Daybreak, Politics, Entertainment, Sport

Category: News

You can add some category description here.

NAHCON Accepts Cancellation Of 2021 Hajj, Announces Plan To Refund Pilgrims
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has accepted the cancellation of this year’s Hajj.
In a statement on Saturday, Fatima Sanda Usara, Head, Public Affairs of the Commission, said the cancellation is in compliance with the directive of Saudi authorities.
We had earlier reported how Saudi authorities announced the restriction of this year’s Hajj to citizens who are resident in the Kingdom over COVID scare.
“In the light of what the world is witnessing with the continuing developments of the pandemic Covid-19, and the emergence of new variations, Hajj 1442 will be limited to the residents and citizens from within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia ONLY – (60,000). The Total Number of pilgrims this year is limited to ONLY 60,000 people, for residents of all nationalities and citizens inside the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” the authorities had said in a statement.
In its reaction, NAHCON described the development as the will of God, saying only Him can determine who his guests will be this year.
“We received news of the cancellation of Hajj for international pilgrims for the 2021 season. The Commission’s officials in Saudi Arabia have confirmed that state television and radio stations in the Kingdom have announced the news.”
“NAHCON respects the decision of Saudi Arabia in this regard no matter how painful that decision may be to us and to intending pilgrims worldwide. We have accepted that it is Allah’s divine design that multitudes will again this year not perform the Hajj: the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is only playing out a script ordained by our Maker long before creation of the universe. Our prayer is that we collectively turn to Him in repentance so that He admits us for Hajj in the coming years.
The will of God
“One of the lessons from these two years’ cancellations of Hajj for foreign pilgrims’ is in the Prophet’s hadith urging Muslims to perform Hajj while they can before they are prevented from doing so. Again, it impresses on us that it is only Allah that selects those who will be His guests for Hajj. May we not be deprived of Allah’s mercy. May we be among those who will be chosen to perform Allah’s worship in future.
“As in the previous year, those pilgrims who request for refund of their Hajj deposits will be granted such without unnecessary delay. As for those who would still wish to roll-over their funds, the Commission strongly urges them to wait for further advice and decisions by the board.”
June 12, 2021
Insecurity: Things Are Getting Worse By The Day In Zamfara – Gov Matawalle
Zamfara State Governor Bello Matawalle on Saturday said the state of insecurity in the state is worsening at an alarming rate.
He made the remark after confirming the bandit attack on Kadawa village, Zurmi Local Government Area in a special broadcast on Democracy Day.
According to the Governor, the bandits killed “many innocent people.”
Locals told Channels Television the toll had risen as high as 70 as of Saturday afternoon.
“I feel saddened by this unfortunate and barbaric act of cowardice,” he said. “With a heavy heart, I convey my condolences on behalf of my family and the entire people of the State over this massacre.
“In recent weeks, the act of banditry has reverted to the ugly dimensions it had prior to the coming of my administration. The marauders kill without regard for any rules of sanity. Women, the elderly, and children are not spared. As a result, a large number of people have been displaced in nearly every town in the State.
“My dear people of Zamfara people, you are witnesses to what we have accomplished from the beginning of our administration, particularly the peace and reconciliation efforts that we initiated and achieved. As a result, we have been able to shift our violent narratives to ones of optimism and peaceful coexistence.
“Unfortunately, things suddenly took a dramatic turn, and things are getting worse by the day. It is clear that some invincible hands are plotting evil against our people with the goal of making our State as terrifying as it were in the years gone by. My constant prayer is for Allah to reveal those who are perpetrating these cruel atrocities against our people.”
The Governor urged communities to defend themselves against the bandits while pledging his administration’s commitment to securing the state.
“I assure you that we will remain steadfast in our efforts to eradicate banditry and all types of criminality from the State,” he said. “In this battle, no sacred cow. Whosoever is involved in these dastardly acts, no matter how highly placed, would be dealt with according to the law.
“We have demonstrated this commitment based on the actions we have taken in respect of Emir of Maru, Emir of Dansadau and, following yesterday’s incident, the Emir of Zurmi.
“My administration has resolved to begin implementing the recommendations of the MD Abubakar-led Committee on Finding Solutions to Banditry in Zamfara State as a next step in addressing this vexing problem. We would not spare anyone indicted by the committee’s report, no matter how high up they are.”
June 12, 2021
Borno Governor Executes 556 Projects As Dividends Of Democracy In Two Years
By Dauda R PamMaiduguri
Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State has presented about 556 projects as dividends of democracy to the people of the state within the first half of his four year tenure.
Commissioner for Information, Babakura Abba Jato, announced this in an evidence-based presentation to mark the June 12,2021,Democracy Day, held during a luncheon at the government house multipurpose hall, MAIDUGURI the state capital.
According to the commissioner,70% of the 556 projects have been completed with 30%at various levels of completion even as most of them do not include policy programmes but capital intensive.
by Governor Zulum, National and State Assembly members, traditional rulers, party leaders, heads of security agencies and top Government officials.
Governor Zulum in his remarks, said that arrangements have been concluded for establishment of The Independent Corruption Practices Commission (ICPC) for the state and LGCs workers including public office holders to monitor and investigate any corrupt practice and bring to book anybody found wanting in diverting and mismanaging pubic money whether at the state or Local Government Council level.
Giving the breakdown of the projects, Jato explained that 194 capital projects were delivered on education, and they include – rehabilitation, completion and fresh construction of mega-size Government technical colleges and primary schools in different communities.
Also noted that 63 capital projects were delivered on governance and another 63 capital projects on roads, transport, rural and urban development, while 59 capital projects were delivered on water and environment.
Others were 58 capital projects on health, which included the establishment of 74 primary healthcare centres, new doctors’ quarters, and overhaul of 8 hospitals in Maiduguri Metropolis, Biu, Damboa, Monguno and Magumeri.
He explained that 53 capital projects were delivered on reconstruction, , rehabilitation and resettlement, which involve more than 6,000 resettlement houses for IDPs and refugees in 15 towns. Mr. President, Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, has since approved 10,000 resettlement houses in Borno State, with 4,000 already completed.
Of the556 projects,28 capital projects are on job creation, youth empowerment and humanitarian support which include an all-inclusive vocational training centre with 14 workshops for capacity development of 1,500 persons per annum. While noting that 15 capital projects were delivered on commerce and industry; 13 capital projects on agriculture and 10 capital projects were executed on security.
He also recalled that monthly allowances of volunteers in the Civilian JTF, hunters and vigilantes was increased, while over 700 vehicles and other logistics were needed to enhance their operational roles of complementing Armed Forces in fighting Boko Haram.
While Governor Zulum, who warned the LGCs Chairmen and legislators that nobody would be spares if found wanting after their 2 years tenure in office, also advised them to get prepared and to hold responsible and accountable to the LGC funds.
The governor, further, explained that no corrupt and non performing politician would be reappointed and re-elected in his cabinet neither at the State Assembly or LGCs elections respectively.
Governor Zulum also disclosed that his administration in the next two years of his first tenure would concentrate on recruitment of qualified teachers and medical workers to empowered the education and health sectors in addition to the furniture and equipment that would be provided to the educational and health facilities constructed and renovated across the state.
On job creation and empowerment of youths and women especially the physically challenged and vulnerables in the state including the almajiris, would be rehabiliated and reintegrated into the Tsangaya system of education to rid the streets of beggars and loiters.
The governor also noted that vocational training centers would be equipped and commenced training of unemployed youths as additional centers would be constructed across the state.
June 12, 2021
Democracy Day: President Buhari Can’t Shift Responsibility to Me Over Insecurity – Gov Ortom
By Isaac Kertyo, Makurdi
Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State on Tuesday declared that, President Muhammadu Buhari cannot shift responsibility to him as Governor as far as issues of insecurity are concerned.
The Governor made his position known while briefing Journalists at the Government House Makurdi on his second term’s score card to mark Democracy Day Anniversary.
Ortom said this against the backdrop of the recent statement by the President that Governors should stop running to him but rather tackle security challenges bedeviling their various states.
“The President can’t shift responsibility to me. He is the Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces- so he can’t ask Governors to go back to their States and face security challenges. I don’t have the Army or the Police,” he posited.
Continuing, Ortom admonished Nigerians to jettison ethnicity, religion and politics if the nation must move forward. “We must put aside ethnicity, religion and politics to move the country forward”.
He insisted that Benue State won’t accept reopening of Grazing routes, explaining that there is nothing like Grazing routes in the state. ” I have facts and figures, Benue is not affected.”
Ortom calls for the urgent review of the 1999 Constitution, describing it as faulty. ” There is need to look at the Constitution of Nigeria with the view of amending it for faster growth of our country.”
According to the Governor he achieved giant strides in education, security, agriculture, health, rural infrastructure among other development efforts using merger resources at his disposal.
The Governor maintained that the state government was currently catering for over one million Internally Displaced Persons’ who are in various camps. He lauded development partners, individuals and corporate organizations for their humanitarian services.
He commended the People of Benue State over their support and prayers which has made it possible for him to achieve much during the period under review.
The Governor equally lauded media practitioners for their balanced reportage, even as he implored them to maintain the tempo.
June 12, 2021
Foundation to organize Medical Check-up, Seminar, others for Widows in Kaduna
BY Gabriel Udeh, Kaduna
An NGO, Wounded Not Broken Love Foundation {WNB) has line up a number of loudable programmes of event for activities to mark the 2021 international widows’ days celebration in Kaduna state.
The proprietress of the foundation Mrs. Oge Nonyelum who made the disclosure in an interview in Kaduna said the programmes of event for widows day include, medical check-up, seminar, media sensitization on the plight of widows among others.
Mrs Nonyelum, a business woman and Associate member of Nigeria Union of journalists, also said the foundation, meant for widows, orphans, less privilege and drugs abuse addicts have organised several empowerment programmes for members to keep them socially and economically viable.
“We try to let them Know that though they’ve been wounded one way or the other, but that they’re not broken. That there’s always life after death.
“The programmes we’ve line up ahead of the international widows days is that, we’re trying to carry out sensitization in the media concerning the plight of the windows, to make society understand that they should not be rejected or abandon in anyway.
“There’s also going to be medical checkup and seminar for the windows. Even though some of them have been widows for up to 30 years, they will still come together and thanks almighty God that has been keeping them and their children all this while, on a Sunday.
On previous empowerment programmes organised for the windows, the founder said “We’ve always embarked on entrepreneurship programmes on skills acquisition, encouragement seminar.
According to her, the 6 years old foundation, empowered the windows and others, one way or the other, to be able to be self reliance.
“Our members are many, about 150 members. Most times we’ve more and less people on board during events depending on the assignment.
“We meet last Friday of every month of in Barnawa in Kaduna in an apartment. All of us come together to discuss issue, share the joy.
“We source for funding through meeting and writing to cooperate organizations, government, Companies individuals for supports in any area they could. We use to do this to put a smile on their face.
“The foundation was founded based on the love that came through love. Though before I lost my husband, I do give widows something. So I’ve a sympathy for them. I was too young when I lost my husband, less than 35 year. I ought to asked many questions, why I loose my husband at a very young age.
“How I’m able to cope, and got a vision, is that it’s for me to know what others are facing to be able to lift them.
“And I now decided that, the best way; because if your not the one wearing the shoe, you’ll not know where it pinches you.
“You might be seeing it from distance and think is an easy task. I found out that I’m wearing the shoes and, if I’m telling somebody about my pain, the person will be able to understand.
“But if you don’t have it, telling somebody I’m sorry, she may not understand even with a wound. I’ve pass through the pain, still passing, but still stand tall. I was able to encouraged and so be able to direct.”, she narrated.
June 12, 2021
Violence Erupts At APC Mega Rally In Kano
Violence broke out at mega rally of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano on Saturday.
The rally, which was organised to welcome former governorship candidate of the Green Party of Nigeria (GPN), A. A. Zaura and other decampees into APC, is taking place at Sabongari area of Kano metropolis.
While Rt Hon Hamisu Chidari, Speaker of Kano state House of Assembly, was giving his goodwill message, some of the party members in attendance started exchanging blows.
The incident almost disrupted the rally as people fled in different directions.
But normalcy was restored after a while. The rally is ongoing.
Some of the decampees are said to be members of the Kwankwasiyya movement, a group led by former Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso.
Governor Abdullahi Ganduje is among the dignitaries receiving the decampees into the APC fold.
June 12, 2021
NBA Fumes as EFCC Operatives Brutalize its Benue Chairman
By Isaac Kertyo, Makurdi
The Nigeria Barr Association, NBA, Makurdi branch, Benue State has condemned in its entirety the assault and molestation unleashed on its Chairman, Mr Justine Gbagir by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s zonal office, Makurdi.
The association’s Vice Chairman, Mr Basil Hemba who made this condemnation while briefing Newsmen over the incident in Makurdi, described the action of the EFCC against the Chairman as unacceptable.
Day Break learned that Mr Gbagir was manhandled by officials of the Commission when he visited the office to meditate in the case involving a colleague who is the Legal Adviser to the State Universal Basic Education Board, SUBEB, Benue State, Mrs Avershima who was detained by the aforesaid officials.
He decried continued attacks on legal Practitioners, pointing out that the injustice melted to Mr Gbagir by agents of the EFCC was a slap on the entire judiciary.
Hemba noted that NBA Chairman was Brutalize in the presence of the Attorney general and Commissioner for Justice, Benue State, Mr Mike Gusa who was at the Commission’s zonal office over the same case.
Meanwhile, Mr Gbagir is currently receiving treatment at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital, Makurdi.
June 12, 2021
BREAKING: Non-Saudi Residents Barred From Hajj Over Covid-19 Fears
…To Allow 60,000 Vaccinated Residents To Perform Hajj
For the second year running, non-Saudi residents will not be considered eligible for Hajj in the holy land.
In a statement on Saturday, Saudi authorities announced that only citizens within the kingdom will observe this year’s Hajj.
“In the light of what the world is witnessing with the continuing developments of the pandemic Covid-19, and the emergence of new variations, Hajj 1442 will be limited to the residents and citizens from within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia ONLY – (60,000).”
“The Total Number of pilgrims this year is limited to ONLY 60,000 people, for residents of all nationalities and citizens inside the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
“The health status of those wishing to register for Hajj 1442 must be from the following categories: a vaccinated person, a vaccinated person who has completed one dose and spent 14 days, or a vaccinated person recovering from infection.”
June 12, 2021
Osun NANS makes U-turn, joins #June12protest in Osogbo
The National Association of Nigeria Students (NANS) has made a u-turn on its initial decision ordering members to boycott the June 12 nationwide protest.
The Osun State chapter of the association joined the nationwide protest in Osogbo, the state capital, on Saturday.
Recall that NANS president, Sunday Asefon, in a statement on Friday suspended its planned June 12 nationwide protest.
However, the coalition of civil society in Osun commenced a massive rally against insecurity and unemployment in Nigeria.
The Chairman of NANS JCI in Osun State, Comrade Oyelayo Afeez, led its members en masse to Oke-Fia.
Speaking, Afeez said the situation of the country is unbearable to live in.
June 12, 2021
Governor Matawalle Suspends Emir Of Zurmi in Zamfara
Zamfara State Governor Bello Mohammed Matawalle has approved the suspension of Emir of Zurmi, Atiku Abubakar Muhammad.
This follows the killings in Kadawa village and allegations levelled against the Emir.
Protesters, earlier in May burnt a section of the palace of the Emir of Zurmi, lamenting that security agents and the Emir, Atiku Abubakar, were not doing enough to protect them from incessant bandit attacks in the area.
The state governor in the statement announcing the suspension of the Emir added that Alhaji Bello Suleiman (Bunun Kanwa) is to take charge of the Affairs of the Emirate immediately.
The statement was signed on Friday by the Secretary to the State Government, Kabiru Balarabe.
Also, a Committee has been set up to investigate allegations made against the suspended Emir, on his involvement in the escalating rate of banditry attacks in the Emirate.
Those in the committee include Former Deputy Governor Ibrahim Wakkala (Chairman); Former Deputy Governor, Mukhtar Ahmad Anka; Zamfara State House Leader, Faruku Musa Dosara, among others.
The Committee is given three weeks within which to complete its assignment and submit a report.
June 12, 2021