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General news

Miners urge FG to invest more on mining to boost Nigerian economy

Miners urge FG to invest more on mining to boost Nigerian economy

By Ahmed Mohammed Kaigama

Miners

Bauchi, Feb. 10, 2020 (NAN) The Miners Association of Nigeria (MAN),  Bauchi State Chapter, has called on the Federal Government to invest more capital into the mining sector to boost the economy of the country.

Alhaji Bello Galoji, the state Chairman of the association, made the appeal in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Bauchi.

Galoji explained that proper harnessing of the mining sector in the country would depend less on oil and gas, and would pave way for the mining industry to flourish.

“Nigeria should invest heavily into mechanise mining rather than manual mining especially using items like digger.

“By the time we are fully mechanised, human hands can only be used for directing and regulating, among others.

“So, for us to advance a lot needs to be done, we need to have adequate funding for miners to inject in their businesses,’’ the chairman said.

According to him, mining has to be mechanised  saying: “If you are going into mechanised mining, you need bulldozer, excavators, dredgers and compressors, whereby you have to blast and open the ground.”

Galoji noted that Nigeria has capable and best hands in the mining sector.

He added “we have the knowledge, we have the experience and professionals in the academics but we lack funding’’.

He regretted that 80 per cent of mining activities in the country are done manually with bare hands, noting that the highest number of miners being artisanal due to lack of funds.

Galoji disclosed that the capital base for a small scale miner is over 250 million dollars.

“Capital has always been the challenge because one must own at least not less than four to five excavators and two to three bulldozers, among others, to start a mechanise mining,” he said. (NAN)

MAK/AIJ/MST

Edited by Abigael Joshua/Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Health

Gombe Assembly joins campaign on prevention of malnutrition

Gombe Assembly joins campaign on prevention of malnutrition

Campaign

By Ahmed Mohammed Kaigama

Bauchi, Feb. 6, 2020 (NAN) Gombe State House Assembly says it will embark on awareness campaign to prevent Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) in the state.

A communique issued by the Speaker, Alhaji Abubakar Ibrahim, on Thursday in Bauchi, said the decision was reached at the end of a retreat organised for relevant committees of the assembly.

The communique indicated that the legislators would embark on deliberate awareness creation on SAM through engagements with traditional and religious leaders.

It added that there was need to strengthen poverty reduction programmes, awareness creation and capacity building to empower families to avoid malnutrition. 

The lawmakers agreed that such programmes would provide alternatives to addressing malnutrition and improve healthy feeding.

“As legislators, we have the powers to legislate and oversight, so we will therefore perform our duties to ensure that we conduct proper oversight functions.”

The lawmakers, therefore,  said they would follow up to ensure prompt release of funds as regards to SAM and ensure the funds are used appropriately.

They pledged to encourage colleges of health sciences to train students to enable them provide professional support to curb the menace of malnutrition in rural areas.

The Assembly also pledged to pass a bill that would compel health workers posted to rural areas to remain in their places of work.

It said the assembly would partner with the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) to explore ways of changing  the indices regarding SAM in the state, to secure the future of the children.

NAN reports that the retreat was organised by CISLAC to draw support for the prevention and treatment of severe and acute malnutrition in the state.(NAN)

MAK/AIJ/MZA 

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Edited by Abigael Joshua/Maharazu Ahmed

 

Education

Bauchi Govt. introduces digital register to check truancy among teachers

Attendance

By Ahmed Mohammed Kaigama

Bauchi, Feb. 5, 2020 (NAN) The Bauchi State Government on Wednesday said it has introduced a digital register in 219 public schools to check truancy among teachers and promote good working habit.

The Commissioner of Education, Dr Aliyu Tilde, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Bauchi, that the hand-held finger print terminal device would be distributed to schools for the teachers to register their attendance.

Tilde disclosed the device was designed to capture finger prints of teachers and transmit it online to the ministry.

He explained that teachers and non teaching staff in secondary schools were expected  thumb print at reporting and closing at hours, adding that teachers were equally require to do the same at each  lesson period in the class.

“This will give us the necessary information on teachers attendance, level of work and lessons of the day online through a monitor screen mounted in the ministry.

“With that we will know the hardworking staff and those that are not doing their job because teachers are supposed to come to the school 23 times in a month.

‘Surprisingly, we discovered that some teachers come to the school about 10 times and some even once in a month while other absconded with this ugly attitude of some teachers their students equally do not attend classes.

“With the introduction of the device; we will track teachers and other workers to see the level of their performances for onward benefits, promotion and probably appointment,” he said.

Tilde commended the Center for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) over the conduct of Information and Communication Training (ICT) to three directorates of the ministry.

He noted that the gesture had assisted them to become IT compliant.

According to him, the ministry had directed directors and other management staff in the ministry, agencies and schools to be IT compliant to enhance its operations.

Tilde added that the ministry also planned to train its staff on IT this year. (NAN)

MAK/RSA

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08067034532

General news

NAF offers free cancer screening exercise in Bauchi

Cancer

By Ahmed Mohammed Kaigama

Bauchi, Feb. 4,2020 (NAN) Nigerian Air Force (NAF) on Tuesday began a 3-day free cancer screening exercise to host communalities in Bauchi.

AVM Charles Ohwo, the Air Officer Commanding (AOC), Special Operations Command (SOC), Bauchi stated this at the inauguration of the cancer awareness and screening exercise in Bauchi.

Ohwo disclosed that the exercise focused at providing free screening of prostate, breast and cervical cancer to the people, and urge them to take advantage of the facility in Bauchi.

“We are all aware that cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide and it is on the rise especially in developing countries and Nigeria is no exception.

“According to statistics, 197. 9  per 100, 000 had cancer in 2018; the rate was higher in men with  218.6  per 100, 000 as against the 182.6 per 100, 000 in women.

“With the burden growing in almost every country, prevention of cancer is one of the most significant public health challenges in the 21st century,” Ohwo said.

He said that the gesture was part of the service drive to live up to the dictates of its social responsibility

Ohwo added that the Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, directed the command to organize awareness and cancer screening exercise in the state.

He noted that the service was providing various interventions in its host communities aside the kinetic efforts to address security challenges such as insurgency, banditry and other emerging security threats in the country.

The commander added that the outreach was designed to bring quality medical services closer to the people especially the less privileged; victims of flood, women, children and vulnerable who could not have the opportunity  to access such services.

Also speaking, Gov. Bala Mohammed, lauded the gesture, adding that it would enhance healthcare service delivery in the state.

Mohammed,  who was represented by Dr Bako Mohammed, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, said the exercise would create awareness on the disease and encourage people to go for regular screening. 

He said that government would collaborate with the service to expand its outreach in the state. (NAN)

MAK/RSA

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08067034532

 

Defence/Security

NAF inaugurates Air Provost K9 wing in Bauchi

NAF
By Ahmed Kaigama
Bauchi, Feb. 3, 2020 (NAN) The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) on Monday inaugurated the 057 Air Provost K9 Wing Investigation Group, Bauchi, to enhance counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency in the North East.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, said the NAF embarked on the training of 20 Air Provost Personnel, comprising three officers and 17 airmen/airwomen.

“These personnel, alongside their 20 Military Working Dogs, jointly undertook various specialist trainings, among which include explosive and narcotic substance detection, waterman ship, navigation and rappelling,” he said.

Sadique, who was represented by AVM Mohammed Idris, the Chief of Administration, Air Force Headquarters, Abuja, said the establishment of the wing now brings to 40 the Military Working Dogs in the Service.

He noted that the NAF for the first time undertook the training and enlistment of five Special Operation Dogs to further push the options for engagement of Military Working Dogs in the service.

Sadique lauded the contributions of the dogs to ground operations and base defence in various counter-terrorism exercises conducted by the service in 2019.

The Chief of Air Staff explained that, “the decision to situate the K-9 wing in Bauchi stems from the imperative to have the Military Working Dogs directly supporting our counter-terrorism and counterinsurgency operations in the North East as well as integrating them in the activities of the Special Operations Command.

“The growth in the Provost’s K-9 capability is equally projected to create the capacity for the Air Provost to be integrated in the conduct of Combat Search and Rescue operations in the Service.

“Indeed, the long-term outlook, is to have Military Working Dogs operations fully encapsulated in the law enforcement, base defence and special operations of the Nigerian Air Force, as well as in Military Aid to Civil Authority when the need arises.’’

The CAS commended President Muhammadu Buhari for providing the enabling environment for the NAF to keep discharging its statutory responsibilities, in spite of other contending challenges.

In his remarks, AVM Charles Ohwo, Air Officer Commanding (AOC), Special Operations Command (SOC), Bauchi, lauded the NAF initiative of constantly devising ways to address potential security challenges to its operations.

He said that NAF had over the years built capacity in the various specialties responsible for its internal security and discipline.

Ohwo said the establishment of Air Provost K-9 Wing in Bauchi would complement the efforts of NAF in performing its duties. (NAN)
MAK/VIV/ISMA
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Edited by Vivian Ihechu/Ismail Abdulaziz

Politics

Gov. Mohammmed signs Bauchi’s 2020 budget into law

Gov. Mohammmed signs Bauchi’s 2020 budget into law
Budget
By Ahmed Kaigama

Bauchi, Dec.24, 2019 (NAN) Gov. Bala Mohammmed of Bauchi state on Tuesday signed the state’s 2020 budget of N167.2 billion into law.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Mohammmed signed the budget one hour after it was passed by the state House of Assembly.
Speaking at the ceremony, the governor said the budget implementation will be monitored by a Monitoring Team.
He said government will introduce a mechanism to boost Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) in the state.
“We will go beyond depending on pay as you earn as a means of revenue generation.
“We are talking with a consultant to help us draw out a plan that will capture the informal sector to improve the IGR of the state,” he said.
According to him, education, health, water supply, security and agriculture would receive lion share of the budget.
Mohammed noted that the lawmakers have the right to make adjustments in the budget as people’s representatives.
“I am happy that the budget which was submitted just two weeks ago has been returned.
“I commend the House for the show of sportsmanship in spite of our political differences. “We started staggeringly, but today we are together, achieving good results.
“Lawmakers have the mandate to make corrections that will improve the standard of living of people in the state,’’ he said.
Earlier, the Speaker, Mr Abubakar Suleiman said that the House didn’t waste time in passing the budget because it was comprehensive enough.(NAN)
MAK/OIF/ABI
Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo/Ali Baba-Inuwa
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Politics

Bauchi Assembly passes N167.2 bn budget for 2020

Bauchi Assembly passes N167.2 bn budget for 2020
Law
By Ahmed Kaigama
Bauchi, Dec.24, 2019 (NAN) The Bauchi State House of Assembly, on Tuesday passed the state’s N167.2 billion Appropriation Bill for 2020.

This followed the adoption of the report of the House Committee on Appropriation at plenary.
Presenting the report, the chairman Alhaji Abdulkadir Dewu said that the committee conducted budget defence by inviting Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) as well as public hearing on the budget before arriving at its conclusion.
Dewu said the final budget was made up of N72.6 billion recurrent expenditure, representing 43 per cent and N94.6 billion capital expenditure, representing 57 per cent.
Alhaji Abubakar Sulaiman, the speaker of the house thanked the committee for its efforts towards making the budget a reality.
The lawmakers thereafter unanimously passed the budget and urged the executive to ensure its proper implementation.
The speaker urged the clerk to produce clean copies of the bill for governor’s assent.
Gov. Bala Mohammed had on Dec. 10, presented a budget of N167.2 billion to the house for consideration.(NAN)
MAK/ GOM/ABI
Edited by Gregg Mmaduakolam/Ali Baba-Inuwa

General news

Lack of elected LG officials hampers development in Bauchi – CSOs

Development

By Mohammmed Ahmed Kaigama

Bauchi , Dec. 22, 2019 (NAN)  The Forum of Executive Directors of Civil Society Organisations in Bauchi state has said that lack of elected local government officials has hampered grassroots development in the state.

The Chairman of the forum, Mr Sodangi Chindo, stated this at the end of the year meeting of the group in Bauchi on Sunday.

He called on the Gov. Bala Muhammed, to conduct local government election in the state without further delay.

According to him, the call for local government election has become imperative, considering the absence of elected officials at grassroots level in the state.

Mr Chindo, however, commended the governor for the successful takeoff of his administration and the leadership style which he had exhibited so far, particularly the declaration of emergency on education and health as well as the standing order already approved for counterpart funds.

“We have also seen high level of commitment in the payment of pensions and gratuity, appointment of key advisers, commissioners and local government caretaker chairmen.

“Though the number of women is of concern, the appointments were, however, timely and well-deserved. We, therefore, call on the governor to conduct local government election in the state to further strengthen the dividends of democracy in the state.

“We want to remind the governor of his campaign promise that when elected into the office, he would conduct local government election to strengthen democracy and good governance,” he said.

Chindo explained  that the objective of the forum was to strengthen civil society organisations towards a coordinated response in the state through vital and accurate information dissemination.

“Our contributions to development in the state include employment creation, advocacy, strengthening community-based structures and implementation of vital projects in health, education, agriculture, water and sanitation, human rights, democracy and good governance,” Chindo said.

He advised members of the forum to redouble their efforts towards achieving the objective of the group.

“There is the need to generate accurate data of development challenges across the political wards in the state and use it for resource mobilisation and as a guide for critical decision making,” Chindo added. (NAN)

MAK/WAS

Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq

 

 

 

Defence/Security

AOC tasks personnel on physical fitness to tackle security challenges

Fitness
By Ahmed Kaigama
Bauchi, Dec. 7, 2019 (NAN) AVM James Gwani, the Air Officer Commanding (AOC), Special Operations, Bauchi on Saturday tasked Air Force personnel to remain physically fit to tackles security challenges in the country.

Gwani, who was represented by AVM Aliyu Bello, Chief of Staff to the AOC, made the call at the fourth quarter of 2019 Route March in Bauchi.

He said continuous physical fitness and sporting activities were indispensable for personnel to keep fit for their success and survival.

“Air Force personnel should always remain physically fit, so as to be combat-ready while defending the territorial integrity of the country.

“As military personnel, we need to be physically and mentally fit at all times to perform our responsibilities and duties,” he said.

He reiterated that the route March was aimed at mobilising personal at a short time for particular responsibility and to promotes the spirit of unity among them.

“Constant physical exercise is for your well being and for us to be physically and mentally fit to perform,” he said.

The AOC commended officers, airmen and airwomen who participated in the exercise for their active performance and massive turnout at the last route March for the year. (NAN)
MAK/ISMA
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Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Defence/Security

NAF graduates 208 Special Forces personnel in Bauchi

NAF graduates 208 Special Forces personnel in Bauchi

Graduation
By Mohammmed Ahmed Kaigama
Bauchi, Nov. 29, 2019 (NAN) The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) on Friday graduated 208 Special Forces personnel, with a warning to them to be extra security conscious.
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, issued the warning during the graduation ceremony of the Air Force men in Bauchi.
He explained that the combined graduation ceremony of the Special Forces Course 5/2019 and Helicopter Back Door Gunners Course 5/2019 at the Regiment Training Centre Annex, Bauchi was a milestone in the Air Force.
He said out of the 208 Special Forces trained at the Regiment Training Centre (RTC) Annex Bauchi 162 are Special Forces while 46 personnel are helicopter back door gunners.
He added the among the helicopter back door gunners included 10 police personnel who were also trained along with the Special Forces.
According to him, the training is in consonance with the NAF’s aspiration of boosting the capacity of the service to curtail insecurity and insurgency in Nigeria.
In his remark, Retired Gen. Bashir Magashi, the Minister of Defence, said it was quite evident that the Air Officer Commanding Ground Training Command and his team of instructors had done a good job considering the professional skills displayed during the demonstration.
He said the efforts of the Nigerian Air Force in building capacity of personnel could not have come at a better time as the country was presently experiencing security challenges in almost all the geopolitical zones.
“These challenges are occasioned by the upsurge in violent crimes such as banditry, kidnapping and cattle rustling amongst others across the country which require the intervention of the Armed Forces in addition to its constitutional role of protecting the territorial integrity of the nation.
“However, countering these threats requires a different approach including the use of special operation forces which are beyond traditional warfare tactics,” he said
Magashi commended the Chief of the Air Staff for his efforts at rapidly developing capabilities for special operation forces with the training of over 1,000 Regiment personnel who are being deployed in various theatres of operation.
According to him, this graduation ceremony also shows that the Nigerian Air Force is adopting pragmatic steps towards conserving scarce foreign resources by looking inwards to locally train its personnel.
He reiterated that President Muhammadu Buhari was committed to ensuring that personnel of the Armed Forces were well equipped to better perform their constitutional roles.
Magashi, however, enjoined the graduates not to rest on your oars, but continue to improve in proficiency in their respective areas of expertise as part of their contributions towards ensuring that the nation was safe and secure.
“Our expectation is that after this course you will use your newly-acquired skills to attain the operational objectives of your respective services during future deployments,” he said (NAN)
MAK/DCU
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Edited by Donald Ugwu