TheNewsGuru

Tag: Kaduna State

  • Kaduna accidental bombing: Sultan of Sokoto talks tough, vows to seek justice for victims

    Kaduna accidental bombing: Sultan of Sokoto talks tough, vows to seek justice for victims

    Dr Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, the Sultan of Sokoto and President General of Jama’atu Nasrul Islam (JNI), says the council will seek justice for victims of the accidental drone attack in Kaduna State.

    The Sultan gave the assurance during the annual JNI Central Council Conference held in Minna on Monday, just as the Federal Government further apologised over the  mishap.

    “As strong Muslims, we take it as the will of Allah such things happened; we will look at what we can do to those who were affected, we will follow it up to see that justice is done.

    “We are not looking for anybody, but we want justice to be done to anybody. As Muslims we all felt sad about what happened,” he said.

    On the conference, the Sultan said it was to discuss events happening across the world affecting Muslims and Islam.

    He called on the Federal Government to pay attention to the Minna-Suleja and Minna-Bida roads, which are in deplorable conditions.

    In his address, Minister for Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, again expressed President Bola Tinubu’s apology and sympathy over the unfortunate drone incident that claimed lives and injured many people.

    He said that the president had approved the commencement of the FULAKO Initiative, which would facilitate the building of houses, clinics, schools and veterinary hospital as part of non-kinetic response to problems of banditry and kidnapping in the North.

    He said the Fulako Initiative was the president’s humanitarian response to the effects of banditry in communities, and will be implemented in Zamfara, Kebbi, Katsina, Kaduna, Niger and Benue.

    In his welcome address, Gov. Umaru Bago of Niger said JNI has remained a beacon of Islamic education and missionary work, contributing significantly to the spiritual and intellectual growth of the society since 1962.

    Bago represented by his Deputy, Mr Yakubu Garba, said the state was committed to working with religious leaders to create an environment that promotes peace and understanding.

    Earlier, the Etsu Nupe, Dr Yahaya Abubakar, who is also the JNI Chairman in Niger, said the mandate of the body was to spread Islamic knowledge and unite the Muslim faithful.

  • Kaduna Bombing: All 109 senators donate December salaries to victims

    Kaduna Bombing: All 109 senators donate December salaries to victims

    Following the erroneous bombing of a community in Kaduna state  killing over 100 persons while several got injured, all the 109 senators of the Federal Republic of Nigeria have donated their December salaries to the victims of the bombing mishap.

    The Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I. Jibrin, made this announcement on Sunday at the Kaduna State Government House when he led a high-power delegation of Senate members to the state.

    The Senators were received at the Government House by Governor Uba Sani.

    The attack on Sunday night in Tudun Biri village of Kaduna state’s Igabi council area took place as Muslims gathered there to observe the holiday celebrating the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad.

    Kaduna Governor Uba Sani said civilians were “mistakenly killed and many others were wounded” by a drone “targeting terrorists and bandits”.

    Source: Dailt Trust

  • Army Chief tenders apology for Kaduna accidental bombing

    Army Chief tenders apology for Kaduna accidental bombing

    The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Toareed Lagbaja has tendered an unreserved apology to the families and victims of the drone misfire on civilians in Kaduna State.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Lagbaja tendered the apology on Tuesday when he visited the scene of the misfire incident at Tudun Biri community in Igabi local government of Kaduna.

    The Army Chief arrived at the community, accompanied by Principal Staff Officers from the Army Headquarters and the General Officer Commanding 1 Division.

    He met with the Dangaladima Zazau, the District Head of Rigasa, Architect Aminu Idris, other leaders and members of the community.

    The COAS in an emotion laden speech expressed regrets on the unfortunate mishap, describing it as a very disheartening occurrence.

    Speaking further, Gen Lagbaja noted that in the recent past, the general area of Tudun Biri and adjoining villages were infested with armed bandits, who terrorised the communities, until troops of the Nigerian Army started conducting operations to sanitise the area and make it habitable.

    He pointed out that the troops were carrying out aerial patrols when they observed a group of people and wrongly analysed and misinterpreted their pattern of activities to be similar to that of the bandits, before the drone strike.

    The COAS stated that he was in Tudun Biri to personally witness the site of the mishap and to convey sincere regrets and  unreserved apologies on behalf of the Nigerian Army to the District Head and people of the community, as well as the  Government and entire people of Kaduna State.

    He disclosed that he has ordered a thorough inquiry into the incident to ascertain and identify areas of deficiency that led to the inadvertent disaster, adding that the findings and overarching outcome of the investigation will guide the NA in meticulously and professionally seeking and applying lasting solutions to   identified lapses and deficiencies in both the human and Artificial Intelligence variables that will forestall future recurrence.

    General Lagbaja also commiserated with the Chairman Jamaa’ atu Nasru Islam, Kaduna State Prof, Shafiu Abdullahi and other clerics.

    The Chief of Army Staff equally visited affected victims at the Barua Dikko Teaching Hospital Anguwan Rimi, Kaduna, where he expressed concern for the speedy recuperation of the hospitalised persons and made an immediate donation of several provisions for their upkeep.

    The District Head of Rigasa, Architect Aminu Idris in his remarks said despite the enormity of the incident, the Nigerian Army showed integrity in accepting responsibility for the drone strike and urged its leadership to intervene in bringing succour to  hospitalised victims and the community for their losses.

    He maintained that the community is a mixed community of both Muslims and Christians and that the victims are of both faith, contrary to earlier insinuation that the community is solely Muslim.

  • Why we bombed Kaduna community – Defence HQ

    Why we bombed Kaduna community – Defence HQ

    The Defence Headquarters says the drone attack on Ligarma community in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State on Sunday, was based on information about untoward activities of terrorists in the area.

    This is contained in a statement by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba on Tuesday in Abuja.

    Buba said the Nigerian Army Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) detachment had at about 2200hrs on Sunday, observed movement of terrorist at Ligarma, known to be a terrorist-infested area of Kaduna State.

    He said the aerial surveillance captured movement of groups of persons synonymous with the terrorist tactics and modus operandi.

    Buba explained that the observed advance of the  terrorist that were gathered, posed a threat to key infrastructure within reach of their activities.

    According to him, the threat was eliminated to prevent the terrorist from unleashing terror on  innocent civilians.

    “It should be noted that, terrorist often deliberately embed themselves within civilian population centres for civilian population to bear the consequences of their atrocities.

    “Nevertheless, the Nigerian military does its best at all times to distinguish between civilians and terrorist.

    “The military views every civilian death in the cause of operations as a tragedy as such tragedies are needless and unwanted, which causes the armed forces to take extensive measures to avoid them,” he said.

    According to him, one such measures taken by the military is to  continually gives precise instructions to  communities.

    “For instance, communities are to always alert troops of their activities particularly when such a community is known to be infested with terrorist and their sympathisers.

    “These instructions are intended at enabling the military distinguish between friendly and untoward activities,” he said.

    Buba said the armed forces would continue to operate in line with international laws and would also continue its determined and cautious progress in eradicating terrorist from the land.

    He said the terrorists often disguised as civilian to perpetrate terror as part of their tactics, adding that the military would continue to find innovative solutions to the challenges faced in the conduct of its operations.

  • Cause of fire incident at FRCN revealed

    Cause of fire incident at FRCN revealed

    The Kaduna State Fire Service has said bush burning was responsible for the fire incident at the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) in Kaduna.

    Ayuba Yohanna, Assistant Commandant of the service made the confirmation on Sunday in a phone conversation in Kaduna.

    According to him, the fire started from bush burning at the back of the procurement office.

    He said the officers on duty rushed to the scene after receiving the distress call at around 1:45 pm.

    Yohanna said two offices at the procurement department were affected with no lives lost or injuries.

    Mohammed Malagi, Minister of Information and National Orientation, had on Friday visited the station where he promised to carry out reforms at both the radio station and NTA.

  • Gov Sani welcomes Appeal Court verdict affirming his election

    Gov Sani welcomes Appeal Court verdict affirming his election

    Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, has applauded the Court of Appeal’s verdict affirming the Kaduna State Election Tribunal’s Judgment which upheld his victory as the winner of the 2023 gubernatorial elections.

    Sani described the verdict as a “testament to the strength of our legal institutions, a win for democracy and a validation of the people’s will”.

    This is contained in a statement by
    Muhammad Shehu, Gov. Sani’s Chief Press Secretary and was made available to newsmen on Friday in Kaduna.

    While expressing joy and gratitude at the confirmation of his victory by the Appeal Court,

    Gov. Sani also extended a hand of fellowship to all opposing sides in a bid to move Kaduna State forward in tandem with the SUSTAIN Kaduna Agenda.

    “Today, I received the news of the Appeal Court verdict, I acknowledge and appreciate the diligence and thoroughness of the Kaduna State Elections Petition Tribunal and the Appeal Court for arriving at this verdict today.”

    According to him, “I have always remained confident in our judicial process. It is now time to peacefully move forward and continue to work assiduously for the people of Kaduna without distractions as the task ahead of us is huge.”

    The Deputy Governor, Dr Hadiza Balarabe, appreciated the All Progressives Congress (APC) family, and the people of Kaduna for their support during the entire process.

    He also urged the opposition to accept the verdict in good fate and as the will of the people.

    “It is time to come together as one to move our great state forward,” Gov. Sani stated.

    Furthermore, the governor promised to continue to encourage dialogue with all stakeholders and to maintain an open-door policy to well-meaning citizens.

  • Gov. Sani approves appointment, redeployment in Kaduna State internal revenue

    Gov. Sani approves appointment, redeployment in Kaduna State internal revenue

    Gov. Uba Sani has announced the appointment of Jerry Adams as the Chairman, Kaduna State Internal Revenue Service (KADIRS), pending his confirmation by the State House of Assembly.

    This is contained in a statement by Dr Abdulkadir Mayere, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) In Kaduna.

    The statement also said Umar Sani had been appointed as the new Executive Director, Revenue Operations, while Dr Muhammad Lawal was redeployed to the position of Executive Director, Corporate Services, KADIRS.

    According to him, Mr Adams, prior to his appointment as Acting Chairman, was the Executive Director, Corporate Services, and will now be replaced by Dr. Lawal.

    Jerry Adams is a seasoned tax administrator, chartered accountant, business development expert and marketer with over 23 years professional experience.

    The statement said Umar Sani, the new Executive Director, Revenue Operations, hails from Zaria LGA and was a graduate of the Ahmadu Bello University and the Harvard Centre for International Development, USA.

    He is a portfolio management and development finance expert, and joins KADIRS with over 17 years of professional experience in treasury management, credit management, revenue and tax management, to move the service forward.

    The SSG noted that the appointments and redeployment were based on the proven track records of the appointees, their commitment to the service of Kaduna State and the SUSTAIN Agenda of the administration.

    While congratulating the appointees, Gov. Sani urged them to be diligent and create strategies and operational plans to move KADIRS to greater heights.

    The government further wished them God’s guidance in the discharge of their duties, adding that the appointments were to commence with immediate effect.

  • Deputy Gov. showcases Kaduna’s investment potential at Cairo fair

    Deputy Gov. showcases Kaduna’s investment potential at Cairo fair

    Deputy Governor of Kaduna State, Dr Hadiza Balarabe, has showcased the state’s investment potential at the Cairo Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF).

    The Deputy Governor, who led a delegation from the state to the fair, showcased Kaduna’s investment and economic potential to a global audience.

    Balarabe highlighted Kaduna’s strengths as a resource-rich state with an educated and skilled young population, a favourable climate, investment-friendly reforms and a strong political commitment to promote and protect investments.

    She emphasized the significant investments made in improving infrastructure, particularly roads and the establishment of economic and agro-allied zones in the state, while implementing the ease of doing business initiatives.

    The Kaduna delegation consisted of Balarabe, the Commissioner for Business Innovation and Technology, Patience Fakai, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Bashir Dabo, and the Private Secretary to the Deputy Governor, Hafsat Aminu-Ashiru.

    It engaged leaders from other national and subnational governments, regional represntatives and industry leaders from various sectors.

    The IATF serves as a platform for entry into Africa’s single market of over a billion people, facilitated by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

    This year’s edition, under the theme “Building Bridges for a Successful AfCFTA,” was organized by The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), in collaboration with the African Union and AfCFTA Secretariat.

    As the fair ended, Kaduna State is optimistic about the potential partnerships and investment opportunities that may arise from its participation in the fair.

  • CODE empowers communities to track 47 projects worth $2.8m in Kaduna

    CODE empowers communities to track 47 projects worth $2.8m in Kaduna

    Connected Development (CODE) said 47 projects worth $2.8million have been tracked by communities in Kaduna State through its Deepening Citizens’ Interest in Government Spending and Addressing Accompanying Corrupt Practices (DeSPAAC) project.

    Mr Hamzat Lawal ,Chief Executive Officer, CODE made this known at the closeout of the DeSPAAC project in Abuja, funded by the MacArthur Foundation.

    According to Lawal, the project is a testament to the power of collaboration and the impact a committed group of individuals can achieve in their communities.

    He said that CODE leveraged on its FollowTheMoney model to embark on the DeSPAAC project, with a clear vision to promote transparency and accountability in the management of public resources.

    Lawal said that the aim was to also ensure that government spending directly translated into meaningful development in Kaduna State.

    He said, “We set out on a journey to engage with both citizens and government, fostering a sense of shared responsibility and a collaborative approach to governance.

    “Since the project’s inception in 2021, we have made significant strides, tracking an impressive NGN 9,397,800,000.00 (USD 2.8 million) across 47 projects.

    ”We directly reached 30 communities with a total population of approximately 990,000 people from the three senatorial zones in Kaduna State.

    “These numbers are more than just statistics; they represent lives touched, needs met, and a shared commitment to a better future.

    “During our journey, we encountered a common challenge ;projects nominated by legislators often did not align with the actual needs of their constituents. ”

    According to Lawal, in response, CODE developed the “constituency nomination and monitoring tool”.

    He explained that the model allowed constituents to actively participate in the project selection process, thus ensuring that the projects truly addressed their needs.

    Lawal added that it has also enabled legislators to exercise more effective oversight functions over the projects.

    “The impact of our collective efforts is best reflected in the tangible improvements experienced by communities.

    “In Chikaji, Sabon Gari, Zaria, a community without a Primary Health Centre (PHC) and forced to share one with a neighboring community, now has a fully functional PHC worth N50,000,000.00.

    “In Sabon Gari, a classroom block valued at N12,500,000.00 now stands, providing much-needed educational infrastructure,”he said

    Lawal said that another significant transformation tool place in Pala, Ikara Local Government Area, where a previously under-equipped Primary Health Centre now boasts access to over 80 medical equipment.

    He said that they included hospital beds, mattresses, examination couches, syringes, needles, forceps jars, weighing scales, and diagnostic sets, greatly improving the community’s access to quality healthcare.

    The CEO said that the organisation’s approach, the ‘Constituency Nomination and Monitoring Tool’, has empowered constituents to play a more active role in project selection and implementation.

    Lawal said that CODE brought legislators and their constituents together, fostering collaboration, transparency, and accountability in the governance process.

    “Today, we stand on the cliff of change, where the lessons we have learnt and the successes we have achieved can pave the way for a more transparent, accountable, and efficient governance system.

    “I call on legislators, governments’ representatives, and citizens to seize this opportunity to forge innovative ideas, bridge gaps, and promote greater transparency in our journey towards enhanced governance transparency,”he said

    Lawal said that the DeSPAAC project was just the beginning,as CODE would continue to build on the foundations to actively engage citizens, legislators, and government representatives in a united effort to “strengthen the ties that bind us.”

    He said ,”We all have a responsibility to ensure that the resources dedicated to various constituencies result in meaningful development are equitably distributed and efficiently managed.”

    Rep. Hussaini Jallo, representing Igabi Federal constituency in the  state, reiterated the commitment of his colleagues to sustainable development.

    Jallo said that the developments in their constituencies would be in the areas of infrastructural developments like roads, electricity, education, health, water and security, among others.

  • Minister reveals when rehabilitation of Kaduna refinery will be completed

    Minister reveals when rehabilitation of Kaduna refinery will be completed

    The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Heineken Lokpobiri, has announced that the rehabilitation of the Kaduna Refinery will be completed by the end of 2024.

    He made the disclosure during an inspection tour of the refinery on Saturday, where he reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to end petroleum product importation through the resuscitation of the nation’s refineries.

    The 110,000 bpd capacity Kaduna Refinery is one of Nigeria’s four dysfunctional refineries that have produced no petrol for many years, leaving the country to rely heavily on imported petroleum products.

    However, in February 2023, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) signed an agreement with a Korean Company, Daewoo Engineering and Construction Nigeria Limited for the rehabilitation of the refinery.

    On Saturday, the minister of state for petroleum resources visited the refinery to assess the level of the ongoing rehabilitation work under the quick-fix project.