​Why I resigned as secretary to become shoemaker in Abuja – Amaka

A 26 year-old Miss Sophia Amaka, quit her job as a secretary to become a shoe maker, to satisfy her passion for making shoes.

Amaka said that she took the bold step to quit her job as a secretary in 2016, to venture into shoe making business, because she wanted to be unique.

According to her, shoe making gives me more time and pays more than anyone can pay me.

“I ventured into this business because I want to be unique and different from what any woman is doing.”

She added that her siblings laughed at her when she informed them of her plan.

“Didn’t you see another thing to do apart from shoe making, you want to disgrace the family?” they asked her.

Miss Amaka enjoying her newly found occupation, shoemaking

She said a lot of people encouraged her to follow her passion and no one so far had looked down on her.

“I saw how shoes were made for the first time in Redeemed Christian Church of God, Kubwa, Abuja.

“This was at their annual entrepreneurship conference in 2016.

“My biggest achievement so far is my customer’s feedback, I make slippers and repair already made shoes for both men and women.

“Making slippers and repairing already made shoes gives me strength,” she said.

She said she preferred to be a shoemaker, because one day her small shop would turn out to become an empire.

She, however, disclosed that she had two apprentices, who had trained and were already making sandals for clients.

Amaka, who called on young girls to dare to be different, said she wanted them to come to her for training on shoe making.

“Follow your heart, no matter the situation don’t listen to anyone, just follow your mind’.

She said that passion for what one does was very important, adding that it was what kept her going.

“My passion is my strength, I still intend to go for further training, so that I can be the best.

Ashnews Daily

Boko Haram: North-East now ‘enjoys relative peace’ – Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari, on Thursday, praised the “collective efforts” of troops and other security agencies in the country’s terrorist-troubled North-East region.

Buhari while addressing the troops during his visit to Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, said the efforts of the gallant men and women have resulted in the “relative peace” enjoyed by Yobe, Borno, Adamawa, Taraba and other North-Eastern states’ residents.

Buhari stated this inspite of the killings and kidnappings by Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province fighters in the region.

But the President, in his address to the troops, saluted the courageous soldiers who have paid the supreme price in the last 10 years since the insurgency in the region started.

According to him, “Furthermore, we will continue to ensure that our wounded comrades get the best medical attention towards their full recovery.

“While acknowledging your collective efforts at decimating and degrading the terrorists and reaffirming the inviolable sovereignty of our nation, I also wish to extol your steadfastness and untiring efforts in the face of the difficulties you experience in the Theatres of Operation.

“Your collective efforts have resulted in the relative peace being enjoyed in the region today. Under my watch, the Armed Forces of Nigeria have been provided a firm strategy and clear sense of direction to safeguard the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country.

“We should not allow our adversaries the opportunity or breathing space to challenge or undermine our national interests and core values. The defence and security agencies should rest assured of the Federal Government’s unalloyed commitment to winning the battle against terror and criminality.”

Buhari added, “Side by side with the efforts of the Armed Forces and security agencies, this Administration is developing a strategy for post-war reconstruction and peace-building. Concerted efforts are being made to fast-track re-construction and development programmes in the affected communities in the North East.

“I am hopeful that this will lead to the speedy resettlement of displaced persons, as well as the restoration of bubbling community life as the people return to their homes.

“As your Commander-in-Chief, I want to assure you that this government will continue to work towards the provision of timely funding and procurement of equipment for the Armed Forces and other security agencies. This is intended to boost the prosecution of the ongoing war to a logical conclusion and also to serve our collective interests and well-being.

“While I commend your resilience, let me remind you that there is still a lot of work to be done, to completely restore peace to the North East, stem the activities of armed bandits in the North West and North Central, as well as deal with other security challenges across the country.

“You must therefore remain steadfast and see this war to a conclusive end. In doing so, you must rely on interagency cooperation, strengthen your cohesion with the troops of neighboring Republics of Cameroon, Chad and Niger in our collective fight against the terrorists, under the auspices of the Multinational Joint Task Force. This will consolidate our efforts and facilitate the speedy return of peace and stability to the region.”

Source: TG news

​FG committed to succcess of NYSC scheme – Minister

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to the success of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Akin Dare, gave the reassurance yesterday while inaugurating the Ambassador Fatima Abubabar-led national governing board of the scheme in Abuja.

He said the programme had contributed immensely to national unity and integration, as well as growth of various sectors, including education, health, infrastructure development, sports and social services.

The minister explained that the corps remained “a great source of pride to the government and the entire people of our dear country.”

He added: “Without doubt, all well-meaning Nigerians strongly recognise the continued relevance of the scheme, especially at this critical period of our national life.”

Dare charged the 10-member board on adherence to provisions of the NYSC Act, particularly as they relate to the roles and responsibilities of major stakeholders.

While acknowledging the daunting task before the board, he expressed optimism that with the retention of the chairman and some members of the immediate past team, who are conversant with the objectives, programmes and challenges of the scheme, “there is hope for a more robust administration to ensure more deliverables are provided for corps members.”

He urged the new board to consolidate its predecessor’s feats, expressing government’s satisfaction with efforts to make the scheme more visible.

“I commend the excellent synergy between the immediate past board and the management, which contributed to the remarkable achievements recently made by the scheme,” the minister said.

Dare called on the members to come up with initiatives that would make the programme more impactful and endearing to Nigerians, even as he charged them to sustain the harmonious working relationship in deference to expectations of the current administration.

The minister, who also endorsed the proposed National Youth Service Corps Trust Fund, called on stakeholders to support its actualisation for the strengthening of the scheme and provision of start-up capital for its trainees to actualise their business plans.

Guardian Newspaper

​ITF pays N1.9bn as SIWES supervisory, student allowances, says DG

The Industrial Training Fund ITF has paid a total sum of N1.9 billion as students and supervisory allowance under the Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme SIWES and as well developed a website dedicated to SiWES to reduce the person to person contact.

The Director-General of ITF Sir, Joseph Ari who disclosed this during the visit of the House of Representatives Committee on Industry to the organisation said in line with the Act establishing ITF, the Fund has reimbursed contributing employers up to fifty per cent of the statutory annual training contributions remitted by them if the Fund’s Governing Council is satisfied that training programmes of the employer were in accordance with the Fund’s Reimbursement Scheme.

He further disclosed that the Fund during the year under review, paid a total of Five Billion, Four Hundred and Ninety-Nine Million, Eight Hundred and Twenty One Thousand, Six Hundred and Forty-Five Naira to 401 companies as reimbursement for the year 2019.

“To ensure that we do not rest on our oars, the ITF unveiled the 2nd Phase of its Reviewed Vision: Strategies for Mandate Actualisation. The Plan, which is targeted at rectifying the lapses that were observed in the implementation of the first phase, build on the achievements thereof, and directly address emergent challenges of the Fund’s stakeholders as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic will serve as our operational road map in coming years with a 9-Point Strategic Plan.”

The Director-General also disclosed that arrangements have been concluded for the implementation of more skills intervention programmes amongst several other activities earmarked for implementation this year.

According to him, Programmes earmarked for implementation are the National Industrial Skills Development Programme (NISDP), the Construction Skills Empowerment Programme (CONSEP), the Skills Training and Empowerment Programme for the Physically Challenged (STEPP-C), the Passion to Profession Programme (P2PP), and the Agri-Preneurship Training Programme (ATP).

He narrated that the programmes will equip and empower about 12,000 Nigerians between three and six months in the following trades and vocations: Web design and programming, Advance Computer networking, Mobile app development, Iron bending, Masonry, Crop production, Aquaculture, Poultry, Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration, Plumbing, GSM repairs and Ladies’ wig cap making.

Sir Ari who said ITF is in the process of amending its Act called on members of the National Assembly to support and hansten the process in order to develop the national economy.

He added that the Students’ Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) that is managed by the ITF but funded by the Federal Government and has been instrumental to the development of human capital in Nigeria and currently assailed by numerous challenges.

He, therefore, appealed to the National Assembly to ensure adequate appropriations for the Scheme because of the establishment of new tertiary institutions, accreditation of new disciplines and the exponential rise of participating students.

In his response the Chairman House of Representatives Committee on Industry Hon. Enitan Dolapo Badru commended ITF for its giant stride and contributions to the economy and its quest to empower the youths as a strategy to reduce the unemployment rate in the country.

Hon Badru said the National Assembly will cooperate with the Fund toward ensuring that the Act establishing the agency is reviewed to further promote efficiency and to spur it for greater heights and productivity.

Tribuneonline

Insecurity : Ganduje Orders for Headcount of Herdsmen from Kano

By Habila Victor

As parts of his efforts in ensuring national security, sound policies and creating peaceful atmosphere for sustainable development, Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje of Kano state has set up a committee of experts and concerned stakeholders to take stock of all herdsmen from Kano state.

He reveals that during an interactive session at Abubakar Rimi Television (ARTV), Monday night, with other local radio stations of Pyramid FM, Radio Kano, Rahama Radio and Express Radio, assuring that he would not relent in his effort to see that Kano remains peaceful.

“We want know how many herdsmen we have in Kano. That is why we set up a Fulani and other stakeholders Committee to take a stock of all our herdsmen in the state. And even those that are not in the state presently,  but are from Kano,” he said.
“We want see how we can integrate them into the larger society. They should also come and feel presence of governance. Knowing their number will help us formulate good policies for their welfare and that of the society in general,” he said.

The Governor reiterated his commitment to a more peaceful society informed his administration’s policy of establishing Ruga Project, at Dansoshiya forest.

Ganduje disclosed that at Dansoshiya; “We have started discussion with experts to come and grow grass, that will be used in feeding cattle. Before this, we have provided some residential areas, good system of water supply and other facilities for herders. And they have since started relocating to Dansoshiya.”

​You must end insurgency, banditry, others, Reps tell new Army Chief

I ‘ve what it takes to fight Boko Haram, bandits – Gen. Yahaya

The House of Representatives, Tuesday, mandated the newly appointed Chief of Army Staff, COAS, Maj. Gen. Farouk Yahaya, to end the threats of insecurity in the country, if confirmed by the National Assembly.

The House said the war against insurgency in the north east had cost the country a lot of financial resources, with many lives lost.

The charges were handed down to the new army chiefs during his screening and confirmation by the Joint House Committees on Defence and Army respectively, chaired by Babajimi Benson, representing Ikorodu federal constituency of Lagos State and Abdulrazaq Namdas from Adamawa State.

It will be recalled that President Muhammadu Buhari recently appointed Yahaya to replace former COAS, Lt. Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru who died in a plane crash in Kaduna.

Benson, who spoke for the committees in his speech, also tasked Yahaya on a virile army that would be result-oriented.

Assuring the army of the continued support of the House of Representatives, he said: “This exercise comes at a very challenging time in the history of our dear country, Nigeria.

“Our nation has been besieged by several security issues across all the geo-political zones with banditry, militancy and self-secessionists stretching our military to the extreme.

“The worst is the lingering insurgency in the North-East. This war has cost the country a lot both financially and in terms of human lives. This must stop.

“The Armed Forces of Nigeria needs to adopt innovative measures to curb the killings and wanton destruction of property as a result of these cases of insecurity. I therefore, hope that, if confirmed, the new Chief of Army Staff will do everything possible, working with other service chiefs, to bring this to an end.

“You will agree with me that Nigeria deserves a re-invigorated Armed Forces that is robust, well-trained, adequately equipped, efficient and fully motivated to protect Nigerians from the devastating effects of terrorism and other security challenges in the country. 

“This screening exercise comes at the heels of Nigeria’s twenty-two years of uninterrupted democratic experience. I must say that the relationship between the National Assembly and Armed Forces of Nigeria has progressively improved as the parliament continues to exercise the necessary democratic oversight of the defence sector.

“Let me reiterate the firm resolve of the 9th House of Representatives, ably led by the Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila and particularly, the Committees on Defence and that of Army’s pledge to continually ensure a secure, peaceful and prosperous country for all Nigerians. We will therefore continue to work with the Armed Forces of Nigeria to achieve this.

“Let me assure you that the Joint Committees on Defence and Army will be thorough, transparent and sincere in the conduct of this screening.

“We owe this to Nigerians as their representatives. Consequently, we seek your cooperation as we embark on this constitutional legislative process”.

In his remarks, the Minister of Defence, Bashiru Magashi, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, expressed optimism that the House would find the army chief worthy of confirmation.

Asked to introduce himself and defend his appointment, Yahaya, who chronicled his military exploits since his sojourn in the Nigeria Army 36 years ago, said he was fit for the job and will deliver.

He said: “I joined the Navy 36 years ago. So, I brought along with me 36 years of military experience. I’m abreast with the security requirements of Abuja, and so on.

“I was involved in several security operations. The challenges we are facing now, all are characterized by these areas I mentioned where I have first hand information and have commanded troops and I administered them in achieving what we’ve done.

“I believe I have the requisite requirements by the grace of God to now provide my services in this office of the chief of Army Staff if confirmed. What I brought is wealth of experience and commitment. So, I’m committed and determined to provide my best and also having known what’s required to achieve results.

“Security is everybody business. The job cannot be done by one person. So we need all the support. And with the support of the people will win our fight against insecurity.”

Responding to a question on lack of synergy among the hierarchy of army, navy, air force and other security agencies in the theatre of war posed by the chairman Committee, Namdas, Yahaya said there was perfect understanding, interaction and cooperation within them.

Namdas had attributed their inability to win the war in north east to the lack of cooperation amongst the various security institutions.

But the army chief said he enjoyed a robust relationship with the other service chiefs who he said were well known to him even at the academy.

He, however, called for the cooperation of all Nigerians at various levels to enable him succeed.

“From experience, this job can not be done by any single service or entity. Indeed, in the Army, the Army itself is a group work not individual that’s why we arranged in sections and companies and battalions and brigades.

“This job is collective and as it was captured in the vision of the late Chief of Army Staff and in my own Mission too, there was also mentioned of joint environment in what we do, having realized that this job is not one service job.

“Not only that, it also requires other agencies, services and stakeholders. We have always operated together that is why you see composition, Army, Navy, Airforce are there and now including the Police, DSS, Civil Defense.

“At the Army headquarters level, all the Service Chiefs now, we are all mates at the Academy. At one time or the other all of us work together. So, the synergy can’t be anything better now that we’re brought up together, we have trained together.

“As we know, internal security is intelligence driven operation. So, we need others including communities, including traditional rulers and all others who can provide information. We work together,” Yahaya said.

Source: Vanguard News

​FG upgrading polytechnics to universities is misplaced priority, says ASUP President

The National President of the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), Anderson Ezeibe has faulted the Federal Government’s position to upgrade some polytechnics to universities, saying such a plan particularly at this period is a misplaced priority.
He also said the establishment of new polytechnics by the government or granting of license to private operators for new ones is equally unnecessary at this time as the proliferation of polytechnics in the country according to him won’t translate to an automatic increment of access to polytechnic education by young Nigerians.

He said what is required and should be the priority of government at this time is to give deserved attention to the existing public polytechnics by adequately funding them and also providing them with requisite infrastructure and taking good care of the personnel.

Ezeibe gave this position in an exclusive interview with Nigerian Tribune, on Monday.

According to him, we the polytechnic lecturers are not carried away by the government upgrading one polytechnic or the other to university.

He said this was because that is not the major issue to the lecturers as far as polytechnic education is concerned in the country particularly at this time.

The main issue, he explained, is for government to look after the existing schools either polytechnics or universities or even primary or secondary schools.

He said it is obvious that the existing public schools across levels are not only suffering neglect but also dying and wonder why the need for new ones.

“So, let the government changes if it likes the name or status of one school to another many time, the problems will remain the same if proper attention is not given to such school,” he stressed.

While also asking the government to create enabling environment for private polytechnics to thrive and also plays their supervisory roles on them, Mr Ezeibe pointed out that there is nothing wrong if polytechnics are also allowed to award bachelor and master of technology degrees like the various universities of technology are doing.

He said after all the Act establishing polytechnics in the country makes provision for them to produce high-level manpower just as it is being produced by the universities, hence, the need to allow them to award degrees alongside OND and HND.

He said what would remain is for such polytechnics to use the federal universities of technology curriculum to train students for such programmes and also meet up with other requisite conditions.

Ezeibe however, noted that ASUP members had already returned to classrooms for academic activities following the suspension of their 65 days of industrial action.

He said they are ready to cope with academic works as may be stipulated by their respective managements.

Source: Tribuneonline

​556 projects: Shehu of Borno, NASS, State Assembly members, security heads pay tributes to Zulum

The Shehu of Borno, members of the State and National Assembly, and security heads have paid tributes to the Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum on Saturday for undertaking 556 projects in two years. 

Glowing tributes were paid in a separate remarks during a ceremony marking the Democracy Day held at the Multipurpose auditorium of the Government House, Maiduguri. 

Shehu Garbai, who speaks on behalf of all traditional leaders in Borno said, Zulum’s landmark achievements is unprecedented. 

“I wish to commend you for all that you have been doing for the people of Borno, especially on education, health, agriculture, job creation, social services, poverty alleviation, and distribution of food to the IDPs etc. The people of Borno are grateful to you in person and to your administration. We wish you many more years and Allah’s guidance.” The Shehu said. 

Senator representing southern Borno, Mohammed Ali Ndume spoke on behalf of 3 Senators from Borno. He commended the Governor for his outstanding performance in two years of his tenure. 

“Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, we thank God for what our Governor did in just 24 months. Alhamdulillah, I am very proud and we are all very proud of what you have been doing. Alhamdulillah that we have a son that is determined to bring Borno back to its feet. I was really excited and humbled yesterday when I met two important personalities, one was a former Head of State, though he begged me not to disclose his name. He told me, Ndume, you guys are very lucky. There are only two Governors in Nigeria at the moment. One is Babagana Umara Zulum and the others.” Ndume said. 

“I was equally opportuned to have an interaction with President Buhari. He told me that your Governor is taking unexceptional and exceptional risk in order to develop your State. I prayed for him every time I know he is going out somewhere.” Ndume added.

The Chief Whip of the House of Representatives, Barr. Mohammed Tahir Monguno who speaks on behalf of his colleagues representing different constituencies in Borno said Governor Zulum will always be remembered in the history of Borno. 

“We are all thrilled to the array of achievements that were rolled out by the Commissioner for Information, and with all sense of humility and responsibility, I made bold to say that these achievements were unparalleled and unprecedented in annals of the history of Borno State. Your Excellency, for the rare feat that you have exhibited of bringing governance to the doorsteps of the people. For making governance responsible and accountable to the yearning and aspirations of the people, your name will be written in gold in the history of Borno State.” Bar. Monguno said. 

The Speaker of the State’s House of Assembly, Hon. Abdulkarim said, 28 members of the house were the number one witness to the achievements and projects undertaken by Governor Zulum’s administration. 
“Your Excellency, we are the number one witness to the kind of projects and achievements you have recorded in Borno State. Your Excellency, the entire people of Borno have seen the unprecedented achievements you have recorded. Your Excellency, I assure you that the State Assembly is always behind you to support you to achieve more for the betterment of our people.” The speaker said. 
In the opening remarks, the Secretary to the State Government, Usman Jidda Shuwa enjoined residents to support Zulum’s administration; “Your Excellency, I wish to appeal to the people of Borno State, particularly, politicians, our business class and intellectuals, our religious leaders and leaders of thought, and our public servants to keep their unalloyed and unflinching support and assistance to His Excellency, the Executive Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum because of his tested demonstrable commitment and  undeniable determination to uplift the standard of living of our people.” The SSG said. 
“Your Excellency, based on my experience of over 40 years in both Federal and State levels, and having worked with two former military Heads of State directly and other Heads of States indirectly and Governors, civilians and the military, I can hardly find, and I say with all sense of responsibility and humility, somebody like Babagana Umara Zulum who could perform as Chief Executive in the State leveled as His Excellency Babagana Umara Zulum.” The SSG added. 
In his remarks, Chairman of the Borno Elders Forum, Amb. Gambo Gubio has commended the State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum for the achievements he recorded in two years. 
In a goodwill message delivered on behalf of the heads of security heads in Borno, the Garrison Commander of the 7 Division, Nigerian Army, Brigadier General AGL Haruna said Governor Zulum has provided good leadership for Borno people. 
“Your Excellency sir, we in the forum of security heads in Borno appreciate your leadership provided for the people of Borno State. Your efforts were aptly captured by the Commissioner for Information here. I appealed to the good people of Borno to give all the necessary cooperation to His Excellency. We the security operatives will continue to do our best by providing an enabling environment to attain His Excellency’s vision. 
The representative of the civil servants and Chairman of Trade Union Congress, Borno Chapter, Comr. Babayo Hamma Shani said Zulum had undertaken a complete revolution of the civil service. 

“Your Excellency, for the record, you are the first Governor in Nigeria that implemented the new N30,000 minimum wage. You are also the first Governor in Nigeria to release N12b to be paid for the retired civil servants in Borno. The workers of Borno State Government were very happy with your achievements as it affects them directly and indirectly. Your Excellency, I want assure you of the unflinching support by the workers of Borno State.” Chairman TUC said.

The Commissioner for Information, Baba Kura Abba Jato in a graphic presentation said, Zulum has undertaken 556 projects, 70% of which have been fully completed with many being put into use, while 30% are at various completion levels.  

The Commissioner explained that the 556 projects do not include policies and programs, even when most of them are capital intensive.  

Giving the breakdown of the projects, Jato explained that 194 capital projects were delivered on education, and they encompass rehabilitation, completion and fresh construction of mega-size Government technical colleges and primary schools in different communities.  

He noted that 63 capital projects were delivered on Governance, and another 63 capital projects on roads, transport, rural and urban development, while 59 capital projects were delivered on water and environment.  

The Commissioner also said that Zulum delivered 58 capital projects on health, which include establishment of 74 primary healthcare centres, new doctors quarters, and overhaul of 8 hospitals in MMC, Biu, Damboa, Monguno and Magumeri. 

He explained that 53 capital projects were delivered on reconstruction rehabilitation and resettlement which involve more than 6,000 resettlement houses for IDPs and refugees in 15 towns.

Mr President, Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, has since approved 10,000 resettlement houses in Borno State, with four thousand already completed. 

Jato noted that 28 capital projects on jobs creation, youths empowerment and humanitarian support which include an all-inclusive vocational training centre with 14 workshops for capacity development of 1,500 persons per annum. He said 15 capital projects were delivered on commerce and industry; 13 capital projects on agriculture and 10 capital projects were executed on security. 

He also recalled that monthly allowances of volunteers in the civilian JTF, hunters and vigilantes was increased while over 700 vehicles and other logistics were needed to enhance their operational roles of complementing armed forces in fighting Boko Haram.

​Police bust kidnapping gang in Abuja, arrest 5, recover exhibits

The FCT Police Command has arrested five (5) suspects for kidnapping along Tungan-maje, Bwari and Kwali-Kuje axis.

A statement by ASP Yusuf Mariam, Public Relations Officer named the suspects to include Usman Musa 20years, Bello Musa 21years and Haruna Alhassan 22years all male.

They were arrested by Police Operatives from the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Squad during an intelligence-led operation.

The PPRO said “The suspects who belong to a notorious syndicate of kidnappers confessed their involvements in the recent abductions along Bwari-Byzahin, Kuje-Kwali axis and Niger State.

“Exhibits recovered from them are: cash sum of one million, two hundred and seventy-five thousand naira (N1,275,000) paid as ransom by their victims, three (3) mobile phones, charms, three (3) wrist watches and two caps”.

“Relatedly, one Lawal Abdullahi 25years and Abdul Alhassan 19years both male, were arrested for being linked to the kidnappings along Tunga-maje axis.

“The duo also confessed to threatening some residents of Tunga-Maje to pay ‘ransom’ to avoid being kidnapped. Exhibits recovered are:  one (1) mobile phone.

While noting that “All the suspects will be arraigned in court upon conclusion of investigation”, the Police implores FCT residents to report all suspicious movements, emergency or distress for prompt action.

They are to do so through these numbers: 08032003913, 08061581938, 07057337653 and 08028940883 and to report the conduct of Police Officers, call the Public Complaint Bureau (PCB) number :09022222352
Source: vanguard

Democracy Day : Gov Ganduje Urges Regional Associations To Organize Summit For National Integration

By Habila Victor

Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje of Kano state has urged all regional and ethnic associations in the country to start and hasten a process for organising a national summit for national integration, for the development of the country.

Observing that “Our differences should be the source of our strength and a window for exploiting our potentialities.”

He made the call during the celebration of Democracy Day, held at Kano Pillars Stadium, Sabongari, Kano, appreciating that, “We thank Ohaneze Ndigbo, Arewa Consultative Forum, Afenifere and Middle Belt Association for their resolve to opt for the oneness of Nigeria. 

Their belief in the indivisibility of the country is commendable and encouraging. This shows how committed you are to the development of our dear nation.”

“I urge all these regional associations to come together and organize a summit for all parts of the country, with a view to enhancing our national integration. Peace and stability must continue to be our key words for a meaningful development,” he urges.

Adding that, the diversify of ethnic nationalities in the country, is but a blessing to the country, emphasising that, “Our diversity is a gift from Allah. And it is a source of strength.”

“As we are celebrating Democracy Day today, it simply shows that, we as collective Nigerians, recognize a complete national integration for all of us,” he stated.

He also reminded that, if Allah wished He would have created all Nigerians from the same ethnic nationality. “And if He so wishes He would have created us without considering any geopolitical differences,” governor said. 

Representing the National Chairman of APC, Yobe state governor, Mai Mala Buni, APC stalwart, Hon Faruq Adamu Aliyu, who supported the governor in accepting, into APC fold, all the decampees, called on all party members to remain focused and steadfast in making the party waxing stronger.

“The National Chairman is unavoidably absent because of the rainy weather in Kano in the morning. He wished to be here, but the situation was beyond his control. He therefore sent me with his apology and wished us fruitful deliberation,” he added.

At the occasion, two former gubernatorial candidates from other parties, Malam Saluhu Sagir Takai and Umar Yakubu Dan Hassan, were among the decampees who joined the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), alongside many political heavyweights, who decamped to APC.

Also cross carpeted to APC, were Coordinators of the former governor of Kano state, Senator Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, when he was aspiring for the Presidency, from 27 states of the federation. With their members.

Attending the event were two Senators from Kano South and Kano North, Kabiru Ibrahim Gaya and Barau I. Jibrin, House Leader of House or Representatives, Alasan Ado Doguwa, Speaker Kano State House of Assembly, Right Hon. Ibrahim Chidari, members of the National Assembly and members of the State House of Assembly, party leaders and elders, members of the State Executive Council, local government chairmen, among others.