Month: March 2021

Why school children are being kidnapped in Nigeria

Emporium Reporters

Since December, more than 600 students have been abducted from schools in north-west Nigeria, highlighting a worrying development in the country’s kidnap-for-ransom crisis.   Friday’s kidnapping of nearly 300 students from the Government Girls Science Secondary School in Jangebe, Zamfara state, which ended with their release, was the second mass kidnap from schools in less than 10 days. Twenty-seven boys and their teachers who were taken from a school in Kagara, Niger state on 17 February were released on Saturday. The authorities say recent attacks on schools in the north-west…

Our educational policy’s driven by zeal to give back to society – Gov Sule tells UBEC

Emporium Reporters

Nasarawa State Governor, Engineer Abdullahi Sule, has assured the management of the Universal Basic Education Board (UBEC), of transparency and judicious use of funds, stressed that the educational policy of his administration was driving by the zeal to give back to the society. Engineer Sule made this known while hosting the Executive Secretary of UBEC, Dr. Hamid Bobboyi, who led a delegation on a courtesy call, at the Government House, on Wednesday. The Governor assured UBEC that his administration will not be involved in any under the table dealings but…

FG approves establishment of SIM swap centres in 774 LGAs, extends Enrolment Licence Tenure

Emporium Reporters

The Ministerial Task Force on the NIN-SIM registration held its 4th Review Meeting on Friday, February 26, 2021. The meeting was Chaired by the Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami.   The Key stakeholders that joined the Honourable Minister at the meeting included the EVC/CEO of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), DG/CEO of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), DG/CEO of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) and the Chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecommunications…

Kogi: Senate demands immediate completion of Abadigba-Egwuwe power project

Emporium Reporters

Senate has mandated its Committee on Power to liaise with the Federal Ministry of Power to take necessary steps for the immediate completion of the Abadigba-Egwuwe power project.   The resolution was reached by the Upper Chamber sequel to the consideration of a motion to that effect during plenary on Wednesday.   The motion titled: “Need for Immediate Completion of the Abadigba-Egwuwe Power Plant Project in Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State” was sponsored by Senator Isah, Jibrin (APC, Kogi East).   In his presentation, Jibrin noted that sometime…

Senate moves to establish National University of Health and Medical Sciences, Suleja

Emporium Reporters

The Senate has commenced moves to establish the National University of Health and Medical Sciences in Suleja, Niger State, with the consideration of a bill which scaled second reading on Wednesday.   Sponsor of the Bill, Senator Mohammed Sani Musa (APC, Niger East), while leading the debate on the floor, told his colleagues that the establishment of the Institution was informed by the imperative to create more access to higher health and medical studies in view of the large number of qualified candidates who are annually stranded in their failed…

Gov Sani Bello inaugurates joint revenue committee to boost state IGR

Emporium Reporters

Niger state Governor ,Abubakar Sani Bello has inaugurated 28-members of State and Local Governments joint revenue committee to improve revenue generation of the state. Governor Sani Bello, who inaugurated the committee at the Government House, in Minna, explained that the Committee would be harmonising revenue collection system for the state and local governments, stressing that the effort was to boost the internally generated revenue of the state and local governments as well as halt the total reliance on Federal allocation. “This total reliance on Federal allocation has affected the state…

NDDC ‘ll be platform for rebirth of Niger Delta region transformation – Hon Tunji-Ojo

Emporium Reporters

The Chairman of the House of Representatives committee on Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Hon.Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo has expressed optimism that the NDDC will be a platform for the rebirth for the transformation of the Niger Delta region. He specifically said the committee would do its best to ensure that its oversight functions are done in line with best global best practices. Honourable Tunji-Ojo further emphasized that every Kobo appropriated will be accounted for the development of the people. “I want to assure you that by the grace of Almighty God,…

IIP-SARS expresses dismay over incessant refusal of police officers from Awkuzu to appear before it … vows to compel appearance

Emporium Reporters

The Independent Investigative Panel on allegations of human rights violations by the defunct Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) and other units of the Nigerian Police has expressed frustration over the continuous refusal of two officials of defunct SARS; Mr. Obiazo and Mr. Uzo Emeana both of SARS Awkuzu, Anambra state to appear before it. The Rtd Justice Sulaiman Galadima led panel vowed to compel their appearance, insisting it will not allow the actions of some lawless police officers to scuttle the course of justice. “The panel is left with no choice…

Gov Bello commiserates with Kebbi Gov over younger brother’s death … describes deceased as a peaceful, pious man

Emporium Reporters

Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello has commiserated with the Governor of Kebbi State, Atiku Bagudu, the entire Bagudu family and the people of Kebbi State over the demise of Shehu Bagudu, the immediate younger brother of Governor Bagudu The Governor who attended the Janazah prayer for the peaceful repose of the deceased’s soul described him as a pious man who embraced peace by all standard He asserted that death would come for all mankind at different times as it was a debt humanity must pay but it was important that…

Emir of Kagara deserves to be immortalized – Gov Sani Bello

Emporium Reporters

Niger state Governor Abubakar Sani Bello said the late Emir of Kagara, Alh. Salihu Tanko deserve to be immortalized after his meritorious service to the state and country. Governor Sani Bello disclosed this shortly after the Janaiza (Burial) of the Emir in Kagara, headquarter of Rafi local government. He said the deceased being one of the oldest emirs dedicated his life towards the development of his emirate, the state and the nation, as such, immortalizing him will be right. The Governor revealed that he had consultations with the late Emir…