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General news

Transport company deploys 50 buses, opens Kaduna-Lagos route

Transport company deploys 50 buses, opens Kaduna-Lagos route

By Moses Kolo

Transportation

Kaduna, Nov. 5, 2020 (NAN) Kaduna-based transport company, Kaduna Line, has deployed 50 buses to ease transportation problems for commuters from Kaduna to other parts of the country.

Mr Augustine Ogar, the company’s Managing Director, made the disclosure on Thursday at the inauguration of the Kaduna-Lagos route.

He said that the target was to reopen old and new routes to meet the increasing demand for transportation services, saying, “We started with Kogi then, Kano and now Lagos. The Lagos route would open up additional windows to the West including; Kaduna-Ilesha, Ekiti, Akure, Ibadan and Offa”.

Ogar said the company had over 50 vehicles in operation, adding, “as demand increases we can have about five to ten vehicles on the Lagos route daily”.

“Currently, we only operate Port-harcourt in the South, Owerri and Enugu in South East while plans are underway to explore the South-South,” he added.

On revenue, Ogar said the company remits 20 percent of its earnings to the Kaduna State Government.

“In no distant time, our IGR would triple due to additional number of fleets because the more fleets we have, the more revenue is generated.

“Kaduna State Government is interested in transportation business, as such we franchise 80 percent to the state government while the company holds 20 percent,” he explained.

Malam Mas’ud Yunusa, staff of Kaduna North Local Government, told NAN that the opening of the Kaduna-Lagos route would boost transportation services and economic activities.

Also, Malam Mandara-Mustapha Dan Borno, the Chairman of the Road Transport Employer’s Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), Mando Park Kaduna, assured the company of the union’s support for a successful operation. (NAN)

MGK/MZA/MMA

Edited by Maharazu Ahmed/Mouktar Adamu
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Economy

KADCCIMA woos trade groups, foreign investors for 2021 International Trade Fair

By Moses Kolo
Investment
Kaduna, Nov. 5, 2020 (NAN) Kaduna Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (KADCCIMA) says the chamber is presently wooing trade groups and investors ahead of the 2021 International Trade Fair in Kaduna.

Alhaji Suleiman Aliyu, the Acting President of KADCIMA made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Kaduna.

He said arrangements, including contacting trade groups and foreign partners on the need to fully participate at the 42nd edition of the international annual event in Kaduna were ongoing.

“Arrangements are ongoing as we are presently visiting, particularly our foreign partners.

“To be candid, responses so far have been relatively low but we are still hopeful because things are improving and we believe we will still get positive response,’’ he affirmed.

The acting president said that the chamber alongside other partners including agricultural, commerce, industrial trade groups and other standing committees would ensure activities such as exhibitions were held quarterly beginning from next year.

“Beyond the usual annual trade fair, we have other arrangements with various trade groups and committees that will wake up to their responsibilities and begin to stage other activities at least quarterly even after the trade fair,” he said.

Aliyu said that although insecurity challenge coupled with the COVID-19 pandemic posed a setback ahead of the fair, he was however optimistic that the event would still be a success.

“Already, work such as weed control and clearing of the stalls had begun and hopefully before next weekend there would be visible signs preparatory to the trade fair,” he said. (NAN)
MGK/KM/GY
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Edited by Kabir Muhammad/Grace Yussuf

 

 

General news

Kaduna Electric to begin distribution of 1m prepaid meters Friday

Kaduna Electric to begin distribution of 1m prepaid meters Friday

By Moses Kolo

Electricity

Kaduna, Oct. 28, 2020 (NAN) Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company says it will kick-off distribution of one million prepaid meters to electricity consumers in its franchise states of Kaduna, Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara on Friday.

Garba Haruna, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the company, disclosed this during an interactive session with journalists on Wednesday at the company’s headquarters in Kaduna.

The DISCO boss said the project would be carried out over the next three years.

He said that about 80,000 units of the metres would be installed between the end of October and January 2021.

“We are ready to roll out mass meters starting from Friday as the scheduled timetable for the installation of the prepaid metres is being developed.

“The company will be forced to withdraw its services from any community or consumer that may reject the installation of the new meters.

“We are coming up with a scheduled timetable that will indicate when this will happen from one community to the other because we cannot meter communities in four states in a day,” he said.

Haruna, who said that the company had already connected thousands of communities, regretted that it was not getting enough revenue back.

“We  are getting only 40 per cent payment in these already connected communities and that is not good for the business.

“In the next few months of this mass metering project, we are targeting 80, 000.

” We will increase the number to 500,000 and more in three years and at the end of the day, we may end up metering one million customers in three years because we have up to one million customers in our franchise states,” he said.

He cautioned consumers against making any kind of payment to individuals in the guise of purchasing equipment and urged them to report sharp practices.

“When you see anyone not paying or by-passing the meter, you must report just as the way you report when you don’t have supply because it will affect you at the end of the day.

Haruna assured electricity consumers of improved supply and urged them to cooperate with the company to enable it to serve them as expected. (NAN)

MGK/CEO/SOA
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Edited by Chidi Opara/Oluwole Sogunle

General news

Curfew: Kaduna lawmaker urges constituents to be calm, law-abiding

Calm
By Moses Kolo
Kaduna, Oct. 26, 2020 (NAN) Mr Yusuf Mugu (PDP-Kaura), a lawmaker in Kaduna State House of Assembly, has urged members of his constituency to remain calm, tolerant and obey constituted authorities in view of the 24-hour curfew imposed on the state.

Mugu made the appeal in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Kaduna on Monday.

He said although the entire polity was heated, constituents should exercise restrain from any form of criminality.

He gave an assurance that governments at all levels would do their best in restoring order across the nation.

“Government would not fold its arm and watch the whole place in disarray. As such, all hands must be on deck for various opinions to be heard so we can make progress,” Mugu said.

The lawmaker lamented that hoodlums were taking advantage of the present situation across the country to unleash nefarious activities.

Mugu advised the people to remain calm and law-abiding by staying away from trouble.

He also urged community leaders including, traditional and religious leaders to as a matter of urgency, caution their subjects and congregation on the need to be law-abiding.

“Parents, too have a crucial role to play by monitoring the movement of their children so they don’t get involved in criminality,” he said.

Mugu, however, assured members of his constituency that the state government would do the best it could to live up to the mandate of ensuring the protection of lives and property of the people.

NAN reports that Kaduna State Government on Saturday imposed a 24-hour curfew following suspected activities of hoodlums at various warehouses in Kaduna metropolis. (NAN)
MGK/ACO/AJA
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Edited by Abiodun Oluleye/Adeleye Ajayi

 

General news

Kajuru Local Government Chairman wants increased involvement of women in peace, reconciliation process

Kajuru Local Government Chairman wants increased involvement of women in peace, reconciliation process

By Moses Kolo

Peace

Kaduna, Oct. 21, 2020 (NAN) The Chairman of Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State , Mr Kafra Caino, on Wednesday called for  increased participation of women in peacebuilding and reconciliation  processes in the state.

Caino spoke when the Executive Committee of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kaduna State Correspondent Chapel,  paid a courtesy visit at his office in Kajuru.

According to him, women are influential instruments in any process and  their involvement in peace processes will ensure  positive results.

“Women have not been given the desired opportunity to spearhead projects and I believe that if they had been given more opportunities, perfect peace will be attained.

“Women are known to be homebuilders, better at managing resources and good mediators too. As such, a fair share of their involvement in reconciliatory processes would produce desired results,” he said.

The chairman commended the visiting team led by a woman, describing the development as a positive move.

He said,“Your mandate toward engaging communities, especially in Southern Kaduna, in peace building is a great idea.

“I believe your initiative  to go to  the local governments with the most hit crisis to find the root cause of the crisis will surely set the ball rolling.’’

Caino commended the government over its tireless efforts, especially in securing the well-being of the people.

He added that there were many community involvement in peace building and reconciliation processes across the state of which were already yielding the desired impact.

He, however, urged journalists to ensure balanced reporting and assured the chapel of government’s continued commitment in securing lives and properties.

Responding,  Hajia Asma’u Halilu, Chairman of the Kaduna State NUJ correspondent chapel, said that the union had concluded plans to embark on a tour of Southern Kaduna.

“This is to ensure that the ongoing peace reconciliation process  is brought to the fore.

“As watchdogs of the society, we want the negative narrative people have about the southern part of Kaduna to change.

“It is our duty to engage the affected communities and directly hear from them the results of the various peace and reconciliation processes in such areas,” she said. (NAN)

MGK/CCN/VIV
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Edited by Chinyere Nwachukwu/Vivian Ihechu

 

Education

Parents, pupils in Kaduna urge state government to reopen schools 

Parents, pupils in Kaduna urge state government to reopen schools

By Moses Kolo
Resumption
Kaduna, Oct. 14, 2020 (NAN) Some parents and pupils in Kaduna State have urged the state government to comply with the Federal Government’s directive on resumption of schools.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Federal Government had issued directive for schools to reopen Oct. 12, closed in March due to outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic.

Dr Shehu Makarfi, the Kaduna State Commissioner for Education, had however said the government will not reopen the schools until it concluded risk assessment to determine the safety of children.

“We will announce when schools will be opened once we conclude all arrangements to ensure our children’s safety,” he said during a townhall meeting on the state 2021 budget.

However,  a cross section of parents and pupils, who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Kaduna raised concerns over the delay by the state government.

Mrs Grace Emmanuel, a parent, residing in Sabo, told NAN that she was delighted to hear that state universities had resumed, while the undergraduates were already preparing for exams.

Emmanuel, however, urged the government to extend same directives to primary and secondary schools.

“The government has done its best in containing the COVID-19 pandemic through its proactive measures, and this same gesture can be achieved in our public and private schools across the state.

“These children have stayed at home long enough for close to a year, and I think it isn’t healthy for their academic pursuit as the session is distorted already,” she noted.

Mr Bawa Magaji, another parent and teacher at a public school in Unguwan Rimi, said that although the state government was conscious of the health implications of reopening of schools, strict compliance to COVID-19 preventive measures could be monitored upon resumption of schools.

Magaji observed that most pupils had lost touch with their studies during the lockdown, adding that not many of them were privileged to have access to the e-learning initiative within the period.

“We must do the needful as soon as possible to salvage the educational sector, as there’s much catching up to do on the syllabus for both primary and secondary schools,” he added.

Majid Abdullahi, a primary two pupil residing on Gwamna Road, expressed eagerness to reconnect with his classmates, saying, “I have missed my friends in my class and want to play football with them again during break”.

A Senior Secondary School student resident in Narayi, who gave her name as Grace, told NAN that she missed the science subjects practicals and appealed for quick reopening of schools.

“The practical aspects of subjects like Biology, Chemistry and Physics were difficult to be captured by the e-learning programme, and I believe we missed so much we should have learnt all the while.

“I urge the government to consider our concerns by reopening our schools so we can go back to learning,” she pleaded. (NAN)
MGK/COF/MZA
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Edited by Oluyinka Fadare/Maharazu Ahmed

Education

Teachers Day: Teachers in Kaduna applaud improved condition of service

Teachers Day: Teachers in Kaduna applaud improved condition of service

By Moses Kolo

Teachers

Kaduna, Oct. 5, 2020 (NAN) As the nation marks this year’s World Teachers Day, some teachers in Kaduna, on Monday applauded the improvement in their condition of service, but called for periodic training to meet global best practices.

A cross section of teachers who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) said the state government has improved their condition of service, thereby, attracting teachers from across the country to the state.

“The  condition of service for teachers in the State has improved compared to how it was few year back.

“We, however, want to share some opinion on the need for professional trainings that would improve the teachers career and place them at par with teachers in developed countries,” said Malam Ibrahim Hassan who teaches in a public school in Ungwan Rimi, Kaduna.

He noted that the teachers verification exercise carried out by Gov. Nasiru El-Rufai administration had identified unqualified teachers and paved way for employment of qualified ones across the State.

Ibrahim noted that prior to the present administration, most public schools, especially at the local government areas, were overwhelmed by quack teachers.

“Our schools had teachers who could barely read or write but the narrative has changed,” he added.

Mrs Mary Musa, also a teacher at a public school in Narayi told NAN that although the State Government had done much in revamping the educational sector, so much was still being desired for.

“Few years ago, we had most schools without adequate furniture as even teachers barely had seats in their staff rooms but at least, we can see some level of improvement.

“It would also be great to have periodic trainings for teachers particularly on ICT to meet up with global standards,” she said.

On her part, Mrs Veronica Bisallah, a teacher resident at Sabo area commended the state government for introducing radio and television teaching programmes for students as schools remain closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The e-learning initiative is highly commendable as it provided opportunity for pupils to be acquainted with their studies while at home,” she said. (NAN)

MGK/SSA/MZA
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Edited by Shuaib Sadiq/Maharazu Ahmed

General news

Kaduna Govt bans tricycle operators from major roads

Ban

By Moses Kolo

Kaduna, Aug. 29, 2020 (NAN) The Kaduna State Government has banned tricycle operators from plying major roads within the metropolis, in line with the ongoing transport sector reform.

Hajiya Aisha Sa’idu-Bala, Director-General, Kaduna State Transport Regulatory Authority (KADSTRA), announced the ban in a statement in Kaduna.

She said all tricycles, “Keke”, are banned from the Kawo-Ali Akilu- Ahmadu Bello-Command Junction routes with effect from Aug. 31.

She said the Kaduna State Traffic Law Enforcement Agency (KASTLEA) would ensure strict compliance to the new Keke regulations.

Sa’du-Bala said the State Government has developed new regulations for commercial transport operators in the state.

She said that a Route and Tricycle Licensing System was being introduced to allow buses and tricycles to operate in designated areas of the metropolis.

“This is amied at regulating and improving transport operations for increased safety, decongestion of traffic and bringing order in transport operations for passengers and operators alike,” she said.

The director-general said that KADSTRA began registration of Keke operations in July and would end in September.

She advised all commercial transport operators to ensure they are duly registered to operate.

However, a crossection of commercial tricycle operators noted with concern the ban.

Some of the operators told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Kaduna that the regulation would further truncate their sources of livelihood,

Mallam Danjuma Isa, a commercial Keke operator, said although, he resides at Unguwar Dosa, he operates mainly on the  Barnawa-Kasuwa axis and Ahmadu Bello way.

“But with this development, operators will  be restricted to their neighborhood meaning, those who reside at Kaduna North can only operate there and same with those who leave at the Southern part of the city.

Also, Simon Dauda, a commercial Keke operator, said the development would grossly affect his income, adding, “as a father of four, this is my only source of income that caters for my family.”

Dauda said the development would also compound traffic flow as parts of the metropolis would be overcrowded with vehicular movement since Keke operators can no longer ply the major roads.

He said the Government should reconsider its decision bearing in mind the imminent implications. (NAN)

MGK/ACA/SH
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Edited by Chidinma Agu/Sadiya Hamza

 

General news

Kaduna Line signs MoU with Kogi counterpart to boost transportation services

By Moses Kolo

Transportation

Kaduna, July 28, 2020 (NAN) The management of the Kaduna Line, said it has signed a 10-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Kogi Investment and Properties Limited to boost transportation services.

Mr Augustine Ogar, the Managing Director of Kaduna Line, disclosed this during the signing of the agreement  on Tuesday in Kaduna.

Ogar said that the agreement would facilitate expansion of its fleet and outreach to enhance transportation services between Kogi and Kaduna State.

“Henceforth, passengers who wish to travel between Lokoja-Kaduna axis could patronise our vehicles and be rest assured of safety and value for the fares,” he said.

Ogar said the 10-year agreement would be subject to annaul review, adding that there were no financial or legal implications to the partnership.

“As such, Kogi Investment and Properties Limited could withdraw its partnership anytime it so wishes”.

Ogar added that plans were under way to expand Kaduna Line’s routes to other states in the country before the end of the year.

The director reiterated commitment to adhere strictly to the COVID-19 protocol for the safety of drivers and passengers, respectively.

Also speaking, Mr Godwin Akpam, General Manager, Kogi Investment and Properties Limited, who was represented the Managing Director of the Company, Hajiya Aisha Suleiman described the event as memorable.

Akpam noted that passengers, hitherto stranded due to deficit of vehicles shuttling between Kaduna-Lokoja Road would get relief, as the agreement was aimed at improving transportation services.

He added that the Company’s vehicles were in good shape, stressing that the issue of social distancing and COVID-19 precautionary measures were non nenegotiable.

Akpam further commended the Kaduna Line and assured of a cordial working relationship. (NAN)

MGK/RSA
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Defence/Security

Kaduna legislator wants state govt to ensure end to killings

Attack
By Moses Kolo
Kaduna, July 20, 2020 (NAN) A lawmaker in Kaduna state, Yusuf Mugu, has called on the state government to take steps to ensure an end to incessant attacks and killings in the state.

Mugu, who represents Kaura Constituency in the  state Assembly, was reacting to recent attacks in Kukum Daji and three other communities in Kaura Local Government Area (LGA) on Sunday.

In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Kaduna, the lawmaker recalled that gunmen on Sunday night attacked Kukum Daji, Manyii Kurum and Sabon Gari Manchok communities.

He said that the attackers also torched the Police Division in Kaura LGA, alleging that they killed a number of persons and injured many others.

Mugu decried what he called persistent attacks and killings in parts of his constituency and neighbouring Zangon Kataf LGA.

“You will also recall that this attack occurred barely after a week when some communities in Zango Kataf were attacked and no fewer than 25 people were allegedly killed,’’ he said.

The legislator appealed to state government to apprehend the perpetrators and bring them to book.

“The government should as a matter of urgency employ all arsenals within its reach to stem the ugly trend which is fast becoming a norm.

“It is rather unfortunate that our people can no longer sleep with their two eyes closed without fear of yet another attack,’’ Mugu said.

He called for the creation of additional police outposts and more military presence in Southern Kaduna to stem the attacks.

The lawmaker consoled with the families of the deceased persons in the Kukum Daji incident but urged the people not to retaliate.

He also advised them to remain vigilant and provide security forces with information on suspected persons or groups in their respective communities. (NAN)
MGK/JEY/MZA
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Edited by Johnson Eyiangho/Maharazu Ahmed