New strain of Meningitis is deadlier than Ebola, says Sokoto health commissioner

Posted on April 3, 2017 by Staff Reporter

Balarabe Kakale, Sokoto commissioner for health, says the type ‘C’ strain of meningitis, which has killed forty-one people in the state, is deadlier than Ebola virus disease.

Kakale, disclosed this to newsmen in Sokoto on Sunday when he gave an update on the state of high alert declared by the state government since March 20.

He said that the deaths were mostly recorded out of the nearly 600 clinically confirmed cases of meningitis in the eight worst-hit local governments.

They are Rabah, Kebbe, Tureta, Gada, Dange/Shuni, Wamakko, Kware and Bodinga.

“The epidemic was caused by the type “C’’ strain of meningitis and not the type “A’’ strain which the people of the state had hitherto developed immunity for,” Kakale said.

“This new strain of meningitis is deadlier than the dreaded Ebola disease as it kills within four to six hours of afflicting a patient.

“More than eighty percent of the victims also had not been immunised, hence, the aggravation of the epidemic.’’

He further stated that the state government has embarked on a state-wide, mass vaccination for the people of the state, against meningitis.

He explained that over 700,000 persons, aged one to thirty years, were being targeted across the 23 local governments of the state.

Kakale further stressed the need for people of the state to ensure that their children were fully immunised against child killer diseases like measles, whooping cough, yellow fever and diphtheria, among others.

He also warned against self-medication and attaching superstitious beliefs to the disease.

“They should also desist from self-medication as adequate drugs and medicament were provided by the state government for the free treatment of the patients.

“The people should also desist attaching traditional beliefs like witchcraft and report all suspected cases of meningitis, measles and other diseases to the nearest health facility.

“We will not rest on our oars until when the epidemic is fully mitigated, although the cases had drastically reduced,” he said.

Source: The Cable

BREAKING: Two businessmen kidnapped in Sokoto

Posted on March 27, 2017 by Staff Reporter

Labbo Giyawa and Murtala Dantata, two businessmen, were kidnapped in Sokoto state on Sunday.

El-Mustapha Sani, spokesman of the Sokoto state police command, confirmed the kidnap of the men.

He said they were abducted at Giyawa, Goronyo local government area of the state.

“I can confirm the abduction of the two businessmen on Sunday night, at around 10pm.,” Sani said.

“They were seized by some gun-wielding men, while they were reportedly sleeping in the frontage of their various houses.

“They were said to have been taken to an unknown destination, but the police is suspecting that they are being held captive in the nearby Gundumi forest.”

Sani said that the kidnappers were yet to establish communication with the police or families of the captives, adding that however, the command had taken stern measures to ensure the safe rescue of the captives.

Sani also confirmed the arrest of four suspected gang leaders of street urchins at the Kwanni area of Sokoto on Monday.

He said the suspects were arrested following raids on their hideouts, adding, “we will thoroughly drill them to unravel their various memberships.”

Two local government officials in the state who were recently kidnapped, were rescued from Gundumi forest.

Sokoto government denies disbanding Hisbah after governor daughter’s wedding raid

Posted on January 9, 2017 by Staff Reporter

The Sokoto State Government has denied disbanding the State Hisbah Commission.

The religious police unit, known as the Hisbah, is responsible for enforcing Sharia law practiced in parts of northern Nigeria, including Sokoto State.

The rebuttal is contained in a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Bashir Garba in Sokoto on Monday.

The statement reads, “The Government wishes to clarify that the operations of the State Hisbah Commission, which is a creation of the law, has not been suspended. Similarly, it should be noted that the leadership of the Commission is still in place and have not been suspended from duty. By the provisions of the law establishing the Hisbah Commission, only the State Governor has the right to remove any member of the Commission from his/her duty, which in this case, nothing of such has happened.

The government however said there was an agreement to “harmonise” the leadership of three factions in the commission.

“For the records, the Ministry of Religious Affairs held a meeting with the leadership of the three factions claiming authority over Hisbah Commission in the State. An agreement was reached to harmonise their operations for the benefit of the citizenry. The harmonisation is still in progress, and further communication will be made after due consultations with relevant stakeholders,” Mr. Garba said.

The rebuttal however contradicts a statement made by the Sokoto State Commissioner for Religious Affairs, Mani Katami, on Sunday, in Sokoto.

Mr. Katami told NAN that the state government disbanded the state Hisbah Commission due to crisis in the commission.

“A myriad of complaints were received from members of the public about alleged overzealousness and high handedness of its operatives. This action was taken as the three groups had failed to harmonise themselves into one group, for efficient and united operations. The state government had given them a grace of over one year to do so, but the groups had failed to harmonise, this is contrary to the Act establishing the commission,” Mr Katani said.

Last week, the Hisbah commission was involved in a controversy after it stormed the wedding of Governor Aminu Tambuwal’s daughter in Sokoto last week, and seized musical instruments used for the event, for allegedly violating the Sharia law.

The move was because the music played at the event allegedly violated the Islamic law.

Daily Trust reported that the commandant of the Commission, Adamu Kasarawa, confirmed the development, and said the commission had wanted to arrest the DJ that performed at the dinner but that he escaped.

Mr. Kasarawa was quoted as explaining that it was the commission’s responsibility to correct anything that works against Sharia law.

He also added that the musical instruments alongside other devices seized across the state would be destroyed.

Coal found in commercial quantity in Sokoto – Governor

Posted on December 27, 2016 by Staff Reporter

Nigeria’s efforts for economic diversification has received a boost with the discovery of coal deposit in commercial quantity in Sokoto State.

The state governor, Aminu Tambuwal, who disclosed this on Monday in Sokoto, the state capital, at a workshop on mining, said a cement company already plans to use the commodity to power its plant in the state.

The discovery has increased the number of solid minerals in the state awaiting exploration. Others earlier discovered include phosphate for making fertilizer, gold, limestone, gypsum, iron ore, copper, columbite, tantalite, zinc and kaolin.

Speaking at the capacity building workshop on Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) for beneficial participation of state governments in mining, jointly organised by the Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel Development and the Sokoto Ministry of Solid Minerals and Natural Resources Development, Mr. Tambuwal said the state government has already engaged a Chinese company to make research on available mineral resources and determine their commercial viability.

He said the company has presented the first phase of its findings and identified 20 varieties of solid minerals.

On coal, the government said the Cement Company of Northern Nigeria (CCNN), also known as Sokoto Cement and owned by the BUA Group, plans to use the substance as a source of energy in operating its plant.

“BUA will use coal sourced from Sokoto to fuel the 40MW power plant being constructed at the factory”, BUA founder, Abdussamad Rabiu, told reporters during a recent tour of the factory.

“The new cement plant can use both coal and LPFO (Low Pour Fuel Oil), and will source its power needs from the power plant, with the excess generated power moved to the national grid,” he said.

Mr. Rabiu added that the company’s $300 million investment in the new cement plant is the single largest private sector-led investment in Nigeria’s north-west and has the capacity of producing 1.5million metric tonnes of cement per annum.

“God didn’t make a mistake by putting together a country called Nigeria” – Sultan

Posted on December 21, 2016 by Staff Reporter

The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar has cautioned those agitating for secession to desist from it in the interest of the country’s unity.

He spoke in Enugu at the grand reception organised by the state government in honour of the Rangers International Football Club.

The sultan said he was committed to the unity and indivisibility of Nigeria, adding that those clamouring for a separation were making a huge mistake.

The monarch warned politicians and leaders to desist from using religion and ethnicity to divide the country.

He said Nigeria would continue to flourish with the contribution and skills of the different ethnic groups, religions and individuals.

He said there was no way the country could break up because all the ethnic groups have intermixed across the country.

“We have Igbo people everywhere in the country and they are industrious and we have Hausa people who have not lived anywhere else except in Igboland. Also, we have Yoruba people in different parts of the country who are contributing their quota to the society.”

Sultan of Sokoto: Politicians can explain how herdsmen acquire Ak 47.

Posted on December 21, 2016 by Staff Reporter

Sa’ad Abubakar, sultan of Sokoto, says politicians can account for how herdsmen acquire guns that they use in attacking people.

Speaking during a civic reception, which the Nsukka Socio-Cultural zone in Enugu organised in his honour, the monarch challenged the government to investigate how herdsmen acquire arms and ammunition.

Abubakar said Nigerians had the option to live as one united family, expressing confidence that the various ethnic and interest groups in the country can co-exist peacefully if there is justice.

“They have always asked us how the herdsmen acquired these ammunition, but I throw the question back to the politicians; find out how people acquire the guns,” he said.

“Find out how the herdsmen that move with AK47 riffles acquire them.”

Abubakar regretted that contemporary Nigerians had failed to build on the foundation laid by the country’s founding fathers.

He said there were more cohesion and integration between preceding generations than the new generation.

The sultan attributed the seeming mistrust among Nigerians to misinformation and ignorance.

“As Nigerians we can be the best of families if we want to. We have refused to come together as a nation due to ignorance and suspicion,” he said.

“Our visit here is to strengthen relationships, having started my youthful life in Nsukka 39 years ago.

“My coming here is at the right time, considering the loss of lives due to insecurity in parts of the country.”

Abubakar said no Nigerian would aim at killing an Igbo man in any part of the country for whatever reason, adding that they were only targetted because of their hard work.

“Nobody in the northern part of the country has been aiming at an Igbo man to kill,” he said.

“Miscreants target them because they are the most industrious and the people that move the economy.

“That is why their shops and other businesses are mostly the target during unrests because the hoodlums are sure to find valuables in the shops.”

He said he was overwhelmed at the love shown him by Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, governor of the state and residents of Enugu.

Abubakar is on a three-day visit to the state to inaugurate road projects executed by Ugwuanyi’s administration.

We’ll push for the ban of Shi’ites, says Sokoto government.

Posted on December 14, 2016 by Staff Reporter

Suleiman Usman, attorney-general of Sokoto state, says the government is ready to lead the campaign for the ban of the activities of members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria, also known as Shiites.

He said this at a press briefing that held after a security meeting in the state.

Usman said Sokoto decided on advocating for the ban on activities of Shiite movement because the group is set to hold a regional meeting in the state.

He said states cannot effectively enact laws that will stop the activities of Shiites, adding that there needs to be a law at the national level to stop the Shiites from going on with their planned activities.

“There are reports that activities of some groups, especially the activities of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) that are aimed to strain the security of the state. The state’s security council held an emergency meeting to warn the IMN or any other groups,” he said.

Muhammed Abdulkadir, commissioner of police, said the force received intelligence that the sect will organise a joint African general meeting in Sokoto.

He said the meeting, if allowed to hold, might pose a threat to peace in the state.

Abdulkadir said the police and other security agencies in the state will commence a stop and search operation in the state.

Fire kills 12 in Sokoto in 11 months

Posted on December 12, 2016 by Staff Reporter

236

No fewer than 12 persons died as a result of 385 fire incidents in Sokoto State from January till December in 2016, according to the Director-General of the State Fire Service Department, Ibrahim Dingyadi.

Mr. Dingyadi told the News Agency of Nigeria( NAN)in Sokoto on Monday that, properties worth over N 2.1 billion were also lost in the infernos.

Properties worth over N 2.8 billion were also saved by the department.

Mr. Dingyadi attributed most of the infernos to electrical faults and mishandling of fires in homes, markets and other commercial areas.

“The Department has embarked on series of sensitisation campaigns to raise awareness of the residents on fire prevention and mitigation.

“They are also being sensitized on the need to report fire outbreaks on time, as well as follow laid down rules and regulations in constructing structures.”

The director-general disclosed that the state government had recently ordered for 10 new fire engines for the department.

Similarly, five of the existing ones have been refurbished,while eight new fire stations were being established.

“We are also in the process of rehabilitating the existing fire stations, recruitment of new firemen,training and retraining.

“We are also in the process of taking over the fire engines in the 23 local governments, to boost fire prevention and control,” Mr. Dingyadi said.

Sokoto successfully test runs Northern Nigeria’s first independent power project

Posted on December 1, 2016 by Staff Reporter

The Sokoto State Government has successfully conducted a test run of its N3.8 billion Independent Power Project, IPP, whose contract was awarded in November, 2008.

The project, the first of its kind in the northern part of the country, has an installed capacity of a minimum of 30 megawatts and a maximum of 38 megawatts.

The Chief Operating Officer of the contracting firm, Vulcan Elvaton Ltd, Franklin Ngbor, told journalists during the test run that the turbine of the project had already been tested three times.

He said: “What remains now is the synchronisation of the plant with the fuel tank and the main evacuation line, down to the transmission line.

“The plant when fully completed, finally fired and integrated into the national grid, can work for five consecutive years nonstop.

“It is only after it works for five years that it can be shut down for routine maintenance.”

The Director-General of the project, Umar Bande, stated that, the plant has a multiple type turbine that can use diesel, gas or LPFO.

According to Mr. Bande, the plant was now being test run on diesel, saying “it consumes 33,000 litres per day.”

He said plans are afoot to sign a fuel supply security agreement with the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) or other major oil firms.

This, he noted, was to make the fuel supply cheaper, more sustainable and ensuring maximum operations of the plant.

The Secretary to the State Government, Bashir Garba, said so far, nine stages, out of 11, required for a successful test run, have been carried out without hitches.

He said an agreement will soon be signed between the state government and the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), on the evacuation of the power to the national grid.

Mr. Garba explained that the project was necessitated by the epileptic power supply to the state from the national grid.

He added: “The state will be enjoying nearly 24-hour power supply when the plant becomes fully operational.

“This is a project that is worth celebrating as power supply in Nigeria will be bolstered with the injection of 38 megawatts to the national grid.

“This will also eventually boost the socioeconomic landscape in the state, curb poverty, restiveness and unemployment, among other myriad of direct and indirect benefits.”

Sokoto State Government establishes agency for girl-child education

Posted on November 29, 2016 by Staff Reporter

As part of renewed efforts to enhance access to education among females in Sokoto, the state government has announced the establishment of an agency for girl-child education.

Governor Aminu Tambuwal made this known during a meeting with officials from the Nigeria Office of UNICEF and the United Kingdom’s Department for International Development (DFID).

“The new agency will coordinate all issues related to female education from basic level to tertiary level. Officials of the agency will also interface with local and international stakeholders to properly monitor progress of our girls in schools and what needs to be done to boost enrolment, retention and completion of all girls in schools in Sokoto State.

“Importantly, the agency, in close collaboration with other agencies and government departments, will supervise and implement targeted policies aimed at assisting our female students to achieve their potentials,” the governor was quoted as saying via a statement issued Tuesday by his spokesman, Imam Imam, in Sokoto.

According to him, huge investment has been made to ensure turn around in the fortunes of education in Sokoto.

The governor therefore appealed to development partners, especially the DFID, to expand their areas of intervention in the state.

On the school feeding programme which the government plans to introduce, Tambuwal said consultations are still ongoing, with a view to ensure that once introduced, it will be self-sustaining.

“We are currently studying the challenges faced by other states, notably Kano and Kaduna, when they introduced the school feeding in public schools. We are working with all our partners to introduce home-grown strategy in its implementation.

“As soon as it takes off, we plan to ensure it is sustained,” he added.

In her remarks, DFID’s Education Adviser, Laura Brannelly, commended Tambuwal for declaring state of emergency in education, saying so far, there’s a coordinated effort to tackle challenges in the sector in the state.

She equally urged the governor to expedite action on the proposed National Summit on Female Education which Sokoto government plans to organise early next year.

Others in the team were Roisin Whille, Teija Vallendigham and UNICEF’s Azuka Menkiti.

USAID signs MoU to improve primary education in Sokoto.

Posted on November 15, 2016 by Staff Reporter

The U.S. government has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Sokoto state to support and improve the education sector.

The five-year MoU will be facilitated through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).

The MOU will see the U.S. support Sokoto state government’s goals and targets in its education sector strategic plans and also the establishment of a preliminary plan for joint monitoring and evaluation of progress.

“The United States commends Sokoto State for its extraordinary efforts to provide greater learning opportunities for its children. This MOU will expand the partnership between USAID and Sokoto State to improve primary education in Sokoto,” said Michael Harvey, USAID mission director.

The USAID is already backing the Northern Education Initiative Plus and the Leadership, Empowerment, Advocacy and Development.

The aim of both programmes is to build state and local government capacity and systems that will teach approximately 2 million primary school children how to read and allow nearly 500,000 children the opportunity to attend classes in community-based learning centers by the year 2020.

Sokoto to immunise 1.8m children against polio.

Posted on November 14, 2016 by Staff Reporter

Sokoto State Government says it is targeting no fewer than 1.8 million children, aged from 0 to 5 years in the ongoing four days polio immunisation in the state.

The State Deputy Governor, Ahaji Ahmed Aliyu, made the disclosure to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Sokoto on Sunday.

Aliyu, who is also the Chairman of the State’s Task Force on polio immunisation, said that the exercise, which commenced on Saturday, would end on Tuesday.

He said efforts were on to achive over 100 per cent coverage of the targeted children in all the 23 local government areas of the state.

The deputy governor said that the state government had distributed about 1.83 million doses of Oral Polio Vaccines (OPV) across the state.

Aliyu said that no fewer than 9,429 health personnel were conducting the exercise.

Also, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Alhaji Almustapha Othman, also told NAN that measures had been put in place to ensure the full acceptance of the exercise by parents.

Othman expressed happiness that parents in the state were now wholly accepting the exercise.

In his remarks, the Executive Secretary, State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr Sani Labaran, also explained that social mobilisation of all the residents had been intensified.

This, Labaran said, was to shore up the acceptance of the OPV by the parents, adding that it was safe.

Aisha Buhari flags off medical programme in Sokoto State, targets 3,000 beneficiaries

Posted on November 11, 2016 by Staff Reporter

The wife of the president through her ‘future assured-program’ chose this gesture to commiserate the 10th year anniversary of the Sultan ‘ His Eminence ‘ in callaboration with MMAWT legacy initiative and the state ministries for health , women affairs and local government.

Speaking at the event , Mrs Buhari said that the gesture was also part of her unwavering commitment to the health of Nigerian women, children and other vulnerable groups.
On arrival , the delegation and host went to the sultan’s palace on a courtesy call to his Eminence Muhammad Sa’ad 111 and congratulatory letter presented .

The wife of the president who was represented by the wife of the Speaker Dame Gimbiya Dogara promised to continue such gestures and callaborations nationwide as a way of re-awakening community development by volunteering and bridge building .
The first phase was at a primary school in Kware L.G.A where children were dewormed and giving free Vitamin A .

The flag off of the Medical outreach was held in Dange-Shuni local Government where free screenings , mosquito nets , tests , medications and awareness on the essence of good hygiene and sanitation was given and created .

The target was for 3, 000 persons .
Dr. Kakale Balarabe , commissioner for health high lighted the efforts of the government through his ministry on the swift measures in place to curtail the malaria outbreak in Sokoto and successful implementation of other action aid for numerous diseases across the state .

Diabetics had a clinic alongside the malaria desks, blood pressure , sickle cell and cancer in tow .
The Future assured medical team led by the personal physician to the First Lady , Dr Kamal and 20 health workers worked alongside over 40 Sokoto state health workers in the screening exercise which lasted a whole day .

Dr. Hajo Sani , Dame Paulen Tallen , Pst. Mrs. Florence Umana , H.E Mairo Almakura ( wife of the Nassarawa state governor ) Haj. Maryam Salihu Ibrahim , some wives of National Assembly members amongst others were in attendance .

The Founder of MMAWT legacy initiative and wife of the Sokoto State governor in her remarks called on indigenes and residents of Sokoto state environs to take sanitation seriously and outlined relevant issues confronting all .

She thanked the Wife of the President for her consistent and admirable support in caring for humanity and impacting on lives through Numerous ways.

The day long program was rounded off by a Private lunch hosted by the wife of Her Eminence , the wife of the Sultan of Sokoto at the palace for the Team.

All of us at MMAWT legacy initiative congratulate all who made it a success.

Now that the Senate has thrown out the Grazing Bill, what next? – Adeeko Ademola

Posted on November 10, 2016 by Staff Reporter

The Senate yesterday stepped down three bills on the controversial issue of grazing in the country.

They are: “A Bill for an Act to Provide for the Establishment of Grazing Areas Management Agency and Other Related Matters 2016”, sponsored by Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso (APC, Kano Central); “A Bill for an Act to Provide for the Establishment of National Ranches Commission for the Regulation, Management, Preservation and Control of Ranches and Connected Purposes 2016”, sponsored by Senator Barnabas Gemade (APC, Benue North-East); and “A Bill for an Act to Control the Keeping and Movement of Cattle in Nigeria and Other Related Matters 2016”, sponsored by Senator Chukwuka Utazi (PDP, Enugu North).

The Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, said the Senate lacked the constitutional authority to legislate on the issues.

In as much as I would have loved that we find a lasting solution to the issue of animal grazing in Nigeria in the national assembly, I’m also of the opinion that the state governors do have a huge part to play in resolving the crisis that follows destruction of farmlands by Fulani herdsmen and their livestock.

As I have always opined that the Grazing Bill is dead on arrival basically because it does not address the fundamental questions raised by the victims of the herdsmen versus farmers carnage.

The Grazing Bill seeks to allocate portions of lands all over the federation to herdsmen for grazing. Any critical thinking person should know that this move will but only further the escalation of the feud between herdsmen and host communities. Using constitutional powers to allocate lands to nomads in host communities cannot count as a just method to solving the crisis.

Creating a grazing route in 36 states of the federation is like favoring settlers with the ownership rights to lands over the indigents of a particular area and considering how deeply divided the Nigerian people are along tribal and ethnic lines, the bill simply seeks to institutionalize the existing tension between herdsmen and farmer which in turn tends to be more dangerous than what we presently witness.

For instance, allocating grazing lands to a Fulani man in a Yoruba land like Ekiti is not a move that will sit well with the original indigents unless of course it is a business transaction of which in this case, is not.

Apart from the land-grabbing outlook of the allocation of lands for grazing, we are simply seeking to elaborate an already over-bloated government. In a time of recession, when the government is expected to reduce the size of it’s operations in order to save cost, we are looking to pass a bill that seeks to establish a Grazing Route Agency which intends to have a secretariat in all 36 state of the federation and thereby incurring running costs in operation and staff remuneration.

In a corruption-ridden country like ours, we cannot afford to use tax-payers money to create avenues for corrupt practices. As the struggle to cleanse ministries, parastatals and agencies of corruption, it’s not advisable to encourage corrupt practices by creating unneeded and inconsequential government agencies.

What To Do:

It is a laudable move for the government to put into consideration the plight of the herdsmen but that should not come at the detriment of people with other sources of livelihood. Therefore, the Grazing method of animal husbandry should be replaced with immediate effect by Ranching.

Ranching is the practice of raising herds of animals on large tracts of land. A ranch is an area of landscape, including various structures, given primarily to the practice of ranching, the practice of raising grazing livestock such as cattle or sheep for meat, diary, skin or wool.

One of the major reasons why Ranching should be adopted over Nomadic Grazing is the elimination of the movement of animals from one part of the country to another thereby infringing on the rights of other citizens. Apart from averting crisis, research has also shown that animals that are ranched tend to be healthier than those that are being moved around.

In furtherance, ranching is a good source of revenue generation for state governments. Providing ranches in the 19 Northern States of Nigeria will go a long way in ensuring that cattle owners do not have to leave the state in search of vegetation for their animals thereby helping the government to keep tabs on revenue opportunities. For instance, if there are ranches in a state like Sokoto, the Sokoto Government can lease out such ranches to willing herders in exchange for money. Proper sensitization of herdsmen by the government can be carried out to give better understanding about the benefits that come with ranching.

SECURITY: Herdsmen over time, have always had dangerous encounters with cattle rustlers. Cattle rustling is the act of stealing cattle, which is made easy because of the nomadic nature of Fulani Herdsmen. Despite bitter encounters, the government have not been able to find a solution to cattle rustling and that is basically because it is almost impossible to provide security for an entity which happens to be on the move constantly. Animals that are ranched up in one location can be adequately provided with necessary security. The risk of being attacked and robbed in open fields will be greatly minimized because animals can be efficiently tracked and appropriately secured.

HEALTHCARE: As part of the benefits herdsmen will enjoy, ranches also enable animals to be tracked and properly given the needed medical attention. Government can set up veterinary facilities to ensure quality of animal production. This feature will be impossible if animals are being moved from one place to another in a nomadic method. In ranches, when animals need medical attention, all the farmer needs to do is to contact the closest veterinary facility to get help and because the veterinary personnel readily knows the location of the animals, response is swift and precise. Also, laboratories for animal medical researches can be set up to have a proper study of livestock in terms of behavioral patterns in comparison to weather, nutrition, climate and so many other factors. Such researches help in projections and provisions of certain inventions that may yet be beneficial to both farmers, animals and consumers of animal products such as leather, beef, dairy and other by products.

If government can generate funds from herdsmen by providing them with ranches, the outcome benefits of such collaboration is not quantifiable. From security, to healthcare, to improvement in livestock production, the benefits trump whatever benefits derived from the nomadic method of animal husbandry.

Since the Senate has stepped down the Grazing Bill and made it known publicly that finding a lasting solution to the issue of grazing is the sole responsibilities of State Governors, it is time the governors especially northern governors came together in a forum with sole purpose of mapping out plans to ensure the clashes between herdsmen and farmers come to a perpetual halt.

I have, in this piece made their job 50% easier. All the need to do is; do a little more research, fine-tune it and then implement.

Malaria outbreak: Sokoto treats 2000 in eight days.

Posted on November 8, 2016 by Staff Reporter

No fewer than 2,000 patients have been treated at the malaria camp set up by the Sokoto State Government at the Murtala Specialist Hospital, Sokoto in the last eight days.

The State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Balarabe Kakale, on Tuesday said that there was an outbreak of malaria in some parts of Sokoto North Local Government, especially the Gandu area and its environs.

He said that the state government provided 10 ambulances to convey patients with the ailment from their homes to the camp.

He said, “The camp was fully equipped, staffed and provided with free drugs, as well as medicament. The camp has 10 medical doctors, 25 nurses, 10 laboratory scientists and 15 medical records officers, among others.”

Kakale also stated that the camp has adequate stocks of antimalarial drugs, intravenous fluids, antibiotics and other medicament to cater for the patients.

He said, “It is heart-warming that zero mortality was recorded out of the over 2000 cases at the camp.

“Over 60 per cent of these cases had severe cases of malaria, with majority of them as out-patients, while only 17 are now responding to treatment at the camp. The rest were fully treated and discharged as the situation had been brought under total control.”

The Commissioner disclosed that the fatality from the outbreak still remain five contrary to some media reports.

“The problem was then caused by the contamination of the environment, like water, food and air pollution. The heaps of refuse that hitherto dotted the affected areas been evacuated.

“All the drains were also de-silted and fumigated against mosquitoes. We have also sustained intensive campaigns on the need for the residents to ensure personal and environmental hygiene.”

The Wife of the President, Mrs A’isha Buhari, had on Monday flagged off a special medical outreach in Sokoto State, as part of her response to the malaria crisis in the state.

Represented by the Wife of the Speaker, House of Representatives, Mrs Gimbiya Dogara, she said that the gesture was under her Future-Assured Programme.

The outreach programme was being conducted in collaboration with ‘The Maryam Mairo Aminu Waziri Tambuwal Legacy Initiative’, the pet project of the Wife of Governor Aminu Tambuwal, Mrs Maryam Tambuwal.

Obasanjo interrupts Emir Sanusi’s speech in a dramatic entry at the #SokotoDurbar

Posted on November 5, 2016 by Staff Reporter

In a twist of events, a mild drama ensued at the Shehu Kangiwa Square, the venue of the 10th anniversary of the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar.

Despite provisions made available by protocol officials that President Muhammadu Buhari was to be the last guest to enter the Durbar ground to mark the commencement of the event, Ex-President Obasanjo, just like an uninvited guest, came out of nowhere and caused a distraction that forced the speech of the Sarkin Kano, HRH Sanusi Lamido Sanusi to be halted midway.

This mild drama made all in attendance wonder if that was meant to happen. While some of the dignitaries clearly felt the entry made by the Ex-President was intentional, dramatic and unneeded, a lot of other people will beg to disagree as they cheered the controversy-loving former Head of State.

Dressed in traditional Sokoto regalia, with green turban, Obasanjo upon his arrival immediately climbed up to the pavilion where dignitaries comprising of President Muhammad Buhari, Senate President Bukola Saraki, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, traditional rulers from all over the country and other important personalities were seated.

Obasanjo’s entry into the pavilion elicited several round of cheers from the teeming crowd as he moved to exchange pleasantries with some of the already seated guests.

In furtherance of his protocol breach, the former president drew the attention of all when he mounted one of the houses lined for the Durbar.

As the Yanlabai of Sokoto, a traditional title conferred on him by the Sokoto caliphate, he led a delegation of horse riders at the commencement of the #SokotoDurbar

EXCLUSIVE: Obasanjo, Okorocha, Sanusi, Ooni of Ife, Others slay at the #SokotoDurbar

Posted on November 5, 2016 by Staff Reporter

Omojuwa.Com was ably represented at the Durbar ceremony organized to commemorate the 10th coronation anniversary of the Sultan of Sokoto, Muammad Sa’ad Abubakar, which kicked off on the 2nd of November.

In attendance were all dignitaries including politicians and royal fathers from all parts of the country. The Durbar which came in last in a 4-day long celebration drew international attention to the Seat of the Caliphate, Sokoto State.

Among some of the dignitaries were; Ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo, President Muhammadu Buhari, Senate President Bukola Saraki, HOR Speaker Yakubu Dogara, Kwara State Governor Abdulfataah Ahmed, Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha, Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike, Former Deputy HOR Speaker Emeka Ihedioha amongst others.

Apart from the ceremony, the event was an opportunity for the state governor, Aminu Tambuwal who was the speaker of the house representatives in the last administration to showcase and publicize some of his legacy projects which after inspection were commissioned by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari.

Security was top-notch as armed forces in conjunction with other sister agencies ensured the state was under adequate security due to the ravaging Boko Haram attacks in the state in recent times.

Sokoto state, heavily laden with a vast and rich historical and cultural background seized the opportunity to show off some of it’s heritage to visitors and tourists from all parts of the world. The Caliphate happens to be one of the biggest in northern Nigeria. However, with untold stories of the Jihad among other historical struggles.

It is rumored that over 700 Horses and Camels participated in the colorful event. And with confirmation from the Omojuwa.Com correspondence, that rumor is not far from the truth.

The Durbar, like this one is usually a common event set up to celebrate special occassions in northern Nigeria. It is also an event that dates back to the pre-colonial history of the Hausa-Fulani people across the country.

Below are some of the pictures from the event:

Mild Drama As Ex-President Obasanjo Enters Venue Of #SokotoDurbar

Posted on November 5, 2016 by Staff Reporter

A mild drama ensued at the Shehu Kangiwa Square, Splits, venue of the 10th anniversary durbar of the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar.

Obasanjo, who arrived the venue of the Durbar after President Muhammedu Buhari was already seated elicited cheers from the crowd who hailed his entrance.

He arrived about 10 minutes after President Buhari was already seated at the venue, a development clearly against protocol. The president according to protocol is supposed to be the last dignitary to arrive at any public function.

The cheers from the crowd heralding Obasanjo’s arrival forced the Emir of Kano, Sanusi Muhammad to temporarily halt the welcome speech he was delivering at the time.

Obasanjo’s entry into the pavilion elicited several round of cheers from the teeming crowd as he moves to exchange pleasantries with some of the seated guests.

As if that was not enough, the former president drew the attention of all when he mounted one of the houses lined for the Durbar.

As the Yanlabai of Sokoto, a traditional title conferred on him by the Sokoto caliphate, he led a delegation of horse riders during the durbar.

Why Buhari Will Visit Sokoto On Saturday

Posted on November 4, 2016 by Staff Reporter

President Muhammadu Buhari is expected to pay a one-day working visit Tito Sokoto State on Saturday.

The Spokesman of Governor Aminu Tambuwal, Imam Imam, said on Friday that the President would be in the state to inspect and inaugurate some developmental projects.

Imam said that among the projects earmarked for inauguration by the president is the 500-housing estate at Kalambaina-Sokoto.

The project was initiated by former Governor Aliyu Wamakko and completed by Tambuwal.

The houses will be sold to civil servants in the state, to further reduce housing deficit in the state.

Imam also said President Buhari would witness the 3000-horses Durban organised as part of the 10th Year Anniversay of the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar 111

The events marking the historic anniversary have been going on smoothly since Nov. 2.

He said, ”The state government is appreciative of the laudable support and cooperation of the generality of the people of the state.

“We are however imploring them to sustain the tempo, as well as intensify their fervent prayers for peace, unity and socioeconomic prosperity of Nigeria.”

Speaking on the durbar, a Senior Counsellor in the Sultanate Council of Sokoto, Alhaji Hassan Danbaba, said, “The Emir of Kano and the Etsu Nupe had brought 500 horses each, while the Emir of Argungu brought 700.

“Some of the horses were brought from Katsina, parts of Sokoto and other Emirates in the country.”

Danbaba, who is also the Magajin Garin Sokoto, added that arrangements had been concluded to make the event hitch-free and memorable.

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo had on Thursday in Sokoto declared open an International Symposium on the Sokoto Caliphate.

The Speakers at the Symposium included a Professor Emeritus from the University College, London, Prof. Murray Last.

Credit: NAN

#SultanAt10: Buhari to visit Sokoto on Saturday.

Posted on November 4, 2016 by Staff Reporter

President Muhammadu Buhari will pay a one-day working visit to Sokoto, the Seat of the Caliphate on Saturday, November 5, 2016.

A statement issued Friday by Malam Imam Imam, the spokesman of Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, said while in Sokoto, the President will officially inaugurate the 500 unit housing estate built by the Sokoto State Government for civil servants at Kalambaina.

The President will use the occasion of the visit to witness the Durbar organised as part of activities marking the 10th anniversary of the appointment of Sultan Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar to the throne.

A well-attended international symposium on the Sokoto Caliphate was held on Thursday and declared open by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.

#SultanAt10: National Security Summit, The way forward, Sultan Advocates.

Posted on November 3, 2016 by Staff Reporter

His Eminence the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar has called for a National Security Summit, the Spiritual leader of Muslims faithful in Nigeria made the call at the International symposium which is part of the activity marking his ten years on the throne as the Sultan of Sokoto.

Speaking he said; “I want to ask Mr Vice President, is it possible to have a national security Summit which will be attended by all stakeholder.”

According to the Sultan, he also added the summit will include all stakeholders within security setting in the country, as well traditional rulers and others.

Speaking further he also called on politicians and public office holders to imbibe the spirit of accountability, as he added; “There should be freedom of religion. Since we did not create ourselves, we must allow everyone to choose the religion they want for themselves, ” he said.

“Whoever is bad is bad, whether he is a Christian, a Muslim, APC, PDP. Let every criminal answer their names.”

“We must come together as one irrespective of our religious or political affiliations to fight the evil ones.”

#SultanAt10: Don’t build airports when you can’t pay salaries – Sultan tells Governors

Posted on November 3, 2016 by Staff Reporter

The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar 11 has enjoined Nigerian leaders especially the State Governors to check themselves and focus more on projects that could be of benefit to the people.

He gave the advice on Thursday, while speaking at the International Symposium on the Sokoto Caliphate as part of the activities marking his 10th anniversary of ascension to the throne as the 20th Sultan of Sokoto.

The Sultan decried a situation where political leaders do lots of wrong things hiding under politics.

He particularly frowned at misplaced priorities, wondering why a governor that is struggling to pay workers salaries for months now woukd be considering building an airport.

It will be recalled that the Governor of Benue state, Samuel Orton, has announced the resolve of his administration to build a N38 billion cargo airport in Makurdi.

ALSO READ Terrorists hit police station, bank, school in Gombe

In series of tweets, Imam Imam, Media Aide to Governor Aminu Tambuwal, quoted the Sultan as saying, “We want to call on our leaders to check themselves especially the Governors and I am very serious about this.

“Why should we have proliferation of airports when the roads used by the common is in terrible shape?

Governors, please check yourselves. You have many misplaced priorities.

“Why should a Governor build an airport of N38 billion when you can’t pay salary?

“Injustice by leaders at all levels is a threat to our existence. Without justice we can’t make progress.

“People hide under politics to do lots of wrong things against the state. Don’t let them get away with it.

“There are many issues in this country that require adequate attention. Among the most important is to tackle security.

“It is our duties to tell our political leaders that this is what the common man is saying.

“Please, our leaders , do what is right.”

Sultan Abubakar also lamented insecurity across the country, calling on the federal government to consider convening security summit that will have all stakeholders in attendance and devoid of a jamboree.

Imam tweeted further, “There are many issues in this country that require adequate attention. Among the most important is to tackle security.”

The Sultan said he has in the last 10 years been focusing “on education, health of our people, and building understanding among all Nigerians.”

He assured that “We will continue to do more for our people, much more than what we have done in the last 10 years.”

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, who declared the symposium open, commended the Sultan’s efforts in promoting peaceful co-existence among Nigerians in the last 10 years.

He prayed to God to continue to guide and give him more wisdom to carry on with the task of promoting harmonious relationship among Nigerians irrespective of ethnic and religious differences.

Earlier in their different speeches, the keynote speaker, Prof Murray Last; Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi 11, chairman of the occasion, Prof Shehu Galadanchi and the host Governor Aminu Tambuwal, had congratulated Sultan Abubakar and appreciated his commitment to peace and peaceful coexistence.

#SultanAt10: Excitement As Sultan Marks 10 Years on The Throne.

Posted on November 2, 2016 by Staff Reporter

Sokoto the seat of the caliphate is at the moment avid with pomp and pageant as the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, marks his 10th year anniversary on November 5, 2016.

Following the tremendous of the Sultan’s massive feat, many preparations put in place by the Sokoto’s Sultanate Council and the Magajin Garin Sokoto are in top gear for this epoch making events.

While speaking to newsmen at the palace of the Sultan, Alhaji Hassan Danbaba, a Palace Senior Counselor hinted that the Emir of Kano and Etsu Nupe are expected to send more than 500 horses, even as over 700 are also expected from the Emir of Argungu.

Arrangements lined up for the epoch making event according to the councilor include the event beginning with a dinner this evening November 2nd, and this will be followed by a symposium on the Sultanate’s contributions to politics, economy, others on Thursday, November 3, 2016.

Then on November 4^th being there will be Special prayers for peace and unity which will be held at the Sultan Bello Mosque, Sokoto, and then the grand finale which is scheduled for November 5th, will feature a grand durbar, which will feature thousands of horse riders.

The Councilor hinted also that by March 2017, new traditional title holders will be turbaned by the Sultan, however, while paying accolades to the Sultan, he described him as being very committed to unity and the cause of humanity; “One of the most tremendous achievements is unity of Muslim Ummah and Nigeria at large.”

The Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, and other prominent guests are expected to attend the event.

Sokoto State Government trains 115 local council workers.

Posted on November 2, 2016 by Staff Reporter

The Sokoto State Government has commenced the training of no fewer than 115 Local Government workers on modern agricultural extension services.

The Executive Secretary of the Local Government Service Commission (LGSC), Alhaji Haruna Tambuwal, disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Sokoto.

He said that five workers were drawn from each of the 23 Local Governments of the state.

Tambuwal said that the intensive training package would last for four consecutive months.

“The participants will be intimated with latest globally-acclaimed strategies on agricultural extension services.

“They will also be adequately drilled on myriad of modern farming techniques.

“This is to enable them to know how to effectively impart same knowledge to the farmers across the state.

“This is aimed at having the multiplier effects on increased food production, reduction of poverty and unemployment,” NAN quotes the executive secretary as saying.

Tomato Farmers Collaborate To Boost Wheat Production In Sokoto – Chairman

Posted on October 31, 2016 by Staff Reporter

Alhaji Haruna Abubakar, Chairman, Tomato Farmers Association of Nigeria, Sokoto State Chapter, said his members would collaborate with wheat farmers to boost the production of the product in the state.
Abubakar made the disclosure in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Sokoto.
He said the state government’s determination and commitment to technologically improve wheat production in the state was the reason for the collaboration.
Hs said that the government is so much committed to improving agricultural production, as it had introduced modern wheat farming techniques.
“All our members have accepted to join hands with the association of wheat farmers to ensure the development of farming activities in the Sokoto.”
Abubakar thanked Gov. Aminu Tambuwal for supporting farmers in the state.

He assured the government of his members’ commitment to grow the sector for the overall development and growth of the nation’s economy.

He, therefore, urged members of the association to become role models to their counterparts in other states, by utilizing the opportunity provided by the state government to boost agriculture in the state.

Credit: NAN

Sokoto initiates bill for right to education, employs science teachers.

Posted on October 20, 2016 by Staff Reporter

Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, has initiated the Right to Education Bill 2016, in recognition, and protection of right to education for children between six and 18 years in the state.

This is the first time any state in Nigeria will seek to legally make education a fundamental human right of all children.

The bill is one of the major components of the policy on the state of emergency in education declared in the state in December 2015.

“Sokoto will be the first state in Nigeria to provide right to education, thereby bringing it in comformity with the status of fundamental objective and directive principle of state policy under Chapter Two of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999,” according to Justice Commissioner Suleiman Usman.

Usman, who spoke while fielding questions from reporters in Sokoto, stressed that this step, would consolidate the declaration of emergency in education by the administration in concrete terms.

He described the bill as one of the major achievements of the Tambuwal administration, adding that in view of the high premium the administration has given to rural transformation and delivery of social services to the people especially at the grassroots, the Social and Community Development Agency Bill 2016, has also been initiated by the Executive, and is before the state House of Assembly.

“This Bill seeks to create a Social and Community Development Agency ?for the execution of social and community development projects throughout Sokoto State,” he explained.

In a related development, Tambuwal has approved the recruitment of 96 new science and technology teachers 20 lawyers to serve as counsels in the state’s ministries of science and technology and justice respectively.

Sokoto State Set To Make Education A Fundamental Human Right

Posted on October 19, 2016 by Staff Reporter

Reports reveal that Gov. Tambuwal of Sokoto state has initiated the Right to Education Bill 2016 in recognition and protection of right to education for children between 6 and 18 years in the state and this is the first time any state in Nigeria will seek to legally make education a fundamental human right of all children in Nigeria’s history

Fashola Flags Off Distribution Of Free Pre-Paid Meters In Sokoto [Pictures]

Posted on October 11, 2016 by Staff Reporter

Sokoto state Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal was joined by the Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola, to flag off distribution of free pre-paid meter in Sokoto. The Minister also inspected ongoing works at the site of the Sokoto Independent Power Project (IPP).

NYSC: Corps members protest non-payment of 4 months state allowances in Sokoto

Posted on October 7, 2016 by Staff Reporter

The 2015 Batch `B’ National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members deployed to Sokoto State have protested the non-payment of their four months state allowances amounting to N49.04 million.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the protesting Corps members were being owed state allowances between July and October 2016.

The Corps members, who concluded their service year on Thursday, marched from the NYSC Secretariat at Kalambaina, Sokoto, to Government House.

The Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Bashir Garba, who received them on behalf of Gov. Aminu Tambuwal, pleaded with corps members to be patient.

Garba assured the protesting Corps members that the money would be paid latest Oct. 7.

The Chairman of NYSC Governing Board in the state, Alhaji Muhammad Ladan, confirmed the story.

Ladan told NAN in Sokoto on Friday that “as we speak now, the payment for the months of July to September, 2016 is ongoing, adding that the amount involved was N36.78 million.

”The money for the month of October, 2016 amounting to N12. 26 million will drop into NYSC account from the Ministry of Finance anytime from now.”

The state NYSC Coordinator, Mr Thomas Yamma, also confirmed the story when he addressed newsmen in Sokoto on Friday.

NAN reports that, Gov. Aminu Tambuwal recently jerked up the monthly allowances being paid to the corps members.

The corps members were being paid minimum of N5,000 to maximum of N50,000 monthly depending on their disciplines. (NAN)

Sokoto Declares Tomorrow Holiday For Islamic New Year

Posted on October 3, 2016 by Staff Reporter

The Sokoto State Government has declared tomorrow as public holiday to commemorate the start of the Islamic New Year (Muharram 3, 1438 AH).

A statement yesterday by Governor Aminu Tambuwal’s spokesman Malam Imam Imam congratulated Muslims for witnessing the Hijra New Year.

It quoted Tambuwal as appealing to the people of the state to use the occasion of the public holiday to intensify prayers for the nation.

It urged all citizens to care, love and protect one another, adding that, Islamic virtues of unity, peace and honesty, should be promoted by all persons.

Sultan declares Monday 1st Muharram, Sokoto Govt declares Tuesday public holiday

The declaration followed the declaration of yesterday as the first day of Muharram, 1438 AH by the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III.

Sokoto declares tomorrow holiday for Islamic New Year

Tambuwal advocates review of revenue allocation formula

Posted on September 14, 2016 by Staff Reporter

Sokoto State governor, Aminu Tambuwal, has called for urgent review of the revenue allocation formula, to favour states and local governments.

Tambuwal made the call when he received various professional groups who paid him Sallah homage on Wednesday in Sokoto.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the groups included Sokoto Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture, Association of Resident Communities, Coalition of Non-Governmental Organizations, among others.

“The state and the local governments are the closest tiers of government to the people, unfortunately, they are getting less than the Federal Government from the Federation Account.

“The ugly trend should be reversed in favour of states and local governments to enable them meet the overwhelming demands of the grassroots,” the governor said.

Tambuwal rejected calls for the “geographical” restructuring of Nigeria, saying that instead, the country should focus on fiscal restructuring.

On unity, the governor said dialogue must be adopted by all aggrieved groups to address percieved problems in the country.

“We believe in the unity of the country and the unity of Nigeria is non-negotiable.

“Dialogue is also the most potent tool to resolve all problems, anywhere and at anytime.

“There are really challenges in Nigeria, and it is not peculiar to the nation, and these challenges are surmountable.”

Tambuwal promised to revive ailing industries in the state in partnership with the chamber, and adopt policies to bolster trade and commerce.

Eid-el-Kabir: NSCDC mobilises 800 personnel in Sokoto

Posted on September 8, 2016 by Staff Reporter

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Sokoto State Command, has mobilised more than 800 personnel to provide security in the state during the forthcoming Eid-El-Kabir celebration.

The state Commandant of the corps, Alhaji Babangida Aliyu, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Sokoto that the security operatives would be deployed to Eid praying grounds, public buildings and recreation centres to ensure safety of residents.

He said that the operatives would complement the efforts of other security agencies in the state to ensure security.

“I strongly urge members of the general public to be security conscious and report any suspicious movements in and around their neighbourhood to security agencies for prompt action,” Aliyu said.

He also said that plain-cloth security personnel had been deployed on foot patrols to sensitive locations. Aliyu saidd that the measure was aimed at protecting the citizens against security threats.

According to him, NSCDC personnel in local government areas of the state have been briefed on security measures to be adopted to deal with any unforeseen circumstances before, during and after the celebration.

NAN reports that the Federal Government has declared Sept. 12 and Sept. 13 public holidays for the celebration of Eid-EL-Kabir by Muslims.

Lawmaker Donates N5m Relief Materials To Flood Victims In Sokoto

Posted on August 29, 2016 by Staff Reporter

A member of the House of Representatives, Alhaji Isa Kalanjeni, on Monday donated assorted relief materials worth N5 million to flood victims in Bachaka, Gudu Local Government of Sokoto State.

Presenting the items, at Bachaka, Kalanjeni, who represents Gudu/Tangaza Federal Constituency, said the gesture was aimed at alleviating the suffering of the victims.

Kalanjeni said, ”My visit here is to personally commiserate with you in your most trying times.

“My donation is not in any way a compensation for your huge losses, as only God who destines the disaster is capable of doing that.

”You should, however, regard the unfortunate disaster as an inevitable act of God.”

The lawmaker said he had reported the incident to the House of Representatives with a view to getting relief for the victims.

He said, ”I have also written to the National Emergency Management Agency for its prompt action.’’

The District Head of Bachaka, Alhaji Aminu Abdulahi, commended the lawmaker for the gesture and promised judicious distribution of the items to the victims.

The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Tangaza Local Government, Alhaji Madugu Ruwa-Wuri, called for prayers to prevent re-occurrence of the incident.

Ibrahim Gatari and Sambo Abdullahi, two of the beneficiaries, also commended the donor for his intervention and promised to make the proper use of the materials.

The items included 300 bags of cement, 30 bundles of roofing sheet, rubber mats, plastic buckets and kettles, among others.

Credit:

http://punchng.com/lawmaker-donates-n5m-relief-materials-flood-victims-sokoto/

John Kerry In Sokoto, What He Told Sultan Abubakar

Posted on August 23, 2016 by Staff Reporter

Mr John Kerry, U.S. Secretary of State, on Tuesday lauded the efforts of the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, for promoting religious tolerance and understanding among Nigerians.

Kerry was speaking during a courtesy visit on the Sultan at his palace .

He said that the Sultanate Council was building a community of tolerance for peace, progress and political stability in Nigeria.

He said that the United States would continue to identify itself with the Sultanate in strengthening religious tolerance and understanding among Nigerians.

He said that being the first secretary of state to visit the seat of the caliphate, all hands should be on deck towards strengthening religious knowledge among Nigerians.

Sultan Sa’ad Abubakar had earlier expressed delight at the visit.

He said that the council would continue to promote peaceful coexistence among Nigerians for the overall political growth of the country.

He explained that religious tolerance and understanding among Nigerians remained the principal objective of the Sultanate in mobilising Nigerians to tolerate one another for peace, progress and political stability of the country .

Gov Aminu Tambuwal, who accompanied Kerry to the palace, said the state government would continued to strengthen peaceful coexistence among the people, irrespective of religious, tribal and political differences.

” We don’t discriminate on religious, tribal, ethnic or political affiliations as we accommodate all for peace and harmony, ” he said.

Kerry had a closed door meeting with Sultan Sa’ad Abubakar and some leaders of the two major religions.

Gov. Abdulaziz Yari of Zamfara and Alhaji Inuwa Abdulkadir, Deputy National Chairman of APC North West, were present during the courtesy visit on the Sultan.

Credit: NAN

Sokoto Uncovers 13,000 Ghost Workers In LGAs

Posted on July 29, 2016 by Staff Reporter

Sokoto State Government said it has discovered no fewer than 12,915 ghost workers whose names were added into the payroll of the 23 Local Governments Areas of the state.

The State Commissioner for Local Governments and Community Development, Alhaji Mannir Dan-Iya, disclosed this at a media briefing in Sokoto.

“The Ministry, through the Monitoring Department and other stakeholders has concluded a local government junior staff verification of about 58,143 workers, comprising of scheduled and
unscheduled staff.

“The verification exercise has yielded a fruitful result, whereby about 12, 915 staff,comprising of
seat-at-home and ghost workers were fished out of the local governments staff payrolls.

“The state government has also saved over N319 million from the exercise, hence, it was a huge success.”

Dan-Iya further stated that the Ministry is planning to conduct a similar verification exercise of senior staff whose salaries are paid by the Ministry through their respective bank accounts.

The Commissioner also vowed that, the Ministry and the Local Governments Service Commission were collaborating to sanitize the payrolls of the local governments.

“Any official of the local governments or the ministry found to be wanting in this direction would be duly sanctioned. The ministry and the commission have beamed their searchlights on the various Departments of the 23 local governments, as well as the ministry, and anyone indicted would be sanctioned,” he added.

The Commissioner also said that issues that arose from the exercise mostly
associated with ”human error” were being addressed in collaboration
with the stakeholders.

Dan-Iya further explained that the ministry had successfully boosted
the internally generated revenues of the local governments by engaging
consultants.

Sokoto Government Arrests Racketeers Reselling Free Fertilisers.

Posted on July 28, 2016 by Staff Reporter

Sokoto State Government says it is currently investigating some fertiliser racketeers, who were reportedly arrested in Sabon-Birni Local Government area of the State.

The state Commissioner of Agriculture, Alhaji Umaru Nagwari, made the disclosure at news briefing organised by the Ministry of Information in collaboration with the State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ). He said that those arrested were involved in the fertiliser fraud, as they were buying and reselling the 9,000 metric tonnes of fertiliser bought by the state government at over N 1.2 billion.

”The commodity was distributed to the 23 Local Governments of the state based on their respective farmers’ population. ”The state government also provided 70 per cent subsidy on each bag of the commodity including NPK, Urea and SSP.

”Unfortunately, while efforts were being made to ensure that the commodity gets to the real farmers, these bad eggs were busy buying it off, with a view to resell it to the farmers at exorbitant prices.” he said.

Nagwari also said that the state government was currently conducting a state-wide data-based census of farmers. This, according to him, was aimed at getting a central database of farmers, to ensure that only genuine farmers henceforth get farm inputs, loans and implements. (NAN)

Sokoto To Generate 100mw Of Power From Solar

Posted on June 21, 2016 by Staff Reporter

Sokoto state government has said it is determined to multiply its energy sources so as to improve power supply and in turn boost small and medium scale industries in the state.

Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Professor Bashir Garba, stated this at the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with a Chinese firm, Kunming Engineering Corporation, for the establishment of 100mw solar-powered electricity plant in the state.

“In Sokoto, we have abundant sunlight so it is only logical we tap from the natural resource for the benefit of the populace,” the SSG said.

He added that after exploratory talks held with various companies that showed interest in providing solar power in Sokoto, the government zeroed down on Kunming because of the viability of their proposal and its future impact.

He said the project would be private-sector led, with the state government agreeing to provide a land and other incentives, while the Chinese company regularizes approval permit from the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).

“When completed, this project will complement the State Independent Power Project currently in place. We are confident that the two projects will ensure tremendous improvement in power supply in Sokoto. So I urge you to work on the terms of the agreement,” the SSG added.

In his remarks, the Assistant Managing Director for Overseas Business of the company, Qui Haisheng, said Kunming Corporation has vast experience in electricity generation spanning areas like solar, wind and hydro, adding that they have the requisite capability to deliver quality job on schedule.

Credit: Thisday

Sokoto Increases Corps Members’ Allowances

Posted on June 16, 2016 by Staff Reporter

Sokoto government has jacked up allowances of youth corps members serving in the state, with a pledge to begin immediate implementation of the new payment structure. Governor Aminu Tambuwal announced the new policy during the swearing- in ceremony of 2006 Batch ‘A’ Stream II corps members at the state NYSC orientation camp in Wamakko. He said the state government appreciates the services of corps members and government will continue to make their welfare a top priority.
Tambuwal said the new increase affects all categories of youth corps members, with those serving in medical line getting more funds than others. “Graduates of medicine will now be paid N50,000 monthly from the current amount of N36,000.
Pharmacists will now get N25,000, up from the N19,000 obtainable in the past, while graduates of laboratory science and other medical technicians like nurses are now entitled to monthly stipend of N15,000, up from the current N9,000 they are getting from the state government.
“In the same vein, graduates of social science and humanities will now be paid N5,000 monthly, from the previous N4,000 they received as state allawee (allowance).’’ While urging the corps members to reciprocate government’s gesture by being diligent in their areas of primary assignments, Tambuwal urged them to shun vices that would lead to breakdown of law and order and communal harmony. “I urge you to shun militancy, terrorism and cultism. I also invite you explore Sokoto and study its rich history, culture and people,” he added.
Meanwhile, Niger State governor, Abubakar Sani Bello said it is wrong to scrap the NYSC as being clamoured for in some quarters, saying its primary objective is very relevant in the nation.
The governor, who stated this at the formal opening ceremony of the 2016 Batch ‘A’ (Stream II) orientation course and swearing-in ceremony of corps members deployed to the state, noted that NYSC remains an enduring vehicle for national unity and integration. Against this backdrop, he urged the federal government to re-invigorate the scheme instead of scrapping it, stressing, “In my opinion, the primary objective of the scheme is to develop common ties among Nigerian youths and to promote national unity and integration and I feel this is still very relevant.”

Credit: NationalMirror

Commissioner Suspends 5 Primary School Teachers In Sokoto For Absenteeism

Posted on March 23, 2016 by Staff Reporter

Sokoto State Commissioner for Basic Education, Dr Jabbi Kilgore has suspended five teachers of Tsaki Primary School in Kware Local Government for absenting themselves from the school without permission.

Kilgore told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday shortly after addressing staff and pupils of the school, that the state government would not tolerate any act capable of sabotaging its efforts at reviving the education sector.

He directed the suspended teachers to report to the Education Secretary of the local council for further disciplinary action.

“Already the state government had sought the support of traditional rulers in monitoring the conduct of primary school teachers across the state.

“The royal fathers are expected to report to the education secretary any teacher that fails to report to his/her duty post.

“Parents are also to complement the efforts of the state government by sending their children to school in good time,’’ he said.

He said that the government had taken concrete measures to ensure the provision of modern learning materials to public schools across the state.

“We are committed to providing an enabling environment for our pupils to acquire western education to enable them contribute positively to nation’s building,” he said.

(NAN)

Gov. Tambuwal Inaugurates N268m Urology/Nephrology Centre At UDUTH Sokoto

Posted on March 18, 2016 by Staff Reporter

Gov. Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto state, on Friday, inaugurated the N268 million Urology/Nephrology Centre built by the federal government at Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto.

The centre was inaugurated as part of the events marking the 40th anniversary and the 32nd, 33rd and 34th joint convocation ceremony of the University.

Tambuwal commended the federal government, through the TETFUND for executing the project.

He said that the centre would reduce the increasing cases of kidney-related diseases in the area.

The Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Abdullahi Zuru, said that the centre was constructed at the cost of N246 million and furnished with N22 million.

He said: “It will reduce the prevalence of kidney-related and other stone diseases.

“In the same vein, the Urology and Nephrology Centre will curb the menace of medical tourism.

“It is a centre of urology and urogynaecology among other fields, and professionals had been trained to man it.’

(NAN)

15yr Old Patience Paul Narrates How She Was Abducted & Sexually Abused For 7 Months In Sokoto

Posted on March 16, 2016 by Staff Reporter

Patience Paul, the 15 year old Benue state born girl who was abducted on August 12th last year and forced into Marriage in Sokoto state where she resides with her family, has narrated how she was abducted and sexually abused by her abductor for 7 months. Patience was freed on March 4th after the Sokoto state governor, Aminu Tambuwal, intervened in her case.

Speaking in an Interview with Leadership, Patience who is a primary six pupil, said her abductor and some Hisbah (Sharia police) personnel took her to an Imam in Runjin Sambo area of Sokoto with a
claim that she wanted to convert to Islam.

“I was sent to buy biscuits and on my way I saw him (her abductor) and he persuaded me to come to his bungalow.”she said Patience said she was not forced into marriage but that her abductor turned her into a sex slave at the house of the Sarkin Baki. “Yes, he was forcefully making love to me any time he wanted. They first took me to Sarkin Baki house, and kept me there for seven months before my parents came looking for me. They gave me something to drink, but I refused to take the drink, and they took me to one room and locked me inside the room. They forcefully made me to turn to Muslim and gave me another name, Aisha. Some people wanted to marry me, but the Sarkin Baki refused and said until I finish Islamic school before they marry me off”.

Patience’s abductor has been arrested and will soon be prosecuted.

Tambuwal Orders Investigation Into Abduction Of 14-yr-Old Girl In Sokoto

Posted on March 4, 2016 by Staff Reporter

Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State has directed the state’s Human Rights Commission to wade into the alleged abduction of a 14-year-old Miss Patience Paul, on August 12, 2015. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, This came as Pan-Idoma group, Opiatoha K ‘Idoma, yesterday, pleaded with the Sultan of Sokoto, Mohammed Sa’ad Abubakar III, and Inspector General, Solomon Arase, to intervene and ensure the girl was released without delay. The governor’s directive came against the backdrop of reports of forcible abduction of the Benue-born girl, who was alleged to be held in the palace of the Sultan. The governor, in a statement by his spokesman, Malam Imam Imam, said the commission should conduct a thorough investigation into the matter and report to him.

The statement read: “On the case of alleged forceful abduction/forceful conversion of 15-year-old Patience Paul from Benue State, in Sokoto State, I wish to make the following statement. “On Wednesday, March 2, Governor Aminu Tambuwal directed the state Human Rights Commission to undertake a thorough investigation into the allegations and report same to the government. “In the interim, the Human Rights Commission was asked to present an interim report and update the public with all information as it becomes available. “In the first 24 hours, the Commission has contacted the Sultanate Council and the state police command for a briefing.

Kidnapped Patience Adaji “The Commission has also spoken to the state Hisbah Commission, as well as the person whose phone number was given in the initial allegation made online. “Despite efforts, however, the Rights Commission has been unable to contact the family of Patience Paul or anyone who will shed more light on the allegations. “It has now opened a public plea, urging Ms Paul’s family or representatives to contact it for a detailed briefing.”

Sokoto LG Polls: SIEC To Recruit 15,000 Ad hoc Staff – Chairman

Posted on March 3, 2016 by Staff Reporter

The Chairman, Sokoto State Independent Electoral Commission (SIEC), Alhaji Usman Abubakar, says the commission will employ 15,000 ad hoc staff for the conduct of March12 Local Government elections in the state.

Abubakar made the disclosure on Thursday when the state House of Assembly committee on Public Service Matters visited the commission’s headquarters.

He said that the commission is fully equipped and prepared to conduct the elections across the 23 local governments in the state on March 12.

”We are ready with all the necessary materials provided by both the government and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

“We have made all the necessary arrangements at our own level to employ 15, 000 ad hoc staff for the smooth conduct of the elections.

“Moreover, our staff and security agencies are fully committed in ensuring free, fair and credible election processes across the local governments in the state,” he said.

Abubakar disclosed that the commission had borrowed 4,000 card readers from INEC.

He called on people to be law abiding during the polls to avoid the wrath of the law.

The Assembly Committee’s Chairman, Alhaji Kabiru Kware (APC- Kware) expressed satisfaction with the level of commitment and preparedness of the commission for the elections.

He said the visit of the committee was to ascertain the level of preparedness of the commission for the polls.

(NAN)

Police Accused Of Torturing 25 Year Old Father Of 2 To Death In Sokoto

Posted on November 2, 2015 by Staff Reporter

The Sokoto state police command have been accused of torturing one Shehu Yahaya, to death following his comment on an illegal checkpoint erected by some of the state police officers along Isa-Sabon Birni road in Sokoto on Sunday October 25th.
Daily Trust reports that the 25 year old father of two was on an errand for his sister when he met with the police officers on the road and made a comment about checkpoints that have been banned by President Buhari and the illegality in the one erected by the officers.
This angered the police officers who trailed the vehicle he was commuting with. Narrating what happened, Bashar Nahantsi, a friend of the deceased, said after the deceased made the comment that angered the police, they trailed the vehicle in which they were commuting in and ordered the driver to stop.

“The policemen ordered the two of us to come out of the vehicle, claiming that they suspected us of drug abuse. We came down and they arrested us, but my late friend freed himself from their grip and ran away, leaving me with them. They stripped me and tied my hands from behind, using my vest. They asked if I had anyone who could stand for me. I said yes and called one of my elders. They did not see him, but they said I should not worry. They tied my hands and feet.

Later, my friend who ran away came back. I was put under the custody of two mobile policemen under a tree. They asked me to lie low in the grass so they could arrest my friend. They arrested him, but he later escaped into a farm. He was chased by the two mobile policemen.

By then, they had come back with my friend in an unconscious state and dumped him on the ground. At that time, he could not even sit properly. I had to support him with my feet before he could sit down.

After collecting N1, 500, they ordered that I should carry my friend to where we could get a vehicle home. When I realised the condition they had subjected my friend to, I told them I couldn’t do anything.

I managed to get away from them. It was two days after the encounter, while I was at a village that I got to know of my friend’s death. The police killed him.”he said.

Also speaking, father of the deceased, Alhaji Shehu said “I was at Birnin Gwani when the incident happened on Sunday. I came back home on Tuesday to find out that my house was filled with people. Upon enquiry I was told that my son Yahaya had died. I asked if he was sick and the people told me that it was policemen who killed him at Teke market.”.

He said that those who washed and dressed his son’s lifeless body testified that his neck was fractured and that he had bruises on it as though he was strangled.

“I have left everything to Allah, but I demand that justice be done,” he said.

Confirming the incident, the Sokoto state commissioner of Police, Salisu Fagge, said five policemen have been arrested in connection with the incident while investigation is ongoing

“The deceased’s parents alleged that the police had killed their son at a certain town. We investigated and arrested the policemen who were alleged to have carried out the assault. We called witnesses who testified to us. We will penalise any offender, whoever he is, whether police or civilian. Whoever commits any wrong must be brought to order. The law must take its course. No one should be above the law. There are procedures to be followed before the suspects are taken to court. We have to follow due process.”he said.

Sokoto Indigenes Threaten To Recall Its Senators Over Aisha

Posted on October 20, 2015 by Staff Reporter

Sokoto Citizens Forum, has said that it may consider sensitizing the people of Sokoto State across the three senatorial districts on the likelihood of commencing the recall of Senators Aliyu Wammako, Ibrahim Gobir and Ibrahim Danbaba over their perceived indisposition to the choice of Mrs. Aisha Abubakar as minister. Briefing newsmen in Sokoto, Secretary General of the group, Malam Isah Suleiman noted that Aisha has the prerequisite public experience that would be useful to Nigeria at this period of financial crisis.

His words: ”We condemn in the strongest of terms the position of Senator Aliyu Wamakko, Senator Ibrahim Gobir and Senator Ibrahim Danbaba on our ministerial nominee. In few days to come, we shall initiate the process of recall from the National Assembly the trite of Senator Wamakko, Senator Gobir and Senator Danbaba whose action has been in our interest.

”Today, our government parade impeccable men and women of integrity and character whose moral standing in the society remain a model for the younger generation. A fitting example of such rare gems of leaders is Aisha Abubakar a princess from the caliphate, whose nomination attracted applause from the length and breadth of this great country.

”Aisha Abubakar is indeed a model of what our leaders should look like. She is a thorough breed of excellence having distinguished herself as public servant per excellence in her over 20 years in the financial and investment sector of the economy. In this era of dwindling oil revenue, Aisha will bring to bear her expertise as a financial guru in diversifying our economy. Aisha Abubakar’s conduct as an anti-corruption crusader will help President Buhari to clean up the Augean Stable of the last administration.”

Credit: Vanguard

Sokoto APC rejects ministerial nominee Aisha Abubakar

Posted on October 17, 2015 by Staff Reporter

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Sokoto State on Friday rejected the nomination of Miss A’isha Abubakar as the Ministerial nominee from the state.

Addressing newsmen shortly after a stakeholders’ meeting in Sokoto Friday, the state APC Chairman, Alhaji Usman Danmadamin-Isa, said the party in the state rejected Aisha Abubakar because she hails from the same local government area with Governor Aminu Tambuwal.

He emphasised that it would amount to injustice, if the governor and minister hail from the same Sokoto -south senatorial zone.

Danmadamin-Isa insisted that the party had conducted investigation and realised that the ministerial nominee doesn’t belong to the APC.

”The meeting had discussed the nomination of one lady called A’isha as the nominee from Sokoto state and we have rejected her nomination.

”We have out rightly rejected her nomination because she is not a card-carrying member of the party in the state and nobody knows her, while she knows nobody in the state.

”We have also resolved to, respectfully, write to President Muhammadu Buhari to replace her with another more competent person,” he said

Danmadamin-Isa further explained that the party rejected the nominee because she hailed from the same local government with the state governor.

Thehe meeting was also attended by members of the national and state assemblies from the state and other key stakeholders of the party, including Alhaji Inuwa Abdulkadir, Zonal Vice Chairman, North West.

Being Out Of School To Be A Crime In Sokoto

Posted on August 26, 2015 by Staff Reporter

Governor of Sokoto State, Mr. Aminu Tambuwal, has said that his administration would criminalise and punish parents whose children are nabbed outside during school hours.

Tambuwal disclosed this, on Tuesday, while speaking at the on-going 55th Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), taking place in Abuja.

He said he would implement fully the Child Rights Act, stop child labour and other child abuses, adding that the services of lawyers were crucial to national development and that lawyers were needed more in the legislative arm of government.

Credit: dailytimes

Sokoto Government To Make Education Compulsory And Punish Parents Who Don’t Comply

Posted on July 21, 2015 by Staff Reporter

The Sokoto State government is now seeking to make education compulsory and punish parents who refuse to comply with the law.

The decision was made known by the state governor, Aminu Tambuwal, who has right now forwarded a bill in that regard to the Sokoto State House of Assembly.

According to the governor, the new rule is aimed at boosting school enrollment and providing quality education to every child as required by local and international laws. As part of measures to enhance implementation of the new policy, the Sokoto government says it will build and equip 240 primary and tertiary healthcare centres in the three senatorial zones of the state.

Mr. Tambuwal while addressing religious, traditional and political leaders from 11 local government areas of the state who paid him a sallah visit in Sokoto on Moday, said the policy is necessary in view of the high percentage of parents who deliberately frustrate government efforts to educate children.

He said the state government has already made adequate arrangement to cater for the educational needs of its citizens, adding that anyone caught flouting the new regulation will not be spared. The governor also noted that the founders of Sokoto Caliphate made their marks in the areas of education and scholarships, as such, there’s no excuse if their successors failed to provide at least basic education to the future generation.

According to him, if the state gets its education priorities right, many ills of the society will be taken care of. While appealing to his visitors to support the new initiative, Mr. Tambuwal said vocational training centres and employment opportunities will be created to cater for the youth and other vulnerable members of the society.

Aminu Tambuwal : On Your Mark, Set, Go Make Your Mark By Faridah U. Maidamma

Posted on June 2, 2015 by Staff Reporter

It is Four days After May the 29th, activities are in full gear, and the people of Sokoto like all other Nigerians are full of anticipation, eager to see the direction in which you will steer the state. While many are not in doubt about the leadership qualities you possess given the manner in which you held sway as the Speaker of the house of representatives, there are those who have expressed concern that you do not have any previous record of experience and performance that is required to govern a state.
Most of your critics have harped so much about this especially during the recently concluded campaigns. They also never fail to point out that you are an “Abuja politician” who is relatively unknown at the grassroots level, and that the outgoing governor and astute politician Alu Wamakko is largely responsible for any support you may have got from the people of the state. This has given rise to the palpable fear that you may only be loyal to Wamakko and not the people, or you might be an “elite” governor with low tolerance for kauyawa who will concentrate all his activities in the urban areas.
All these perceptions and more are what you should try to disprove as soon as you get into office. In as much as the challenges of governing a state as old as Sokoto are completely different from what you encountered as a Speaker of the house of reps, you can still counter them with much focus, hardwork and determination. Be ready to meet resistance from civil servants with narrow perspectives and bad attitude to work.
You happen to be a very lucky person in the sense that you enjoy enormous goodwill even from people who hardly know you, who also believe that you will perform well as governor. So Mr. governor, go out there and make your own mark. Chart your own course. Carve your own niche and do not make the mistake of being a governor in the shadows of his predecessor. As much as I think fighting with a predecessor is a waste of valuable time and not in the overall interest of a state, I believe doing things your ‘own way’ will largely determine how much you succeed. Don’t get me wrong, If your predecessor gives a valid advice or idea based on his past experience and you believe in it, by all means take it.
Some of the areas I believe you can give attention to as a governor include:

Education: This is the backbone of every society and one of the most important areas your administration should focus on. Building blocks of classrooms and parading them as achievements while having unqualified and untrained teachers to teach is not a good way of developing education. I would like you to put emphasis on quality. The citizens of the state will be very happy if you can make Sokoto state move from an educationally disadvantaged position to that of top positions in the country before the expiration of your tenure.
Environment: Sokoto state lies in the Sahel region with very high temperatures sometimes up to 460C. It is also among the states in the country that are prone to desertification. From my last visit recently, It was very disappointing to see that most of the trees that were planted many years ago to mitigate the dangers of desertification are being cut down and plots being allocated to people for building purposes. Most of the Trees that line Kano and Kaduna roads are gradually being cut down. Please do something about this ugly trend. Rather than cut down trees I feel the government of Sokoto state needs to plant more and also encourage people to do so.
Anyone driving through the city cannot fail to notice the dust and ubiquitous nylon bags that litter the sides of the streets. Please endeavour to clean our city.

Energy: As a state with an abundance of heat, strong winds and sunlight, It still beats my imagination as to why previous governments have not taken the issue of renewable energy seriously. There is a huge potential in that area that you can harness to make the state achieve sustainable energy development.
Youth employment: Sokoto is gradually losing its name as one of the most peaceful states in Nigeria largely because of the menace of area boys who harass, intimidate and threaten the peace of law abiding citizens. I would like to see you provide gainful employment for these restless youths and take them off our streets. Many other areas such as Health, Agriculture, and most especially Water resources need your attention.
I believe there is no better time to tackle these problems head on and bring rapid development to the people of Sokoto state than now. With your exposure as a National politician who has friends from all over the country, there is no better person that can propel our dear Sokoto state and give it a National outlook than you. May Allah guide you as you do so. On your marks, set, go!
Faridah U. Maidamma
@faridah_m

Views expressed are solely that of author and does not represent views of www.omojuwa.com nor its associates

Sokoto To Sell Off Govt. Houses Before May 29- Wamakko

Posted on April 23, 2015 by Staff Reporter

Sokoto State governor Aliyu Wamakko has said that all is now set for the formal disposal of all government quarters across the state before May 29.

The governor, who spoke yesterday through his commissioner for land and housing, Mr Nasiru Aliyu Dantsoho, also assured that the government will ensure equity and transparency in the process. “Nobody will be given more than a house in the course of the sale to allow for fairness and equity”, Wamakko assured.

Among the government quarters to be sold, according to Wamakko, are those in Ya’uri flat, Baddo Quarters, University Temporary Site, UBA Quarters, Arkila Low Cost, Parliamentary Quarters, City Campus as well those in Aliyu Atiku and Abdullahi Fodiyo road within the state metropolis.

He said that the housing units at Kalambiana area of Wamakko local government would also be among those to be sold, adding that the sale will be done on the basis of 70% for the general public, 25% for the state civil servants and 5% for the state federal civil servants.

Read More: leadership

Tambuwal Is Young But With Elderly Wisdom – Gov Wamakko

Posted on April 20, 2015 by Staff Reporter

Sokoto State governor and senator-elect, Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko has expressed confidence in the ability of his predecessor, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal to deliver even beyond expectations.

Wamakko who spoke in his residence yesterday when a large crowd from Tambuwal Local Government Area paid him a thank you visit also urged the people of the state to give the governor-elect the needed support to enable him succeed.

“Leading people is not an easy job but I am confident that with your support and prayer individually and collectively Tambuwal will succeed. Yes, he will succeed because I believe Tambuwal has all it takes to deliver with your support,” Wamakko appealed.

Wamakko further appealed to Sokoto and Nigerian youths to seek education at all cost as it is the only thing that would liberate them from dependence and reliance on people.

He also advised that youths should learn trades and engage themselves in useful ventures as leaders of tomorrow.

The caretaker committee chairman of Tambuwal Local Government, Hon. Sambo Bello Modo led the delegation on the visit.

have come to appreciate governor Wamakko for the honour done to them by finding one of their own worthy of succeeding him.

According to Sambo, Wamakko has demonstrated to the state his cherished doctrine of equity and fairness to all hence ensuring that his successor comes from sokoto south senatorial district and Tambuwal in particular.

While divulging that they will forever remain grateful to governor Wamakko, Sambo Bello said they are optimistic that Tambuwal will display his uncommon leadership qualities which stood him out at the National Assembly even in sokoto state as governor.

Guber Battle : The Fight In Rivers, Kaduna, Imo, Lagos, Etc

Posted on April 11, 2015 by Staff Reporter

Process in the governorship and State House of Assembly elections have kicked off across Nigeria.

But the governorship elections will hold in only 29 states in the country excluding Osun, Ondo, Ekiti, Edo, Kogi, Anambra, Bayelsa and the Federal Capital Territory. The elections will be a follow-up to the presidential and National Assembly polls which held two weeks ago and threw up a lot of surprises.

The biggest surprise was the unprecedented defeat of the incumbent, President Goodluck Jonathan of the PDP by General Muhammadu Buhari of the APC, this is the first time in the history of the country’s young democracy that a sitting president would lose in an election.

Of the 29 states where governorship elections are expected to hold today, 17 are in the hands of PDP while the remaining 12 are under APC governments. But things have now changed…

PDP used to be the dominant party in the country until a merger between the Action Congress of Nigeria, the All Nigeria Peoples Party, the Congress for Progressive Change and a faction of the All Progressives Grand Alliance brought up APC.

The last elections showed the increasing popularity of APC in the country. Therefore, there are indications that the governorship elections will throw up stiff competitions across the country, with some states having stiffer battles than others based on the strengths of candidates and the dynamics of the states.

Lagos
Lagos State is Nigeria’s economic capital and is expected to have one of the most keenly contested polls. The state has never been won by the PDP.

It is home to a national leader of the APC, Ashiwaju Bola Tinubu, and therefore seen as a stronghold of the party.

The two main candidates in the contest are APC’s Akinwunmi Ambode and PDP’s Jimi Agbaje. There were originally 15 governorship candidates in the state but only five are left after 10 others stepped down for Ambode.

Although, in the 2011 governorship election in the state, Agbaje lost out to the incumbent governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, who will be rounding off his second term in office by May 2015. However, his chances look brighter this time around against a fellow rookie.

The contest is unpredictable as reactions from a cross section of residents in the state show that voters are almost evenly split between the two main candidates. But APC’s Akin Ambode is still in the lead.

Adamawa
In Adamawa State, the incumbent governor, Bala Ngilari will not be participating in the election, leaving room for Senator Jibrilla Bindo of the APC and Mallam Nuhu Ribadu of the PDP, who are seen as the main contenders.

Incidentally, Ribadu was the presidential candidate of the defunct ACN in the 2011 elections after becoming famous as the pioneer Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, an anti-graft agency.

In August 2014, Ribadu defected to the PDP from APC with the intention to run for the governorship of Adamawa State. Ironically, his foremost contender, Bindo, was formally a member of the PDP who went the other way.

Ribadu may be more popular than his foremost contender but Bindo is not without political clout having won the senatorial seat for Adamawa North district under the PDP platform in 2011. Bindo is currently the Deputy Chairman, Senate Committee on Defence and Army.

The battle between these two politicians is also expected to be a close one.

Rivers
Rivers State has probably been in the news for political reasons more than any other state in the last two years and its governor, Rotimi Amaechi and the presidency are often at the centre of such reports.

Following a dispute between Amaechi and the presidency, particularly President Jonathan and his wife, Patience, there has been political tension in the state.

Although Amaechi, who has since defected from the PDP to APC, is not contesting in the governorship election, he is rooting for his party’s candidate, Dakuku Peterside. The PDP candidate, Nyesom Wike, was Amaechi’s Chief of Staff before the two fell out.

APC is the ruling party in the state but Wike, who is also a former Minister of State for Education, is expected to pose a strong challenge to Amaechi’s candidate, having had the backing of Mrs. Jonathan, who announced him as the next Rivers State Governor several times.

Mrs. Jonathan, who is also from Rivers State, has been involved in partisan politics in the state.

On the other hand, Peterside, a native of Biriye, Opobo Kingdom, is a member of House of Representatives and also the Chairman, House Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream).

In spite of APC being the ruling party in the state, the last Presidential and National Assembly elections showed that the PDP still has overwhelming popularity in the state.

However, like Amaechi and the governor before him, Dr. Peter Odili, Wike is also of Ikwerre ethnic nationality and this may count against him in some quarters. Some people in the state have been calling for rotational governorship as only Ikwerre persons have governed the state since this democratic dispensation commenced in 1999.

Oyo
The contest in Oyo State will also be tough with two former governors of the state, Senator Rashidi Ladoja (Accord Party) and Chief Adebayo Alao-Akala (Labour Party), vying to return to the position by scuttling APC’s Governor Abiola Ajimobi’s second term bid.

A two-time senator, who rose to become Senate leader between 2007 and 2011, Teslim Folarin of the PDP and Seyi Makinde of the Social Democratic Party are also in the race, but residents of the state are generally of the opinion that the election will be won by one of the other three candidates mentioned.

Kaduna
Alhaji Mukhtar Yero, who used to be the deputy Governor of Kaduna State, was sworn in as governor in December 2012 after the death of Governor Patrick Yakowa in an air crash.

Today, he will be contesting under the platform of the PDP against Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, a former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and staunch member of the APC.

El-Rufai and his party are becoming increasingly popular in Kaduna but running against a sitting governor in Nigeria is always a tough task. Therefore, the contest in Kaduna State is expected to be close even though Buhari won with a wide margin in the Presidential election in the state.

Sokoto
The governorship election in Sokoto State is expected to be intriguing with the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Honourable Aminu Tambuwal (APC) battling it out with his brother-in-law, who is also a former senator and senate leader, Ambassador Abdallah Wali (PDP).

Wali reportedly introduced Tambuwal to national politics when he appointed him as senior legislative assistant in 1999.

The two candidates are the strongest contestants in the election and it is expected that one of them becomes the state’s next governor. Although, Tambuwal enjoys the support of Governor Aliyu Wamakko, who is also an APC member, Wali has been in politics longer than Tambuwal.

The contest is also expected to be stiff.

Imo
In Imo State, the popularity of Governor Owelle Rochas Okorocha (APC) has had some question marks lately, but residents still expect a keen governorship contest in the state. Okorocha’s biggest contender is Hon. Chukwuemeka Ihedioha, who is currently the deputy speaker of the House of Representatives.

Ihedioha contested and won as a member representing Aboh-Mbasie-Ngor Okpala Federal Constituency of Imo State in 2003.

Between 2003 and 2007, he served as Chairman, House committee on Marine Transport. The two contestants stand tall above the rest but there appears to be no clear gap between them, making it another close one.

Abia
Abia State has three main candidates: Okezie Ikpeazu (PDP); Alex Otti (APGA) and Anyim Nyerere (APC).

With PDPs stronghold in Abia, Ikpeazu is seen by residents as probably the strongest of the three.

Otti, an economist, banker, investor and the immediate past Group Managing Director of Diamond Bank Plc, is however expected to give the PDP candidate a run for his money in spite of a recent setback he suffered in his party.

Earlier in the week, a faction of APGA in the state dumped Otti and instead adopted Ikpeazu, citing some internal crises in the state chapter of the party. Some political analysts say this may affect Otti’s chances but no one knows if it will be enough to cost him the governorship seat.

Nyerere, a former PDP chieftain in the state before his defection to the APC, is also expected to make the contest stiffer.

More to come…

Wamakko Defeats Incumbent Senator Maccido

Posted on March 30, 2015 by Staff Reporter

Sokoto State Governor Aliyu Wamakko has defeated Senator Maccido in the Sokoto Central senatorial election.

PDP Is Dead In Sokoto, Says Tambuwal

Posted on March 23, 2015 by Staff Reporter

As the nation gets set for yet another general election in few days, the speaker, House of Representatives and Sokoto State All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal has assured Nigerians of victory for the APC.

Tambuwal, who spoke in Wamakko local government area during the party’s zonal rally held over the weekend, said, only six days left for the APC to record overwhelming electoral victory at the polls. The speaker, who urged supporters to turn out enmasse to exercise their franchise, also said they should not be scared of anybody. He said that they should not also look for trouble, saying victory for the APC is certain.

Read More: xwaizi

Defeated Tambuwal Slaps House Of Rep Member

Posted on December 5, 2014 by Staff Reporter

By Haladu Abubakar/Sokoto

A frustrated governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress in Sokoto state, Senator Umaru Dahirua Tambuwal vented his anger on a delegate and member of the House of Representatives, at the primary that produced Speaker Aminu Tambuwal as the candidate last night. Senator Dahiru slapped Isah Salihu Bashar Kalanjeni representing Tangaza/ Gudu federal constituency.

It was not clear what led to the slap. Some said Dahiru had sensed defeat and was looking for an object to transfer his frustration.

But witnesses said Dahiru was on the queue to vote when he saw Bashar and dashed out to give Bashar the dirty slap.

Security men rushed to separate the men and calm them down at the Giginya Memorial stadium,venue of the exercise that drew over 3,000 delegates from across the 23 local governments with 244 wards.

In the primary election, Dahiru scored only 23 votes, while Speaker Aminu Tambuwal ran away with victory,by polling 3,462 votes out of the 3,513 cast by the delegates.

Source – PM News

Aminu Tambuwal Wins Sokoto APC Gubernatorial Primary

Posted on December 5, 2014 by Staff Reporter

The Speaker of House of Representatives, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, has emerged as the Sokoto APC Gubernatorial candidate in a keenly contested primaries that lasted several hours with about 4,000 delegates from 23 Local Government Areas in the state.

The screening of the delegates commences at about 11 AM while voting started as soon as the screening was over. Speaker Aminu Tambuwal collects Sokoto governorship formPremium Times

Chairman of gubernatorial election committee, Bolaji Khalil stated in his speech the need to adhere to rules of the election and said all the contestants will be given equal treatment throughout the primary election exercise.

Delegates from Binji Local Government were the first to begin voting with Yabo Local Government delegate voting last.
After the voting was concluded, the sorting and counting began immediately and Chairman of gubernatorial election committee, Bolaji Khalil announced the result stating that the winner has emerged. The result shows that, Senator Umaru Dahiru Tambuwal scored 23 votes, Malam Yusha’u Ahmad Muhammad Kebbe, 14 votes, Barrister Sanyinna 0 vote, and Senator Bello Jibrin Gada 0 vote, however, the Speaker, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal scored a total of 3,566 votes.

In his post-election speech, Tambuwal promise to carry all along and thanks all the delegates for their massive support. He said this is just the beginning and therefore call on all the APC supporters to ensure the victory of the party, come 2015.

Source – Sahara Reporters

Sokoto State Government Bans Building Of New Houses

Posted on October 14, 2014 by Staff Reporter

The Sokoto State government yesterday announced temporal ban on the allocation of new plots and construction of new houses in Sokoto city and its environs.

It however said the ban would be lifted by the end of December, “when all the distortions and discrepancies are expected to have been rectified.”
Commissioner for Lands and Housing, Alhaji Nasiru Dantsoho, at a press briefing to mark this year’s World Habitat Day, expressed the state government’s resolve to ensure that residents receive approvals from government before embarking on construction.