Tag: Sokoto

  • Sokoto Deputy Gov, 10 Commissioners, SSG, Chief of Staff Tenders Resignation

    Sokoto Deputy Gov, 10 Commissioners, SSG, Chief of Staff Tenders Resignation

    Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal of Sokoto state has accepted the resignation of his deputy and twelve other key portfolio holders in his administration.

    At the top of the list is the Deputy Governor, Hon. Manir Muhammad Dan Iya, who was also the Overseer of the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.

    The remaining Commissioners are those hitherto manning Ministries of Finance, Environment, Youths and Sports, Lands and Housing; as well as Careers and Security: Hon. Abdussamad Dasuki, Hon. Sagir Bafarawa, Hon. Bashir Gorau, Hon. Aminu Bala Bodinga and Col. Garba Moyi (rtd) respectively.

    Other Commissioners who resigned their appointmnt are those of Commerce, Works, Water Resources, Solid Minerals and Religious Affairs: Hon. Bashir Gidado, Hon. Salihu Maidaji, Hon. Shuaibu Gwanda Gobir, Hon. Abubakar Maikudi Ahmad and Hon. Abdullahi Maigwandu correspondingly.

    More among the resignees include the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mallam Sa’idu Umar and the Chief of Staff, Mukhtar Umar Magori.

  • Sokoto State Did Not Divert N189b Or Any Kobo

    Sokoto State Did Not Divert N189b Or Any Kobo

    By Muhammad Ibrahim, Sokoto

    Our attention has been drawn to reckless and provoking reports by some online new media about alleged diversion of N189 Billion by the Sokoto State Government. The reports cited a so-called EFCC interim report on Sokoto State. These media reports are false in all material particulars and should be completely disregarded.

    We alert the public that these media reports are products of orchestrated efforts by political hacks to taint the reputation of Governor Aminu Tambuwal, who is a frontline aspirant for 2023 PDP Presidential ticket. The Government of Sokoto State has established deserved reputation as the champion of budget transparency, fiscal responsibility, and open governance. We have subscribed to the Open Government Partnership (OGP).

    According to the governor’s media aide,it is noteworthy that in December 2020, the World Bank rated the Sokoto State as number one state in Nigeria in fiscal transparency as a recognition of Governor Tambuwal’s unflinching commitment to the implementation of the States Fiscal Transparency, Accountability and Sustainability (SFTAS) and for efforts to champion budgetary transparency in Nigeria. For this commitment, Sokoto State has received up to $34.1million as special grant from the World Bank.

    Governor Tambuwal in pursuit of fiscal responsibility and anticorruption in management of public finance in Sokoto State has created the Sokoto State Bureau of Public Procurement and Private Partnership and Fiscal Responsibility Commission to review and investigate all public expenditure. The agencies are independent agencies established by law. To further strengthen vertical and horizontal agencies of accountability in the state, Governor Tambuwal has signed law granting the Offices of Auditor General in the state and local government councils in Sokoto State operational independence to investigate all records of public expenditure in Sokoto State.

    Nigerians know Governor Tambuwal as a champion of due process and fiscal probity, who as the Speaker of the House of Representative received a clean bill of health from all anticorruption agencies. He has been an inspiration for his commitment to prudent and honest management of public finance. He has continued to run an open government in Sokoto State. In line with his high standard of probity and open government, Governor Tambuwal invites any person who cares to look into the records of the state and to request the report of the Sokoto State Bureau of Public Procurement and Private Partnership on all public expenditures in Sokoto State.

    We assure Nigerians that we are ready with all relevant documents to challenge any report from the EFCC or any other anticorruption body on the public finances of Sokoto State. We are confident of Governor Tambuwal’s trail-blazing legacy of fiscal responsibility and open governance. We welcome the strictest scrutiny from any Nigerian or group interested in the affairs of Sokoto State. In the meantime, we urge the public to disregard these malicious attacks on Governor Tambuwal and desperate efforts to derail the Tambuwal mission to offer Nigeria an open and transformative governance.

  • Sokoto Debunks Report Alleging Diversion of N189bn

    Sokoto Debunks Report Alleging Diversion of N189bn

    The Sokoto State government has debunked what it called “reckless and provoking reports” alleging diversion of N189 billion by the state, published by some online news media.

    A statement issued by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Muhammad Bello, said “these media reports are false in all material particulars and should be completely disregarded.”

    The statement said the reports which cited “a so-called EFCC interim report on Sokoto State… are products of orchestrated efforts by political hacks to taint the reputation of Governor Aminu Tambuwal, who is a frontline aspirant for 2023 PDP Presidential ticket.”

    The statement titled “Sokoto State Did Not Divert N189 billion or Any Kobo”, read: “Our attention has been drawn to reckless and provoking reports by some online new media about alleged diversion of N189 Billion by the Sokoto State Government. The reports cited a so-called EFCC interim report on Sokoto State. These media reports are false in all material particulars and should be completely disregarded.

    “We alert the public that these media reports are products of orchestrated efforts by political hacks to taint the reputation of Governor Aminu Tambuwal, who is a frontline aspirant for 2023 PDP Presidential ticket. The Government of Sokoto State has established deserved reputation as the champion of budget transparency, fiscal responsibility, and open governance. We have subscribed to the Open Government Partnership (OGP).

    “It is noteworthy that in December 2020, the World Bank rated the Sokoto State as number one state in Nigeria in fiscal transparency as a recognition of Governor Tambuwal’s unflinching commitment to the implementation of the States Fiscal Transparency, Accountability and Sustainability (SFTAS) and for efforts to champion budgetary transparency in Nigeria. For this commitment, Sokoto State has received up to $34.1million as special grant from the World Bank.

    “Governor Tambuwal in pursuit of fiscal responsibility and anticorruption in management of public finance in Sokoto State has created the Sokoto State Bureau of Public Procurement and Private Partnership and Fiscal Responsibility Commission to review and investigate all public expenditure. The agencies are independent agencies established by law. To further strengthen vertical and horizontal agencies of accountability in the state, Governor Tambuwal has signed law granting the Offices of Auditor General in the state and local government councils in Sokoto State operational independence to investigate all records of public expenditure in Sokoto State.

    “Nigerians know Governor Tambuwal as a champion of due process and fiscal probity, who as the Speaker of the House of Representative received a clean bill of health from all anticorruption agencies. He has been an inspiration for his commitment to prudent and honest management of public finance. He has continued to run an open government in Sokoto State. In line with his high standard of probity and open government, Governor Tambuwal invites any person who cares to look into the records of the state and to request the report of the Sokoto State Bureau of Public Procurement and Private Partnership on all public expenditures in Sokoto State.

    “We assure Nigerians that we are ready with all relevant documents to challenge any report from the EFCC or any other anticorruption body on the public finances of Sokoto State. We are confident of Governor Tambuwal’s trail-blazing legacy of fiscal responsibility and open governance. We welcome the strictest scrutiny from any Nigerian or group interested in the affairs of Sokoto State. In the meantime, we urge the public to disregard these malicious attacks on Governor Tambuwal and desperate efforts to derail the Tambuwal mission to offer Nigeria an open and transformative governance.”

  • Sokoto: Ex Water Resources Minister, Shagari Purchase Guber Form

    By Muhammad Ibrahim, Sokoto

    The former Attorney of the state, former deputy governor, former Minister of water resources and chairman African and world bank for the development of water, Barrister Mukhtar Shehu Shagari has today visited PDP Secretariat along Ahmadu Bello Way, Sokoto where he presented his nomination and candidacy form to contest as the Governor of Sokoto state.

    Speaking to the gathering, Shagari said he was a pioneer member to introduce the party to the people of Sokoto state and similarly assisted its existence since 1980s.

    “As far as PDP is concerned, I am the only candidate supposed to be the flag bearer of the party in order to continue with the quality leadership of Governor Tambuwal.

    ” I am coming in to acquire wealth, rather to make Sokoto and environs a tourism center with the manifestation and plans I have in mind”,averred Shagari.

    He said for his quality leadership, he was recognized to be the chairman of water development in the whole African region and thereafter acknowledged his efforts by the World Bank where he was appointed also to look after the development of water supply in all nooks and corners where necessary.

    Shortly after, the PDP chairman in the state, Bello Aliyu Goronyo assured him and other contestants of the party’s support at all times.

    He told Shagari to meet other gubernatorial aspirants for consensus in order to make things easier for the party especially during campaigns adding that the party is responsible for campaigns during electioneering processes.

  • 2023: Bafarawa Expressed Ambition As Sokoto Gubernatorial Aspirant

    2023: Bafarawa Expressed Ambition As Sokoto Gubernatorial Aspirant

    By Muhammad Ibrahim, Sokoto

    Alhaji Sagir Dalhatu Bafarawa a one time Commissioner with the current administration Thursday presented his manifesto to the State PDP headquarters indicating his interest to join the gubernatorial race in 2023 general elections.

    Speaking during the consultation at the state PDP secretariat along Bello Way, Sokoto, Sagir Attahiru Bafarawa, the son of the former governor Attahiri Dalhatu Barawa, formally consulted his supporters for his intention to join the gubernatorail race come 2023.

    He reminded all party members that PDP as the ruling party in the state has performed well especially in the field of education,vAgriculture and many other ways of human development.

    Bafarawa who has served as the commissioner for environment said he was happy to work with Governor Tambuwal and has gathered alot in political dispensation.

    He acknowledged that governor Tambuwal has executed various developmental project that have direct bearing to the people of the state.

    Giving the opportunity to serve as the governor of the state, Sagir promised to continue from where his mentor stopped if given the mandate comes 2023 elections.

    The state PDP chairman, Alhaji Bello Aliyu Goronyo said Sagir is the first gubernatorial aspirant to consult publicly his intention to contest come 2023 general elections.

    Goronyo said although the commissioner is the first to visit the party headquarters on consultations hoped to others to emulate him.

  • SOKOTO: New EXCO Inherits Over N200 Thousand From The Former, Others

    SOKOTO: New EXCO Inherits Over N200 Thousand From The Former, Others

    By muhmad Ibrahim,Sokoto

    In his address during the maiden congress of the NUJ Sokoto Council,the Chairman who took over the mantle of leadership of the council on December 22nd 2022, said at the handing over inherited properties belonging to the council that include house C177 at Bado housing estate which was occupied by a tenant at an annual rent of N160,000.

    Other items inherited include two generators, public address system and N200,363 adding that the leadership was able to maintain five out of six supporting staff including the council bus driver.

    The xhairman, Dalhatu Abdullahi Safiyal Magori further said out of N116,560 from mbers of the five chapels, N57,000 is used to pay monthly allowances of the union supporting staff and maintenance of Secretariat saying as part of their efforts to adequate working relationship, the leadership has embarked on consultation with some organizations for the training of members ahead of 2023 electoral processes.

    In their separate remarks, Commissioner for Animal Health and Fisheries Develpoment, Professor AbdulKadir Usman Junaid, Mallam Sajo Sanyinna of Usman Danfodio University, Shehu Jatau Sanyinna of Vision FM,Labaran Lumu Sundays and others all commended the present council for a good start and challenged them for better productivity and maintaining all working journalist to work according to the provision of NUJ constitution.

    They agreed that journalism is one of the best professions in the world and therefore must have executive guidelines that must be observed for peace.

  • Goal feast in Kano as Gombe, Sokoto outplay Kaduna, Adamawa in Ramat Cup tourney

    Goal feast in Kano as Gombe, Sokoto outplay Kaduna, Adamawa in Ramat Cup tourney

    By Mike Oboh

    True to prediction, fans of youth football got more than what they bargined for on Tuesday as participating teams in this year’s Ramat Cup tournament gave a very good account of themselves on Day 3

    39 goals were scored by the various teams at the.Mahaha Sports complex in Kano, as they become desperate to make the quarter-finals stage

    Gombe U-16 team that won their first match 2-0 against Adamawa on Monday, were ruthless against Kaduna scoring 5 unreplied goals
    They now have 6 points from 2 matches.

    Sokoto that lost 3-1 to Kaduna on Sunday fought back strongly to defeat Adamawa 4-0. With 3 points in their kitty, the Tambuwal Babes say they are ready against Gombe, in their Wednesday’s encounter

    Defending Champions Kwara got a scare of their lives also on Tuesday when they were held to a 1-1 draw by FCT but later made up with a formidable display against Bauchi that they defeated 3-0 in their next match
    Kwara now have 7 points and will now play Yobe for the quarter-finals ticket, since they won their opening game 3-0 against Rivers State.

    The shocking result of the day was the defeat of the host team Kano. They lost 1-0 to their kebbi counterparts but later defeated Zamfara 2-0 to ease qualification tension. They however need to complete their efforts with a win against Nasarawa on Wednesday to move into quarter-finals
    Jigawa and Abia have a heculean task ahead of them. They must beat Ogun and Sokoto respectively to be guaranteed a chance in the quarter-finals

    In Wednesday’s matches Katsina will play Plateau, while Kaduna take on Adamawa. It will be Bauchi versus Yobe and Ekiti against FCT amongst Others

    The excitement is really infectious and everybody is getting consumed.
    The YSFON organised Football tournament is truly yielding the desired dividend but stakeholders warn that except Nigerian football authorities maximize the gains of grassroots development,the nation will continue to lag behind in world football

  • Zenith Bank Renovated 4 Classrooms In 2 Schools In Sokoto

    Zenith Bank Renovated 4 Classrooms In 2 Schools In Sokoto

    By Muhammad Ibrahim, Sokoto,Sokoto

    The State Universal Basic Education Board has expressed it’s determination to collaborate with any private organization wishing to contribute to the upliftment of the basic education sub-sector in the state as stated in a release by the Public Relations Officer,Abbas Tukur Sanyinna.

    Education Chairman of the board Alhaji Altine Shehu Kajiji gave the assurance today at the commissioning and taking over of four block of classroom and hostel at Sokoto Teaches College as well as renovation furnishing of block of classrooms at Yahaya Abdulkarim and Magajin Rafi Model Primary Schools by Zenith Bank plc.

    Alhaji Altine Shehu said sokoto is center of education hence the need for corporate organizations working in the state to complement the state government effort in maintaining the glory of education sokoto is known for.

    He particularly commended the Management of Zenith Bank plc for undertaking the renovation project as part of their social corporate responsibility and hoped the tempo will be maintained.

    The SUBEB Chairman used the medium to thank the entire family of the board for the unflinching support and cooperation they are giving him since his appointment as the Executive Chairman of the board.

    The ceremony was witnessed by the Permanent Secretary of the board Alhaji Ahmed Rufa’i Ibrahim, Permanent Members and all the Directors of the board.

  • Governor Tambuwal: Fares well On London System Of Almajiri Education In Sokoto

    Governor Tambuwal: Fares well On London System Of Almajiri Education In Sokoto

    By Muhammad Ibrahim, Sokoto

    Itinerant Quranic schooling otherwise known as ‘Almajirci Quranic schools’ is an Islamic educational system, that has been in place even before the nineteenth century Jihad of Sheikh Uthman Bin Fodiyo of blessed memory. History has shown the system was in existence in Kanem Borno as early as the ninth century. And by the fifteenth century, it was well established in places such as Kano, Katsina and Zaria.

    A seasoned journalist in Sokoto,Kabiru Umar further explained that the reform movement of Sheikh Uthman Bin Fodiyo further popularized and led to the spread of the system to other areas of the north, that included Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara, Bauchi, Adamawa, and IIorin among others.The initial stage of the system centered around memorization of the glorious Qur’an and the development of reading and writing skills in Arabic.

    Remarkably, the products of this lslamic educational system then, had adequately provided the intellectual and administrative manpower of the Nigerian societies. Contrastingly, the situation as obtained currently presents such products as no longer symbols of genuine Islamic scholarship. It’s a complete debasement of the principles for which the system is underpinned.

    It’s glaringly not a hoax, pupils of such schools who should have been kept to learning are released to wander in search of food in houses and in eateries as well as engaged in burdensome responsibilities (washing of clothes and eating plates). It’s a fact, one of the negative consequences of allowing such pupils to roam about to nose for food at the expense of their educational pursuit could demean anything good the society stands for. Added to this, they stand vulnerable of being dragged into deviant behaviours (thuggery, restiveness, alcoholism, drug addiction etc.). These aren’t only scandalous but disheartening, as the country hankers within its fold, spirited pupils/youth that can nod their heads in pleasure as getters of western education laced with entrepreneurial skills, that could make them self sustaining.

    The current state on which the Almajirci system of education is hung however, nosedives to paint another state of despondency that doesn’t allow for its prosperity. Addressing the rot therefore in it, is inexorably arduous but not insurmountable. And this aligns with governor Tambuwal’s stance on the issue. At a conclave of Northern State Governors some months ago, the governor’s standpoint was further illuminated when instead of acquiescing to the clamour by his colleagues for the outlawing of the Almajirci system of education opted for its modernisation and rejuvenation.

    It’s the Pondok system of Quranic education that came to view. It’s the Indonesian model. It’s said, the system is on stream in that country for nearly 300 years. It integrates Qur’anic pedagogy alongside the learning of vocational skills by pupils. In this way, pupils don’t go out aimlessly and uncontrollably to seek help from outside to eat. They are confined to schools’ environments to learn skills to be able to live on their own after graduation. This, incontrovertibly, appears to be the mindset of governor Tambuwal on Sokoto state’s soil and by extension the whole of northern states where the Almajirci/Qur’anic schools system of education has a firm root.

    In Sokoto state particularly, the government has been deeply engaged in the enlightenment of stakeholders in the project, notably proprietors of Qur’anic schools, district heads and other well meaning people across the 87 districts on the unquantifiable merits of the Almajiri Pondok system of education. With glee and enthusiasm the system has had a considerable level of acceptance as a sizeable number of Almajirci/Quranic schools have keyed into the new system.

    This presupposed the sensitisation campaign sanctioned by the government and blessed by the Sultanate Council to all those that mattered had borne useful fruits. It’s underlying the need, on one hand, not only the Tambuwal’s administration and our revered Sultanate Council, but all should contribute to the task of reordering the psyche of the society to come to terms with the innumerable advantages of getting our Almajirci schools system reformed for impactful results.

    The system is about fusing Qur’anic education with western education together character moulding and skills acquisition on a tray. In such schools, the pupils are availed with the opportunities of sewing, carpentry, masonry, plumbing and welding among other skills. The import of this drive is simple. It entails taking the pupils who are potential youth and leaders of the society off the begging train and goes to guard them against the temptation of involvement in vices/crimes, whose disruptive scars could slow down process of development beyond the bounds of the state.

    The adoption of the Indonesian model of Qur’anic/Almajirci system of education in Sokoto state is to say the least, a major impetus transferred to the Nigerian societies by the Tambuwal’s administration. It’s an initiative whose positive touch can’t be contested. And is certain to be felt goodly outside our shores. Again, it’s a step to killing two birds with a stone. While swimming in Qur’anic education, the pupils are guaranteed the leverage of vocational trades for self dependence, thus keeping them away from miscellaneous offences that are at variance with the demands of the Nigerian state.

  • President Buhari Commissions 3 Million Metric Tonnes Cement Plant In Sokoto

    President Buhari Commissions 3 Million Metric Tonnes Cement Plant In Sokoto

    By Muhammad Ibrahim,Sokoto

    President Muhammad Buhari hosted by governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal has commissioned a Cement Plant by manufacturing Company,BUA Group in Sokoto.

    The President at the brief event inaugurated the 3million metric tonnes per annum and 48 megawatt power plants and lauded the Company for believing Nigeria in the largest employer of labour in the northwest region of the country.

    Buhari similarly expressed delight with Federal government’s policies and economic diversification, job creation and creating enabling environment for businesses.

    He said his administration would continue to support serious investors to set up businesses that would take advantage of huge reserves of resources in the country and beyond.

    While speaking on insecurity, President Buhari reiterated his commitment to bringing peace and stability to all parts of Nigeria enumerating a rapt of measures undertaken by his government to ensure that normalcy is returned.

    The Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN),Godwin Emefele in his remarks urged Cement manufacturers to hold to rising prices of cement in the country.

    He said manufacturers must first satisfy the local market by cement available before satisfying the external market, noting that Nigerians continue to lament on the rising prices of cement in recent times and urged government to intervene.

    Emefele further said the cement factory remain key to solving Nigeria’s unemployment challenges in the country.

    Influential personalities from within and outside the country witnessed the brief ceremony.