News

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Plateau State First Lady, Barr. Helen Caleb Mutfwang has stated that the Project 10 Million campaign is dedicated to screening and managing hypertension and diabetes mellitus in the state.

According to her, the project campaign represents a critical mission to improve the health and quality of life of the people of Plateau State. The state’s goal is to change lives, save lives, and work towards a healthier, stronger, and more vibrant Plateau. 

Barr. Helen explained that the initiative is about screening and increasing public awareness, gathering essential data, and fostering collaboration among stakeholders to make health services more accessible across the states and federal capital territory.

The First Lady added that by working together, the state can implement effective communication and data management strategies to guide interventions and improve Nigeria’s health and well-being. 

Barr. (Mrs.) Mutfwang, who commended the Nigeria Health Commissioners Forum (NHCF) for spearheading and domesticating the campaign, acknowledged its impact on the health and quality of life of the citizens, adding that it has the primary objective of screening over 200,000 Plateau residents for hypertension and diabetes and the secondary objective of collecting data on the prevalence of non-communicable diseases to better the state health policy and planning, among others.

Speaking earlier was the State Commissioner of Health, Dr Cletus Bako Shurkuk, who said the Project 10 Million is a national project with the theme: “KNOW YOUR NUMBER, CONTROL YOUR NUMBER”, saying it is aimed at screening 10 million Nigerians for hypertension and diabetes mellitus, which marks a significant step in the fight against non-communicable Diseases.

According to him, the project aims to provide immediate counselling and referral, link newly diagnosed patients to treatment facilities, increase public awareness about hypertension and diabetes, and improve data collection.

Shurkuk explained that selected primary and secondary healthcare facilities would screen 200,000 people across the seventeen local government areas.

He appreciated Barr. Helen Caleb Mutfwang for accepting to flag off the program and also serve as an ambassador. He called on people to take the screening exercises to learn about their blood pressure and sugar levels.

In a closing remark, the Permanent Secretary of the State Ministry of Health, Mr Gayi Timothy Gayi, appreciated Barr. Helen Caleb Mutfwang, the government, and development partners, among others, for gracing the occasion, urging the people to avail themselves to know their health status.

The high point of the event was the decoration of the First Lady as an ambassador of the project and her screening to determine her blood pressure level.

By Anwar Usman

Dr. Victor Okhai, a seasoned filmmaker and critic in Nigeria, decried that cultural imperialism has made people forget about Indigenous films, which has caused a significant setback in the local film industries.

This was made known during the Kano Indigenous Languages of Africa Film Market and Festival (KILAF) conference, which was held on Monday at the Faculty of Communications, Bayero University, Kano.

He explains that ” one thing about indigenous film is that it contains a variety of activities. One can see how a particular culture operates, their way of life, and other things contained within that particular culture that people cannot know without being portrayed in a local movie.”

Dr Okhai further added that people mainly rely heavily on American movies. As such, they ignore their own heritage and embrace the Western way of life, which later cultivates them and makes them behave in a particular way the filmmakers want.

He also asserts that “through local films, individuals within a particular culture can be able to know their roots, what their forefathers have done which they might not necessarily know.”

“Indigenous film serves as an important medium of explaining cultural heritage, an avenue for generating revenue and an important tool for entertainment,” Okhai stated.

By Anas Abbas

Joseph Dame Ali, a lecturer in the Department of Theatre and Performing Arts at Bayero University, Kano, described the unique characteristics of Kannywood films, particularly emphasising the cultural significance and narrative depth of the Hausa movie Mai Martaba, directed by Prince Daniel Aboki.

Mr Ali made this known today during a paper presentation at the Kano Indigenous Languages of Africa Film and Festival ( KILAF ) conference at Bayero University, Kano.

The academic described Kannywood’s cinematic offerings as often predictable, yet he highlighted “Mai Martaba” as a notable exception.

He praised the film’s intricate storytelling, stating, “If you missed a second, you missed a lot.” The film’s vibrant portrayal of local culture is further viewed by its authentic costume, makeup, and props, which reflect a pre-Western colonial-era aesthetic.

The movie’s director, Prince Daniel Aboki, who is also a journalist, has chosen to cast largely unknown actors, allowing fresh talent to shine while keeping the audience engaged with a narrative-driven approach.

Ali emphasized that “the film relies heavily on narration, showcasing a storytelling style that resonates with viewers”.

Through his work on Mai Martaba, Aboki has established himself as a Kannywood actor, contributing significantly to the evolving landscape of Hausa cinema.

Nigeria has also selected the award-winning film as its official submission for the Best International Feature Film (IIF) category at the 97th Academy Awards, also known as the Oscars.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Managing Director of the Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Company (KRPC), Dr. Mustafa Sugungun, has said that the ongoing Quick Fix Project for the Kaduna refinery is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2024.

 Recall that the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) awarded a $741m contract to South Korea’s Daewoo Engineering & Construction to rehabilitate the Kaduna Refinery.

Under the quick-fix repair contract, the firm will restore production at the 110,000 barrels-a-day facility to at least 60 per cent of its capacity by the end of 2024.

Speaking during the commissioning ceremony of the renovated Rido Community Primary School and a solar-powered borehole in Maraban Rido, Kaduna State, as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, he emphasised the company’s commitment to improving the living standards of its host communities.

 The MD, who was represented by the Manager of Operations, Mr. Emmanuel Ajiboye, noted that the success of the Quick Fix Project will bring immense economic benefits and job opportunities, boost petty trading, and foster other local businesses.

He said the school renovation aims to provide a conducive learning environment for pupils and teachers, while the borehole is expected to address water scarcity in the community and reaffirm KRPC’s dedication to sustainable development through initiatives like youth empowerment, rural electrification, periodic medical outreach, and other community-focused programs.

He urged the Rido community to support the Quick Fix Project, noting that its success would further strengthen the relationship between KRPC and its host communities.

In her remarks, the Head Teacher of Rido Primary School, Mrs. Rachael Aduwak, commended KRPC for the good gesture. 

She also appealed to the company to construct a perimeter fence for the school, adding, “We appeal to KRPC to furnish our classes with tables, chairs, and chalkboard as most of our students are sitting on bare floors during class hours.”

By Uzair Adam

Katsina State police operatives successfully thwarted a kidnapping attempt by bandits on Sunday evening, rescuing 14 individuals and neutralizing one attacker.

The incident occurred at approximately 7:55 PM in Dan’arau village, located in the Magama-Jibia area of Jibia Local Government Area.

Armed bandits, wielding dangerous weapons, ambushed two commercial vehicles, aiming to kidnap the passengers.

Responding swiftly to a distress call, police officers engaged the bandits in a fierce gun battle.

The timely intervention led to the rescue of 14 hostages, while one of the assailants was fatally wounded.

Unfortunately, two victims sustained gunshot injuries during the confrontation.

They were immediately rushed to a nearby hospital for medical attention, but one succumbed to their injuries.

The state police command has commended the bravery of its officers and urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities.

By Anwar Usman

Operation Hadinkai of the Nigerian Air Force has destroyed a terrorists’ food depot and killed several insurgents during bombardment on their enclave at Jubillaram in the Tumbuns area of the Lake Chad Basin.

This was contained in a statement released by the Director of Public Relations and Information of the Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Olusola Akinboyewa, on Monday in Abuja.

Akinboyewa stated that NAF aircraft operated on 23 November at a strategic location identified through meticulous intelligence efforts.

The location was described as a critical food storage site and a holy place for terrorist commanders and fighters.

He added that intelligence had linked the terrorists in the area to recent attacks, including an assault on troops in Kareto on 16 November.

NAN reports that it was in response that NAF fighter jets launched a robust air interdiction mission, destroying identified structures used as storage facilities and neutralising terrorists on-site.

He further explained that the victory was facilitated by extensive Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance missions conducted over several days, which confirmed the presence of terrorist structures camouflaged under dense vegetation.

“The destruction of the terrorist enclave, including food storage facilities, has severely disrupted their logistical operations, while the neutralisation of a significant number of fighters has diminished their capacity to launch future attacks,” Akinboyewa explained.

He further emphasised that the mission demonstrated the NAF’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding the nation and its people independently and in support of ground forces in counterterrorism operations.

He reiterated the NAF’s resolve to sustain robust independent and joint operations until all enemies of Nigeria’s prosperity and well-being are brought to justice.

By Uzair Adam

The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has announced a reduction in its ex-depot price for Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol.

Effective immediately, oil marketers will now purchase petrol from the refinery at a reduced rate of ₦970 per liter.

Anthony Chiejina, the company’s Chief Branding and Communications Officer, confirmed the price reduction in a recent statement.

He attributed the decision to the refinery’s commitment to supporting Nigerians and expressed gratitude for the ongoing support in making the refinery a reality.

The new price represents a significant decrease from the previous ex-depot price of ₦990 per liter, which was announced earlier this month.

The refinery reiterated its dedication to providing high-quality, environmentally friendly fuels while also addressing the nation’s fuel supply needs.

This price reduction is expected to have a positive impact on the retail price of petrol, potentially leading to further relief for consumers at the pump.

The refinery’s commitment to supporting the Nigerian market is evident in this move, as it strives to contribute to a more stable and affordable fuel supply.

By Uzair Adam 

The Borno State Police Command has successfully recovered eight unexploded devices from the Dala and Gwange areas of Maiduguri, the state capital. 

This discovery was made on Friday following distress calls about unidentified objects suspected to be explosive ordnance.

According to ASP Grace Michael, the command’s Deputy Public Relations Officer, the police received a distress call about unidentified objects clustered near an uncompleted building in the Dala-Abuja Talakawa Area, Maiduguri. 

The police swiftly moved to the scene and recovered six projectiles and one unexploded mortar bomb.

Later that day, the police received another distress call from the Gwange Area about an unidentified object washed ashore on the Gwange river bank. 

The police quickly recovered one unexploded Hand Grenade (UXO).

Preliminary investigations revealed that the ordnance was washed ashore due to the recent devastating flood incident in the state. 

The Borno State Commissioner of Police, CP Yusufu Lawal, reassured residents of the command’s commitment to ensuring public safety and security.

By Uzair Adam

A legal dispute has emerged involving Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf over a contentious land allocation in Kwankwasiyya City, Kano.

The case, filed by Garba Musa Kwankwaso, centers on a vast expanse of land initially allocated to WAECO Nigeria Limited during the administration of former Kano State governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

Court documents reveal that the defendants include the state commissioner for Land and Physical Planning, the Kano State Urban Planning and Development Authority (KNUPDA), the Attorney General of Kano State, and others.

Garba Kwankwaso seeks an interlocutory injunction to prevent the governor and other parties from taking any action deemed adverse to his interests in the land.

The land dispute traces back to a 2017 investigation by the Kano State Public Complaint and Anti-Corruption Commission, which revealed that WAECO, the company allocated the land, was not a legal entity at the time of allocation.

The commission found that the company was actually “Water and Agricultural Engineering Company Limited,” in which Rabiu Kwankwaso and his brother were directors.

Based on this finding, the commission recommended the revocation of the allocation, leading to subsequent reallocation by the administration of former governor Abdullahi Ganduje.

During Ganduje’s tenure, portions of the land were allocated to Mallam Kato Square and other original owners, including the Dantata family.

However, sources allege that Governor Yusuf has resisted revoking the land and returning it to WAECO Nigeria Limited, and that prompted Garba Kwankwaso to take legal action.

In an application filed at the Kano High Court, Garba Kwankwaso sought an order to restrain the defendants from entering, demarcating, or allocating the disputed land, pending the outcome of the substantive suit.

Justice Usman Na’abba granted the order on November 13 and adjourned the case until November 27 for further hearing.

The case sheds light on the ongoing complexities of land allocation and revocation in Kano State, raising questions about governance and legal accountability.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has approved a grant of N300,000 for each law student from the state studying in various law schools across Nigeria.

This announcement was made by the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in the state, Biriyai Dambo, during a meeting with representatives of the Bayelsa State Law Graduates Forum in Yenagoa. 

According to Dambo, the governor’s approval reflects his commitment to supporting the education of Bayelsa indigenes, particularly during these economically challenging times.

The grant aims to cushion the effects of economic hardship on the students, as that will enable them to focus on their academic pursuits. 

Governor Diri urged the students to concentrate on their studies, as well as striving to make their families and the state proud.

Imomotimi Godspower, speaking on behalf of the students, expressed deep gratitude to the governor for the grant, and described it as a highly encouraging gesture.