News

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, yesterday, visited the Department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering at the Michigan State University (MSU) in the United States of America.

During the visit, the Governor met with the university’s authority and agricultural experts, with discussions focused on exploring avenues for collaboration that could enhance the agricultural value chain in Gombe State.

One of the key areas of focus is the introduction of appropriate mechanization technologies that are tailored to the specific needs of smallholder farmers who form the backbone of the state’s agricultural economy.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya expressed optimism that this partnership would lead to the adoption of cost-effective and sustainable solutions that can enhance food security and promote rural economic growth in the state.

In addition to mechanization, smart agricultural practices—such as precision farming and water-efficient irrigation systems were also discussed.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Tinubu has assured Nigerians that his administration is focused on delivering tangible results and making a positive difference in the nation’s infrastructure, food and energy security, education and long-term economic stability.

At a meeting with the Forum of Former Presiding Officers of the National Assembly, led by former Senate President Ken Nnamani, the President emphasised that he is not in office for personal gain but to serve the country.

”I didn’t come to look for money and exploit the situation; I came to work. I asked for the votes, and Nigerians gave them to me,” the President, who was a former senator, told the meeting after a session of banters and handshakes with former parliamentary colleagues.

The meeting was attended by 16 former presiding officers, including former senate presidents, former speakers of the House of Representatives, former deputy senate presidents, and former deputy speakers of the House of Representatives.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Gombe State Internal Revenue Service’s weekly training, with the aim of strengthening staff members for service delivery, is taken to heart.

The training, which is a weekly activity in the service, is well-received by the staff members. Their dedication and submissiveness during the training are quite commendable.

The Gombe State Internal Revenue Service, focusing on improving staff efficiency through consistent training, is indeed second to none.

These sessions, led by the Human Resources and Intelligence Department, seem to be making a significant impact on the staff’s commitment and performance. The continuous dedication to training will probably enhance the overall service delivery in the state.

By Uzair Adam

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has dismissed reports that it has reinstated the previously suspended cybersecurity levy on banks.

The levy, which mandated Nigerian banks to collect and remit a 0.5 percent charge to the National Security Adviser’s office, was suspended earlier this year following a directive from the Federal Executive Council (FEC).

Despite the suspension, rumors surfaced suggesting that the CBN had reintroduced the levy. In response, the apex bank clarified the situation in its recent Monetary, Credit, Foreign Trade, and Exchange Policy Guidelines for the 2024-2025 fiscal years.

The circular, published on September 17, emphasized that the cybersecurity levy, suspended in May 2024, remains inactive.

The CBN also addressed other misrepresentations of its policy document, noting that some media reports incorrectly linked past policy positions to current circumstances.

The bank reiterated that the guidelines should be seen as a compilation of previous policies up to December 31, 2023, and not as new directives.

The CBN reassured the public that it would continue to offer clear policy guidance for the benefit of Nigeria’s economy and urged media outlets to verify information before publication.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on all stakeholders in the upcoming Edo State governorship elections to conduct themselves peacefully and sportingly.

The election is scheduled for Saturday, September 21, 2024. The President implores the governorship candidates, political parties, and supporters to respect the democratic process and the people’s will.

He believes in the voters’ ability to make informed decisions about their future leaders. President Tinubu emphasises that democracy thrives on civility, tolerance, patience, and respect for the rules of the game.

He noted that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has committed to conducting a free and fair election and urges all stakeholders to work together to ensure a successful and peaceful process.

The President commends the governorship candidates and political parties for their campaigns, which have focused on issues that matter most to the people of Edo State, including improving livelihoods, promoting economic growth, and contributing to national development.

He urges all citizens in the state to remain peaceful and respectful throughout the voting process. He encourages them to resolve any disagreements amicably through the constituted authorities.

In addition, President Tinubu expresses unwavering confidence in the professionalism and integrity of security agencies and INEC officials.

He urges them to remain impartial and avoid any actions that could compromise the integrity of the electoral process.

 By Sabiu Abdullahi 

There was a terrible incident at the Burra Correctional Centre in Bauchi State, when a correctional officer was reportedly killed by a colleague following a disagreement over food. 

Hon. Nasiru Zakari, Chairman of Ningi Local Government Council, confirmed the incident on Thursday.

“I received reports about this unfortunate event at the Burra Correctional Centre, where one officer was allegedly killed by another over a lunch dispute,” he said.

Ahmad Usman Tata, Public Relations Officer for the Bauchi State Correctional Service, noted that the altercation took place outside the facility.

The victim, Aliyu Abubakar Chiroma, was from Giade Local Government Area, while the suspect, Kabiru Abubakar, hails from Dass LGA. 

According to reports, the conflict arose when Chiroma brought his lunch and Kabiru insisted on eating it, leading to a heated argument.  

The body of the deceased has been released to his family for burial, while the suspect remains in police custody as investigations continue.

By Uzair Adam 

Following allegations of fraudulent activities, the Kano State Judicial Service Commission has suspended two Sharia Court registrars, Jamilu Ibrahim and Zubairu Sulaiman.

This was disclosed in a statement released by the Spokesman of the Kano Judiciary, Baba Jibo Ibrahim, on Friday. 

The commission took disciplinary action during its 75th meeting held on September 12, 2024.

According to the statement, the investigation revealed that Jamilu Ibrahim was involved in a fraudulent transaction linked to the illegal sale of two plots of land through a writ of possession. 

The investigative committee recommended his dismissal, but the commission opted for an indefinite suspension without pay, pending the outcome of his trial at a Magistrate Court.

Additionally, the investigation found that Zubairu Sulaiman, Registrar of the Upper Sharia Court, received one million naira into his personal account as a commission from the sale of the land. 

Consequently, the Judicial Service Commission has suspended him for four months without pay.

The statement reiterated the commission’s commitment to enforcing disciplinary measures against staff involved in misconduct, particularly those in judicial roles, to protect the integrity and accountability of the judiciary while maintaining public confidence.

By Uzair Adam

Jaiz Bank, Nigeria’s first Non-Interest Bank, has been recognized as the 2024 Global Most Promising Islamic Bank by the Global Islamic Finance Awards (GIFA).

During the Global Islamic Finance Summit and awards ceremony held in the Republic of Maldives, Jaiz Bank outshined two other nominees in the same category to win the prestigious award.

Professor Humayon Dar, Chairman of GIFA, stated that Jaiz Bank was chosen after a thorough evaluation based on multiple criteria set by the GIFA Awards Committee.

The bank was recognized for its exceptional growth potential, innovation, and financial performance, which helped reinforce its leadership in the industry.

Haruna Musa, Managing Director/CEO of Jaiz Bank, expressed his appreciation upon receiving the award.

He noted that the recognition in accordance with the bank’s strategic vision to become one of Africa’s top non-interest financial institutions in the next five years.

He also revealed that Jaiz Bank had previously won GIFA’s Most Improved Islamic Bank Award in 2020 and 2021.

The Global Islamic Finance Awards, known for celebrating excellence and innovation in the Islamic finance sector worldwide, remains one of the most prestigious honors in the industry.

By Uzair Adam

Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has dissolved the caretaker committee chairmen of all 44 local government areas, effective immediately.

This was disclosed in a statement issued by the governor’s spokesperson, Sanusi Bature.

The decision comes just a week after the state House of Assembly extended the caretaker chairmen’s tenure by two months, having been set to expire on September 8.

Lawmakers said the extension was meant to ensure continuity in local governance ahead of the upcoming local government elections scheduled for October 26.

Governor Yusuf instructed the caretaker chairmen to hand over leadership responsibilities to their respective Directors of Personnel Management, stating that the dissolution also affects vice chairmen, secretaries, and councillors.

In his remarks, the governor expressed gratitude for the caretaker chairmen’s contributions and hinted at possible future collaborations.

By Uzair Adam

The media office of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello has accused operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of launching a raid at the Kogi Government Lodge in Asokoro on Wednesday night in an attempt to arrest the ex-governor.

According to a statement released by the Media Director of Bello’s team, Ohiare Michael, the EFCC officers allegedly fired gunshots into the air in their effort to apprehend the former governor.

“It has come to our attention that operatives suspected to be from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission are currently surrounding the Kogi Government Lodge in Asokoro in an attempt to forcibly arrest former Governor Yahaya Bello,” the statement read.

The statement also added that, “They have been shooting sporadically.”

Michael also noted that Yahaya Bello had earlier visited the EFCC office voluntarily but was asked to return at a later time.

He claimed that despite this, the anti-graft agency resorted to mounting a siege at the government lodge.

“We want to make it clear that if anything happens to the former governor, the EFCC should be held responsible. This attack was unnecessary, as Governor Bello had already made himself available to the commission for interrogation earlier in the day,” Michael said.

The statement further criticized the EFCC’s actions, labeling them as politically motivated and not aligned with their mandate to fight corruption.

It was reported that the EFCC had filed a 19-count charge of money laundering against Bello before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja.

As of now, the EFCC has not issued an official response to the allegations.