5/12/2024

STCI Trains Sokoto School Counsellors, Tsangaya Modibbos On GBV Prevention, Response

BY ANKELI EMMANUEL, Sokoto

Save The Child Initiative (STCI) Nigeria with support from PLAN International and funding from EU-INTPA project has flagged off 2 day capacity building for school counsellors and Tsangaya modibbos in Sokoto on the prevention and response to Gender Based Violence/Child Protection.

Giving objectives of the 2 day capacity building, STCI Education Officer, Mathew Animasahun said participants were carefully selected because of the relevant roles they play in the lives of children.

Taking participants on “The Concept of Gender And How It Affects Societal Perspectives of GBV”, Abdulhamid Lamido, the STCI Nigeria Programme Manager said, gender is that socially constructed roles ascribed to a person.

Making presentation on “”Understanding Child Protection, Abuse and Neglect” Mr Mathew Animasahun, the STCI-Nigeria Education Officer said both parents have the responsibility of protecting their wards, Mathew said correcting a child is not wrong, but must not be the type that involves abuse.

Mathew who added that abuse on children could be physical, sexual or emotional said, children that have experienced abuse frequently if not properly counselled are likely to become future abusers.

While stressing that failing to provide for children’s basic needs, such as adequate food, clothing, education, medical needs, hygiene or supervision are forms of child neglect, Mathew said, society might not be seeing some of the neglects as an issue, but it has overall negative consequence on the society.

“”Child neglect is a serious issues. Children that are being neglected tends not to have good conscience as nothing matters to them. Nobody show them love thus all the know is bitterness.

“”Child neglect may be intentional or unintentional. Child neglect is the most prevalent from or child maltreatment yet the most underreported and most devastating.

He further gave signs of neglect to include, frequent hunger, stealing or hiding food, losing weight, poor personal hygiene, constant tiredness, behavioral difficulties, lack of clothing or supplies to meet physical needs.

Mathew who said causes of neglect is multidimensional, added that, neglect it’s often an outcome of individual and societal failure. He further argued that contrary to the believe is some quarters, poverty is not the foundation for neglect.

Speaking on Safeguarding, Esther Oluwafemi the STCI-Nigeria Gender and Safeguarding Officer reeled out numbers of things that school counselors, desk officers and Modibbos must not do, adding they must be mindful of the kind of words used while dealing with children.

“”As counsellors, you must not use abusive language, behave physically in a way that is inappropriate or sexually enticing. bully, coarse, discriminate or show preferential attachment to any child.

AfriSQuare Entertainment Announces Movie Audition for Aspiring Actors

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This is a golden chance for talented individuals who are passionate about acting and ready to showcase their skills in front of industry professionals. Whether you’re a seasoned performer or a newcomer hoping to make your mark, AfriSQuare Entertainment is looking for dynamic actors to be part of an exciting new film project.

Interested candidates are encouraged to arrive early, as auditions will begin promptly at 10:00 AM. This is a great opportunity for those eager to be part of a cutting-edge production and gain exposure in the Nigerian film industry.

For further details and inquiries, potential actors can reach out to 07060456088 or 08038481690.

Don’t miss this chance to take your acting career to new heights with AfriSQuare Entertainment!

Insecurity;Governor Uba Sani sets trail to End Banditry in Northern Nigeria,Says Arewa Group

Northern based Arewa Forum for Good Governance (AFGG) has commended Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani for setting the trail to end the notorious activities of bandits in northern Nigeria after receiving the first set of repentant bandits and opened the cattle market, which had been closed for about 10 years due to insecurity.

According to the forum,with several senior bandit leaders coming out to surrender their arms and embraced peace, along with their followers,it is clear that the hope to finally tackle the problem of banditry once and for all is achievable.

The Arewa Forum for Good Governance,which made the commendations in press statement made available to journalists in Kaduna today held that, “The decision to consider dialogue and amnesty for the bandits for peace to reign in the region is not only laudable, but a creative approach to ending that has destroyed the image and hindered progress and development of the north and its people.

The statement signed by Dr. Kabiru Ibrahim Bichi ,the group further said,”We have clamoured for amnesty for bandits as means to end the incessant attacks and killings of our people ,but with this singular efforts ,we can confidently say there is ray of light now.

“The good thing about the programme is that it adheres to international standards of disarmament,demobilisation and reintegration,ensuring that these individuals can return to society of productive citizen.

“The good news also is that the Governor promised that these individuals are going to be enrolled in a rehabilitation programme designed by the State Government in partnership with the Federal Government for reintegration and complete ceasefire.

“We Recalled how the Northern governors in 2019 at a security meeting resolved to grant amnesty to the bandits to pave the way for dialogue for peace to reign in the region ,but because it never saw the light of the day the onslaught by bandits continued unbatted.

While highliting the importance of good governance in effectively tackling the security concerns in the north, the forum joined Governor Uba Sani to warn the repented bandits against returning to crime.

“We urging other bandits to accept the call for ceasefire and stop the criminal activities that have damaged the economy of the region.

“It is worthy of note to equally acknowledge the military actions against banditry over the years with a caution that the olive leaf waved at the bandits should not be abused .

“At this juncture , we call on other governors to emulate Kaduna Governor and take similar actions, especially considering the fact military actions has not yielded much results.”

Kaduna: Livestock Market in Birnin Gwari Reopens After 10 Years of Closure.

By Comrade Musa Mohammed

Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has officially reopened the Kara Livestock Market in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area on Thursday, closed for over a decade due to security concerns.

This reopening follows Governor Uba Sani’s and other stakeholders’ efforts to facilitate a peace agreement between the Fulani community and the residents of Birnin Gwari, which aims to restore peace in the area.

The reopened of the renowned Kara Livestock Market will be the revival of commercial activities and the restoration of peace in the region.

The reopening results from ongoing dialogues with non-state actors aimed at achieving a peaceful resolution to the prolonged crisis in the area. The peace agreement was facilitated by the Peace Dialogue Group, which was established by the Kaduna State Government in collaboration with federal agencies and security services.

As part of this process, several senior bandit leaders have laid down their arms and chosen to embrace peace, along with their followers. These individuals are now being enrolled in a rehabilitation program created by the Kaduna State Government in partnership with the Federal Government.

The Emir of Birnin Gwari, Malam Zubairu Jibrin Maigwari II, in his remark commended Governor Uba Sani for his efforts to bring about reconciliation between the Fulani and the people of Birnin Gwari and to reopen the Kara Livestock Market, which had been closed for 10 years due to security issues.

Alhaji Abubakar, the Fulani leader and father of the repentant bandit Yellow Janbros, thanked Governor Sani for facilitating the peace agreement between the Fulani and the people of Birnin Gwari.

Call Works Minister to Order, Group Tells Tinubu

A pressure group, New Nigerian Initiative (NNI) based in Kaduna, Kaduna State on Thursday cautioned the Works Minister, Dave Umahi against abuse of office and reckless use of power.

Recently, workers in the ministry were taken aback following the usurpation of the powers of Directors by junior workers in the ministry under the supervision of the said minister.

The minister was alleged of promoting and negating Civil Service Rules and Procedures on matters to be handled by directorate cadre as against use of junior officers to usurp the powers and positions of the directors.

According to the coordinate of NNI, Adamu Bello, the minister deliberately chose “to elevate junior workers on matters relating to the day to day activities of the ministry. Such workers were being prodded up far and above some directors which is against the rules and regulations of the civil service.

According to Bello, “for posterity sake, we in the New Nigeria Initiative feel concerned that nepotism, high handedness, abuse and usurpation of power cannot help the government of the day.

“We were inundated with complaints from some concerned workers of the ministry who felt an injustice to one, is an injustice to all and therefore cried out that such an aberration must not go unchallenged.

“The minister as an ex-Governor ought to stick to the rules and procedures of the Civil Service by maintaining orderliness, decency and transparency in matters affecting running of affairs of the ministry.

“Downgrading a Director for a junior worker to carry out the roles expected of such Director is an aberration and sheer use of naked power to subjugate a top civil servant who weathered the storm and rose through the ranks to get to his present status.

“Quite sadly too, the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, according to our findings is watching helplessly as the minister seeks to desecrate the civil service and sunk it deeper into abyss. The Permanent Secretary as the Accounting Officer of the ministry ought to be seen to protect his people and ensure the right thing is done always.

“But unfortunately the reverse is the case here. He should be reminded that if his rights had been trampled upon over the years, he might not get to the coveted position he holds presently and posterity will judge him rightly or wrongly.

“To this end, we are calling on President Bola Tinubu to call his minister to order and restore confidence in the civil service.

“The Head of Service of the Federation should also rein in, on the junior workers who were being unduly and illegally elevated to usurp the powers of their bosses,” Bello added.

It should be noted that the Nigerian Civil Service Rules have specific provisions that address the issues of usurpation of power and abuse of office.

The rules emphasize the importance of adherence to governing rules and regulations to prevent abuse of power and ensure effective service delivery.

The rules also highlight the need for accountability and transparency in the civil service, which helps to prevent usurpation of power and abuse of office.

Additionally, the Public Service Rules provide guidelines for the conduct of public officers, including provisions related to the use of power and authority.

It’s worth noting that the Nigerian Civil Service Rules are designed to promote good governance, accountability, and transparency in the civil service.

The rules take these issues seriously and provide guidelines to prevent them.

PH Refinery: Shehu Sani commends Kyari…Urges action on Kaduna Refinery

Former lawmaker ,Senator Shehu Sani has commended the Eng Mele Kyari management of NNPCL for the commencement of crude oil and  processing production.

According to him,the production will have impact on reducing the price of petroleum products and make life easier for the masses.

He however urged the management to expedite actions to ensure  that the Kaduna Refining & Petrochemical Company Limited (KRPC) to come back to live after several years of non-production.

Senator Shehu Sani  in a statement via a  post on his X space said: “Glad to hear that Port Harcourt Refinery has commenced production.We hope this will impact on reducing the price of petroleum products and make life easier for the masses.

“We are anxiously waiting for similar gesture to Kaduna Refinery.A country that cannot process its natural resources is still a colony.Kudos to Kyaril.”

Port Harcourt Refinery, one of the oil refineries owned by the Nigerian state, has commenced processing crude oil production.

The Chief Corporate Communications Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) Femi Soneye, confirmed  this on Tuesday.

Working Conditions: KadPoly ASUP Threatens Total  Shutdown December 2

The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics ,Kaduna State Chapter (ASUP) has Considered a total Shut of the  Polytechnic institution from September over failure on side of Federal government to harken to its demands for improved working conditions.

Recalled that on October 6th 2024, a 15-day ultimatum was issued to the Federal Government, outlining pressing demands aimed at resolving the systemic challenges that hinder the progress of Polytechnics.

Speaking during a press conference held in Kaduna, the Chairman ASUP, Kaduna Polytechnic, Engr. Abubakar J. Abdullahi said the silence and inaction have left the Union with no option, but to consider the possibility embarking on strike , scheduled for December 2nd, 2024 if the concerns remain unaddressed.

According to him,  the Union found itself in a  pivotal juncture, thus the decision to convey our collective concerns to the government and the general public.

While speaking on the need to implement the demands ,he said  the demands  are critical issues that have long negatively impacted the fabric of our educational sub-sector.Adding that the issue for swift release of the second tranche of the NEEDS Assessment Intervention funds is important.

He however, ordered the immediate implementation of the approved 25/35% Salary for  public Polytechnics and the payment of the accrued arrears.

 “The release and final resolution of the decades-long arrears of CONTISS-15 migration for lower cadre; release of outstanding promotion arrears and  inadequate funding, and the lingering issue of unpaid allowances,

“Also the yet to be released Scheme of Service and Conditions of Service for the sector and urgent need for a more robust policy framework that prioritizes education as a key pillar of national development”.

The Chairman who expressed regret over non-implementation said, “We passed the deadline of this ultimatum and, we are yet to see the necessary actions from the Federal Government to address these pressing demands.”

Jaba LG 2024 PDP Congresses: Fed. High Court Dismisses Case Against PDP, INEC by aggrieved party members

Bomba Dauda

Honourable Justice Hauwa’u Buhari of the Federal High Court Kaduna Division has dismissed the case filed against the People’s Democratic Party(PDP), PDP (Kaduna State) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) by the plaintiff, Mrs. Lami Tanko of PDP Samban ward and five others who sought the court to set aside the 18th September, 2024 PDP Ward and LG congresses in Jaba Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

According to the lead counsel of the Defendants, Barr. Kasai Jesse Arung of Zon Zon Attorneys, the plaintiff: Lami Tanko of Samban ward; Tere Shittu of Fada ward; Godwin Sati of Sab-Chem ward; Abashiya Fidelis of Fai ward; Solomon Adamu of Daddu ward and Raphael Ibrahim of Chori ward approached the court, prayed that it set aside the 18th September, 2024 ward and LG congresses.

He added, Hon. Justice Hauwa’u Buhari in her judgement yesterday, 25th November, 2014, said, the court has no jurisdiction over the case. She further stated that the parties involved should explore the internal mechanism of the party to resolve the issue.

For the benefit of hindsight, across the 23 LGAs in Kaduna State, Jaba was the last to conduct its congresses because the Returning Officer for the 27th July, 2024 congresses in Jaba, Mr. Joseph Bagudu, said, he was hoodwonk and the result sheets were carted away by Hon. Henry Mara. It led to the prolonged back and forth within the party in Jaba LG, which resulted to the rescheduled congresses of 16 September, 2024 where 17 officials in 10 wards of Jaba LGA were elected and the Returning Officer, Barr. Simon Yakubu Arabo expressed satisfaction over the processes of the election process and were returned elected.

It is on record that Hon. Amos Gwamna Magaji, member representing Jaba/Zango-Kataf Federal Constituency and Hon. Henry Mara self-isolated themselves and their supporters from participating in the rescheduled congresses, but later went to court asking the court to set aside the outcome of the congresses, which was yesterday dismissed by Hon. Justice Hauwa’u Buhari of the Federal High Court, Kaduna Division.

Speaking to Gurara Accord after the court judgement, PDP Chairman of Jaba LGA, Hon. David Bijiri Sabastine urged all the aggrieved PDP members to toe the line of peace and join the wider community of the party to chart a new course. As a family, we should learn to solve our crisis internally rather than heading to the court, exposing our dirty linings. No crisis is too complicated for the party to handle through its internal resolution mechanism.

The immediate past Speaker of Jaba Legislative Council and the running mate to Engr. Mamuda Ladan, the Jaba LG PDP flag bearer in the 2024 chairmanship race, Hon. Danladi Amos bared his mind on the excitement that overwhelmed him. “I can’t explain how I’m feeling with this judgement. This is a win for democracy because the outcome of 2024 PDP congresses in Jaba LG are the true reflection of people’s will.”

PRESS STATEMENT

Adenekan Knocks Tinubu’s Economic Pitfalls, Issues Four-Point Demand.

A public policy analyst and a media expert, Comrade David Adenekan has knocked Tinubu’s Economic Pitfalls, Issues four – Point Demand.

In a press statement made available to our newsroom in the early hours of Thursday morning, Adenekan said the latest reports from the National Bureau Of Statistic (NBS), shows that the inflation rate has risen to 32.7% as at September 2024. While on a month to month basis, it increased by 0.3% from 2.2% recorded in August 2024 to 2.5%. The food inflation rate as at September stood at 37.77%.

This is alarmingly high and a strong factor responsible for the severe hunger and untold hardship currently being experienced across the country.

Suffice it to say that, the inflation rate in the country defies all logic with the price of staple foods like rice, bread, beans, cassava, grains and tomatoes that have continued to soar higher on a daily basis. A 50kg bag of rice is now N140k, a crate of eggs is N7k (depending on the size), 3 tubers of yam is about N12k, a kongo measure of gari is about N3k and a small plastic of beans sells for N7k.

Nigeria’s poverty rate is high with multiple indicators of poverty index used to measure it. According to the National Bureau Of Statistic (NBS), 63% of Nigerians are multi-dimensionally poor, which is over one – quarter of all possible derivations. This is higher in rural areas (72%) than in urban areas (28%).

Fuel pump price per liter is between N1030 to N1150, depending on the location. The shortage of electricity and the erratic power supply in most parts of the country is unspeakable.

Also, the rising surge of insecurity across the country is alarming. The invasion of a new dangerous terrorist group called Lakurawa into the north west geo political zone, particularly in Sokoto state, has led to a rising surge of insecurity in that part of the country. Yes, the bandits are almost having a free field in some parts of Zamfare, Kebbi, Sokoto, Niger, Kaduna, Katsina and Borno states.

In view of the above worsening economic hardship and the deplorable security conditions, I hereby make a 4 point demand:

1. Declare an emergency action on food security.
   It is imperative to note that calling on Nigerians to embark on subsistence farming will not bridge the large gap of deficit in food production and increase or provide raw materials for our agrarian industries. Subsistence farming cannot handle the equipment needed for rubber plantation and cocoa production to provide raw materials for the manufacturing industries and exports to boost our foreign reserve earnings. The cost of machinery, such as tractors for medium commercial farming has skyrocketed. Subsistence economy will not grow our GDP in a market economy. Stop blowing the call for subsistence economy out of proportion.
2. “I have researched the prices of pump fuel in other oil producing countries like Venezuela – $0.18 per gallon, Saudi Arabia – $0.48 per gallon, Libya – $0.54 per gallon, Turkmenistan- $0.71 per gallon and Bahrain- $0.78 per gallon.” – Adenekan stated.

It is based on the above verified information that one needs to query the rational behind selling a litre of fuel for N1,030 (about $0.58) when you can buy a gallon (about 4 liters) for at most $0.78 in other countries listed above.

In addition, one needs to evaluate other by-products of crude oil like bitumen, naphthalene, Napalm, petroleum jelly, refined asphalt, diesel, kerosene and microcrystallin wax; and posit that some of these by-products can be used as subsidy to make petroleum very affordable or even free for the masses.

“Can NNPCL show Nigerians a transparent financial statement for these by-products? Is this not another hidden monumental corruption in the oil industry?” Adenekan asked.

“As a concerned citizen, I demand the immediate removal of the Group Managing Director, Myele Kyari for his very poor management of NNPCL and the huge level corruption in the oil industry. Equally so, the calling for him to be sacked is based on the fact that, he was the Group Managing Director of NNPCL under the Buhari’s administration that grounded the country’s economy to almost a state of comatose. A concocted fake figure of the national reserve at $37 billion against $3 billion as the real figure as reported by Morgan Stanley in Punch Newspaper.” – Adenekan argued.

“Prejudice apart and without mincing words, I am joining other concerned citizens across the country to demand for the immediate reversal of the pump price to what the Nigeria masses can afford.” Adenekan declared.

3. Adenekan (a public analyst) in the press statement, expressed concerns about the alarming rate of banditry, kidnapping, armed robbery and farmers/herders clashes which are responsible for the very low level of production in our farmlands across the country. Farmers are afraid to go to the farm for fear of being killed or kidnapped.

Adenekan (a human right activist) make a strong demand that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu should swiftly move into action as the Commander-In-Chief of the Nigeria Armed Forces to nip the situation in the bud, the rising surge of insecurity across the country, particularly in Sokoto, Borno, Kebbi, Zamfara, Bauchi, Benue, Kaduna, Niger and Katsina states by using the military intelligence and technology (drone) to flush them out from their hidden places.

4. Finally, Comrade Adenekan, a media expert, in a terse statement and as part of its press statement, said; “I have watched with utter dismay, the display of federal might and naked power in the recently concluded governorship elections in Edo and Ondo States and, going by the reports of many observers, it was another sham election conducted under the leadership of Prof. Yakubu Mahmood. I demand the immediate removal of Prof. Mahmoud and a total re-organization of INEC to meet the mandate given by the people to the electoral body, which is to conduct free and fair elections in the country.

He further demands that the appointment of the Chairman of INEC should no longer be by the President.” – Adenekan stated.

“You cannot be a judge in your own case.”

“The Board of the National Election shall be established by the act of parliament. It will have 6 members and each of the member shall be commissioner representing each of the six geo political zones and the Chief Justice of the Federation shall be the chairman of the board, making it 7 members to cut a tie. The Board of National Election shall advertise the position of Chairman of INEC to the general public and make two recommendations (after vetting the names of those that applied for the job) to the Senate (Upper Chambers of the National Assembly) that will now vote to approve the nomination of who will be the Chairman of INEC. Also, such nomination will only receive simple majority of the votes of the Senate. There shall be no formal confirmation from the President.” – Adenekan declared.

“A stitch in time saves nine.”

Only Time Will Tell.

David Adenekan Is The Editor Of Shekinah International Magazine And A Media Expert. He Is Also The Secretary Of Afenifere Diaspora USA.

davidadenekan5@gmail.com.