TheNewsGuru

Tag: Katsina State

  • Gov. Radda approves 36 new appointments

    Gov. Radda approves 36 new appointments

    Gov. Dikko Radda of Katsina State, has approved the appointment of 36 persons to lead and manage various government offices and positions in his government.

    Malam Ibrahim Kaula, the Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the governor, disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen in Katsina.

    According to him, the fresh appointments were to enhance the efficiency, functionality of various government agencies in the state, and also aimed to foster development and improve service delivery across the state.

    The appointees include Alhaji Badamasi Ya’u-Yantumaki as Director General, Katsina State Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), and Alhaji Muhammad Lawal-Matazu, General Manager, Katsina State Assets Management Agency.

    Others are Alhaji Ibrahim Lawal-Dankaba, as Executive Director, Katsina State Small Town and Water Sanitation Agency (STOWASSA), Katsina State Social Investment Programme Agency (KTSIPA) has Dr Mudassir Nasir as its Coordinator, while Hajiya Karima Abdulkarim is appointed as the state Manager, Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP).

    Hajiya Zainab Abdulhadi was appointed the state Manager, National Home Grown School Feeding (NHGSF) programme, Alhaji Sanusi Muhammad-Rafukka, Manager, Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT), and Alhaji Abdurahman Salihu-Maska as the N-Power state Manager.

    The governor also appointed Alhaji Abdulkadir Mamman-Nasir as the Managing Director, Katsina State Irrigation Development Authority, Alhaji Mannir Ayuba-Sullubawa as the Director General, Katsina State Erosion and Watershed Management Agency (KEWMA).

    The Katsina State Board of Internal Revenue, (KSBIR) is headed by Prof Sani Abubakar as Chairman, with Dr Kabir Abdullahi, Alhaji Murtala Mohammed, Alhaji Al-Mustapha, Alhaji Bashir Rafindadi and Alhaji Kabir Isa-Fago as Executive Directors.

    According to him, Radda also appointed Dr. Tanimu Yakubu-Kurfi, former Chief Economic Adviser to late President Umaru Yar’adua, Board Chairman for Katsina State Development Management Board (KTDMB), with Dr Zainab Musa-Saeed as the Executive Director, Social Development, and Dr Kabir Tukur as Executive Director, Economic Development and Investment.

    Dr Jamilu Usman will serve as the Executive Director, Infrastructure Development of the board, and Hajiya Maryam Musa-Yahaya, who will be in the Development Partners Department as its Executive Director.

    Radda also appointed 10 board members which included Hajiya Fatimah Binta-Bello, Hajiya Habiba Suleiman, Dr. Zainab Usman, Nasir Yammama, Haroun Abba-Gana, Dr. Kabir Yusuf, Dr Zakari Lawal, and three representatives from the Ministry of Budget Planning, Finance and also Justice.

    The governor also appointed Alhaji Salisu Mamman-Kadandani, as Board Vice Chairman of the newly-established Katsina Enterprise Board Development Agency (KASEDA).

    Kaula added that the governor also approved the appointment of three Senior Special Assistants (SSA) and a Special Assistant (SA).

    They are Alhaji Yahaya Aliyu, as SSA Deputy Governor’s office, Alhaji Aminu Maigoro, SSA Party Liaison, Alhaji Salisu Haruna-Mashi, SSA Political, Daura Zone, and Alhaji Abubakar Gambo-Danmusa, as SA Public Enlightenment.

    The CPS to the governor said that all the appointments are with immediate effect.

  • Suspected bandits kill 4 farmers, abduct 8 others in Katsina State

    Suspected bandits kill 4 farmers, abduct 8 others in Katsina State

    Suspected bandits killed four farmers and abducted eight others from Nahuta village in Batsari Local Government Area of Katsina State on Saturday.

    Police spokesman in the State, ASP Abubakar Aliyu, confirmed the attack on Sunday in Katsina.

    He said the farmers were harvesting their crops when the assailants struck.

    One of the farmers that managed to escape received gunshot wounds, he added.

    “The suspected bandits attacked the farmers, opened fire on them thereby killing four and injuring one; they also abducted eight others,’’ Aliyu said.

  • Police, army rescue 4 kidnap victims in Katsina State

    Police, army rescue 4 kidnap victims in Katsina State

    Police in Katsina State rescued four kidnap victims in Dandume Local Government Area on Saturday in collaboration with the military.

    Police spokesman in the state, ASP Abubakar Sadiq-Aliyu, stated in Katsina on Saturday that the rescue was achieved during a routine patrol around Dankolo village.

    “In a bid to ensure the safety of lives and property police, in collaboration with troops, rescued four persons kidnapped at different locations in the state.

    “The relentless efforts and dedication of our security forces paid off, resulting in the rescue,’’ ASP Sadiq-Aliyu stated.

    He added that the victims had undergone medical examinations to ensure their well-being, and had been reunited with their families.

  • Katsina Govt announces monthly allowances for clerics

    Katsina Govt announces monthly allowances for clerics

    The Katsina State Government says it will introduce special allowances to Friday Mosques clerics, their deputies, Mua’dhins (callers of prayer) and Ward Heads to encourage them in the fight against insecurity.

    Gov. Dikko Radda revealed this after inaugurating the Steering Committees for the Katsina Community Watch Corps (KCSWC).

    A statement by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Mr Ibrahim Kaula-Mohammed, quoted Radda as saying that the committee would collaborate with other security personnel to seek out bandits across the state.

    He said that members of the steering committee for each of the 34 Local Government Areas included the Council Chairman, District Head, Divisional Police Officer and representatives of various security agencies.

    Others, he said, are two representatives of the business community as well as representatives of religious sects.

    The governor said that the committee would monitor and evaluate the operation of the KCSWC in their areas and present monthly reports to the Commissioner for Internal Security.

    Earlier, the state Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr. Nasiru Mu’azu-Danmusa, had said that insecurity was gradually waning across the state since the creation of the KCSWC.

    In their separate remarks, representatives of the Emir of Katsina, Alhaji Aminu Nuhu-Abdulkadir, and retired Justice Saddik Abdullahi-Mahuta, had commended the governor for taking steps to tackle insecurity in the state.

    Nuhu-Abdulkadir, who is the District Head of Rimi and Abdullahi-Mahuta, the District Head of Malumfashi, respectively, pledged continued support of the traditional rulers to the committee.

  • Katsina govt confirms receipt of N2bn palliative from FG

    Katsina govt confirms receipt of N2bn palliative from FG

    The Katsina State Government on Wednesday confirmed receipt of N2 billion out of the N5 billion palliative approved to the states by the Federal Government.

    Dr Bala Salisu-Zango, the state’s Commissioner for Information, Culture and Home Affairs made the clarification while reacting to insinuation that the federal government released N5 billion to the state.

    He said that: “The attention of the state government has been drawn to news going round in the media that N5 billion has been released to states by the Federal Government for palliative.

    “I wish to state that, Katsina State Government received only N2 billion for procurement of grain to be distributed to the citizens of the state”.

    Salisu-Zango said the state government had so far utilised N2 billion to procure 40,000 bags of rice for distribution to vulnerable persons in all the polling units across the state.

    He said the government would also utilise the next tranch of the fund from the federal government to purchase maize for distribution to deserving households.

    He warned that the state government would punish anyone found wanting in the palliative distribution exercise.

  • Be patient, better life is coming, Gov. Radda appeals to Katsina people

    Be patient, better life is coming, Gov. Radda appeals to Katsina people

    The Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Radda, has appealed to Katsina people to exercise patient as better life is coming to them in the nearest time.

    The governor made the appeal on Tuesday in Katsina, during the swearing in of 20 Commissioners as members of the state executive council.

    Also, 18 special assistants were sworn in.

    According to him, people should remain patient with his administration as measures were being taken to better their living standards soon.

    “I want to call on the good people of the state to be patient with us. We are rolling out plans that will bring about better life and reduce the hardship for the people.

    “We are coming up with palliatives to mitigate the effect of the removal of fuel subsidy, and also liberalisation of exchange rate of Dollar and Naira.

    “I want to also assure you that the government is committed to making sure that we deliver on the mandate given to us.

    “And we urge you to join us in prayers to God that Almighty Allah will bring criminality to an end in the state. These include banditry that has been affecting our people. We intend to reduce the hardship on the lives of the poor.

    “We will do everything possible to alleviate the suffering of the people, and I want you to give us all your cooperation,” the governor appealed.

    Radda added that his government was committed to tackling insecurity and economic challenges bedevilling the state, especially at the rural areas.

    He further told the new commissioners that he will not hesitate to sack any of them who fails to perform or abscond from his duties.

    According to him, the commissioners would be strictly assessed on performance indicators and anyone who failed to measure up knows the consequences.

    He said, “I want to assure you that anyone of you who fails to do the right thing or perform well, would be removed. We will also change you from your place of work.

    “We will not allow you to work permanently in one place, we will continue to change you from your place of work to other places for efficient and effective service delivery,” he said.

  • Gov. Radda approves 23 new appointments

    Gov. Radda approves 23 new appointments

    Gov. Dikko Radda of Katsina State on Tuesday approved the appointment of 14 Special Advisers and 9 heads of agencies and parastatals.

    A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Malam Ibrahim Kaula, said that the new appointees were to assist in effective running of the state.

    “The appointments which are in accordance with Section 208, 2c and 2d of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as amended, are with immediate effect.

    “The newly-appointed Special Advisers are, Alhaji Abubakar Ahmadi-Tsanni, Sports and Social Development, Alhaji Mannir Mu’azu-Ruma, Market Development, Mallam Yusuf Ibrahim, Community Security Watch,  and Alhaji Nasidi Mohammed-Danladi, Community Development.

    “Others are: Alhaji Shafi’u Abdu-Duwan, Party Liaison, Alhaji Ya’u Ahmad, Employment Promotion and Alhaji Ya’u Gojo-Gojo, Political Affairs.

    “Also listed are: Alhaji Shehu Abdu-Daura, Drugs and Narcotics, Mallam Nura Saleh-Katsayal, Primary Education, Alhaji Murtala Isah-Kankara, Assembly Matters, and Alhaji Mustapha Mahmud, Human Capital Development.

    “Alhaji Nasiru Lawal-Aminu, Infrastructure Development, Alhaji Suleiman Yusuf-Jibia, Livestock and Grazing, and Alhaji Aminu Lawal, Youth Development,” he said.

    He listed the nine newly-appointed heads of agencies and parastatals as: Prof. Sani Abubakar-Mashi, Chairman Board of Internal Revenue, Alhaji Surajo Yazid-Abukur, Managing Director, Katsina State Roads Maintenance Agency, and Alhaji Abubakar Matazu, General Manager, Rural Electrification Board.

    Also listed are; Alhaji Haruna Musa-Rigoji, to serve as General Manager Katsina State Transport Authority, and Alhaji Ibrahim Tukur-Jikamshi, Director General, Katsina State Investment Promotion Agency.

    Others are, Alhaji Umar Mammada, Executive Secretary, Drugs and Medical Supplies Agency Secretary, Dr Sabiu Liadi, General Manager, Katsina State Hospital Services Management Board, and Dr Abdurrahim Muhammad-Maaji, Chief Physician to the governor.

    He added that Alhaji Garba Dahiru-Bidawa, who was appointed member of Katsina State Electoral Commission, would await confirmation of the State House of Assembly.

    Congratulating the appointees, the governor charged them to be honest and just in the discharged of their responsibilities.

    “We have a big task ahead and you all must key into our strategic agenda, so as to build the Katsina State of our dream,” he said.

  • Photos:Former President Buhari Honored with Durbar in Daura

    Photos:Former President Buhari Honored with Durbar in Daura

    Former President Muhammadu Buhari is being celebrated in a grand Durbar event held in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State.

    The event, organized by the Daura Emirate Council led by Emir Alhaji Farouk Umar, is a tribute to the former president’s service to the nation and attendees at the event include members of the outgone Federal Executive Council and prominent individuals.

    The former president who handed over power to his successor, President Bola Tinubu, on Monday May 29th, traveled from the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to his hometown in Katsina State, in preparation for today’s durbar event.

    Former Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, alongside former Ministers of Information Lai Mohammed, Finance Zainab Ahmed, and Women Affairs Pauline Tallen, joined the gathering to honor the former president at the Durbar, a traditional ceremonial gathering.

    Other dignitaries include the new governor of the stateDikko Radda, his deputy Farouk Jobe, former governor Aminu Masari, and several other notable figures.

    The festivities included horse racing and riding by community members and district heads, all dressed in traditional attire and adorned with turbaned caps.

    The welcoming ceremony also involved the active participation of local hunters, political and religious groups, as well as market traders.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports that the entire council area was under tight security with law enforcement officers and plainclothes operatives deployed strategically.

    In anticipation of the event, posters of former President Buhari were displayed on walls within and outside the Emir’s palace, while enthusiastic youths were seen proudly wearing T-shirts bearing his image.

    Additionally, it was reported that the former president’s private residence had been freshly painted in preparation for his homecoming.

    The Durbar event showcases the deep connections between the former president and his hometown, highlighting the bond between leaders and the people they represent

    .

  • 2023 Hajj: Katsina pilgrims board announces deadline for fares

    2023 Hajj: Katsina pilgrims board announces deadline for fares

    The Katsina State Pilgrims Welfare Board has fixed April 21, as the deadline for the completion of hajj fares by the state’s prospective pilgrims for the 2023 pilgrimage.

    The board’s Public Relations Officer, Alhaji Badaru Bello-Karofi, made the announcement in a statement on Monday in Katsina.

    He said it was sequel to the meeting of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) with Chief Executive Officers of the pilgrims welfare offices of the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

    The PRO said: “The NAHCON fixed N2.91 million only as hajj fare for states in the North, where Katsina State belonged.”

    Accordingly, the PRO “the Katsina Pilgrims Welfare Board is calling on intending pilgrims who registered for the hajj and made deposits to settle their balances between now and April 21.”

    He, therefore, advised the prospective pilgrims to approach any of the board’s zonal offices to complete their payments.

    The officer revealed that all payments must be made via bank draft, payable to the state pilgrims welfare board, as “no cash payment is allowed”.

    He further called for continued support and cooperation from the public in its preparations for the successful exercise.

    Bello-Karofi also prayed the Almighty Allah to enable the board to conduct a hitch-free hajj operation.

    Recall that NAHCON had allocated 4, 913 hajj seats to the state for the 2023 Hajj.

    Each of the intending pilgrims had deposited minimum of N2.5 million before the registration, as directed by the board.

  • FACT-CHECK: Did aliens invade Katsina state?

    FACT-CHECK: Did aliens invade Katsina state?

    A video showing the living skeletal structure of a strange creature has caused apprehension among residents of Katsina state.

    The 60 seconds clip showed the skeletal creature which partly resembled a man but had two horns, standing on two feet by the side of a main road in a desert-like environment.

    It stood upright and stretched backwards to give off an exhausting roar before running four feet into the desert like a philodromus.

    In the voiceover which accompanied the video, a man speaking both Arabic and Hausa could be heard saying that the creature was the third “demon” coming around.

    Although the man did not mention any location, he advised residents of the area to go inside to avoid being caught by the “demon”.

    Speaking to his companion, he urged that they entered a house to hide as the creature had seen them, but when it turned away and ran off into the desert, he concluded it was “going to town”.

    How true is this claim? The video has since been shared severally online and the “alien invasion” is said to have occurred in Katsina state on 3rd March 2023, according to twitter user @MuniraJibrillaU.

    Another user, Ola Oyedeji, also tweeted: “If the story is fake, why remove the video? I believe someone is hiding something.  It was live at ring road Katsina”.

    However, the Police Public Relations officer for Katsina State Command Isah Gambo, described the video as untrue and mischievous.

    Gambo said the viral video in its entirety was “fake and an attempt to disrupt the relative peace enjoyed by the good people of the state by some mischievous element”.

    “Members of the general public are hereby urged not to panic and disregard the fake video and its malicious content” the Police spokesperson added.

    The Police, however, did not say how they came to the conclusion that the video was fake. Efforts by this newspaper to independently verify the video did not yield any positive result, and neither did checks for reports of an alleged alien invasion in the state prior to this time.

    Verdict: Missing context. The content of the viral video may be misleading without additional context.