HammerTimes News Online

Tag: #GOV

  • Gov. Makinde seeks improved  synergy  in tackling insecurity

     

    Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo, has called for improved synergy in addressing insecurity in the state.

    Makinde made the call  on Thursday in Ibadan, while launching the 2024 Armed Forces Remembrance Emblem.

    He pointed out that tackling insecurity required collective efforts from both state and non state actors for optimal result .

    He said that his administration was determined to end various security challenges in the state, through continuous collaboration with security agencies .

    According to the governor, the efforts of the agencies was yielding good results, adding that they should not relent in their efforts .

    The governor thanked  the Nigerian Legion members for their various contributions in the sovereignty of Nigeria, saying that their  past and present efforts would not go in vain.

    He assured them  that his government would  support the welfare of both serving and retired soldiers.

    ”Some of you paid the ultimate price to ensure we have a country we can call our own.

    ”We also want to say thank you  to serving officers and men, because this is an unusual period for us.

    ”It is not just talking about going out to do your normal work but doing it in an environment that is less than conducive.

    “We are grateful for the sacrifices you have made for us. We will continue to support you,” he said.

    He announced donation of N10 million on behalf of the state, donation of a vehicle and N1 million personal donation to the state chapter of the legion

    Speaking, Mr Julius Ogunkojo, the Chairman Nigerian Legion, Oyo  chapter, explained that emblem launch was organised to raise funds for the welfare of veterans.

    The chairman  said that  the donations  would  cater for  veterans who are alive but are  incapacitated .

    Ogunkojo further  explained that  funds raised would be for veterans   living in despair as well as the children and widows of the departed heroes.

    He assured that the legion would continue to support  the government in peotecting lives and properties of  citizens and residents of the state.

    Meanwhile, Gov. Makinde donated a vehicle for the legion and  announced a  donation of N10 million on behalf of the state.

  • Zamfara Gov. pays workers ’13th month’ salary

    Gov. Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has approved the payment of “13th month salaries” to state and local government workers as part of welfare package to citizens.
    Head of Service Ahmed Liman made the disclosure in a circular issued out to public in Gusau on Friday.
    The circular directed the Ministry of Finance to effect the payment of 13th month salary without delay to all workers across the state.
    Highlighting the matter, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Sulaiman Idris, in a statement made available to newsmen on Friday, said the remarkable gesture was the first of its kind in the state’s history.
    According to him, the decision aligns with the state government’s commitment to the welfare of workers and to motivate the workforce to high performance.
    “Today, Governor Dauda Lawal has approved the payment of end of year bonuses to public and civil servants in State.
    “This kind gesture is meant to boost the workers’ morale and provide them financial support during the holiday season.
    “This move is a testament of Gov Lawal’s desire to implement policies that will enhance working conditions, increase salaries, and provide career advancement opportunities to government workers.
    “The payment of the 13th-month salary is just one of many initiatives aimed at empowering workers and promoting economic growth in the state.”

  • SKFEST, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Southern Kaduna – Dep. Gov.   

     The Deputy Governor of Kaduna State, Dr Hadiza Balarabe, has described the maiden Southern Kaduna Cultural Festival as a “platform” to showcase the rich cultural heritage of the people and promote cultural exchange.

    Balarabe, who stated this while inaugurating the festival in Kafanchan on Thursday, added that event also provided an opportunity for the people of Southern Kaduna to tell their story.

    “The festival is a wonderful opportunity to showcase the rich cultural heritage of Southern Kaduna and promote intercultural exchange among the people of the area.

    “In a world that often emphasises our differences, events such as this provide us with an invaluable opportunity to recognise and celebrate our shared humanity.

    Represented by Mrs Phoebe Yayi, Commissioner and Administrator of Kafanchan Municipal Authority, Balarabe called on the people of the area to embrace the spirit of unity and respect for one another.

    “Let us recognise that diversity is not a challenge but a strength; a source of enrichment that has the power to propel us towards a brighter future,” she said.

    The deputy governor expressed confidence that the festival would serve as a catalyst for economic growth in the state.

    “I am confident that the festival will not only provide three days of fun but will serve as a catalyst for economic growth in the state.

    “The tourism potential of Southern Kaduna is vast and events like this help to showcase our endowment to the outside world,” she added.

    Earlier, Mr Ishaya Akau, chairman of Southern Kaduna Leadership Council, said that the festival was a big step towards uniting the people of Southern Kaduna.

    Akau explained that the purpose of this festival was to bring together the diverse communities in the area to celebrate their shared history and values.

    “It is an opportunity to rediscover our roots and forge stronger bonds amongst ourselves irrespective of religion, ethnicity, and social background.

    “The event is also a platform to showcase the vast opportunities Southern Kaduna has to offer.

    “The festival goes beyond mere display of cultural extravaganza. It is a platform to draw the attention of investors and companies as we showcase the vast opportunities our region has to offer,” he stated.

    He called on prominent sons and daughters of the area to complement government’s efforts by investing in the development of Southern Kaduna.

    The Chairman, Central Planning Committee, retired Rear Admiral Ferguson Bobai, enjoined the spectators to enjoy the array of activities lined up to mark the event.

    Bobai said that the three-day festival was being held to celebrate Southern Kaduna’s rich cultural heritage, featuring cultural display, archery, football tournament, marathon race, fashion show, and beauty pageant.

    Other activities, he said, would include traditional wrestling, a musical concert as well as awards to prominent Southern Kaduna sons and daughters.

    According to reports, the opening ceremony was followed by a cultural display from over 20 out of the 57 ethnic nationalities in Southern Kaduna.

  • SKFEST, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Southern Kaduna – Dep. Gov.   

     The Deputy Governor of Kaduna State, Dr Hadiza Balarabe, has described the maiden Southern Kaduna Cultural Festival as a “platform” to showcase the rich cultural heritage of the people and promote cultural exchange.

    Balarabe, who stated this while inaugurating the festival in Kafanchan on Thursday, added that event also provided an opportunity for the people of Southern Kaduna to tell their story.

    “The festival is a wonderful opportunity to showcase the rich cultural heritage of Southern Kaduna and promote intercultural exchange among the people of the area.

    “In a world that often emphasises our differences, events such as this provide us with an invaluable opportunity to recognise and celebrate our shared humanity.

    Represented by Mrs Phoebe Yayi, Commissioner and Administrator of Kafanchan Municipal Authority, Balarabe called on the people of the area to embrace the spirit of unity and respect for one another.

    “Let us recognise that diversity is not a challenge but a strength; a source of enrichment that has the power to propel us towards a brighter future,” she said.

    The deputy governor expressed confidence that the festival would serve as a catalyst for economic growth in the state.

    “I am confident that the festival will not only provide three days of fun but will serve as a catalyst for economic growth in the state.

    “The tourism potential of Southern Kaduna is vast and events like this help to showcase our endowment to the outside world,” she added.

    Earlier, Mr Ishaya Akau, chairman of Southern Kaduna Leadership Council, said that the festival was a big step towards uniting the people of Southern Kaduna.

    Akau explained that the purpose of this festival was to bring together the diverse communities in the area to celebrate their shared history and values.

    “It is an opportunity to rediscover our roots and forge stronger bonds amongst ourselves irrespective of religion, ethnicity, and social background.

    “The event is also a platform to showcase the vast opportunities Southern Kaduna has to offer.

    “The festival goes beyond mere display of cultural extravaganza. It is a platform to draw the attention of investors and companies as we showcase the vast opportunities our region has to offer,” he stated.

    He called on prominent sons and daughters of the area to complement government’s efforts by investing in the development of Southern Kaduna.

    The Chairman, Central Planning Committee, retired Rear Admiral Ferguson Bobai, enjoined the spectators to enjoy the array of activities lined up to mark the event.

    Bobai said that the three-day festival was being held to celebrate Southern Kaduna’s rich cultural heritage, featuring cultural display, archery, football tournament, marathon race, fashion show, and beauty pageant.

    Other activities, he said, would include traditional wrestling, a musical concert as well as awards to prominent Southern Kaduna sons and daughters.

    According to reports, the opening ceremony was followed by a cultural display from over 20 out of the 57 ethnic nationalities in Southern Kaduna.

  • SKFEST, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Southern Kaduna – Dep. Gov.   

     The Deputy Governor of Kaduna State, Dr Hadiza Balarabe, has described the maiden Southern Kaduna Cultural Festival as a “platform” to showcase the rich cultural heritage of the people and promote cultural exchange.

    Balarabe, who stated this while inaugurating the festival in Kafanchan on Thursday, added that event also provided an opportunity for the people of Southern Kaduna to tell their story.

    “The festival is a wonderful opportunity to showcase the rich cultural heritage of Southern Kaduna and promote intercultural exchange among the people of the area.

    “In a world that often emphasises our differences, events such as this provide us with an invaluable opportunity to recognise and celebrate our shared humanity.

    Represented by Mrs Phoebe Yayi, Commissioner and Administrator of Kafanchan Municipal Authority, Balarabe called on the people of the area to embrace the spirit of unity and respect for one another.

    “Let us recognise that diversity is not a challenge but a strength; a source of enrichment that has the power to propel us towards a brighter future,” she said.

    The deputy governor expressed confidence that the festival would serve as a catalyst for economic growth in the state.

    “I am confident that the festival will not only provide three days of fun but will serve as a catalyst for economic growth in the state.

    “The tourism potential of Southern Kaduna is vast and events like this help to showcase our endowment to the outside world,” she added.

    Earlier, Mr Ishaya Akau, chairman of Southern Kaduna Leadership Council, said that the festival was a big step towards uniting the people of Southern Kaduna.

    Akau explained that the purpose of this festival was to bring together the diverse communities in the area to celebrate their shared history and values.

    “It is an opportunity to rediscover our roots and forge stronger bonds amongst ourselves irrespective of religion, ethnicity, and social background.

    “The event is also a platform to showcase the vast opportunities Southern Kaduna has to offer.

    “The festival goes beyond mere display of cultural extravaganza. It is a platform to draw the attention of investors and companies as we showcase the vast opportunities our region has to offer,” he stated.

    He called on prominent sons and daughters of the area to complement government’s efforts by investing in the development of Southern Kaduna.

    The Chairman, Central Planning Committee, retired Rear Admiral Ferguson Bobai, enjoined the spectators to enjoy the array of activities lined up to mark the event.

    Bobai said that the three-day festival was being held to celebrate Southern Kaduna’s rich cultural heritage, featuring cultural display, archery, football tournament, marathon race, fashion show, and beauty pageant.

    Other activities, he said, would include traditional wrestling, a musical concert as well as awards to prominent Southern Kaduna sons and daughters.

    According to reports, the opening ceremony was followed by a cultural display from over 20 out of the 57 ethnic nationalities in Southern Kaduna.

  • Gov. Bago dismisses report on ban of alcohol in Niger

    Niger governor Umar Bago has dismissed reports claiming that he had banned alcoholic drinks in the state.

    Bago, in a statement in Abuja on Thursday, said such directive was neither from or his aides.

    “The public should disregard the report emanating from social media and blogs,” he said.

    “My attention has been drawn to a report in some blogs claiming that the Niger State Government has prohibited the sale of alcohol.

    “Such was said to have come through the state’s Liquor and Licensing Board, prohibiting alcohol in nine local government areas of the state, including Suleja.

    “We wish to state categorically that the governor, who has been busy initiating and overseeing many people-centered projects across the state, never issued such a directive.

    “The liquor and Licensing board is yet to be constituted by the governor, as such, no directive of this kind can come from a board yet to be formed.”

    The statement said that Bago had directed security agents to arrest the self-appointed Secretary of the board whose name is said to be Mohammed Ibrahim.

    He said the motives of the imposter and the reasons behind the pronouncement must be understood.

    “We invite the good public and our friends in the media to ignore any such pronouncements and to, henceforth, seek clarification from known government officials,” he said.

    He said that enquiries should be channeled to officials authorised to speak for the state government.

  • Gov Otu pledges united, prosperous Cross River

    Gov. Bassey Otu of Cross River has pledged that his administration will leave legacy of a united and prosperous Cross River that will be the envious of the nation’s subnational.

    Otu who made the pledge when he hosted newly elevated public servants of the state extraction at the federal level, however said the idea of a greater Cross River is a challenged endeavour that must be supported.

    The governor who noted that he remained focus inspite of the seeming challenges, said that everything worthwhile is usually an uphill task that requires the determination, endurance and focus to achieve.

    “The crucible of leading a state is overwhelmingly daunting but with the force of our collective resolve we shall arrive at the desired destination.

    “We shall therefore not relent in presenting to the citizenry our laudable ideas for every one to ask questions that will stimulate more victory and participate in the implementation of the ideas and take part in the glory of the accompanying successes,” he stressed.

    The governor who also bestowed awards on the elevated public servants which included: Ministers, Army, Police and the Judiciary, said that their elevation was as a result of years of hardwork and dedication to nation building.

    He urged them to replicate the same zeal in governance and patriotism in the service of the state.

    According to him, I am privileged, humbled and highly elated to be at the helm of affairs in the state when these our illustrous sons were elevated and choose in their different fields of endeavour.

    “They have impacted the states development agenda therefore no responsible government will downplay the importance of this distinguished human capital.

    “The social responsibility each of you owe the state is to serve as role models in terms of mentorship and provision of transformational leadership.”

    Speaking, Otu said it was only in the atmosphere of unity that the desire development can be achieved and called on everyone to be responsible for promoting unity among the people.

    “Fellow compatriots, permit me to use this forum to reiterate the  essence of unity among our diverse ethnic groupings and party lines in the state.

    “The unity of Cross River State is  sacroscant and therefore takes precedence over and above other considerations and nation building.

    The challenge of building a peaceful and harmonious  and prosperous state tests squarely on everyone’s shoulders irrespective of tribal, and political in inclinations,” he posited.

    Responding on behalf of the honoured public servants, Justice Jane Inyang of Court of Appeal, pledges that in their respective capacity, they will lift the banner of Cross River high.

    According to reports, others public servants honoured are Maj.-Gen. Emmanuel Undiandeye, Chief of Defence Staff Intelligence; Sen. John Owan-Enoh,  Minister of Sports and Dr Betta Edu, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.

    Others are Patrick Edung, AIG Zone II command, Osobo; Echeng Eworo Echeng, AIG zone 9, headquarters Umuahia amongst others.

  • PDP governors’ forum celebrates Gov.  Makinde @56

     

    By Emmanuel Oloniruha

     

    The Peoples Democratic Party Governors’ Forum (PDP-GF) on Monday celebrated Gov. Oluseyi Makinde of Oyo State on his 56th  birthday.

    The forum Chairman, Gov. Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, celebrated Makinde in a statement issued by the forum Director-General, Cyril Maduabum, in Abuja on Monday.

    Mohammed said that the forum celebrated Makinde’s sterling performance in office as Governor of Oyo State in over four years.

    This, according to him, was evident in life impacting projects in infrastructure, education, agriculture, healthcare service delivery, power generation, SME funding, security and safety – a wholesome transformation strategy for generational change.

    “This progress is also being felt in the reorganised solid mineral sector, aviation sector upgrade, improved civil service welfare, transportation, culture and tourism, road networking and urban renewal, trade and investment drive, youth and women empowerment, among others.

    “We are proud to say that the state’s economy has recorded a remarkable leap.

    “The forum acknowledges his numerous contributions to the growth of our Forum and his nationalistic approach to governance,’’ Mohammed said.

    He said that the forum celebrated Makinde’s valuable contributions in his capacity as vice-chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, and to the growth of the nation.

    Mohammed prayed for more divine guidance for Makinde generally in the line of service.

    He assured Makinde of the forum’s unalloyed support as he presides over the affairs of his state. (NAN)

  • Gunmen kill 50 villagers in Plateau – Gov. Mutfwang

     

    Gov. Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau says no fewer than 50 people were killed by a yet-to-be identified gunmen in several communities in Mangu and Bokkos Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state.
    The governor disclosed this at the Luncheon organised by the Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) for troops of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) on Monday in Mangu.
    Mutfwang, who expressed his dismay with the spate of attacks and wanton destruction of farmlands and other properties, promised to adopt stringent measures toward tackling all forms of insecurity in the state.
    ”From intelligence reports available to me, over 50 persons have been killed in Mangu and Bokkos in the last 48 hours.
    ”This is unacceptable; enough is enough. These stupid, senseless and unprovoke act must stop.
    ”However, no amount of attacks will brake the spirit of Plateau people, we remain resolute and determined to progress as a people,”he said.
    The governor, who thanked the troops for their unrelenting efforts toward tackling insecurity in the state, promised to support the military and other security agencies to secure the state.
    ”That way, we will prevent some hoodlums who usually hide under the attacks to perpetrate other crimes such as cattle rustling, armed robbery, kidnapping for ransom and other crimes.
    ”We will also strengthen other security agencies to compliment the efforts of the military in tackling insecurity in the state,”he said.
    Speaking, the Commander of OPSH, Maj.-Gen. Abdusalam Abubakar, said his troops had responded to the attacks.
    ”In the last 48 hours, we have responded to 36 distress calls from different locations simultaneously.
    ”As we speak, some of our men are currently in the hospital due to the injuries sustained in attacks.
    ”But we are committed to ensuring that we put a stop to all criminal activities in Plateau,”he said.(NAN)

  • Gov. Fubara presents N800b Rivers Budget to empty House of Assembly

    In spite of the political crisis rocking the Rivers State House of Assembly, the State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, presented the state’s N800 billion for 2024 to the assembly on Wednesday.

    There were only five members of the House when Fubara presented the budget out of the 32 lawmakers in the state.

    The Speaker, Edison Ehie, presided over the plenary as the governor presented the budget at about 9. 30 am.

    It will be recalled that 27 members of the House, loyal to Nyesom Wike, the immediate past governor of the state and now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, had decamped to All Progressives Congress (APC) from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP.