitment to embrace effective measures in the fight against insecurity.
    “We consider this a monumental step in addressing the challenges that have removed our communities of farming activities, agricultural practices, legitimate trades, and other means of sustenance in the dtate.
    “The government of Zamfara state identifies security and agriculture as major priority areas.
    “We have initiated various measures to address the security challenges and thus boost agricultural production in the state”.
    Lawal added that the government viewed the initiative by the NSCDC as a significant step in complementing the ongoing security measures of the state alongside security agencies in the state.
    “As a government, we will continue to cooperate with institutions, groups, and individuals in the fight against all forms of criminalities.
    ” We are committed to providing the support these institutions and individuals require to discharge your duties.
    ” The primary objective is to secure our communities and make them safe for socio-economic activities that will facilitate the development of the state and the people,” Lawal noted.
    He assured that the initiative to create the special unit would yield long-lasting solutions to the security challenges, especially in the agricultural sector.
    Earlier, the State Commandant of the Corps, Mr Sani Mustapha, thanked the Governor for supporting the training program for the Agro Rangers Corps.
    “Sir, your enormous support for the corps has earned us this fame. We sincerely thank you.” Mustapha said.
    The Commandant said that the NSCDC was an outcome of peace and conflict resolution created to consolidate peace in a troubled area that the Nigerian military had been able to capture. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    SSA/ROT
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    Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

  • Zamfara pays N5.3bn to settle gratuity backlog

    Gratuity

    By Shuaib Sadiq

    Gusau, June 3, 2024 (NAN) The Zamfara Government says it has paid about N5.3 billion to settle 13 years backlog of gratuity owed retired civil servants in the state.

    Gov. Dauda Lawal, made the disclosure in a statement by his Spokesman, Mr Suleiman Idris in Gusau on Monday.

    Lawal explained that his administration began the payment to state and local government retirees in February after a thorough verification exercise.

    He said that so far, the state government had settled N5.3 billion out of about N8.1 billion owed the retirees.

    According to him, 2,209 retired local government and primary school teachers have been settled while about 1,642 retired state workers were paid in five batches.

    “No fewer than 1,382 retirees, out of the 4,198 verified state pensioners have been paid their gratuities totaling about N2.4 billion out of the N 8.1 billion owed them

    ”Another batch of 260 verified state pensioners with gratuity arrears worth N510 million have been paid recently,” he said.

    The governor added that another 465 retired local government and primary school teachers also received their gratuities totalling about N500 million in the fifth batch.

    ”On the other hand, 2,209 retired local government and primary school teachers have been paid N2.5 billion in five batches,” he said.

    Lawal said that the beneficiaries of the latest payments were those who retired between 2012 and 2019. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    SSA/DCO/AZU

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    Edited by Deborah Coker and Azubuike Okeh