NIGER NLC URGES AFFILIATE UNIONS TO PROMOTE INTERNAL DEMOCRACY, TRANSPARENCY By: Uriah Gana

NIGER NLC URGES AFFILIATE UNIONS TO PROMOTE INTERNAL DEMOCRACY, TRANSPARENCY.

Affiliate unions of Nigeria Labour Congress have been enjoined to promote good governance within their various trade unions by entrenching internal democracy and ensuring proper budgeting and auditing of union accounts for transparency and accountability.

This was contained in the communique issued at the end of 2021 NLC State Level School Training organized by the Nigeria Labour Congress NLC, for affiliate unions and signed by the Niger State NLC Chairman, Comrade Yakubu Garba, and made available to newsmen in Minna.

It called on the executives of various unions to be prepared to adapt to new challenges and must be conversant with labour laws, Nigerian constitution and international laws that affect unions, government, employers and workers.

The communique further advised affiliate unions to prioritize election of women into leadership position of their unions to guarantee gender equality at workplaces and ensure that effective grievance handling mechanism were instituted.

"Collective bargaining should be effectively streamlined for the purpose of compelling or persuading government and employers to accede to the demands of workers.

"Executives of NLC and affiliates must be prepared to provide tools to build organizational capacity as a way of mobilizing members," the communique added. 

NIGER STATE GOVERNMENT DONNATES BUILDING TO CIBN.

NIGERINFOBULLETIN- statement issued by Mary Noel- Berje, the Chief Press Secretary to

the Governor of Niger state has confirmed the donation of an office facility for the Chartered Institute of Bankers.  

The statement read in part, "In a bid to strengthen the relationship between the Banking industry in Nigeria and the North Central part of the country as well as attract more corporate support from the financial services industry, Governor Abubakar Sani Bello of Niger State and Chairman North Central Governors Forum has donated a facility in Minna, the Niger state capital to the Chartered Institute of Bankers in Nigeria (CIBN) to serve as the North Central Regional Office".

Governor Sani Bello was said to have made the donation at the 56th annual dinner of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) in Lagos yesterday.

The event, being an annual assemblage of Bankers in Nigeria,  usually presents opportunity for them to reflect on contemporary developments in the banking industry and the economy of the country. 

The statement added that,  "in attendance, were the Governor of Lagos State Babajide Sanwolu, the Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria Mr. Godwin Emefiele, the Deputy Governor of CBN Mrs Aisha Ahmed, the MD, Nigerian Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), and DG Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC), Managing Directors of Banks among other guests from the National and the International communities". 

The CIBN which has been central in proferring professional solutions in the financial services sector of Nigeria, is an umbrella body for  professional Bankers in Nigeria. "It is committed to equipping its members through skills development and training necessary for competence and competitive advantage in a dynamic Banking industry and to maintain high ethical standards.

END.

INSECURITY: NIGER GOVT BANS SALES OF MOTORCYCLES IN THE STATE.

INSECURITY: NIGER GOVT BANS SALES OF MOTORCYCLES IN THE STATE.

Following the incessant security challenges in some parts of Niger State and coupled with the demands of motorcycles as ransom by bandits and kidnappers, the State Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello has directed the immediate ban on the sales of motorcycles across the State. 

A statement issued by Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Ahmed Ibrahim Matane revealed that the category of motorcycles affected by the ban includes any motorcycles (Bajaj, Boxer, Qiujeng, Honda ACE, Jingchen, etc) with engine capacity from 185 Cubic Centimetres ( cc) and above remained banned from selling to the public. 

The SSG further explained that the State Government rolled out these additional measures to curtail the activities of criminals and the unleashing of mayhem by bandits and kidnappers on innocent citizens in the State.

He further stated that Government condemns in strong terms the degree of carnage and pandemonium bandits and kidnappers are causing to some parts of the State and reiterated its continued determination to rid the State of any security threat.

According to the SSG “Government is aware of the inconveniences the measure would cause the people, but the decision was taken in the overall interest of the State and appealed to the dealers of motorcycles across the State to cooperate with the directive”.

Ahmed Matane appealed to the people of the State to cooperate with the security agencies on the security measures being put in place to end the activities of some criminal elements, as it is for the benefit of all and sundry.

The SSG disclosed that Government has also ordered security agencies in the State to ensure effective and strict compliance/enforcement of this directive. 

In the same vein, the SSG has reaffirmed that the activities of commercial motorcycle riders popularly known as Okada or Kabu-kabu and operation of illegal garages remained banned in Minna the state capital. 

It would be recalled that the State Government had earlier restricted the movements of all motorcycles from 6:00 pm to 6:00 am and the restriction order is still in place. 

NIPR Holds Citizens Summit in Jos.

NIPR Holds  Citizens Summit in Jos.

The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) has held the North Central Zone Citizens' Summit for National Integration Peace and Security in Jos, Plateau State.

Delivering an address at the event,  Plateau State Governor Simon Lalong congratulated the NIPR and described the summit was well conceived.

Governor Lalong who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Professor Sunny Tyoden, said the theme of Summit which is “Reopen Conversation, Rebuild Trust" reflects the countries needs at the moment.

He urged the NIPR to maintain its patriotic zeal and focus on reopening conversations for nation building.

In his address, the National President of the NIPR,  Mallam Mukhtar Sirajo stated that the core mandate of the professional institute is building and mending relationships for national development.

Mallam Sirajo emphasised that the Summit is not a problem finding process but a solution-driven one, aimed at partnering with critical stakeholders to achieve a pathway out of our current challenges as a nation.

He observed that the erosion of trust is attributable to the breakdown in communication among Nigerians, adding that diversity is the greatest blessing God has endowed Nigeria with.

Chairman of the occasion and Director-General, Industrial Training Fund, Sir Joseph Ari identified poverty and unemployment as a key drivers of crises and stressed the need to equip the Youth with relevant skills.

Lead papers were presented by the  Director-General, Plateau State Peace Building Agency, Mr. Joseph Lengmang; President,  Nigerian Political Science Association   Professor Hassan Salihu and the Director,  Institute of Education, University of Jos, Professor Rahila Gowon.

Chairman of the Niger State Chapter of NIPR, Mallam Musa Ladan Dangata Nupe who was among the discussants stressed the need for people to be sensitive to the plight of their neighbours and always lend a helping hand to faster unity and peace in our communities.

On his part, the Chapter Secretary,  Mustapha Alhassan who was also on the panel of discussants, urged leaders to be cautious with their utterances in moments of crises and enjoined the media to be balanced and objective in reporting conflicts.

Also on delegation from Niger State were Mallam Mahmud Abdullahi, Executive Director Operations , Prestige FM Radio and Mallam Aliyu Jibo Garba, the Chapter Treasurer.

The NIPR will hold the National Citizens Summit, in Abuja  before the end of the year. 

NAN

 

 

 

 

 

COE MINNA GRADUATES 3655 STUDENTS, GOVERNOR ABUBAKAR SANI BELLO ASSURES OF CONTINUED SUPPORT.

GOVERNOR ABUBAKAR SANI BELLO ASSURES OF SUPPORT TO ALL STATE TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS

...AS COE MINNA GRADUATES 3655 STUDENTS. 

Governor Abubakar Sani Bello of Niger State has reiterated the resolve of his administration to support all state owned tertiary institutions. 

Governor Sani Bello, who was the Visitor to Niger State College of Education stated this at the 28th Combined Convocation Ceremony for 3,655 graduands held at the Dr Mu'azu Babangida Aliyu Convocation Square of the College in Minna. 

The Governor said though education is expensive and a long time investment, it is the responsibility of all not just the government to invest in. 

He commended the resilience and patients of the parents and students for enduring throughout their study period and charged them to let their behaviours reflect the ideals of a professional teacher and remain resolute against any form of criminal tendencies as they move on in life. 

The Governor equally appreciated the efforts of the college's Governing Council and Management for all round improvement in the institution adding that more could still be achieved. 

On the issue of inadequate manpower, the Governor assured that more qualified civil servants will be redeployed to the college in addition to the 54 redeployed earlier. 

"We transferred some of the qualified staff with teaching experience to the institution, we will do a second phase to see if we can get more and if we don't then we can source from outside", he stated. 

He said his administration will do more on the issue of security within the college while tasking the authority of the institution to collaborate with security agencies to ensure periodic patrols in the college. 

The Governor charged the management of the college to completely end the fake certificate scam as it had affected the quality and integrity of the college. 

Chairman, Governing Council of the College, Barrister George Sabo Koce said that the College's priority is to produce highly qualified, motivated, conscious and efficient National Certificate of Education(NCE) classroom teachers. 

He urged the Governor to look into the powers given to the State Civil Service Commission to hire and fire the college staff as it has serious implications on addressing the staffing needs and discipline. 

The Chairman commended the unity amongst the management of the college which indeed has made them achieve the successes they have recorded so far. 

The Provost, Niger State College of Education, Prof. Muhammad Yakubu Auna disclosed that 3,655 graduated from seven schools of the college for 2017/2018, 2018/2019/, and 2019/2020 academic sessions. 

He commended the continued support the institution is enjoying from the state government as he assured the governor that the fight against fake certificate in the college has succeeded emensly. 

Prof. Auna said the school has in the last 4 years, enjoyed peace and security, cooperation and loyalty from staff and students, provision of conducive environment, stable academic calender, improved staff welfare and prompt payment of staff allowances among others. 

The Provost highlighted some challenges facing the college to include; funding and shortage of manpower as the college lost over 200 staff due to retirement, deaths, transfers, dismissal/termination of employment. 

Highlights of the ceremony included the presentation of awards and cash prizes to the best graduating students of the college for the three sets. 

Mary Noel-Berje 

Chief Press Secretary 

to the Governor of Niger State.

Abduction: Police Rescues 15 Victims In Niger StateAbdul Mohammed Isa, VON.

Abduction: Police Rescues 15 Victims In Niger State

Abdul Mohammed Isa, VON.

The Nigerian police command in Niger state North Central Nigeria has rescued  15 passengers abducted by bandits along Bangi-Mangoro Road in Magama local government area of Niger state.

The  Niger state Commissioner of Police Monday Bala Kuryas, stated this to the media on Wednesday in Minna the Niger state capital while parading suspected Criminals.

CP kuryas mentioned that the suspected bandits intercepted 2 Commercial buses conveying passengers from Mongoro to Bangi Market on the 11 of November 2021 where 15 passengers were abducted.

” The Command upon receipt of the information, mobilised a tactical team of the police in conjunction with the Military and local vigilantes where the 15 people were rescued unhurt”. 

The  Commissioner of Police further said his command has arrested another set of 10 suspected  Kidnappers with over 500 cattles on the 6th of November,2021 in Sanfada Village of Lapai local government area of Niger state.

“The 2 victims abducted were rescued unhurt while the 10 suspects were arrested at the forest with about 500 rustled Cattles”.

 “The Suspects were equally found with 2 Bajaj motorcycles, a sum of 270,000  Naira and 5 Cutlasses during interrogation by the police “.

 CP Bala Kuryas who further commended the efforts of community members in sharing intelligence information to the security,  equally stated that a syndicate of kidnappers was stormed by the police based on a tip-up, where 3 suspects were arrested at Ibeto Market of Magma Local government area.

“The suspects Abubakar Aliyu from Zamfara state, Confessed that his gang members Baleri, Abubakar, legbo, Ezekiel and Kanena presently at large, kidnapped 2 Victims.  from their homes at Megaman daji and Erena villages in magama and shiroro local governments respectively and collected the sum of  N8Million Naira before releasing the victims

“Another set of 2 armed robbers that invaded a mining site for robbing a victim of precious stones valued  6 hundred Thousand Naira and a sum of Nine hundred thousand  Naira cash in Kati -iregi , Katcha local government area, we’re equally arrested by the police. “

The Niger state Commissioner of Police, Monday  Bala Kuryas who reiterated the commitment of the police and other security agencies in curtailing the menace of crime activities emphasized that the Police under his command wouldcontinue to do the needful while soliciting members of the public to continue to give useful information to the police and other security agencies towards eradicating crimes and criminality in the state.

INSECURITY: NIGER JUDICIAL COMMISSION OF INQUIRY CALLS FOR MEMORANDA

INSECURITY: NIGER JUDICIAL COMMISSION OF INQUIRY CALLS FOR MEMORANDA

The Niger State Judicial Commission of Inquiry inaugurated by the State Government on the 3rd November, 2021 to investigate the cases of killings, injury and abduction of several persons at Mazakuka, Kulho, Adogon-Malam, and environs in Mashegu Local Government Area of the State has called for Memoranda from the public.

A statement issued by Malam Shafii Zakari, Secretary of the Commission disclosed that the Commission has the following terms of reference; determine the remote and immediate causes of the unfortunate incidence, identify the persons or group of persons responsible for the attack, apportion blames to persons or group found culpable and suggest appropriate sanctions and determine the identity of the victims and their losses.

Others include advice Government on preventive measures to take to avoid a similar occurrence in the future and make appropriate findings and recommendations, the statement stressed.

The Secretary who is also the Director Administration, General Services called on the general public to submit a written memorandum duly signed on all or any of the aforementioned terms of reference of the Commission.

He revealed that all memoranda should be submitted in at least hard or electronic copies (CD/flash drive) or by email at mashegujudicialcommission@gmail.com to the Secretariat of the Commission No. 14 Okada Road, Minna, Niger State, or the Area Office of the Ministry of Justice, Kontagora and Mashegu Local Government Secretariat within seven days from the date of this announcement.

According to the Secretary “Public Hearing is scheduled to commence from 18th November, 2021 at No. 14 Okada Road, Minna, Niger State by 11:00 am”.

It would be recalled that Governor Abubakar Sani Bello at the inauguaration of the Commission assured the people of the State that his administration is committed to securing the State and upholding the rights of every citizen regardless of socio-political or ethnic affiliations.

WE ARE REPOSITIONING PRIVATE SCHOOLS IN NIGER STATE, EDUCATION COMMISSIONER SAYS.

NIGER MINISTRY OF EDUCATION SETS TO REPOSITION PRIVATE SCHOOLS By Jibrin Usman Kodo

Niger State Commissioner Of Education Hajiya Hannatu Jibrin Salihu has yesterday inaugurated Committee for the repositioning of Private Schools Board and regulation of Private Schools in the State.

The Commissioner who spoke during the inauguration opined that the Ministry was concerned about the lack of regulation and uncontrolled proliferation of Private Schools which has affected the quality of Education development in the State as well as the quality of Education the Ministry desired for the Children.

She noted that the objective of the Committee among others, is to rationalize and sanitize the operations of Private Schools in the State, to streamline monitoring processes, grading the Private Schools for relevant charges that is required to be paid as cooperate citizens of the State.

According to her, the terms of reference of the Committee is to review the current processes and practices of the Private Schools Board with a view to identify operational gaps and challenges.

The committee according to the Commissioner is to also identify the quantum of revenue generated and the purpose for which it was effectively and efficiently expended in the last two years of the Private Schools Board's operation and make other recommendations that may facilitate the achievements or objective for which the Board was established.

In his closing remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Engr. Abubakar Sadiq Balarabe urged the members of the Committee to put in their best in ensuring that the desired goal is achieved.

Speaking on behalf of the Committee members, Alhaji Jibrin Alkali, who is also the Board Chairman Private Schools commended the Commissioner for finding them Worthy of the assignment.

He promised that the Committee will leave nothing to chance in ensuring that the task before them is accomplished.

Kidnapped University of Abuja staff Reagain Freedom

There are indications that six people kidnapped by bandits in University of Abuja staff quarters, on Tuesday, have been rescued successfully.

A staff of the University confirmed that the victims were rescued at Abaji, along Abuja-Lokoja expressway, with the help of the Police and local vigilantee. “The rescued victims are currently at the Abaji police station,” the staff said.

On Tuesday morning, some unspecified number of bandits invaded the staff quarters of the University located at Giri, along Abuja-Lokoja expressway, attacked staff and their family members, and made away with six people.

The attack sent fear and panic among students and lecturers of the university, who had before now, registered their concerns about the poor state of security in the school and its environs, particularly the increasing number of strange faces and movements within the campus.

Some of the frightened residents threatened to vacate the staff quarters as quickly as possible because of the fear of further attacks by the bandits.

The abducted persons include a nine year old son of Bassey Ubong and his housemaid, one deputy registrar identified as Mohammed Sambo, one Sumaila Obansa Joseph with his son and one Tobins Ferguson Hamilton.

Vice Chancellor of the University, AbdulRasheed Na’Allah, Chairman and members of the governing council, and other management staff of the school, as well as the police and detachment of soldiers and men of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) were the early callers at the venue of the attack.

Students at both mini and main campus of the University were seen in groups discussing the development, with fear and anxiety written all over their face.

Victims and eyewitnesses told journalists that the bandits, undoubtedly, took advantage of the porousity of the school community, gained entry into the staff quarters through the unfenced part of the quarters, and begun to unleash terror on the residents.

They confirmed that the operation started few minutes past 12am on Tuesday, and lasted for more than two hours.

Daily Sun 

EXPANDED SECURITY MEETING IN NIGER STATE REVEALS RENEWED EFFORTS YEILDING RESULTS.

NIGER STATE GOVERNOR HOLDS EXPANDED SECURITY MEETING, OPTIMISTIC OF RENEWED EFFORTS IN CURBING INSECURITY 

Niger State Governor, Abubakar Sani Bello has expressed optimism that there will be positive outcome in the fight against banditry and other forms of insecurity confronting some communities in the state.

Governor Abubakar Sani Bello stated while briefing newsmen after holding an expanded security meeting at the government house, Minna to review strategy and take necessary measures to address the security concerns in the state.

In a statement by the chief press Secretary to the Governor,  Mary Noel-Berje, the Governor said "with the renewed strategy evolved, the insecurity situation in the state will be surmounted in no distant time".

“By the grace of God with the efforts being applied at the moment, we shall over come most of these challenges soon”, he further said.

Governor Sani Bello who expressed concern over the incessant banditry activities and other forms of crime in the state, said government is not unaware of the hardship posed as a result of the insecurity in the affected parts of the state.

The statement added that " the Governor commended the successes recorded so far by the security agencies and appreciated their tireless efforts in making sure the communities are safeguarded".

"He re-assured the citizenry that no stone will be left unturned in addressing the situation as both the government, security agencies and relevant stakeholders were all contributing towards seeing an end to the security challenges" the statement added.

Present at the expanded security meeting that lasted for several hours included heads of Security agencies in the state, the Speaker, Niger State House of Assembly, the state Chief Judge, Local Government Chairmen, Traditional and Religious Leaders as well as other major stakeholders.