Daji Sani in Yola

The son of President Bola Tinubu, Mr. Seyi Tinubu, has paid the medical bills of some Nigerians to mark the Ramadan fast, in demonstration of the virtues of togetherness and unity

While in Adamawa State, Seyi took time to extend philanthropic gestures, including a visit to the Modibbo Adama University Teaching Hospital, Yola, where he toured some wards and settled the bills of patients.

He was also at a number of mosques and orphanage homes, where he gave out food items and other valuables

Seyi   told the youth drawn from across Adamawa State that the national students loan scheme and some other youth-centred programmes of the federal government were products of his father’s passion for the good of young people

Seyi, who was in Yola late in the evening of Sunday, March 16, when he observed the day’s breaking of Ramadan fast with some youths, stressed that his father wanted Nigerian children to thrive.

He said, “This is the only president that conceived students’ loan programme, the only president that created platform for young people to thrive, the only president who creates economy that benefits everybody.”

Seyi added that his father was the sort of president who did not seek to enrich his pockets but strove always to reposition the country for national prosperity.

He explained that he was in Yola for iftar (Ramadan fast-breaking meal) and to generally mix with his peers.

EFCC Should Not Be Scrapped But Strengthened, Says Fintiri

��Daji Sani in Yola

Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri, has said that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) should not be scrapped but strengthened for better efficiency.

The governor had earlier disclosed that he would decide whether to join the suit by some governors challenging the legality of the laws establishing the commission, after reviewing it with his Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice.

Reacting to the suit filed at the Supreme Court by 16 governors during a television programme, Fintiri said it was not the right time to abolish the EFCC.

He said: “For me, it is not the right time to abolish the EFCC, whether it was established rightly or wrongly. We need to make it work better. We need to remove the politics that sometimes leads to claims of witch-hunting.”

He also criticised the practice of taking custody of funds recovered from those who looted their states by the federal government, saying it was “a wrong practice.”

“I heard the Attorney General of Oyo State complaining after a court session that, even though funds are shared among the three tiers of government, federal, state, and local, the federal government often oversteps by questioning how states and local governments spend their money.

“Even when funds are appropriated, the federal government takes it into their treasury. I believe this practice should be discontinued,” he added.

Daji Sani in Yola

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) said the Operation  Whirlwind launched recently to combat fuel smuggling across the country’s borders, has already yielded significant results, with substantial seizures of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) valued at N153.157.560 Million.

Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, disclosed this at a press conference organised by the NCS in Yola, the Adamawa State capital.

He noted that the operation has made 27 seizures and detected smuggling networks in Badagry and Adamawa since its inception on May 28, 2024.

The CGC, who was represented at event  by Deputy Comptroller-General in charge of reinforcement, inspection and investigation, Olaniyi Olajogun, said the NCS has also collaborated with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Limited to strengthen its efforts against fuel smuggling.

He added some notable seizures made by the NCS include two trucks with 33,000 litres capacity each, filled with PMS, 1,046 jerricans of 25 litres capacity each, filled with PMS 12 drums of 200 litres capacity each, filled with PMS, all intended for smuggling

He said one suspect was apprehended in connection with these smuggling activities and was at the custody of the NCS in Abuja.

According to the CGC, the NCS has also engaged with stakeholders, including the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Agency (NMDPRA), and security agencies, to combat fuel smuggling.

Industry stakeholders, such as the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD), and Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN), have also committed to supporting the operation.

Daji Sani in Yola

The 23 Armored Brigade of the Nigerian Army in Yola, Adamawa State, has refuted the claims by the state House of Assembly that two youths were killed by security operatives in Mubi South Local Government Area of the state.

While the state Assembly strongly condemned the wanton killings of the youths, the army in a statement signed by the brigade’s acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relation Officer (APRO), Lieutenant Adebayo Samuel Adewumi, refuted the allegations saying that the troops deployed in the area were not responsible for the fatal shooting of Samaila Hamidu on August 31, 2024.

According to the army, the troops were conducting routine patrols aimed at deterring criminal activities when the victim fled and suffered a lone accident.

The troops immediately rendered assistance, rushing the victim to Mubi General Hospital and notifying the policemen stationed at Nasarawo Ward.

Despite efforts to save his life, the victim tragically passed away at the hospital.

According to  the army, eyewitnesses praised the troops for their selfless service and prompt response.

The army has urged the public to disregard the baseless claims and falsehoods being circulated.

The 23 Brigade remains committed to maintaining peace, order, and safety in Adamawa State.

The army reaffirmed its dedication to protecting the lives and livelihoods of all Adamawa State residents.

Daji Sani in Yola

The Adamawa State Coordinator of  Public and Private Development Centre (PPDC), Fatima Bello Raji, who is also the state Program Officer, Access to Justice, has said that the PPDC has trained 30 Law Clinicians and Law Coordinators on Justice Sector Reforms in the state.

Raji made the disclosure to journalists shortly after the capacity and training workshop held in Yola, the Adamawa State capital.

While welcoming the participants in her open remarks, she revealed that the capacity workshop was organised to empower law coordinators and clinicians on Justice Sector reforms.

The coordinator further revealed that the training was  supported by the US Department of Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) aimed at equipping 30 law clinicians with the knowledge and skills necessary to drive meaningful reforms in the justice sector.

Raji emphasised the vital role law clinicians play in shaping the future of the justice system, particularly in addressing the challenges facing the sector.

“The justice sector in Nigeria is at a crossroads, facing challenges that demand innovative solutions and collective action.

“The training programme is designed to equip participants with the knowledge, skills, and expertise necessary to drive meaningful reforms and improve access to justice for all.

“The topics to be explored during the training include the role of law clinics in facilitating access to justice for indigent detainees; ethics of pro bono legal practice in Nigeria, and project reporting,” she said.

Raji added that participants would also learn about lawyering and advocacy skills, strategies for effective advocacy and stakeholder engagement, and addressing systemic barriers to access to justice.

 She said: “Through interactive sessions, expert presentations, and collaborative exercises, participants will explore the intricacies of justice sector reforms and identify practical solutions to address pressing issues.”

Raji urged participants to approach the training with an open mind, a willingness to learn, and a commitment for collaboration to create a more just, equitable, and accessible justice system for all.

One of the participants at the workshop, Mr. David Giwa, a student of the Nigeria Law School in Yola, said the training has equipped them with skills to access justice and fast track justice for especially those awaiting trials who were denied access to justice for many years and languishing in the Nigeria Correctional Centres.

He said the reforms would also aid the decongestion of correctional centres and exposed corrupt practices in the judicial sector and so many advantages to mention.

Daji Sani in Yola

In his bid to eradicate poverty in Adamawa State, Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri has empowered 10,000 women with the sum of N50,000 each as grants to encourage small scale businesses in the state.

Fintiri flagged of the empowerment programme at the Ribadu Square, venue of the event, convened  by the Ministry of Entrepreneurship and the Agency for Poverty Alleviation and Wealth Creation (PAWECA) to provide the empowerment for women via a programme called ‘Fintiri ������Ƶ Wallet’.

“This second batch of the Fintiri ������Ƶ Wallet will disburse N50,000 to each of the 10,000 beneficiaries, impacting approximately 40,000 households and 100,000 persons annually. We will continue to build capacity, provide entrepreneurial support, and ensure the health and wellbeing of our market women,” Fintiri said.

According to Fintiri, “Today marks another milestone in our efforts to empower women and alleviate poverty in Adamawa State.

“The Fintiri ������Ƶ Wallet is a flagship programme that convers our 8-point agenda’s focus on youths and women development, poverty alleviation, and commerce.”

He said his administration has established the Ministry of Entrepreneurship and the Agency for Poverty Alleviation and Wealth Creation (PAWECA) to provide skills, innovation, and institutional support for entrepreneurship.

The governor added: “Our programmes have trained over 45,000 youths, provided monthly stipends to 30,000 beneficiaries, and empowered 10,000 women petty traders.”

He further revealed that micro businesses are recognised globally as engines of economic development, adding that that was why his government is committed to empowering women.

Fintiri noted that if you make a woman financially stable, it would translates to family stability, food on the table, nutrition, health, education, and a better society, adding that is reason why his government decided to focus on women in second batch of the disbursement.

He added: “We are sensitive to the economic crunch and are proactive in crafting measures to ease hardship and build resilience.

“Our ICT-for-Empowerment corridor is training 100,000 youths, and we are scaling up our mass transit system to cushion transportation hardship.

“I congratulate today’s beneficiaries and reassure everyone in Adamawa State that our best is yet to come. We will continue to work tirelessly to empower our women to eradicate poverty, and build a prosperous society for all.”

Daji Sani in Yola

The Adamawa State Independent Electoral Commission (ADSIEC) has announced that the local government chairmen and councillors elections will hold on July 13, 2024, in all 21 Local Government Areas(LGAs) of the state. 

Chairman of ADSIEC,  Alhaji Mohammed Umar, assured the people  that the commission is well prepared and has taken necessary measures to ensure a smooth and peaceful election.

He warned that no movement of vehicles will be allowed on election day from 7.00a.m to 3.00p.m except those on essential duties, adding that it is expected that electorates trek on foot to their respective polling units to exercise their franchise.

 While those who have their polling units far from their homes should leave their homes early enough to get to their polling units before  7.00a.m or they should travel a day to elections day  to where they can cast their votes in order not to be disfranchised.

 The chairman said the commission was well prepared to conduct the council  elections as over 4,000 Ad hoc staff have been trained and deployed to polling units across 226 wards and 21 LGAs of the state.

According to him, non-sensitive electoral materials have been distributed to all LGAs and security has been beefed up in all polling units, especially in areas considered “black spots.”

“We would be deploying our sensitive materials this morning to all the 21 LGAs under tight security,” he said.

Umar urged stakeholders to cooperate with security agencies and warned troublemakers to desist from causing mayhem.

“The commission remains committed to providing a level playing ground for all political parties and contestants.”

However, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has announced its non-participation in the elections, which the commission respects as the party’s decision.

The ADSIEC chairman and the APC’s Public Relation Officer, Alhaji Mohammed Abdullah, have both spoken on the matter, reiterating their positions.

Daji Sani in Yola

The Adamawa State Governor, Mr. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, has urged newly sworn-in chairmen and members of boards and commissions to work together and drive progress and development in the state.

Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony on yesterday, Fintiri congratulated the appointees on their well-deserved selections, which were based on their integrity, capacity, loyalty, and pedigree.

He emphasised the importance of inclusivity, transparency, and accountability in their leadership roles, stressing that corruption would not be tolerated. The governor charged the new board members to come up with innovative contributions to address economic challenges facing the state.

He encouraged them to embrace transparency, accountability, and innovation to drive progress, building on the progress made so far.

Fintiri expressed his commitment to leaving a legacy of hard work and determination for a better future.

He urged the new board members to work together to build a better Adamawa State, where everyone has a sense of belonging and the collective vision is achieved.

The governor also emphasised the importance of teamwork in making a difference and making Adamawa State a model for excellence.

The swearing-in ceremony marked a new chapter in the state’s history that is defined by progress, inclusivity, and good governance.

•Says Fintiri is future material

Daji Sani in Yola

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, yesterday, recalled his Yola prison experience, in Adamawa State, and said it did not only make him a better person, but also formed part of his success story as president of Nigeria.

He however, extoled the strides of Governor Ahamdu Umaru Finitri of the state, describing him as a material for the future.

Reflecting on his stay in Yola prison, he said, “My experience in Yola  prison made me a better person and also formed part of my success story as President of Nigeria.

“I am very pleased with Adamawa people. My best friend is from Adamawa. I have a very strong affinity with the people of Adamawa, my running mate and vice-president came from Adamawa state.”

Speaking on the governor, he said, “Finitri has shown to the world, what it takes to lead. I am very pleased with what I see in Yola today. Governor Finitri, you are doing well,” he said.

Obasanjo disclosed this while commissioning the Police Roundabout flyover  rated  as one of the best and the first in the Northeast sub-region.

He further noted that the efforts being made by the Finitri administration as an indication that, “we will get to the desired place if the military does not interrupt the process,” adding that though Nigeria has not gotten it right, it would get there.

The former president, who performed the commissioning, said the essence of governance was to bring positive change to the people who were being served.

He also charged the governor to take his urban renewal programmes to the rural areas, stressing that rural development would help in curbing security challenges as it would reduce rural migration

In his remark, Finitri said, “Since I took over as governor of the state, I made up my mind for real positive change engendered in the promise of democracy.

“Exactly five years ago, I took the Oath of Office to serve as your democratically-elected governor. In my address at the occasion, I stated that positive change has come to Adamawa State.

“I was conscious of the hope of our people and the trust in me to bring about the positive change for all Adamawa people regardless of tribe, religion, social background or political inclination.

“The task ahead was very clear in my mind and I was fully committed to discharging it with the zeal of a missionary. Precisely one year ago, I took another Oath of Office for my second term. If my election for the first term was a trust, my second election represents a vote of confidence and an impetus to do more,” he said.

Daji Sani in Yola

The Adamawa State Independent Electoral Commission (ADSIEC) has fixed July 13, 2024, for local government area elections in the state.

The newly sworn-in Chairman of the commission, Mohammed Umar, made the announcement yesterday at a press conference held in his office in Yola, the state capital.

According to the chairman, five days ago, the state governor, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, inaugurated new members for the State Independent Electoral Commission (SIEC).

He added that by this constitutional fulfillment, the commission has been given the green light to kick-start the process of its mandate which is to organise, conduct and supervise elections into the local government councils of Adamawa State.

He said: “As you are aware, the tenure of the local government councils has expired and it is the responsibility of the commission to conduct new elections to fill in the vacancies as promulgated by law.

“It is therefore imperative and constitutional for the commission to announce a date for the conduct of the council elections.”

Consequently, he said the commission at its meeting held on May 27, “fixed Saturday July 13, 2024, as the tentative date for the conduct of the elections.”

Umar, however, said notices of the election into the offices of the chairman and councillors shall be published at the SIEC headquarters and local government offices.

He further revealed that timetable/schedule of activities and timelines for the conduct of the elections will be released within this week.

Umar has also called on the stakeholders, political parties , political gladiators, and contestants to cooperate with the commission to conduct a credible and transparent elections.

The chairman promised to play the game according to the rules of the game and a level playing ground.

Daji Sani in Yola

The Adamawa State Independent Electoral Commission (ADSIEC) has announced July 13, 2024, as the date to hold Councillors and Local Government Area Chairmen elections in the state.

The newly sworn in chairman of the commission, Mohammed Umar, made the announcement yesterday at a press conference at his office in Yola, Adamawa State capital.

According to the chairman, five days ago, 24th May 2024, Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa State, inaugurated new members for the State Independent Electoral Commission (SIEC).

He added that by this constitutional fulfillment, the commission has been given the greenlight to kick-start the process of its mandate which is to organize, conduct and supervise elections into the local government councils of Adamawa State.

His words: “As you are aware, the tenure of the local government councils has expired and it is the responsibility of the commission to conduct new elections to fill in the vacancies as promulgated by law.

“It is therefore imperative and constitutional for the commission to announce a date for the conduct of the council elections.”

Consequently, he said the Commission at its meeting held on the 27th May, 2024, “Fixed Saturday 13th July 2024 as the tentative date for the conduct of the elections.”

He said however notices of the election into the offices of chairman and councilors shall be published at the SIEC Headquarters and Local Government offices.

He further revealed that timetable/schedule of activities and timelines for the conduct of the elections will be released within the week.

Umar has also called on the stakeholders, political parties, political gladiators, contestants to cooperate with the commission to conduct credible and transparent elections.

The chairman promised to play the game according to the rules of the game and a level playing ground.

Daji Sani in Yola

The federal public servants in Adamawa State have written a complaint letter to the office of  Federal Head of Civil Service through the Committee of Heads of Federal Establishments in the state, seeking the conduct of free and fair elections to end the current leadership tussle bedeviling  the management of the Federal Civil Service Club in Yola.

One of the  aggrieved federal civil servants called on the Head of Federal Civil Service of the Federation, Dr. Folashade Yemi,  to step into the crisis which have turned the federal civil service  club into a war zone among workers in Adamawa State over the leadership tussle in the state

According to him, “All we want is for justice and rule of law to prevail. We  only want elections-enough is enough. Our mother, the Head of Service, should please come to our rescue as the present interim managers have boasted of connection in  Abuja. Do you know that the Federal Civil Service Club has no bank account after generating millions of naira? The monies are paid into personal accounts. This is unacceptable.”

The Federal Civil Service Club in Yola has been turned into a war zone, as a two-man interim committee constituted by the Director, Occupational Health Safety and Environment, Dr. Comfort Adeosun, has banned all federal civil servants in the state from membership of the club.

The federal civil service club was launched on December 7, 2022, by Head of Federal Civil Service of the Federation, Dr. Folashade Yemi, for federal civil service workers in the state.

Investigations revealed that trouble started on November 27, 2023 , when a purported letter signed by Adeosun, alleging that she was acting on the directives of Head of Federal Civil Service, constituted a two-man interim committee with Marshall Johnson as publicity secretary and Ayuba Mboh, as secretary general.

Some senior public servants  questioned how Adeosun sat in Abuja and arrived at a two-man interim committee without a chairman, treasurer and financial secretary to run the affairs of the club.

Federal public servants in Adamawa state are appealing to the Head of Federal Civil Service of the Federation to ensure that election is conducted immediately, since Ayuba will be retired next month and Marshall is facing disciplinary action from his office (FRCN Fombina FM) for impersonating the general manager.

They complained that after paying money for membership forms without receipts issued to them, the two-man interim committee said that they are not qualified to join their own association.

Some of the senior staff of federal civil service in the state are calling on Independent Corrupt Practices Commission ICPC to wade into the financial misappropriation of the interim committee and unravel the whereabouts of the millions that have  accrued to the club through a lease whose terms of agreement is only known to the two-man committee.

Daji Sani in Yola

The ViceChancellor of  Modibbo Adama University (MAU) Yola, Adamawa State , Professor Abdullahi  Liman Tukur, has said the management of the university, after thorough investigation, has sacked three professors for alleged plagiarism and unethical conducts during his second tenure which will end in a month’s time.

The vice chancellor disclosed this at the university pre-convocation press conference for 2022/2023 academic session in Yola yesterday, slated to take place on May 4, 2024.

Tukur further explained that  the three professors were found guilty by an investigative panel set up by the University Council, noting that stiff measures awaits any erring staff member and student purposely to ensure the enforcement of laws and regulations guiding the institution.

He said the measure taken by the university was to serve as deterrent to others in the university community and to inculcate discipline, respect and dignity in  the institution in order to produce good leaders in the future

At the press conference, Tukur  also said that the university would be graduating a total of 5,545 students, stressing that 4,282 with bachelor’s degrees and 458 with diploma certificates.

He added that 53 graduating students would be awarded first class, 1,143 second class upper 2,376 second class lower, and 682 with third class while 28 with pass degrees.

According to him, in higher degrees category, 41 postgraduate diploma would be presented, as 630 master’s degree awardees will get their certificates, with 134 doctorate candidates in various disciplines in the university.

“This year’s ceremony, the 28th convocation, points to our return to the annual ceremony as the event is holding just about a year after the previous one, and a pointer to relative stability we are maintaining in our academic calendar,” Tukur maintained.

The Vice Chancellor Tukur, who announced that the forthcoming convocation ceremony would be the last under his leadership as the VC with the expiration of his five-year tenure, urged the federal government to review the Treasury Single Account (TSA) policy, describing it as a huge challenge militating against operations of public universities in the country.

He, however, opined that decentralisation of the universities accounts would provide for better accountability and frugality.

Daji Sani in Yola

 Strategic stakeholders in the fight against sexual exploitation, abuse and sexual harassment have said they have developed strategies, and were equipped with a technical knowledge from the series of engagements to enable them put an end to the menace bedeviling their localities.

This was the outcome of various multi-sectorial meetings, trainings and knowledge sharing engagements jointly organised by the Adamawa State Ministries of Women Affairs, Health and Human Services, and supported by the COVID-19 Preparedness and Response Project (CoPREP) and the World Bank in Yola, the state capital.

The stakeholders, comprising of traditional rulers, women leaders, service providers, community actors, CSOs, the police and government officials drew from the state and the 21 local government areas, were trained on the implementation of sexual exploitation, abuse and sexual harassment work plan, awareness creation and collaborations aimed at providing safe and supportive environment for GBV survivors.

To ensure effective coordination at all levels, the stakeholders also adopted a quarterly coordination meeting which is held simultaneously across the 21 LGAs.

This is to enable them identify service providers, acquaint them with the mandate of CoPREP on Gender and Gender-based Violence, and assess the types of services being provided by various organisations at all levels.

Also through the support of CoPREP and the World Bank, a robust intellectual dialogue and interactive sessions for stakeholders, CoPREP, NCDC, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Women Affairs, Service Providers and Community Actors on SGBV drew from the 21 LGAs was held during which participants shared valuable insights and pledged their commitment to combatting GBV in their respective communities.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to further strengthen the synergy between the police, Local Government Councils, Primary Health care Development Agency, Ministry of Health and Ministry of Women Affairs was also signed.

Daji Sani in Yola

Adamawa State Working Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has  blamed its gubernatorial candidate, Senator Aishatu Ahmed Dahiru Binani, for the  failure of  the party at the 2023 governorship election that  produce  Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The party made the revelation at a meeting  convened at the party secretariat in Yola, yesterday,  to review what was behind the party’s failure in the last governorship election, the  bye-election and what transpared at the courts.

According to the APC, the PDP governor won his election on a platter of gold because of Binani’s lack of wisdom to work with the party structure and allowed peace to reign.

The party also condemned her attitude of high-handedness, pompous and indiscipline behaviour, accusing her of dumping all the APC officials from the ward, local government, and state levels during her campaigns, and elections periods.

The party claimed its governorship candidate brought disgrace to the party and disunity among members  in the state.

The party officials  narrated their individual experiences and concluded that Binani injured the party by instigating and accepting the unconstitutional declaration of Yunusa Ari Hudu.

It condemned Hudu’s act and regarded it as anti-democracy and unconstitutional behaviour that was morally and criminally indicted him and all his accomplices.

Speaking shortly after the meeting, Chairman of the party, Idris Shuaibu, said the party’s leadership unanimously stated that their candidate was fighting both the high and the lowly of the party which was a weakness not expected from a good leader.

Daji Sani in Yola

Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri, yesterday, in a state broadcast, appealed to stakeholders and others to set aside whatever misgivings they hitherto nursed and move on for the betterment of the state.

“We have inflicted enough injury to our bond and unity as a people, I am saying enough is enough. There is limit to what falsehood can achieve.

“Adamawa State is greater than each one of us. We have wasted enough time, we have raised false hopes and rendered enough havoc to the anxious psyche of our supporters,” he said.

He said his victory at the Supreme Court on Wednesday January  13th, 2024 has officially closed all the noise on the 2023 election in the state

“The days of lying and deceits are over. The moment of false propaganda and cheap talks are gone.

“It is no longer in contest that Adamawa State is a state for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). This has been affirmed both at the polls and the courts,” he said.

The governor said the best way to pay the voters back was to continue his developmental strides  and improve on his service delivery for the people of the state.

He said, “We are forever indebted to our voters for choosing us and the future of  our dear state in this journey. This judgement is a tonic to spur  for I and deputy, Professor Kaletapwa Farauta, to do more for you and our dear state,” he said.

He also said he would continue the onslaught against the nefarious urban miscreant known as Shila boys and other forms of criminal activities in the state

“I must appreciate INEC for standing firm as an unbiased electoral umpire in this election even when it’s Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) acted irresponsibly and unlawfully as the supreme court on it judgement has condemned the action of the REC as act of irresponsibility and criminality.

“As for those who connived with the REC to make us pass through those democratically embarrassing moments, I want to assure  you once again that  we owe it a duty to prosecute all of them according to the dictates of the law. This is the only way we can protect our electoral process and democratic culture from undue abuse,” he said.

Daji Sani in Yola

The Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) yesterday, while reading it scorecard for last year, said it has arrested 365 suspects and convicted 174 persons with illicit drugs in Adamawa State.

The state Commander of the agency, Agboalu Samson, disclosed this yesterday in Yola at a press conference, and added that the state agency also seized 1,845,074 kilograms of various kinds of illicit drugs from the suspects.

He further revealed that the total sum of N821,270 was also seized from the suspects.

According to him, “Monetary exhibit forfeited to the federal government stands at N821,270.”

The NDLEA commander disclosed that cannabis sativa, tramadol, diazepam, rohypnol, methamphetamine (ice) and cough syrup were the most prosecuted drugs in the year under review.

According to him, the prosecution and legal services of the state Command secured final forfeiture of three motor vehicles and one motorcycle.

The Adamawa State NDLEA announced that comparatively, the operational efforts of the Command in 2022 and 2023 yielded mixed results.

He explained that: “There was decrease in arrest by 25 percent (457 suspects in 2022 compared to 365 in 2023) while in terms of seizures, there is 33 percent increase (1,242.182kg seizures in 2022 compared to 1,845.070 kg in 2023).”

\Samson disclosed that in efforts to raise the effectiveness of the NDLEA in curtailing illicit drug dealings, the state Command had deployed drug intelligence personnel to offices newly established in each of the 21 LGAs of the state.

Daji Sani in Yola

The management of TGNews, an online newspaper in Adamawa State has nominated the immediate past Secretary to the Government of Federation (SGF), Mr. Boss Mustapha, Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, and former Governor Muhammadu Umaru Jibrilla for the conferment of its 2024 edition of award for excellence in leadership come this Saturday at Lelewa Hotel in Yola.

The management of the TGNews said that the awards were in fulfillment of one of its cardinal corporate social responsibilities to acknowledge and reward excellence by different players and stakeholders who in one way or the other gave their robust contributions to the growth and development of the society and the nation at large.

Speaking yesterday at a press conference held at Correspondent Chapel, Yola,   the chairman of media-Sub Committee TGNews merit and Productivity Awards, Mr. Mohammed Ismail, said that the award is meant to recognise and reward merit, excellence, talent, dedication and exceptional service delivery aimed at encouraging all members of the society to strive for excellence knowing that such feats would be acknowledged and rewarded.

According to him, TGNews has gained international recognition and has partnered with news organisations such as Epoch Times, Zenger News, and Truth Nigeria to share information and collaborate on content generation.

It is also a reliable source of news for platforms such as Opera Mini, Nairaland, Daily Post, and Nigeria 24.

Ismail said: “This award, which is the maiden edition of TGNEWS merit and productivity award, is classified into four distinct categories.

“The four categories for the award include; award for excellence in leadership, meritorious service award, award for dedication and quality service and unsung heroes award.” 

He said that those to be conferred with TGNews unsung heroes award included Ardo Usman, a Shoe Cobbler, and a groundnut seller, Celina Peter.

“TGNews has placed so much value and relevance to the award given to the unsung heroes as a mark of their resilience and can do spirit despite the inclement and indurate socio-economic turf of the Nigerian society.

“These are people who should have resigned to fate and resort to begging and embrace other demeaning ventures to survive, considering their disadvantaged conditions but instead took the gauntlet and channel their energies to better themselves and the society in general.

“In a society where abled bodied men resort to begging and crimes to survive, the resilience of our two unsung heroes must be highlighted and appreciated,” he said.

He also added that the member representing Fufore/Song Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Aliyu Wakili Boya, is among those to be conferred with the award.

“And those to be conferred with meritorious service award included Arch. Bishop Panti Philibus, Sheikh Nuruddeen Khalid, HRH Kurhaye Hassan Dishon Dansanda II, Kwandi Nunguraya, HRM Daniel Shaga Ismaila, Hama Bachama, HRH Umar Sanda, Gangwari Ganye, HRH, Abubakar Isa Ahmadu Emir of Mubi and Alhaji Abubakar Murtala, Dan Lawan Mubi and district head of Belel,” he said.

Daji Sani in Yola

Two people have been killed while others sustained gunshot injuries with one hospitalised following the attack on the Kwapre community in Hong Local Government Area of Adamawa State on Christmas eve by suspected Boko Haram insurgents.

According to an eyewitness in the area, the attackers stormed the affected area on motorcycles, invaded the community around 8 p.m. and started shooting sporadically scaring the inhabitants and neighbouring communities to flee for safety.

The eyewitness said the attackers also carted away food items, medicine and other valuables

“The inhabitants of Kwapre and surrounding communities are now fleeing the area for fear of the unknown,” the eyewitness said.

Also, the District Head of Dugwaba, Mr. Simon Buba, also confirmed to journalists that two persons were killed during the attack.

He called on military authorities to step up their strategy to end the fight against insurgency in the North-east region.

Meanwhile the Adamawa State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Suleiman Yahaya Nguroje, confirmed the incident yesterday to ������Ƶ, saying necessary efforts by the police are being put in place to arrest the perpetrators.

He called on the people not to panic, but give useful information on the identity of those behind the attack.

 According to him, the state Commissioner of Police, Babatola Afolabi, has deployed officers and directed an investigation.

He urged the public to report any suspicious character to the police and other security agencies to ensure security in the state and country at large.

Daji Sani in Yola

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, weekend, said the American University of Nigeria (AUN) has attained its adulthood since it establishment 19 years ��and can now be given responsibilities to solve some the nation challenges.

Atiku made the disclosure at AUN Founder’s day and his 77th birthday celebrations held by the institution in Yola, Adamawa State capital, to honour him
The former Vice President, who happened to be the founder of the AUN, said the institutions was never intended to be just another university, but that there was a vision and purpose that set it apart and gave it true meaning and relevance.

“It is important that that vision is realised and that the university serves its purpose for generations to come,” he said, adding that the vision was to build a development university providing American-style education, which emphasisedcritical thinking and problem-solving.

“A development university, unlike the traditional ��university sees itself as an active partner in economic development and the process of nation-building.
“It also uses its enrolment procedures and its shared intellectual and cultural environments to consciously promote the goal of nation-building.�� The goal would be the education of Africa’s future leaders.” he said

He said the university has put in place the ingredients for the beginning of the realisation of that vision such as necessary infrastructure, huge amounts of financial resources, world class faculty, more than adequate land for expansion and other ancillary uses. ��

“Are you still keeping faith with American-style education that distinguishes AUN from others? Is the university continuing to consciously engage in practices that contribute to the country’s economic development and nation-building? How can you do these with limited resources?

“What are your strategies for doing so without a large contingent of American faculty? How can you attract American-trained faculty from across the globe? What are your strategies for training and re-training your own faculty to understand and transmit the American style of teaching and learning?

“If you carry out that self-examination, that stock-taking, you will agree with me that there is a need to return to the founding vision of the university. In its relatively young history, AUN has had a relatively high turnover of leaders, especially Presidents.”

Daji Sani in Yola

Adamawa State Governor, Rt. Hon. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, has called on the people of the State to remain calm and go about their normal businesses describing Tuesday’s nights gunshots in Yola, the Adamawa State capital as unfortunate.

This was contained in a press release  in which  the governor ppealed for accommodation and tolerance among security agencies, describing the incident as unacceptable “at this time of peace building.”

While regretting the ugly incident that led to the clash between the Soldiers and the Police, Governor Fintiri disclosed that government is on top of the situation and appealed to the parties to exercise restraint in the overall peace of the State.

Governor Fintiri urged all security personnel on special assignment to remain at their duty posts and conduct themselves with high sense of maturity.

He said: “I am concerned that such acrimony could have lasting consequences on the hard earned peace we have been able to build over the years.”

“I appeal to all security personnel for restraint, mutual respect and tolerance for one another as people destined to work together in this great State. I appeal for patience and understanding as the administration works towards lasting solutions to these conflicts.”

The skirmish between the military and police  claimed one life and left several others injured.

Eyewitnesses said that the incident happened at Target-Junction in Yola between soldiers and police who were on duty.

It was alleged that trouble started when a tricycle popularly known as “Keke Napep,” which was carrying some soldiers as passengers was stopped by the police on their duty post for normal checking but the soldiers in the tricycle tried to disarm the police man and were injured.

Some soldiers who were on mufti returned to the army barracks and reported the issue.

It was further alleged that the military, on hearing the report, deployed 12 trucks of soldiers to the police headquarters and  attacked on the police and killed one police inspector.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police  in Adamawa State, CP. Afolabi Babatola,  has strongly condemned the conflict between the police and military officers that resulted in exchange of fire and brutal attack on police facility and killing of Inspector Jacob Daniel.

Babatola’s condemnation of the incident was contained in a press release that was issued yesterday by Police Public Relation Officer (PPRO) SP. Suleiman Nguroje, in Yola Adamawa State. 

Nguroje also said that Babatola has ordered an immediate investigation into the matter to ensure peace and justice.

He said: “The CP warned that attacks on all security officers in the line of duty would no longer be tolerated under whatever guise, as the command holds the lives of all security personnel sacrosanct, and such unwarranted conflict would be strictly treated in accordance with extant laws.

“He equally reiterated the commitment of the command to the protection of lives and property while stressing that it is vital to work with other sister security agents in protecting the fundamental rights of  security operatives, in order to enable them advance their sacred mandate of serving and protecting the citizens better,” he said.

The police boss appealed for calm as the top management of both security agencies are doing everything legally possible to address the situation.

However, the Brigade Commander of 23 Armoured Brigade, Brigadier General Gambo Mohammed, said that he ordered his men to rescue one of his soldiers who was shot and hidden by police.

Daji Sani in Yola

The Chief Executive Officer of the Dangote Sugar Refinery (DSR) Numan, Mr. Sylvain Judex, said the company has commenced an audacious drive to attain 1.5 million metric tonnes of sugar yearly following the company’s recent aggressive expansion drive.

Judex revealed this yesterday to journalists who were on a facility tour to the company in Numan Local Government Area of Adamawa State.

According to him, the expansion drive has achieved significant mileage adding that the Dangote Group acquired the company situated on a 32,000 hectares in Numan in 2002 in a moribund stage but since the acquisition, the fortunes of the company has changed through the years as a result of steady expansion drive.

Judex also noted that the expansion which is eco-friendly is strictly in line with best environmental practices that will yield zero environmental pollution and the drive will also create no fewer than 8,000 job openings for Nigerians.

He further explained that the company is aiming to multiply its out grower scheme to cover 2,000 beneficiaries in the next five years in order to enhance the success of the second phase of the National Sugar Master Plan for sugar self sufficiency in the country.

“Our Out Growers Farmers are having a lot of benefits in what the company is giving them. We are into business to make our community prosperous, and everybody will be carried along. We are not in business only to make profits. We believe that, to prosper in business, peace must be here,” he said.

He noted that expansion of the sugar refinery is expected to generate 32 megawatts of electricity from installation of new turbines and 2-high pressure boilers of 90 tonnes of steam per hour, adding that the company is expected to redirect the excess energy to the national grid.

Judex added the approach will create job opportunities through Public Private Partnership to the people of the state.

He noted that the unease tension between the company and the host community which the company inherited had since dissipated because of the robust investment and the corporate social responsibility culture of the company which enhanced confidence and mutual trust between the two sides.

“There is complete harmony with our host communities but before now the going was rough,” he said.

He added that part of the CSR championed by the company include; building and rehabilitation of education and health facilities in addition to providing scholarships to indigent students. Others are empowerment programs and provision of water and electricity to the five host local governments.

Daji Sani��in Yola

Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, has said there was no victor and no vanquished from the governorship eletion tribunal, which upheld his victory in the March 18, 2023 governorship poll.

Fintiri had reacted to the Monday verdict, which dismissed the petition by Dr. Umar Ardo, the governorship candidate of Social Democratic Party (SDP) against him for lack of merit.

Speaking yesterday shortly after his arrival from Abuja at the Yola International Airport, he thanked God and the people of the state for giving him their mandate to run the state for another four years.

He also expressed confidence on the judiciary for its courage and doggedness towards upholding the decision of the Adamawa people, first held by the Independence Electoral Commission (INEC).

He, however, reassured  the state of his unflinching commitment to delivering dividends of democracy.

His words: “We are grateful to Almighty God for giving us the victory and thanking the judiciary for doing its job, ensuring that it consolidates on what God has done in Adamawa through the good people of Adamawa State.

“The only assurance we will give is that there is no winner, no vanquished. Adamawa project is first. We will continue to ensure that we deliver the dividends of democracy to make our people happy and develop the state to the level that is expected.”

Fintiri, also, expressed optimism that the remaining cases awaiting judgement at the tribunal would speak the will of the people, because according to him, the election that produced him as governor was free, fair and credible.

Daji Sani in Yola

Adamawa State Police Command has arrested 14 kidnap suspects with five AK-47 rifles and two locally fabricated guns with 22 rounds of live ammunition.

The state Commissioner of Police, Afolabi Babatola, made the disclosure while parading the suspects at the force headquarters in Yola, the state capital.

Babatola further explained that he has worked out operational modalities to curb kidnapping activities in the state, hence, the strategies have yielded tremendous results

He added that measures have equally been taken by the state Police Command to improve response time, intelligence, and promptly visible policing to give the criminals no breathing space to carry out their nefarious activities again.

He said: “The Command is committed to getting rid of kidnapping and other criminal activities, and will diligently prosecute them.”

Meanwhile, he sounded a warning to kidnappers and other criminals to leave the state if they would continue in their criminal activities because the police will go after them.

He advised them to seek legitimate jobs to earn their living better than terrorising innocent individuals and depriving them of their property and money.

Babatola called on the public to report any suspicious movement to the police and go about their normal business without any fear because the police are determined to provide adequate security services for them.

Daji Sani��in Yola

The Adamawa State Police Command has arrested 44 persons in connection with the Sunday looting of properties in the federal government’s warehouses at Cona-Waya, which is three kilometers to Yola, the state capital.

The items looted included maize, rice, beans, corn, generators, wrappers, mattresses and plastic buckets and many to mention.

The State Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP. Suleiman Nguroje, confirmed the arrest in Yola, and explained that some of the stolen properties that included grains and water pumps were recovered from the suspects.

Nguroje added that the commissioner of police has drafted detective to conduct investigation on rationale behind the crime and assess the level of destruction, stressing that assessment is ongoing.

He also stated that security personnel had been deployed to secure public and private infrastructures as well as business premises and enforce 24 hour curfew declared by the state government.

Meanwhile, the Adamawa State government has eased the 24-hour curfew imposed across the 21 local government areas following the activities of hoodlums on Sunday that broke into government’s warehouses carting away food and nonfood items.

A press release by the Chief Press Secretary of the State Governor, Mr. Humwashi Wonosikou, said that the relaxation of the curfew followed a meeting in the early hours of yesterday’s morning between security chiefs and government officials led by the Deputy Governor, Professor Kaletapwa George Farauta.

Wonosikou said: “Shortly after the meeting, the deputy governor announced that the curfew has been reviewed from 6p.m. to 6a.m., and will be reviewed hourly while authorities will maintain an increased security presence to ensure compliance to government’s directive and that criminals do not disrupt the peace of the state.’ 

The release also urged parents to send their children and wards to school as well as the reopening of businesses premises, adding that the deputy governor also warned hoodlums and the public to abide by the curfew and remain courteous and cooperative if approached and questioned by security personnel.

It added that government would not fold its arms and allow miscreants to disrupt the peace of the state.