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 Education › Inside Bauchi Unity School Where Principal Was Fired For ‘starving’ Students by zakim(op): 6:02am On Dec 01, 2019 |
Students still underfed, engage in menial jobs to argument feeding Gen Hassan Usman Katsina Unity College (GHUKUC) Bauchi State, formerly Bauchi Teachers College (BTC), is one of the historic schools in northern Nigeria. Established in 1923, the school which has produced prominent Nigerians, including former governor of Gombe State Danjuma Goje and the immediate past Speaker of the House of Representatives Yakubu Dogara, among others, is now a shadow of itself. Located at the Yelwa area of Bauchi metropolis, directly opposite Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU) township campus, the once prestigious school now begs for government attention and intervention. Recall that in October, the school was in the news when the state Commissioner of Education, Dr Aliyu Usman Tilde, sacked the principal, the storekeeper, and kitchen master for underfeeding the students. Dr. Tilde, in a press statement issued in Bauchi, had said the affected officers were found serving the food of 350 students to over 1200 students despite the fact that government provided sufficient food items to all its 35 boarding schools before school resumption. The commissioner had said that a robust high-tech arrangement for monitoring of students meals along with designated resident food police would be deployed to all boarding secondary schools in the state, insisting that the era of starving boarding students will become history in the state. However, a visit to GHUKUC reveals years of neglect which has resulted in dilapidated facilities. “Students do not sleep in the hostel at night when it rains because most of the roofs leak,” a teacher said. Students defecate in the open, a situation that exposes them to environmental hazards, and there is a refuse dump right inside the school premises. Members of the host community have created many illegal pathways into the school premises, exposing the students to the dangers of insecurity. Some parts of an abandoned hostel have become sanctuary for reptiles as bushes have taken over the surrounding areas. Daily Trust on Sunday gathered that most of the problems that prompted the sacking of the former principal have not been solved. “We have returned to the half plate, two small pieces of Akara and half cup of Akamu feeding regimen. There are no drugs in the dispensary and the new principal is rigid; he hardly listens to students unlike his predecessor. When it is time for break, he personally stays at the entrance of the dining hall and if you come late, he turns you back,” a student said. The two persons fired alongside the former principal were said to have come back to their duty posts, and all efforts to get the reaction of the new principal proved abortive. Some students who spoke to Daily Trust on Sunday said the feeding situation is still the same even after sacking the former principal of the school. A Senior Secondary 1 student of the school Adamu Isa (not his real name) said, “We usually come with food items from home, cook and eat to complement what we are given in school. We are all used to the little food, which is why majority of the students engage in menial jobs or run errands for residents for a fee.” Another student said, “I go to a nearby restaurant to wash plates or fetch water to get what I will eat because the food in the school is too small to satisfy me. We go to ATBU and fetch water for their staff or wash clothes and other house chores to generate little money to buy food and other pressing needs,” another senior student said. “Before our former principal was sacked, we used to cook food under the tree behind our dining hall. Many students who have food items gather under the tree between 4 and 5pm and prepare their meals, while others go to food vendors to buy,” a student told Daily Trust. There was however a mild drama during the visit when this reporter narrowly escaped being assaulted. Some staff members had ‘arrested’ him at the hostel and dragged him to the principal, despite identifying himself. “Why did you bring him here without correcting his mistake? You should have first punished him before bringing him to my office. You are very lucky Mr. Journalist that the students were not at the hostel; they would have beaten you up for coming into our school to take photographs without our permission,” the principal said. As teachers and other staff stormed the principal’s office to see the alleged trespasser, the vice principal forced our reporter to delete all the pictures taken at the school before he was allowed to go. All efforts to get the reaction of the commissioner of education, Dr Aliyu Tilde, on the challenges facing the school were unsuccessful. Read more: https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/inside-bauchi-unity-school-where-principal-was-fired-for-starving-students.html
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| Celebrities › How I Moved From Ice Block Seller To Singer – Lilin Baba by zakim(op): 6:32am On Nov 30, 2019 |
Shu’aibu Ahmed Abbas popularly known as Lilin Baba is a singer, songwriter, actor and entrepreneur. In this interview with Weekend Magazine, he talks about his journey in the entertainment industry, among other issues. Excerpts: Weekend Magazine: How did your musical career started? Lilin Baba: I used to sell ice block at a local market called ‘Bata’ in Fagge Local Government in Kano. At that time, I was a keen fan of Lil Wayne, P. Square and Sa’adau Bori. This inspired me to start writing my songs in 2010. In 2011 I moved to Abuja where I lived with my brother and started my own car and mortgage business. Alongside, I was still; writing songs. Thankfully, God blessed the business within a short period. Eventually, I went searching for a studio but couldn’t find any close to me. I later found one at Jabi where I met the producer, ‘Shadow’ and ‘Garkuwa’ who were very helpful to me. That was where I put together my first song titled ‘Arewa’ in 2016. That was how I later met Bala Usher and Mr. Cash who commended my effort. This was how I got to sing my second and third song with each of them. Lilin Baba In early 2017, with Bala Usher’s suggestion, we went to Kaduna where we sang ‘Azongolo’ with Umar M. Shareef. There I met a producer named Umar M.B. and another artist, Mr. Bangis with whom I sang several songs including ‘Wasa’ and ‘Eleke’. WM: How would you describe your relationship with the producers you have worked with? Baba: It was always cordial and we had respect for each other. They really helped me to get where I am as a musician. Through Mr. Bangis I met another producer called David Dee, a talented and well-known producer in Northern Nigeria. He taught me a lot and even recommended that I start my own label. That was how North-East Records Nigeria Limited was established. It was David Dee that introduced me to Adam A. Zango and I ended up singing ‘Dabbing’ with him which has gained more than five million views on YouTube and other social media sites. It became one of the most popular songs in Kannywood and opened its doors for me. After ‘Dabbing’s’ success, I decided to record a duet ‘Ba Zama’ with Umar M. Shareef. Fortunately, the song became a hit because it alerts young men on the dangers of idleness. It became popular within Nigeria and countries like Cameroon, Chad, Niger, Sudan, and Gabon. This gave me the needed push to do another single called ‘Tsaya’ with Umar M Sharif and produced by Don Adah who has been a resident of Lagos and a talented musician as well. The video, which featured Rahama Sadau, was shot there and it was directed by Bash Em who is a leading Nigerian choreographer. He works with great artists such as Davido, Skales and many more. WM: How did you become an actor? Baba: I got into the Kannywood movie industry when I met a producer, Abubakar Bashir Maishadda, in Abuja who commended my work. He told me he was interested in featuring me in his movie ‘Hauwa Kulu’. After consulting with my brother who is a car salesman, as well as some of my business partners, Nasiru Ali Koki and Shehu Jaha, I decided to accept the proposal. So my debut in Kannywood was in ‘Hauwa Kulu’, released this year. It’s produced by Abubakar Bashir Mai Shadda and directed by Ali Nuhu. It also features super stars such as Ali Nuhu, Hadiza Gabon, Falalu Dorayi, Umar M. Shareef, Baballe Hayatu, Abba Almustapha, Hassana Muhammad and many more. It received awards both in Nigerian and overseas. It is the first film ever posted on Nigeria’s First Lady’s Instagram page. Read more: https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/how-i-moved-from-ice-block-seller-to-singer-lilin-baba.html
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| Politics › Aisha Buhari: Things Getting Out Of Hand by zakim(op): 5:10am On Nov 30, 2019 |
...Berates govs over infrastructure, amenities The First Lady, Hajiya Aisha Buhari, has alerted that things are getting out of hand in the country, noting that her husband alone cannot handle the challenges of the nation and admonished the political class to work together to bail the country of out of the challenges. She also berated state governors for failing to provide basic social amenities and infrastructure. She spoke yesterday at the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) General Assembly and National Executive Council (NEC) meeting at the National Mosque Abuja, with the theme; “Islam and National Development”. Mrs. Buhari said; “We should either fasten our seatbelts and do the needful or we will all regret it very soon because, at the rate things are going, things are getting completely out of hand. The VP (Yemi Osinbajo) is here, some ministers are here, they are supposed to do justice to the situation. “People cannot afford potable water in this country while we have governors. Since this is the highest decision-making body of Islamic affairs, for those that are listening we should fear God, and we should know that one day, we will return to God and account for our deeds here on earth,” she said. She also called for the regulation of social media, noting that China with about 1.3bn people had done so, stressing that many people could not visit their villages on account of fake news broadcasts. She said; “On this issue of social media, you cannot just sit in the comfort of your house and tweet that the vice president has resigned, it is a serious issue. If China can control over 1.3bn people on social media, I see no reason why Nigeria cannot attempt controlling only 180m people.” Vice President Yemi Osinbajo while formally declaring the conference open, admonished Nigerians to be their brother’s keepers regardless of their religious affiliations as all Nigerians are equal. He stated; “It is my view that the weight of ensuring that this country is on the right track is on our leaders. We should be our brother’s keepers no matter the religion. We should always be ready to make sacrifices for one another. We have religious and tribal tensions in this country. Many are beating the drums of ethnic and religious war, we are at a historic juncture of our nation.” On his opening remarks, the NSCIA President-General and the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, said the nation must come together to address its challenges, insisting that girl-child education and the Almajiri phenomenon must be addressed urgently. He also disagreed with the calls for social media regulation, stating that there were laws to deal with the abuse of the platforms. “I have received so many calls on the need to regulate social media. In Nigeria, there are so many laws that can deal with this issue. “Some people even proposed having a hate speech law. We must accept the outcome of whatever the people decided. After all, people voted for our political leaders. Let us listen to the voices of the people. It is important for us to do the wish of Nigerians,” the Sultan said. Read more: https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/aisha-buhari-things-getting-out-of-hand.html 7 Likes
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| Politics › Kogi Elections: Stakeholders Pass ‘vote Of No Confidence’ On Police, Others by zakim(op): 7:33pm On Nov 26, 2019 |
Some stakeholders in Kogi state have passed a ‘vote of no confidence’ on the police and other security agencies over their alleged complicity in the irregularities and violence that trailed the November 16 governorship and senatorial rerun elections in the state. The stakeholders drawn from various political parties, religious bodies, civil society organizations and vulnerable groups made their positions known on Tuesday at a meeting organised by the INEC in Lokoja ahead of Saturday’s supplementary election for Kogi West as well as rerun election in Ajaokuta Federal Constituency. Representative of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rev Samuel Owolabi, who described the last election in Kogi as a “civil war”, pointed out that the police and other security agents stood by and did nothing while political thugs unleashed violence at innocent voters who turned out to exercise their franchise. policemen and other security agents said to have been deployed in the last election, ‘unimaginable’ violence were still perpetrated, saying the people have lost confidence in the security architecture given what transpired in the state. “As a Pastor, I can’t tell my members to come out and vote again when nobody is sure their security will be guaranteed. Innocent voters who came out to vote were shot from a police helicopter. No arrest has been made since the last election. If we go this way, we are in trouble in this state”, he said. Also speaking in similar vein, the Secretary, Jamaatul Nasril Islam (JNI) in the state, Alhaji Isah Ajiboye, said INEC put necessary preparations in place prior to the election, adding that it was sad that the security agencies did not provide the needed atmosphere for peaceful conduct of the election. He urged the security agencies, politicians, INEC and other stakeholders in the electoral process to always act with the fear of God, noting that they would one day appear before God to give account of all their deeds. In his remarks, a leader of a civil society group, Nathaniel Abanida, alleged complicity on the part of INEC for its failure to cancel elections in polling units marred by widespread violence and snatching of ballot boxes in Ward A of Lokoja particularly polling units in Crowther Memorial College, St Luke School, Muslim Community School, Lokoja Club, St Mary Church and host of others. He said he was taken aback to observe that those polling units were not captured by the electoral umpire amongst those where supplementary election is to be held on Saturday. Speaking earlier, the INEC’s Resident Electoral Commissioner (INEC) in Kogi, Prof James Apam, told the stakeholders that supplementary election would hold in 53 polling units across seven local government areas in Kogi West senatorial district while a rerun would hold in 22 polling units across Ajaokuta Federal Constituency on November 30 simultaneously. On the issue of violence during the last election, Apam said the electoral umpire was handicapped and that the issue of security was beyond the powers of INEC. The REC said that the commission, prior to the last election, made all necessary preparations, held series of meetings with various groups and sensitise the political actors on the need for peaceful elections but things still turned out the way they did. He urged the people not to lose confidence in the electoral process, assuring that the Commission would do its best to live above board in its duties. Read more: https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/kogi-elections-stakeholders-pass-vote-of-no-confidence-on-police-others.html |
| Politics › Court Remands Zamfara Apc’s Spokesman Over Public Incitement, Defamation Of Char by zakim(op): 7:07pm On Nov 26, 2019 |
Zamfara state’s APC Publicity committee secretary, Alhaji Ibrahim Danmaliki Gidan Goga, was on Tuesday arraigned before the Upper Shari’a Court in Gusau on charges bordering on defamation of character of Governor Bello Matawalle as well as inciting public disturbance. Presenting the case, Counsel to Governor Bello Matawalle, Barrister Ibrahim Haruna said, Danmaliki had held a press conference last Saturday, where he castigated Governor Matawalle and wanted to cause public disturbance, an action contrary to section 287 and 142 of of the Shari’a penal code. Barrister Ibrahim told the court that the said press conference was published by both the conventional and social media outfits, explaining that the Governor’s image was tarnished as a result of the press conference and could cause public disturbance. Danmaliki who once served as a commissioner in the state pleaded not guilty to the charges after which his counsel, Barr. Bello Umar asked for a copy of the charges with which he urged the court to dismiss the case or release his client on bail. However, the counsel to Governor Matawalle objected to it saying that there was no compulsion for the court to grant him bail as constitution says unless the reasons given by the dependant were accepted by the court, according to section 300 sub section one. The presiding judge, Justice Hadi Sani, however ordered the accused to be remanded in prison custody till the 12th of December, for the continuation of the case. Read more: https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/court-remands-zamfara-apcs-spokesman-over-public-incitement-defamation-of-character.html |
| Politics › Re: Is Emefele The Worst CBN Governor Ever? by zakim(m): 8:34am On Nov 26, 2019 |
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| Politics › New Act Will Decongest Nigeria’s Correctional Centres – Malami by zakim(op): 8:30am On Nov 26, 2019 |
The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), has expressed confidence that the newly signed Correction Service Act will decongest the country’s correctional/custodial centres. Malami said this at the opening of a three-day workshop on the effective implementation of the Nigerian Correctional Service Act, 2019. He recalled that the signing into law of the Act followed President Muhammadu Buhari’s alarm over the deplorable state of prisons nationwide, and about 90% over-crowding inside the facilities. Read more: https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/new-act-will-decongest-nigerias-correctional-centres-malami.html |
| Politics › Gregory Ibe: Why All Parties Must Zone 2023 Presidency To South East by zakim(op): 6:57am On Nov 26, 2019 |
Prof Gregory Ibe, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and member of Ohaneze Ndi Igbo, is the founder of Gregory University, Uturu, Abia State. In this interview in Awka, Anambra State capital, he spoke on Ndi Igbo agitation for the presidency, IPOB and his political ambition come 2023. Among others.https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/why-all-parties-must-zone-2023-presidency-to-s-east-professor-ibe.html 2 Likes 1 Share
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| Politics › Re: Untold Story Of Apc’s NEC Meeting And How Oshiomhole Survived Ouster Plot by zakim(m): 1:17pm On Nov 25, 2019 |
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| Politics › Plane Crashes Into Homes In East DR Congo City, Killing 29 by zakim(op): 11:14am On Nov 25, 2019 |
At least 29 people were killed Sunday when a small plane crashed after takeoff into a densely populated area of the city of Goma in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. A survivor among the 19 people — 17 passengers and two crew members — who were aboard the plane was taken to hospital along with 16 others injured on the ground, the North Kivu regional government said. “At this stage, 29 bodies have been found in the rubble,” the statement said. The Busy Bee Dornier-228 smashed into two houses near the airport, the deputy transport minister Jacques Yuma Kipuya said earlier. The first images from the scene showed smoke billowing above the neighbourhood and the aircraft in flames with local people throwing buckets of water on it. A video seen by AFP showed the cabin of the plane still smouldering embedded in the wall of the house. The aircraft had been headed for the city of Beni, 350 kilometres (220 miles) north of Goma, when it went down after takeoff in the residential area. Busy Bee airline staff member Heritier Said Mamadou had earlier confirmed that 19 were on board the flight scheduled from Goma around 9:00 am (0700 GMT). Busy Bee, a recently established company, has three planes serving routes in the North Kivu province. The pilot “failed in his takeoff,” Nord Kivu governor Carly Nzanzu Kasivita said in a statement. One of the airline’s maintenance workers at the site, quoted by news site actualite.cd, blamed a “technical problem”. Among the victims of the Goma crash was a woman who was the coordinator of an association for the defence of women’s rights, Mambo Zawadi, her NGO said. There were also three civil servants in the housing sector “who were returning to their posts in Butembo and Beni after work sessions that I had organised,” their supervisor Molendo Sakombi said in a statement. The UN mission deployed in DR Congo, MONUSCO, sent two fire engines to support local rescue services. Aircraft accidents are common in the vast, conflict-wracked central African country. Last month an Antonov-72 cargo plane that was providing logistical assistance for a trip by Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi and carrying eight crew and passengers went missing after taking off from Goma. – Troubled province – Goma is the capital of troubled North Kivu province near the border with Rwanda. The plane’s destination, Beni, has been the scene of other tragedies in the province plagued with fighting between rival militias. More than 60 civilians have been massacred since October 30. The failure of the army and police to stop the killings has prompted protests by civilians, the latest one on Friday. The Nord Kivu governor went to Beni to calm the citizens and on Sunday offered condolences to the families of the victims of the plane crash. Beni has also been at the epicentre of an Ebola epidemic which so far has killed around 2,200 people in DR Congo in the last year. Read more: https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/plane-crashes-into-homes-in-east-dr-congo-city-killing-29.html
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| Politics › We’re Leveraging On Technology To Enhance Education, Healthcare — Buhari by zakim(op): 7:38am On Nov 25, 2019 |
President Muhammadu Buhari, at the weekend said his administration was leveraging on technology to enhance human productivity in education, healthcare as well as ensure job creation for young people and a thriving economy. The President stated this at the graduation ceremony of Senior Executive Course 41 of the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) in Kuru near Jos. Course 41 is supported by the Development Research and Projects Centre under the partnership for Advocacy in Child and Family Health. Daily Trust reports that President Buhari, who was represented by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo described technology as the 4th industrial revolution, adding that, “the first industrial revolution used water and steam power to mechanize production, the second used electric power to create mass production. The third used electronics and information technology to automate production. Now, a fourth industrial revolution is building on the third, the digital revolution that has been occurring since the middle of the last century.” He said the N-Power Creative as envisioned by the current administration will stimulate the development of creative and technological skills in young Nigerians in a studio environment with 2D and 3D animation, storyboarding, illustration, scriptwriting, voice acting and post-production skills. “In its first year, the programme will train 3,000 young Nigerians. 1,500 young Nigerians from the South-West, South-South and South-East were in Benin between July and August this year, learning these creative skills. Another 1,500 from the North-East, North-West and North-Central have undertaken a similar exercise,” he said. “These Asian countries are not only cost competitive, but are also high on quality and availability of skills. India, much like Nigeria can be, has honed its attractiveness as an animation hub because it has an English-speaking workforce that come at low costs. From industry reports, the average monthly salary of an animation professional in India is US$600 compared to about US$6,000 in North America. It is this arbitrage that we intend to leverage on,” he said. Read more: https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/were-leveraging-on-technology-to-enhance-education-healthcare-buhari-2.html |
| Politics › Northerner Will Be Supported In 2023 — Acting ACF Chair by zakim(op): 7:26am On Nov 25, 2019 |
Acting chairman of Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), Alhaji Musa Liman Kwande, has said that people from the northern part of the country will vote for a presidential candidate from the region irrespective of the party he belonged to. “I am expressing my opinion as a full-pledged northerner and a citizen of Nigeria and not that of ACF. Northern Nigerians who are tested and trusted should contest for any political office with anybody from any part of Nigeria and the people should exercise their democratic franchise to vote for their candidate of choice,” Kwande said yesterday in Lafia. He said ACF and the Northern Elders Forum (NEF) were pressure groups striving for the development of northern Nigeria in particular and Nigeria in general, just like Afenifere, Ohaneze Ndi Igbo and others in the Southern region. Alhaji Kwande, who is the Baraden (generalissimo) of Lafia in Nasarawa State, called on northerners to strive towards developing the region by voting for people who are pro-development and not those who are self-centred. “Nigeria is our country. We must unite and develop it despite being from different geographical locations. We should not relent in the pursuit of growth and development as we are blessed with gifted people and many resources, as only Nigerians will develop the country to greater heights,” he said. The acting ACF chairman also urged Nigerians to embrace peace and dialogue and denounce violence which, he said, was against democratic norms and a threat to the federation. Alhaji Kwande, who called on politicians to accept election results by being statesmen, urged the youth to refuse to be used as political thugs. Read more: https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/northerner-will-be-supported-in-2023-acting-acf-chair.html
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| Politics › Apc’ll Be Difficult To Dethrone In 2023 — Chieftain by zakim(op): 7:18am On Nov 25, 2019 |
A member of the National Caucus of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Sam Nkire, says the party will be difficult to dethrone come 2023. Chief Nkire, who spoke after the APC National Caucus meeting in Abuja, said those who thought that President Muhammadu Buhari’s exit from power in 2023 would cause the party to disintegrate were in for a huge “democratic disappointment”. He said the APC had not only come to stay but was poised to meet the needs and aspirations of the good people of Nigeria under the leadership of President Buhari. S “Muhammadu Buhari is going nowhere. He remains leader, member, vote mobilizer and APC’s talisman even after he exits the presidency in 2023,” he said. The APC chieftain, who spoke on the various criticisms and divergent views trailing the achievements and leadership style of the ruling party, said people in opposition were entitled to their opinions. The Abia State-born political leader said the APC would not be distracted from its set goal of service to the people. He said the recent electoral conquests of the party in Bayelsa and Kogi states showed that Nigerians were appreciative of the fact that President Buhari was on course to right the wrongs he inherited from the PDP administration. Read more: https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/apcll-be-difficult-to-dethrone-in-2023-chieftain.html |
| Career › Poor Salary: Unions Give Kaduna Government 21 Days Ultimatum by zakim(op): 9:50pm On Nov 24, 2019 |
A Joint Unions of Tertiary Institutions of Kaduna State has given 21 days notice to Kaduna State Government to settle their outstanding demands lingering for 10 years. This is contained in a statement signed by the Joint Chairman of the unions, Mr Noah Dallami and made available to News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Zaria on Sunday. NAN reports that the unions included Academic, Non-Academic as well as Senior Staff Associations in the state owned tertiary institutions of Nuhu Bamalli Polytechnic, Zaria and College of Education, Gidan waya, Kafanchan. The unions said having waited patiently for government to respond on the lingering issues which started since 2014, the unions had no other alternative than to resort to the last option of industrial action. “Having waited patiently on government for such a long time to resolve these lingering issues, our unions would be compelled to resume its 2014 suspended industrial action, only as a last resort, within 21 days of this notice. “Part of the demands is the implementation of the 10 years old current salary structure payable to polytechnics and colleges of Education known CONPCASS and CONTEDISS for Academic and Non Academic staff respectively,” he said. Other demands are the 65 years retirement age for both staff in the Tertiary Institutions. He said the unions had engaged successive governments in the state on the same issue including the current administration. “In view of these reasons, our unions once again wish to appeal to the Executive Governor of Kaduna State to use his good office to prevail on the state executive council to domesticate the 65 years’ retirement age law. “It should also implement the current salary structure of tertiary institutions in the state that is already 10 years old,” it noted. The unions also called on the Governor to address critical infrastructural problems bedeviling the institutions in the state. Dallami pointed out that the institutions operates based on the provisions of the respective enabling Laws establishing them, that are distinct from those of the main stream civil service and other public service institutions. When contacted, the state’s Commissioner for Education, Dr Shehu Makarfi, acknowledged receiving a letter from the union on the issue. Makarfi appealed to the leadership of the union to suspend their planned action, adding that all the concerns would be looked into. “I want the union to remember the cordial working relationship we have been enjoying, working together for the good of the state. “We have met over the issue, so I am appealing that we continue to dialogue and discuss so we can resolve the issue amicably. “I want to assure the union that the state government is very much interested over its workers welfare. “This we have demonstrated by the recent increment of teacher’s salary and the implementation of the national minimum wage,” he said. (NAN) Read more: https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/poor-salary-unions-give-kaduna-govt-21-days-ultimatum.html
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| Education › “unemployment: Skills, Not Degrees”, Says Kadpoly Rector by zakim(op): 7:08am On Nov 23, 2019 |
“Skills, not degrees are the solution to Nigeria’s perennial unemployment problem,” argues Idris Bugaje (idrismbugaje@icloud.com), Professor of Chemical Engineering and Rector, Kaduna Polytechnic, and long-time reader of this Column. If there is anyone who should know the primacy of skills over degrees, it is Prof. Bugaje. He lectured at degree-awarding universities (ABU, Maiduguri, Malaya, Johannesburg),… Read more: https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/unemployment-skills-not-degrees-says-kadpoly-rector.html |
| Politics › Border Closure: More Rice Mills Spring Up Nationwide by zakim(op): 6:54am On Nov 23, 2019 |
Following the closure of Nigerian land borders in August this year, hundreds of rice mills have sprung up, while those that were moribund now being activated in many rice-producing states of the federation. It has been reported that the border closure drastically brought down rice smuggling, which had affected farmers, processors and investors. In a recent interview with Daily Trust, the managing director of Labana Rice Mill, producers of Lake and Labana rice, Alhaji Abdullahi Idris Zuru, said that before now, most of the existing rice mills had finished products in their warehouses because there was no market. He added that “some even suspended production.” “That had created serious problems as some rice mills suspended production, some reduced workforce and some have been operating under low capacity. But with this development, almost all the mills have picked up. The millers are selling, the farmers are selling; and if this is sustained, you will see more people going back to the farm to continue rice production. The millers too will increase their capacity,” Zuru said. Many large producers like Olam Nigeria, Umza Rice, Popular Farms Rice Mill, WACOT Rice Mill, Ebonyi Rice Mill have all increased their production capacity to meet the exiting internal demand. Dangote Group is also planning to establish a multi-billion naira rice processing mill in Hadin, Jigawa State. The chairman of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, who laid the foundation stone for the construction of the mill, said it had the capacity to process 16 metric tons of paddy rice per hour when completed. He said that in a year, the mill would process paddy rice worth N14billion, bought directly from famers in Jigawa at market rate. Apart from the large millers, there are many medium-scale ones upgrading their facilities to strengthen production. They include NFG-CS Rice Mill in Ga’ate and many more in Lafia and Doma in Nasarawa State; Ogoja Rice Mill in Cross River. Our correspondents across the states report that rice is currently witnessing beehive of activities as thousands of small-scale milling activities occur. In Benue State, our correspondent reports that local rice millers and sellers in the state are making brisk businesses despite challenges of sophisticated equipment to improve on paddy processing. At the vicinity of the 34-year-old Wadata Rice Mill, workers were seen processing rice for sale to consumers. Some of the consumers were already bargaining for their preferred choice to take home. The chairman of Rice Sellers Welfare Association, Wadata in Makurdi, Benjamin Atumba, who also farms, mills and sells rice, said the best thing that happened to the sector in recent times was the closure of the country’s land borders. Atumba said Federal Government’s ban on importation of rice had boosted local production in the state in no small measure. “I can confidently say that this year, farmers, millers and sellers have gained. We are now encouraged to do more. Nigerians now know the value of locally produced rice; they also prefer it to foreign species,” he said. He said the prices of rice had risen within the period of border closure, such that a 25kg bag of rice, which was formally sold at N4,500, now costs between N6,500 and N7,000, depending on the grade. He is, however, worried that due to lack of de-stoning machines, millers in the area are yet to reach their optimal output. He noted that the various categories of workers in the mill were doing their best to rid the processed rice of stones. “At this rice mill we don’t have de-stoning machines, but the government can help us as an association to own one. For now, we have old women at the mills, whose jobs are to filter and remove stones from the milled rice,” he added. Similarly, Oliver Aker, whose business is to parboil rice, admitted that the business had been quite flourishing since the Federal Government closed the country’s land borders. He said the business would thrive more if there were machines for the different processes involved in polishing the rice to its finest quality. He stressed the need for dryer machines. “It takes me two days to parboil a large drum of paddy rice and another two days to dry it. After this process, the chaffs are removed by the milling machine, then some people take their milled rice in large quantities elsewhere to de-stone. With the right machines we can produce more than what we are doing manually now,’’ he said. A miller, Mrs Ayam Chia, however, does not agree that rice business is thriving. She argued that apart from profits on paddy, milled rice hadn’t changed anything in fortune. She said things could be better for millers in times ahead, but not at the moment. In her estimation, patronages are even at its lowest ebb because people have no purchasing power. “Nigerians should eat local rice because it is better than the expired foreign specie. Our rice lasts for only one year; it is rich in taste and nourishment,” Chia said. The secretary of the Wadata Rice Mill Sellers Association, Michael Iorkyar, said it took a minimum of two days during the dry season and three or more days at the wet season to dry paddy rice and get it ready for milling. Iorkyar disclosed that at least 10 milling centres were located in the Wadata area, while the industry, situated close to the bank of River Benue, in recent times had taken off many jobless youths off the streets by engaging them in rice processing. In Kano State, our correspondent learnt that the closure of Nigerian land borders had triggered the emergence of many rice milling outlets. It was gathered that rice business has become so lucrative that businessmen and women have ventured into it. According to Malam Iliya Sani Mamman, the business community in the state has realised that the number of milling companies cannot meet the growing demand for rice in Kano State and its neighbours, as such, they seized the opportunity to explore the sector. Another rice merchant, Alhaji Yusuf Magaji, told our correspondent that many smallholder rice milling centres had emerged in various local government areas in the state to complement the growing demand created by the recent border closure. Read more: https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/as-borders-remain-closed-rice-mills-open-everywhere.html 14 Likes 4 Shares
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| Politics › Re: "I’ll Sack Customs Officers Living Above Earnings" – Hameed Ali Vows by zakim(m): 1:34am On Nov 23, 2019 |
hmm |
| Politics › Re: I Am Happy The Buhari Administration Is Resuscitating The Rail Sector-Dokpesi by zakim(m): 11:22am On Nov 22, 2019 |
hmmm |
| Crime › Re: Customs Seizes N43m Smuggled Goods Within One Week In Kaduna by zakim(m): 8:51am On Nov 22, 2019 |
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| Politics › Yahaya Bello: My Victory Has Buried Politics Of Ethnicity In Kogi by zakim(op): 8:17am On Nov 22, 2019 |
Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi has said that with his ‘overwhelming’ victory in all three senatorial districts, the politics of ethnicity has been buried “finally” in the state. The governor, who said this yesterday after the APC National Chairman, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, presented him to President Muhammadu Buhari, appealed to his opponents to join hands with him in order to develop the state.https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/my-victory-has-buried-politics-of-ethnicity-in-kogi-yahaya-bello.html 4 Likes 1 Share
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| Politics › PDP To Probe Bayelsa And Kogi Elections And Those Who Cost Them Victory by zakim(op): 8:03am On Nov 22, 2019 |
The Board of Trustees of the Peoples Democratic Party yesterday asked the National Working Committee to probe those who worked against the interest of the party in Bayelsa and Kogi governorship elections last Saturday. Speaking with Daily Trust after the BoT meeting, the board’s chairman, Walid Jibrin, said the BoT members were displeased with the party’s defeat in the two elections.https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/we-must-probe-those-who-cost-us-victory-in-bayelsa-kogi-pdp-bot.html
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| Education › Re: Nigerian Students Contributed $514m To U.S. Economy In 2018 by zakim(m): 8:18am On Nov 21, 2019 |
Chai |
| Politics › Re: Dino Melaye Storms INEC Headquarter In Abuja by zakim(m): 8:14am On Nov 21, 2019 |
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| Politics › Re: Kaduna Governor, El-rufai Appoints 8 More Aides by zakim(m): 8:11am On Nov 21, 2019 |
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| Business › Re: FEC Approves N200 Billion Loan For Bank Of Industry by zakim(m): 8:10am On Nov 21, 2019 |
All is not well sir, let us tell ourselves the truth money121: |
| Politics › Gunmen Abduct Senior Police Officer In Adamawa Town by zakim(op): 6:37am On Nov 21, 2019 |
Gunmen, suspected to be kidnappers, have abducted Ahijo Mujeli, the Divisional Police Officer in charge of Mubi North local government area in Adamawa state. Mujeli was forcefully taken by armed men while he was driving in his personal car along Mubi-Mararaba road around 6:30pm on Tuesday, our reporter gathered. The spokesman for the state police command, DSP Sulaiman Nguroje, confirmed the incident, saying the DPO’s car was found at the scene. Nguroje said a team of police anti-kidnapping unit and the Inspector General of Police Intelligence Response Team (IRT) had been dispatched to track down the perpetrators. “The DPO, Ahijo Mujeli, was abducted by gunmen in Mubi while he was driving between Mubi town and Mararaba. Our men have been dispatched and are there combing the bushes”, he said. “Men of the Nigeria Police Force are working hard to rescue the victim and bring the criminals to book. We call on members of the public to share relevant security information on criminals with the command”, he said. Read more: https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/gunmen-abduct-senior-police-officer-in-adamawa-town.html |
| Politics › Re: Aisha Buhari To Set Up Radio Station In Abuja by zakim(m): 7:16pm On Nov 20, 2019 |
19.5 Bubu FM Abuja |
| Politics › Newspaper Vendor For 55 Years Dies At 80 by zakim(op): 7:12pm On Nov 20, 2019 |
The chairman of the National Association of Newspapers Vendors, Zaria branch, Sale Umaru, has died at the age of 80 in Zaria, Kaduna state. Umaru has been a newspaper vendor for the past 55 years, leading to his prominence in the ancient city of Zaria; especially among top civil servants. Malam Samaila Ibrahim, alias Malam Bawa, also another prominent newspaper vendor in PZ, Zaria, said they have been together with late Umaru for the past 49 years. Bawa said they started the business of selling newspapers with Umaru when only prominent newspapers sell for two Kobo. During a condolence visit, the Chairman of Northern Elders Forum (NEF), Professor Ango Abdullahi, said Umaru has been supplying newspapers to him for the past 50 years. He described the deceased as trustworthy that valued his newspaper selling business as a means of earning a living. Malam Umaru died on Thursday, November 13, 2019 at his residence in Babban Titi, Muchiya, Sabon Gari local government area of the state after a brief illness. He left behind two wives, 14 children and 69 grandchildren. He has since been buried at the Hayin Ojo Muslim cemetery of the Sabon Gari local government. Read more: https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/newspaper-vendor-for-55-years-dies-at-80.html 1 Like
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| Politics › Buhari Mourns Alex Akinyele, Condoles With Govt., People Of Ondo by zakim(op): 11:50am On Nov 15, 2019 |
President Muhammadu Buhari has commiserated with family of former Minister of Information, Chief Alex Akinyele, who passed away on Thursday night. The President’s condolence message is conveyed through a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, in Abuja on Friday. President Buhari also commiserated with the government and people of Ondo State, friends and professional colleagues of the departed, urging them to take solace in the lasting legacies of the former colorful minister. President Buhari affirmed that Akinyele’s scrupulousness, discipline and diligence were always obvious to those who worked closely with him, and his love for the nation, which was zealously demonstrated through providing exemplary leadership. The President prayed that the Almighty God will grant the soul of the former minister eternal rest, and comfort all members of his family. Akinyele, who died at the age of 81, was a trained teacher and Public Relations Specialist, and had also served as Chairman of National Sports Commission and Chairman of National Reconciliation Committee.(NAN) Read more: https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/buhari-mourns-alex-akinyele-condoles-with-govt-people-of-ondo.html |
| Phones › Telcos Fume As FG Orders Stoppage Of Voicemail Service by zakim(op): 5:17am On Nov 15, 2019 |
The telecom operators (Telcos) have said the directive by the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy that automatic voicemail service be deactivated on existing phone lines is “unclear to the industry.” Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami had on Thursday ordered the telecom operators to deactivate automatic voicemail service on all existing mobile lines in the country. Dr Pantami said telcos were exploiting the consumers financially by putting them automatically on voicemail service instead of making it optional. e A statement by the minister’s spokesperson, Uwa Suleiman, quoted him as saying; ‘’The attention of the Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, has been drawn to the latest trend of financial exploitation by Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) in the country, through the automatic activation of the Voicemail Service on their platforms. Based on recent reports reaching the office, the practice has gained momentum in recent times. “The Voicemail service should be accessed at the discretion of the subscriber and not by default. The Honourable Minister finds it worrisome and totally unacceptable, that telecoms subscribers incur financial charges, for a service they are compelled to use by default. “Voicemail is not a popular service among mobile phone users in Nigeria, coupled with the language challenge among rural dwellers, who mostly do not understand the language deployed by these networks. “In the light of this, Dr Pantami has issued a broad policy directive to the sector regulator, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), to immediately ensure that issues regarding automatic voicemails are addressed on all existing phone lines and the subscribers, given the option of accessing the service via an activation code. “It is our collective responsibility to ensure that the rights of consumers are protected, while providing a conducive business environment for Mobile Network Operators (MNOs), in line with global best practice.’’ But speaking with Daily Trust via phone call, the Chairman of Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), Engr. Gbenga Adebayo said the voicemail issue was a regulatory issue and should not concern the minister. “The directive is unclear to us. The issue is a regulatory one and we don’t know why he should issue a directive. It is an issue NCC is capable of handling’’, Engr Adebayo said. Read more: https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/telcos-fume-as-fg-orders-stoppage-of-voicemail-service.html |
| Politics › NNPC Secures $1.16m US Grant For 1,350MW Abuja Power Plant by zakim(op): 9:51pm On Nov 14, 2019 |
The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and the United States Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) have concluded arrangement to sign a $1.16 million dollar grant as part funding for the NNPC-Abuja Independent Power Project (IPP). The corporation disclosed this in a statement by Mr Samson Makoji, Acting Spokesman for NNPC, in Abuja on Thursday. He said that the arrangement was the outcome of a business meeting between the Management of NNPC and the USTDA at the NNPC Towers. Makoji noted that both parties agreed to close out the deal on Dec. 1, adding that the IPP was modeled to generate 1,350 megawatts of electricity to alleviate the power challenge in the country. The Group Managing Director of the NNPC, Malam Mele Kyari, said the plan by the corporation to build the 1,350MW power plant in Abuja was part of the national strategy to monetize the abundant natural gas resources in the country. He added that the USDTA grant was to complement the ongoing feed project in order to make the Abuja IPP initiative more bankable for strategic investors’ participation. “As a state-owned oil company and enabler organisation, we know that our investment in the Abuja 1,350mw IPP will increase energy supply level with great impact on the nation’s economy. “Therefore, the USTDA grant is timely to make it a bankable project that would attract foreign direct investment into the country,” he said. The GMD assured the U.S. team that every money given as grant to the corporation would be fully utilised and accounted for. “This company is focused on making our systems and processes transparent and accountable and that is why we are engaging world class institutions with good track record in execution of our projects,” the GMD explained. He called on the USTDA to look beyond feasibility studies to actual delivery of the project, stressing that the power plant project has a lot of viable investment opportunities. In her remark, the Country Manager, Power Africa and the leader of the USTDA delegation, Jullian Foerster, stated that her organisation was determined to work with the corporation to sign off on the grant not later than Dec.1. She said that USTDA was open to other business opportunities in the coming year, 2020, noting that NNPC’s strategic role as a key player in the oil and gas industry made the U.S. Agency to “jump at the opportunity to work on this deal” of providing support in the form of a grant. (NAN) Read more: https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/nnpc-secures-1-16m-us-grant-for-1350mw-abuja-power-plant.html |
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