By Yemi Itodo

A chieftain of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Dr. Garus Gololo, has described as "devilish" and "unpatriotic", the calls from some sections of the country that President Muhammad Buhari should resign.

Gololo, at a press briefing on Monday in Abuja, said those calling for the head of the President are enemies of Nigeria who don't want Buhari to continue with his good work.

Some Nigerian youth have taken to streets since last week, demanding the abolishment of the Special Anti Robbery Squad (SARS) unit of the Nigeria Police.

President Buhari, had since, disbanded SARS, through the Inspector General of Police, Muhammad Adamu.

But the protesters still mount more pressures as they continue to occupy the streets with some calling for the resignation of the President.

Dr. Gololo, while briefing newsmen, said the ongoing protest was rather targeted at Buhari and not the SARS, alleging that some powerful politicians somewhere may have been sponsoring the move to make the President Buhari led government unpopular and distractive.

"If not for mischief and devilish thought, why on earth would they still continue to protest, when President Buhari has already disbanded the SARS? That means there are other motives behind that protest.

"To even think some persons will cross the red line and start asking for Buhari to resign is height of insolence and unpatriotic habit. Why are they asking him to resign when they didn't vote for him in the first place? Check out the sections of those calling for his resignation, they didn't vote for Buhari. Those who stood for Buhari and voted for him are pleased with his leadership charisma.

"Revolution can not be gotten on the streets. We practise pure democracy and it amounts to treason to make attempt to upturn a democratically constituted government the way they are going. The only way to change government is through balloting which they could not achieve in 2019 because the majority of the people in Nigeria stood with Buhari", Gololo said.

The chieftain also called on various security agencies, especially, the Police and Secret Service to go after the Sponsors of the protesters who are causing "civil unrest" and bring them to book.

"The Inspector General of Police and the DG of DSS should live above board and carry out intelligence of those behind the civil unrest and move to unseat the President. Let the Service Chiefs also do their work and if they are tired, they should kindly bow out and stop the embarrassment", he added.

The Northern Youths Assembly under the Coalition of Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara Youth and Student leaders held a solidarity Rally in support of the Nigerian Police Force, in a statement signed by the convener Comrade Isah Jabbi, he noted that they have gathered to restate their confidence as Nigerian youth, in the Nigerian Police and its leadership, as the Country continue to battle the challenges of Insecurity, occasioned by the activities of bandits, insurgents, cyber criminals and armed robbery. Over the recent times, we have watched several orchestrated campaign of calumny, well funded and targeted at the Nigerian Police and its leadership. We are worried, that rather than encourage and appreciate the selfless commitment of our policemen to the protection of our national security, some people, have dedicated themselves, to the task of blackmailing, and instigating Nigerians against the police, in order to cover up for series of their atrocities, against our motherland.

Even though the leadership of the force under IGP Muhammed Adamu have alllowed reasoning to prevail by announcing, a ban on the activities of SARS across the country, we wish to state, that the #EndSARS campaigns against the Police and its leadership at this critical moment, are calculated attempts to derail the ongoing war against crime in the country, while also seeking to tarnish the image of the Nigerian Police.


The sponsors of these protests and the fabricators of these spurious allegations have gone beyond the ordinary, just to paint the Police and its Leadership before the general public. We are however convinced, that, though the Police despite its untiring effort in combatting the crimes in the country are not afraid of submitting themselves to public scrutiny has it has often been demonstrated by IGP Adamu led leadership of the Nigerian Police since he took over.

We wish to state, that while we agree with the decision of the police to ban that important unit of the force, SARS, we urge patriotic Nigerians to join the call for a holistic reformation of Nigerian Police. What the police require, an improved funding and Reforms that will make the Police more efficient and professional in discharging their duties. This will go a long way to curtail some excess and over-steeping their scope of assignment or operation. Further sensitisation of the police is another approach to clear personnel who have not being professional in discharging their duties. This should be in a way of conducting test, or interviews and monitoring Enlightenment on Rules of Engagement. When given better welfare, our police will not be tempted to be lured by citizens who are influential with their position, wealth and connection to do what is not part of their rules of engagement.

The Nigerian Police , no doubt remain one of the strongest in Africa. There are several tales of the force’s exploits both on the foreign mission and on the home soil. It is an institution of disciplined and committed Officers and Men.

Despite the challenges posed by the our internal security challenges, their morale is always high and this has been made possible by the visionary and dynamic leadership style of Mr Muhammed Adamu, , the Inspector General of Police, under whose leadership the Nigerian Police has continued to record tremendous successes both against our security challenges and in the general well being of Officers and Men of the force.

IGP Adamu’s brutal confrontation of Banditry, is not only a pacesetter in the history of the Nigeria Police, he is a man with many ‘firsts’ .

The Nigerian Police have conducted Successful Recruitment, Training and Deployment of 10,000 police recruits in line with Federal Government’s manpower development plan of the Nigeria Police.

Enhancement of Operational Capacity of the Force with the procurement of Patrol Vehicles including 46 Police Smart Surveillance (CCTV Camera-on-the Move) Vehicles, Tactical Operations Vehicles fitted with state-of-the-art surveillance equipment; Armoured Personnel Carriers; Troop Carriers; and 7 Anti-Riot Water Cannon Trucks.

The leadership of the Force under IGP Adamu has also achieved the Completion and launch of: The Nigeria Police National Command and Control Centre (NPF-C4i). The first phase of the Nigeria Police Crime and Incident Data Centre (NPC & IDB).

Deployment of cutting-edge technology in our crime management operations with the acquisition of the Police Smart Surveillance Vehicle which are fitted with high-resolution, long-distance CCTV monitoring equipment with night electronic functionalities and are linked to the Nigeria Police National Command and Control Centre (NPF-C4i). The vehicles are currently being deployed for real-time electronic monitoring of the Abuja-Kaduna highway and other major highways and vulnerable locations across the country including the electronic surveillance of NNPC pipelines in the country.

Strengthening of our Democratic Values with the provision of requisite quality leadership that guaranteed the successful conduct of the 2019 General Elections and other off-season elections that were conducted in the year.

The police fight against Banditry, kidnapping, armed robbery across the country by the Police, has brought crime to the barest minimum.

The Police in conjunction with other security agencies have continue to carry out sustained operations against Terrorism and other forms of crime, in line with President Buhari’s focus to eliminate the remnants of the insurgents within the shortest possible time. A mission IGP Adamu is committed to, with all vigor.

The Police continually maintained a posture to defend Nigeria’s internal security, IGP Adamu understands the power of unity and that is why he maintained a robust security relations with security agencies in the county, and together they have achieved tremendous success.

Nigerian Police remained apolitical, professional and responsive in the discharge of its constitutional roles and total commitment to the defense of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Finally, we call on President Buhari to consider an immediate upward review of budgetary allocations to the police and other security agencies in the country, as we continue to support their patriotic commitment to our motherland. Aluta Continua!

The women wing of the Oil Producing Area Association of Nigeria (OPAAN) while congratulating Nigeria at 60 has task President Muhammad Buhari to ensure Sustainable development and prosperity for women in the oil-producing areas.

The National Women Leader Mrs. Patience Shielu Afebu in a statement signed on Thursday noted that there is no doubt that the Oil Producing Areas contributes about 83% of Nigeria's total revenue, but the country's tremendous potentials for growth and sustainable development through crude oil is yet to be fulfilled due to many constraints posed by the industry to the environment. Oil exploitation has thus created chronic poverty, under-development, number of environmental impacts such as soil, water, and air pollution.

Ironically, it is regrettable that the Nigeria oil industry is organized in such a way that there is glaring inequality in women participation, in an environment obviously dominated by men, yet women bear a greater burden of environmental problems which result from oil production in their roles as mothers, domestic workers, farmers, fishermen, and breadwinners.

To this end, it is interesting that at this strategic period when The Nation is embracing and nurturing agricultural growth and development as the mainstay of the economy, the Oil producing Areas can not conveniently embrace and key into this economic developmental initiative due to the saddening and damaging effects of oil exploration and activities, despite the fact that oil has been hugely profitable from time immemorial, thereby making the oil-producing area to be the bedrock, as well as foundation sustaining Nigeria consistently for about a period of 50 years now.

In this regard, there comes the urgent need, particularly with Nigeria celebrating her 60th year anniversary, for the Federal Government to protect and reward the goose that lays the golden egg.

Consequently, At 60 years as a Nation, and with the oil-producing areas sustaining Nigeria for the past 50 years, there is the all encouraging and collaborative need for us as a Nation to re-define and create a sustainable socio-economic agenda, or prosperity Agenda for the vulnerable Oil Woman and child.

In other words and on this critical note, it is our candid opinion that to alleviate the burden of the Niger Delta Woman and child, the President Muhammadu Buhari led administration in line with its transformational change mantra and other critical stakeholders in the Oil sector, among others to ensure the monetization of the gas being flared, as well as impose stringent oil mining rules to ensure a better bargain and environment development plan that will recognize women and children as a most vulnerable group in a challenging environment as we have.

Additionally, measures designed or put in place to alleviate their strains should be specifically incorporated in development projects, especially with the ongoing Agricultural revolution program in Nigeria, so that they can be empowered equitably in meeting the global developmental goal of sustainable environment and gender equity.

As we conclude, we the OPAAN women of thought wish to unequivocally assure President Mohammed Buhari led the Government of our continued support and collaboration towards the successful realization of its developmental goals, as well as sustained peace and security of the oil-rich Niger Delta Region as the mothers of the Nation. We believe in one united Nigeria.

By Yemi Itodo

Spokesman for the Nigerian House of Representatives, Rep. Benjamin Kalu, has described as biggest intervention, the approval for the construction of
Umuahia-Bende-Ohafia road (LOT 2) in Abia state by the Federal Executive Council (FEC).

At its sitting on Wednesday, the FEC had given approval for the construction of the road which had been abandoned for 44 years.

The approval, it was gathered, came after months of intense lobbying and frequent advocacy visits to the Honourable Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola, by Rep. Kalu, who is currently representing Bende Federal Constituency at the Green Chamber.

As announced during the FEC meeting of Wednesday, the approval is for the rehabilitation to commence from the Umuahia axis of the road which is valued at N12.08bn and to span a distance of 45km.

In the statement made available to newsmen early hours of Thursday, Rep. Kalu expressed appreciation to President Muhammad Buhari and Mr. Fashola, for such wonderful intervention, which he said would boost the economic fortunes of the people in the area.

According to the statement, a very elated Rep. Kalu specifically thanked Minister Fashola for his listening ear, consideration and support over the last one year regarding the approval and repair of the Bende-Ohafia road.

“I thank President Muhammadu Buhari and the entire Federal Executive Council for acknowledging our request for federal intervention in the Umuahia-Bende-Ohafia road and approving the rehabilitation and construction of the road which had been abandoned since its construction in 1976. The people of Bende have suffered greatly as a result of the severe dilapidation of the road; therefore, FEC's approval of the project is concrete proof that this particular administration is genuine about stopping infrastructure decay in the country.

"I especially thank the Honourable Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, for his cooperation and for taking this project as his own over the last one year. I appreciate his passionate presentation of the case of my people at the FEC meeting yesterday and must also acknowledge the Honourable Minister of State, Mines and Steel, Dr. Uche Ogah for lending his voice in support of this project at the FEC meeting and for being the first to break the news joyfully, congratulating me for a good representation of Abia people at the National Assembly.

"Indeed, I am very impressed with the efficiency demonstrated by the people at the Ministry of Works during my engagements with them for this federal government intervention over the last one year. The people at the Ministry of Works demonstrated such excellence that gave me hope for the future of public service in Nigeria.

"I particularly appreciate the Ministry of Works Permanent Secretary, the former acting Permanent Secretary, Engr. Yemi, the Director of Works, South-East Highways, Engr. Funso Adebiyi, as well as the staff at the Abia State office of the Ministry, especially Engr. Nwankwo (rtd.) who worked diligently with my team headed by Cyril Kwubiri during the measurement and design of the road", Rep. Kalu said.

The lawmaker also congratulated his colleagues at both chambers of the National Assembly who represent the axes where the road cuts across in Abia State, while appealing to the leadership of National Assembly to make the road scale through in the 2021 appropriation exercise.

He said, "as this project moves to appropriation, I want to seize this opportunity to appeal to the leadership of both chambers of the legislature and indeed everyone involved in the appropriation process to render their gracious support to put an end to the suffering of my people. I am hopeful that the contractor will be duly funded to immediately commence work from the Umuahia axis, having secured this approval".

Rep. Kalu expressed hopes that economic activities in his constituency would enjoy a boost upon completion of the project.

The statement also quoted the Honourable Minister of Works as assuring the lawmaker and people from the area of "increased effort to fund the project", adding that they should be expectant for the Bende-Itumbauzo-Akwa Ibom road soon.

By Yemi Itodo

In order to make the girl child self reliant and less vulnerable to RAPE, the National Research Institute for Chemical Technology (NARICT), Zaria, last week, alongside other experts, trained 100 girls on various skills in Benue State.

The one-week training was organized at the instance of Miss Idoma Ambassador, Queen Esther Ene Daniels.

The participants who were drawn from the 9 LGAs of Benue South, were trained from Monday 7th to Saturday 12th September, 2020 on skills such as, production of hand sanitizer, liquid soup, odour control, body spray/perfumes, shoes, hand bags, fascinator, carrot oil, cake baking, poultry rearing and makeup.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony at the weekend, the Special Assistant to the Director General of NARICT, Dr. Victor Ochigbo, said he led the team of trainers to Benue on the request of the Benue beauty Queen, whom he commended for her fervent campaign against RAPE.

Ochigbo assured the readiness of his agency and the commitment of the DG, Prof. Jeffrey Baminas to always partner with the Queen in her future activities.

In her welcome address, Miss Daniels said the skill acquisition training was part of her empowerment program for the Idoma girl child, stressing that the gesture would go a long way to reduce the menace of RAPE in Idoma land.

"It will be recalled that, in May this year, I launched an online awareness campaign against RAPE tagged ‘Give Her Pen, Not Penis’. This literary suggests that we should invest in the education/training of the Girl Child rather than causing her pains.

"Aside the awareness campaign which received massive support online by Idoma youth both home and abroad, I have also distributed exercise books to the Idoma Girl Child, including distribution of palliatives during the lockdown, while distributing customized Face Shields with my anti-RAPE slogan to various organizations during and after the lockdown.

"I have also visited virtually all our leaders and elders, both male and female from Benue South, to appeal to their sensitivity to join hands in this fight against RAPE, through a strong legislation, dependable judicial system, orientation of the male folks and a powerful neighborhood watch system.

"One of the ways too, that our leaders could assist in reducing the RAPE menace, is by supporting organizations and individuals who are committed to the empowerment of the Idoma Girl Child. It is believed that when they are empowered through skill acquisition trainings, they become economically viable, self-reliant and less vulnerable to RAPE", she said.

The beauty Queen called on willing organizations and Benue political leaders to support her initiative so as to continue with the empowerment program every year.

"In as much as we intended to do more, we were however, constrained by unavailability of funds to prosecute our thought. Among the many Non-Governmental Organisations we wrote to, it was only Ojechema & Mercy Foundation and Ada Mark Foundation for Girls that have responded through financial and material support, respectively. We also visited and wrote to our leaders for support, but just a few of them answered our calls.

"I intend to make this program a yearly activity. Even long after I have handed over my crown, I would want to continue with this great initiative, through my yet-to-be registered Foundation and with partnership with Free Image Entertainment, the platform that provided me this opportunity to give my voice against RAPE.

"In this regard, I seek your kind support to enable me register and launch Queen Esther Foundation in a couple of weeks to come. I also seek your support to enable me sustain this legacy that I count as the biggest empowerment program ever in the history of Benue State", the Queen added.

In their separate remarks, Member representing Ogbadibo at the Benue House of Assembly, Hon. Peter Enemari and the Paramount Ruler of Otukpa Chiefdom, HRH Sir Sunday Ekele, the Och'Otukpa, Leader, Ogbadibo Legislative Council, Hon. Jacob Idoko and Hon. Emmanuel Ogwuche, commended the initiative of the beauty Queen, while urging more support for her Foundation to make the empowerment more elaborate, subsequently.

Highlight of the program was exhibition of various products by the trainees and presentation of N20,000 takeoff capital to each of the participants by the beauty Queen, with the promise to monitor and mentor them for 2 months to ensure they are successful in their trades.

President Muhammadu Buhari has pledged federal government’s support and assistance to Kebbi flood victims.

In statement signed by Yahaya Sarki, Special Adviser to Kebbi State Governor, Buhari on Saturday had dispatched a high powered delegation to the state,led by the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Alhaji Sabo Nanono to commiserate with flood victims across the state .

Nanono, accompanied by Governor Abubakar Atiku Bagudu and top Government officials from federal and state government who stated this during a courtesy call on the Emir of Argungu, Alhaji Samaila Muhammdu Mera in his palace said that, the president was deeply concerned with the massive flood disasters in the state, as well as other parts of Nigeria .


Nanono also said that, he was in the state on the directives of the president , to commiserate with the govenrment and people of the state, especially the victims .

According to him, President Buhari has also mandated him to holistically assess the extent of damage caused by the flood disasters

He added: ” This is with the view to ascertaining the extent of damages to farmlands ,livestock, houses and other infrastructure.

” We will also go back to Abuja, compile our report and submit same the report .
” In Sha Allahu, the Federal Government will come to the aid of the victims, including those who have lost their livestock .”


Nanono appealed to the farmers not to be dissuaded and discouraged, just as he called on them to accept the disasters as inevitable acts of the Almighty Allah.

” Efforts are also on to provide early maturing seeds of rice , maize and other food crops, to reduce the impact of the disasters on food security and the colossal losses to the farmers ,” the Minister, added.

Nanono extolled the sterling contributions of Gov Atiku Bagudu towards bolstering food security in the country .

He noted that, Kebbi State was now the hub of rice production, a situation that has positive effects across Nigeria.

Responding, the Emir of Argungu, Alhaii Samaila Mera, lauded President Muhammadu Buhari for showing concerns to the plight of the flood victims in the state.


The Emir also commended Gov Atiku Bagudu for showing deep concerns to the victims, as well as unrelenting commitment to offer immediate assistance to them .

He also lauded the Governor for his efforts to ensure that, the flood disasters do not result in the skyrocketting of the prices of food items , occasioned by the submerging of farmlands in the state .

Mera however said,” As Muslims , we have faithfully accepted the disasters as inevitable acts of the Almighty Allah.”

The Minister of Agriculture in the company of the governor and the entourage at Matan Fada river to assess damage to rice farmlands submerged by water gave an assurance to farmers in Kebbi State of compensatory assistance from the federal government.

Alhaji Nanono expressed shock with extent of the destruction by the floods to farmlands said the situation require prompt intervention to those affected.

The Minister assured the farmers that he would brief president Buhari on his return to Abuja while the Federal Ministry of Agriculture would also deliberate on the matter for quick intervention.

The minister commended governor Bagudu for his effective leadership in managing and mitigating the hardship of the disaster on people.

On his part, governor Abubakar Atiku Bagudu explained that being on a downward slope, Kebbi State received the brunt of release of water from Goronyo and Bakalori dams upstream as well as release of water from river Niger by authorities of Republic of Niger .

He informed the minister that farmers in the state lost farmlands, crops, animals and fishing ponds but commended them for their resilience and perverence.


Bagudu expressed appreciation to Minister of Agriculture, the CBN and Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria (RIFAN) for coming to Kebbi to sympathise and begin process of mobilisation to reenergize farmers inorder to reignite cultivation towards recovering losses incurred.

The governor affirmed the commitment of his administration to offering them necessary moral and material support to replant but solicited for further assistance from the federal government.

Earlier, the Chairman of Wheat farmers association in the state, Alhaji Abdullahi Argungu regretted that almost the entire fadama rice fields in Kebbi State have been submerged by the floods.

He said 90 percent of the farmlands have been submerged by the floods.

‘Farmers made the largest replanting of rice ever recorded in the state before flood water washed everything” , he lamented.

Argungu requested the federal government and authorities concerned to immediately provide the farmers with improved seeds of maize , cassava, potatoes and other varieties for planting instantaneously.

The Minister and his entourage after inspecting farmlands and areas devastated by floods in Argungu and Makera in Birnin Kebbi , rounded up the visit with a courtesy call on the emir of Gwandu, Alhaji Muhammdu Iliyasu Bashar .

The Emir of Gwandu and Chairman Kebbi State Council of Chiefs, Alhaji Muhammdu Iliyasu Bashar thanked the minister for the visit and the concern of the president over the sad situation in Kebbi.

Bashar extolled the effort of the governor in dealing with the flood situation.

He called on the victims not to loose hope and have faith in Allah.

The minister was accompanied on the visit by top management officials of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.

Governor Abubakar Atiku Bagudu in company of his deputy, Alhaji Samaila Yombe Dabai, the Chief of Staff Government House, Alhaji Suleiman Muhammad Argungu ( Jarman Kabi) , the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Babale Umar Yauri, Commissioners, Permanent Secretaries and other top Government functionaries welcomed the minister on arrival in Birnin Kebbi and accompanied him on the inspection visit.

The Kebbi State Governor, Senator Abubakar Atiku in the early hours of Tuesday, visited Argungu metropolis, to personally assess the number of houses destroyed by the recent flood disasters.

In a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media, Yahaya Sarki, the governor walked long distance in the nooks and crannies of Jega town, to assess the houses affected by the flood.

He also commiserated with hundreds of victims whose houses were submerged by the devastating floods .

Bagudu was accompanied by the District Head of Jega, Alhaji Muhammadu Arzika Bawa Jega , State House of Assembly Member, representating Jega Constituency, Hon. Faruk Nasarawa, the chief Imam of Jega, Liman Dayyabu and many residents who were visibly elated by the visit of the governor.


Whle at Titin Kara area where many houses were submerged and residents abondoned their houses for fear of their lives, the governor expressed his deep sympathy over the disaster.

He admonished the victims to accept the incident in good faith , confide in the Almighty Allah and seek solace from Him.

Bagudu said the devastation caused by the floods to food crops, farmlands , houses , properties and in some cases, deaths of precious lives was really worrisome to all.


” Since the report came to me , I have navigated many local government areas to assess the situation. This is my second coming to Jega and I went round to many affected areas as you can see.

‘ I really feel so sad over the situation , God knows why and nobody can question that,” he averred.

Bagudu in a sober voice told the victims that, the flood situation was not only peculiar to Kebbi State,but many states and countries in the world.


He announced that a Team from the State Emergency Management Agency ( SEMA), would soon be dispatched to assess the situation.

This, Bagudu said, was for the government to urgently provide the needed assistance to them , while the farmers will be supported with adequate inputs to go back to their farms when the water receded.

Bagudu also urged people of Jega to be their brothers’ keepers by extending assistance to those in need and the well-to-do to also show compassion to the victims.

The governor while comisserating with the people also conveyed the message of President Muhammadu Buhari over the unfortunate situation.

Earlier, the District Head of Jega , Alhaji Muhammadu Arzika Bawa Jega and the State House of Assembly Member, representating the area, Hon. Faruk Aliyu Nasarawa, thanked the governor for his concern and taking time to personally go round to see the affected areas.

Hon.Nasarawa acknowledged the sympathy message of the president to the people of the state.


The Chief Imam of Jega, Liman Dayyabu offered prayers for God to salvage the problem and give people the formidable courage to bear the irreparable loss.

Among the areas visited by the governor include: Titin Kara, Okay, Ginga, Birnin Yari, Makaranta, Gadar Jega and Bakin Ruwa.

Similarly, governor Bagudu also visited Argungu on Monday, 7/9/2020, for the second time to also commiserate with residents whose houses callapsed as a result of incessant downpour and the attendant floods.

The governor after his message of sympathy to the victims also promised government’s intervention to assist the people.

Some of the areas visited include Tudun Wada Shiyar Justice, Gwazange, Police Division Argungu, Kitarawa, Shiyar Makera and Shiyar Yaraduwa .

He rounded off his visit to IDP camps at Dankoji Nizamiyya and JSS Tudun Wada.

The governor was accompanied by Alhaji Muhammadu Bello Dantani ( Magajin Rafin Kabi), Chairman of Direct Labour Agency, his Chief of Staff, Alhaji Suleiman Muhammad Argungu, (Jarman Kabi), and Hon. Nasiru Muhammad DanUmma, Member, State House of Assembly, representating Argungu.

The Kebbi State Governor, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu has approved the appointments of nine Chairmen into the state Boards,Commissions and Parastatals.

Also appointed is Hon. Garba Birnin Tudu as a member House of Assembly Service Commission.

This is contained in an official document signed by the Secretary to the Kebbi State Government, Alhaji Babale Umar Yauri on Wednesday, 2nd , September,2020.

Those appointed are , Hon. Muhammad Bello Dantani , Chairman, State Direct Labour Agency, Alhaji Ibrahim Bawa Kamba, Chairman, Contributory Pension Board, Alhaji Ayuba Illo , Chairman Community and Social Development Support Program ( CSDP), Arch Hamza Abubakar Musa , Chairman State Housing Corporation and Alhaji Muhammad Gado Marafa , Chairman, Health Insurance Scheme.

Others are Hon. Umar Sarkin Shanu, Chairman,Law Reform Commission, Professor Khaleed Jega, Chairman, State Universal Basic Education Board, Hon. Umar Usman Kambaza , Chairman,State Pension Board, Alhaji Abubakar Nayaya, Chairman, Local Government Service Commission and Hon. Zailani Muhammed Yauri, Chairman,Kebbi Home Savings and Loans /Micro Finance Bank.

Yahaya Sarki, the Special Adviser on Media to the Governor noted that the appointments takes immediate effect.

The Coalition for Good Governance and Change Initiative, CGGCI, has called on Nigerians to keep faith with the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration.

The group said price regime is not static as the most important is the availability of the products and the sincerity of the Federal Government in implementing policies for the betterment of residents.

The Coalition, which is made up of thirty eight (38) Civil Society Organisations, encouraged Nigerians to applaud the government rather than the pocket of criticism trailing genuine policies for the benefit of all Citizens.

In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Comrade Okpokwu Ogenyi, pointed out that, there was a time in Nigeria history when fuel was sold between two hundred (200) and four hundred(400) naira on black market at the official price of sixty five naira(65).

The statement reads.

"We must appreciate what we have, we have had a price reduction on the both amenities, electricity and premium motor spirit in recent time. The prices will keep fluctuating until it is stable and it will be stable.

"Sincerely, you can not expect to have pay less when you consume more power. Electricity has improved tremendously in Nigeria. Many location have more than twenty hours supply per day. It is a welcome development, we need power twenty four hours per day, we are getting there. So, you can not expect to pay what you were paying when you only had light four to six hours a day.

"As a civil right organisation, we must stand with the people, advice the people and confront the Government whenever it goes wrong against the people. We are the watch dog of the society, we are also calling on the the distribution companies, Disco to meter every household so, you know what you consume. For those using estimated bill, the distribution companies should not take undue advantage over them by giving ridiculous bills that are not payable.

'We also call on the Federal Government to ensure prompt monitoring of both sectors and should advise on reduction of prices when the world economy stabilises."

The Kebbi State Governor, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, on Saturday visited flood ravaged areas in the state, to assess the situation.

The Governor who was accompanied by officials of the State Emergency Management Agency ( SEMA), led by its Chairman, Alhaji Sani Dododo, visited Augie, Argungu and Arewa local government communities, to asses rice farmlands, roads and bridges affected by the flood.

Bagudu, who defied the dificult terrains of the hinterlands , took time to personally interact with the victims, commiserated with them, diligently and patiently listened to their needs, with a view to assisting them.


Speaking to Journalists at Bakin Gada, in Argungu local government shortly after inspecting rice farmlands submerged by the floods, Bagudu flanked by the National President of Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria (RIFAN) , Alhaji Aminu Goronyo, expressed utmost shock over the incident, describing it as regrettable.

‘Things like this happen, we are not unique in the world , it is regrettable. We have seen in the hurricane laura and other hurricanes similar and other worst problems.”

The governor expressed optimism that Nigeria, which according to him, had witnessed similar disasters before , would surmount the problem.

In a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media, Yahaya Sarki, the Governor assured the farmers that, the federal government with its institutions like the CBN and other organisations, would respond to the problem effectively.

He averred: ” We are responding to disasters and supporting each other, and i believe the FGN, the CBN and other associations will respond to this effectively and timely too.”

While thanking the CBN and RIFAN for their concern over the flood situation in Kebbi, Bagudu equally appreciated President Muhammadu Buhari’s leadership derive to making Nigeria self sufficient in food production.

He annonced that, the President would soon summon a meeting of the National Food Security Council and the problem of flood disasters, among others, would be discussed.

The National President of RIFAN , Alhaji Aminu Goronyo, while commenting on the situation, said he led the North West State Chapters to Kebbi State, to physically see for themselves the devastating effect of the flood to rice farms.

According to Goronyo, they will also pay a courtesy visit to the governor, as well as to declare the preceeding dry season program ,2020 in the state.

Goronyo described the devastating effect of the flood to rice farms as beyond comment, saying, ” I can say that the devastating effect of the flood to farms is beyond comment.

” I dont think in the most recent time, this kind of flood has happened to this level, the only thing i can say is that, the Almighty God is in control.

” Everything that we have seen is from God and we must thank Him and i know He can replace whatever we lost, with what we can even imagine. “

Goronyo assured the farmers that, the CBN had sent in its officials from the Development Finance Department, to come to Kebbi and assess the situation, for immefiate action.

The CBN governor, according to him, had directed RIFAN to mobilise one million farmers that can quickly produce five million metric tonnes for the dry season commencing in November , 2020, for support.

Earlier, Governor Bagudu had visited Birnin Tudu, Tiggi, Shaharma and Agoda communities in Augie local government, while in Argungu local government also, the governor was at Matan Fada, Bakin Gada, Zanginawa and Yeldu.

At Sabon Gari community, Birnin Tudu, Magaji Amadu, the village Head of the area complained to the governor how the flood submerged their rice farmlands.

He said that, the flood was a culmination of both the continious intensive rains being witnessed now, as well as the water released from the dam.

An elderly farmer, Alhaji Aliyu Soda, while appealing for assistance from the government, said that, for over 11 years, they have never seen a flood disaster as devastating as this one.

He made a passionate appeal to the government to assist them with farming inputs such as assorted seeds and fertilizers, among others.

The governor, while comiserating with the victims, assured them of his government’s intention to assist them.

At Kwakkwashe village where the State Government through SEMA distributed relief materials to the displaced victims, the governor, while comiserating with the community said government was worried about their plight.

Bagudu further charged them to cooperate with the authorities, as they should temporarily relocate to a safe haven.

He urged them to continue to enrol their children to schools, maintain clean environment, use facemasks to guard against Covid-19.

The governor also advised the community to organise their youths, to form vigilante services, to boost securty in the area.

Alhaji Sani Dododo, the Chairman of SEMA, had earlier told the governor that, apart from the efforts of the agency in the relocation of the victims, relief materials were donated to them .

They included 20 bags of rice,10 bags millet, 10 bags of guneacorn, 5 bags salt, 30 cartons of macaroni,5 cartons of tomatoes,50 bundles of Shadda, 50 bundles of atampa and 7 jerricans of groundnut oil.

Others were 5 cooking pots, 100 plastic kettles,100 plastic buckets,100 plastic cups, 100 platic plates, 100 mosqutoe nets, 5 cartons of bathing soaps, 100 plastic mats,100 blankets and truckload of firewood.

The District Head of the area, Alhaji Suleman Mera ( Sarkin Gobir Lailaba), thanked the governor for the quick response of the government,while he described the government of Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu as people oriented government.

The governor and his entourage had also inspected various roads and bridges damaged by the floods in the local governments he vidited.

At Jefeji community, in Kangiwa local government, where the community was cut off by the damaged bridge, the governor expressed readiness of his government to repair the bridge.

The governor was accompanied at the visit by SEMA officials, RIFAN officials, State House of Assembly member representing the area, the Chairmen of Augie,Argungu and Arewa among others.

It will be recalled that the Nigerian Meteorological Agency had forecasted that Kebbi would be among the states to be hit by flood this year.

By Yemi Itodo

The Spokesman of the House of Representatives, Rep. Benjamin Kalu, has said, the passage of the Nigerian Armed Forces Support Fund Bill would go along way to strengthen the fight against insecurity in Nigeria.

The Bill was sponsored by the Member representing Ikorodu Federal Constituency and Chairman, House Committee on Defence, Rep. Babajimi Benson.

This was, even as, the Abia lawmaker unfolded the legislative plans for 2021 fiscal year in tackling insecurity in the country.

Kalu in an interview with journalists in Abuja this weekend, said the House of Representatives has already come up with a comprehensive approach to tackle the problem of insecurity in Nigeria.

According the House Spokesman, “We have set for ourselves, certain measurable actions for the short, mid and long term” to ensure that Nigerians and their property are secured.

Shedding light on the national security action plan already adopted by the Green Chamber, Rep. Kalu listed the lower House action plan to include the provision of, “funding in the 2021 and 2022 Budget for recruitment and training of new security operatives to strengthen the security sector workforce;

“Enact legislation and appropriate funds in the 2021 and 2022 Budgets to fund the implementation of community policing, civil-military relations, and crime prevention;

“Approve the procurement of modern security equipment in line with the Defence Procurement Policy;

“Enact laws to support structured funding of the Armed Forces to improve military readiness and enhance our capacity to respond to present and emerging threats to national security".

Speaking specifically on the seemingly unending insurgency in the Northeast as well as the herders and farmers clashes in the middle belt and Southern part of Nigeria, Rep. Kalu decried the lack of adequate equipment for the Nigerian security agencies in the face of daunting challenges before it.

He said, “For over a decade, Nigeria has contended with a recalcitrant insurgency in the North-Eastern part of the country that continues to transform, adapting itself to changing circumstances, yet remaining a significant threat to lives and property, and a drain on limited national resources.

"Similarly, the North-West and North-Central have witnessed several incidences of banditry, cattle rustling and community clashes between farmers and herders while the South-South and South-East regions have continued to experience various agitations. In addition to these are criminal activities such as cybercrime, drug trafficking, organised crime, human trafficking, piracy and kidnapping, amongst others.

"While struggling valiantly to address these challenges, the security forces are not suitably equipped to prevail in the herculean task of protecting our lives, property and territorial integrity".

Kalu, however, said that a bill was already before the House which is intended to fix the funding gap for the Nigerian armed forces in order to provide a lasting solution to the problems facing the security forces.

“We also promised Nigerians that between June 2020 and May 2021, we would enact legislation to support structured funding of the Armed Forces to improve military readiness and enhance our capacity to respond to present and emerging threats to national security.

"It will interest you to know that presently, we already have The Nigerian Armed Forces Support Fund (Establishment) Bill 2020, sponsored by Rep. Babajimi Benson, which has passed second reading and is scheduled for public hearing upon resumption.

"The essence of the bill is to provide Special Financial Support for the revamping of the Nigerian Armed Forces, and to also provide for regular training of Armed Forces Personnel as well as the provision of modern security and defence equipment and other related matters,” Kalu explained.

The House Spokesman urged Nigerians to "actively participate in the public hearing of the Nigerian Armed Forces Support Fund (Establishment) Bill which will come up as soon as the House resumes from the long vacation".

Social Media disruptive, useful, declares Bagudu

Kebbi State Governor, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, says Social Media were very crucial, useful and indispensable,just as they were disruptive.

"In the world of today, the Social Media usage is in Vogue, globally , and Nigeria, as well as Kebbi State will not lag behind," he added.

Bagudu spoke on Tuesday, in Birnin Kebbi,while declaring open a one-day, " Kebbi State Government New Media Consultative Meeting/ Forum at the Presidential Banquet Hall.

It was attended by the Governor, the SSG, Babale Umar Yauri, top ranking government officials and the Social Media Practitioners, Bloggers and Online Publishers.

The Kebbi Governor said that,the event was organized as part of the efforts by his administration to improve the feedback mechanism, between the government and the electorate .

Bagudu said: "We are here to learn from each other, exchange knowledge and learn about new technologies.

"This will in turn boost good governance , the participation of people in governance and shape the right opinions.

"Also, we will be able to record meaningful progress,shape what can be done by the government, hence, enhance growth and development."

Bagudu further admonished the social media practitioners, bloggers and online publishers to always endeavour to ask questions, disseminate information that is objective, incisive and useful.

The Kebbi Governor also underscored the need for them to always be ethical, patriotic and nationalistic, while necessary enquiries and investigations should be done.

He pledged to continue to invest more to improve social media practice in the state,adding, " however, with technology, you need to be imaginative, interested and inquisitive .

"I must however commend you for your sustained efforts to continuously disseminate the activities of the state government,

"You have also been able to inform us wherever we have gone wrong and this is very important fora for any people -oriented governance."

Bagudu stated that,the state government was ready to assist any group that can articulate what they think the government can do for them.

Commenting on a recent survey that ranked Kebbi State as one of the five states with least Internally Generated Revenue as asked by one of the participants , Bagudu averred that, the state government focused more on creating meaningful activities in the state, rather than increasing taxes.

"Our logic is to enable the people of the state to make more income , so as to feed their famiies, as well as provide some services like medications and education.

"By doing so, they are complementing the efforts of the state government, which is equivalent to raising the revenue , by increasing taxes ."

Bagudu further admitted that, the state government can do better in terms of economic activities .

The governor noted that, Kebbi state was abundantly blessed with myriad of natural resources which were yet to be fully explored and exploited.

Earlier in his remarks, the Secretary to the state government, Babale Yauri Umar urged the social media practitioners to desist from posting or publishing stories that were capable of causing crises in the society even if such were true.

"It is better not to post stories that can cause tension or crises in the society especially stories that involves ethnic killings.

"Such is capable of not only creating tension but could lead to crises in the society. Instead of posting such stories, confide in the relavant government officials for necessary action", he advised.

The SSG also charged the social media practitioners to feel free and seek for information about the activities and programs of government from relavant government ministries and establishments.

The Commissioner of Information, and Culture, Alhaji Mahmud Warra, said that the meeting was expected to sensitise and sharpen the practices of Social Media practitioners as well as up date them on ethics of new media handling globally and locally in the state.

"You should learn and avoid libel, character defamation and slander against individual, as well as compliment government in fostering societal development rather than criticisms.

" You should see yourselves as partners in the state architecture and development, " Warra urged the participants.

He lauded the governor for his untireless effort in supporting the Information sector of the state.

In the same vein , the Senior Special Assistant to the governor on New Media , Alhaji Aliyu Bandado also commended governor Bagudu for approving the orientation workshop for social media practitioners in the state.

He expressed optism that the consultative meeting would go along way in repositioning Social Media practitioners in the state in order to compliment the developmental strides of the government while assuring the governor of their total support to his administration to succeed.

Three papers were presented at the occasion on the use of English in New Media, Security Implications of Fake News as well as Effective New Media Use for Promoting Good Governance.

The event also featured questions and answers deligently responded by the governor from the participants.


YAHAYA SARKI
Special Adviser (SA) Madia to Kebbi Governor
25/8/2020

By Yemi Itodo

A Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Garus Gololo, has advised Governors and leaders of South West, Nigeria, to tread cautiously, if their agitation for power shift in 2023 is anything to go by.

Speaking with Journalists in Abuja on Thursday, Dr. Gololo said, the idea of running a full fledged armed security outfit at the geopolitical zonal level and refusing to allow its integration into the planned Federal Government's Community Policing program, could jeopardize the chances of the Yoruba people in clinching the presidency come 2023.

South West Governors had last year, launched a seemingly community security movement across the 6 States of the region, known as 'Amotekun'.

The Federal Government kicked against having such security network across the states and moved to proscribe it.

The Governors, however, swiftly made the Bill establishing 'Amotekun' passed through the Houses of Assembly of various States.

Having passed the Bill and assented to by various Governors, the security outfit was officially launched two weeks ago in Ondo State, after the first set of Volunteers passed out from the training.

Speaking on a Television program on Tuesday, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media, Mallam Garba Shehu, said 'Amotekun' cannot operate outside the structures laid down by the Nigeria Police authorities.

Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, while responding to Mallam Shehu's statement, insisted the 'Amotekun' would not be subsumed by the Nigeria's security authorities.

This statement was also corroborated by Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo state, while addressing Local Government Council Chairmen, stressing that the Federal Government would not be allowed to control the 'Amotekun' structures.

But Gololo, while responding to questions, underscored the importance of having a community policing network, in the face of insecurity in the country.

"But saying a particular region wants to have its own security network outside the control of the Federal Government is a ridicule to the essence of national security.

"Nigeria is a sovereign state and since we still practice federalism, it is very imperative for the Federal Government to do all within her capacity to keep the nation as one.

"If the leaders of South West are serious about seeking power to return to the region in 2023, then 'Amotekun' is their least worries. They should allow the Nigeria's security agency design the operational modules for 'Amotekun' as a community police.

"Except they are telling us that 'Amotekun' means different thing from what we know. There is no harm in allowing the Inspector-General of Police to supervise the activities of people who are trained to carry gun. We should work for the interest of one Nigeria, if they have the interest of this nation at heart and also seek to lead the country in 2023", Gololo added.

National Treasurer, Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), Comrade Victor Ononokpono (2nd, R) addressing a news conference on the forthcoming joint nationwide strike by PENGASSAN and Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) over alleged three months unpaid salaries, during their final day protest-march in Abuja on Friday (14/8/20). With him are: Branch Chairman, PENGASSAN, Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority, Comrade Ifereke Udeme (2nd, L); Branch Chairman, PENGASSAN, Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency, Comrade Ayodele Ojele (R); Branch Chairman, PENGASSAN, NNPC, Comrade Matthew Duru (L) and other union officials.


Members of Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), barricading the entrance to the Federal Ministry of Finance Building during their final day protest-march over alleged three months unpaid salaries in Abuja on Friday (14/8/20).


Photos: NAN

Gov Abubakar Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi State, Thursday, flagged off the distribution of assorted food relief materials donated to no fewer than 38,047 households by the Coalition Against COVID-19 ( CACOVID ).

The assorted food items were provided by the Coalition, while the disbursement was approved by President Muhammadu Buhari.

The flag off ceremony was being conducted simultaneously on Thursday, across the thirty six states of Nigeria and FCT, Abuja.

The food items included Pasta Macararoni, rice, refined salt ,sugar, sphagetti, flour and indomie .

Bagudu, represented by his Deputy, Alhaji Sama’ila Yombe Dabai , said that, a total of forty five (45) trucks of the items were supplied to the state .

The governor through his Special Adviser on Media Yahaya Sarki explained that, modalities had effectively been mapped out to ensure the even distribution of the materials to all the two hundred and twenty five political wards of the state .

Bagudu assured justice and equity in the disbursement of the items, through the local councils’ chairmen.

The governor was highly optimistic that, the invaluable gesture would significantly alleviate the suffering occasioned by the negative tolls of the pandemic .

According to him: ” All the intended beneficiaries will receive the materials as scheduled and nobody will be missed.

” However, I must still warn that , officials Involved in the distribution should be God fearing and honest in the discharge of the assignment .”

Also speaking, the Chief of Staff, Government House, Birnin Kebbi, Alhaji Suleiman Muhammad Argungu,(Jarman Kabi) who is also the Kebbi State Coordinator, COVID-19 Food Relief Programme, stated that , top officials of the state government and those of the Coalition will monitor both the flag off exercise and the actual distribution of the food items, across the state.

Argungu, who was also a former Deputy Governor in the state, noted ,” this is to ensure that, the exercise was done according to the plans,while vowing that, appropriate sanctions await anybody who flouts them. “


The State COVID -19 Task Force Chairman and Health Commissioner, Jafar Mohammed said that, Kebbi State has so far recorded ninety(90) COVID -19 confirmed positive cases,out of the 648 suspected cases investigated.

Out of the number, 83 persons have been treated and discharged.

According to him, the pandemic has so far claimed seven lives ,while there was no any pending positive case in any of the isolation centres in the State .

He lauded Gov Bagudu for according topmost priority to the provision of moral and financial support to all the activities of the taskforce , which was responsible for the colossal successes it had recorded .

In his shortly speech before presentation of the relief materials,the representative of Caolition Against Covid -19 ( CACOVID), Umar Muhammed said the Private Sector coalition Against Covid -19 (CACOVID) is a joint initiative of leading private sector leaders and the Central Bank of Nigeria ( CBN) launched to galvanize urgent support in the fight against Covid -19 in Nigeria.

He said because the virus has been reported among individuals across Nigeria with high risk of spreading to affect the population not only in Nigeria with attendant socio-economic and healthcare distruptions, the need to come together to fight for our nation.

He averred ” Today ,the fight for survival has become a necessity, and it is not just the responsibility of the Government, It is our collective responsibility and we must all join the fight to stay alive”,.

Muhammed also announced that so far the CACOVID in collaboration with state governments has commissioned 38 isolation centers across all the 36 states in Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory ( FCT) as well as improved the testing capacity of the NCDC with the donation of over 100,000 test kits and various PPEs.

He added that the Food Relief Program which had started would cover 1.6 million families, i e over 10 million Nigerians across the country.

He assured that CACOVID has laid out an eloborate plan to effectively and efficiently distribute the relief packages to the target beneficiaries across all local government areas in Nigeria.

” We are doing this to help the most vulnerable households that have been affected by the Coronvirus”, he said.

He thanked governor Abubakar Atiku Bagudu for assisting the CACOVID team in the fight against the the dreaded Covid 19 pandemic in Kebbi State.

The event was witnessed by the Secretary to the State Government, Babale Umar Yauri, Commissioners, Special Advisers, Chairmen of the 21 LGAs, the State Covid 19 Task Force team among others.

The APC Progressives Governors' Forum (PGF) under the Chairmanship of Kebbi State Governor, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, Sunday, commiserated with Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, over the recent attack on his motorcade at Baga town, Kukawa local government of the state.

Governor Bagudu, was accompanied by his Jigawa State counterpart, Alhaji Muhammadu Badaru Abubakar, during the solidarity visit to Maiduguri.

The progressive Governors' Forum Chairman told the governor that, they were in the state to sympathise with the government and people of the state over the unfortunate attack.

Bagudu through a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media Yahaya Sarki assured Zulum of the sustained support and solidarity of all the APC Progressive Governors and prayed God, to continue to protect the governor and his people.

“We are in Borno today, on behalf of all our colleagues, to wish our brother and colleague, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum happy Sallah.

"Secondly, to show sympathy and express our commiseration on the incident that happened in Baga few days ago.

"May God continue to protect you and indeed all the people of Borno State and may He help us defeat these enemies within and outside.

"They have for over a decade now challenged our collective resolve, but they would not break us," Governor Bagudu said.

He added, “On behalf of all our colleagues, I want to assure you and the good people of Borno, that we are on this together.

"I remember in our first visit how full of admiration and appreciation he was of all the security services who were putting their lives and otherwise in discomfort of protection of our people.

"Definitely if it is not over, frustration will set in, but, I believe this will only energise us to do better collectively.

"On behalf of all our colleagues, I urge you to keep doing what you're doing and may God, support you more and may God show us the day that will come, we celebrate the end of this tragedy we have been facing.”


Governor Zulum while appreciating and thanking the entourage for the visit, told the visiting governors that he cannot afford to be silent in the midst of killings, because he has, by the oath he took on May 29, 2019, entered into a covenant with God, to defend the people of Borno.


Zulum also alleged sabotage in the prosecution of the war against insurgency in the northeast, stressing, " the President needs to know the truth."

“Let me also re-echo my previous position with respect to the insurgency in Borno State, I have said several times there is no doubt, the gravity of the insurgency cannot be compared with what had happened between 2011 – 2015.

"From 2015 to date, the President has done well, but the most important thing is, it's good also to say the right thing.

"There is a sabotage in the system that will not allow the insurgency to end. The President has to know this important point."

The Borno State Deputy Governor, Umar Usman Kadafur, former Governor Kashim Shettima, Senator Muhammad Ali Ndume and some members of the Borno State Executive Council witnessed the solidarity visit.

Over the past two weeks, the Risk Communication and Community Engagement being conducted by Community Based Organizations across the 21 local governments of Kebbi State, continue to gather serious momentum and has received a warmth embrace by the community members. This was disclosed by the resource person of the Engagement Muhammed Nasir Karofi, through a statement signed by Sabatu Andrew at the end of a progress meeting of the engagement project.

The engagement which was an initiative of the Wife of Kebbi State Governor Her Excellency Dr Zainab Shinkafi Bagudu was designed to ensure accurate and reliable information on Covid19 reached the nooks and crannies of the state. The 32 number CBOs participating are to conduct Risk Communication and community Engagement sessions for men and women in two communities for week over 3 months beginning from 11th of July, 2020. In summary, this project targeted to cover over 750 communities both urban and rural, more than 30,000 persons to be reached and provided with Facemasks to stimulate it's use.

According to the reports rendered by the supervising CSOs over 100 sessions have so far been conducted in about 60 communities, over 1,000 units of face masks and 3,000 tablets of soap have been distributed.

"Consistent with the national response strategy on Covid19, each session of the engagement is expected to target not more than 20 attendees and social/physical distancing as well as use of Facemasks must be observed." The Resource Person has said.

The meeting offered the opportunity to the CSOs to report on the advocacy visits they have undertaken to LGA stakeholders inorder to introduce the CBOs regarding the engagement exercise.

A further step down training and refresher for the CBOs on objectives and programme delivery strategy was also conducted by the CBOs.

"I am happy that our partners are keen in this project, WHO, UNICEF, Oxfam and Breakthrough Action have been very supportive technically but we need further support to augument the modest takeoff grant approved for this project by His Excellency the Kebbi State Governor Sen. Abubakar Atiku Bagudu." Karofi added.

By Yemi Itodo

National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), has threatened to expose more corrupt practices at the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

This was, even as, the students' apex body in Nigeria has also called on President Muhammad Buhari, to stand on his ground and ensure the forensic audit of the Commission was not sabotaged.

Global President of NANS, Comrade Danielson Bamidele Akpan, in a statement on Saturday, confirmed the resolve of Nigerian students to embark on mass action, should anyone or group of persons attempt to disrupt the forensic audit.

"Forensic audit is not negotiable, any attempt by person or group of persons whose sharp practices in the commission is to frustrate the ongoing forensic audit will be met by mass action of Nigerian Students", Akpan said.

He stressed that, the outcome of the forensic audit would bring an end to the days of perpetual corruption in the commission and thereafter making the funds serve the people of the region.

Former Ag. Managing Director (MD) of the Commission, Ms. Joy Nunieh, has also made some allegations against the overseeing Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio.

But the NANS President, in his statement, lambasted Ms. Nunieh, describing her actions as conniving with enemies of Niger Delta, to perpetually keep the region in a state of underdevelopment.

Akpan said, the bold move by Senator Akpabio "has become a consistent threat of business extinction to those who have, over the years, made brisk business portfolio from the contracts of NDDC. This will no doubt generate mud and dust from the perpetrators which the honourable Minister and those tasked by Mr. President must be prepared for".

He said the student body was alarmed at the latest twist and outburst from Ms. Nunieh, wondering "why all these allegations and drama she is acting were not staged when she was in office as the Acting MD of the Commission".

Akpan stressed that, Ms. Nuneih's "attack on the personality of Senator Godswill Akpabio is seen as designed in connivance with the distractors who she originally called detractors while she served as acting MD.

"The same people who were hell bent on pulling down the promoters of the forensic audit from the inception have become frightened by the commitment and resolve to push on the assignment to fruition as directed by Mr. President. Ms. Nunieh has suddenly become friend with them and now their main character in the script.

"The person of Senator Godswill Akpabio who from our assessment is upright and has contributed immensely to development of democracy in Nigeria, as Governor of Akwa Ibom State, the developmental projects he executed and his nationalistic attributes are testimonial", he added.

Akpan described as false, the allegation of diversion of scholarship fund, stressing that it was the current management of NDDC that harkened to the cry of Nigerian students who study abroad and were stranded for years, for lack of funds.

"As stakeholders in the Niger Delta, our frustration is that our students that have been stranded overseas just because of the commission's failure to pay their school fees that were duly budgeted for in the commission budget since 2016 which was only rescued through the intervention of the present IMC under Prof. Kemebradikumo Pondei. The same Miss Nunieh has ignored the appeal of students and left them to suffer until Prof. Pondei came in.

"We are aware of the courageous efforts by Dr. Cairo Ojuigbo, the Executive Director Project as the only member of the IMC who prioritized the payment and visitation of Nigerian Students under the Commission's scholarship scheme. As a peace mechanism, he began the processes of mediation to assuage the feelings of abandonment of the best brains in the region sent on foreign scholarships.

"As an organization, we are aware he personally facilitated the payment of outstanding school fees that kept our students stranded in various countries and offered to attend some of the graduation ceremonies", Comrade Akpan submitted.

By Yemi Itodo

A group of civil society organisation, Peoples Alliance for Indigenous Rights, (PAIR), has expressed concern over what it described as a 'show of shame' by some ex-officials of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), over their 'wild allegations'.

The group at a briefing in Abuja on Thursday, voiced its opposition to the style adopted by a former Managing Director (MD) of the Commission, Ms. Joi Nuneih, describing it as overly dramatic and staged managed.

In the briefing, Iriogbe Emmanuel, Coordinator of the group and James Okoronkwo, National Secretary, called on the House of Representatives and Ms. Nuneih to allow the forensic audit ordered by President Muhammadu Buhari, rather than engaging in media trial.

According to the duo, Ms. Nuneih has weaponised ‘kidnap and sexual harassment’ in order to score some political mileage, which the PAIR described as unfortunate.

"We have since observed the unfortunate drama playing out in the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, and wish to state that facts have become obscured as the dramatic and playing to the gallery has taken centre stage.

"If those, especially Ms. Joy Nuneih, a former Managing Director of the NDDC, were out to expose corruption as has been alleged by them, then this unnecessary orchestrated drama would not be part of the 'fact finding' by the House of Reps.

"It is regrettable that those who parade themselves as saints are in themselves mired deep in rot, therefore, the determination to smear others with mud", the group stated.

The group alarmed that, "in all of the shouting, puffing and huffing, Ms. Nuneih is yet to tender any document to the House of Reps", adding that the House Committee itself was not clean in its conduct.

"While it is not cast in stone that some things may have gone wrong, Ms. Nuneih and her co-travellers should allow the forensic audit ordered by President Muhammadu Buhari go on. It is only proper that any grievances and allegations of wrong doing should be channeled to the audit panel and not the red herring all over the place", the group added.

The group submitted that the new management of NDDC, the Interim Management Committee and Minister of the Niger Delta, Senator Godswill Akpabio, should be allowed "some breathing space, to reposition a terribly battered commission".

By Oriri Peter

The Managing Director and Chief Executive (MD/CE) of the Nigerian Export-Import Bank (NEXIM Bank), Mr Abba Bello have debunked the recent N50 Billion fraud allegation that has been circulating in the social media.

This was done through a Press Release signed by the Head Strategy & Corporate Communications, Mr. Tayo Omidiji on Tuesday 14th July, 2020.

According to the statement, “Most recently, a report has been trending on the social media claiming that a petition has been forwarded to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), calling for a probe of the Managing Director/Chief Executive of NEXIM Bank, Mr Abba Bello, over alleged corruption and mismanagement of the N50bn Rediscounting and Refinancing Facility (RRF), provided by the Federal Government.”

It further stated that the petition was filled by a faceless organization, named Citizens Committee for Corruption Free Nigeria (CCCN) and all attempt to track the organization through its unverifiable address proved abortive.

“The said petition was attributed to a faceless organisation identified as Citizens Committee for Corruption Free Nigeria (CCCN), whose address cannot be verified.
Given that the identity of the so-called CCCN cannot be ascertained, the initial reaction of the Bank was not to respond to the malicious lies, amounting to an unpatriotic act of disservice to the Bank and to the country at large.”

The Press Release further explained the activities of the bank and its current MD/CE to right the wrongs that have been registered in the minds of Nigerians and its stakeholders.

“However, since the perpetrators of the campaign of calumny appear to be relentless, the Bank has found it necessary to put the records straight and allay the concerns of our numerous stakeholders.
The current management of the Bank, led by Mr Abba Bello, resumed office in April 2017 to replace the erstwhile management, which was removed by President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, over issues relating to gross incompetence, which had made the Bank almost insolvent, with huge non-performing loans, exacerbated by reckless abuse of process, insider related loans and lack of professionalism in loans administration, amongst other issues.”

“The immediate focus of the Bello-led executive management, therefore, was to retool the Bank and return the institution to its pride of place.
It is pertinent to note that three years after, the fortunes of the Bank have remarkably improved, with profits of N2.03bn achieved in 2019 and 1.09bn in 2018. This was against a loss of N569 million in 2017 and a much bigger loss of N8.03bn in 2016, which explains why the previous management could not produce an approved financial statement for three years, 2014 to 2016.
The N50bn, which was wrongly referred to as RRF is the Export Development Fund (EDF) released to the new management of the Bank by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), to support export-oriented projects towards achieving the Zero Oil Plan of the Federal Government.”

“Following the release of the fund in February 2018, a total of 62 projects have been supported with a total amount of N52.9bn disbursed. The projects supported are reputable exporting companies with verifiable track records and many of them ranking highly on the list of Top 100 Exporters published quarterly by the CBN.”

“The loans granted are adequately secured, mostly with bank guarantees, and are all performing, with export proceeds received from 2019 to date amounting to $90.1 million and €80,000, translating to N34.8billion, from projects that have so far repatriated their revenues. In addition, an estimated 8,062 jobs have been created and/or sustained as a result of the intervention.
In the light of the foregoing, it is clear that some unscrupulous people are not happy with the current progress of the Bank and would rather prefer the status quo before the appointment of the new management to continue. Moreover, such individuals may not be happy with the spirited efforts of the Bank to recover the huge amount of bad loans which were booked by the previous management, a large proportion of which was insider related.”

The bank has called on the general public to ignore any report that speaks contrary to the above statement.

It is important to note that the bank is still focused despite the recent uprising and has recommitted to continue working hard to achieve its set goal which is to keep broadening Nigeria’s foreign exchange earnings by funding credible export-oriented businesses in the non-oil sectors and by so doing, positioning Nigeria’s economy for growth.

Renowned for championing the cause of transparency and accountability in public service, the Citizens Committee for corruption-free Nigeria (CCCN) has tasked the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to probe into the allegations of corruption, ineptitude, abuse of office and financial recklessness it has leveled against Mr. Abubakar Abba Bello, the Managing Director of Nigerian Export-Import Bank (NEXIM).

In a petition addressed to the Chairman of the anti-graft agency and signed by the Director of Anti-Corruption Unit of the CCCN, Bagudu Mohammed, the group fingered Bello for corporate fraud concerning the 50 Billion Naira rediscounting and refinancing facility provided by the Federal Government by approving loans for himself and other top management members of the bank through the use of proxy companies and depositing part of it in fixed deposit accounts and sharing on monthly basis, interest accruing therefrom.

The petition similarly described as fraudulent, Bello's claim to have disbursed 22 Billion Naira as loans from the 500 Billion Naira stimulation facility domiciled with the Central Bank of Nigeria saying it was disbursed with the sole intent of receiving kickbacks.

Determined to sustain its anti-corruption Crusade especially against public office holders, the CCCN further accused Bello of skyrocketing the loan approval limit for the MD of NEXIM Bank and two other Executive Directors from One Hundred Million Naira (N100M) to Two Hundred and Fifty Million Naira (N250M) indicating an increase of one hundred and fifty percent (150%) so as to fraudulently amass to himself and his conspirators, large sums of public funds for unjustifiable reasons in the disguise of loan disbursement.

The petition has similarly questioned the leadership credibility of the NEXIM Bank Boss whose work experience has largely been tied to banking and not development financing while lamenting further that non of the Executive Directors have got basic knowledge of banking which have monumentally contributed to the Bank's current inability to manage liabilities and undertake projects of economic significance as it used to be the case.

Under the management hands of Abubakar Abba Bello, the petitioners said the international trade bank has lost its glorious reputation due to gross ineptitude and an insatiable desire for corporate fraud and corruption and have called on the EFCC to recover the illegally shared funds as well as those in fixed accounts with the interests accruing on them, while also undertaking a probe into beneficiary companies of the bank and the shadow directors behind them. The petitioners were bold to finally call for the arrest, investigation, and prosecution of the NEXIM Bank MD and his cohorts.

By Yemi Itodo

The House of Representatives has described as "fake news" and "gross misinformation", the reports that over 50 Lawmakers tested positive to CoronaVirus.

Some online Media publication had alarmed on Tuesday with the headline, 'Panic at National Assembly As Over 50 Lawmakers Allegedly Test Positive For COVID-19', the publication which had already caused great panic at the National Assembly complex.

But the Spokesman for the House of Representatives, Rep. Benjamin Kalu, in a statement Wednesday morning, said there was no time about 50 Members of the National Assembly tested positive to COVID-19, urging the public to disregard the news.

"Members of the National Assembly could fall prey to Covid-19, just like any other person. It is therefore, unconscionable to attempt to weaponize this against the institution especially when the source of such strange information is a phantom", Hon. Kalu said.

He stressed that, it was necessary to prevent undue panic in the society "because the abovementioned publication could not be further from the truth.

"We wish to state that there has not been any panic at the National Assembly as alleged in the publication, and that to the best of our knowledge, it is absolutely untrue that 50 lawmakers tested positive to Covid-19.

"The House is certain that the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), the Federal Ministry of Health and the Presidential Task Force remain the most credible sources of data with regards to this pandemic and should be referred to for fact verification before misinforming the public".

The Spokesman stated that, "the scourge of Covid-19 has impacted all countries of the world, including every state, community and individual without exception. However, it is but a sickness and not a criminal sentence on infected people.

"Therefore, it should not be an offence to be sick or a crime to be infected, and people who have passed through infection or recovery should not be stigmatized for nobody knows whose turn it will be tomorrow.

"The National Assembly and our leadership have been at the fore of the battle to reduce the impact of this pandemic on the people of Nigeria. At the battlefront, occasional casualties are inevitable, especially when the warriors are not super human".

While cautioning Journalists to always crosscheck their facts before going to the press, Rep. Kalu reiterated that, though "the House of Representatives still works 5 days a week at committee level, it has been sitting only once a week since the pandemic broke".

He clarified that Tuesday’s adjournment until next week was consistent with its Covid-19 safety precaution and has nothing to do with the reported panic within the National Assembly complex.

As a stepping stone to strengthen the capacity of the State Health care delivery systems, Hon. Jafar Muhammad the Honourable Minister of Health Kebbi State alongside Dr. Shehu Nuhu Koko the Director of Medical Services Kebbi State Ministry of Health paid a courtesy visit to the National Hospital Abuja on 23rd June 2020.

Hon. Jafar said to update health educational development in the State, there is a need to find a way, to work together formally by signing an MOU with the National Hospital to bridge the gaps in the State’s Health sector.

Dr. Jaf Momoh the Chief Medical Director CMD National Hospital acknowledged the presence of the visiting team. He said that the team mission is a welcome development to already existing mutual relationship between the Governor and Wife of the Governor of Kebbi State.

He enumerated various career development programmes that the State Government can key in within priority areas such as: Post Graduate trauma Training, Oncology Nursing, Neprology Nursing and other Residency programmes.
Already, an informal and cordial relationship exists with the state as 4 intensive care nurses were trained as an emergency preparatory measure at the peak of Covid 19 crisis.
Dr. Aisha Umar Director Medical & Clinical Services CMAC who proceeded to take the team round.

The CMAC led the team to the Trauma centre. The Kebbi State team met with the various Heads of units at the trauma conference room who gave brief overview of their units and the training programmes both short and long-term undergone in the prestigious institution.

Dr. Shehu Bello Koko emphasised the Governor’s need to strengthen the health care delivery system in the State by improving human capacity. He commended the management for the impactful training given to the nurses sent during the covid 19 situation.


The Unit Heads gave a brief course breakdown:

1. Nursing Unit runs a yearly post basic nursing school. (Umar Aliyu – Heads of Nursing Trauma.)

2. The Anesthetics Unit train post graduate doctors and Anesthetic technicians trained and retained in the hospital. Hands on training in Intensive care.
(Dr. Osazuwa – Heads of Anesthesia)

3. The Peadiatrics and Neonatal Unit carries out a hands on practical exposure training for nurses and short posting for doctors
(Dr. Mairami – Heads of Peadiatrics)

4. The health records unit runs an ICT health record keeping to enhance quality data collection.
(Mr. Razak Adiyu – Heads of Medical Health Records)

5. The unit runs a functional dialysis Centre to treat kidney diseases either renal dialysis, transplant and other mode of treatment for patients. Nurses are trained on short courses afterwards go on full term courses. The have a robust unit to send medical officers for training.
(Dr. Galadanci – Heads of Internal Medicine.)

6.Dr. Kamaldeen Jimoh, a Consultant Radiologist also reiterated the need to have a second phase ( after 2years) of radiology training for medical officers across the state.

At the end of the briefs, both team agreed to having a brochure listing courses offered, the duration and requisite criterion whilst the other party ensured to draft an MOU capturing all facets of the Hospital programmes.

A few pictures were taken as Dr. Aisha Umar led the entire team on a tour to the Trauma ICU, Bronx Unit, Theatres, Wards and Neo Natal Intensive Care Unit.

Source: PARTNERSHIP: National Hospital Abuja & Kebbi State Government To Enhance Health Care Delivery

https://www.naijavoicenews.com/2020/07/07/partnership-national-hospital-abuja-kebbi-state-government-to-enhance-health-care-delivery/

An Abuja based Security Strategist and Management Consultant Mr. Stephen Obochi Okwori has critically stated the way forward to security challenges affecting the Nation

Mr. Okwori in his article noted that Nigeria is the most populous African country. Its multiple security challenges, for instance, the nefarious activities of Boko Haram and Islamic State for West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorist groups, kidnapping, and banditry have created so many crises and as a result, have spread to other neighboring African countries.

Before now, Nigeria has been grappling with some internal security challenges, but the advent and actions of these terrorist groups, armed bandits and kidnappers have destabilized and destroyed the Northern part of Nigeria, specifically the North-East and North-West.

The sad and very unfortunate thing is that these terrorist groups and armed bandits have killed tens of thousands of people including security personnel, and have caused millions of people to have fled their homes and towns and even become Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in their own country as a result of their flagrantly wicked activities. The direct consequence of these challenges is that the North-East and North-West regions have been plunged into a severe humanitarian crisis, which has left millions of people in dire need of humanitarian aid.


Although military forces and other security agencies have been trying to tackle this over a decade-long Islamist insurgency in the North-East and banditry in the North-West, despite all their efforts, the heinous activities of these terrorist groups and armed bandits kept resurfacing.

These challenges have been persistent and I think the security forces have run out of strategies, ideas, and tactics to combat the menace. From all indications, it is obvious that the social contract the government went into with its citizens to protect their lives and property have failed, and as it stands, there is a trust deficit in the people towards the government concerning promises they have made to protect them.

Also, another major concern is the Sambisa Games Reserve popularly known as the Zambia forest and the Mandara Mountains that harbor these Islamist insurgents. The forest covers approximately 60,000 square kilometers, stretching across six states in the North-East from Borno, Yobe, Gombe, Bauchi, Jigawa states and right up to some parts of Kano. The forest means nothing to Nigerians anymore, it has been a stronghold for the terrorist because that is where they have their camps; and it signifies terror. Insurgents always run back into the samba forest or Mandara mountains anytime they strike and finish their slaughtering, killings, bombings, or kidnapping of harmless and innocent citizens.

Another bothering issue is the kidnapping of persons by armed bandits and Islamist sect at random, it has assumed a national problem and a very worrying concern for Nigerians and Nigeria; this has produced psychological, sociological and financial impacts on the lives of victims and their family members.

This menace in Nigeria has become a very lucrative business that kidnappers collect as high as =N=100 million to =N=150 million as ransom, then as low as =N=50,000 depending on the strength and capacity of the victim(s). These kidnappers most times succeed in keeping their victims as long as the negotiation lasts, communicate with the victim’s family via mobile phones and they get away without being caught by security agents because the phone lines they use most times are not tracked.

These are some of the grave and unfortunate examples of the insecurity issues that the “Giant of Africa” will need to overcome to achieve its true potentials.

But unfortunately, we cannot keep doing things the same way and expect a different result.

Therefore, there is need for a paradigm shift from the current technologies that are in use, the strategies, tactics, and approaches that are in place to more improved and sophisticated technology, new strategies, ideas to be able to combat these menace causing us catastrophe in human and material resources.

From all indications, these security challenges need to be promptly nipped in the bud before it gets worse than what we are experiencing today, though some people may argue that the situation has already gotten out of hand.

Therefore, since security is everybody’s business, I would implore security professionals and organizations to come up with new strategies, ideas, approaches, and more sophisticated technology to help Nigeria security forces in the area of surveillance and assist them to have access to these ungoverned spaces and mountainous areas where these miscreants hibernate and use as camps or hideouts to perpetrate crime.

And I enjoin Nigeria security agencies to be open and welcome genuine security solutions from any professional or organization that could be of assistance in the fight against these security challenges because it has become obvious they cannot do it all alone.



(Stephen Obochi Okwori, an Abuja based Security Strategist and Management Consultant could be reached through www.sticmirac.com.ng).

Governor Abubakar Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi State has charged the Dukku Barracks community to be wary of COVID – 19 pandemic, just as he intimated that the disease is real.

The governor gave the charge at 1 Battalion, Dukku Barracks, Birnin Kebbi, after observing the two rakaats Jumuat prayers, Friday.

In a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media, YAHAYA Sarki, he reminded worshippers in the Mosque that Coronavirus was still around and that the pandemic is still paralyzing social and economic activities globally.


Read Also: Road Projects: Gov. Bagudu Applauds Minister of Works

The governor cautioned that there was the need to continue to observe all the precautionary measures, to stop its futher spread.

He averred: ” That is why, any time, if I have the opportunity like this, I must implore the people to take measures against the pandemic.

“” The pandemic is not peculiar to Nigeria alone , it is prevalent all over the world.


” As i am talking to you now, nobody is sure whether the holy pilgrimage to Mecca will hold or not this year and schools have been closed, ” he said.

Bagudu further charged the community to continue to observe basic precautionary measures against Covid- 19, such as, hand washing, use of face masks and social distancing, among others .

He prayed and commended security operatives, especially the soldiers who put their lives on line, to bring to an end, the recurring security challenges facing the country.

The governor also extolled the existing cordial relationship between the civilians and the soldiers, as well as between Muslims and Christians in the state.

Earlier , the Chief Imam of the Dukku Barracks Mosque, Captain TK Hamisu, offered his sermon on the increasing cases of rape in the society.

He warned the perpetrators of the act to fear Allah, desist and repent, because, “the day of reckoning will come.”

Source: https://www.naijavoicenews.com/2020/06/22/coronavirus-gov-bagudu-charges-dukku-community-to-be-wary-of-its-spread/


Source: https://www.naijavoicenews.com/2020/06/22/coronavirus-gov-bagudu-charges-dukku-community-to-be-wary-of-its-spread/

The Kebbi State Governor, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu has applauded Nigeria’s Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola when he paid him a working visit on Tuesday in Abuja.

The governor said the visit was to thank the Minister for the progress of work on some Federal roads in Kebbi State.

It was also to explore how the state government can further hasten the progression of the crucial road projects, especially, the Koko -Yauri Road, and Gadar Zaima- Zuru -Gamji Road.

Governor Bagudu urged the Federal Government to award the Koko – Dabai Road, Kamba- Peka Road

He also requested a Federal Secretariat office in the state, which Kebbi being one of the few states in Nigeria without one.

In addition, the Kebbi state leader sought for the refund of state funds already spent on some Federal Roads.

Source: https://www.naijavoicenews.com/2020/06/18/road-projects-gov-bagudu-applauds-minister-of-works/

By Yemi Itodo

No fewer than 40 civil society groups, on Tuesday, shutdown Otukpo, Benue State in an awareness rally to end the scourge of RAPE in the community.

The group, which staged a peaceful protest under the aegis of Benue Coalition Against Rape, (BeCare), lamented that the area had recorded 8 new rape cases in the last one week, describing the development as worrisome.

Convener of the coalition, Prince Yemi Itodo, while addressing the gathering said the match was to create awareness about the dangers of rape and the need to put an end to the menace.

“This rally is aimed at speaking to the conscience of those who take pleasure in raping our women and to tell them its time to turn a new leaf.

"In the last one week, about 8 helpless girls were raped across various local government areas in Benue South, with only 3 suspects in police net", Itodo lamented.

He specifically mentioned the case of Ene and Dorcas in Otukpo; Maria and one other victim in Okpokwu and little girl that was raped inside the church in Orokam, Ogbadibo LGA, calling on the security agents to bring the suspects to book.

On her part, the Managing Director of Joy FM Otukpo Amb. Christabel Iyanya said the psychological trauma victims of rape go through should be enough reasons to end the menace.

“Just imagine the short and long term effect of the trauma, and trying to get them out of the trauma is always a big challenge.

“We want to appeal to mothers, please bring up your children in the fear of God and when they grow up they will not depart from it. That is the easiest way to permanently address the menace,” she said.

Founder of Restorer of Paths Care Foundation, and caregiver of a deceased rape victim, the late Ochanya Ogbanje, Evangelist Enuwa Soo decried the rising cases of rape in the Benue south district stressing that the protest would help create awareness about the dangers of rape in the district.

The protesters who bore placards with inscriptions such as, “we want strict law against rape”, “say no to rape”, “all rapists must face the law”, "justice for rape victims in Benue", etc, were mainly women, girls and boys, representing various organizations, including People Living with Disabilities (PWDs).

One of the PWDs, Mary Ejeh, who spoke to journalists, said they were the worst hit of rape, adding that, herself and others have been sexually molested by some male in the society.

The group matched through the town to the Otukpo Area Police Command; the Och’Idoma Square; Otukpo local government council secretariat and the palace of the first class chief, Otukpo/Ohimini; where everyone condemned the act and invoked the spirit of ALEKWU (gods of Idoma land) on perpetrators of RAPE.

Dr. Zainab Shinkafi Bagudu, First Lady of Kebbi State, has expressed support and commitment to the cause of ending rape and gender based violence in the State.

In a statement signed by it's head of communications, Muhammad Mikail, Dr Shinkafi Bagudu gave the assurance while participating in a Webinar titled “Mobilizing Actions against Rape and Sexual Abuse”.

The webinar which was organized by Women’s Right Civil Society Organizations in partnership with Actionaid, Nigeria and Canada brought together participants from different sectors to share experiences, assess the current situation and to create a roadmap towards ending rape and gender based violence in Kebbi State. “There’s fantastic representation from religious, civil, legal and political strata, this is exactly the platform to push for such a cause and I’m fully in support. There’s no better time than now”.


Dr Shinkafi Bagudu also assured the stakeholders of His Excellency, Senator Atiku Abubakar Bagudu’s readiness to support the cause through signing and implementation of relevant laws. “The VAPP act was the last act passed during the administration of Goodluck Jonathan and it came through concerted efforts and support from H.E Senator Atiku while he was a legislator. For someone with such passion and commitment, I’m sure it’ll be domesticated in our dear State”. She said.

Niri Gorit, Coordinator of Actionaid Nigeria conveyed the readiness of her organization to support an end to rape and gender based violence in Kebbi State. “Kebbi state is one of the States that have been chosen by Actionaid Nigeria and Canada to strengthen the capacity of women’s right. These issues of rape and gender based violence are everywhere, not just in Edo State in the case of Uwa or Ibadan.

So far 11 states have domesticated the Violence Against Person’s Prohibition Act alongside the child rights act. The VAPP bill has passed second reading in Bauchi State with a push for its domestication in Edo State”. She further called for appropriate justice for perpetrators of rape and GBV. “When justice is served a perpetrator it serves as deterrent to those who might want to commit the same heinous crime. We want to see a committee set up on sexual and gender based violence with the key players in the State”

Hajia Rahmatu Gulma, Commissioner for Justice Kebbi State, shared key reforms the State has recorded and efforts made to create safe spaces and ensure access to healthcare by victims of GBV; “Here in Kebbi state we have reviewed our laws, section 259 of the penal code, prescribes life imprisonment. We have also come up with this bill that has taken care of the procedure for taking care of victims of rape particularly children, physically and mentally challenged children. Once a victim is taken to your hospital the doctor is duty bound to treat and report to the police, failure to do this the doctor is fined N500, 0000, the police also must take this up immediately”.

In the same vein, Dr. Aisha Nana Adamu, a public health practitioner who shared the traumatic experiences victims of rape and gender based violence go through, hoped for the creation of safer environments for victims of GBV. “One of the difficult tasks of my profession is attending to victims of sexual assault. When it happens to minors, parents are reluctant to bring the children to the hospital sometimes and also the girls themselves. Many of the cases of sexual assault we see are relatives or friends of the relatives. It will be nice to create an environment where victims and their families can feel supported, access healthcare and to report in a timely manner”.



Dr Fatima Adamu “Tallafin Mata” while berating the high cost of marriages particularly in the northern region these days opined that marriages should be made less expensive to encourage intending men and women get married. Dr Adamu who moderated the session called for total reorientation of our family values such that women and girls are educated, economically empowered and taught independence and our boys are taught to respect and protect the women folk.

In bringing the session to a close, Dr Shinkafi Bagudu emphasized the need to take the advocacy beyond social and mainstream media; into the interiors of the most remote communities in the State. “Social orientation messages have to get to the grass root, traditional and religious leaders need to get to the core of this issue. Progressives and conservatives must find a middle ground to work together, tell them it is a punishable crime to have carnal knowledge of a 5 year old or to marry a 10 year old”. The Child health specialist thanked Kebbi State Ministry of Justice for the legal reforms they have been championing and also thanked various participants, CSOs; FIDA, Actionaid, NUJ, Traditional Council and religious clerics for lending their voices to such a noble cause.

By Yemi Itodo

As the global pandemic called Corona Virus continues to ravage the earth, Nigeria's iconic musician, Chief Bongos Ikwue, has called on Nigerian and world leaders to find the way to appease the earth.

Chief Ikwue gave the message at the weekend, to commemorate his 78th birthday anniversary, which was held at low key in Otukpo, Benue state.

In an open letter titled 'COVID-19: Now the Earth is crying, we have to listen', the music legend, like a Prophet, foretold that the only solution to the global scourge was for the government and privileged individuals to share what they have got with the less privileged in the society.

Read the full text here:

COVID 19: NOW THE EARTH IS CRYING, WE HAVE TO LISTEN.

“I believe the planet earth is wounded, it needs healing. This healing can only come when the (government and privileged citizens) in the world understands that the wealth of this world belongs to the world. Government and world leaders MUST find a way to appease the earth by evenly distributing the wealth of the world. (WODW) #wealthoftheworld.

"Corona virus (covid-19) has shown clearly that all the technologies of the world can and have failed.

"Now the earth is crying, we must listen. The warning bell has sounded, but are we listening?

"When we, for instance, set bushes ablaze, we set the homes of animals ablaze; that is where they live.

"This is my warning to those who care to listen. If I have your attention, thank you for listening at all.

"Let humility take charge of your life; arrogance is deadly.

"Arrogance kills the clean flow of pure knowledge into your being.

"You can destroy arrogance only by humbly taking charge of your life.

"Arrogance blocks innovation.

"Wealth has been defined wrongly.

"It is not defined by cars or lands or houses.

"We came here with nothing. We will leave with nothing.

"Everything you own will outlive you.

"You own everything if you share all you have with others.

"Until we destroy arrogance, it will destroy us.

"The extent of the wisdom of nature is far too great for us to comprehend.

"We must humble ourselves because arrogance contaminates purity".

Source: https://www.naijavoicenews.com/2020/06/08/bongos-ikwue-to-fg-78-the-earth-is-wounded/

In line with adage that says nothing is hidden under the sun, documents showing how the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio secretly lobbied to influence five projects worth N500m in the 2017 Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) had been made public.

The NDDC had recently come hard on the National Assembly, accusing it of intruding into the affairs of the Commission.

Its Director of Projects, Dr. Cairo Ojougboh, in his outing on a Television interview May 25, 2020, accuses the lawmakers of being responsible for the delay in the passage of the NDDC budget, "vandalization and rape of the Commission’s 2019 budget" and working against the ongoing forensic audit instituted by the Presidency recently; amongst other things.

The National Assembly had since reacted to the NDDC's allegations, saying it was the commission which was engaging in illegal and unauthorized spending.

However, Akpabio, in a letter dated August 7, 2017, addressed to the Chairman, Senate Committee on NDDC, had requested that five projects worth N500m be added to the budget.

Akpabio, the then Minority Leader in the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, used his office to include projects not captioned in the 2017 budget proposal.

The projects include, fencing the Federal Polytechnic, Ukana, Akwa Ibom North-West Senatorial District, at the cost of N200m.

Fencing of Federal Government College, Ikot Ekpene (Old site), Akwa North-West Senitorial District, at N100m.

The projects also include, entrepreneurship training on the use of modern farming implement for Youths in Akwa Ibom North-West Senatorial District, at the cost of N75m.

Entrepreneurship training on the use of modern farming implement for Women in Akwa Ibom North-West Senatorial District at the cost of N75m and renovation of one hostel facility at University of Nsukka, Nsukka Campus at the cost of N50m.

According to credible sources in the Senate, that was not the first time the Honourable Minister was doing it, as he also did in 2016 and in 2018 fiscal years, "with no tangible evidence of implementation of those projects".

The NDDC is currently under probe for an alleged N40bn irregular expenditure by the Interim Management Committee (IMC).

The Commission has severally taken steps to ensure the probe didn't go on. But the National Assembly said it was poised to exercising its constitutional powers of oversight functions, in line with the principles of checks and balancing.

In line with adage that says nothing is hidden under the sun, documents showing how the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio secretly lobbied to influence five projects worth N500m in the 2017 Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) had been made public.

The NDDC had recently come hard on the National Assembly, accusing it of intruding into the affairs of the Commission.

Its Director of Projects, Dr. Cairo Ojougboh, in his outing on a Television interview May 25, 2020, accuses the lawmakers of being responsible for the delay in the passage of the NDDC budget, "vandalization and rape of the Commission’s 2019 budget" and working against the ongoing forensic audit instituted by the Presidency recently; amongst other things.

The National Assembly had since reacted to the NDDC's allegations, saying it was the commission which was engaging in illegal and unauthorized spending.

However, Akpabio, in a letter dated August 7, 2017, addressed to the Chairman, Senate Committee on NDDC, had requested that five projects worth N500m be added to the budget.

Akpabio, the then Minority Leader in the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, used his office to include projects not captioned in the 2017 budget proposal.

The projects include, fencing the Federal Polytechnic, Ukana, Akwa Ibom North-West Senatorial District, at the cost of N200m.

Fencing of Federal Government College, Ikot Ekpene (Old site), Akwa North-West Senitorial District, at N100m.

The projects also include, entrepreneurship training on the use of modern farming implement for Youths in Akwa Ibom North-West Senatorial District, at the cost of N75m.

Entrepreneurship training on the use of modern farming implement for Women in Akwa Ibom North-West Senatorial District at the cost of N75m and renovation of one hostel facility at University of Nsukka, Nsukka Campus at the cost of N50m.

According to credible sources in the Senate, that was not the first time the Honourable Minister was doing it, as he also did in 2016 and in 2018 fiscal years, "with no tangible evidence of implementation of those projects".

The NDDC is currently under probe for an alleged N40bn irregular expenditure by the Interim Management Committee (IMC).

The Commission has severally taken steps to ensure the probe didn't go on. But the National Assembly said it was poised to exercising its constitutional powers of oversight functions, in line with the principles of checks and balancing.