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Stakeholders call for judicious utilization of subsidy funds

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The federal government have been advised, to channel funds removed from subsidy into providing some interventions in Agriculture, minimum wage, healthcare, education and subsidized production.

The call was part of recommendations by citizens, civil society organizations (CBOs), PWDs, Unions, Professionals groups and traditional leaders, during a northern regional town hall meeting, held in Kano.

 

In his opening remarks, the executive director connected development (CODE), Hamzat Lawal explained that, as citizens and stakeholders, the fuel subsidy removal has affected people at the grassroots level,hence the need to come together to profer lasting solutions.

 

He described citizens engagement as a major catalyst to help improve their engagements in the northern region, states and Communities and be more effective at promoting transparency and accountability.

 

In his presentation tagged : understanding the NG cares initiative of federal government,financed by world bank: the national Coordinator Nigeria COVID-19, action recovery and Economic stimulus NG-CARES,program Dr. Abdulkarim Obaje called for enforcement of Funds release policy to ensure timely release of palliatives.

 

 

“The fund should not stay more that 10 working days in the account of the state government and immediately be disbursed to the beneficiaries.

 

He highlighted that, there’s the need for citizens to effectively monitor the subsidy savings and spendings to promote transparency and accountability at sub national level.

 

In his key note presentation titled : fuel subsidy Savings and other FG policies: How can citizens optimally benefit? Eze Onyekpere noted that, an Infrastructure support fund has been set up by proclamation and can be used to alleviate suffering due to fuel subsidy removal.

 

He identified engagement of organized labour,private sector, professionals, women,information workers and the public in good faith disclosure and negotiations with relevant information and design a social Intervention program to cushion the hardship.

 

Speaking during a panel discussion, the Falakin Bichi Alhaji Abba Wada Waziri, emphasized the need for more efforts, by CIBa, to ensure that palliatives are distributed at the grasssroots level.

 

Others who spoke during the town hall meeting are Hajiya Mairo Bello from AHIP, Safiyanu Lawan Bichi from Kano budget working group,Fatima Musa Aliyu Bridge connect Africa and representative from NYFF Gambo Yakubu.

 

The Townhall meeting themed “How citizens can best benefit from government policies, fuel subsidy, electricity social interventions” was organized by partnership for amplified voice (PAV), with support from world bank.

 

 

The event brought together civil society organizations, media practitioners, traditional institutions, vulnerable groups, women groups, person with disabilities, youth groups, trade unions, private sector and civil society across 19 Northern States, to have diverse voices,and robust conversations for the development of an action plan.

 

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Excessive Heat Blamed for Explosion at Giwa Barracks, Army Confirms

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. The Nigerian Army has attributed the explosion at Giwa Barracks to the soaring temperatures in Maiduguri, dismissing speculations of an attack.

In an official statement issued by Captain Reuben Kovangiya, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations at Headquarters Theatre Command Operation HADIN KAI, the army confirmed that the incident involved the explosion of ordnance stored in one of their ammunition facilities. “The explosion was due to the current high temperatures in Maiduguri, which led to the detonation of some munitions,” Kovangiya stated.

Authorities were quick to contain the situation, deploying multiple fire response units to prevent further damage. “The situation has, however, been brought under control with the combined efforts of the Borno State Fire Service Department and fire trucks from various security agencies,” Kovangiya assured the public in his statement.

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In addition to firefighting efforts, troops from Operation HADIN KAI have been mobilized to secure the area and prevent any form of exploitation by miscreants. “Troops have been deployed to protect the public and prevent miscreants from taking advantage of the situation,” Kovangiya emphasized, highlighting the army’s swift response to secure the affected region.

The army has also urged residents of Maiduguri Metropolitan Council to remain calm and disregard any unfounded rumors of an attack. “The general public is therefore urged to please discountenance any speculation of an attack and remain calm,” the statement concluded.

As investigations continue into the incident, authorities are expected to assess the impact of extreme weather conditions on military storage sites to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

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Viral Video Misattributed to ISWAP Sparks Misinformation Concerns

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A video circulating widely on social media has sparked controversy and confusion, as it is being falsely linked to ISWAP (Islamic State West Africa Province) and attributed to a recent comment by Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State, Nigeria. However, security analyst Zagazola Makama has debunked these claims, clarifying on his verified Facebook page that the footage has no connection to Borno State or Nigeria.

According to Makama, the video in question originates from Burkina Faso and features members of JNIM (Jama’at Nasr al-Islam wal Muslimin), a militant group active in the Sahel region. The misrepresentation of this footage is not only misleading but poses significant risks, as it can fuel unnecessary tension and undermine trust within communities.

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Makama emphasized the importance of verifying information before sharing it online, especially in sensitive matters like security and governance. “It’s unfortunate how quickly misinformation spreads, especially when people don’t take time to verify facts,” he stated.

The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of misinformation in the digital age. As social media continues to play a pivotal role in shaping public opinion, users are urged to exercise caution and responsibility in consuming and sharing content. False narratives, particularly in matters of national security, can have far-reaching consequences, including heightened anxiety and strained relationships between communities and authorities.

Governor Zulum has not commented on the video, but the clarification from Makama highlights the need for vigilance and critical thinking in the face of viral content. As Nigeria and other nations grapple with security challenges, the spread of unverified information only adds to the complexity of addressing these issues effectively.

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Gombe Commences building of NYSC Lodge to Accommodate Corpers – Education Commissioner

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National Youth Service Corp’s (NYSC ) members deployed to Gombe State have been urged to avail themselves with the massive on going transformations in the State.

The call was made by the Honourable Commissioner of Education, Professor Aishatu Umar Maigari while addressing the Corp members during their routine daily briefing at NYSC Orientation camp in Amada, Akko Local Government.

Prof Aishatu Maigari said in support to the contributions of the NYSC in the state, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya’s administration is building in the first phase self contained houses that can accommodate over 100 corp members across public schools.

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She therefore, urged the members of the scheme to feel at home throughout their service year as people of Gombe State are peace loving and hospitable in addition to the conducive environment created by the present administration in the state.

Responding, the Gombe State Coordinator of the NYSC Mrs Chinwe Nnanne Nwachukwu commended the giant transformative drive of Governor Inuwa Yahaya and the innovations taking place in the education sector of the state.

The NYSC Coordinator also appreciated the Commissioner for attending the daily briefing which is a moral boaster to Corp members.

More than 1500 Youth Corp members are currently at the camp and will soon be posted to their various places of primary assignment for the service year.

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