Nigerian Legislators  to return 14m Out-of-School Children to classes 

Photo: Speaker House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas

The House of Representatives is actively developing a framework to ensure that more than 14 million Nigerian children who are currently out of school can return to the classroom.

 This initiative, led by the House Committee on Alternative Education and chaired by Rep. Almustapha Ibrahim Aliyu (APC, Sokoto), aims to not only bring these out-of-school children back to education but also provide them with relevant skills to become productive members of society.

This intervention, spearheaded by the Green Chamber and Speaker Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D, seeks to address public education issues by tackling poverty and value gaps. 

 collaboration with government agencies, the initiative strives to enhance access to education for all Nigerian children, aligning with the goals of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs-4) focusing on qualitative and inclusive education for all.

This endeavor is known as the ‘Nigeria Mass Reduction of Out-of-School children and Youth Project’ (NiMPROP), with a planned duration of four years.

 It aims to significantly reduce the number of out-of-school children through non-formal accelerated education systems and alternative schooling programs, as highlighted by Rep. Almustapha Aliyu.

The committee is collaborating with government bodies such as the National Commission of Almajiri and out-of-school children, the National Commission for Mass Literacy, Adult and Non-Formal Education, and the National Commission for Nomadic Education to achieve its objectives.

Additionally, the committee is diligently working towards lifting 16.5 million Nigerians out of poverty, which will play a vital role in encouraging out-of-school children to return to education.

 Rep. Aliyu mentioned that they have already engaged with relevant agencies, receiving favorable responses. They have also put the necessary mechanisms in place for the intervention, with plans to reconvene from their annual recess soon.

One of the key goals of this initiative is to significantly reduce poverty across the country’s six geopolitical zones.

 Based on statistics from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the Northeast has the highest poverty index at 71.86 percent, followed by the Northwest at 64.84 percent, and the North Central at 42.70 percent.

 Other regions include the South East at 42.44%, South South at 21.28%, and South West at 12.12%. The intervention aims to reduce poverty as follows: Northeast (4 million people), North West (3.4 million people), North Central (2.5 million), South East (3 million), South South (2.1 million), and South West (1.6 million).

World Peace Day: JNI, CAN urge Nigerians to Embrace Peace

Jama’atul Nasril Islam (JNI) and the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) have jointly called upon Nigerians to embrace peace and actively promote harmonious coexistence as essential elements for the country’s development.

These two religious bodies made this appeal during the celebration of International World Day of Peace, organized by the Kaduna Peace Commission, Mercy Corps, Global Peace Development, and Action Aid, held in Kaduna State on Wednesday.

Malam Ibrahim Kufena, the JNI State Chairman, stressed that Nigerians must learn to value living in peace and harmony with one another, regardless of their differences.

 He emphasized that peace is a prerequisite for the progress of the nation and that achieving it often requires sacrifices.

Similarly, CAN State Secretary, Reverend Ma’aji Caleb, reminded Christians that their religious scripture teaches them to coexist peacefully with others. 

He encouraged both Muslims and Christians to recognize peace as their shared responsibility and work together to restore and promote it in the state and the entire country.

Dr. Saleh B. Momale, the Executive Vice Chairman of the Kaduna State Peace Commission, highlighted this year’s peace day theme, “Actions for Peace: Our Ambition for Global Goals,” as a call to action.

 He emphasized the urgent need for individuals and groups to collectively take responsibility in pursuing peace.

 He urged all citizens to contribute, no matter how small, within their spheres of influence, to the noble goal of achieving lasting peace. This collective effort he explained aims to foster peace within families, communities, villages, cities, states, countries, and ultimately throughout the world.

NNPJ Applauds IMC,Peace Commission for Coordinating Peace Day

NNPJ commends IMC and Kaduna Peace Commission for organizing Kaduna Peace Week, marking International Peace Day.

 Mr. Ibrahima Yakubu, National President of NNPJ, expressed his satisfaction with this unique event. 

He thanked Kaduna State Peace Commission, IMC, Action Aid, Global Peace Development, and International Alert for their efforts.

This inaugural event spanned seven days, educating the public on the importance of peace among different faiths. 

It ran from last Friday to Thursday evening at Kaduna State University. Activities included football games, endurance trekking, visits to IDP camps, and media briefings by religious leaders.

Mr. Yakubu acknowledged the technical committee’s pivotal role in planning and thanked CAN, JNI, and media organizations for their collaboration.

 He also appreciated the Kaduna State Police Command, the Kaduna State Joint Task Force (Civilian JTF), and civil organizations for contributing to the success of International Peace Day.

Zamfara Assembly to construct road linking communities in Gummi LG 

The Zamfara State Government has received a call to construct a ninety-kilometer road connecting Ruwan Doruwa, Bingi, Bini, terminating at Wanke, and an additional thirty-nine-kilometer road in Gummi Local Government Area.

 This request was officially communicated through a press release issued by the Press Secretary of the Speaker, Malam Bello Madaro Kurya.

The request was made by Honourable Nasiru Abdullahi Maru, the Member representing Maru North, and Deputy Speaker Honourable Adamu Aliyu Gummi during a plenary session in the State Assembly Chamber.

 Honourable Nasiru Gummi emphasized that the construction of these roads would alleviate transportation challenges faced by the local communities in transporting their agricultural produce to the market and also contribute to generating revenue for the State Government.

Various members of the assembly, including Honourable Ibrahim Garba Liman Fegin representing Gusau Two, Bashiru Sarkin Zango Bungudu West, Halliru Abdullahi Kuturu Zurmi East, Hamisu A Faru Bukkuyum South, Nura Dahiru Sabon Birnin Dan Ali, and Honourable Rilwanu Marafa Nagmnbo Anka, voiced their concerns about the deteriorating condition of the road network in these communities. 

They stressed the urgent need for road construction to improve the local economy and enhance transportation accessibility for residents.

Following extensive discussions and contributions from the members, the Speaker of the House, Right Honourable Bilyaminu Ismail Moriki, announced that the House had unanimously resolved to call upon the Zamfara State government to undertake the construction of the two aforementioned roads in Maru and Gummi Local Government Areas, in response to the requests made by the Members representing Maru North and Gummi Two constituencies.

The Speaker also mentioned that, according to the Assembly’s calendar, the House would be going on recess and called for the adjournment of the Plenary session until the sixteenth of October 2023.

Police brutality against Journalists must stop

The police brutality against two journalists in Kano today 20-9-2023 is a matter that continues to be deeply condemnable and raises serious concerns about press freedom and human rights within the region.

 Journalists play an indispensable role in a democratic society by informing the public, fostering accountability, and upholding transparency. 

When journalists face violence and intimidation from law enforcement, it not only stifles their ability to report objectively but also undermines the democratic principles upon which our society is built.

The demand for justice for the two journalists who have fallen victim to this brutality is not merely a call for accountability; it is a cry for the protection of our fundamental freedoms. 

The right to freedom of expression and the press is enshrined in our constitution and international human rights standards, and any violation of these rights should be met with swift and transparent action. 

These incidents highlight the urgent need for law enforcement agencies to undergo thorough training on respecting the rights of journalists and citizens alike, as well as for a robust mechanism to hold those who abuse their power accountable.

It is essential for the authorities in Kano, as well as the broader Nigerian government, to take these incidents seriously, investigate them thoroughly, and ensure that justice is served. 

Protecting journalists is not just a matter of safeguarding their individual rights; it is about preserving the integrity of our democracy and ensuring that the voices of the people are heard without fear or favor.

 The condemnation of police brutality against journalists should serve as a reminder of the ongoing battle for press freedom and human rights in Nigeria and the world at large.

Libya floods: 6000 dead, thousands missing in Derna city 

The death toll resulting from the catastrophic floods in the eastern Libyan city of Derna has climbed to an estimated 6,000 individuals, as confirmed by local authorities.

 This number is likely to increase as rescue and recovery efforts persist in the coastal city, which bore the brunt of Storm Daniel’s fury.

Egyptian President Abdul Sisi has taken the initiative to establish “shelter camps” in the western coastal region adjacent to Libya, aimed at providing assistance to our Libyan brethren who have tragically lost their homes. 

This decision represents an unprecedented move in Egypt’s recent history, as Cairo had consistently declined to create such camps during previous refugee crises. 

This gesture signifies a significant departure from Egypt’s past stance on the matter.

Kaduna APC organizing Secretary regains freedom after two weeks in captivity 

Hon. Kawu Ibrahim Yakasai, the Organizing Secretary of the All Progressive Congress (APC), who was abducted from his residence in Yakasai village, Soba LGA in Kaduna State, has finally regained his freedom. 

He spent 16 days in captivity and was released this Sunday afternoon.

Ruralpost reported that bandits had abducted Kawu Yakasai on August 25, 2023, at approximately 10:00 pm during an invasion of his hometown.

According to Lawal Sani, a resident of the town and a youth leader, Kawu Ibrahim Yakasai, a former Chairman of Soba Local Government, was promptly taken to the hospital for a medical checkup following his release.

 Sani stated, “He has regained his freedom this Sunday afternoon and was taken to the hospital for a medical checkup.”

Bandits attack St.Rapheal parish, kill seminarian in Southern Kaduna

Suspected bandits reportedly attacked St. Raphael Parish in Fadan Kamantan, within the Kafanchan Diocese of Southern Kaduna. 

During this incident, they set the parish house ablaze. The occurrence took place during the late hours of Thursday when most residents were asleep.

Ruralpost has learned that although some priests managed to escape the attack, one of them, a seminarian, tragically perished in the fire. His remains have been subsequently placed in the mortuary.

As of now, there has been no official confirmation of the incident from either the state Government or the Kaduna State Police Command.

Sokoto commits N20.3b on palliatives, security, others

Photo: Governor Ahmed Aliyu

By A.I, Sokoto

The Sokoto state government is committing the sum of N20.3b on palliatives, houses and logistic support for security operatives in the states.

The state Commissioner for Religious Affairs, Dr Jabir Sani Maihula  made this known to newsmen in a joint conference after the maiden Executive Council meeting of the state  on Friday.

Mai-Hula said that the council has declared a state of emergency on food sector.

“The council has approved the purchase of 57,000 bags of 50kg of rice at the cost of N2.5 billion and 26,000 bags of 100kg of millet at N1.4 bn, making a total of N3.9 billion.

“These are to be distributed across the state to cushion the effect of fuel subsidy removal and to ease the current economic hardship among the society,” he said.

The commissioner added that the state government, in collaboration with the Federal Government, has also approved the purchase and distribution of 44,000 bags of maize.

He further said that the government has approved N3.4 billion for the purchase of 50 Toyota 18 seater buses and 20 Toyota Camry for commercial transportation.

According to him, the busses will be utilised for inter-state and local transportation, while the Toyota Camry will be reserved for only female transportation within the state.

Also speaking, Alhaji Bashir Umarun-Kwabo, the state Commissioner for Innovation and Digital Economic, said the council has approved N2.6 billion for the purchase 66 Toyota Hilux.

Umarun-Kwabo said the measure is part of the government desire and commitment to address security challenges in the state.

“Each Police Division across the 23 local government areas of the state will get a brand new Toyota Hilux, while the remaining will be distributed among the security outfits in the state,” he said.

On his part, Alhaji Nasiru Dantsoho, the state Commissioner for Lands and Housing, also revealed that the council has approved the construction of 500 Housing Estate.

He said the contract was approved at N7.4 billion for the construction of 300 number 3-bedroom flats and 200 number 2-bedroom flats at Kalambaina, Wamakko road.

Dantsoho further stated that the government has also approved N1.8 billion for construction, reconstruction and various repair of roads across the state.

Similarly, Alhaji Sanusi Danfulani, the state Commissioner for Energy and Petroleum Resources, revealed that the council has approved N1.2 billion for phase 1 Solar light installation across roads and streets in the state metropolis.

Bandits attack mosque kill worshippers in Kaduna village

Suspected bandits launched a deadly attack on worshipers at a mosque in Saya-Saya village, within the Ikara Local Government Area of Kaduna State, resulting in the tragic death of seven individuals.

Five of the victims were tragically gunned down within the mosque, while two others met a similar fate at different locations in the vicinity.

The distressing incident unfolded at approximately 8:00 PM on a Friday evening, as villagers gathered for Isha’i (Sunset) prayers at a local mosque, according to local sources.

Dan Asabe, a village resident, reported that two other villagers who sustained gunshot wounds were swiftly rushed to the hospital for urgent medical attention.

Acting Public Relations Officer of Police Command, Mansir Alhassan who confirmed the incident said the villagers failed to reach out to the security agencies on time until after the incident.

He called on members of the public to always inform the security agencies of suspecious movement within their communities. 

error: Content is protected !!