Abuja-Kaduna railway: FG strengthens security with six hitech trucks

The Federal Ministry of Transportation has handed over six operational vehicles equipped with state of the art gadgets to help secure the Abuja-Kaduna rail line.

While handing over the vehicles to the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), the Permanent Secretary, who Dr Magdalene Ajani who represented the Minister, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi disclosed that the government is doing everything possible to secure the country as a whole but, the minister thought about supporting NRC on the security architecture of the Abuja-Kaduna rail track.

She said “Remember this is a project that has long being completed, commissioned and is operational, so this was a project for 2021, at least to improve the security apparatus for the patrolling of that route and so, the ministry has to procure these vehicles to support NRC and the Nigeria Police working on that route to effectively police that route”.

The Permanent Secretary added that “the security apparatus we have for most of the rail track has a number of components into it. We have the local people that are patrolling, the Civil Defence, the police corps of the Nigerian Railway Corporation, and we have locations where stations are, where we need the security men to be able to move from one location to the other in addition to the fact that we are also looking at surveillance applications and fibre optical equipment too but for the movement of the security, we need these vehicles.

“The vehicles are not meant to be plying on the rail tracks, it is to aid what the security agents are doing. If there is an emergency call, they will be able to move from point A to B and it may not necessarily be along the rail track. It is part of the things that they need to do to keep the place safe. ”

She said the vehicles were acquired through a proper procurement process.

Responding, the Managing Director of NRC, Engr. Fidet Okhiria said “this is to show that we have risen up to the challenges we are facing with insecurity and the minister has decided to buy us some vehicles to ease insecurity on the tracks, so that is why we are here today.

In his words “What we are doing is the handing over of the six Hilux vehicles that can be used as patrol vehicles in aiding the security personnel in moving about and ensuring the tracks.”

Transportation: Amaechi wants Nigerians to appraise his performance through email

The Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi has asked Nigerians to send him emails containing their opinion on the performance of the Ministry of Transportation under his watch.

In a statement Tuesday, the Minister expressed gratitude to President Muhammad Buhari for the opportunity given him to serve the nation as the Minister of Transportation.

He said the major focus of the ministry under his watch has been the revamping of dilapidated railways and the moribund maritime sector which are key means of transportation and major sources of revenue respectively.

He insisted that an appraisal is necessary to know from the citizenry how he and his team have faired, “being that we are accountable to you.”

“Therefore, your feedback on the performance of the Ministry thus far is important to us. We desire to know where you feel we have succeeded or are succeeding, where we should improve, and or where you feel we are failing or have failed. 

“It is our duty and desire to do better and keep improving. Kindly email me at chibuikeamaechi128@gmail.com.

“I will deeply appreciate this gesture,” he said.

Ameachi’s wife celebrates 51st birthday with vulnerable children

The wife of Minister of Transportation, Dame Judith Amaechi in commemoration of her 51th birthday has put a smile on the faces of vulnerable children with donations to two different children’s home.

An act she described as passion because of the joy derived in putting smiles on the face of children.

Speaking to journalists at the end of her visit to Mother Theresa Children’s Home and Victorine Home for Children in Abuja on Thursday, Amaechi explained that apart from having a passion for giving, her visit and donations to the two homes is nothing but a sign of appreciation to God for the opportunity of life.

” I want to thank God for giving me opportunity to see a new day and I want to also thank God for the family, I come from the family of praise, love and sharing, so I think to share with others is the most beautiful thing.

” What else can I say to God, other than to come to a place like this. It is like a ritual to be in the midst of people like this so also is my husband and children. I don’t know what to say but this is what I like doing, this is my passion and so that is why I am here and I feel that it is good to give back to God.

Amaechi noted that the act of giving portrays the practice of her faith- Christianity, and to be Christ-like, one must emulate his styles of actions such as giving cheerfully.

” I also feel that it is a time to show love to those who may not have the kind of privilege that we have. What am I doing? I am practicing the faith that I believe in and that is simply what I am doing here today.

“I thank God because many people have cared for me in my own life too. For instance, I lost my mum at a very tender age and I was given opportunity, if I didn’t what would I have been?

Stating some reasons why the society should recognise the importance of vulnerable children, Amaechi averred that the kids makes up tomorrow and if neglected that form the bane of the society.

” So I am trying to give back as well to the society. How important for the society to recognise vulnerable children? Well to be honest it is a personal thing, it is very important to recognise the fact that the kids make tomorrow, today they are young tomorrow they form the bane of the society, there is nothing any one can do about it.

” Once I was a child, today I am an adult, whatever I was impacted upon, I was going to give back, what I don’t have i can’t give back.

” So the life we show to them today would shapen their future and it would affect the impact in their lives and also affect the impact they will make in the society.

She appreciated the staff and management of the homes for taking good care of the children and encouraged them not to relent their oars in their activities.

The MD of Mother Theresa Children’s Home Catherine Emeagwali and the care givers at Victorine Home for Children thanked the Minister’s wife for her charitable spirit and pray for God to grant her more fruitful years.

KANO-MARADI RAIL: AMAECHI MEETS GERMAN ADVISOR, VISITS PORTUGUESE RAIL SITE

…Holds Bi-Lateral talks at the Portuguese foreign office

Minister of Transportation, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi has met with the financing advisory for the construction of Kano-Maradi rail line, seeking a speed-up of the process to ensure construction begins as soon as possible.

In the meeting held at the Nigerian Embassy, Berlin with representatives of KfW-IPEX bank of Germany who are serving as an advisory in partnership with African Finance Corporation for the Kano-Maradi rail project, Amaechi stated that the ECAs (Export Credit Agencies) are free to come to Nigeria and become part of the process on ground to ensure that everything follows their recommenced practices and avert hiccups in the course of the project. This was contained in a statement Thursday signed by the Director Press and Public Relations, Ministry of Transportation, Eric Ojiekwe.

Following their concerns on resettlement of villages that may be impacted by the construction, Amaechi assured that Nigeria has laws in place for that and that the Ministry of Transportation ensured that the right of way was distant from the villages except in Kano where it is difficult to totally avoid the town.

“For us in the Ministry of Transportation, in choosing the right of way, we avoided communities. If we don’t do that, we’ll clear the entire Kano. Like in Lagos, we avoided communities and used the old line, because if we had to choose a different route we would pay billions. In fact, to even work from the old line, we paid 7 billion naira in compensations, not because the people had the right to the land, but because after 12 years and nothing is done it becomes their land and you just can’t chase them out. We still paid compensation, because the rail line was moribund. To eject them we still had to treat them as though they were the original owners of the land. We didn’t wait for Europe. That’s our law.

“In Kano-Maradi, we also took into consideration the people, we choose the right of way distant from the communities, which makes it even more expensive, because government will have to do access roads from the rail line into the communities. We did that because of environmental issues, but the Europeans want us to assume that there are people living along the route. There are none, apart from Kano.

“I don’t know what the law is in Europe in terms of your ESIA. We’ve taken the first step by giving notice, we have assessed the land. What we have not done is payment, because the payment is tied to the contract. On our part, we are ready. What I want to know is the next step to paying compensation, to know that the project is going on and that we can create employment.

The Managing Director/Global Head, Aviation Mobility and Transport, KfW-IPEX Bank, Dr Carsten Wiebers expressed belief that the Nigerian government will be able to manage the risk with pay back of the loan. He advised that the process of putting in place the consulting firms for the project should be sped-up to facilitate financing, while documentation of the process should be properly done.

“Given the fast timeline of 15months, I would recommend speeding up the process of putting in place the consulting companies and other terms of references are met to facilitate the financing. Of course the first level of requirement is your national regulation and law. You take care of that.

“What we are trying to do is create a bridge between your interests and the demands of the Export Credit Agencies, to guarantee we get an affordable loan for you. There has to be evidence of the working group in the areas where the rail would be (actual site) all the way to Kano to convince the decision makers of the ECAs.

“Personally I’m comfortable with your timeline. You dictate the speed of the construction with Mota-Engil. There needs to be an international representative on the site to avoid hiccups with the ECAs. The problem I think is documentation and communication. The process needs to be properly documented and certified,” Wiebers said.

The Director, Mobility and Transport, KfW-IPEX Bank, Sylvia Sedlacek, assured that a consortium of consultants are already working on the ESIA and would come up with the report soon, while a working group has been formed and is in talks with the Nigerian Ministries of Environment, Transportation and Housing on the Environment and social study of the are.

On his part, Nigerian Ambassador to Germany, Yusuf Tuggar explained that the Ministry of Environment in Nigeria started as the Environmental protection agency which also came about through conventions and series of stakeholders meetings, locally and internationally. So they are naturally inclined to abide by the regulations.

Earlier, the Minister of Transportation, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi with a team from the Ministry and officials of the Nigerian Embassy in Portugal toured a major rail project site by Mota-Engil to ascertain their capacity to construct the Kano-Maradi rail within the stated timeframe of 15 months.

The project, ‘Corredor International Sul – Ligação Freixo/Alandroal’ also known as Evora line is a 78km rail project to unite the Port of Sines all the way to Spain. The 20km extension being handled by Mota-Engil has 10 bridges, one of which is a 600m Bridge – the longest in the line, 11 overhead bridges (over passage), 5 underpasses (1 for cars, finished within 2 days of nonstop work, and a total of 800 workers on the project.

The site Engineer, Luis Mota explained that the project of that magnitude is one of the fastest within 19 months.
Amaechi however demanded that the Kano-Maradi project be faster as it is an EPC, “by now you should have finished your backend engineering and design,” he said. Amaechi further called for a meeting in Abuja in the first week of January to identify all the challenges and ensure that the contractor follows the plan.

At the Nigerian Embassy in Lisbon, the Ambassador, Alex Kefas expressed joy that the country is moving forward. According to him, “I have never seen massive railway projects in Nigeria until he (Amaechi) became Minister. We are grateful he is doing very well. We just finished a meeting with the secretary of internalisation which will help in boosting our bilateral relations. At the bilateral meeting, they assured us of their support in achieving this project (Kano-Maradi).

“I recently paid a courtesy call on Mota-Engil at their Headquarters in Porto and they paid a courtesy call to me here at the embassy. I assured them of speedy visa issuance to ensure that the project in Nigeria is completed speedily,” he said.

Both the Minister and the Ambassador were at the Portuguese foreign ministry for bilateral talks and both nations agreed to be of help to one another. The Portugese Secretary of State for Internalisation affairs, Mr. Eurico Brilhante Dias assured the Minister of Portugal’s support and cooperation to ensure that the project by Mota-Engil is completed without hitches.

Jaruma: The Unveiling of a Clout Seeker

By Sunday Attah

Several weeks on now, the media has been celebrating the feud between the popular acclaimed sex therapist Hauwa Saidu Mohammed popularly known as Jaruma and nollywood actress Regina Daniels, who is married to the billionaire politician and socialite, Prince Ned Nwoko, however very few people have given the quarrel a thought deep enough to unearth the real reason for such a dirty fight.

Jaruma whose popularity grew courtesy of her mastery of the use of social media to sell her sex items, claims her products are what Regina Daniels implored to cause an end to the marriage between her husband, Ned Nwoko and his Morrocan ex-wife Laila Chavani.

While Regina has in several appearances refuted such claims, stating that she has never used any of the products as claimed by Jaruma but only promoted them courtesy of a business deal which saw her earning 10 million naira for the promotion of the aphrodisiacs, her husband, Ned Nwoko has already taken the the air to clear all misconceptions about how his marriage to Laila ended.

Ned who spoke through his media aide also debunked the allegations that his decision to severe marital ties with his Morrocan wife was influenced by any aphrodisiac, stating clearly that he ended the marriage as a result of Irreconcilable differences rooted in indecent conducts.

According to him, when Laila was on holiday in London, she engaged in frivolous spending including money meant for the kids, frequenting night clubs with random men which resulted to her contacting the Corona Virus. She is also accused of getting plastic surgery without his consent.

Meanwhile as the argument rages on, it is pertinent to also enquire the vested interest of Jaruma in the marriage between Ned and his “wives”, alongside her authenticity.

Jaruma’s who claims to have helped Regina Daniels to send Laila away through the use of her products is ironically unable to save her own marriage with the same products .

The 41 year old who claims to be an expert at “helping women keep their husbands” has not been able to keep her own husband. She is known to have been married to one Ross Fahad Isabor but only got separated 3 years after the marriage.

It is also worthy of mention that even after the collapse of her marriage, probably out of shame the “healer of marriages” kept lying about her marriage until her sister-in-law broke the news of the long time separation of Jaruma and her brother who has since left Dubai back to Lagos and is living a quiet life.

For a woman who thrives on social media clout it won’t be out of place to examine why she will not start such an uproar to promote her self and her business. She is the same person who lied to the world that their marriage begat twins while in reality they only had one child and no other till the unfortunate collapse of it even though she claims to be the “savior of marriages”.

It will also be wisdom to wonder how a woman willfully tells the world that she was responsible for helping send another woman out of her marriage and it is hilarious that she will proudly insist that she is responsible even when those concerned have debunked her claims.

However after critical assessment of Madam Kayan Mata, it is rife to conclude that the whole fight is certainly an adventure initiated by her, aimed at boosting her media presence and rub off the Ned Nwoko fame.

She has successfully taken advantage of her relationship with Ned’s wife to generate controversy around him with her in the middle in order to reinvent herself and create a new narrative for her business.

Having to go any length to be popular and promote her business, is not new to her as people who have followed her closely on social media will attest to the fact that she leaves and thrives on controversy not minding how it comes about nor whose ox is gored in the process.

Who better be dragged into her needless search for clout than a popular billionaire who has openly advocated his knack for decency and is acknowledged for his principles? Certainly the Nwokos should make good meat for her media rejuvenation even as it is clear the motive for this unsavory exchange.

Sunday Attah is a writer and a public affairs commentator, writes from Abuja Nigeria

NYSC Trust Fund will empower youths, develop Nigeria – Group

The Open Society for Good Governance (OSGG) has welcomed the proposed National Youth Service Corps Trust Fund describing it as a catalyst for youth empowerment and development in Nigeria.

The group, in a statement today, said the Trust Fund will potentially deal with graduate unemployment and enhance the welfare of staff.

Recall that the NYSC Trust Fund Bill (Establishment, etc.) last week scaled the first reading at the House of Representatives.

Sponsored by Hon. Akinfolarin Mayowa representing Ileoluji Okeigbo/Odigbo constituency in Ondo State, if passed, the Bill, 2021 (HB.1795) will among others provide sustainable source of funds for NYSC, Skill Acquisition training and provision of startup capital to Corps Members as well as train and retrain the personnel of the NYSC.

Throwing its weight behind the Trust Fund, the Open Society for Good Governance commended the lower chamber for considering the bill.

According to the group, the NYSCTF will bridge the funding gap in the skill and entrepreneurship development drive of the NYSC.

It, therefore, commended the Director-General of the NYSC, Brig-Gen Shuaib Ibrahim for his ingenuity in conceiving and proposing the establishment of the Trust Fund.

The group further noted that the DG has yet again displayed an unalloyed commitment to the cause of nation-building.

The Open Society for Good Governance, however, called on well-meaning Nigerians, relevant stakeholders and critics to embrace the Trust Fund.

Read full statement below:

The Open Society for Good Governance as a critical stakeholder in the quest for sustainable growth and development in Nigeria, is commending the efforts of the Federal House of Representatives in its consideration of the bill seeking for the establishment of the NYSC Trust Fund.
The assurances by the House Committee on Youth and Sports on the speedy attention to the passage of the bill is indeed reassuring and an indication that indeed greater times await the operations of the NYSC.

This is indeed laudable, and it is succinct to state that the strategic importance of establishing the NYSC Trust Fund cannot be overemphasized. It is thus our considered opinion that the NYSC Trust Fund will support staff training for higher productivity and logistic requirements for particular aspects of Community Development Service.

We also wish to align with the Chairman House of Representatives Committee on Youth Development, Yemi Adaramodu, who justified that the proposed establishment of the NYSC Trust Fund would serve as a means of tackling the myriad of challenges facing the noble NYSC scheme.

The Open Society for Good Governance wishes to use this medium to appreciate the Director-General of the NYSC for the ingenuity in proposing the establishment of the NYSC Trust Fund to bridge the funding gap in the skill and entrepreneurship development drive of the NYSC.

The NYSC DG has displayed an act of uncommon courage worthy of emulation across the board. And it is our considered opinion that upon establishment of the NYSC Trust Fund, the NYSC as an institution would be better positioned to contribute its quota to the growth and development of the country.

The Open Society for Good Governance wishes to state unequivocal terms that the NYSC Trust Fund is indeed a game-changer in the empowerment of youths in the country that constitute a critical constituency.

This is indeed a welcome development and an indication of the commitment of the NYSC leadership towards creating that platform for youth development and empowerment in the country.

It is our firm position that the NYSC Trust Fund would serve as that medium with which the hopes and aspirations of the teeming youths in the country would be translated into tangible realities.

The NYSC management has once again displayed an unalloyed commitment to the cause of nation-building. It behoves all well-meaning Nigerians to extend a hand of support to the NYSC leadership in our quest to maximise our youths’ potentials.

The Open Society for Good Governance wishes to use this medium to commend the Federal House of Representatives for leading this laudable charge. Their actions are commendable and in the overall interest of the country.

We consequently encourage other critical stakeholders to emulate the actions of the Federal House of Representatives. We must, therefore, create an enabling environment for our young entrepreneurs to succeed to ensure that what these young ones have made should not be erased. We must empower them to create the jobs that would lift the continent to prosperity.
This is what the NYSC Trust Fund aims to achieve, and the onus lies on us to see to the quick passage of the bill that would lead to the establishment of the NYSC Trust Fund.

A Legacy and the NYSC Trust Fund

By Gabriel Agibi

The country has been inundated with the proposed NYSC Trust Fund, a vehicle intended to pool funds to enhance the Skill and Entrepreneurship Development Programme for corps members to actualize their dreams even after the service year.

I must add that initially, I was sceptical about the desirability of establishing the NYSC Trust Fund. But not anymore, after extensive research on the pros and cons regarding the benefits derived if such initiative is established.

As a start, the idea is such a brilliant one and can address the critical issue of unemployment in the country. The benefits would also transcend all segments of society because the multiplier effect would trickle down in ways too numerous to mention.

That the bill proposing the establishment of the NYSC Trust Fund came up for first reading in the Federal House of Representatives is the more cheering because it indicates that the prospects are high regarding its establishment. The implication of the above is that Nigerians are coming to terms with the vast potentials of the NYSC Trust Fund if established.

However, there another twist that escaped the attention of critical stakeholders. This is the fact that the NYSC Trust Fund would go down in history as one of the legacies of the Muhammadu Buhari in harnessing the vast potentials of the teeming youths in the country.

The growing number of young people in Africa could offer enormous potential gains to the continent, but only if their needs are met, and their rights are fulfilled. In buttressing this position, Corinne Woods, Director of the UN Millennium Campaign, stated that Africa is home to the world’s youngest and most productive population. This is added to the fact that today’s fastest developing economies are in Africa. And this presents enormous opportunities for growth and transformation. Africa’s present and future belong to its youths.

The above summarizes the need to establish the NYSC Trust Fund in my considered opinion to support corps members trained under the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development programme with start-up capital to develop their businesses as harnessing youthful energy is a sure pathway to peace, prosperity, and growth.

This is one opportunity we must grab with both hands if we desire to attain sustainable growth and development because employment opportunities are few. Governments must do more to ensure young people have the opportunities and tools necessary to succeed. And the NYSC Trust Fund has all it takes for the government to change the narrative.
This is on the heels that, by most accounts, Nigeria’s burgeoning youth population provides a huge social, economic and political capital that is required to drive the nation’s development. Therefore there is the need for government at all levels to show more political willpower by ensuring the effective implementation of the laws to foster youth development in the country.

I must commend and encourage the National Assembly members to take proactive steps in ensuring the speedy passage of the bill proposing the establishment of the NYSC Trust Fund. That Hon. Ahmad Abdullahi Kalambaina from Sokoto State has taken the lead in this regard is very heartwarming. And it behoves on other members of the National Assembly to see this as a national concern. But it doesn’t stop there. And this is essentially the reason for this piece for all and sundry to work collectively in the national interest.

I think it also buttresses the fact that the NYSC has continued to play a critical role in the country’s socio-economic development. Its contributions to the vital sectors of the economy have been invaluable. And the NYSC Trust Fund is indeed the game-changer.

We must also commend the current leadership of the NYSC for the display of ingenuity. I recall that I was one of those that expressed excitement with the appointment of the NYSC DG. I knew he would hit the ground running with brilliant ideas from his antecedents. And today, he hasn’t relented despite the myriad of challenges. Instead, he raised the bar in leadership and service to the country.

Today, the operations of the NYSC have been transformed to that medium where corps members actualize their dreams. I am particularly impressed that corps members have been enlightened to see the bigger picture. Nothing can be more reassuring that the country is indeed on that path of greatness.

In the health sector, the services of NYSC doctors have been invaluable. In the educational sector, corps members have been very active and other areas of national concern. I am most glad that the Muhammadu Buhari administration has placed a premium on harnessing the vast potentials of our youthful population through the instrument of the NYSC.

The NYSC Trust Fund is an initiative that would stand the test of time and might go down in history as one of the legacies of the Muhammadu Buhari administration. If all goes as planned and the NYSC Trust Fund is established, Nigeria and Nigerians would be the ultimate beneficiary.

I salute the leadership of the NYSC for this brilliant initiative, and I wish to give a charge to the relevant institutions of government to see to the actualization of this laudable initiative.

Agibi is a public affairs analyst and wrote this piece Abuja.

Security: Yoruba group endorses Bello for President to fix Nigeria

Following yet another award in recognition of his efforts in combating insecurity in Kogi State, the Congress of Yoruba Youth (CYY) has backed Governor Yahaya Bello to succeed President Muhammadu Buhari in 2023.

In a statement signed by its President, Aare Adeniyi Ibikunle, the youths from the South-West said the governor has shown capacity to end the tide of banditry, insurgency, insurrection and other vicess bedevelling the nation.

This recommendation followed Governor Bello’s award as ‘Security Governor of the Year’ by UK-based media group, TheNigerian News at an event to mark its fifth anniversary on Thursday in Abuja.

Represented by his Deputy, Dr Edward Onoja, Governor Bello was bestowed the award by His Royal Highness, the Emir of Lafia, Justice Sidi Bade (rtd).

Other award recipients included Governors of Bauchi and Nasarawa States, former Senate President, Anyim Pius Anyim as well as former Chief of Army Staff, now Ambassador to the Benin Republic, Amb. Tukur Buratai.

Congratulating the governor, the group said he has shown pragmatic and dynamic leadership since assuming office, adding that this is what the nation needs at this critical time.

“Despite its delicate nature, as the bridge between the north and south, Kogi is seemingly unaffected by the rising spate of crimes across the country,” Ibikunle said.

“With the knowledge that the state is central to the nation’s peace and development, Governor Bello set up a template, involving all indigenes in the fight, keeping them busy with worthy jobs and making the task of securing the state everybody’s business. Other states are beginning to borrow this blueprint.

“We therefore use this medium to endorse His Excellency Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello, the Executive Governor of Kogi State, to contest and run for the office of the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in 2023.

“At this juncture, we have decided to pass a Vote of Confidence on His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello for the giants strides so far achieved in many fields of human endeavour.”

Inter-faith group commends Pam on restoration of probity, transparency to pilgrim commission

The National Inter-Faith and Religious Organizations for Peace ( NIFROP) has commended Rev. Yakubu Pam for restoring probity, transparency and accountability to the Nigeria Christian Pilgrim Commission.

The inter-faith group gave the commendation on Monday in a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Bishop Sunday Garuba, in Abuja.

Garuba said this was in reaction to Rev Pam’s recognition as ‘Icon of Peaceful Co-Existence’ by TheNigerian News Group at an event to mark its fifth anniversary last week.

The NCPC boss who was conferred with the awrd by His Royal Highness, the Emir of Lafia, Justice Sidi Bade (rtd), was among distinguished Nigerians celebrated at the ceremony.

Others included Governors of Kogi, Bauchi and Nasarawa States, former Senate President Anyim Pius Anyim, former Chief of Army Staff, Amb. Tukur Buratai among others.

According to TheNigerian News, the award was in recognition of Rev Pam’s role in fostering national unity, peace and progress as well as the new dimension he has given the NCPC.

Congratulating the respected Christain cleric, NIFROP said Pam has gone beyond a mere peace ambassador to become an icon of integrity, transparency and accountability.

Bishop Garuba noted that as the
Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) of the 19 Northern states and Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja, Rev Pam’s leadership virtues have never been indoubt.

He said the NCPC Executive Secretary was tailor-made for the job with a rich resume and solid background in the body of Christ.

“To be frank, we are not surprised with the recognition he is getting here and there,” Garuba said. “Rev Pam has always been known as an upright man who has a track-record of selfless service, integrity and accountability.

” As a body of Christ, we are proud of him. It is a testament that a cleric whether Christian or Muslim can indeed hold a political office and remain incorruptable. Just take a look at the NCPC, the evidence is glaring.

“He has made a drastic turnaround in their operations in just a little over a year at the saddle. His staff are more dedicated, committed and purposeful – always with a big grin on their faces. I heard six of his directors accompanied him to receive his latest awards. This means the man is loved.

” We also learnt of the praises he received from the Emir of Lafia. It is indeed a thing of pride for us all”.

Nasarawa group congratulates Gov Sule on award in primary education

…endorses Gov for second term

The Nasarawa Progressive Youth Development Association (NPYDA) has congratulated Governor Abdullahi Sule on his recognition as ‘Best Governor in Primary Education and Rural Development’.

Governor Sule was recognised by UK-based media group, TheNigerian News at an event to mark its fifth anniversary on Thursday in Abuja.

Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State, Ambassador Tukur Buratai, Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State and the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission, Rev Yakubu Pam were other distinguished Nigerians awarded at the event.

The Emir of Lafia, His Royal Highness, Justice Sidi Bage (rtd) was the Royal Father of the Day while the Honourable Minister of Special Duties, Senator George Akume, chaired the event.

According to the company, Sule was nominated for using ” basic education as a tool to fight insecurity and other criminal activities, a blueprint that is being adopted by other states. This has set the state on the right track for socio-economic development”.

Congratulating the governor, the NPYDA added that the governor “has adopted a multi-dimensional approach to reduce poverty level and create wealth and employment. The creation of a rural transformation agency is a game changer that has brought government closer to the rural areas and increase business activities, deflating insecurity to an appreciable level”.

In a statement signed by its President, Suleiman Adamu, the group further said Governor Sule has impressed in other aspects of governance, including infrastructures, security and economy.

The Nasarawa youths, therefore, passed a vote of confidence on the governor, endorsing him for a second term.

The group, however, urged other governors in the country to emulate Governor Sule’s leadership style.