₦airaland Forum

#BREAKINGNEWS

NIGER STATE GOVERNMENT EASES LOCKDOWN.....

NIGER STATE GOVERNMENT COMMITTED TO ACTUALISING BOBI GRAZING RESERVE


The take-off of the multi million naira Bobi Grazing Reserve in Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State is by the corner. This is as the foliage is growing to an advanced stage.

Governor Abubakar Sani Bello, who paid an assessment visit to the reserve to ascertain the level of work reached on the 30, 000 hectares of land being developed for livestock and dairy production, said government with full support from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), is committed to project actualization.

He disclosed that the state government has already drawn lots of investors into the project including Chi Vita, Friesland Campina WAMCO Nigeria, a Dutch firm that is working on 10, 000 hectares, while collaborations are ongoing with developed countries that are advanced in livestock and dairy production such as Hungary, Brazil, Netherlands, India, Pakistan.

The grazing reserve which is coming in the wake of incessant Farmers/Herders clashes that have become threat to life and property in the country, is expected to help change the narrative and provide conducive environment for both Farmers and Herders to flourish in their cultivation and livestock activities respectively when it finally takes off.

Governor Sani Bello, who expressed satisfaction with the level of work being carried out, assured of government's continued support towards the actualization of the project by providing necessary security to safeguard the reserve for optimal benefit and bring about improved economy in the local government area, the State and the country at large.

While going round the facility, the Governor observed different kinds of imported animal pasture were being cultivated and new proteinous feed with high yield are planted on over 300 hectares of land.

The Consultant handling the development of the reserve and Emir of Muri, Taraba State, Alhaji Abbas Tafida said that an advanced system of feed harvest mechanism would be adopted to avoid wastages, adding that 2000 breeds of BokoIo cattle are to be imported.

Alhaji Tafida added that any cattle coming into the reserve will undergo a rigorous medical checkup, subjecting them to quarantine and vaccination to avoid any outbreak of disease amongst the cattle.

He said 200 hectares of super napia, and 100 hectares for super grains have been planted while assuring the governor that in few weeks the reserve will be wearing a new look.

The Consultant told the governor that, as part of security measures and practice adopted to safeguard such types of farm, they have reached an agreement to provide Perimeter fence for the entire reserve but that they need government to serve as a guarantor in assisting them secure loans for the fencing project.

He explained that the fence will have four gates, observation towers while surveillance cameras with the capacity to capture any object from a distance of two kilometres are to be mounted.


Mary Noel-Berje
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Niger state Governor

GOVERNOR SANI BELLO PAYS CONDOLENCE VISIT TO KONTAGORA EMIRATE COUNCIL

Niger State Governor, Abubakar Sani Bello has paid condolence visit to the Sarkin Sudan of Kontagora, HRH, Alh Saidu Namaska over the death of late Alhaji Abdullah Ma'aji, the Mutawallen Kontagora.

The late Maaji who died on Wednesday in Abuja was a grand uncle to Governor Abubakar Sani Bello.

A special prayer session led by the imam of Kontagora Mallam Shehu Raimaye was held for the repose of the soul of the deceased at the Emire's palace, after which the Governor proceeded to the residence of the deceased to sympathize with the family, where prayers were also offered for the reposed soul of the departed.

Governor Sani Bello in the family house described the death of Alhaji Abdullahi as a great loss to Kotagora emirate, the State and the Country as a whole.

He said the loyalty of the deceased dedication, and commitment to selfless service to create positive impact on the lives of the people of the emirate, State and the country will forever be missed.

"We are saddened by the demise of our dear father but we thank Almighty Allah for the life he lived here on earth. He was dedicated, committed and lived an exemplary life. We cannot forget the role he played towards ensuring the development in the State". The Governor said.

"We will miss him, his contributions and wise counsels." He added

He then prayed Allah to grant the deceased Aljannatu fidaus and grant the family the fortitude to bear the loss.

Late Alhaji Abdullahi Ma’aji, the Mutawallen who was a grand uncle to Governor Abubakar Sani Bello, was a former Director General, Federal Ministry of Industry,

He died on Wednesday in Abuja after a brief illness.

GOVERNOR ABUBAKAR SANI BELLO WARNS AGAINST FERTILIZER PRICE HIKE

Governor Abubakar Sani Bello has warned against the sale of fertlizer above government approved price.

Governor Sani Bello gave the warning when he visited Savannah Fertilizer Services, Kontagora, .

He called for proper coordination towards the sale of fertilizer so that it gets to the real farmers.

According to him, anyone found selling the product above government approved price should be reported to the appropriate authority so that action would be taken.

He decried the situation whereby the fertilizer ends up in the hands of non-farmers which is the main reason for the price hike.

The General Manager, Savannah Fertilizer Services Limited, Danjuma Alhassan while taking the governor round the facility said that they produce about 1000 bags daily.

Alhassan said that they are in touch with real farmers, assuring the governor that the product will get to the real farmers.

The newly established fertilizer factory is being supported by the government through the provision of raw materials, while the product is being supplied in three States, Niger, Kaduna and Katsina....

The Governor also inspected the ongoing road construction along kontagora -kampanin waya town

FIVE YEARS IN OFFICE: GOVERNOR ABUBAKAR SANI BELLO SAYS IT WILL NOT BE BUSINESS AS USUAL

.... ASSURES OF COMPLETION OF ALL ONGOING PROJECTS

The Government of Abubakar Sani Bello speaks tough as it clocks Five years, saying it is no longer going to be business as usual in the State as the Government is set to withstand any one and anything that poses as a clog in the wheel of progress for his administration in a bid to complete all ongoing projects in the
State.

In this regards, the first sledgehammer of the Governor has hit the Contractors handling the Zariyawa area road construction in Suleja as the Governor is considering probable revocation of the contract with the company, after following due process.

The Governor's decision was propelled by the height of incompetency displayed by the Contractor during the inspection of ongoing road rehabilitation projects by the Governor in Suleja
in continuation of his projects inspection tour across the State.

He said with over 70 per cent fund accessed by the "Ja Joves Solutions Services (JSS) for the Zariyawa road, the contractor could not attain 30 per cent of work, an indication that the company is not capable of handling such projects negating the Spirit of a new era.

The Governor who also faulted the Ministry of Works and Infrastructural Development for giving out a contract to a company that has no capability says the ministry should go back to the drawing board with the company and evaluate the work done so far with a view to re-awarding it to a more competent company as soon as possible.

He pointed out that the road is of immense importance to the people of the area as it links villages with the larger society.

The road which is about 10km has experienced a lot of setbacks as it was first awarded in 2016 hence the need to complete it before the end of the year.

The Maje-Suleja Road project however received commendation of the Governor who expressed satisfaction, saying that the company has proven its competency as within two weeks on site, they have already covered 1km out of 5kilometres.

He said with the pace of work by the company, the project could be completed within few weeks.

The Maje-Suleja Road has been in a dilapidated state for years but has now received the attention of the Government.

Another road the governor said would be visited in Suleja as soon as the contractor is mobilized to site is the Jubilee road.

Acknowledging the need to make life easy for the citizenry, the Governor re- assured the people of the State that his administration will not relent in building infrastructure, pointing out that they are Panacea for development as well as part of the basic dividends of Democracy.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner for Works, Engineer Ibrahim Mohammed Panti expressed concern over the pace of work with the Zariyawa Road construction, saying despite the amount accessed by the company the work carried out obviously indicates that something is wrong and that they will get to the bottom of the matter.


Mary Noel-Berje
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Niger State

CHAIRMAN NORTH CENTRAL GOVERNORS FORUM RECEIVES WITH SHOCK NEWS OF THE DEATH OF FORMER NNPC GMD, DR.BARU

Chairman North Central Governors Forum and Governor of Niger State, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello has received with rude shock the passing away of immediate past Group Managing Director (GMD) of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Dr. Maikanti Kachalla Baru.

Governor Sani Bello said that the demise of late Baru was coming at a time where his expertise, experience and professionalism was still needed especially in the downstream sector of the country.

He said that the state will dearly miss his services especially the state-owned university, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University(IBBU), Lapai as he gave all the support through the institution in the ongoing exploration of the possible availability of hydrocarbon in the Bida Basin.

The Governor commiserated with his family Government and people of Bauchi State, and all his close associate and friends.

He described the former NNPC GMD as gentle, pious and religious person who was transparent in his actions during his lifetime.

Late Dr. Baru, who died at the age of 60, was bestowed with a fellowship award of the IBB University Lapai in 2018 and served as NNPC GMD from 2016 to 2019.

The Governor prayed that the Almighty Allah forgives his shortcomings, grant him paradise and give his family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.


Mary Noel-Berje
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Niger state.

GOVERNOR ABUBAKAR SANI BELLO ADVOCATES END TO PRESENT ALMAJIRI SYSTEM

Governor Abubakar Sani Bello of Niger State has advocated end to the current practice of the almajiri system of seeking Islamic knowledge in a country far away from the homes of underaged Children.

Governor Sani Bello disclosed his thoughts when he took delivery of items donated by the Nigeria Private Sector Coalition Against COVID-19, (CACCOVID), a joint initiative of leading private sector leaders and the Central Bank of Nigeria(CBN) in Minna.

He maintained that it is a wrong practice that has been ongoing for the past 200 years where children of about three to five years are separated from their parents in supposed quest for religious knowledge.

"I feel it is absolutely wrong to separate a child, three-four-five years old from home, send him to a town where he has no one to take care of him and end up in the streets where he is abused.

"This is the worst form of human abuse you can think of.

A child of three, four years must have parental guidance", he stated.

The governor added that this is an era where parents should produce children they have ability and capability to cater for and desist from shying away from their responsibilities under the guise of sending them away to seek Islamic knowledge.

He noted that, with Islamic Malams in virtually all wards in the country, children would be forced to seek any form of Islamic Knowledge within their environment such that they receive parental care instead of leaving them for the society to take over their responsibilities.

"So parents should own-up to their responsibility of taking care of their children", he said.

The governor is of the opinion that, with the support of the Northern Governors' Forum, the age long practice of almajiri system being practised would soon be a thing of the past.

He disclosed that Niger State government is working on a policy through the affiliation of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) to streamline a system where the children will acquire both western and religious knowledge in their localities, thereby giving no room on whatsoever ground for parents to send their wards away from them.

The governor promises that the present sangaya system of almajiri school activities will be regulated soon.

He said before repatriating the almajiris to their States of origin, such States would be properly informed so that they receive them, give them proper care before reuniting them with their parents.

The items donated to the State by CACOVID in their support to the fight against the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) include: 100 beds, 100 hospital overhead tables, one mobile x-ray machine, one ultrasound machine, two ICU beds, 20, 700 pieces of medical equipment which include, 250 face shield, 1, 000 protective goggles, 3,000 KN95 Face Mask, 10, 000 disposable latex gloves, 500 elbow rubber loves and 1, 000 PPE Overall.

These items are to support government win the fight against COVID-19.

Governor Sani Bello said the items which have been installed at a public school provided as an isolation centre would be used to isolate the almajiris and assured that the equipment will be properly handled by the team of medical personnel in the State and will also add value to the health sector.


Mary Noel-Berje,
Chief Press Secretary to Niger State Governor.

NAMES OF MEMBERS OF 15-MAN COMMUNITY POLICING ADVISORY COMMITTEE

The committee has HRH. Etsu Nupe and Chairman Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers as the chairman, Alh. Yahaha Abubakar the co-chairman.

Other members of the committee are; the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alh. Ahmed Ibrahim Matane, Barr. Abdulmalik Sarkindaji (Commissioner for Local Government), Brg. Gen. JAL Jimoh (Brigade Commander, 31 Artillery Brigade, Minna), A.D Abubakar (Director State Security Service), SQD Leader O. Osenube (Q13 QFR, Nigeria Airforce, Minna), George Edem (Commandant, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps) Niger State).

Others are; Hon Justice Maria Sanda Zukogi (rtd) the representative of Zone B, Arc. Umar Bawa representing Zone C, Dr. Abubakar Tswanya representing Zone A, while Justice Jibrin Ndajiwo represents the Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs and Rev. (Dr.) Matthias Echioda is representing Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) as well as Alh. Shehu Yusuf Galadima the Chairman of Police Community Relation Committee (PCRC) as member aa well as the state Attorney general and Commissioner of Justice, Barr. Nasara Dan-Mallam as a member.

CORONAVIRUS: NIGER EXTENDS LOCKDOWN

Niger State Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello has announced the extension of the State COVID-19 Preventive, Containment and Emergency Order by two weeks starting from Wednesday, 27th May, 2020.

The extension of the lockdown is as a result of the increase of confirmed cases in the state and the need to protect people of the State from contracting coronavirus.

The Governor reminded the people of the State to adhere strictly to the safety protocols of COVID-19 such as mandatory wearing of face mask in public places, observance of social distancing, regular hand washing with soap under running water, application of hand sanitizers and stay at home as advised by health workers.

Furthermore, there shall be no human and vehicular movements on the lockdown days except those on essential services, adding that the three days window period of Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays remain, the statement added.

The Governor disclosed that movement within border areas remain restricted and monitored, except for those on essential services, stressing that even those eligible to cross into the State will be examined and screened thoroughly by medical personnel.

According to the statement “Public and Private Schools as well as Tertiary Institutions remain closed while social activities that involve more than twenty people remain prohibited”.

He also stated that operations of commercial motorcycles popularly known as Okada remain banned while other commercial vehicles are to abide by the Ministry of Transport guidelines. ..

STATING THE FACTS ON THE EMERGING SECURITY CHALLENGES. THE NIGER STATE EFFORTS.

By Talatu Ibraheem

The security concern facing Nigeria, and by extension, Niger State has attracted varied reactions. While some have remained objective in their analysis of the situation, others have exhibited outright and malicious falsehood and misleading rhetoric.

Without any doubt, the responsibility of the government is to secure the lives and property of its citizens. It is the fundamental leeway to human existence in general, hence, it is the foundation upon which every society and government rests on.

What started like a mere Farmers/Herdsmen clashes in the country, has degenerated to what could be described as full blown war. From Zamfara to Niger, from Kaduna to Katsina, Sokoto to Kebbi, and from Adamawa to Benue states, it is an untold story of woes. The sounds of the gun from these unseen enemies are now like a cultural music to the people with no end in sight.

Niger State has its fair share of these mayhem and arson as no day or week passes without one form of attack or the other. There is no gain saying that the state is under siege from these criminal elements.

Security architecture is a national issue. It covers all the front line states of Kaduna, Zamfara, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto and Niger. All these states are affected by security challenges to some certain degree. The point must be laid bared that most of these bandits are not domicile in Niger State. They come from these neighboring states, inflict pains and go back.

The economic cost of the insecurity in Niger State, is ernomous, to say the least, as bandits cart away and plunder the valuables of their victims. People are not entirely free to carry on their farming and other economic or occupational activities.

However, worried by this development, the Niger State Governor, Abubakar Sani Bello decided to embark on a number of measures aimed at addressing these security challenges that is all most bringing the state and the people to their knees.

The severity of the challenge, has made the Niger State Government, under the leadership Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello throw everything to the works, to ensure that the relentless carnage on innocent people is curtailed.

The Governor, in a stakeholders interactive session on the general affairs of the state in Minna, recently, acknowledged that the issue of security has become a thing of concern to all and the government, therefore consider it necessary to reassess its commitments and reconsider its strategies through the stakeholders round table discussions.

The Governor while Acknowledging the fact that "Niger state shares boundary with some North-Western states that are bedevilled by Insecurity challenges, noted that this has made policing very cumbersome due to the influx of some criminal elements, taking advantage of the large expanse of forests in our state".

He believed that crime and criminality in the 21st Century has taken sophisticated dimensions, and "therefore as stakeholders, we need to think ahead and deploy appropriate strategies towards combating it".
It is as a result of this and in compliance with the recent resolutions by the nineteen northern states governors after a peace summit in Zamfara, that the governor decided to go into peace deal with the bandits with a view to engaging them in dialogue as a way of finding solution to banditry in the state.

Even though he made it abundantly clear that the peace deal is not in any way a sign of weakness by the government, the Peace approach became necessary, considering the negative impact of banditry activities on the people and pressure on state government to provide safe and secured environment for its citizens.

In terms of security investment, the government has continued to support the security agencies.

Governor Sani Bello has never hidden his believe that no sacrifice is too small for Peace to reign, especially, now that no region of the country is safe due to one form of violence or the other.

This line of thought is understandable, considering the fact that in the north east, we are faced with the Boko Haram menace which has continued to take human lives, in the North West, we are experiencing cattle rustling and banditry, and until recently Herdsmen and Farmers engage in bloody conflicts in the north central.

The Governor, in demonstration of his commitment to the peace deal, went further to release 13 bandits who have being in custody in Minna as part of activities that marked the World Peace Day, usually observed every 21 September worldwide.

The release of the bandits however paid off as with less than two weeks after deal took effect, no fewer than 35 of them voluntarily surrendered their arms in a quiet ceremony (as requested by the bandits) and ready for rehabilitation and integration back into the society.

The bandits had told the government that more of them are ready to surrender their arms but need the government assurance of rehabilitating them back to the society.

This development brought great relief to some of these communities as the people were now gradually returning back to their homes after months at the IDPs camps.

The government did not go to sleep because of this fragile peace deal, he took steps further with the purchase of over 200 security vehicles to security agencies to support their operation. The blue and white painted vehicles were attached to the security Taskforce .

The Governor maintained that military operation, though not completely ruled out, it cannot bring permanent solution to the current insecurity situation in the state.

It is therefore, regrettable for fifth columnists, detractors and demented opinionist to insinuate that government is insensitive to the plight of the people.

Other steps taken is the 24 hours one-stop security response call center with the state of the art equipment to coordinate and respond to all distress calls from any part of the state.

This security response call centers have security personnel drawn from all the security outfits in the state with the sole aim of managing all the distress calls. The state government also embarked on the legislation of the formation of vigilante groups with a view to harmonizing private security services in the state.

It is on record that the Niger State Government under the leadership of Governor Abubakar Sani Bello has made several moves amongst which are, building effective inter agency collaboration with his visits to high profile stakeholders like the Chiefs of Army staff, Yusuf Buratai, Air Staff, Saddique Abubakar. Also visited were the Inspector General of Police, IGP, Muhammed Adamu, and the Commandant General of Civil Defence, NSDC, to solicit the commitment of their organisations towards eradicating the menace. This was reinforced by President Muhammadu Buhari's marching order to the security agencies to flush out the bandits, kidnappers and cattle rustlers. So, to say the state government is insensitive is regrettable.

The state government went further to reinvigorate its support to the standing joint operations with logistics and welfare to enable them clear the crisis prone communities of Rafi, Shiroro and Munya local government areas of the state under siege by bandits.

Already, the collaboration between the state and federal governments is yielding some positive results as the impunity of the kidnapper and nefarious activities of bandits has been substantially pushed back. Currently the joint force code named Operation Gama Aiki by security agencies in Niger State are combing the forest and destroying the hideouts of the bandits. Just a few weeks ago the force neutralized several armed bandits at Maguga in Rafi LGA.

The Governor maintained that military operation, though not completely ruled out, it cannot bring permanent solution to the current insecurity situation in the state.

The state government has gone further to use multiple approaches in tackling the menace. For instance, Governor Abubakar Sani Bello had in a bid enhance the efficiency of the vigilantes in the affected Local Governments, presented more than 300 motorcycles, and over 20 Hilux vehicles due to poor accessibility of the roads.

The essence of empowering the vigilantes is to backup the security agencies and work in accordance with the law for maximum results. The governor also made it a point of duty to compensate the families of any officer who lost his or her life or sustain injury in the line of duty.

To ease and enhance their operational efficiency, the Governor has provided joint security operations control room, which is one of the best in the country and is been controlled and managed by all the security outfits in state.

Niger State is also challenged with the issue of mininng activities which is also under the control of the federal government, the mining though can not be aligned to be factors attracting the bandits, like we had in zamfara, one can not specifically understand the modus operandi of these bandits as they are more on kidnapping, rustling, Rape and killing. Unfortunately Niger state does not give mining licenses, as it is the exclusive right of the federal government..

Additionally, all members of security taskforce are been paid monthly allowances to boost their morale. Though, the efforts to tame the insecurity in the state has brought the state government purse under tremendous pressure, the Governor Abubakar Sani Bellos administration believe nothing is too much in pursuance of the primary purpose of government, which is the security of lives and property.

All that is needed is the redoubled cooperation of all stakeholders: citizens of the state and the federal government as Niger State wangles its way out of the menace.

The state government will continue to sustain the war against the insurgents, we will continue to aid and assist the internally displaced and we remain hopeful that, sooner rather than later, the bandits will be completely flushed out.


Talatu Ibraheem is an SSA
Media to Niger state Governor.

GOVERNOR ABUBAKAR SANI BELLO INAUGURATES 15-MAN COMMUNITY POLICING ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Governor Abubakar Sani Bello has inaugurated a 15-man Community Policing Advisory Committee to check insecurity bedeviling parts of the State.

Governor Sani Bello who presided over the inauguration at the Government House, Minna, said the essence of
the Committee is to have a robust system from the ward level.

"I believe that security controlled at the ward level will have a great impact with regards to the general security of the State. I am glad that this is happening now at a time we are faced with a lot of security challenges", he said.

He said the best place to combat crime is at the grassroots level, adding that
with the Committee in place, things will improve security-wise.

While emphasizing the need for those to be recruited to have impeccable character, Governor Sani Bello lamented the infiltration of bad eggs into security outfits in the country thereby jeopardizing operations against criminal elements.

He assured that those selected as Committee members are people of proven integrity.

Speaking on behalf of the Inspector General of Police, IG Abubakar Adamu, DIG Lawal Shehu of the Force Headquarters, Abuja said due to the professionalism of the IGP he has been successful in implementing the long awaited community policing initiative that has been on the pipeline for a long time.

The DIG said that the scheme is a collaboration with the Police, other security outfits and the community to fight crime, with a view bringing it to the barest minimal.

He urged the Niger State government to take the Community Policing Initiative as its baby and ensure that the aim of establishing the scheme is achieved.

He then commended Governor Sani Bello for the prompt support he has accorded the Police Force to fight crime in the State, describing him as one of the best Governors supporting them.

He assured that prompt report will be provided regularly to the government.

The State Commissioner of Police, CP Adamu Usman who is the Chairman of the Committee noted that Community Policing is in partnership with communities in solving crime problems affecting them.

He pointed out that the State Community Policing Advisory Committee is the highest regulatory body in the State while sub+committees are: State Community Policing, Area Command Advisory, Local Government Community Policing, and the Divisional Community Policing.

The Committee has HRH. Etsu Nupe and Chairman Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers Alhaji ABUBAKAR Yahaya as Co-Chairman who also assured of the committee's support saying it is a timely intervention.

Mary Noel-Berje,
Chief Press Secretary to Niger State Governor.

GOVERNOR ABUBAKAR SANI BELLO AND CHAIRMAN NORTH-CENTRAL GOVERNORS' FORUM CELEBRATES CHILDREN, URGES THEM NOT TO DESPAIR

As the world marks Children's Day, Chairman North Central Governors' Forum and Governor of Niger State, Alh. Abubakar Sani Bello has called on the children not to despair but be resilient and face the challenges of the future.

In a Statement issued by his Chief Press Secrtary, Mary Noel- Berje, the Governor noted that the Children's Day celebration is coming at a critical time in their lives when schools have been shut down due to the outbreak of the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) that has claimed many lives including those of the children.

The governor added that the government deemed it necessary to close down schools so as not to endanger the lives of pupils and students by contracting and spreading the virus.

"Like we know, every child is a gift from God and should be treated with dignity and respect."

He said that the State government through the State Universal Basic Education Board, (SUBEB) and the Ministry of Education has organised summer classes for the children while on lockdown.

The Governor disclosed that the State government is monitoring the situation of the pandemic and will follow and abide by the decisions of the Federal Government on the reopening up of schools.

He congratulates the children and urged them to see the pandemic as an inspiration to study hard, so that when things normalize they will resume normal lives with more determination and vigour.

The Governor charged them to observe all precautionary measures that have been put in place by health professionals and the government to avoid contracting and spreading of the virus especially in areas of social distancing, use of face mask, handwashing and personal hygiene...

Mary Noel-Berje
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Niger State.

GOVERNOR SANI BELLO ASSURES OF THE SAFE RESCUE OF ABDUCTED CONSTRUCTION WORKERS

....TASKS SECURITY OPERATIVES TO ARREST PERPETRATORS

Governor Abubakar Sani Bello has assured that government is doing everything within its power to ensure that Abubakar Ibrahim Jibrin, a staff of the Niger State Ministry of Works and the three staff of a construction company recently abducted by unidentified gunmen from a construction site at Erena community in Shiroro local government are rescued unhurt.

He said government has provided all the needed logistics support to ensure that these people regain their freedom and the criminals brought to face justice.

Governor Sani Bello who maintained that no responsible government will fold it hands and watch some criminal elements hold its people hostage, noted that it is time to take the fight to their hideouts and root them out of the communities, saying enough is enough.

The Governor said government is on top of the situation and the abducted persons would be rescued and reunited with their families within the shortest possible time.

He noted that the abduction of the construction workers from site at a time when the government is aggressively embarking on the construction of some rural roads across the state to make lives easy and enhance economic activities of the people is a deliberate attempt to sabotage government efforts, which will not be tolerated.

The Governor vowed that no amount of banditry activities or criminality in parts of the state will deter the government from achieving its rural roads transformation agenda.

He commended the security agents in the state for their sacrifices so far towards combating the activities of the bandits and other forms of criminality in the state and urged them to go after the perpetrators of this inhuman act.

Governor Sani Bello reassured the people of the state of government's commitment to the protection of lives and property of the citizens which remains its cardinal responsibility.


Mary Noel-Berje
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Niger state.

NIGER STATE GOVERNMENT TO DUALIZE TUNGA-ROUND ABOUT TO IMANI HOSPITAL JUNCTION FOR ABOUT N1.3 BILLION NAIRA

Niger State Government has approved the dualization of 2.4km Tunga-Round-About to Imani Hospital Road junction at the cost of over N1.2b.

This was made known during post-Executive Council Briefing held at Government House Minna.

The commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Ibrahim Mohammed Panti, explained that council agreed that the contract for the project will be awarded immediately and would be completed within 18 dry months to reduce the heavy traffic being witnessed on the road.
The council while noting that roads and provision of electricity play vital roles in the standard of living of the people also decided that some other six roads be approved for construction in addition to the ongoing construction projects ongoing in Kontagora.

The council also noted that the role of infrastructure is compelling which is the reason the present administration is poised to deliver on infrastructure to the people.

Journalists were informed of some of the resolutions reached, during the council meeting, council directed Ministry of Commerce and Investment to set up a committee that will checkmate the activities of microfinance banks in the State for effectiveness and efficiency.

Ministry of Investment also presented a memo proposing for investment attraction with a Canadian trade development partner, as well as approved the review of procurement advertisement under open competitive bidding in the state.

This council means, that any contract under any ministry has to go through procurement processes.

Council then constituted a committee for the smooth and effective running of the government and the committee is expected to come up with a robust strategic plan for the state agricultural sector.

The committee has the Secretary to the State government, Alh. Ahmed Ibrahim Matane as the Chairman while Commissioners of Agriculture, Investment and Planing are to serve as members.


Mary Noel-Berje
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Niger state.

GOVERNOR ABUBAKAR SANI BELLO SIGNS THREE BILLS INTO LAW

Governor Abubakar Sani Bello has signed into law three bills passed by the Niger State House of Assembly.

The bills include the Niger State Tertiary Institutions Law, with an operational date starting from the 8th of May 2019.

The new law increases the retirement age of Academic Staff of the State-owned tertiary institutions from 60 years to 65 years.

The academic staff that have attained 60 years before the commencement date of the law and in active service or employed after, shall enjoy the provision of the law.

Another bill assented to is the Legislative House (Powers and Privileges) Law 2019, which has operational date from 21st January 2020.

The law empowers the Legislators to invite any member of the public for questioning and that no criminal or civil proceeding shall be instituted against a member either in written or spoken at the plenary session or committee proceedings of the House.

Also assented to is the Niger State Water and Sewage Corporation Law, 2020 which shall come into effect from the 25th of March 2020.

The essence of the water and sewage corporation law is to achieve a sustainable water system development in the State.

Mary Noel-Berje,
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Niger State.

GOVERNOR ABUBAKAR SANI BELLO TASKS MINISTRY OF LIVESTOCK ON IMPROVING ANIMAL HUSBANDRY

Governor Abubakar Sani Bello of Niger State has charged the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries to intensify efforts on animal husbandry as it is an integral part of the administration's agricultural transformation agenda.

Governor Sani Bello stated this when he visited the State's Livestock Improvement and Breeding Centre at the Tagwai Dam, Minna.

He acknowledged that the progress and process of developing unique species of Cattle at the centre were slowing and promised to meet with the ministry to fast track its development.

According to him, the whole idea of the Centre was to have from overtime moved from the present generation of Cattle to a better one for a better quality of milk and beef production.

He said that four veterinary doctors were sponsored to South Africa by the State government for training in artificial insemination and that with partnership agreement with a South African firm on Bonsmara (a disease-resistant cattle) semen supply it was expected that by now something tangible should have been achieved.

"The previous administration imported many of the Bonsmara breed from South Africa with the hoped that by now we should have been doing artificial insemination so that over time we shall be able to improve on our local breed especially the bokolo breed", he stated.

He said that a crossbreeding between the Bonsmara and the local bokolo perfectly worked out in the State, therefore it was time for such an effort to be redoubled.

"It is a wonderful programme but unfortunately I have to find out why we have not made much progress", he said.

The governor said that with the Bobi Grazing Reserve coming on board, this was the time that the government has to assist the herdsmen through artificial insemination so as to get the rare cattle that produce high quantity of milk of about 10 litres per day instead of the two litres daily and a cattle of 500kg to 600kg.


Mary Noel-Berje
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Niger state.

GOVERNOR ABUBAKAR SANI BELLO CONDOLES SHEIKH AHMED LEMU OVER THE DEATH OF HIS SON.

Governor Abubakar Sani Bello of Niger State and Chairman North Central Governors Forum has sympathized with a Minna based Islamic Scholar, Sheikh Ahmed Lemu over the death of his eldest Son.

A statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to Niger State Governor, Mrs. Mary Noel-Berje indicates that Abubakar Shehu Lemu fondly called Nma Katun( Kigo) by his close associates died at the IBB Specialist Hospital Minna after a brief illness.

The Governor noted that late Abubakar Shehu Lemu made immense contributions to the growth and development of the State and Nigeria as a whole and described his death as a great loss to the state and the country at large.

Governor Abubakar Sani Bello prays Allah to forgive his transgressions and accept him into Jannah Firdaus as well as grant the family, friends and associates the fortitude to bear the loss.

Abubakar Shehu Lemu Nma Katun ( Kigo ) was born on the 11th of February 1959, attended Government College Bida, and graduated from Bayero University Kano in 1983.

He started a civil service career with the Federal Ministry of External Affairs in 1984 and served in various countries including Kenya, Argentina, India, and retired as a Director in 2017.

He is survived by his aged father, a wife and six children as well as siblings

Mary Noel-Berje
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Niger state.

NIGER STATE GOVERNMENT TO PRIORITIZE ONGOING PROJECTS

Governor Abubakar Sani Bello of Niger State has assured of his administration's readiness to prioritize ongoing projects and ensure high-quality delivery.

This is coming on the heels of the shortfall in revenue generation as a result of the outbreak of COVID-19 as he embarks on an assessment tour of ongoing projects in the State.

While at the re-awarded 10Km Tagwai Dam road project site in Tungan Goro, Chanchaga, Governor Sani Bello said that his administration is taking inventory of all on-going projects, so as to complete the ones that have attained an appreciable level of completion, maintaining that no project should be left uncompleted as that will mean going backward.

He promised to see that no abandoned project is left in the State. The Governor assured that all the projects that have a direct impact on the people will be completed.

According to him, the contractor handling the project has demonstrated that it has the capacity to deliver as it has executed similar projects within the State.

Abubakar Sani Bello said that the government will continue to monitor the contractors to ensure that they speed up work and finish in good time, and as stipulated in the contract terms especially now that the raining season has set in.

The Tagwai Dam road had suffered an initial setback in the past four years as the earlier contractor handling the project lacked the capacity to handle the work leading to revocation.

A new contract was however offered to Messrs Construction Products Nigeria Limited (CPN), at the cost of over N678 Million.

The Governor who noted that there is a need to provide ease of movement for those plying the road stressed that timely completion of the road is non-negotiable.

Mary Noel-Berje
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Niger State.

NIGER STATE GOVERNMENT CALLS BACK CONTRACTORS' TO SITES

Amidst the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Niger State Government has called back all contractors handling various projects to sites.

Governor Abubakar Sani Bello disclosed while inspecting some road projects under construction in Minna the state capital, said life cannot be put on hold because of Coronavirus.

Governor Sani Bello said normal life has to continue as it was not definite when the pandemic will be over, saying that as such government has move on.

He called on those handling the various projects to observe all the precautionary measures put in place to avoid contracting and spending the virus.

The Governor however expressed satisfaction with the level of work ongoing, adding that they would put pressure on the contractors to deliver the work on time before the rains set in.

The governor said any contractor found to be defaulting in executing their work in line with specification would have their contract terms terminated.

Projects inspected by Governor Abubakar Bello include ongoing road construction at Morris Fertilizer Area and Tunga Low-Cost Road.


Mary Noel-Berje
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Niger state.

COVID 19: NIGER STATE RECORDS FIRST COVID19 DEATH, EIGHT NEW CASES EMERGE

Niger State has recorded its first COVID-19 death. This however occurred among the eight new cases confirmed by the NCDC.

The State Commissioner for Health and Hospital Services. Dr Muhammad Makusidi disclosed in Minna.

The Commissioner explained that out of the 22 results received from the NCDC, Eight are positive while 14 are negative.

Dr Makusidi revealed that from the eight positive cases confirmed, seven are Almajiri returnees from Zaria, Kaduna State while the deceased is a taxi driver plying Suleja- Abuja route.

He explained that the deceased who is 40 years of age was diabetic, adding that he died shortly on arrival at the Suleja- General Hospital.

The Commissioner said a postmortem sample was taken for test and it returned positive, stressing that contact tracing will commence with immediate effect.

So far, Niger State has a total of 22 confirmed cases as at 16th of May 2020 with one motality

Mary Noel-Berje
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Niger state.

COVID-19: NIGER STATE GOVERNMENT CONFIRMS ADDITIONAL FOUR CASES

.... PATIENTS IN STABLE CONDITION

Four new cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in Niger State out of the 26 results received from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).

Niger State Commissioner for Health and Hospital Services, Dr. Muhammad Makusidi disclosed this in Minna.

Dr. Makusidi said the remaining 22 are negative, explaining that the four positive results are two each from Lagos and Kano.

He said two are in Bida one of them being an indigene of Kano while a petty trader was involved in an accident in Bida while travelling from Lagos to Kano, adding that the other two confirmed cases are residents of Suleja and New Bussa.

He emphasised that all the patients including the ones already on admission are in stable condition and are receiving treatment accordingly.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n9Vdx9RucAE

Mary Noel-Berje
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Niger state.

BARI MU KASANCE A ZAUNA A GIDA KUMA BIN DOKOKI DON HANA...


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n9Vdx9RucAE

NIGER GOVERNMENT CONFIRMS 10 POSITIVE CASES OF COVID-19 OUT OF 235 CASES INVESTIGATED

Governor Abubakar Sani of Niger State has revealed that so far ten (10) persons have been confirmed positive for the Coronavirus (COVID-19) out of 202 samples collected and tested.

Governor Sani Bello said this at a briefing with newsmen after a meeting with the committee of the COVID-19 Task Force in the State at the Government House, Minna.

Meanwhile, Niger State has lost a Professor of Veterinary medicine., Professor Bello Agaie of the USMANU Danfodiyo University to COVID-19.

Governor SANI Bello who announced this sympathized with the family, Usmanu Danfodiyo University and friends of Prof Bello Muhammadu Agaie who died as a result of contracting COVID-19 in Sokoto.

He prayed that Almighty Allah forgive his shortcomings and grant him Aljannatu Firdausi.

Mary Noel-Berje
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Niger State.

SABOTAGE SLOWING DOWN OUR FIGHT AGAINST BANDITS SAYS GOVERNOR SANI BELLO

Governor Abubakar Sani Bello of Niger State has described sabotage by some people in the communities affected by armed banditry, kidnappings and Cattle rustling as directly responsible for the inability of security agencies to completely overrun the criminals.

The Governor, while addressing Journalists at Government House, Minna, acknowledged and applauded security agencies and the vigilantes in the renewed fight against the bandits but regretted that their efforts were being sabotaged by some informants who divulge strategies of the security operatives and their movement.

"This is a very serious challenge to us because the bandits are working with some highly placed members of the affected communities who give them vital information thereby aiding them from been tactically isolated and overrun".

He said the state gas been confronted with serial security threats in recent times and that government will not be deterred by the unpatriotic activities of such saboteurs but will do everything possible to bring an end to crime and criminality in the state.

Governor Sani Bello urged the people to support government in the fight against the bandits by reporting persons they suspect to be aiding the bandits and to also provide useful, prompt information to the security agencies in order to trace their movements and checkmate their nefarious activities.

The Governor also identified the state's landmass and vast forests as one of the biggest challenge stressing that the bandits have, regrettably, capitalized on the thickness of the forests to rustle Cattle and kidnap people in the affected areas.

"I can assure you that all hands are on deck to ensure that we provide safe and secure environment for our people. Our success against these miscreants can only be accelerated with proper knowledge and intelligence about them, hence the need for the support of all".

Five Local Government Areas, including Rafi, Shiroro, Mariga, Lapai and Munya have, in recent times, suffered serial attacks from the bandits stealing, maiming and destroying properties running into millions of naira and causing thousands to flee their homes for safety.

Mary Noel Berje
Chief press secretary to the governor of Niger state

CHAIRMAN NORTH CENTRAL GOVERNOR'S FORUM CONGRATULATES GAMBARI, NEW CoS TO PRESIDENT BUHARI

Niger State Governor and Chairman North-Central Governors' Forum, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello has congratulated Professor Ibrahim Gambari, the newly appointed Chief of Staff (CoS) to President Muhammadu Buhari.

Governor Sani Bello said the appointment of professor Gambari is laudable considering the fact that he is a seasoned scholar and experienced diplomat.

In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mrs. Mary Noel Berje, the Governor expressed the hope that the new CoS will bring his wealth of experience to bear to ensure growth and development across the country.

"I urge you to take up the new task with all sense of responsibility and be assured of our support. Your appointment as the Chief of Staff to our dear President was received with joy."


Governor Sani Bello enjoined Professor Gambari to discharge his duties without fear or favour and prayed God to grant him the wisdom needed to pilot the Affairs of the new office.

He urged the new CoS to carry everyone along in the discharge of his duties and assured him of the support of Governors in the North-central geopolitical zone as well as the government of Niger State.

The new CoS has served the country in various capacities in the past. He was Minister of External Affairs in Nigeria (1984-1985) and subsequently Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Nigeria to the United Nations (1990-1999).

Professor Gambari also served as Joint AU/UN Special Representative in Darfur and Head of UNAMID (2010-2012).

Before his present appointment, Prof Gambari is the Chairperson of the Panel of Eminent Persons of the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM).


Mary Noel-Berje
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Niger state.

RANCHING AND LIVESTOCK PROGRAMME: GOVERNOR ABUBAKAR SANI BELLO PARTNERS WITH INDIA AND PAKISTAN (Throwback)


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eiaGuelZAQs

Niger state governor Abubakar Sani Bello described the two countries as critical partners in achieving the desired objectives set out by the state for its grazing reserve programme. He outlined the strategic areas for partnership with India to include genetic engineering to improve animal variety, artificial insemination, embryo transfer and fertilization as well as milk processing and renewable energy through biogas from fresh Grass extract.

While reiterating the benefits of the reserve Governor Sani Bello stated that Ranching will not only avail the Herdsmen access to veterinary care for their animals but also afford their children the opportunity to go to school.

Mary Noel Berje
Chief press secretary to
Niger state Governor

NIGER STATE GOVERNMENT FURTHER EXTENDS LOCKDOWN ORDER BY TWO WEEKS

****BANS COMMERCIAL MOTORCYCLE OPERATION, VIOLATORS TO FACE FULL WRATH OF THE Law

Plans are at an advanced stage by the Niger State Government to establish a molecular laboratory and a testing center at the General Hospital, Minna, to increase testing capacity and reduce turnaround time for the release of Covid-19 results.

Addressing the media shortly after the weekly meeting with members of the State Taskforce on Covid-19, Governor Abubakar Sani Bello disclosed that government had trained 457 health workers and recruited 20 adhoc staff that will man the laboratory.

He explained that the State government has strengthened its surveillance system to detect any case of Coronavirus disease as well as investigate and monitor any outbreak adding that drugs, medical supplies and personal protection equipment have been prepositioned at the Isolation centers.

Governor Sani Bello, however, expressed concern that despite all the measures put in place by government to curtail community transmission, people still flagrantly breach the Covid-19 order of social distancing at public places and wearing of facemasks.

"It is regrettable that closure of interstate borders has not been very effective while Commercial Motorcyclists and other commercial Drivers are seen flouting government orders without much ado".

The Governor, in view of the prevailing circumstances, consequently announced total ban on the operation of Commercial Motorcycle (Okada)for the next two weeks while the status quo remains on all other measures put in place in the last two weeks.

While reiterating government's commitment to the safety of its health personnel and indeed the State Covid-19 Taskforce members, Governor Sani Bello assured that government will deal decisively with any attack on its front line workers.

The Governor urged the general public to be more vigilant, adhere strictly to personal hygiene, observe social distancing at public places, wear facemasks and seek medical attention in the event of symptoms such as fever, cough and catarrh.

"Let me also call on individuals with travel history from states with cases of Coronavirus disease (Covid-19) to ensure they self-isolate and promptly report to the nearest health facility ".

Earlier, the Vice Chairman of the state Taskforce on Covid-19 and Commissioner for Health, Dr. Muhammad Makunsidi disclosed that the state received a total of 252 signals of Suspected Covid-19 cases, investigated 235 and collected over 202 samples for testing.

According to the State Taskforce Vice Chairman, 10 of the samples were returned positive out of which two persons have recovered and discharged.


Mary Noel-Berje
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Niger state.

KEY HIGHLIGHTS AT THE END OF COVID-19 TASKFORCE MEETING WITH GOVERNOR ABUBAKAR SANI

- TWO WEEKS LOCKDOWN STATUS QUO MAINTAINED

- COMMERCIAL MOTORCYCLE (OKADA) OPERATORS BANNED TO CURB THE SPREAD OF THE VIRUS

- THE STATE IS IN COLLABORATION WITH NCDC TO ESTABLISH MOLECULAR LABORATORY TO INCREASE TESTING CAPACITY IN NEXT TWO WEEKS

- SURVEILLANCE SYSTEM STRENGTHENED TO DICTATE ANY CASE AND COMMUNITY TRANSMISSION OF THE VIRUS

- THE GOVERNMENT ADMONISHES THE GENERAL PUBLIC TO CORPORATE WITH THE LOCKDOWN ORDER SO THAT NORMAL LIFE RESUMES.

MARY NOEL-BERJE
Chief Press Secretary, Niger state.

Governor Abubakar Sani Bello of Niger State Presides over the Swearing in of Magama Local Government Council Chairman Safiyanu Yahaya at Niger State government House.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iikzP9DES6c



#BreakingNews #NigerState #government #Local #FreshNews #tweetniger @TweetNiger @SaharaReporters @NTANewsNow https:///gCcz091qf7

GOVERNOR ABUBAKAR SANI BELLO SWEARS IN YAHAYA OF PDP AS CHAIRMAN OF MAGAMA LGC

Governor Abubakar Sani Bello has sworn in Safiyanu Yahaya of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP as the Chairman of Magama Local Government Council.

The Governor presided over the swearing in ceremony which took place at the Government House, Minna.

This the Governor did in obedience to the High Court ruling that quashed the November 30, 2019 local government Council election in Magama local government on the ground of pre-election offence.

The High Court 5 sitting in Minna, in March declared Safiyanu Yahaya winner of the election and ordered that the State Independent Electoral Commission, NSIEC withdraws the certificate of return issued to Salihu Ubandoma of the All Progressives Congress, APC as the elected Chairman of Magama and, forthwith, issue a Certificate of return to Safiyanu Yahaya of the PDP as the duly elected Council Chairman.

Speaking after the brief event, the newly sworn-in Chairman, Safiyanu Yahaya described Governor Sani Bello as a man of Justice who has demonstrated his respect for the rule of law by acting in compliance with the directive of the Court.

He said despite belonging to another political Party, the Governor took the best decision by respecting the decision of the Court and swore him in as the substantive Chairman.

This he added is good Omen for the people of Magama and the State at large.

The oaths of office and allegiance were administered by Justice Salisu Alhassan Majidadi who represented the State Chief Judge.


Mary Noel-Berje
Chief Press Secretary to Niger State Governor

COVID-19: NIGER STATE GOVERNMENT REFUTES SOCIAL MEDIA VIDEO


The Niger State Government has described as fake, the video circulating on the social media, which alleged that the Covid-19 patient in the state protested poor condition of the quarantine facilities.

A statement made available to newsmen by the Niger State Task Force on COVID-19 explained that the video is an attempt to water down the frantic efforts the government is making towards combating the pandemic.

According to the Task Force, "There are two toilet facilties, one for females and one for Males. The isloation centre has 24 hours electricity, having been connected to a 33KVA and standby generator .

It explained further, "The relations of the patient did not want the woman to be quarantined. So, they started making trouble, demanding for her release. Out of mischief, they also went on to do a video in order to discredit the efforts of the state government.

"However, in line with the guidelines by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, both the woman and her brothers have been quarantined."

The Task Force also reiterated that the woman who naturally should not have been in Niger State because of her condition, decided to leave Kano state on her own accord to seek medical attention in the state.

"Her reason for coming to Niger State according to her was because of her inability to access health care services in Kano State. So, she decided to contravene Niger COVID-19 Order and came back to Suleja, Niger state, but for the alertness of good spirited individuals who raised an alarm ,she was immediately picked up. Her relations however followed from Suleja in protest down to Minna," the Task Force cleared.

It also pointed out that Niger state has well equipped Isolation/Quarantine Centres and those who are being quarantined are well Taken care of, describing those including media organisations who are circulating the purported video as mischief makers who would rather not see any good in what government is doing.

Dr M. M. Makusidi
Commissioner for Health, Niger state


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYR5ej8dph8


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_4GOg3nVAvc


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A5cz-JtbT14

NIGER STATE COVID 19 TASKFORCE INTERCEPTS 59 PERSONS ENROUTE TO KANO, LAGOS

Niger State Government committee Taskforce on Covid-19 has intercepted no fewer than 59 person en-route to Kano from Lagos and vice versa.

Commissioner for Health, Dr. Muhammad Makusidi disclosed this, in Minna.

Dr. Makusidi said that 40 of the intercepted persons were from Kano going to Lagos while 19 others were coming from Lagos and going to Kano.

“Despite the interstate lockdown, people are still moving under any small opportunity they got. I can’t imagine people travelling under the cover of trampol and sack of rice”, he said.

The Commissioner said that it was a sad and pathetic situation that, despite the lockdown of the country, people were able to beat checkpoints across the country.

He called on the Federal Government to implement the interstate lockdown to the latter, as the virus can be curtailed at local points since its lifespan was 14-days.

“For us, we are not going to leave any stone unturned, they are going back to where they came from", he stated.

He added that the intercepted persons have been subjected to temperature test as the state does not have testing kits that will confirm the COVID-19 status of a suspected case.

The intercepted persons have since been convicted by the Mobile Court and charged between three months to one year imprisonment with an option of N3, 000 to N10, 000 fine respectively.

Dr. Makusidi revealed that two persons have been arrested in Beji, and would soon be charged to court for bringing people into the state and harbouring them for monetary gains, thereby endangering the lives of many other citizens.

He commended the action of a Good Samaritan, who upon the return of his son from Kano, reported his arrival to the authority and the returnee presented himself to be quarantined for 14-days and awaiting to be tested.

Niger State is the gateway between Northern Nigeria and Southwest; therefore the state government is appealing to the Federal Government to ensure strictness on the total lockdown of the country so that the pandemic comes to an end.


Mary Noel-Berje
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Niger state.